Hand Care Product Roundup

I have been religiously following the 20 second rule of washing your hand…doing it so often that my hands have become red, cracked, and raw.  Add in hand sanitizer and my hands have been a disaster! I needed to do something about it, so I decided to give them a little TLC.  Here are 3 great products that have my hands looking great.

Enjoy!

MaqueBAR Moisture & Nourishing Hand Mask

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM:  Many people are experiencing the effects of washing their hands and using bleach wipes.  Hands are becoming dried, chapped, and cracked because of the soap and alcohol.  This hand mask restored my skin by hydrating them, and they came out soft and moisturized.

WHAT ELSE I LOVE ABOUT THEM: Since they are created as a glove, they were easy to use and actually fun to wear.  (We felt like Minnie Mouse!) What I really liked was it left our hands smooth, without being greasy, like many hand masks do.  (Head over to my Instagram account to watch the video of my daughter and I testing the hand mask out!  It is stored under the tab PRODUCTS) The company also sells an ultra-rich hand cream, but I haven’t tried it out yet.

COST: $9.99

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20 Books to Read While You’re Home

Since we are all spending so much time indoors, we can often feel trapped.  What’s the perfect escape? A good book!  Books are a great way to travel the world without leaving your back porch.  The first place I turn when I need a good book (besides to Oprah) are my friends and family.

Here are 20 books they’ve recommended for you.

Happy reading! Stay home and stay healthy!

Everything I never Told You

By: Celeste Ng

Recommended by:  yours truly!

 Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.” So begins this exquisite novel about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee, and her parents are determined that she will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue. But when Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together is destroyed, tumbling them into chaos. A profoundly moving story of family, secrets, and longing, Everything I Never Told You is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.

The Great Alone

By: Kristin Hannah

Recommended by:  Laura

In a wild, remote corner of Alaska, the Allbrights find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the newcomers’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own.

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March Product Roundup

February’s product roundup is all about comfy shoes and soothing teas…two things that can make any trip more enjoyable.  This post is quite late…and I apologize to the companies.  It has been a crazy time in America and I had to take some time to get my family prepared and organized for the months ahead.  The good news is I have had many companies asking for me to review new products so I can’t wait to share them all with you.  This month involves three amazing products that I have been enjoying over and over…

Enjoy!

Arcopedico Shoes: Luana

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

Arcopedico makes the best shoes for travel because they have a twin arch support system that allows you to spend lots of time on your feet.  I wore these shoes walking around Boston, and my feet still felt great at the end of the day.  They were even comfortable on cobblestone streets.  My teenage daughter steals them from me every chance she gets and even wore them on stage for a singing performance. They’re great for all ages.

WHAT ELSE I LOVE ABOUT THEM

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Ireland Itinerary

Fields of Ireland

Ireland Itinerary

Since my husband is part Irish, Ireland was a trip we’d been wanting to take for years, and I’m so glad we had the hance to take the girls. Ireland is a magical destination filled with historic castles, jaw-dropping landscapes, and charming towns. This 8-day Ireland itinerary takes you through the Emerald Isle’s most iconic sites, from the legendary Cliffs of Moher to the vibrant streets of Dublin. Along the way, indulge in local Irish cuisine like fresh seafood chowder, hearty stews, and, of course, a pint of Guinness. With its mix of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Ireland promises an unforgettable adventure.

How was the driving in Ireland?

Driving was insane!  Cars drive on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the car.  As if that is not bad enough, I can’t stress how narrow the roads are.  Lots of people told us that before we went…actually everyone mentioned it…and I can see why.  My neck hurt at the end of the day from leaning to the right the whole time.  I could never drive there but my husband looked like a pro.

Where do you fly in to Ireland? 

The best place to fly in is Dublin Airport (DUB), which services the eastern counties, Cork Airport (ORK), servicing the southern counties, and Shannon Airport (SNN), serving the western

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

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Jerpoint Abbey & Rock of Cashel

Two spots you must visit when traveling to Ireland is Jerpoint Abbey and Rock of Cashel.  You have to see these gorgeous spots!

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Happy St. Patrick

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!!

Can’t help but think back to our amazing trip to Ireland a few years back! 

Here’s some of our favorite memories!

10 Tips for Doing Blarney Castle with Kids

10 Tips for Doing Blarney Castle with Kids

I’ve always had ‘Kiss the Blarney Stone’ on my Travel Bucket List, but I had no idea how terrifying it would be.  I thought you walked up to a boulder and gave it a peck.  I had no idea you first had to walk up a ton of claustrophobic winding stairs up to the rooftop of a castle.  Then you sit down with your back facing the stone, scoot back, lie down, grab two bars for dear life, and then have a panic attack (Oh wait…maybe that’s just me).  My kids and husband were not scared at all.  In fact, they thought it was really fun. There are bars that prevent you from falling but my brain couldn’t wrap itself around that concept. I was counting down the seconds until it was over since I hate heights.  Don’t even get me started on the fact that a million people before me had also kissed that stone.  I don’t even like putting my hands on railings, never mind put my lips on it.  So, I gave the rock a nice little air kiss.  That counts doesn’t it?

But really, I’m glad we did it and I could not imagine having backed out since it’s a once in a lifetime thing to do in Ireland.  That said, here are 10 tips for doing Blarney Castle with your kiddos.

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10 Tips for Doing the Cliffs of Moher with Kids

Tips for Doing the Cliffs of Moher with Kids

The Cliffs of Moher is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction and should be on your Ireland itinerary. These dramatic works of nature rise over 700 feet at the highest point and span five miles over the Atlantic Ocean.  We rented a house in Doolin so we were near the cliffs and they didn’t disappoint.  Kids will love to see the cliffs and as long as you’re careful, it’s a perfectly safe activity to do together.  The following are 10 tips for doing the Cliffs of Moher with kids:

 WEAR SENSIBLE SHOES

There are loose rocks, patches of mud, and dirt paths for you to walk on so you’ll want to wear sensible shoes.  Hiking boots are ideal but sneakers are fine.  I would avoid flip flops and shoes with heels.

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Martha & Marley Spoon

On Tuesday, I told you about Dinnerly, a meal kit made for people who like cooking at home, at affordable prices, and without having to shop for all the ingredients.  Today I wanted to show you another option for breakfasts or snacks, called Martha & Marley Spoon.

Why would a traveler want to try Martha & Marley Spoon?

Our mornings get a little crazy because the girls sometimes have before-school activities, and it’s nice to get a little help.  The week I received the box I was in full planning mode for our trip to Portugal, and breakfasts and snacks were the last thing on my mind.

  I really think it would be a great solution for when you return from your trip, your fridge is empty, and you haven’t gotten your mind back to reality.

When I was asked if I wanted to sample Martha & Marley Spoon, I really just expected to get some packets of smoothie mix in the mail, but leave it to Martha Stewart to go over the top. Look at everything you get in the box!  What????

TIP I WOULD TRY NEXT TIME: I should have separated the ingredients and put them each in a bag with the recipe so I could grab it and have everything in one place.

What do I love about Martha & Marley Spoon?

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Dinnerly Meal Kit Subscription

Photo credit: Dinnerly

Why would travelers like Dinnerly?

As much as I love to cook, I have to admit that some weeks my life gets crazy and I would love a little help.  This week I was in full planning mode for our trip to Portugal, and there would have been lots of ‘breakfast for dinner’ meals if Dinnerly wasn’t there to save me.  It’s also a great solution for when you return from your trip and haven’t gotten back to reality.

Dinnerly is a meal kit made for people who like cooking at home, at affordable prices, and without having to shop for all the ingredients.  So, pour a glass of wine, pull up your recipes, and enjoy cooking a great meal.

It’s so impressive to open the box! Look at all you get.

I decided to separate the ingredients and put them in a bag with the recipe so I just had to grab it when it was time to cook.

 

What do I love about Dinnerly?

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