December 2021 Product Roundup

Product Roundup, a snowman made out of sand sitting on a beach chair at the ocean

Hello December! I wanted to share a few last-minute gifts…or some treats for yourself to celebrate getting through this crazy holiday season. Enjoy our December 2021 Product Roundup! Wishing your family a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year! See you in 2022!

Eat 2 Explore

a subscription box filled with Ethiopian spices

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

I love that the creators of this box have the same beliefs as I do.  They feel mealtime should be an experience and cooking are life-skills everyone should have.  They also feel hands-on cooking and culture explorations is even more important in today’s world.  Creating new foods from different countries allows you to “travel” without leaving your home.  I had so much fun playing Ethiopian music while prepping the meal and learning all the new facts about the country while our food was cooking.

WHAT COMES IN EACH BOX

(more…)


25 Perfect Gifts for Men

man wrapping gift

Time to start shopping for those sweet men in your life.   Here are 25 Perfect Gifts for Men that he is sure to love!

Beef Jerky Slicer

Beef Jerky Slicer

Professional Beef Jerky Slicer: Making jerky doesn’t get any simpler. This meat slicer set comes with everything you need to make delicious jerky. It includes a premium meat jerky slicer, professional 10” chef’s knife, knife guide rails, safety finger guard, recipe book and instant pro seasoning.

Flight Glasses

Flight Glasses in a wooden crate

LEGACY – a Picnic Time Brand Craft Beer Four-Glass Flight Tasting Set: Features a two-tiered, gorgeous acacia wood tray and beer glasses suspended in top shelf. It includes a chalkboard panel across the base and soapstone pencil for beer labeling.  It has a hollowed areas below glasses hold beer caps. It also has handles carved into its sides for easy transport.

iPhone Cup Holder

iPhone Cup Holder

WeatherTech CupFone Cup Holder for Car Phone Mount: Designed using interchangeable base cups allowing you to customize the perfect snug fit. The adjustable phone holder fits virtually all known mobile phones, including those with normal sized protective cases. The base allows phone to rotate 360°, adjustable for viewing from any seat position.  Open access bottom lets you easily charge your mobile device while it is in place. Knob tightens easily and securely locks position

Pickleball Set

Pickleball Set net and rackets

FILA Accessories Pickleball Net Set: Their pickleball paddle set comes with a 10ft net, 4 regulation size outdoor pickleballs, 4-pack wood paddles, and a carry bag. The 10 ft wide mesh net included in this pickleball set is fast and convenient to install and set up in less than a few minutes. This pickleball starter set includes 4-pack paddles with PU grip which most pro athletes use, and the 4 Outdoor Balls are official USA pickleball’s size and weight.

(more…)


25 Perfect Gifts for Women

christmas gift held in front of a christmas tree

Christmas is the time for giving, so let me help you cross some items off your list!  The holiday season can be hectic, so I’ve come to love the ease of online shopping! I can put on my favorite PJ’s, pour a glass of wine, sit by the fire, and avoid the mobs of people at the mall. So, what do you get for that fabulous woman on your list? Here is  my 2021 list of 25 Perfect Gifts for Women:

Throw Blanket

LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket: Perfect for throw blanket and for your couch, sofa, sectional, loveseat, recliner or bed. This Plush blanket is luxurious, lightweight and warm. This beautiful comforting snugly blanket is designed for luxurious feel and elegance.  It comes in a large variety of colors and 5 sizes.

Magnetic Bag Hook

leather magnetic bag hook

Bagnet: Bagnet Tori, Leather Magnetic Bag Hook: Bagnet is designed to attach to metal restroom stalls which keeps your bag off the floor and germ free! You can use it on chairs +bar stools, table bases + tops, under bars, on vehicles, at the gym and more! Holds up to 8 lbs. Bagnets are designed to support bags of all shapes and sizes and has an easy-to-use clip.

Ugg Slippers

fuzzy white Ugg Slippers

Koolaburra by UGG Women’s Batya Slipper: My feet sometimes get too hot when I’m wearing a closed slipper and Uggs has designed the perfect solution.  Your feet feel cozy without getting overheated. It has a faux fur strap and faux fur insole.  The faux fur insole is soft on the bottom of your feet. It comes in several colors.

(more…)


Perfect Gifts for Teen Girls

Are you wondering what is popular with teenage girls for Christmas this year?  They can be tough to shop for, but these items may be the perfect presents to put under your tree.  Here are 30 perfect gifts for teenage girls.  Happy shopping!

 

Gel Nail Kit

Joytii 16 Pcs Gel Nail Polish Kit with UV Light: This salon-level manicure set includes everything you need to prep and create fabulous nails!  It’s perfect for beginners. This gel nail polish kit includes 12 gel polish colors, 1 matte gel top coat, 1 glossy top coat,  1 base coat,  1 reinforced gel polish, 1 manicure Tools kit and a portable UV LED nail curing lamp. Your teens will love the colors it comes with.

 

DIY Boba Kit

MILK+T, The Complete DIY Boba Tea Kit: 1 oz of loose-leaf black tea leaves, 1/2 pound of uncooked Grade A boba balls, 2 cups of high quality brown sugar, and 4 plastic boba straws. I love that this kit includes a guided-video tutorial. They simply scan the QR code inside the kit!

(more…)


20 Must-Read Books for 2021

book wrapped in cream colored wrapping paper with pinecone and holly on it.

Nothing is better than getting wrapped up in a good book.  The characters become friends and you stay up late flipping the pages and telling yourself you’ll read just a few more.  Books make the perfect Christmas gift… or a little treat for yourself to get you through the hectic holidays.  Here is my recommendation for 20 Must-Read Books for 2021:

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links. It does not cost you anything extra.  Using these links will help MyTravelingKids continue to help you create unforgettable family memories

20 Must-Read Books for 2021

When We Believed in Mermaids (***Top Pick)

By: Barbara O’Neal

When We Believed in Mermaids:

Her sister has been dead for fifteen years when she sees her on the TV news…

Josie Bianci was killed years ago on a train during a terrorist attack. Gone forever. It’s what her sister, Kit, an ER doctor in Santa Cruz, has always believed. Yet all it takes is a few heart-wrenching seconds to upend Kit’s world. Live coverage of a club fire in Auckland has captured the image of a woman stumbling through the smoke and debris. Her resemblance to Josie is unbelievable. And unmistakable. With it comes a flood of emotions—grief, loss, and anger—that Kit finally has a chance to put to rest: by finding the sister who’s been living a lie.

After arriving in New Zealand, Kit begins her journey with the memories of the past: of days spent on the beach with Josie. Of a lost teenage boy who’d become part of their family. And of a trauma that has haunted Kit and Josie their entire lives.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (***Another Top Pick)

By: Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

I Found You

By: Lisa Jewell

I Found You: In the windswept British seaside town of Ridinghouse Bay, single mom Alice Lake finds a man sitting on a beach outside her house. He has no name, no jacket, and no idea how he got there. Against her better judgment, she invites him inside.

(more…)


Great Subscription Boxes of 2021

I have always been drawn to subscription boxes because they are a surprise in your mailbox every month.  I do a little happy dance when I see a package in the mail and can’t wait to rip it open to see all the goodies inside.  They make wonderful Christmas gifts because they often contain things people love but wouldn’t buy for themselves. They will think of you every time the package arrives and there’s a box for everyone…including yourself! Here are some great subscription boxes of 2021.

Celebrate States

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

mustard, soup mix, pretzels, cutting board, tea towel

One of the best things about travel is getting to know your destination.  You can learn a lot about the place by eating their food and using products made by local artists.  Celebrate States lets you “travel” around the US and explore each state.  Each box is packed full of items that will make you feel like you’ve packed up your suitcase and are traveling across the country. This box is also a great motivator of places to add to your Travel Bucket List.  It is a wonderful introduction to the state and will make you want to see what else the state has to offer.

WHAT’S IN EACH BOX?

Celebrate States boxes are packed full of fun items from small businesses.  You will receive 6-7 full sized items that include food, beauty, and home goods. The wide variety of products gives you a good feel of the state. The boxes also contain interactive material and travel material about the state. I love when kids have fun while learning.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Pennsylvania Dutch box

Cutting board with Pennsylvania stamp (From Totally Bamboo)

bamboo cutting board

We love this bamboo cutting board and have been using it to cut lemon and limes when we are making cocktails with friends.  The stamp makes it so unique.

Pennsylvania Dutch tea towel (From Crafted Southern)

tea towel with birds on it

This tea towel looks adorable draped near my oven.  The bright colors on the birds add a nice touch of color to any kitchen.

(more…)


Best Candle Companies of 2021

candle near christmas tree

CANDLE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

No matter how crazy our day goes, I always try to light a candle to set a calm mood in our house.  The flickering of the flame and the relaxing scent sets the tone and a calmness washes over us.  Candles are the perfect Christmas gift for someone special…family, teachers, coaches, bus drivers, holiday housewarming hosts, etc. They are also wonderful ways to pamper yourself.  (We all need some of that!) Take a peek at some of the best candle companies of 2021.

Southern Elegance Candle Company

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

candles, room fragrance, wax cubes, air freshener

I love a candle that has the ability to transport me to a comforting place.  Southern Elegance is proud of their southern culture and have created candles that take you to a time when life was simpler.  They blend their candles with unique scents that scream southern charm with images of a cool glass of sweet tea, slices of delicious pound cake made from scratch, and the swaying of massive magnolia trees.  Take a PEEK HERE at all of their signature scents and PEEK HERE for their fall/winter scents. I love the farmhouse feel of the labels and I especially love the ones in mason jars. These hand-crafted soy wax candles are made in small batches in the heart of North Carolina.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

sweet tea candle

RAISED ON SWEET TEA AND JESUS

(more…)


Best Coffee and Tea Companies of 2021

iron tea pot with small tea cups and loose tea

The simplest form of relaxation is wrapping your hands around a warm beverage, inhaling deeply, and taking a long sip. A rich cup of coffee gets me out of bed in the morning and a soothing cup of tea helps me fall asleep at night.  Tea and coffee make the perfect gift.  It is an inexpensive way to show someone they are appreciated.  Don’t forget all those people that help keep your life running smoothly like teachers, coaches, bus drivers, postal carriers, etc. Here are the Best Coffee and Tea Companies of 2021:

Amora Coffee

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

2 bags of coffee

One of the great things about Amora Coffee Company is their coffee is roasted in the USA by fifth-generation Master Roasters devoted to bringing you the perfect cup.  They only roast the beans after you order and then they are hand packed in foil-lined bags, while still warm, to protect the flavor and aroma. I also like that you get the choice to have whole bean or ground in regular or decaf. I’ve tried several flavors of their coffee and I’ve loved them all! Amora beans come from Central and South America, Indonesia and Africa, and when you are sipping your warm cup of coffee you’ll feel like you’ve been transported there. I love to support philanthropic companies and Amora is helping to bring clean water and sanitation to over 10,000 people in the remote Jabi Tehnan district of Ethiopia.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

two bags of coffee

Birthday Cake

$14.95

(This sweet flavored 100% Arabica bean coffee is a medium roast coffee with flavors of sweet, creamy vanilla frosting with undertones of buttery vanilla cake.)

(more…)


Best Skincare Companies of 2021

Self-care is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give someone.  Taking a few minutes every day to do a face mask, nourish your skin, apply a body butter, or take a deep breathe of an essential oil can add up to a stress-free day.  I have found some amazing companies this season that have fabulous products that my family and I have tested and are obsessed with.  I am very conscious of what my daughters and I use on our bodies and these companies share the same values.  Here are our top picks for skincare and body products.  Enjoy the Best Skincare Companies of 2021:

Wicked Good

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

sugar scrub, roll on perfume,

Wicked Good is the one stop spot to creating a spa day at home.  They have everything from bath soaks, scrubs, lotions, bath tea, etc.  They have over 150 unique scents (created in small batches) and you will definitely have a problem choosing just one.  I love that they believe that aroma is at the heart of every wicked good experience!  They also have a candle line that is not only hysterical, but also smell great. Their products have clean, consciously crafted fragrances and are vegan and cruelty free. Want a gift that keeps on giving?  They also have a Scent Club.  Get an exclusive, limited edition perfume delivered to you every month along with 2-3 other scented goods.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

SUGAR SCRUB

sugar scrub

$21.95

(Scent: Pumpkin Pecan Waffles)

 

A coconut oil-infused brown sugar scrub that polishes, exfoliates, and hydrates dry skin for a gorgeous glow.  Solutions for: – Dryness, dullness, uneven texture, and uneven skin tone.

Your whole shower will fill with the aroma of pumpkin and you won’t want to get out!  The scrub is not too scratchy and will leave your skin so soft.

perfume oil

BLUEBERRY PUMPKIN PATCH perfume oil

(more…)


November Product Roundup 2021

acorns in a bowl that says thankful

Hello November! I hope you had a fun-filled Halloween and are getting ready for Thanksgiving this week.  It is time to start thinking about the holidays and I’ve got so many amazing holiday gift guides ready to share with you all! Here are a few things we’ve been using in the last month. Enjoy this November Product Roundup 2021:

Heirloom Video Book

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

These last two years have been hard being away from friends and family.  Heirloom Video Books help bridge that distance between you by giving a personal video they will love. You can choose from 9 different cover designs (including some new holiday ones) and can add a personalized message on the inside cover. The book is sturdy and well made.  The video is clear and the sound quality is crisp and loud.  I think these books would be perfect for gifts for Mother’s Day, Fathers Day, Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, or just times when you want to show some love!

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Includes: 5″ HD screen (charger included)

(more…)