March 2022 Product Roundup

spring montage of tulips, flower seeds

As we move into spring and say goodbye to the long dark days of winter, it is a perfect time for reassessing your self-care routines and make some more quality time for yourself. Get outside for a refreshing walk, spend a little more time in the tub, and get back to your night-time face routine. Enjoy this March 2022 Product Roundup and have a wonderful beginning of spring!

Two Sisters

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

A pyramid of Bath bombs

As you know, I am a huge fan of self-care and I love that Two Sisters believe moms are at their best when they take the time to care for both their kiddos and themselves. I couldn’t agree more! Their bath bombs create luxurious bubble bath experiences (just make sure you drop it in as you start filling your bath).  They smell incredible and kids love the surprises inside of them.  They leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated and not oily. I love to support companies owned by women and I love that their bath bombs are handmade in small batches by flex-working moms in the USA, in their home state of Minnesota!

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Oatmeal Milk & Honey Bubble Bath Bombs $7.99

Bath bombs

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February 2022 Product Roundup

bluebird in winter

Winter is in full swing here in NH and I’m having a Love-Hate relationship with my snow pants!   However, it’s hard to hate winter when you look out at the snow-covered mountains and hear your family laughing as we play outside.  Once again Mother Nature…you win.  I’ve kept up my New Year’s Resolution of daily self-care, and I wanted to share some amazing products I’ve been using.  First up are 4 fabulous essential oils companies.  I’ve never been so happy to smell again! Then, I’ve got an amazing chocolate company that helped me make Valentine’s Day memories with my husband.  And finally, a great company with skincare products! Enjoy the February 2022 Product Roundup!

Revive

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

essential oil diffuser

REVIVE Oasis Ultrasonic Diffuser, Mist Humidifier, And Ionizer

$40

essential oil diffuser

This diffuser is so easy to use and I haven’t had any problems with water leaking out.  The mist humidifier is wonderful, especially these winter days in NH.  What I love most is the diffuser will only work if there is water in it so I don’t have to worry about it running while dry.  The light feature is also nice for adding ambiance to the room. I have it placed on my desk so I use it every day.

Peppermint Glow Roll-On

$16

essential oil

I wish you could smell this roll-on because it immediately makes you wake up with it’s burst of peppermint scent. I keep it in my car for that afternoon pick-me-up that I need while running errands with the kids.  Also, if you apply it to the back of your neck it helps reduce tension.

Revive has wonderful single essential oils.  We were sent:

Eucalyptus ($7) and Lavender ($9)

essential oil

They recommend preparing a mixture using fractioned coconut oil and eucalyptus and apply it to the chest, back, nape, and soles of the feet to support lung health. This will be wonderful when our family feels sick or when allergies are bad.

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Best Wellness Planners for 2022

woman doing yoga by a river

Hello January and welcome 2022! January is a time of renewal and wellness seems to be at the top of everyone’s list this year.  I had many readers asking for recommendations of journals or planners they can use while traveling to help them with their wellness journey. When I was a language arts teacher, I had my middle schoolers journal three times a week. I found it a was a wonderful way for them to reduce stress, become more self-aware, dream about their future, and as a place to vent. Here are four amazing companies that have wonderful products that can help you live the life you deserve. Here are the Best Wellness Planners for 2022 !

Tiny Buddha’s

WHAT PRODUCT DID WE GET?

TINY BUDDHA’S Gratitude Journal

Pages from a wellness planner

Practicing gratitude has been shown to increase happiness, make us more resilient, strengthen relationships, and reduce stress. Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal is an interactive way to spark those elusive moments of gratitude and get us closer to being our best, happiest selves.

The journal prompts in this book are incredible.  They range from relationships with others, self-talk, things you are grateful for, and even issues from your past.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.)

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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

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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)

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September 2021 Product Roundup

September Product Roundup

Hello September!  We’ve had an amazing summer but we’re ready for the structure that comes with the start of the school year.  As you know, I love sharing new products I’ve started using! Here are some great products I’ve used this summer.  Enjoy this September Product Roundup!

Well Told Lake Map Mug

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

A crucial part of travel is finding a way to reminisce about the memories you’ve made.  Well Told has a unique way to help you do this every day.  They create amazing products where they use maps to remind you of special places.  These make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, engagements, housewarmings…and much more! I also have their etched glass wine glasses and carafe with street maps of Boston and I always get compliments on them.  Take a peek at these beauties.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Lake Map Mug

($21.95)

You know there is no place as special to us as Ossipee Lake!  I was so touched to receive this beautiful mug that helps remind us of our special place when we’re not there.  This 15 oz ceramic mug has the coordinates of the lake on it as well as a detailed map of the area.  It even has all the bays listed.  I like that they are microwave and dishwasher safe, so you can enjoy more lake time!

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