September 2024 Product Roundup

Autumn tabletop

September 2024 Product Roundup

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, September brings a shift in our routines. Whether you’re looking to bake some warm treats, update your skincare routine, or find a new way to renew your spirit, we’ve got you covered! In this month’s product roundup, we’re spotlighting some of the best finds to help you embrace this season of change. Let’s dive into our top picks for September!

One Bake, Two Ways

By: Ruby Bhogal

WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT

We all remember watching in horror as Ruby’s showstopper cake collapsed on the first-ever Vegan Week on the Great British Bake Off. Instead of slinking off with her tail between her legs, she was determined to master the art of baking and bake, bake, bake again until she could say with confidence that her recipes were failproof. Sharing new bakes and videos online, Ruby discovered a growing demand for adaptable recipes without eggs, dairy, or a full plant-based twist. She wanted her bakes to cater to everyone’s needs, no matter the dietary preference.

Raised in a British-Indian household, Ruby’s mostly vegetarian diet sparked a sugar rush to create recipes adaptable to a flexitarian approach. In this book, you get double the options, since each of the 50 recipes is presented twice: first in its traditional form and then with a plant-based alternative. This clever concept revolutionizes your baking experience, giving you the freedom to bake with choice.

Mouthwatering recipes include: Chai Custard Creams, Peanut Butter & Jelly Millefeuille Cake, Pina Colada Meringue Roulade, Medjool Date & Orange Sweet Samosas, and the Bruce Bogtrotter Chocolate Cake.

GIVE IT A PEEK!

Click here for purchase!

INSTAGRAM

30 Breads to Bake Before You Die

By: Allyson Reedy

WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT

Master the art of breadmaking with this gorgeous baking book featuring 30 delicious bread recipes from famous bakers, including Duff Goldman, Maurizio Leo, Joanne Chang (Flour Bakery), Zingerman’s Bakehouse, and more!

This is a bread book for people who really, really love bread in all its wondrous forms—but who also might be intimidated by the word “starter.” The recipes, tips, and tricks in 30 Breads to Bake Before You Die come from expert dough workers and bread magicians who’ve put in the hours of kneading, proofing, stretching, folding, and baking to perfect these recipes, all in the oh-so-noble name of good bread.

Get ready to bake your way through some of the most mouthwatering bread recipes, including:

Beginner’s Sourdough from Maurizio Leo (@theperfectloaf)

Foccacia from Joanne Chang (Flour Bakery)

Bagels from Call Your Mother Deli

Croissants from Dominique Ansel

Ultimate Dinner Rolls from Tessa Arias (@Handletheheat)

Matzah from Duff Goldman

Baguette from Shawn Bergin (Bakery Four)

Pita from Alon Shaya

GIVE IT A PEEK!

Click here for purchase!

INSTAGRAM

Joico

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THEM

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2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Tulips and a love letter

2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Show your appreciation for the special mothers in your life with heartfelt gifts that reflect their unique personalities. Whether she loves home decor, is a fashion-forward trendsetter, or is a wellness enthusiast, our selection of thoughtful gifts is sure to make her feel cherished. Let us help you find the perfect token of gratitude to honor the extraordinary women who make the world a brighter place. Enjoy our 2024 Mother’s Day Product Roundup!

Serucell

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

Everyone wants to have great skin, but in order to do that you need to develop a good morning and nighttime routine.  Serucell serum is the perfect base product for both routines. When you add it, you will immediately see a difference. So what makes it so great? Billions of cells communicate with each other to produce collagen, peptides, proteins and growth factors to maintain healthy skin. But dehydration, stress, age, and other factors can hinder that communication, and you’re left with skin that can look dull, damaged, and dehydrated. Serucell’s KFS supports those layers to signal and rebuild. The bond between the layers grows stronger, helping your skin stay radiant and resilient. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles reduced, skin tone and texture improved and smoother, skin is firmer, more radiant skin revealed.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

KFS Cellular Protein Complex Serum

You know I am a firm believer in using serums during both my morning and evening skincare routine. I have been using this serum for 2 weeks now and I have already seen a drastic improvement in my skin. It feels firmer and fine lines have disappeared.  I can’t wait to see what my skin is like after a month of using it.  I’ll keep you updated.

GIVE THEM A FOLLOW!

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

 

Simple Painting

One of the most relaxing things to do when I’m stressed is pour a glass of red wine, light a candle, and do a craft. Simple Painting introduced me to a new craft that anyone (even me) can do…paint by numbers. Painting allows you to tune out negative thinking and allows you to spend peaceful time with yourself.  They have so many projects you can choose from so there’s something for everyone. I love that you can choose your painting by project length (evening, weekend, one-week, multi-week). They give you everything you need to create your own work of art, so no excuses.

WHAT PRODUCT DID WE GET?

Delightful Flowers

What’s included? Numbered linen canvas, Numbered paint pots, Set of 3 brushes,  Color guide.

Size: 16”x20”

Project Length: One-week project

WHY DO TRAVELERS LIKE THEM?

One of the coolest things you can do with Simple Painting is turn a photo of yours into a paint by number piece.  Turn your travel memories into a unique piece of art.

WE ALL LOVE A DEAL!!

Use code Christine15 for 15% off 

GIVE THEM A FOLLOW!

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

Diamond Candles

Diamon Candle in front of vase

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

Everyone loves a good love story and this one is so romantic! David, their founder, had just bought an engagement ring with the intention of proposing to Brenda. Without anything to put the ring in, he bought a candle knowing how much she loved them. With the ring in one hand and the candle in the other, the idea for Diamond Candles was born.

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March Product Roundup

spring flowers

March Product Roundup

I don’t know about you, but once March rolls around I start getting excited that spring is here and my mind begins to wander to where I can travel in the coming months. This month’s product roundup is all about books that will make you want to pack your suitcase and jump on a fight. Hope you get some inspiration to explore. I’ve also included some books I’ve loved reading. Enjoy our March Product Roundup!

Corona City: 

Voices from an Epicenter

By: Lorraine Ash

Corona City chronicles life in New York and New Jersey, the nation’s first COVID-19 epicenter, during the four terrifying months of March through June 2020. Photographs capture the surreal landscapes and scenes in this usually thriving metropolis. Short writings lay bare the challenges, fears, losses, and triumphs of real people in their own words. Readers will meet COVID-19 survivors, frontline workers, business owners, journalists, mask makers, quarantined people, and many others. Emerging from this mosaic of voices is a grassroots history of an unprecedented time.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

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Italy by Ingredient

By: Viola Buitoni

From glossy drops of balsamic vinegar to flakes of parmigiano reggiano and spoonfuls of fresh ricotta to creamy grains of risotto—the ingredients of Italian cuisine are beloved staples known the world over, available in specialty stores and served in restaurants across the globe. As a native Roman raised in the Umbrian countryside, Viola Buitoni grew up with these artisanal foods, learning about how they developed from centuries-old wisdom, tight-knit communities, and sustainable production. Now a US-based cooking instructor, Buitoni’s passion is sharing the beloved flavors of her homeland with home cooks.

In this debut cookbook, she presents the history and geography of Italy’s most iconic ingredients, showing modern home chefs how to incorporate robust flavors and techniques into their kitchens. With recipes organized according to a single ingredient, each chapter bursts with taste: learn how to make a traditional ragù sauce with conserved tomatoes; layer a plate of prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella; or bake a polenta custard tart. Practical guidelines for seasonal eating, easy substitutes for hard-to-find items, and valuable shopping tips complement the approachable recipes.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!

Rizzoli Publications Instagram

Flammarion International Instagram

America’s National Historic Trails:

Walking the Trails of History

By: Karen Berger

From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the trails blazed by the pioneers, lands explored by Lewis and Clark and covered by the Pony Express, to the civil-rights marches of Selma and Montgomery, this is the official book of the country’s 19 National Historic Trails. These trails range from 54 miles to more than 5,000 and feature historic and interpretive sites to be explored on foot and sometimes by paddle, sail, bicycle, horse, or by car on backcountry roads. Totaling 37,000 miles through 41 states, our entire national experience comes to life on these trails–from Native American history to the settlement of the colonies, westward expansion, and civil rights–and they are beautifully depicted in this large-format volume.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!

Rizzoli Publications Instagram

The Family Bucket List:

1,000 Trips to Take and Memories to Make Around the World 

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January 2024 Product Roundup

2024 January Product Roundup

Welcome to 2024!! I’m so excited for this year, and can’t wait to continue to share my love for travel with you all.  One thing that won’t change is our monthly product roundups. We love working with fabulous companies and sharing their products with you. Cheers to an amazing year. Enjoy our 2024 January Product Roundup!

Pepper Pong

Pepper pong game kit

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

I love how easy it is to bring this fun game anywhere. With a 10-second setup on any flat-ish surface, the game locations are endless.  We’ve used it on the boat, the kitchen island, a picnic table, and on a road trip.

So, is it a game for everyone? Described by many as a mash-up of pong & pickleball, everyone learns quickly, while experts are challenged to master the strategy of this spicy new game.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

Pepper Pong Full Set

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SET?

Mullets (aka “paddles”) x4

The Mullets aren’t just paddles; they’re the heartbeat of Pepper Pong. Think pickleball meets ping pong in shapely design, with a generous oversized “sweet spot” making every hit resonate. Crafted for extended rallies and competitive matches spanning skill levels, their soft foam surface pairs seamlessly with the Peppers, offering silent yet spirited matches.

Balls (3 distinct speeds) x3

These aren’t your typical balls; they’re the secret sauce that sets this sport apart. Customize your game with varying speeds & bounce, thanks to their unique design. Soft, foamy, and crafted to let air flow, they promise a silent rally.

Fence (aka “net”)

The Fence is the unsung hero of Pepper Pong. Forget those flimsy nets and pesky clamps. This stand-alone marvel stands tall and proud, always battle-ready. No droopiness here; just sheer determination. And when the game’s done? It packs up tidily, no fuss. But here’s the kicker: Five seconds to set up, or it’s on the house.

Travel Bag

This isn’t just a bag—it’s a vault of joy, a trove of thrills. It snugly carries the Mullets, Peppers, and that stellar Fence. Compact yet spacious, it’s designed for the player on-the-go. Every tug of the zipper reveals another layer of adventure.

GIVE THEM A FOLLOW!

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

Cork Pops Wine Bag

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

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2024 New Year’s Resolution Book Roundup

book on table with vase and coffee

2024 New Year’s Resolution Book Roundup

One of my favorite things about the start of the new year is the promise of fresh beginnings, goals of self-improvement, and the chance to reimagine what your life can be. It’s the perfect time to embrace the spirit of renewal and transformation by embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re seeking wellness, personal growth, or simply aiming to make 2024 your best year yet, our handpicked selection of books is designed to support and motivate you on your path to success. Cheers to a year of growth, positivity, and the pursuit of a better, brighter you! Enjoy our 2024 New Year’s Resolution Book Roundup!

The Adventure Challenge Family Edition

This is the perfect book for those who want to leave a legacy of memories with their tribe. This book will help you obliterate boredom, break out of ruts, discover new favorite traditions, and create those moments that you’ll tell stories about for years. With challenges ranging from baking an apple pie blindfolded to painting on a unique canvas, boring family board games are a thing of the past. Until you scratch it off, your adventure is a mystery! Once you’ve scratched off the challenge, you HAVE to do it. Each challenge has a time and budget guide to help you decide. Great for all families but is ideally created with kids ages 4-15 in mind and for families of around 4-8 members. Don’t forget to take pictures and journal about your experiences in the provided spaces. Once you’ve completed all the challenges, you’ll have a scrapbook full of wonderful memories to look back on.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Buy it here!

Instagram

Facebook

The Adventure Challenge Kids Edition

 Entertain your kids for hours with adventures they’ll remember forever. The Adventure Challenge Kids Edition is here to create memories that your kids will love. Whether they’re building a house made of snacks, making special gifts to give to friends or playing “Nature Bingo,” your kids will want to do these adventures over and over again! All activities require very little set up, supplies or parental supervision. With the included parent key, each adventure is a surprise for the kids but not for you. This book is packed with playful and creative scratch-off adventures your kids can do on their own or with friends and siblings. Ideal for ages 6-12. Don’t forget to take pictures and encourage your kids to write a few notes about their adventures in the provided spaces. Once they’ve completed all the challenges, they’ll have a scrapbook full of fun memories to look back on.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Buy it here!

Facebook

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52 Weeks of Self-Care: Weeks 9-12

field of flowers

What a relaxing month of self-care.  Spring is in the air and it’s the perfect time to start new habits of taking time each week to pamper yourself. Find some inspiration in our March Self-Care Roundup.

Week 9

Pamper Your Lips

Living in New England during winter can wreak havoc on your lips so this week let’s give them some love.  A little bit of pampering and you’ll be puckering up again.

First step is to give them a good scrub. My favorite lip scrub right now is Kiss My Grits, praline lip scrub. Made by Salacia, this scrub instantly changes the feel of your lips. It smells incredible! It is made of  Georgia stone ground white corn grits, organic sugar, organic coconut oil, pecan oil, Atlantic sea salt and vitamin E to make your lips more kissable. The scrubs come in a variety of fun flavors like Peach, Margarita, Mint Julep, Coconut Cream Pie, Praline, Blueberry, Key Lime Pie.

Give them a follow on Instagram and Facebook!

Next, follow up your lip pampering with a great lip balm. I have been alternating with these two amazing balms. The first is New England Apothecary Lip Conditioner. These silky lip balms bring the moisture right back into your lips with cocoa butter and coconut oil. They smell incredible and are perfect for every-day wear.

lip balm

Give them a follow on Instagram and Facebook!

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52 Weeks of Self-Care: Weeks 5-8

winter road and covered bridge

February Self-Care Roundup

Week 5

Make Time for Stretching

Stretching can help improve flexibility, reduce tightness, reduce stress, and protect your muscles from those fierce workouts you’re doing. Whether you’re doing it before a cardio workout, after a HIIT workout, or right before bed, make some time in your week to add this step to your wellness routine.

For me, yoga is the best way to stretch, so I’ve been trying to take a class twice a week.  I love to start and end my week with a class.

yoga studio

Looking for ways to stretch at home? Try these free online stretches:

10 Gentle Yoga Stretches For Beginners For Head To Toe Flexibility

Want a video? Try this 10-Minute Total Body Stretch

Looking for tools to help you stretch?

High-Density Foam Roller

ProStretch The Original Calf Stretcher

Chirp Wheel+ Foam Wheel

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September 2022 Product Roundup

farm cart with pumpkins

September 2022 Product Roundup

Summer is coming to a close and the kiddos are back to school.  So much fun stuff to look forward to… pumpkin lattes, apple picking, and the stunning leaves that are changing all around us.  Several of you noticed we didn’t do any Monthly Product Roundups this summer.  You’re right.  We decided to live in the moment and focus on family.  Now that fall is here, we’re back and can’t wait to share with you some amazing products we fell in love with this summer! Enjoy the September 2022 Product Roundup!

Kind of Wild Wines

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

I like to eat/drink organically whenever possible and I try to be aware of what I put in my body. Conventional wines can use a long list of chemicals in the vineyards and winemaking that end up in the soils and in the finished wine you drink. Kind of Wild Wines not only cares about the wine, but also about the farmers. They believe you’re supporting growers across the globe who believe in creating a sustainable future by improving soil health, diminishing soil erosion, keeping natural waters free from chemicals and having a positive, lasting impact on the local ecosystem.

We loved all of the wines and they were wines I would definitely buy again. The labels are gorgeous and I love that they give you coasters that match them.

Kind of Wild Wine bottles

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

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May 2022 Product Roundup

field of red tilips

Hello May!  I’ve been anxiously waiting for you and have been enjoying being out in nice warm weather! This month we’re thinking ahead to all those amazing men in our lives and celebrating Father’s Day.  Here are some amazing products that would be perfect gifts. Enjoy our May 2022 Product Roundup.

Sock Box

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THEM

Who doesn’t love a fabulous pair of socks? Sock Box allows you to have 1-2 awesome pairs of socks delivered right to your door.  I love the element of surprise that comes with this subscription.  Sock Box believes in giving their customers the best. All the manufacturers and brands they work with have high quality products that they stand behind.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

We were thrilled to be given a 3-month subscription. Our April box included:

East of Liberty

Richer Poorer

fun socks

Our May box had:

Brooklyn Strong

Hitsu Socks

fun socks

WHAT DOES IT COST?

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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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