Maven District Salt Lake City

One of the best experiences I had in Salt Lake City was exploring the Maven District and meeting some of the fabulous strong women who own businesses there. The Maven District Salt lake City is made up of about 100 small businesses and 75-80% are women owned. It felt natural to gather like-minded women together and that is where this amazing concept was born.

They believe in collaboration over comparison. They support diversity, they support women, they support local.

I love that they attract empowered women. As they say, “Our Maven community is made up of doers, thinkers, risk takers, rule breakers, question askers, boundary pushers, explorers and bold humans who aren’t here to settle…”

We left as a group of women that were proud of ourselves as well as each other. Thank you for making such an impact on us. I can’t wait to return with my 2 teenage daughters. Let me show you around and introduce you to some of the business owners we met.

Let’s make some rings with

Erica @thelandofsalt

We broke up into small groups and I was in the group that got to spend a few hours with Erica, from The Land of Salt, creating our own custom stacking rings. We had a blast! Erica taught us how to measure, cut our material, and bend it.

Then came the fun part…soldering it! She gave us such confidence that we could do it and with her encouragement we all soldered our own rings.

She gave them a good cleaning and we were done.

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November 24, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Women

Time to celebrate the fabulous women in your life, and what better way to show your appreciation than with thoughtful gifts that bring warmth and joy? We’ve curated a collection of presents that cater to the diverse interests and tastes of all the women on your list. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, sister, wife, or a cherished friend, our guide is your go-to resource for finding the perfect gifts that will make this holiday season memorable. Enjoy our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Women!

ANAIRUI Lip Scrubs Exfoliator & Moisturizer-Lip Sleeping Mask & Sugar Lip Scrub

This lip care kit includes a butter lip sleeping mask and a sugar lip scrub. This healing and repair kit gently exfoliates lips and gives intensive lips repair. It’s great for dry, chapped lips and is a great overnight rescue kit for lips.

BODUM Pour Over Coffee Maker

Includes a reusable stainless steel mesh filter so you don’t need paper filters. Double-wall insulation keeps coffee hot for hours. Cork grip stays cool, allowing comfortable, barehanded transport even when carafe is filled with hot coffee.

MakeUp Eraser, 7-Day Set

Erase all makeup with just water! Including waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation, lipstick, and more. Reusable, machine washable, and eliminates waste.

Chunky Cable Knit Throw Blanket

This beautiful blanket comes in a variety of colors. I love the burnt orange. Woven into a luxurious chunky knit, 100% natural cotton yarn fibers support a neutral finish that complements farmhouse chic home décor. Extra soft, super thick & comfy, Their large 51 inch x 63 inch throw blanket is just the wrap you need to snuggle up. I love that this blanket is machine washable.

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November 15, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

2023 Self-Care Holiday Gift Guide

We all deserve moments of rejuvenation and self-indulgence, and what better way to show yourself or a loved one some appreciation than through thoughtful self-care gifts? Whether you’re searching for ways to relax, destress, or simply pamper yourself, our self-care gift guide is here to help you discover a curated selection of products and ideas that will nurture the body, mind, and soul. Enjoy our 2023 Self-Care Holiday Gift Guide!

Evolv

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

Evolv delivers biology-driven, science-based, high-performance products using natural and organic ingredients—for transformative visible results in all hair types. Their products produce visible results you can see and feel. Every product in the line does multiple jobs, and is highly effective. Experience EVOLVh – and you too will describe your hair as revitalized, renewed, restored, youthful, vibrant, soft, and manageable.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

SmartColor Protecting Shampoo

This ultra-protective, anti-fade shampoo keeps color in and impurities out. Its breakthrough color-preserving formula gently cleanses, while targeted amino acids strengthen and protect against damaging dyes and other color treatments for hair that’s healthy, shiny, and vibrant. It’s a smart investment for your color—and your wallet.

SmartColor Protecting Conditioner

This innovative, color-preserving, and reparative formula deep conditions while targeted amino acids strengthen and protect against damaging dyes and treatments. Sublime hydration leaves hair soft, smooth, and shiny—with vibrant color that lasts.

UltraShine Moisture Shampoo

Their weightless color-safe shampoo gently cleanses with sulfate-free, non-stripping ingredients—infusing nourishing antioxidants plus amino and fatty acids into strands for visibly stronger, smoother hair, and amplified shine from root to tip.

Ultrashine Moisture Conditioner

Their bestselling conditioner transforms dull, drab tresses into hair that’s free of frizz and full of shine—infusing nourishing antioxidants plus amino and fatty acids into strands to hydrate and detangle without weighing them down. Rinse out for a smooth, silky sheen you need to see to believe.

Ultimate Styling Lotion

A lightweight do-it-all styling lotion with medium hold. It smooths strands, defines curls into bouncy ringlets, eliminates frizz, boosts shine, and keeps it all together with buildable hold minus the crunch. All with heat & UV protection to boot.

SmartStart Leave-In Conditioner

A foundational step in your EVOLVh routine after shampooing and conditioning, this bestselling leave-in helps close the cuticle for brilliant shine and maximum smoothness. Plus, it nourishes and strengthens strands with plant-powered ingredients, while defending against damaging heat & UV rays.

Protect Your Color Discovery Kit

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November 8, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

2023 Candle Holiday Gift Guide

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to infuse warmth and ambiance into your festivities than with the soft, flickering glow of candles. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy atmosphere for a winter gathering, seeking the perfect present for a loved one, or simply want to add to your home decor, candles are a timeless and thoughtful choice. Here is our 2023 Candle Holiday Gift Guide. Enjoy!

Southern Charm Candle Co

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

The best part about candles is they have the power to transport you to a new place. Southern Charm captures the essence of the south, and you will soon feel like you’re sitting on a front porch sipping on sweet tea as the pecan pie cools on the windowsill. Not only so they smell incredible, but they are beautiful. They top each candle with a decorative wax that will make you feel bad burning it. Look how cute they are?

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

Christmas Cookie

(Nothing says Christmas more than warm and buttery sugar cookies on the plate for Santa! Our festive Christmas Cookie Candle has notes of buttermilk, creamy vanilla, burnt sugar, and caramel.)

Gingerbread

(With warm notes of frosted icing, and ginger spice along with two gingerbread men peering through the top of the jar, this is sure to be a holiday favorite for any household! )

Tree Farm

(Their Tree Farm candle was created to evoke the fond memories of a day trip to the farm to select the perfect tree for Christmas. It has a rich evergreen scent, a snow white base, and is topped with a Christmas tree.)

Banana Pudding

(Banana Puddin’ is the wonderful, creamy aroma of a southern classic complete with a vanilla wafer on top!)

Pecan Praline

(Pecan Praline’s warm and tantalizing blend of butter, pecans, vanilla, and dark brown sugar was inspired by the confectionary shops on Market Street in Charleston, South Carolina.)

Front Porch Frappe

(Front Porch Frappe is a complex yet welcoming scent of a fresh brewed pot of coffee shared amongst friends.)

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July 3, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

52 Weeks of Self-Care: Weeks 13-16

52 Weeks of Self-Care Monthly Update

These next 3 weeks of self-care are about showers, baths, smudging, and salt caves!

Week 13

Turn Your Shower into a Spa Experience

Isn’t a shower just a daily necessity? Well, yes, but it can offer more than just cleanliness—it can be a transformative self-care ritual. Step into a shower and allow the warm water to instantly wash away physical and mental fatigue. With the right products, you can awaken your senses, providing a refreshing start to the day or a soothing wind-down in the evening. A shower can provide a moment of solitude and self-reflection, allowing us to pause, let go of distractions, and focus on the present. I’m always looking for new products that turn my everyday shower into a spa experience. So, embrace the therapeutic power of a shower, savoring each droplet of water as it revitalizes your senses, uplifts your spirit, and brings a renewed sense of well-being to your day.

Let me share some of my favorite products right now!

New England Apothecary Shower Steamers

These shower steamers create the perfect environment for a spa experience. Get the steamers a little wet and move them away from water and the scent will fill your shower.

Give New England Apothecary a follow:

Instagram

Facebook

Plaine Products Body Wash (16 oz)

Their Body Wash gently cleanses your skin while improving tone and texture. With aloe as the main ingredient, daily use will restore nutrients without drying. It smells incredible and immediately wakes you up in the morning!

Give Plaine Products a follow:

Instagram

Facebook

Majestic Pure Blueberry Body Scrub

Body Scrubs exfoliate skin to remove dead cells, toxins, dirt & pollution from pores; scrubbing also promotes blood flow to assist in rejuvenation of skin, leaving not only your skin revived but also renewing your whole mind, body, and spirit.

Philosophy Amazing Grace

A 3-in-1, multi-purpose, fragrant gel wash to gently cleanse body & hair. This product is great for travel because it has several functions.

Rose Geranium Felted Soap by Fiat Luxe

The combination of rose geranium oil and sweet orange oil uplifts your spirits. And, with the addition of ground rose petals it makes a great facial soap.

Week 14

Soak in a Bath

Immersing ourselves in warm water creates a sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care. A bath provides an escape from the busyness of our lives, allowing us to unwind and release tension. The warm water soothes tired muscles and eases joint stiffness, promoting physical relaxation and relieving stress. Adding natural ingredients like Epsom salts, essential oils, or herbs can enhance the therapeutic experience, offering benefits such as muscle relaxation, improved sleep quality, and nourished skin. Additionally, a bath provides a space for quiet reflection and self-introspection, allowing us to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with ourselves.

Take a peek at some for my favorite products.

Cuccio Somatology Yogahhh Milk Bath

This amazing milk bath contains Epsom Salt which is which is wonderful for relaxation and relieving pain.

Coconut Crush Effervescent Salt Soak by Salacia Salts

Bring home the beach with this single use effervescent salt soak. Cover yourself head to toe in bubbles scented of muddled citrus, fresh pineapple, and coconut blended with woodsy, sweet notes from the sandalwood tree.

Lemon Lavender Effervescent Salt Soak by Salacia Salts

Bring home the beach with this effervescent salt soak. Sink into the tub with Lemon Lavender scented mineral salts to relax, detox, and reap the benefits of the sea at home.

Give them a follow

Instagram

Facebook

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Milk Bath Soak

Made from organic coconut milk, protein-rich coconut pulp and natural essential oils, this bath soak has luxurious softening and moisturizing properties helping to target dryness and dullness, and leaving the skin feeling silky-soft

Sweet Water Décor Spa Day Candle

The scent of sea salt, jasmine, and wood make a relaxing aroma that fills the room.

Bubble Bath Bomb Set

Their bath bombs contain Epsom salt, detoxifying clays & luxurious butters and oils. This is perfect for stress relief and relaxation.

Deep Steep Bubble Bath

Its natural essential oils of lavender and chamomile create a tranquil atmosphere. It’s the ultimate self care!

Week 15

Go to a Salt Cave

Salt caves, also known as halotherapy or salt therapy, have been used for centuries as natural sanctuaries for relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation. These tranquil environments are crafted with Himalayan salt rocks that create a serene ambiance and release negative ions into the air. It is believed to cleanse and detoxify the respiratory system, promoting clearer breathing and alleviating symptoms of allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. So, step into the serene embrace of a salt cave and embrace the therapeutic benefits it offers, allowing yourself to unwind, restore balance, and embrace a renewed sense of well-being.

Want to create a salt cave experience at home?

Plant Therapy Pink Himalayan Salt Inhaler with Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt

When you inhale through the mouthpiece, the passing moisture absorbs micron particles of the incredibly pure and mineral-laden Himalayan Pink Salt that filters through the entire respiratory system.

Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp

Himalayan Glow Pink Salt lamps are a popular choice due to their natural ionizing properties. Crystal Lamp releases negative ions into the air, which can help to purify the air by attaching to positively charged particles and neutralizing

Majestic Pure Himalayan Salt Body Scrub with Lychee Oil

This scrub is infused with Lychee Oil complex and Sweet Almond Oil is a self-care solution for the body and soul. It will help give your skin the ultimate detox and will promote its hydration levels.

Week 16

Sage your House

Saging, also known as smudging, involves burning dried sage leaves to cleanse and purify the energy within a space. This sacred practice has been used for centuries by different cultures around the world to rid homes of negative vibrations and create a peaceful environment. As the smoke from the burning sage wafts through the rooms, it is believed to clear away stagnant energy, ward off negativity, and invite in a renewed sense of balance and tranquility.

I love my new sage bundle that I bought in Portland, Maine.

Here are some other items that will help you learn the process of saging.

White Sage Smudge Candle

Cleanse your home of negative energy and invite all positive energy into your life.

White Sage Smudging Kit

Sustainably Grown Sage, Responsibly Collected Abalone & Smudging Feather + Hand Carved Wood Stand & Chakra Bracelet

Malicious Women Candle Co – Go Smudge Yourself

The citrus and sage smell incredible. It’s a hysterical candle that would make a great gift.

Click HERE to see what other kinds of self-care we will be doing this year!

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.

January 2, 2023 mytravelingkids.com

52 Weeks of Self-Care

52 WEEKS OF SELF-CARE

After a few health scares this past year, I discovered the importance of self-care. Sometimes we try so hard to take care of others that we neglect making time for ourselves. Self-care allows you time to relax, recharge, and be present in the moment. It’s important to focus on both physical and emotional areas in your life.

Self-Care and Travel

I love to practice self-care while traveling and it often becomes some of the best parts of my trip. I love to head to a spa for a signature treatment, enjoy sipping coffee in a courtyard while people watching, breathing in the salty air at a beach, and taking time to put down my camera and be present in the moment. This year I plan on recreating these moments from the comfort of my home.

Not sure where to start? Well, let’s do this together.

I’ve come up with 52 weeks of self-care that I plan on completing this year. I will do one each week.

Follow along on my Instagram Stories each Sunday.

Don’t miss out…give a CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM. I’ll provide plenty of DIY options, share products I use, and give you links I find.

(These are not in any order. I’ll bounce around the list with whatever feels right.)

52 WEEKS OF SELF-CARE

Make time for stretching

Enjoy a facial

Sip on a warm cup of tea

Using Essential Oils (more…)

December 12, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

Books to Help With Your New Years Resolutions

Every December, I start to look at my life and evaluate what I could do to make it even better for the upcoming year. I think of things I like to do that brings me joy. For example, this year I want to entertain more. I love to cook and try new cocktails, so cookbooks are definitely on my Christmas list. I love unique cookbooks…check out a few amazing ones I’ve found. It is also a time to make some new habits like journaling, traveling, and becoming the best you possible. Here are a few books to help with your new years resolutions!

The Unofficial Witcher Cookbook

By: Nevyana Dimitrova & Trey Guillory

The Unofficial Witcher Cookbook: Andrzej Sapkowski’s epic fantasy saga of the witcher Geralt has captivated pop culture for nearly 30 years. Through books, graphic novels, TV shows, and video games, the witcher’s adventures have brought audiences face-to-face with monsters, sorceresses, kings, and destiny. Now, you can have your very own taste of the legendary adventures of a witcher.

The Unofficial Witcher Cookbook is filled with 50 recipes ranging from humble meals and tavern stews to bountiful feasts fit for a king, including:

Prized Potato Soup

Blacksmith Dumplings

Feast of Ham and Nightshade

House Specialty Soup

Honey Cakes for a Coin

And more!

This cookbook is perfect for die-hard fans of The Witcher, as well as those who just can’t get enough epic fantasy in their life.

The Van Life Cookbook

By: Susan Marque

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November 28, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

2022 Christmas Gift Guide

Looking for a unique gift for everyone on your list? Here are some amazing companies that offer great products! Show them you truly know them by giving them a gift that compliments their personality. Check out our 2022 Christmas Gift Guide:

Clever Fox

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THEM

I don’t know about you, but I can’t get through my day without my planner. I use it to make lists, plan projects, and strategize everything I need to get done. Organization is my way to prevent stress and make plans for my future. It is a wonderful way to track your goals and help you increase your performance.

I love the high quality of all their products. There is so much thought that went into all the details of the books. The covers are beautiful and look wonderful on my desk.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

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November 25, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

2022 Food and Beverage Christmas Gift Guide

Food and beverages have a magical way of transporting you to new destinations. It’s a great way to learn about other cultures and encourages you to be a bit adventurous with your meals. Other times, it is a way to encourage you to relax, recharge, and reset your day. I stop what I’m doing every afternoon to have a cup of tea, take some deep breaths, and get ready for my second half of my day and give myself a little self-care. So what would be a great gift for those foodies in your life? Look no further. Here is our 2022 Food and Beverage Christmas Gift Guide!

Raw Spice Bar

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THEM

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pinned a recipe on Pinterest then never getting around to it because I don’t have the spices in my pantry or the spices are too hard to find at my local grocery store. Raw Spice Bar does all the work for you by not only giving you amazing recipes, but also by providing all the spice blends you’ll need. Food has the power of transporting you to new places and the recipes they give you are from across the globe. It’s a wonderful way of exploring new cultures and getting your family to be more adventurous with your meals. I love that you can play around with the recipes and add ingredients or omit the ones your picky eaters won’t try. I also love their website because you can get so much information about the countries these spices/recipes came from. For example, there are articles such as: The Etiquette of Ethiopian Meals and Adobo’s Reign in the Spanish Empire.

WHAT SPICES DID WE GET?

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November 22, 2022 mytravelingkids.com

2022 Beauty Christmas Gift Guide

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 breath of an essential oil can add up to a stress-free day. I am very conscious of what my daughters and I use on our bodies and these companies share the same values. Enjoy our 2022 Beauty Christmas Gift Guide

SPArty Girl

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THEM

Self-care should be learned early on in a girl’s life. SPArty Girl encourages girls to give themselves some pampering, relaxation, and fun. Their boxes can contain beauty products, accessories, candy, and many more fun treats. I know every girl would love to open one of these boxes!

SPArty Girl has great gift boxes that would make wonderful gifts for any occasion. They include fun themes such as: Slime Kit, Manicure Kit, Tie-Dye Kit, Bath Bomb Kit, Lip Gloss Kit and more. I love that they have a wide range of gift boxes so there’s something for every girl on your list.

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