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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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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15 Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep in a Hotel

15 Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep in a Hotel

You spend so much time planning the perfect getaway, but it’s not so perfect when you’re wide awake at 3 am.  Talk about frustrating! Those nights can be endless and makes me want to throw something. So, what can you do to ensure you get a good night’s sleep in a hotel? Here are 15 tips:

Before you get to the hotel:

CHOOSE YOUR ROOM WISELY

Not all rooms are created equally so don’t be afraid to make some requests.  You may want to avoid rooms that are on the first floor, or near elevators, ice machines, or housekeeping closets.

PACK A PILLOW

If you know me you know I’ve been on the search for the perfect pillow for year.  (Still haven’t found it…. gggrrrrrr) If you’re picky about your pillow choice, you may want to bring your own.  Thick, hard pillows or thin deflated ones may be your neck’s worse nightmare. 

GET SHADY

Nothing is worse than planning on sleeping in, when suddenly a ray of sunshine pierces your eyes at 6 am! Most rooms have light block shades, but an eye mask takes up almost no room in your bag, so you may want to bring on.  It is better to be safe than sorry.

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Tips for Nervous Flyers

Confession…I’m a travel blogger that doesn’t love flying.  I can’t sleep on a plane, am never fully relaxed, and squeeze the heck out of the hand of the person next to me during takeoff.  Kids learn from your behavior and I want mine to love flying so I’ve learned to keep it together during flights.  I’ve developed some coping strategies that really help me while flying.  Here are my top tips for nervous flyers:

GET DISTRACTED

Some of my tips for nervous flyers happen before they even get on a plane. Make sure you have plenty of things to do that will keep your mind off your worries.  I love to get lost in a good movie, so I always download some onto my electronics. Don’t count on the plane to provide good movies; it’s always better to bring your own and not use them.  I also load new music onto my phone.   

PLAN ON NO ELECTRONICS

 Ironically, takeoff and landing are the times when I’m most nervous and that’s when you can’t use electronics! I always plan things to do like a new book, a magazine, or a crossword puzzle. Here are some great books. 

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May Product Roundup

Hello May!  I’ve been waiting for you and praying for some nice weather! As you know, I love sharing new products I’ve started using! Here are some great products I’ve used this month.  Enjoy!

PlaneAire Hand Sanitizer

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

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Love Celebrate & Bloom

Natalie worked part time as a skincare specialist at a spa and wellness center in Orlando, Florida. She loved helping people learn how to take care of their skin and decided to go a step further and created her very own skincare line. She carries skin scrubs, lip scrubs, organic soaps and all things body care! I love how often she changes her line to match the seasons.

All of her products are handmade, by herself, in her home. You can see the love she puts in each of them by looking at the details.  Look at this gorgeous soap!

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

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Twelfth House Apothecary

Throughout the last year I focused a lot on self-care, both mental and physical, and I learned that these are often intertwined.  Twelfth House Apothecary is a wonderful company with products that will make you feel relaxed (or recharged) in no time! They use organic or wildcrafted herbals, no unnecessary chemicals or preservatives, and work hard to make sure each product is made with love, intent and the utmost care.

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE TWELFTH HOUSE APOTHECARY

They take care to use the highest standard of herbals, botanicals and other ingredients to make the most magical products for you! A great testimonial is that everything they sell is tested on their family, so you know they stand behind everything.

They have some unique products that I can’t wait to try like their smoke wands, whipped body scrub, faerie cake bath melts, and (this is the one I most want…) Goddess of Spring Forest wands.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

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