Carakits

Carakit Gift Box

Carakits

What do I love about Carakits?

When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, you immediately want to help them. However, most of us don’t know how to help the physical, mental, and emotional needs of loved ones in treatment. Carakits help you find comforting products that are practical, treatment-safe, and free from harsh chemicals, dyes and strong fragrances. I love that all items hand-picked by cancer survivors.

What kit did we review?

Chemo Care Package – “Essential Healing Kit”

Product description: This is the kit we wish we’d received before or during chemotherapy: a medicine cabinet makeover. This women’s chemo gift basket is a do-it-all mix of practical products to manage chemo side effects plus comforting extras to pamper her throughout cancer treatment as well. PJ colors may vary.  Sizes are always exchangeable.

What products were included?

Lip balm (This lip balm comes in an adorable package and will moisturize and hydrate lips.)

Carakit Gift Box

Mother of All Creams (This cream works especially well on feet, which tend to get dry and cracked. It can be used on other dry patches as well.)

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Residence Inn Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront

Photo Credit: Residence Inn Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront

With school starting up, we have already had a busy fall .  Both girls are now in high school and are busy with sports and theater so, needless to say, there’s lots of running around for this mom. I could not have been more thrilled to spend a night at the Residence Inn Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront, in the gorgeous seacoast town of Portsmouth, NH.

Portsmouth holds a special place in my heart because we were married here and we have so many fond memories attached to it. I was excited to come back here and see it’s beauty in the same month as my anniversary.

Click here to read all about my stay!


The Palms, Miami

at The Palms, Miami

Photo Credit: The Palms

The Palms Hotel and Spa

Miami, Florida

After decades of traveling, I was finally going on my first cruise.  The ship went out of Miami and since I decided to come in the night before, I was excited to find a hotel that would really wow me.  The Palms Hotel & Spa was the perfect place to call home for the night! Since it is in the heart of South Beach, the location cannot be beat.

READ ALL ABOUT MY STAY!!


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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20 Spooky Books to Read this Autumn

reading and drinking tea

During autumn, there’s nothing I like more than snuggling up with a cozy blanket, sipping on a cup of tea, and reading a spooky book.  I love a thrilling, suspenseful book that will keep me on the edge of my seat. This time of year, I think the creepier the better. Some of these are oldies but goodies! Here are 20 Spooky Books to read this Autumn:

The Maidens

The Maidens: By Alex Michaelides

Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike―particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens.
Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge.
Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld.

Shattered

Shattered: By Dean Koontz

The van was in back of them again. Closer this time. There could be no mistake—they were being followed. But why? The question kept nagging at Alex and Colin as they left Philadelphia behind and sped toward their new home in San Francisco. Courtney would be waiting for them, ready to begin a wonderful new life with her husband, her brother…
Now, someone else is driving cross-country to see Courtney, too. Someone whose brain is rotting inside. Someone who knows their route, their stops, even their destination. And he won’t rest until he finds them.

Nine Elms

Nine Elms: By Robert Bryndza

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Key West Itinerary

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa

Key West Itinerary

Who went on this trip?

One of my favorite qualities about my husband is how spontaneous he is.  When he asked me if I wanted to go to Key West with him in five days, I immediately started packing my bags. This trip was all about relaxing, having fun, and spending time together.

Where did we stay?

When it came to choosing a hotel, I had three criteria: location, a pool, and a view of the Gulf.  The Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa more than acceded our expectations and we couldn’t think of a better place to stay while in Key West.

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa

Here’s what we did on our weekend in Key West:

Day 1…The afternoon we arrived:

After exploring the hotel, we went down to the hotel bar, the Blue Mojito Bar and Grill, to enjoy some frozen margaritas and listen to the live music playing.

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa

Dinner was at the hotel restaurant, Shor.  They have an amazing deck that overlooks the Gulf.  (Try the seafood coconut lime risotto.)

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Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa

One of my favorite qualities about my husband is how spontaneous he is.  When he asked me if I wanted to go to Key West with him in five days, I immediately started packing my bags.  When it came to choosing a hotel, I had three criteria: location, a pool, and a view of the Gulf.  The Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa more than acceded our expectations and we couldn’t think of a better place to stay while in Key West. Let me tell you all about our romantic getaway.

Click HERE to read about our stay!


To Cruise…or Not To Cruise?

cruise

 

I love travel so much that there are not many places I wouldn’t go.  However, one form of travel has always made me nervous… a cruise.  People love cruises and the cheap prices you can get should make it a no-brainer.  Each time I consider it something holds me back.  I feel like I have so many unanswered questions about cruises that I’ve stayed away from them.  I decided to ask five friends to give me their honest opinions about cruises.  I thought I’d share some of their responses in case anyone has the same questions.  Enjoy! (And thanks girls for sharing!!)

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Walking the Breathtaking Marginal Way, Ogunquit, Maine

 Marginal Way

Marginal Way, in Ogunquit, is a mile and a quarter long piece of heaven that needs to be experienced.  This paved path gets its name from being the margin between the crashing waves of the sea and the tranquil land of this quaint seaside town in Maine.

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10 Tips for a Fun Day at an Amusement Park

Rides at a Amusement park

Amusement parks can be a great way to spend the day as a family.  With a little planning, you can have a stress-free day that everyone can enjoy.  Here are 10 tips for a fun day at an amusement park:

CHECK OUT THE MAP

 Before you go, look at the park map online.  Decide if there are areas you all really want to do and if there are areas you can skip. Give the kids a say in the day.   

NO PRESSURE

Kids will do scary rides when they are ready.  Let them know there is no pressure for them to go on any rides they don’t feel comfortable with. 

 MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIREMENT

 Nothing is worse than having your kid wait in line only to find out they are an inch too short to ride.  Save the tears and have them check the height requirement and measure them before they go. 

ride at an Amusement park

Riding roller coasters at Storyland, NH

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