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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Tips for Going to Farmers Markets During COVID-19

My weekly trip to the farmers market is one of my favorite things about summer.  There’s nothing like it…musicians playing in the background, farmers telling you when the vegetables you’re holding were picked, and hearing the young sons of the fisherman saying they helped catch the tuna we’ll be eating that night.  A farmers market is a great place to bring kids/teens. Here are 10 Tips For Going to Farmers Markets: 

HELP PLAN MENUS

Kids will be more likely to eat a meal if they had help planning it.  Each week, give them a new item off the menu to plan.  For example, each week they can plan the main dish, a side, and a dessert.  Give them full rein on it and although you can offer suggestions, let them do most of the work.  Whatever they plan, they will be responsible for helping cook.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Give each person in the family the task of choosing something your family has never tasted.  Is there a type of cheese that looks interesting?  Is there a veggie that looks odd?  Have them ask the farmer for suggestions on how to cook it.

PRACTICE RESPONSIBILITY

Give your kids a job while at the market.  Give everyone reusable bags and have them hold your purchases. Teach them how to choose ripe produce.  Give them the task of paying.

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25 Best Summer Reads for 2022

woman reading by the pool

25 Best Summer Reads for 2022

Tomorrow is the FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!!! Is there anything better than lying on a hammock by the lake or sitting with your toes in the sand at the beach? Actually yes…doing it with a book you can’t put down. Here are 25 of the best summer reads for 2022!   Not all of them are new releases.  Some are blasts from the past you might have missed.

Have a fabulous summer!

(Click on the title to get more information!)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

BY: Alma Cuervo

(Yes, I’ve recommended it before…yes, it’s that good!)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo:  Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

 

The Upstairs Wife

By: Rachel Hawkins

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10 Amazing Mother’s Day Gift

bee on a flower

Our April 2022 Product Review is dedicated to the amazing women in your life…MOMS! Mother’s Day is right around the corner and they deserve something special.  Here are 10 amazing Mother’s Day gifts for these fabulous women!  And if you’re a mom…treat yourself to something just for you…you deserve it!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!

Doing Good

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

I always love to hear a company’s mission because it tells a lot about their character.  Doing Good Co says their mission is to build others up.  The products included in these amazing gift boxes are something that offers inspiration and makes someone feel special. Throughout her life, Sydney, the founder of the company, has had one unwavering purpose – to find ways of encouraging others. I love that she offers the choice between a one time gift box and a subscription plan, where the gifts will keep on giving.  You can make it more personal by selecting individual things you want to include in your gift.  Choose from items such as candles, wooden signs, mugs, stationary, bracelets, lip balms, and much more.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Be Still Box 

(Size: small $17.99)

Be Still gift box

Pumpkin Spice whipped sugar scrub

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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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Itinerary for Nassau Bahamas

beach in Bahamas

Bahamas is a gorgeous Caribbean island that has powder-white sand, emerald water, and a tropical feel.  It’s close location to Florida makes it an easy flight. It is perfect for families, couples, girlfriend getaways, solo travelers, and couple’s trips.  Here is an itinerary for a perfect week in Nassau, Bahamas.

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

Day 1: Pool & Straw Market

I usually spend my first day in the Caribbean hanging out by the pool/beach of my hotel/rental.  Make yourself a cocktail and lounge in the sunshine

In the afternoon, head over to the Straw Market to take in some of the local culture. It’s a great place to buy handwoven straw crafts.  (Their baskets are amazing.) It is also a nice place to buy souvenirs.

straw market nassau bahamas

Photo Credit: Expedia

Day 2: Sandy Toes

Take a 25-minute boat ride to the island.  So, what is the best thing to do here? SWIM WITH PIGS! I was shocked at how clean the beach/water was with pigs walking around, but it was spotless.  They were so adorable and we had fun petting them.

swimming with Pigs in Bahamas

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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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Perfect Self-Care Gifts

One of the best gifts you can give someone is the gift of self-care.  We do so much for others that we often don’t make time for ourselves and that can lead to burnout and stress.  The act of relaxation, working out, meditation, and pampering are important for a well-rounded life.  Remind those you love that they deserve a little pampering themselves this year.  Here are some perfect self-care gifts:

Massager

Massage Gun Deep Tissue, Hethtec Handheld Muscle Massager:   After a long day of adventures, your muscles may need some pampering.  This strong massager can boost athletic performance and can be used with pre-workout warm-ups and post-workout recovery routines.   It has 5 speed high-intensity vibrations so you can choose how strong it is.  I also like that it Includes 6 massage heads so you can relax different muscle tissues. I also like that it has a carrying case so you can keep all the parts together.

Facial Kit

Alana Mitchell At Home Facial Kit: Their facial skin care products kit includes a spa-quality collagen peel off face mask, pumpkin face cleaner cream, Vitamin C face moisturizer, hyaluronic serum, peptide eye cream, and a face exfoliator sponge. It’s effective for normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin types, with products that cleanse, tone, moisturize, tighten.

Heating Pad

GENIANI Extra Large Electric Heating Pad: This heating pad is wonderful to sooth aching muscles.  It is also good to relieve cramps.  I like that it has a low, medium, or high-temperature mode. It is soft so it feels nice on your skin.  I also like that it is machine washable.

Tea Pot

STNTUS Glass Teapot: The teapot is large and can hold a lot of water.  It has a wide handle and the spout keeps the water from splashing. The teapot can make both tea and coffee or just to boil water. You can clean it in the dishwasher, but hand-washing is suggested.

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25 Perfect Gifts for Women

christmas gift held in front of a christmas tree

Christmas is the time for giving, so let me help you cross some items off your list!  The holiday season can be hectic, so I’ve come to love the ease of online shopping! I can put on my favorite PJ’s, pour a glass of wine, sit by the fire, and avoid the mobs of people at the mall. So, what do you get for that fabulous woman on your list? Here is  my 2021 list of 25 Perfect Gifts for Women:

Throw Blanket

LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket: Perfect for throw blanket and for your couch, sofa, sectional, loveseat, recliner or bed. This Plush blanket is luxurious, lightweight and warm. This beautiful comforting snugly blanket is designed for luxurious feel and elegance.  It comes in a large variety of colors and 5 sizes.

Magnetic Bag Hook

leather magnetic bag hook

Bagnet: Bagnet Tori, Leather Magnetic Bag Hook: Bagnet is designed to attach to metal restroom stalls which keeps your bag off the floor and germ free! You can use it on chairs +bar stools, table bases + tops, under bars, on vehicles, at the gym and more! Holds up to 8 lbs. Bagnets are designed to support bags of all shapes and sizes and has an easy-to-use clip.

Ugg Slippers

fuzzy white Ugg Slippers

Koolaburra by UGG Women’s Batya Slipper: My feet sometimes get too hot when I’m wearing a closed slipper and Uggs has designed the perfect solution.  Your feet feel cozy without getting overheated. It has a faux fur strap and faux fur insole.  The faux fur insole is soft on the bottom of your feet. It comes in several colors.

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Perfect Gifts for Teen Girls

Are you wondering what is popular with teenage girls for Christmas this year?  They can be tough to shop for, but these items may be the perfect presents to put under your tree.  Here are 30 perfect gifts for teenage girls.  Happy shopping!

 

Gel Nail Kit

Joytii 16 Pcs Gel Nail Polish Kit with UV Light: This salon-level manicure set includes everything you need to prep and create fabulous nails!  It’s perfect for beginners. This gel nail polish kit includes 12 gel polish colors, 1 matte gel top coat, 1 glossy top coat,  1 base coat,  1 reinforced gel polish, 1 manicure Tools kit and a portable UV LED nail curing lamp. Your teens will love the colors it comes with.

 

DIY Boba Kit

MILK+T, The Complete DIY Boba Tea Kit: 1 oz of loose-leaf black tea leaves, 1/2 pound of uncooked Grade A boba balls, 2 cups of high quality brown sugar, and 4 plastic boba straws. I love that this kit includes a guided-video tutorial. They simply scan the QR code inside the kit!

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