Autumn Bucket List

I LOVE FALL!  The crisp smell in the air, the crunch of leaves under your feet, and the fabulous display of color on the trees.  It’s one of my favorite things about living in New England.  However, I feel like this season goes by so quickly so we have to make the most of it while it’s here.  So, what do I do?  That’s right…a LIST! Here is a list of 35 items for my Autumn Bucket List:

Apple picking

There are so many amazing farms out there and doesn’t an apple taste best when it’s picked right from the tree, rubbed on your shirt, and you take a big CRUNCH out of one! Here are 15 of the best apple orchards in New England.

Burn some autumn scented candles

Autumn candles set the mood.  Some wonderful ones include: Yankee, Pumpkin Spiced, Village Candle, Warm Apple Spice, Yankee, Macintosh, and Sweet Water Décor, Hello Fall.

Make some gourmet s’mores

At the lake we have making s’mores down to a science.  Gourmet s’mores are when we use yummy candy bars instead of plain chocolate. This Hershey’s S’mores Caddy is great to store everything.

Make some warm apple cider

Warm apple cider is one of those drinks that immediately puts me in a calm mood. Here is a great recipe for homemade apple cider. The cinnamon sticks are key!

Time to take out those cozy sweaters

Sweater weather!! It’s a great time to invest in a few sweaters that you will wear all winter long.  Check out this gorgeous long cardigan. This jacket sweater is perfect for layering in fall. I love the wooden buttons on this cable knit sweater.

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Review of RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain

RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain

Photo Credit: RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain

RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain

Lincoln, New Hampshire

With one daughter at camp and one working, I was able to slip away for a solo getaway in the stunning White Mountains of New Hampshire. Lincoln is a quaint New England town that is fun during all four seasons. I’ve been looking at RiverWalk at Loon Mountain for years and I was so excited to finally get to stay.

 

Click here to read all about my stay!


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

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:

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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:

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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

bath milk

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

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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.

Salt room of Villa Hygge Hotel, Conway, NH

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.

sage

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. 


Review of Caribe Hilton San Juan

Photo Credit: Caribe Hilton

Caribe Hilton

San Juan, Puerto Rico

I was absolutely thrilled when I heard that my favorite travel conference, Women in Travel Summit, would be held on the gorgeous island of Puerto Rico! I was counting down the days until I could sink my toes in the sand and have a cocktail in my hand! The Caribe Hilton San Juan was the perfect hotel to meet up with 600 other women traveler creators.

Click here to read a full review of my stay.


Review of Royal Sonesta San Juan

Photo Credit: Royal Sonesta San Juan

Royal Sonesta San Juan

San Juan, Puerto Rico

I have traveled overnight and long weekends alone, but I have never gotten on a flight and taken a vacation all by myself.  However, this has always been a dream of mine.  When I heard the Women In Travel Summit was taking place in Puerto Rico I knew there was no better time for a solo trip. I’ve got to admit, I was a little nervous, but I kept reminding myself it was an adventure. I even added a two-night stay before the conference so I could experience more of the island. I knew there was nowhere I’d rather stay than the Royal Sonesta San Juan.

Click here to read all about my stay!


15 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

15 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to keep safety in mind at all times. About a month before my solo trip to Puerto Rico I began to get really anxious. We’re talking, “What the heck am I thinking? Should I cancel this trip?” Then I reminded myself that women do this every day and as long as I plan ahead, stay alert, and remain level-headed, I could do this. As a solo traveler, you are responsible for your own safety, and it’s important to take precautions to avoid any potential dangers. Here are 15 safety tips for solo travelers.

Research Your Destination

 Before you leave, research your destination thoroughly. Look up any safety concerns and read about any recent incidents or crime reports. Are there areas you should avoid?

Stay in a Safe Area

 Choose accommodation in a safe area, preferably with good reviews from other travelers. Avoid areas that are known for crime or that have a high rate of theft. Once I’ve decided on a hotel, I looked on blogs and TripAdvisor and emailed people with safety questions I had. As for the hotel, is there a 24-hour front desk? Is there a doorman or security on duty all night? I like to bring a door lock and alarm.

Avoid Walking Alone, Especially at Night

 If possible, avoid walking alone at night, especially in areas that are unfamiliar to you. If you want to explore an area, take a peek HERE to find a reputable tour.

Use Trusted Transportation

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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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15 Teen-Friendly Activities in Boston

Buildings in Boston

15 Teen-Friendly Activities in Boston

Boston, Massachusetts is one of those cities I immediately fell in love with… cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and it’s WICKED New England charm.  It was love at first sight! Boston is a city with rich history and culture that offers family-friendly activities to explore. From outdoor adventures to educational experiences, there are many things to see and do in Boston that the whole family can enjoy. Here are ten family-friendly activities to do in Boston:

Visit the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a popular attraction for families, featuring over 20,000 aquatic animals, including sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and touch tanks, where they can get up close and personal with marine life. Make time to watch a 3D movie at the Simons Theatre.

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20 things You Must Do on Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise

20 things You Must Do on Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise is a fun cruise ship that offers a large range of activities and amenities for travelers. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or fun with family and friends, this ship has something for everyone. Here are 20 Things You Must Do on Carnival Sunrise.

Get a Cloud 9 Spa Suite

These suites give you priority spa reservations, unlimited use of Thermal Suites plus a free scrub kit, two complimentary fitness classes per guest, exclusive discounts on treatments during port days, and cozy use of bathrobes and slippers in your cabin.

Get a room with a balcony

Although it costed a bit more, I absolutely loved having a balcony in my cabin. I loved being able to sit outside in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee while I read a book.  I also loved having a glass of wine while sitting out there and Facetime my family each evening.

relaxing on balcony

Sing at Piano Bar 88

We had so much fun singing along with Keith each night at the piano bar. We laughed until we had tears and you’ll feel like a superstar as you belt out familiar tunes.  Make sure you come with plenty of song suggestions. Hint: Want a specific song? Attach a few dollars to your song request and it will let you jump the line.  It’s a fun way to tip.

Piano Bar 88

Head to the Serenity deck

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15 Tips for Your First Cruise

15 Tips for Your First Cruise

I have been traveling since I was a kid, but last fall was the first time on a cruise. I couldn’t believe how different it was from other trips I’ve taken. I must admit that I was a little nervous before I went. What I learned was going on a cruise can be an exciting experience, especially if you have an open mind. Here are 15 tips for your first cruise.

Choose the right cruise

Do your research and choose a cruise that matches your interests and needs. Consider the itinerary, cruise line, and ship size. Is it going to be a family vacation, girls’ trip, romantic getaway? This could change the ship that works best.  Click HERE to see how to find the right cruise line.

Plan your budget

Plan your budget, including the cost of the cruise, airfare, transfers, and excursions. Make sure you plan on incidentals and tips. Decide what aspects of your trip you don’t mind cutting back on and what aspects you are willing to splurge on.

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