Archives for December 19, 2023

Family Travel Essentials this Holiday Season

Keep Going First Aid Kit

Whether your adventures take you around the world or close to home, the handy, compact Keep Going First Aid Kit has all the essential first aid supplies you need. From burn relief to bandages, your family will be ready for anything! TSA approved, the lightweight kit is packaged in an organized, stylish water & stain-resistant case for at home or on-the-go. Created by a mom of four for parents, travel and adventure loving families, the Keep Going First Aid Kit is an essential for the entire family. Four kits are available, including the SuperKit (270 pieces), GoKit (130 pieces), NEW MiniKit (60 pieces) and KidsKit (44 pieces). A variety of stylish, trendy patterns and colors are available. The kits can be found on the website https://www.keepgoingfirstaid.com/ and on Amazon.com. I absolutely love this kit and keep one in my car all of the time!

Price: $14.99 (KidsKit) and up

Website: https://www.keepgoingfirstaid.com/

Alarmee Self-Defense Keychain

Introducing Alarmee, the rechargeable personal self-defense keychain alarm from 3DActive. The stylish personal alarm is sleek and small in size, but powerful and loud when pulled! Ideal for travelers, as well as anyone walking, hiking, jogging or taking their pet for a walk. Simply attach the Alarmee directly to your keys, waist, purse and more using the included carabiner. Simply pull the ring to emit a loud 130db siren and bright strobe light to attract attention. To deactivate the alarm, replace the ring. Made from premium quality, impact-resistant materials with an integrated internal structure, Alarmee is durable and made to last. Alarmee features a rechargeable Lithium ion battery and low battery warning so you can recharge in as little as 60 minutes. The alarm can run continuously for up to 70 minutes. A USB-C Charging Cable is included for fast charging. Learn more at www.3DActive.com. Available on Amazon.com, as well. 

Price: $23.99

Website: www.3DActive.com

Water Bottle Bands

Avoid water bottle mix-ups and back seat squabbles with the handy Water Bottle Bands from Mabel’s Labels! It’s easy to personalize and identify your child’s water bottles with reusable silicone name bands. Designed to stretch and fit snugly over most sized bottles, the bands are dishwasher and microwave-safe, so you won’t have to worry about them falling off! The Water Bottle Bands are also sterilizer-safe, BPA-free, durable and reusable. With font and design customization options, the bands are available in two sizes and six bright colors. Choose 2, 3 or 4 bands per package. In addition to the new Water Bottle Bands, Mabel’s Labels offers a vast collection of durable, waterproof labels & more that are ideal for getting your kids organized for daycare, school, camp or any other activity. Learn more at https://mabelslabels.com/.

Price: $15 and up

Website: https://mabelslabels.com/

Handzies Soap + Water Wipes

Get a ‘soap and water clean’ anytime, anywhere! Individually packaged and perfect for on-the-go, Handzies Soap + Water Wipes give you fresh, clean hands using only natural castile soap, water and essential oils. Say goodbye to harsh hand sanitizers, Handzies do not contain alcohol, BZK, triclosan, artificial perfumes or dyes. Gentle for use by the entire family! Ideal for keeping in your carry-on bag, laptop bag, purse or backpack while out and about with your family. 

Price: $7.99 and up

Website: http://handzies.com/

Baby Car Seat Mirror

Car rides with your baby feel like a breeze with KeaBabies Baby Car Seat Mirror. Whether a daily drive to run errands or an adventurous road trip, the mirror enables you to check on and stay connected with your baby while staying focused on the road. Drive with peace of mind while your baby is nestled safely and comfortably in their rear-facing car seat. The mirror is scratch-free, shatter-proof and crash-tested. Suitable for all car types. Available in two sizes.

Price: $21.96

Website: www.KeaBabies.com

New Swift Diaper Changing Mat

From the backseat, the park, a busy airport or rest stop to even the grandparents’ home, diaper changes become a breeze with the new Swift Diaper Changing Mat from KeaBabies! With an innovative one-hand design, you can simply whip out your Swift Diaper Changing Mat from your diaper bag and unfold it with one hand while holding your baby. Easy to clean, waterproof, portable and compact for quick diaper changes on-the-go! Available in 9 modern colors and designs, including Woods, Acacia, Rainbow, Clouds, Gray Mod, Black Geo, Navy Blue, Sweet Pink and Classic Gray. Learn more at www.KeaBabies.com.

Price: $13.96

Happy and safe travels this holiday season!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above products. Images were also provided.

Kandy, Dec. 22 Pet of the Week

awwwwww so sweet!

A little bit of Kandy goes a long way to make things sweet, not just for you but also for Kandy herself! Kandy, seen here in her cone of pride, is a 2-year-old Chihuahua who was found near Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier covered in a motor oil-like substance. Shelter vets found some damage on her eye. Wow, does she need a Christmas gift, like a real home with trusted people! This month, Long Beach Animal Care Services is offering a Naughty or Nice, Pick Your Own Price deal for adoptions. Shelter hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). You can email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process for adopting or fostering Linda. Ask for ID#A682262.
(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

More Holiday Gift Ideas

PLAYMOBIL Rainbow Castle in the Clouds

Climb up the rope ladder and join the princesses in the Rainbow Castle.  Find a seat on the rainbow merry go round or look out on the horizon through the telescope.  You and a friend can sit on the swing while enjoying some tasty treats.  Pegasus will roam close by.  Play with this set on its own or combine it with other PLAYMOBIL Rainbow Castle sets (71360-71364) for even more fun. The set includes two figures, Pegasus horse, castle with cloud platform, swing, ladder, telescope, serving cart with assorted food, merry go round plus other accessories. Recommended ages 4-10. This will surely be a hit this holiday!

Retailer: Playmobil.us    Retail Price: $99.99

Love this Bento box for lunches!

From meal prepping to baking, Dreamroo has that covered! I love the Bento box which is great for either children or adults! I like the quality and it’s the perfect size for lunch on the go! Available at dreamroo.comAmazon, HomeGoods.

BIPOC, Women-owned, Veteran-owned, eco-conscious brand Dreamroo creates practical and functional products to help keep up with the demands of modern life.

Groovy, Retro Inspired Clothes for Modern Kids.

Strawberry Jam Kids has a unique collection of groovy, retro-inspired clothes designed to let kids express their creativity and individuality while embracing the colorful and vibrant spirit of the past.

What Sets Strawberry Jam Kids Apart:

  • Authentic Retro Vibes: Our designs capture the essence of the ’60s and ’70s, featuring bold patterns, bright colors, and funky prints that were synonymous with these eras. Your kids will love grooving in our bell-bottom pants, graphic tees, and flower power dresses.
  • Quality and Comfort: We understand that kids need to move and play, so we prioritize comfort without compromising on style. The majority of our collection is made from quality cotton-spandex fabrics to ensure maximum comfort.
  • Mom Owned: Strawberry Jam Kids is owned by a Mom who understands what kids need from their clothes. Comfortable materials and fun designs to keep them confident and happy. I received an adorable toddler dress and it is so stylish!

About Strawberry Jam Kids: 
After having an Etsy shop for many years, founder, Caitlyn, launched Strawberry Jam Kids in 2020 and quickly grew a following of vintage-loving moms. Our pieces at Strawberry Jam Kids are designed by myself or with the help of print designers under my direction. We extensively research vintage children’s styles, silhouettes, prints and colors to create one of a kind styles inspired directly from the 60s and 70s. 
https://www.strawberryjamkids.com/

Say goodbye to unsafe and harmful children’s clothing fabric and hello to Bellabu Bear’s organically grown and chemical-free bamboo clothing. Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, Bellabu Bear has a mission to dress every child in a pajama that is safer and more comfortable for bedtime. They pass all the tests from having YKK zippers (choking proof zippers) and Oeko-Tex Certification with pinch-free and worry-free garments. Each design is hand drawn and an original work of art that through much effort becomes the beautiful prints you see displayed on our bamboo baby clothes. Gift your new mama-to-be with Bellabu Bear’s baby clothing and know she can go to bed at night worry-free! Price: $39. Available on Amazon and Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdales.

Available on Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, and more!

Through Leveret’s classic designs and high quality blend of cotton, this brand is able to rise to the occasion. With families and comfort at the forefront of their vision, they carefully craft their pajamas with high quality cotton fibers, making for lasting comfortability and breathability.

Kiddietotes Scooter Luggage 

This next one is just the coolest for kids and travel this holiday season! Kiddietotes Scooter Luggage is a must-have for kids and families taking a trip around the world or an upcoming road trip! These luggage pieces are TSA and IATA compliant and fit in overhead bins. The scooter deck folds up into the back of the luggage and can be pulled like traditional luggage with the handles extended. Kids will have so much fun riding this lightweight scooter luggage. The light-up LED wheels are smooth-rolling, and the luggage is made from waterproof plastic that won’t crack or lock up. In fun colors and styles like Robot, Space Boy, Unicorn and Race Car. 110-pound weight limit and recommended for children 4+. Available at https://kiddietotes.com/AmazonWalmart.com and Target.com.

Voice of the Vanishing

Voice of the Vanishing puts its money where its mouth is with sustainable activewear that directly saves endangered species.

It’s time to swap fast fashion for activewear with an environmental edge. Voice of the Vanishing is the clothing line that serves as a catalyst for ending wildlife extinction. Where designers combine on-trend, effortless looks with eco-friendly, high-quality materials made in the US and unique graphics, Voice of the Vanishing delivers on its mission daily to save near-extinct wildlife.

I love this comfy hoodie with an important message!

What is Ark 15? Ark 15 is a Voice of the Vanishing initiative that steers the brand’s resources to save 15 species found on the critically endangered species list. Critical endangerment classifies animals that will be completely wiped out in the next few years if nothing is done. So, Voice of the Vanishing is doing something by donating 51% of its profits to support the animals on its list. The money is donated to conservation organizations around the world to develop nature reserves, combat poaching, spread awareness, and more.

Ark 15 includes: Blue-Throated Macaw, Malayan Tiger, Black Rhino, Forest Elephant, Cross-River Gorilla, Brown Spider Monkey, Bornean Orangutan, Hawksbill Turtle, Kakapo, North Atlantic Right Whale, Northern White-Cheeked Gibbon, Panama Golden Frog, Philippines Eagle, Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth, and the Sunda Pangolin.

Through each purchase of Voice of the Vanishing’s sustainably sourced, ethically manufactured activewear apparel, customers support reputable organizations on the front lines of species preservation. Voice of the Vanishing specializes in women’s, men’s and vintage kids’ styles with all the staples, from tees to hoodies and accessories.

To shop Voice of the Vanishing, check out their online shop. For more information about Voice of the Vanishing, visit them online and follow on Instagram.

I love this pillow!

Give the gift of comfort, wellness and peace of mind this holiday season!

 A new standard of warmth, safety, energy efficiency and cost savings with Beurer’s Nordic Collection of heating pads, pillows and blankets that go under the mattress pad, thoughtfully engineered as well as the groundbreaking Menstrual Relief with Heat and TENS technology, a one-of-a-kind wearable, offering soothing warmth and targeted Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), providing relief during the menstrual cycle.

You can find more information and gifts at: https://www.shop-beurer.com/ and on Amazon, Walmart.com, and other national drug stores and independent retailers.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above items. Images were also provided.