Traveling with kids can be fun yet challenging. For this upcoming holiday weekend, we have compiled a list of apps and accessories that are helpful for parents and entertaining for kids.

Whether flying long distance or driving to grandma’s house, be sure to download and pack the items below:

Roadtrip Bingo

iOS + Android (free)

Roadtrip Bingo allows kids to check off things they spot while on a trip. Similar to the old licence plate spotting game, this app also includes options for airplane travel as well.

FamilyTime Dashboard

iOS + Android (free)

Kids have a tendency to wander off. Better to be safe than sorry, and download FamilyTime Dashboard. Prior to leaving the house, install the app on your mobile device and their phones or tablets. The app safely monitors your child’s location, as well as any Internet or smartphone activity.

GetBeen

iOS (free)

Rather than trusting on an unreliable restaurant reviews in unfamiliar cities, GetBeen to see your friend’s restaurant, hotel, and amusement kid-friendly suggestions on all of your travels! Using GetBeen you can explore what’s nearby, and discover what your friends recommend, and share your experiences. No more frantic Facebook statuses asking for restaurant recommendations in the middle of nowhere, with GetBeen you’d have your friends opinions at your fingertips.

TravelOn Hand Soap Sheets

$10.00

These pocket-sized biodegradable sheets are a must-have when traveling with children. Easier to carry than a bar of soap, these paper-thin soap sheets dissolve almost instantly in water, giving you a handful of cleansing suds anywhere. TSA compliant and biodegradable, the palm-size container holds 50 sheets.

I received samples of the TravelOn Hand Soap Sheets and I highly recommend! These are super easy to use and so small and compact that I love to keep them in my purse for on-the-go! 

http://www.travelonbags.com/toiletries/travel-sized/hand-soap-toiletry-sheets

Here WeGo

iOS + Android (free)

Toddlers can be the most impatient road trip buddies ever. Avoid hearing the common phrase “are we there yet” by downloading Here WeGo. Rather than wasting all your data getting directions to your travel destination, this app provides detailed turn-by-turn directions for over 100 different countries that you can download and access offline, making it a great app to help avoid data fees. Here WeGo also offers directions for various forms of transportation, including car, bike or public transportation and updates prices, traffic conditions, where to park, for any drive.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the TravelOn Hand Soap Sheets to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.  Photo was also provided.

Looking for a different type of DIY project? Something that is unique?

Distressed, antiqued furniture is often pricy and requires a long, stressful search for the right piece. But, now you can create your own antiqued look at a much cheaper price! Real Milk Paint Company has a non-toxic, environmentally friendly DIY solution.  I received some of their paint in a dark pink and blue shade and also some Real Milk Paint Natural Crackle. My husband made some shelves for my one of our rooms and used this paint. It is easy to use and gave the shelves an aged look in a very little amount of time!

For those who want to crackle a current piece of furniture, antique or flea market find, Dwayne Siever, founder of Real Milk Paint Company, has created a quick step by step video, which can be viewed here.

More info:

The Real Milk Paint Company provides environmentally friendly, non-toxic waxes, finishing products, mixing ingredients, creams and pastes, oils, and milk-based paints. All of its products are suitable for interior or exterior use, contain no VOCs and give off no odor during or after application.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples from The Real Milk Paint Company to facilitate this post. Top photos were provided. Bottom photos: SoCal City Kids.

Looking for creative Valentine’s Day cards for your children to give out this Valentine’s Day?

I have to say that my favorite are the Cookies & Cream Scratch & Sniff Valentines from Peaceable Kingdom! They are actually chocolate scented and there are the cutest designs! There are Cookies, Cupcakes and Ice cream cones! There are 28 Chocolate Scented Valentine Cards and 28 envelopes.  The greetings are fun such as “Hope your Valentine’s Day is dipped in fun!” And, did I say they really smell like Chocolate?! Now, how cool is that?!  They cost $12.99 and can be bought here.

I also like the Scratch & Sniff Pencil Topper Valentines!

These are just too cute! I also like that they are a great choice for classes! They smell just like Grape & Strawberry and go great on a pencil! This set also includes 28 Scented Pencil-Topper Cards and 28 envelopes. You can buy these here for $12.99.

Find these and many more at Peaceable Kingdom!  They can also be found at Amazon, Whole Foods, Paper Source, local toy shop.

Self Disclosure: I received free sample products to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. Photos were provided.

I love these products from Fruit of the Loom!

Fruit of the Loom Jogger:

• Sizes: S-2XL
• MSRP: $6.94-$8.94
• Retailer Availability: Walmart, Walmart.com
• Colors: Indigo Ink Heather, Loam Heather, Blue My Mind Heather, Burgundy Merlot, Steel Gray Heather, Charcoal Heather, Black.

I like these sweats because they are comfy and warm..just perfect for the Winter!  I also like the quality and my husband was impressed too! 

Fruit of the Loom Breathable Underwear.

• Micro Mesh ventilated fabric to keep you dry and cool. Double needle stitching for a stay in place fit.
• MSRP:

o   Women: $9.99 per pack

o   Men: $12.46 – $14.49 per pack

• Styles:

o   Women: Bikinis, Hipsters, Boy Shorts, Low Rise, and more!

o   Men: Brief, Boxer Brief, Short Leg Boxer Brief

• Retailers:

o   Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl’s.

Look for them at a store near you this Winter!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. 

Are you looking for a high-quality diaper bag?  The  CiPU Diaper Bag is stylish, roomy and great for travels with your baby. I like that it is a good size and fits all the necessities and is perfect for weekend travels. I received one in a blue color (see the photo above) and I just love it! I do not have a little one so I gave this as a gift to a friend who has a one-year-old. She also loves it and she happily replaced her prior diaper bag. This diaper bag would also make a wonderful gift!

You can purchase on Amazon.com.

Check out the website too!

Looking for a more natural, healthier way to clean this New Year! pHur Organic Disinfecting Water and Cleaner is a Must-Try!

Water + Salt + Science became pHur’s magic formula. And thanks to painstaking, multi-year testing, it was registered as a proven disinfectant with the EPA on both Federal and State levels.

It is already making a difference in the Healthcare industry, replacing multiple toxic products used in hospitals with our alkaline cleaning water and natural disinfecting water. But, now you an also use it in your home!

Starting in California, pHur™ Cleaning and Disinfecting Water can be shipped to doorsteps every 30 days, and in select counties, a certified pHur technician can electrostatically disinfect entire households. Both options give consumers the option to live naturally and live clean.

I received samples to try and I like how well it cleans and disinfects! I also feel better about using it around my pets and my son. I am not big on chemicals in cleaners so I am quite thrilled with this product!

Find out more here!  There is an economical system kit available  ($30.95) and  fresh monthly refills is available for $19.95/month.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photos and additional info was also provided.