US Japan Fam

Virtual Summer Camp with The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater

4/6/2021

US Japan Fam - The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater Virtual Summer Camps

Sponsored by The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater

Looking to provide your child with an amazing and engaging summer camp experience, that will nurture their imaginary play and creative confidence through theatrical play, from the safety of your own home!? Then you are going to want to check out In-Home Summer Camp with The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater, one of the best virtual summer camps around, geared toward children ages 4 - 8 years old!! (And they're giving away 1 week of camp in our huge $1,000 value jackpot Spring into Summer Giveaway, enter to win at the bottom of this post!)

Learn more about the program in The Rabbit Hole's video (below left) and mine (below right), then read on for more details and enter to win a week!)

Each week will have students visiting a different land in Rabbit Hole Queendom, and a corresponding Theater-in-a-Box kit is mailed to each camper with everything needed to bring a magical show to life at home! Students will attend live classes virtually from home with Rabbit Hole teachers and enjoy character meet and greets, theatrical play, puppet shows, art activities, and audio tales!

usjapanfam - the rabbit hole children's theater virtual summer camps - theater in a box

This LIVE theater camp is scheduled during two different time zones: from 9AM - 3PM in both EST and PST. For just $350 per week, students receive the Theater in a Box kit, live classes, puppet shows and one of a kind character meet and greets!

Here's an example daily schedule:

9:30 – Dress up and color
10:00 – Interactive Live Class
11:00 – Set Design Project
11:30 – Pre-recorded Puppet Show
12:00 – Lunchtime while enjoying our storytimes
12:30 – Break
1:00 – Afternoon Live Class
2:00 – Costume and Prop Design
2:40 – Set up and Practice show
3:00 – Done for the day!

US Japan Fam - The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater Virtual Summer Camps - The Rabbit Hole Queendom

Weekly Themes, with students visiting a different land in Rabbit Hole Queendom each week:

Dreamland: May 31 - June 4, 2021
Frost Fairy Peaks: June 7 - 11, 2021
Dessert Islands: June 14 - 18, 2021
Warrior Princess Forest: June 21 - 25, 2021
The Magic Clock Shop: June 28 - July 2, 2021
Mermaid Lagoon: July 5 - 9, 2021
Ice Cream Castle: July 12 - 16, 2021
The Magic Garden: July 19 - 23, 2021
Dreamland: July 26 - 30, 2021
Warrior Princess Forest: August 2 - 6, 2021
Ice Cream Castle: August 9 - 13, 2021
Dreamland: August 16 - 20, 2021
The Magic Clock Shop: August 23 - 27, 2021

usjapanfam - the rabbit hole children's theater virtual summer camps for kids

Students who need a more flexible schedule can opt out of the live elements but receive all the rest, including the theater in a box kit and pre-recorded classes. This "Theater Camp To-Go" option is just $200 per week and you can select any theme you want!

Amazing camp, am I right?! Don't forget, you can win a week of virtual camp in our giveaway here, running through April 7!!
ENTER TO WIN HERE!!

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Sunglasses for the Whole Family!

4/5/2021

9 Comments

US Japan Fam reviews Sunglasses from DiscountGlasses.com

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by DiscountGlasses.com but all thoughts and opinions are my own, honest and unbiased! Affiliate links are contained below - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Sunglasses are most certainly not a summer-only thing - kids and adults alike need to be sure to shade-up and protect their eyes year round! But with spring and warmer sunnier weather on the horizon, who couldn't use some new sunnies to liven things up, am I right?

Thankfully, DiscountGlasses.com lets you do so guilt-free because they're budget-friendly and allow you to shop and order online without leaving the comfort and safety of your home! AND they have a $100 credit in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway - link at bottom of this post!!

I just got the below Westend Lewis Center for my husband and Picklez Ziggy for my son cuz I thought they'd be so cute daddy-and-me in their silver frames with blue mirror lenses!! And they are! In fact so cute I have to occasionally to "borrow" them to enjoy some mommy-and-me fashion LOL! So, you tell me, who is wearing them best??? The Westend fits us both really well, I love how gender neutral they are!! Both of these sunglasses have some different color options too, for the frame and lenses!

US Japan Fam reviews mommy-and-me / daddy-and-me sunglasses from DiscountGlasses.com

This is my second year as an Ambassador for DiscountGlasses.com. I honestly love them, I actually started out as a regular customer and couldn't be more proud to be working with them to promote their amazing products! Such a fabulous selection of sunglasses (prescriptive and non) and prescription glasses and for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults - and they've adapted through the pandemic to even offer a free online vision test so you can update your prescription from home!!

They also have free shipping, 365 day free returns, virtual try on for most frames, and great lens upgrade options for how thin and lightweight they are, blue light reflective, transitions, progressive, anti-reflective, and sun tint! I mean, awesome right!?

Check out this crazy collection of kids and adults sunlgasses we have collected from them over the years - basically one for every day of the week LOL! And of course I have a collection of regular prescription glasses that are just as fun!!

The key is finding a great provider like DIscountGlasses.com where you can find tons of great glasses for a super affordable price, so there's no guilt in having several (or half a dozen??) frames, am I right!?

US Japan Fam reviews DiscountGlasses - my collection of sunglasses!

And now,
enter to win $100 credit from DiscountGlasses
in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway running through April 7, 2021!!

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mifold Booster Seat Review: Original vs. Comfort

4/2/2021

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US Japan Fam reviews mifold compact booster seat

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by mifold but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not a certified car seat expert, pediatrician, or any sort of professional - I'm just a mom, making the best choices I can for my own family and sharing things I love with others! Please do your own research and use your best judgement about the best car seat or booster for your own children :)

You can usually find an Uber with a single carseat, but for families with more children, sorry, you're out of luck. But... you're not out of luck if you have mifold booster seats!! They're so compact, you can throw a few in your suitcase during a flight, stow some in your backpack while traveling, keep them in your stroller's undercarriage, have your child keep one in their backpack so they're ready to be picked up by your sitter or grandparent after school, and keep a spare in your trunk for when you have carpool duty!

Watch my video below for a full demo, notes about the differences between their Original and Comfort designs, and some safety notes. Then read on for more details, and enter to WIN one in my $1,000 value jackpot Spring into Summer Giveaway (ending April 7, 2021) at the bottom of this post!!

10 times smaller than traditional booster seats, mifold is our family's LITTLE secret to traveling with kids, and I'm sure they will also come in handy next year when our kids are back to school and carpooling to activities! Below you can see the original mifold (in yellow) and the new mifold comfort design (in purple). Let me go over a few key features and what sets them apart!

ORIGINAL: has grippies on the seat, and the shoulder belt path snaps open and shut over the seat belt. Because it folds tighter, it stores a bit more compactly when stacking several of them together.
COMFORT: newer design with a few upgrades - thicker padding for child i.e. more comfy, but doesn't fold quite as compact. Doesn't have grippies on the seat but has a few on the underneath to help it grip the seat of the car better. Also has a VERY HELPFUL visual guide on the shoulder strap for how to properly install it, which is great if you're not using it often and need a reminder, or if sending it with child to school where someone else may need to install it. The shoulder belt path does not open and shut, you simply slide the belt in there, just like you do with the lap belt guides.
BOTH: are extremely compact and lightweight, have the same requirements for age (min 4 years old), height (40 - 59") and weight (40 - 100 pounds), and have adjustable width for the lap belt path and height for the should strap path.

US Japan Fam reviews mifold compact booster seat - original vs. comfort designs

Below you can see the visual guide that is on the new mifold comfort seats - this is probably my favorite change to the design!! On the bottom right, you can see the little slides used to adjust the width of the seat - super easy to use before or after the child is sitting on it!

Below you can see our kids in their regular car seats on the left (high back booster for our 8 year old, and our 5 year old twins still in their 5-point harness convertible car seats) compared to sitting 3 across in their mifold boosters on the right. mifold allows you to fit 3 across more easily into more types of vehicles (see safety note below).

US Japan Fam reviews mifold compact booster seat - sitting 3 across

SAFETY NOTES:

While we love mifold for being so compact, lightweight, portable, and budget-friendly there are a few safety points you need to keep in mind:

Be sure to check with car manual or directly with manufacturer, as every car has specific guidelines about whether or not you can install 3 car seats in a row, have 3 passengers of any sort in a row, if the middle seat may have issues with being on a hump or being too narrow - this goes for regular car seats, traditional boosters, and mifold. Car Seats for The Littles is a great resource, as well.
As per mifold's CEO, the lap belt should lay across the upper part of your child's thighs right at or below hip bones. Across the tummy is too high, across mid thigh is too low. The red clip of the shoulder strap should be about 1 inch above your child's shoulder, so the strap hits them between the neck and shoulder.
In any backless booster seat, including mifold, your child must be able to sit still and stay in proper positioning, which is hard for the younger crew especially. If they slouch, wiggle, scoot forward or to the sides, lean, take off the shoulder strap etc, it can become dangerous. As mentioned in the video, my son didn't do well in the mifold when he was younger, but now at 8 he's fine. One of our 5 year old twins didn't do well staying in position so I'm not comfortable with her using the mifold yet, but her sister did great. It's very individual - so make sure your children understand the importance of sitting properly, and then monitor to make sure they stay in position.
Triple check the installation guides regarding how to install the mifold on flat vs. contoured seats, how wide to adjust the lap belt guides, and exactly where the shoulder belt and lap belt should fall on your child.

US Japan Fam reviews mifold compact booster seat - traditional car seats and boosters compared to mifold

If used carefully and properly, mifold can be an amazing option for many families - for travel, carpool, or even regular use. Don't forget, you can enter to win a mifold booster seat in our $1,000 value jackpot giveaway running through April 7, 2021!!
Enter to win here!!

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What You Should Keep in Mind When Moving to New York City

4/1/2021

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What You Should Keep in Mind When Moving to New York City - usjapanfam x oz moving & storage

Guest post, sponsored by Oz Moving & Storage

As the East Coast’s crown jewel, New York City attracts millions of tourists and permanent residents a year. Those who’ve visited or moved there say that its pull is almost irresistible. Once you experience the fast-paced life, the art scene, and the diversity of NYC, you can never go back. New York always stays there, at the back of your mind.

Has The Big Apple enchanted you as well? In that case, you’re probably already thinking of trying your luck in the most exciting city in the world. Before you do that, though, it might be wise to learn what this move would entail. We’ve asked NYC movers, Oz Moving, to give us some insight, and here is what they said:

1. You’ll Probably Need a Roommate

New York City isn’t cheap — in fact, it’s one of the ten most expensive cities in the world. Even if we just count groceries, utility bills, and rent, you’d still need over $2,000 a month to cover it all. Add to that entertainment, hobbies, and nightlife expenses, and that number grows to at least $3,000!

Of course, these estimates are only true for more affordable areas of NYC. If you want to live in Manhattan, for instance, you’ll need a far bigger budget. So make sure to choose your location wisely!

And even if you do settle for a more affordable neighborhood (like my personal favorite, Bay Ridge), singles and couples without kids will do well to find a roommate. Even families with a legal basement or bedroom to spare will find it worthwhile considering renting out their extra space! Splitting the rent cost with someone will bring a huge relief to your budget and open up many opportunities. You’ll no longer need to sit holed up at home, trying to save money. Finally, you’ll have enough to explore the many things the city has to offer!

And do you know what the best part is? It’s incredibly easy to find a roommate in NYC. Everyone’s in the same boat, so all you need to do is look up some roommate offers and choose the one you like. Alternatively, you can post that you’re looking for a roommate on one of these sites, and you’re sure to start receiving calls in no time.

What You Should Keep in Mind When Moving to New York City - usjapanfam x oz moving & storage - get a roommate

2. You May Have to Pay a Broker’s Fee

Finding a good place to rent is extremely difficult in NYC. After all, you’re competing with thousands of other people, and the best apartments find tenants in a matter of hours. Even once you do come across something you like and within your budget, you might discover that you have to pay a broker’s fee. That usually comes as a surprise, as it’s not nearly as common in other cities.

So, what exactly is a broker’s fee? Well, landlords often hire brokers to post their listings online and connect them with potential tenants. Naturally, brokers don’t do that for free — they always charge a certain fee for their services. This fee usually amounts to around 12–15 percent of a year’s rent. And instead of paying themselves, landlords often put that responsibility on the new tenants.

Now, the broker’s fee is quite controversial, and we’re sure you can see why. That’s why it was almost banned last year — at least for brokers that you haven’t hired. However, this ban was temporarily blocked, so many landlords still ask their tenants to pay the fee. All that might change in a few months, but for now, don’t be surprised if you encounter it.

Of course, you can also find no-fee apartments and avoid this issue altogether. But the competition for those is fierce, so you have to be really quick.

What You Should Keep in Mind When Moving to New York City - usjapanfam x oz moving & storage - broker fees

3. Be Ready to Leave Some Belongings Behind

Although expensive, apartments in NYC are typically quite small. You won’t have the same kind of space as you did in your house in the suburbs or countryside. That may be unpleasant at first, but you’ll quickly get used to it. However, you might not have such an easy time leaving your belongings behind.

Whether you like it or not, though, you’ll have to get rid of some things. Give some to your family and friends, donate or sell others, and throw out those that can’t find a new home. Keep only the essentials and items that hold the most value to you. And don’t worry — you’ll quickly acquire new belongings as you live your new life in NYC.

What You Should Keep in Mind When Moving to New York City - usjapanfam x oz moving & storage - tiny home living

4. Having a Car Might Be a Hassle

Normally, it’s better to have your own car in a big city — how else would you explore all it has to offer? But driving in NYC often turns into quite a hassle, so up to 56% of New Yorkers don’t own a car. Instead, they use the highly efficient bus and subway system to get around. There's also walking, several ferries, Citi Bike, and of course taxi / Uber / Lyft etc!

So, why are cars such an issue in New York? The main reason is, of course, the lack of parking space. When you go somewhere by car, keep in mind that you’ll need at least 30 minutes to find a parking spot. And once you do, it’s likely to be expensive. Street parking when you return home can take half an hour to find as well, or if you rent a spot, it can cost hundreds of dollars a month. Simply put, public transport is a much better investment!

What You Should Keep in Mind When Moving to New York City - usjapanfam x oz moving & storage - don't bring your car

In Conclusion

Moving to a big city like New York can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never lived in a place like that. Still, we can confidently say that it’s worth the initial struggle. In New York, you’ll encounter possibilities and opportunities that you would never have found anywhere else. So take a leap of faith and move to NYC as soon as you can! For those moving here with a family, I think you'll find this page helpful!

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Mabel's Labels Spring Haul for Kids + Garden

3/29/2021

5 Comments

US Japan Fam reviews Mabel's Labels washable customizable labels for home + garden

Disclaimer: Sponsored by Mabel's Labels but all our thoughts and opinions are our own and 100% unbiased :) Affiliate links included below - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Whether your kids are in day care, in school, going off to camp, or you just like to label everything in your home from water bottles and phone cases to garbage cans and scooters, Mabel's Labels has got your back with customizable water-safe labels in gazillions of sizes, shapes, and designs!

Check out my unboxing and review video (below left video; the other video is our previous Mabel's Label review), read on for more details about the fun labeling haul we just got, and don't forget to enter to win $50 credit to Mabel's Labels in our $1,000 value jackpot giveaway (at the bottom of this post)!

Plant + Garden Markers

We're excited to be in a house finally after leaving our NYC co-op for the country this past summer. When I saw Mabel's Labels had an adorable plant + garden marker set, I decided I had to get it and I had to make a little herb and vegetable garden with my kids!!

This set includes 15 wooden sticks and pre-printed labels for peppers, garlic, lettuce, carrots, onions, cucumber, tomatoes, peas, basil, parsley, rosemary, dill, mint, chives, and thyme! With cute images so even your toddlers and pre-readers can understand them! We haven't used them yet, so can't attest to how well they hold up but the website says they're waterproof and durable, so you should be able to clean, store, and re-use each year!

It's not quite warm enough to get started, but we have the markers and a few bags of various seeds and are ready as soon as hard frosts finish! I'd love to hear any first-timer gardening tips you may have in a comment below!!

Buy your Plant + Garden Markers here (affiliate link)

US Japan Fam reviews Mabel's Labels - Plant + Garden Markers

Round Glitter Labels:

Who doesn't love glitter, especially glitter that doesn't come off and make a hot mess!? These labels are so fun, when the light hits right it's sparkle city!! These are waterproof, dishwasher & microwave safe, durable, and you can customize these with first and last name, 8 fonts, 10 colors, and 49 adorable design characters like butterfly or baseball (or go without a character as I did).

Customize your Round Glitter Labels here (affiliate link)

US Japan Fam reviews Mabel's Labels washable customizable round glitter labels

Heart Shape Name Labels:

Hearts aren't just for Valentine's Day, they're a year-round shape in our house and I'm simply in LOVE with these labels, as are my twin girls, who will be labeling the heck out of their school supplies come September (we just registered them for Kindergarten, eeeeek!!).

These labels are waterproof, dishwasher-safe, durable, and you can customize with first and last name, 8 fonts, and your choice of 8 solid colors and 8 multicolor designs.

Customize your Heart Shape Name Labels here (affiliate link)

US Japan Fam reviews Mabel's Labels washable customizable heart shape name labels

Such great stuff, am I right!? You simply can't go wrong with Mabel's Labels! We've been using them on our kids' water bottles for years now and they seriously live up to the claim that they're "durable and dishwasher safe" - we've never had one peel off!! So, head over to customize your own labels, and don't forget you can...

Enter to win $50 credit from Mabel's Labels (among a TON of other great stuff) in our $1,000 value jackpot Spring into Summer Giveaway for families, ending April 7, 2021!!

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The Best Children's Shoes this Spring & Summer!

3/28/2021

9 Comments

US Japan Fam reviews pediped childrens spring and summer shoes

Disclaimer: we received these shoes in exchange for our review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased! There are affiliate links below, you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Kids grow like weeds, it is a fact. But you simply cannot scrimp when it comes to children's shoes. When you find a brand that protects those precious tootsies, nurtures their development, comes in tons of styles and colors, and is still in great shape for hand-me-downs, you stick with it. I've found this in pediped shoes, and if you've tried them, I'm pretty sure you've been sticking with them as well! Keep reading for our review of a few new pairs we just got and enter to win a pair of pediped shoes in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway at the end of this post!!

When I say pediped is great for your kids' feet, you don't have to take my word for it. They have actually been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development! Most of their shoes have an incredibly flexible sole and vegan, many are water-safe or machine washable, and they come in sizes from baby's crib shoe through 6Y (about 10 years old). One thing I love is that they have several color options in each design, which is GREAT for moms like me who kind of obsess over coordinating her twins' outfits LOL!

US Japan Fam reviews pediped Flex Sahara summer water-safe sandals

The first pair we're going to review are the pediped Flex Sahara sandals, which are water-safe with quick-dry EVA footbeds, are machine-washable, vegan and eco-friendly (made without any solvents during the manufacturing process i.e. less carbon dioxide emission and less use of water and energy!).

We actually love these as summer shoes SO much, this is our 2nd round with them - click here for the most adorable flashback of our 2017 review of these shoes for our 3 kids, in different colors! This year, our girls chose the Berry (kind of a magenta) and Ocean (beautiful bright blue). The soles are super flexible but also grippy - great for your little runners, scooterers, and splash pad adventurers!

Shop here in TEN color options, in sizes 20 (US 5) - 33 (US Y1.5-2)

My girls threw me a curveball with their next order. They didn't choose the same design! They're not matching or coordinating and my heart broke a little, but the shoes they chose are so darn cute I just couldn't argue!

US Japan Fam reviews pediped Flex Dani Blossom & Flex Estella Silver girls shoes

Mia, on the left, is wearing the pediped Flex Estella Silver, and Emi is in the Flex Dani Blossom sneakers. Both of these are a bit stiffer than the Sahara sandals, but as you can see below they are still pretty flexible. Both of these also feature a simple velcro strap, no frustrations with laces to worry about!

Mia is loving the glitter and bows on her shoes, and I am, too! These Flex Estella shoes are vegan, come in 2 colors (silver or pink) in sizes 22 - 36 with a canvas upper, breathable canvas lining, and a rubber sole.

US Japan Fam reviews pediped Flex Estella Silver girls shoes

Emi got the Flex Dani Blossom sneakers which come in 6 colors in sizes 22 - 36, are vegan, machine-washable, with a mesh upper and flexible rubber sole. She's been running around in them non-stop and also balancing on her tippy tip toes "like a ballerina" ha!

Both the Dani and Estella shoes feature pediped's unique "Flex Fit System" (see above right image) which provides you with a 2mm insert that allows you to customize the shoe's fit a bit, basically allowing you to buy half a size bigger and get a bit more time out of the shoes! Insert for a snugger fit, then take out and use the original insole when the feet have grown a bit!

SUPER CUTE, comfy, great quality shoes - am I right!? And now it's your chance to...

WIN A PAIR!!!!!

Enter to win my Spring into Summer $1,000 value jackpot giveaway here, running through April 7!!

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Black+Decker Steam N' Vac Review

3/25/2021

13 Comments

US Japan Fam reviews Black+Decker Steam N' Vac 2-in-1 steam mop & vacuum

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included below - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

We're all juggling a million things at once - the house, the kids, a job, our sanity! A good life hack here and there can save you lots of time and energy, and I've got a pretty major one for you. Are you ready for this!?

With the Black+Decker Steam N' Vac, you can steam mop and vacuum AT THE SAME TIME!!! That's right!!! Let the steam mop scrub and sanitize your floors while the vacuum picks up all the crumbs and dust bunnies. 2 birds 1 stone! Huge time saver and game changer - I couldn't love mine more!!

Watch my unboxing and demo of the Black+Decker Steam Mop & Vacuum combo, read below for more details, then enter to win one in my $1000 value jackpot giveaway at the bottom of this post!!

Here's a break down of the 2-in-1 Black+Decker Steam N' Vac's features and why I'm loving it:

usjapanfam reviews black+decker steam mp + vacuum - in use

STEAM MOP:

The steam kills up to 99% of germs without chemicals! That's right - just fill the tank with water and you're sanitizing - talk about great green cleaning products!!
2 settings: "ECO Steam" and "MAX Steam", used alone or at the same time as the vacuum! Huge time saver!
The 1,000-watt steam boiler takes less than 30 seconds for water to heat up and be ready to steam.
With a full water tank (0.38L), you can steam about 15-20 minutes.
Step release to pull the mop head off, pull off to wash (easy peasy, it's elastic on the edges), dry, ready to re-use!
Safe on any sealed hard surfaces around the home, including sealed hardwood, tile, stone, grout, wood, laminate, vinyl and granite. They do recommend testing a spot first, just to be safe, especially on hardwood.
When using steam alone, it's quiet, kinda sounds like an iron to me, and it didn't leave the floors super wet, just glistening, and clean!!

VACUUM:

This 500-watt vacuum works on hard surfaces and has a carpet attachment as well, just don't use the steam mop on the carpet - it's not a carpet cleaner.
Large capacity (1.2L) stainless steel washable dust bin is very easy to release, empty, and re-insert. That's right - it's bagless, meaning less waste and eco-friendly!
Includes a washable HEPA filter above the dust bin!!
It weighs just 10 pounds, has a 11.5" wide cleaning path, and has a 16' long cord, meaning unlimited run time!
Comes with a 3 year limited manufacturer's guarantee

Buy yours at Walmart or Bed Bath & Beyond.

Enter to win one in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway, ending 4/7/2021!

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Spring into Summer Giveaway for Families

3/24/2021

71 Comments

We've done it! We've made it through a full year of lockdowns and pandemic pandemonium. It's not over, yet, but can we just take a moment to appreciate everything you've done to take care of yourselves and your families through all of this!? Well freaking done!!! You deserve a treat, parents, and I've got one for you in the form of another HUGE and fa-bu-lous group giveaway!!! Read on for more about the participating brands and $1,000 worth of prizes for kids and adults in the jackpot that will go to 1 lucky winner (US resident over 18)! Enter to win in the Rafflecopter app at the bottom!!

DISCLAIMER: Sponsored by participating brands but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Affiliate links included below - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

At-Home Summer Camp with
The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater

You may not be able to or be comfortable sending your children to in-person summer camps this year, but no worries, The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater in San Francisco has developed an AH-MAY-ZING, super creative, and incredibly engaging LIVE theater camp experience, heading into its second year!

Each week will have students visiting a different land in Rabbit Hole Queendom, and a corresponding Theater-in-a-Box kit is mailed to each camper with everything needed to bring a magical show to life at home! Students will attend live classes virtually from home with Rabbit Hole teachers and enjoy character meet and greets, theatrical play, puppet shows, art activities, and audio tales! Nurturing imaginary play and building creative confidence, camp is offered from 9AM - 3PM in two time zones (PST & EST), and will have your child creating and performing their own play!

PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive 1 week of The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater's virtual camp, valued at $350 (winner chooses which week to attend). Alternatively, you may choose their Theater Camps To-Go option (all the magic without the live components), valued at $200.
BUY: at therabbitholesf.com

Black+Decker 2-in-1 Steam Mop + Vacuum Combo

When you're a parent, you have to learn to multitask, and you need products that can multitask, as well! This 2-in-1 Steam Mop and Vacuum by Black+Decker does just that! You can steam mop your sealed surface floors (removing built-up dirt and killing 99% of germs with no chemicals - just water!!), vacuum (includes a large dust bin with a washable HEPA filter), or do BOTH AT THE SAME TIME!!! It blew me away, quite literally!! Check out my full blog review here (unboxing & demo video is below)!! Better yet, save yourself time and just go ahead and buy one at Walmart or Bed Bath and Beyond!!

PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive one Black+Decker Steam N'Vac Steam Mop + Vacuum Combo, valued at $230!!!
BUY: at Walmart or Bed Bath and Beyond!!

$100 Credit from DiscountGlasses.com

Whether looking for sunglasses (with or without prescription) or regular glasses, DiscountGlasses.com has an amazing selection of styles for toddlers through adults, at great prices!! Their "20 for $20" monthly picks are a steal, a fun and budget-friendly way to spice up your eyewear collection regularly!

If you're nervous about ordering glasses online, don't be! They have free shipping, 365 day free returns, virtual try on for most frames, and you can even renew your prescription with their free online vision test!

Check out my latest review of some super cute "mommy and me" / "daddy and me" sunglasses we just got, read an older review of mine here, and watch Mia's adorable "first glasses" unboxing below (we originally ordered her the famously toddler-friendly Miraflex on DiscountGlasses.com but have since realized DG has their own brand, Picklez, with a kids' hinge-free line that is MUCH cheaper and equally amazing)!!

PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive a $100 credit to DiscountGlasses.com
BUY: on DiscountGlasses.com (affiliate link)

Beleev Skateboard or Scooter

Your whole family can be rolling around in style together this spring and summer with Beleev, producing a great lineup of skateboards and scooters!!

Their 3-wheel scooters are good for ages 3 - 10 years (up to 110 pounds), with a handlebar height of 26"-34" and flashing LED light up wheels! Next up we have their 2-wheel kids scooters for ages 4 - 12 years (up to 141 pounds), which folds, has a handlebar height range of 30-34", and features LED lighting wheels. Then we have their 2-wheel scooter for teens and adults, recommended for ages 8+ and up to 220 pounds, which folds, has a kickstand and a handlebar height of 31"-41". They also have 27" & 31" long classic maple skateboards with really great designs to choose from, and 22" long cruiser skateboards with light up LED wheels. Skateboards hold up to 220 pounds.

PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will win their choice of scooter or skateboard, a $70 value.
BUY: on beleev.com

pediped Children's Shoes

Whether running around at school or your own backyard, your children deserve to be in pediped, high quality fashionable shoes that have been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development! With everything from water-safe sandals to washable sneakers to cute and cozy boots, pediped will take your little one from baby's first crib shoe to size 6Y (about 10 years old).

See our latest review of pediped summer water-safe sandals and 2 other cute pairs of shoes here, and don't miss our 2020 review of pediped sneakers and Mary Janes here!

PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive one pair of children's shoes - their choice of size and gender (design choices vary by availability).
BUY: on pediped.com and Amazon (affiliate link)

FREE TRIAL of Homer Essential Learning for Ages 2-8

mifold Comfort Compact Backless Booster

Whether you need to squeeze 3 kids across in the car, need to send a booster with your child to school (this will easily fit in their backpack!), have some taxi travel ahead, or you just want to be totally prepared for carpool duty (this will fit in your glove compartment), mifold has you covered. Their itty bitty booster seat brings the seat belt down to the child rather than boosting them up. In fact, it's the worlds most compact carseat booster, 10x more compact than traditional boosters, but just as safe.

Designed for kids ages 4 and up (40 - 100 pounds, 40 - 59" tall), mifold meets or exceeds NHTSA standard FMVSS 213 in the USA and is regulated for use in every country except Australia.

Check out our review of the new mifold comfort vs. original mifold, and see our kids using them 3-across in our car! Super excited to test out this new design, which features a more comfortable cushioned seat and anti slip pads underneath!

mifold has another incredibly revolutionary product you're not going to want to miss: hifold, the world's most adjustable high back booster seat! Check it out here!!

PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive their latest model, the mifold comfort booster, in their choice of color, a $40 value.
BUY: on mifold.com and Amazon (affiliate link)

YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Honey Skin Soothing Cream

The healthiest and most effective skin cream in the world? Hands down, YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Honey Skin Soothing Cream. Made with only 6 ingredients, all of them 100% natural, this creamy soothing buttery balm is dermatologist tested and approved, rated 1 (best) on EWG Skin Deep database and safe for babies through adults!

Featuring active 16+ Manuka honey and Manuka oil, which is potent in battling bacteria and fungus! There are zero added preservatives or fragrances, it's nut-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, and not gamma radiation treated. Whether you suffer from eczema, psoriasis, sun burn, dry and sensitive skin, razor burn, rosacea, diaper rash, you name it - you need this in your life!

PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive a 2oz tub of YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream, a $25 value.

BUY: You can purchase the 2oz and 4oz on yoronaturals.com, eczemacompany.com and Amazon (affiliate link). You can also browse their amazing line of healing Remedywear™, featuring soothing fabric made of TENCEL™ and anti-bacterial zinc, including the most comfortable face masks for kids and adults!!

$50 Credit from Mabel's Labels

Whether you have a baby or a big kid, Mabel's Labels has what you need to make sure everything is labeled beautifully - from clothes and bags to shoes and bottles! Heck, you can even label your grownup gear!! Mabel's Labels products are super durable, waterproof, and customizable with names, fonts, and cute designs!

Check out our latest Mabel's Labels haul, including Plant & Garden Markers, as well as some adorable heart and glitter labels!! You can also see one of our previous reviews here, including their silicone ID bracelets, Little Kid School Combo label set (with shoe inserts to help little kids know left from right!), silicone bottle bands, and emergency contact labels!

PRIZE: our grand prize winner will receive a $50 credit to customize and order the labeling products they need most!!
BUY: on mabelslabels.com (affiliate link)

Little GF Chefs Unicorn Donuts Kit

Little GF Chefs' seriously unique monthly baking kits are designed to build confidence, educate, and empower kids! Created by a mom raising children with celiac disease and food allergies, all kits are gluten-free, free from the top 8 most common allergens, contain no artificial dyes, and yet are seriously delicious and creative! Each month's kit is shipped out including dry ingredients, decorating supplies, and a baking tool for a fun new recipe!

PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive the April 2021 kit to make Unicorn Donuts, a $40 value that includes a silicone donut pan!

BUY: one time baking kits and subscription plans available at littlegfchefs.com!

Squeasy Gear Silicone Food Pouch

Say hello to the world's best food pouch! Squeasy Gear's Squeasy Snackers are seriously amazing - with a removable spill-proof insert (that totally works!!), these are great for pureed baby food, yogurt, applesauce, and even liquids!! They're dishwasher & freezer safe, made of 100% food-grade eco-friendly bacteria-resistant silicone self-standing for easy filling, and turn inside out (handy when for cleaning flax seed and other tricky items in your smoothies!). You can see my review here - yes, it's from 6 years ago and we are STILL using the same pouches, they seriously never die!!

PRIZE: Our winner will receive 1 pouch in the color & size (16oz, 6oz, 3.5oz) of their choice (subject to availability), a $17 value!
BUY: on squeasygear.com or Amazon (affiliate link)

ENTER TO WIN IT ALL!!!

Did I tell you or did I tell you!??! This is quite possibly the most amazing giveaway I've organized in my many years of doing so! This is going to be one very lucky winner, and it could be you!!! All you have to do is enter to win below: leaving a comment on this blog post and telling the Rafflecopter app that you did so will be your entry!!

But wait, you can gain more entry points with every action you take, and some you can take daily!! US residents ages 18+ only. Winner will be chosen randomly, emailed, and given 48 hours to respond so make sure to be checking those spam filters please!! If you have twitter I usually tag you to give you a heads up over there as well!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

71 Comments

Happy Masks Review: Breathable Reusable Face Masks for Kids & Adults

3/17/2021

9 Comments

US Japan Fam reviews Happy Masks - adjustable washable 99% filtering covid masks for kids and adults

Disclaimer: We received these masks free for review but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased! There are also some affiliate links included - you don't pay more but we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Life in the time of COVID, I feel like I'm always on the lookout for the perfect face mask - adjustable with a great fit, washable & reusable, breathable, effective, cute design options... and you know what? I was able to check off every box with these amazing Happy Masks (we received ours free in exchange for promotion, but they didn't reach out to me, it was vice versa cuz I was so impressed!!).

Watch our YouTube video here for a fun unboxing and demo of the various features, and read on for more details as well as to grab your code for free shipping!!

SUPERB FILTRATION:
Made with a 3 layer nanofiber membrane filter, Happy Masks have been tested by Nelson Labs to show they filter out over 99% of airborne particles as tiny as .3 microns!! That includes allergens (pollen!!), dust, and smog. And they factually filter out 99.9% of bacteria, and viruses (including COVID-19 / coronavirus)! On top of that, the filter is not removable, so there's no concern about losing it or having to replace it.

US Japan Fam reviews covid face masks for kids and adults - Happy Masks Filters

UNIQUE "BEAK" DESIGN:
Happy Masks have a soft fabric with a unique "parrot beak" design which means they don't suck into your nose and mouth when breathing and talking! Your kids won't suck on them! And they don't feel like they're suffocating you!

US Japan Fam reviews Happy Masks - washable breathable adjustable face masks for kids and adults with unique

ADUSTABLE EAR LOOPS:
Our faces are not one size so face masks shouldn't be one size fits all, am I right? Happy Masks come in Medium and Large for Adults, and one size for kids, but feature super easy-to-use adjustable ear straps! They also feature a metal wire over the nose for added adjustability, and provide a great snug and comfy fit all around the nose, cheeks, and under the chin! They also sell a protective pouch, and a lanyard that easily snaps onto the ear loops, so you can put it on and off without touching the mask itself, and not worry about your kids dropping it onto the bathroom floor (or... into the toilet!).

US Japan Fam reviews Happy Masks - reusable face masks for kids and adults - with lanyards and protective pouches!

WASHABILITY & DURABILITY:
Happy Masks' efficacy have been tested for a minimum of 50 hand washes and 250 hours of wear. The trim is hand sewn for increased durability and snugger fit. Washing instructions: soak in cold water with a drop of dish detergent for 10 minutes (use a drop of dish detergent on a soft toothbrush to remove makeup or sweat), gently rinse (do not rub or wring), air dry. For added disinfection and deodorization, spray with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol after each wash and place in the sun.

You can buy these great face masks for kids and adults at happymasks.com and use code USJAPANFAM for free shipping!

9 Comments

"Stay Safe" Family Vacation @ Crystal Springs Resort in NJ

3/2/2021

8 Comments

US Japan Fam reviews Stay Safe at Crystal Springs Resort - family vacation during the pandemic

Disclaimer: We were provided our stay free in exchange for sharing our experience with you. However, below are our honest experiences and unbiased opinions - we TRULY love love love Crystal Springs!!

Crystal Springs Resort in New Jersey is one of my all time favorite family-friendly vacation spots in the Tri-State area! I've been there twice before: as a family in the summer of 2019 and as a #momcation with one of my best mom friends in February 2020 (just before Covid came to town). Put simply, this place NEVER disappoints. From the tropical indoor Biosphere pool to the delicious dining options to unique activities like puppy and goat yoga!!

So, when we were invited back recently for a hosted stay in exchange for sharing with you all what it's like to vacation at Crystal Springs during the pandemic, I jumped at the chance! Well, I put on my mask and jumped from a socially safe distance, that is! Ha!

Check out our highlights videos from our 1-night mini getaway at Crystal Springs, including our outing to nearby Mountain Creek for Snow Tubing, and keep reading for more details and photos of our time at Crystal Springs and what you can expect regarding pandemic safety!!

Crystal Springs is definitely making safety a priority, while still providing top notch service, activities, and dining experiences! If you've been before, you'll notice subtle changes related to pandemic safety, which are outlined in their COVID-19 Statement, and I'll go over the ones that stood out to me below:

Guests must fill out a waiver form, declaring that for the past 14 days they've been healthy, had no known exposure to COVID, and haven't traveled to a higher risk COVID state.
Masks are required indoors as well as outdoors when 6-feet of social distance cannot be maintained.
Hand sanitizer stations are located all over the resort, along with friendly reminders about masks and social distance. Everyone (guests and staff) seemed to be taking this very seriously.
You are not currently able to cross between Grand Cascades and Minerals resorts freely; you have to stick to your location's activities, and there is no shuttle offered between them. Luckily they each have great restaurants and heated indoor & outdoor pools, so it's not a big deal.
You are not currently able to use facilities before check-in (4pm) or after check-out (11am), which makes a one-night only stay not quite as full of a vacation as it usually is. That said, the pools have long hours, so you still have time to swim in the evening after check-in and early morning before check-out if just doing one night, and you can also pay $50 extra for a late checkout.

US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Safety Protocols

The pool locker rooms are currently closed, so you'll need to change and shower in your room, a minor inconvenience. Because guests can't use pools before check-in or after check-out, they're less crowded. But if nervous about unmasked indoor swimming, no worries, both Grand Cascades and Minerals have awesome outdoor "snow pools" which are kept REALLY warm and soooooo cozy!! Pro-tip, use before you get your hair wet, or bring a hat, or just keep dunking yourself under the water :)
The pools are being cleaned several times a day - like REALLY sanitized - fully shutting down for half an hour (4 times a day at Grand Cascades and 3 times a day at Minerals). Take note of the schedule so you don't suit up and have to wait! No reservations required, but they're for guests only (no day passes) and first come first served basis with limited capacity.

US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Biosphere Pool

The sauna and Grotto jacuzzi at the Biosphere were shut down, which I was disappointed to see. BUT, we had a jacuzzi tub in our hotel room, which I used after the kids went to bed, and it was amazing. Private and clean, no mask needed. Highly recommend!

US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Private Room Jacuzzi

In addition to regular dining (in restaurant, pickup, outdoor, or room service), they are still offering some buffet dining options (and you'll get $30 credit toward breakfast buffet per room per night), and have gotten really smart with these! Masked staff serve the food from behind protective windows. 1 server walks from station to station with 1 guest on the other side of the shields and fills up their plate. This means it takes much longer to get your food than old-school buffets, and gets a bit complicate if you have adults ordering for themselves and their kids, but personally, I hope it stays like this always! No concerns about some rando sneezing on the food!! Love it!! My kids enjoyed the independence of being able to order for themselves, as well!

US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Buffet Dinner

They have a handful of really unique private enclosed outdoor dining which they're calling "Champagne Chalets" (similar to igloo dining / bubble dining). Reservations required.

US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Private Enclosed Outdoor Dining Champagne Chalets

Our rooms were SPOTLESS, beautifully renovated, even the remotes were in little plastic baggies! We got adjoining rooms in Grand Cascades Lodge: Room 527 had double queen beds with a bathroom, and Room 529 was a suite with a king size bedroom, huge his-and-her sink bathroom with jacuzzi tub AND a shower, a small balcony, washer and dryer, and a separate living / dining / kitchen (bedrooms opened up to each side of this common area)! The full kitchen (oven, 4-burner stove top, coffee maker, dishwasher, fridge, freezer) is a must if you want to cook. And the large indoor dining table and small balcony table make it easy to eliminate any risk of public dining, if that concerns you. We only stayed one night so didn't have housekeeping, but for longer stays it's limited to trash pickup and replenishment of toiletries. Also, each room has individual heating and cooling systems. There was a TV in each bedroom and the living room, for a total of THREE TVs, which came in handy when our kids were getting too crazy in the morning and had to be separated for a bit (see the video LOL)!

US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Our Suite

Glice skating was a nice outdoor activity. You grab your skates from the pro shop and they sanitize them after every use. Offered seasonally, through March 21. Reservations required - $25 per person for 45 minute session. Cute bar and fire pits out there as well, so you can watch the skaters or just hang out.

US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Glice Skatingicture

The exotic animal show was REALLY great - it's free but you need reservations. Us adults enjoyed it as much as our kids! Very educational and we got to see a tarantula and baby American alligator, hold a huge Burmese python, and touch a hedgehog and chinchilla! SO COOL!! It was indoors in the Emerald Ballroom but families were spread out by tables and everyone wore masks so it seemed fairly safe, and was just half an hour.

US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Exotic Animals Show

We did the "dinner and a show" which was a DELICIOUS buffet dinner and magic show in the Emerald Ballroom. I was impressed with how safely they served the food (mentioned above) though waiting in line for food took a while and guests were masked but not ideally spaced out in line. While tables were spaced out, the room was quite full for a 2-hour dinner and show where no one put masks back on after eating... I wouldn't say it was unsafe, but this is probably the only activity we did that I really wouldn't recommend for anyone super anxious about Covid.

US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Dinner & Magic Show

Some other great activities included in your stay: nightly family movies, horse drawn carriage to Cozy Corner, marshmallow roasting, petting zoo, hiking & nature trails, scavenger hunt, pony rides, putting, and golf glow.
Some great activities (for additional fee): Glice skating, axe throwing, goat yoga, archery, paint & sip, trap & skeet shooting, arts & crafts, horse back riding, wine tastings, and activities at Mountain Creek (a short 10 minute drive). We did a session of snow tubing which was really fun!!!
You can see the current week's schedule of activities here for a good idea of what'll be going on during the days of your visit.