Whether or not you made any health related New Year Resolutions this year, I've got an assortment of amazing goodies in this group giveaway that you are going to LOVE, that will help you step into the new year on the right foot (quite literally, as there is a pair of sneakers in here, HA!!). Read on for more about the fabulous prizes in this $400+ value jackpot, and enter to win at the bottom!!

​Disclaimer: this post was sponsored by the participating brands, and includes some affiliate links below - as an Amazon Associate, I receive commission from purchases made after clicking.

Nutritionist Consultation with Theresa Gentile, MS, RDN, CDN

​Theresa Gentile has been a Registered Dietitian for over 15 years, with 12 of them in private practice helping busy moms boost their metabolism, balance their hormones, and lower their cholesterol levels. She can help you:

• Learn to include all foods in your diet and fuel yourself using her #fuelingformula.
• Change unhealthy habits into healthy ones.
• Exercise using your changing hormones to your advantage.
• Ditch the famished to full way of eating, & ditch guilt around food.

​
You can sign up to her FREE 7-day Hassle Free Meal Plan for Busy Moms on her website here and learn more about her coaching and individual sessions here. Our grand prize winner will receive a consultation with Theresa, valued at $150!

ScrubzBody Sugar Scrub & Body Lotion

​Created by a busy mom of 3 who wanted better skincare for herself and her family, ScrubzBody pampers your skin with the best from mother nature - with 100% active ingredients, none of that filler and fluff you'll find in most products.

​Their Sugar Scrubs, made of botanical oils and finely whipped sugar, will clean, polish, and hydrate your skin while raising your shower experience to the next level! Their Oilz+ lotions are made of Shea butter and a blend of 8 botanical oils, and you have the option to add anti-inflammatory Emu oil for extra nourishment for your skin!

They've got products for face, hair, hands & feet. You can curate a custom scent. They even do private label and wholesale orders, party favors, DIY at home and Make-Your-Own parties in their Long Island store!

Our grand prize winner will receive an 18oz ScrubzBody Sugar Scrub and 8oz lotion, in their choice of scent, a $66 value!!

Sutera Bath Stone or Towels
Did you know 190k American slip on wet bathroom floor every years? Did you know there is a more hygienic and safer option than a bath mat? Let me introduce you to Sutera's Bath Stone, a quick-dry porous surface made of super-absorbent Diatomaceous Earth that resists germs and is fully dry within seconds! Its non-slip design provides grip, it's safe and gentle on skin, and will last for years! It's not just great in the bathroom - it's great under potted plants, as a kitchen drying rack, in the mud room, under a pet's water bowl, you  name it!

Our grand prize winner will receive their choice of Sutera Bath Stone (in white or grey, a $59.97 value), OR a Sutera Silverthread Bath Towel (in white or grey, a $33.97 value), which of CA-Spun Supima Cotton infused with antimicrobial silver ions, a breakthrough “self-cleaning” fabric that helps to fight germs and odors!

​You can shop Sutera's bath stone, towels, memory foam pillows, hyaluronic acid silk pillow case, and lavender zen dream mist on sleepsutera.com and Amazon.

BeMe Wellness
With clinically proven ingredients in delicious and ready-to-drink daily-serving formulas, BeMe Wellness provides nutrition in palm-size daily sachets for on-the-go convenience! What's more? They're nutritionist-formulated with no sugar added, less than 10 calories per serving, and require ZERO prep or mixing! Our grand prize winner will receive a 30-day supply box in their 1 choice of the following (a $29.99 - $44.99 value):

• BeRadiant Peach Beauty Boost (Liquid Collagen Shot): clinically proven to reduce facial and eye wrinkles, smoothen skin and repair the skin’s structure. With 2500mg Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Peptides + CoQ10 + Vitamin C.
• ​BeStrong Apple Energy Boost: Provides long lasting energy and boosts mental and physical strength. With 44mg Caffeine, Guarana, Taurine, B Vitamins, and Liquid Collagen.
• BeZen Honey Sleep Boost: All-natural melatonin-free sleep aid. With Vitamin B, GABA, Ashwagandha, and Asparagus Extract.
• BeSharp Lemon Memory Boost: Nootropic blend of grape and blueberry extract, turmeric, black pepper, and vegan Omega 3 DHA Algal Oil enhances memory and focus. Vegetarian and caffeine-free.
• BeHealthy Berry Immunity Boost: Improves gut health and naturally boosts your immune system. With Elderberry, 3-in-1 Probiotic, Vitamin C, and Zinc. Vegan.

Heritage Store Rosewater Gift Pack
Our grand prize winner will receive 3 items from The Heritage Store's Rosewater collection, a $44 value! All items are vegan & cruelty-free, and free from dyes, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

• 4oz Rosewater Cleanser - pH-balanced milk wash cleans and lightly hydrates skin.
• 2oz Rosewater Moisturizer - lightweight gel cream for dry/combination skin soothes, refreshes & locks in moisture, featuring Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
• 8oz Rosewater Facial Mist - for dry to combination skin, made of water, glycerin (vegetable), and damascena (hydroessential rose) oil. Locks in moisture for a radiant glow.

Aleader XDrain Sneakers
These new lightweight quick drying Xdrain Sneakers by Aleader feature a breathable, durable and stretchable knit upper, and Xdrain technology outsole that ensures feet dry quickly under wet conditions, great for on the water or on the land, from hiking to kayaking! Our grand prize winner will receive 1 pair in their choice of size (from US women's 6 - 11) and color (blue, white, blue glass, black, navy, or light pink), a $36.99 value!

Shop all Aleader sneakers, boots, sandals and water shoes for women, men, and kids at aleadergear.com or Amazon!

Amazing jackpot, am I right!? So, what are you waiting for!?
ENTER TO WIN HERE:

Only a blog comment is required to enter to win (just let the app know you commented for your entry to count), but you'll earn extra entry points per action taken! Some can be done daily! Giveaway open to US residents ages 18+. Entrants will be disqualified if entering under multiple e-mail/IP addresses (please, play fair!). Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM ET Thursday, January 20th. Winner will be chosen randomly, contacted and will have 24 hours to confirm win.

Thank you for participating and may the odds be ever in your favor :)

**If you can't load the below giveaway app, you can also enter to win here**

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by New Bee but all thoughts and opinions are my own and unbiased. This post also contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission from purchases made after clicking.

If you're looking for the best kids headphones, you're in luck, cuz I've just found them!! Say hello to the KH-20 Headphones by New Bee!! If you are new to the market of headphones for kids, there are a few features you may not even know you need to look for, so let me go over some of those and some of the *extras* I'm loving about these from New Bee:

Kid Safe Volume Control:
According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics),1 in 6 teens has a type of high frequency hearing loss attributed to exposure to loud noises such as listening to music too loud on their headphones. How loud is too loud? To put it (too) simply, if you can hear sound from the headphones your child is listening to, the volume is too loud. Buying headphones specifically meant to control the max decibel level is important, such as these headhpones by New Be that have a switch to max the volume at either 85 or 95 decibels. Some headphones have an even lower setting, which you may want to consider, but they're often too quiet to hear when using on an airplane or other setting with background noise. These New Bee headphones seem to be perfect - loud enough to hear on a plane, but not loud enough to damage hearing. That said, you should try to limit the time on headphones as decibel level isn't the only factor at play, duration of exposure is as well.

Internal Mic
Whether your child will be gaming, doing remote learning, or Skyping with grandparents, an internal microphone is key! But some microphones stick out and are easily broken. I love the mic on the New Bee headphones because it's very discreet, right on the cord's little volume toggle switch!

Plug & Play

Sure, cordless is nice because you aren't tied to a device, and they won't get knotted up. BUT... you also have to worry about keeping them charged, not to mention connection errors or even concerns about child's exposure to bluetooth. Personally, I appreciate a good corded headphone like these! This one has a durable braided nylon cord. No charging. No drama when your child's device doesn't support bluetooth. No worries!

Comfy for Ears & Head
Some headphones are just so uncomfortable. I find ear buds the worst, not only do they hurt after a while, they can also get super gross from ear wax! ICK!! Especially for my kids, I prefer a traditional style headphone, and the ear pieces on these New Bee headphones are SO SO SO soft and comfy!! The head strap is also made of a soft and smooth material, not hard plastic or metal, meaning it's comfy and also very flexible. I'm in love with these!! Not to mention how cute they are!! Coming in 6 color options, with a cute design on the outside of the ear piece!

Compact Fold
Headphones are often brought along on road trips and air travel, thrown in backpacks etc. So, a compact fold is really important! The ear pieces on these New Bee headphones fold in and out really easily, even your child can do it!

Adjustable
It's key for any headphones to be adjustable, not just for kids. These children's headphones by New Bee are adjustable, but not a whole lot. I was surprised that the longest setting actually fit me so I will totally be borrowing these from my kids LOL! I don't think they would fit a toddler well, they might work in a pinch but these are designed for children ages 4 - 16.

BUY THEM NOW :)

If you're looking for a pair of headphones for your child, I highly recommend these KH-20 by New Bee!! Grab them on Amazon (affiliate link) or use code USJF to get 15% off your order on their website anewbee.com.

See them featured in our Christmas Gift Haul video here: 

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored and contains affiliate links - as an Amazon Associate I receive commission from purchases made after clicking affiliate links.

I just received this amazing Carchet T12 touch screen rearview mirror mounted dash cam for review, and want to highlight its features by going over 10 reasons you need a dash cam and didn't even know it! Read on for the inspiration, and watch our unboxing / demo review video at the bottom of this post for more on all of the amazing features of this smart dash camera!

8 Reasons You Need a Dash Cam:

1. You drive an old car.
Wish your old car had a back-up camera, or more bells and whistles? Getting a smart touch screen dash cam like this one by Carchet is a quick, easy, and budget-friendly way to upgrade your ride!

2. You want a better view out of the front or back.
A great dash cam like this can eliminate blind spots. You can also angle the cameras to get a better view - for example you could angle the forward mirror up to the sky, down to the front hood/street, or straight ahead for the road just by how you have it strapped on to your rear view mirror. You can also zoom in using the smart functions of the screen. Want to use it as a traditional rearview mirror? Simply turn it off and it'll work as a regular mirror. It's also super easy to take down, it's just 2 rubber straps!

3. You want video/photo records for car insurance / police report.
You may be able to reduce your car insurance premium by having a dash cam. But even without reducing rates, it can still be a great help in providing evidence in a car accident, vandalism, or theft.

4. You have a teen driver.
Monitor stats about their driving and even utilize the dash cam's GPS to see where they've been! Don't be sneaky, let them know you care about them and want to make sure they're being safe. Knowing they're being monitored might even help them make better judgements when driving.

5. You want to catch unexpected footage for a  viral video.
We've all seen those one in a million dash cam videos - a buck runs head on into a car. A meteor flashes across the night sky. A garbage truck slides slo-mo across an icy road. Someone caught these videos on camera. Maybe you will catch the next jaw-dropping event on your Carchet dash cam, which features 2.5k HD full resolution front camera with 170 degree range of view, and 1080p rear view camera! 

6. You need backup assist.
Maybe you have a newer car, but does it have 160 degree rear view camera and backup assist? This dash cam does!

7. You want to map your driving.
The T12 Carchet Dash Cam comes with GPS that you plug right in to map your driving and record your routes (don't worry, this is kept private, just for you).

8. You love car tech & gadgets.
Need I say more? HA!

Seriously though, this 12" Mirror Mounted Dash Cam from Carchet blew me away. Swipe the touch screen to go from forward view to rear view to split screen, touch get the main menu with TONS of options, or use voice control for a hands-free experience! Loop recording and collision lock will prevent footage of an accident from being recorded over. The extremely wide field of view will help eliminate blind spots. You can even have it stream music! The only negative is that it's a bit tricky feeding the rear view camera in to connect to the brake box, but you can DIY or pay a little extra to have a professional set it up for you at a body shop. Also, do note you'll need to buy the memory card to record on (up to 128gb).

BUY IT HERE!!

Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet!? If you're still looking for some inspiration, I've gotcha covered with this Christmas Gift Guide & Giveaway - with a $300+ value jackpot!!

​Keep reading for more info on the prizes and other great gifts this year for babies, kids, and adults, and enter to win in the Rafflecopter app at the bottom.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored and contains affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking. 

THE PRIZES:

$250 Credit to Canvaspop!
If you have some photos you've been wanting to print and adorn your walls with, or if you prefer browsing professional printed paintings, Canvaspop has AMAZING options and their canvas prints and framed prints are absolutely gorgeous! This would make an amazing gift for your spouse, a loved one, or yourself! I recently ordered one of their pieces of canvas wall art and was absolutely blown away, it looked like a painting with brush strokes and everything!!! Watch my unboxing video below for the full experience and head over to Canvaspop.com to shop!

Set of 2 Shark Wine Glasses
​Do you want to drink wine out of regular boring wine glasses, or do you want to drink out of wine glasses with SHARKS in them!? I mean, HELLO! Hoe fun is this!? Our grand prize winner will receive a set of 2 of these lead-free premium crystal glass flutes from HOMEACC Shark Wineware, that are dishwasher safe and recyclable. They feature a wide and stable base, 10oz cup, reinforced stems, and a crystal shark inside each one - you choose transparent, black, blue, or pink sharks! A great gift for a loved one or yourself!

2-Pack of DasMeer Swim Goggles
Have some swimmers in your home? Or have a tropical vacation coming up? These DasMeer swim goggles are fabulous! Featuring UV protection and anti-fog coating, ergonomic design with buffer seals that prevent leaking, a hard plastic case for each pair, 100% money-back lifetime guarantee, and the kicker - a quick release snap on the back so you can get them on and off without having to over the head! Our winner can choose their favorite 2-pack (color and size - adult or child). Everyone else can shop here!​

Enter to win ALL of the above prizes ($300+ value) in the Rafflecopter app at the bottom of this post, but keep reading for the rest of our 2021 Christmas Gift Guide - not free, but totally awesome!!

GIFT YOURSELF... a better smile :)

• Did you know I straightened my teeth 100% at home recently, using Candid clear aligners? It took just 5 months and was SO easy!! This is an amazing gift to yourself this holiday season!! Read more about my treatment with Candid and see all of my update videos here!
• Another quick and easy way to a better smile is with at-home teeth whitening. It just takes a week or two to remove stains and be several shades whiter, with no pain! Burst makes yummy smelling Coconut Whitening Strips with 6% hydrogen peroxide, and Crest 3D White Professional Effects White Strips have been a best seller for years!

GIFTS THAT PAMPER:

SUBSCRIPTION GIFTS:
I recently partnered with Bokksu to review their monthly subscription boxes of premium Japanese snacks and it is honestly such a cool gift for yourself, for someone who loves Japan or travel, or just the person who seems to have it all! Check them out here, and get $20 off your order with code USJAPANFAM20!

Foldable Dry Erase Board
It's the versatility for me! Reading, writing, and spelling enrichment for kids. Pictionary and Tic Tac Toe games at home or in the car. To do lists. You name it, this 12x16" foldable double sided magnetic white board by Easnwillim is great for the whole family! What's more? It wipes clean in an instant and comes with 5 magnetic markers (with built-in eraser on each cap) and 4 round magnets!

If you need some more inspiration, scroll through these categories:

• gifts for men
• gifts for women
• gifts for teens
• gifts for kids (3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-11 years)
• gifts for babies & toddlers

ENTER TO WIN HERE!!!
Open to US residents ages 18+. To enter, simply leave a blog comment and let the Rafflecopter app know you did so. Complete more actions to earn more entry points! (Click here to enter if the app is giving you trouble - you may need to refresh the page after loading but the app should work on that page)

Disclaimer: As a Share a Sale & Amazon Affiliate, I receive commission from purchases made after clicking affiliate links below.

I've put together a really fun list of the best Christmas decor shipped to your door this year!! But, before you head into the Christmas season with LOTS of online shopping, I wanted to share a few money saving hacks I've been using:

1. Rakuten: a free extension for your web browser, you'll get cash back when shopping at TONS of online stores! Sign up now with my affiliate link :)
2. Capital One Shopping: another great free extension, it'll let you know if another site has that item for cheaper or has a cash back offer with them, and will automatically scan potential coupon codes for you!
3. Amazon Prime: if you're not a member yet, sign up now with my affiliate link and get 1 month free! You'll get quicker deliveries, special sales, and have tons of exclusive perks such as free movies, tv shows, music, and Prime Wardrobe (choose 6 items and only pay for what you keep, send the rest back in a pre-labeled box; add on a personal stylist for only $4.99/month!)
4. Fakespot: As an influencer, I pride myself on giving honest and thorough reviews. But some people are a little less honest... Fakespot is a free extension that will show you ratings and help you know when websites might be scams or reviews may be dishonest.

OK! Now that you know some of my shopping tips, let's get on with prepping our homes for the festive holiday season!!!

Artificial Christmas Trees:

Trending trees this year include flocked, pencil, and colored Christmas trees! Do you have one yet? Check out these!!

Christmas Lights & Decor:

Kid-Friendly Christmas Decor & Toys:

I mean, come on, how ADORABLE is this standing Christmas deer doll!? The legs retract so you can make the deer taller or shorter - love it!!

And you can't forget about TreeMendous Christmas Ornament Decorator!! Pop in the plastic ball ornament, turn it on, and hold markers on it while it spins! We use ours every year everyone in our family can make a new one to put on the tree with all of the past ones! They have a new decorator too, The Gift Box Ornament Decorator - so you can do ornaments with different shapes!

Christmas Fashion & Family Matching Christmas Pajamas:

Shop matching couples and family holiday outfits at Shinesty (affiliate link).

In The Kitchen!

Staying Warm!

Other Festive Fun!

House hunting and TOWN hunting is hard. HARD hard hard. Especially for young families who understand their wants and needs now, but have a hard time knowing what they'll need from their town 5, 10, 15 years down the road. A cute walkable downtown can add quite a bit of money to the price tag of a home, so is it worth it? Well, that depends how much you want to rely on a car. Do you want your middle and high school aged kids to be able to get to school, sports, activities, dates, and jobs on their own? Would it be nice to walk to the drug store, the movie theater, and the municipal pool? If your answer is YES to these, as it is for me, then a walkable town with decent public transportation should be high on your town requirements list.

Lucky for you I'm neck deep in research for our own hunt, so I thought why not put together a blog post that makes it easier for myself and others in the search! This will actually be the first in a series of town shopping posts... this is the New Jersey Bergen & Essex Counties edition! I hope you find this helpful, and please PLEASE leave a comment below if you have any insight to offer! Did I get a statistic wrong? Do you  have a town I missed that is worth considering? Sharing is caring guys!!

 MONTCLAIR, NJ

• Feel: Urban suburban mix. Large and bustling downtown (not just a small main street), personally Bloomfield Ave is the cutest downtown area I've been to, I love love LOVE it!!! Has 4 "districts": Montclair Center is the most urban and modern; Upper Montclair is a bit more dated but still cute and convenient walkable main street; Walnut and Watchung are smallest.
• Size: 38k residents
• Location: Essex County
• Niche Rankings: (A+) Public Schools, (C+) Crime & Safety, (A) Ethnic & Financial Diversity, (A+) Good for Families, (C) Cost of Living
• Walk Score: 60 (somewhat walkable)
• Key Amenities: 3 train stations on Montclair-Boonton NJ Transit line (about 45 minutes to Penn Station, no transfers). Community Pool $250/family. YMCA of Montclair. Live shows at The Wellmont Theater. Hospital (Mountainside Medical Center). Montclair Art Museum. Edgemont Memorial Park. Nearest gymnastics team: 3.2 miles to Diamond Gymastnics in Verona. Upper Montclair ranked #4 best place to raise a family in NJ.

RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY

• Feel: Sparse suburban feel. Super cute and lively downtown, not just a simple main street.
• Size: 25k residents
• Location: Bergen County
• Niche Rankings: (A+) Public Schools, (B) Crime & Safety, (B) Ethnic & Financial Diversity, (A+) Good for Families, (C) Cost of Living
• Walk Score: 42 (car dependent)
• Key Amenities: Ridgewood Train Station on Main/Bergen and Port Jervis Lines, about 1 hour 15 minutes to Penn Station, transfer at Hoboken or Secaucus. Ridgewood YMCA. Graydon Pool ($130/adult, $120/child, $15/day). Whole Foods Market and Stop & Shop in downtown area. Nearest gymnastics team: 2.7 miles to Elite Gymnastics in Hawthorne. 4 miles to Paramus Park Mall. Ranked 7th best school district in New Jersey and #6 best place to raise a family in NJ.

WESTWOOD, NEW JERSEY

• ​​Feel: Urban Suburban mix
• Size: 11k residents
• Location: Bergen County
• Niche Rankings: (A) Public Schools, (B) Crime & Safety, (A) Ethnic & Financial Diversity, (A) Good for Families, (C) Cost of Living
• ​Walk Score: 85 (Very Walkable)
• ​​Key amenities: Westwood Train Station (transfer in Hoboken, 1 hr 15 min to Manhattan). Trader Joe's. Nice parks, cute downtown. Active rec department with festivals and outdoor movies. Nearest gymnastics: 4 miles to Eastern National in Paramus.

GLEN ROCK, NEW JERSEY

• Feel: Sparse suburban feel. Nicely sized downtown, not just a main street. Recommended often as a cute walkable town commutable to NYC.
• Size: 11k residents
• Location: Bergen County
• Niche Rankings: (A+) Public Schools, (A-) Crime & Safety, (B) Ethnic & Financial Diversity, (A+) Good for Families, (C+) Cost of Living
• Walk Score: 69 (somewhat walkable)
• Key Amenities: Glen Rock Municipal Pool ($400/family). Thielke Arboretum and some other nice parks. Nearest gymnastics team: 1.4 miles to Elite Gymnastics in Hawthorne. 5 miles to Paramus Park Mall. Train station on Main/Bergen County Line, about 1 hour to Penn Station, with transfer at Hoboken or Secaucus. â€‹

RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY

• Feel: Dense suburban feel. 
• Size: 18k residents
• Location: Bergen County
• Niche Rankings: â€‹â€‹(A) Public Schools, (B) Crime & Safety, (A) Ethnic & Financial Diversity, (A) Good for Families, (C) Cost of Living
• Walk Score: 69 (somewhat walkable)
• Key Amenities: Rutherford Train Station on Port Jervis line - 30 minutes to Penn Station (transfer at Secaucus). 4 miles to The Meadowlands (MetLife Sports Complex) and SEA LIFE Aquarium. 2 miles to Costco & Target. 5.5 miles to Teterboro airport. 2 miles to Medieval Times. Nearest gymnastics team: 3.5 miles to Meadowlands Gymnastics Academy in Hasbrouck Heights.

CALDWELL, NEW JERSEY

• Feel: Urban suburban mix
• Size: 8k residents
• Location: Essex County
• Niche Rankings: (A-) Public Schools, (B-) Crime & Safety, (A-) Ethnic & Financial Diversity, (A-) Good for Families, (C) Cost of Living
• Walk Score: 92 (walker's paradise)
  
• ​Key amenities: Caldwell University, Grover Cleveland Park. NO train station. Nearest gymnastics club: 2 miles to USA Twisterz (West Caldwell) or 4 miles to Diamond Gymanastics in Verona.

VERONA, NEW JERSEY

• ​Feel: Urban Suburban mix
• Size: 13k residents
• Location: Essex County (borders Montclair to the west and Caldwell to the east)
• Niche Rankings: (A) Public Schools, (B+) Crime & Safety, (B) Ethnic & Financial Diversity, (A+) Good for Families, (C) Cost of Living
• Walk Score: 81 (very walkable)
  
• ​Key amenities: Verona Park. Verona Community Pool (with waterslides). NO train. Diamond Gymnastics.

OTHER Cute Walkable Family-Friendly Towns in New Jersey (which I deemed too far out of our desired area, but you may love):

• ​Allentown NJ
• Asbury Park NJ
• Bayone NJ
• Cape May NJ
• Clinton NJ
• Cranbury NJ
• Cranford NJ
• Frenchtown NJ
• Haddonfield NJ
• Hoboken NJ
• Jersey City NJ
• Lambertville NJ
• Madison NJ
• Maplewood NJ
• Morristown NJ
• Princeton NJ
• Red Bank NJ
• Somerville NJ
• South Orange NJ
• Spring Lake NJ
• Westfield NJ

Research more towns using my favorite sites:

• Niche
• Suburban Jungle
• Walk Score

So what do you think?! Do you live in one of these towns? Do you recommend it or have another that should be on the list!? Leave a comment below and I'll update the post!!

This post was sponsored by Kidas and contains affiliate links where I may earn commission from purchases made after clicking.

If your kids are like mine, they LOVE gaming. They'd game all day (and night) if we let them.

Of course we know screen time should to be limited. They need fresh air and exercise. They have school and homework. They need to be kids and run around and play with siblings and friends in real life! 

When it's gaming time, I'm happy to indulge because I know it's a true passion for them. But I don't especially want to sit there watching them play, monitoring every moment of their screen time. Do you??

Did you know 50% of kids who play video games have encountered online predators or cyberbullying? Shocking right?! More than 19 million American children have suffered from bullying or harassment in online multiplayer games. Terrified yet??

So how do we keep kids safer while gaming?

Kidas. That's how!

Kidas is an amazing software that helps monitor and analyze your child's in-game activity with 24/7 in-game voice and text scanning. They e-mail you a weekly report alerting you to any potential red-flags, from cyberbullying and hate speech to scams and predatory behavior. Or in my case, thankfully, letting you know all looks good and you have nothing to worry about (yet). I love that it's not only looking out for dangers, but also helping me get a better idea of the hours spent gaming and what times of day my kiddo is playing. I mean, how else would I know if he was secretly waking at 3am to play Roblox? HA! Thankfully, he's not... yet... Here's the most recent report we got from Kidas:

Very basically put, Kidas' proprietary technology has been trained on thousands of cases of real life cyberbullying and online predation, so it knows what words and phrases are cause for alarm. It helps parents monitor their kids' gaming activity in a non-hovering way. Don't worry - you're not spying. No need to be secretive about it. Let them know you installed it and what it will (and won't) be doing.

Kidas has a great FAQ section on their website - the top section is geared toward parents, and the next section is geared toward kids, answering questions they might have about it such as "Will my parents hear or see my conversations??" (Spoiler alert: no, we won't, and we don't need to - Kidas will be watching out for red-flag words and phrases for us). 

It's a super quick download and installation (Windows-run computers only, even works on my son's ancient Windows 7 PC; not available for Chromebook or tablets). Seriously, just a couple of minutes. It currently works monitoring 75+ of the most popular games, including  Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox, World of Warcraft, Candy Crush, The Sms 4, and Adopt Me. They add games to their list frequently, and you're encouraged to message them with a request if your child is playing a game not currently on their radar.

​They have a free 30-day trial and after that it's just $6/month or $60/year, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. I mean, we've paid more for a coffee, am I right!? This is a DEAL!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and don't forget to use code USJAPANFAM10 to get 10% off!!

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission from purchases made after clicking affiliate links below (and I appreciate it SO much, thank you!!)
​
**Updated 11/18/21**

Tis the season... to do LOTS of shopping!! So how about some AMAZING DEALS!?!?

Black Friday is coming, but I'm going to be continuously updating this page with EARLY Black Friday Deals, some which have already started!! So bookmark this page and come back daily!! I'll put newer deals at the top!

First, if you aren't already an Amazon Prime member, sign up here for a FREE 30 day trial!

On Sale November 15 - 22:

• Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine (I have this and it is AMAZING!!! A #1 Best Seller for good reason - see my review video here)
• AMZpets Dog Training Set
• Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator
• ​Bath Haven Bath Pillow
• Bean Envy MCT Oil Powder
• ​Brickyard Building Blocks STEM Toys (we love these! see my review video here)
• Snuggle-Pedic Full Body Pillow

On Sale November 22 - 29.

• Hercules Tuff Charging Station (see my demo video here)
• Homwe 3-Piece Cutting Boards (see my demo video here)
• FineDine Triple Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle (see my demo video here)

On Sale November 29 - December 6.

• Turbo Reusable Pads for Swiffer Mop (see my demo video here)

LIGHTNING DEALS (1-2 Days Only)

• (11/24-25 & 11/29-30) Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows (a #1 Best Seller! See my review video here!)
• (11/26 & 12/3-4)  Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine (a #1 Best Seller for good reason - see my review video here)
• (11/26-27 & 12/3-4) ​Brickyard Building Blocks STEM Toys (we love these! see my review video here)
• (11/26-27) Elite Sportz Ring Toss (see my demo video here)
• (11/29-30) Hercules Tuff Charging Station (see my demo video here)
• (11/30) Colorful Art Co Watercolor Brush Pens (see my demo video here)

On Sale through November 15.

• Hosim High Speed RC Monster Trucks
• Fern and Willow Pillows
• ​FineDine 14 Piece Cocktail Shaker
• ​Zen Bamboo Pillows
• Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows (We have these and LOVE them, a #1 Best Seller! See my review video here!)
• Crafts 4 All Fabric Markers Pens
• HiCoup Wine Decanter

Disclaimer: We received shoes in exchange for this post, but all thoughts and opinions are our own. In addition, affiliate links are included below - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

The best shoes for your baby's, toddler's, and kid's feet? pediped. Hands down! Our kids have been rocking their kicks for years and I'm so excited to be working with them again on another review and... GIVEAWAY!! That's right!! Read on for more info about pediped and the sneakers and boots we just got our twins, then enter to win one pair of pediped children's shoes at the bottom of this post - open to residents of US & Canada, ages 18+!

Why do we love pediped? First and foremost, they're good for kids' feet!! 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 are vegan, many are water-safe or machine washable, and they come TONS of designs and sizes, from baby's crib shoe through 6Y (about 10 years old). What's more? They care! Since its establishment in 2005, pediped has given more than $2,800,000 in product and monetary support to children in need.

All 5 of the pairs I'm reviewing today have the Flex system - they come with an additional insert you can put in so they fit snugger (by almost half a size) and then remove when the feet grow. This way they can wear the shoes longer - how's that for a greater bang for your buck!? In my experience, even with the toughest wear, pediped shoes usually last through at least 2 kids. Their durability makes for great hand me downs!

The first shoe in our Fall Haul to review is the Flex Gehrig Pink Navy velcro sneaker. Available in sizes EU 24 - 33 / US 7.5 - 2Y, these adorable shoes feature "Durabuck" and canvas upper, breathable mesh lining, flexible rubber sole, and 2 hook & loop velcro straps. They're machine washable (YES!!!!) and are vegan.

• The Gehrig design is available in a bunch of boys, girls, and gender neutral colors in Flex (big kid) and Grip 'n Go (toddler) sizes on pediped.com or Amazon (affiliate link)

Next up we have the Flex Force Hot Pink, a beautiful sneaker for kiddos wanting to step out of their toddler days and into a more big kid or even adult looking shoe! Available in sizes EU 24 - 33 / US 7.5 - 2Y, these feature ultra light technology for maximum flexibility and sole cushioning while being light as air, and they're vegan and machine washable! 

• The Force design is available in a bunch of girls, boys, and gender neutral colors in Flex (big kid) and Grip 'n Go (toddler) sizes on pediped.com and Amazon (affiliate link).

Another fun sneaker we got was the Flex Dani Silver Shimmer!  Available in sizes EU 24 - 33 / US 7.5 - 2Y, featuring man-made and natural leather upper, all natural rubber sole, and mesh lining. These are super cute the way they shine, and have a really unique feel to them!

• The Dani design is available in girls (with and without shiny features), boys, and gender neutral colors in Flex (big kids) & Grip 'n Go (for babies & toddlers) on pediped.com and Amazon (affiliate link).

RELATED: Curious what Mia is sitting on in the below image? Check out our Kozy Couch review after entering this giveaway!

As my girls gallop from the toddler era toward tweendom, it's no surprise that they are jumping for joy over stylish boots!! First up we have the Flex Naomi Boot in Black. Available in sizes EU 22 - 36 / US 6 - 4.5Y, featuring leather and quilted nylon upper, breathable leather and fabric lining, rubber sole, and a zipper the entire length up the boot making it easy to get on and off. 

• This adorable patent leather and quilted nylon Naomi design comes in a few colors in Flex boot for big kids, and a mary jane style for babies and toddlers, available on pediped.com and Amazon (affiliate link).

Last but most certainly not least, we have the Flex Eclipse Deep Red Floral Boot,  available in sizes EU 24 - 36 / US 7.5 - 4.5Y. Featuring a brownish red leather upper with floral design, soft textile lining, and a rubber sole. There's a long zipper on the inside, a stretchy elastic outside, and pull tab at the back, so they're easy to get on and off.

• The Eclipse design boot is available in a few different colors on pediped.com and Amazon (affiliate link).

SOOOoooo cute, all of them, am I right!? You really can't go wrong with pediped, check out our past pediped reviews for more of the cuteness and to see how many other styles look "in real life"!!

• Spring 2021
• Fall 2020
• Fall 2019
• Summer 2019
• ​Fall 2018
• Summer 2017
• Fall 2016

RELATED: Like Emi & Mia's leggings above? We sure do!! Check them out in our latest Primary clothing haul + review! And learn about the dome climber they're on here!

Enter to win a pair of pediped children's shoes!!
Winner choses size and gender (color and design subject availability. Open to US and Canada residents ages 18 and over. Giveaway ends Tuesday, October 26 at 11:59PM ET - winner will be randomly selected and emailed, given 48 hours to confirm. Simply comment on this blog post and let the Rafflecopter app know you did so! Many extra actions can be taken for additional points and chances to win, some daily, so keep coming back!

Have you jumped onto the CBD band wagon yet? Are you curious? I've been a bit hesitant for the past couple of years but recently (finally!) dove right in with a couple of great CBD & hemp oil products from Uncle Bud's Hemp, who sponsored this post :)

What is CBD??

I think a lot of us are wary of CBD products because they're not evaluated by the FDA, we are hearing they are miraculous cures and treatments for countless ailments but haven't seen in depth scientific studies and evidence of this yet, and of course, their connection to marijuana... So I want to start by kind of debunking these concerns in relation to Uncle Bud's:

• All of Uncle Bud’s Hemp-Healthy products are lab-tested and formulated in an FDA-Registered lab in the USA, so that should put your mind at ease!
• Hemp is one specific type of plant in the cannabis family, and it contains very little THC (the psychoactive ingredient that marijuana is infamous for), however it does have high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which is the good-for-you-stuff! Uncle Bud's products contain NO THC, and are made from hemp sourced 100% from the USA.
• Some studies suggest that hemp oil may be of use in the treatment of certain inflammatory issues and some skin conditions, in part due to it being high in Vitamins A, D, E, antioxidents, Fatty Acids Omega-3 & Omega-6, and anti-inflammatory GLA (Gamma-Linolenic acid).
• Hemp seed oil is extracted from hemp seeds, whereas CBD oil is extracted from the stalk and leaves of the hemp plant. 

OK now that we have the basics under our belts, let's get to the review! 

CBD Gummies
Uncle Bud's has a line of CBD Gummies including:

• Sleep Gummies (with 2mg of melatonin and 25mg of CBD per serving)
• Multivitamin Gummies (with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron, Folate, and 25mg of CBD per serving)
• Energy Gummies (with 10mg of caffeine and 25mg of CBD per serving)
• Anytime Gummies (with 25mg of CBD per serving)

​I was given a bottle of the Anytime Gummies to try out. They're 100% vegan and come with 30 gummies in a bottle (suggested 1-2 gummies every 6 hours or as desired). Each gummy is 15 calories with 3g of carbs and 2g of sugar. They come in lime, blue raspberry, strawberry, and watermelon and in my opinion start out really yummy then have a slightly bitter taste kick in (the CBD oil I'm guessing), but it's not at all unpalatable. I should note there is a Prop65 warning for Reproductive Harm on the bottle, and they're not recommended for use while pregnant or breastfeeding. There is NO THC, so it's as expected that I didn't feel any different after consumption. But CBD oil is said to have many possible benefits so I see it as one of those healthy supplements you can simply add to your daily routine.

ANTI-WRINKLE CREAM
This one is labeled under Miss Bud's as opposed to Uncle Bud's, not sure what that's about cuz men certainly get wrinkles too LOL!! The box says "may help reduce the signs of aging for a smoother, brighter skin complexion", and I am HERE. FOR. IT! It goes on to say hemp skin care provides:

• advanced moisturizing
• may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles including crows feet and course deep wrinkles
• may help tone skin for a youthful glow
• perfect for all skin types

I should preface my review by letting you know I have VERY sensitive skin, with rosacea which flares up all red and angry from the slightest thing. However, I'm really excited to say that this cream does not flare up my skin, quite the opposite, it's incredibly soothing! It's a light cream with a slight oil to it that really penetrates the skin! The lotion I had been using wasn't heavy enough and when I put concealer or any makeup on top, my skin gets so dry! But this hemp seed oil cream is amazing!!! It's just enough to fully moisturize without leaving you shiny or greasy. I'm truly loving this stuff!!! I haven't been using it long enough to notice any difference regarding wrinkles and fine lines, so it's not an instant type of miracle worker. I'm hoping to see results soon, but even if I don't, I still love it simply for it's moisturizing abilities (though honestly, it doesn't smell great hehe).

The box directs you to gently massage into face and neck every evening after cleansing, and the active ingredients include hemp seed oil, alfalfa seed extract, coconut oil, and rosehip oil. It's paraben free, cruelty free, and made in the USA.

If interested in kicking off your journey into the world of CBD and Hemp, Uncle Bud's has got you covered. They have a HUGE line of great products, focusing on muscles & joints, edibles, personal wellness, skin care, and even pet care! You can even find some of their hand lotions and soaps over on Amazon (affiliate link).