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Contributed post. Periods, that monthly “gift” that just keeps on giving, cramps, bloating, mood swings, and the always-welcome surprise attack that shows up precisely when you’re wearing white jeans. Whether you’ve been menstruating for decades or you’re still figuring out your flow, dealing with your cycle is just one more thing on the never-ending mom to-do list. But with a little planning (and some solid support), it doesn’t have to completely derail your week. Let’s talk about how to manage the big three: your mood, your pain, and your timing.  When PMS Turns You Into a Fire-Breathing Dragon You know the moment, it starts with someone breathing too loudly and ends with you sobbing into a half-eaten chocolate bar because there’s no almond milk left. Hormonal fluctuations during your cycle can wreak havoc on your emotional state, and for moms already juggling 1,000 tasks and two sticky toddlers, it can feel like too much. While we can’t make the hormones vanish, we can find ways to soften their impact. Staying hydrated, limiting caffeine and sugar (we know, we know), and squeezing in a quick workout or walk can really help. So, you can simply acknowledge what’s happening: you’re not losing it, your hormones are just temporarily driving the bus. For many women, natural supplements offer a gentle way to take the edge off. Products from CBDistillery have become increasingly popular among moms looking to smooth out their mood without feeling zoned out. CBD may help promote calm and emotional balance during that lovely PMS window, no side-eye required. Managing the Pain: Cramping Your Style, Literally Let’s talk about the cramps. The dull ache that builds into full-on war drums in your abdomen, often accompanied by lower back pain and the general sense that your uterus has turned against you. While some folks breeze through their cycles pain-free (who are they and how do we become them?), most of us need to take a proactive approach to feel human. Heat pads, stretching, yoga, and steering clear of salty foods are all good go-tos. But long-term pain relief often starts with overall wellness. Eating whole foods, moving your body regularly, and embracing a balanced lifestyle can actually help reduce painful period symptoms. When your body feels supported, it tends to treat you a little better, even during that time of the month. If your pain feels extreme or disruptive every cycle, don’t ignore it. There could be more going on, and your OB-GYN can help figure that out. Managing the Timing There’s nothing quite like the panic of realizing your period started in the school pickup line, with no supplies and a toddler yelling about snacks. The good news? Your cycle doesn’t have to be a mystery. Tracking your period can help you plan better, understand your mood shifts, and even spot patterns that might signal a bigger issue. There are plenty of period tracker apps that are simple, free, and surprisingly accurate after a couple of months of input. Some smartwatches now track cycles, and even old-school calendar apps can get the job done. Knowing when your period is coming gives you the upper hand, mentally, emotionally, and wardrobe-wise. Managing menstruation isn’t about becoming some magical cycle-controlling goddess. It’s about making small changes that help you feel a little more in control, a little less cranky, and a lot more like yourself.
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Contributed post. If you are thinking about carrying out some home renovations then you need to get all this planned out beforehand. You will also need to work out your budget for these projects and know exactly what you want the end product to look like. If you are in need of home improvement tips then take a look at the article below.  Budget One of the first things you need to work out is your budget and how much you have available to spend on your home renovation. Without money, you won’t get very far into your list of projects. You may not realize just how much these things can cost until you start asking for quotes, for instance, a loft conversion could cost you upwards of $30,000. Make sure you write everything down, including prices and go from there. If you don’t have this money to hand then you could always apply for home improvement loans. Make sure you are able to make back the repayments otherwise you could find yourself in trouble. Tools When you are planning home renovations, you need to ensure you have all the right tools for the job. This includes things like saws, hammers, and more of the obscure ones like wood planers. You may be wondering what is a wood planer? This is a tool designed to smooth down the thickness of wood, great for if you are trimming down doors or furniture. If you don’t want to buy the necessary tools for your renovation project then you could always hire them. Weigh up the pros and cons, including which one is more cost effective. Help Can you carry out your home renovations on your own? If not, then there is a load of help out there. You might already have people who have volunteered to work with you on your renovations, these could be friends or family members. However, you might need to hire some people to carry out specialist jobs around your renovations such as electrical wiring and gas works. If you are hiring people, be sure to check out reviews before you get yourself a quote. You don’t want to be dealing with cowboy builders who will take your money and not complete the job they came to do. Goals Finally, know what you want the final product to look like. You may already have an idea of what you want it to look like, you just need to make it become a reality. Your renovation goals need to be realistic and timely, otherwise you can quickly find yourself in over your head. The last thing you want to do is to get halfway through a renovation project and then not want to carry it on, or run out of time. You might want to speak to an architect who can draw up and design plans especially for you. We hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some ideas on the best way to go about your home improvements. Planning and preparation is the best way to go about home renovations. 
Costa Rica is a super family friendly exotic and adventurous vacation destination, and there are many regions to explore - whether you love beaches, jungles, mountains, cities, food, nature, wildlife, or Pura Vida lifestyle - you can enjoy them all here! If you are short on time, prefer slow travel, or have car sick kids (all 3 of these applied to my family on our recent trip and our first time in Costa Rica) you should stick to ONE region. For this Spring Break multigenerational family vacation, we chose the region of La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano! Why? After doing lots of research, that volcano just SPOKE to me. It's iconic! And while their beaches look beautiful, I just knew I could not miss Arenal Volcano. And turns out, there is PLENTY to do within 20 minutes of La Fortuna! Watch our highlights video and keep reading for more details about what to do with kids in Costa Rica, how child and senior friendly various activities are, and of course links to book the hotels and activities we absolutely loved and were perfect for our family, who ranged from 9 to 76 years old!
Disclaimer: links marked with * are affiliate links - you don't spend more but I receive commission from eligible purchases and bookings made after clicking.
FLIGHT:
Obviously the flight you book depends on many factors, most importantly your home airport options and if you prioritize price or convenience (aka flight times and stops)! We prefer flying out of Newark because it's closer and much cheaper to get to with a car service, but since my parents were coming with us, we wanted to get a direct flight, and the cheapest option was JetBlue out of JFK. It ended up being under $500 per person roundtrip, including free carry on, wifi, in-seat entertainment with tons of movies, drinks, and snacks! Check your flight options here* (just TRIPLE check you're searching San Jose (SJO) in COSTA RICA and not San Jose in CALIFORNIA - my mom made this mistake ha!!) At the time of booking, I signed up for their Barclay's credit card which gave me $250 credit and gets me 4 free checked bags (which we shared with my parents since we only needed 2). Score! The flights were smooth, under 5 hours. That might be long for some, but for seasoned long haul travelers like us, anything is easy when you're used to 24-hr travel days getting to Japan!! 
HOTEL: SAN JOSE AIRPORT AREA
Since our flight arrived in the late evening, we decided to stay at a nearby hotel rather than go into the city or take the 3hr road trip up to La Fortuna in the dark (not recommended!!!!!) After some research, I picked Country Inn & Suites by Radisson San Jose Aeropuerto* because it checked all the boxes:
HOTEL: LA FORTUNA / ARENAL VOLCANO AREA Arenal Volcano area is renowned for it's luxurious hot spring resorts, which yes, are obviously amazing, but quite an extravagant splurge for mid-range travelers like us! We decided to go a much more budget-friendly route and I was SO happy that my hours of research paid off when I stumbled across Hotel Lavas Tacotal*. They have spacious motel-style rooms as well as single unit adorable bungalows, laid across their gorgeously landscaped and tropical grounds, with 2 small but lovely pools, volcano views, and a huge open-air restaurant with DELICIOUS breakfast buffet. It's also open for dinner, with a full bar, though we never dined here outside of breakfast. They're very conveniently located as well - a 5 minute WALK to Go Adventure Zip Line meeting point, as well as a convenient store for all of your necessities, and a couple of decent restaurants. And about a 10 minute drive in one direction to downtown La Fortuna, and 10-20 minute drive in the opposite direction to Arenal Volcano. 
RENTAL CAR:
We booked our rental car with Adobe Rent-A-Car, after finding a great discount code on this Two Weeks in Costa Rica blog post - not only is it a great 10-20% discount, but you get some great freebies like a 2nd driver, booster seats, and car delivered to your hotel (which we needed since our flight arrived very close to their office closing and we didn't want to risk it)! We had a great experience with them - all the taxes and fees are straightforward from the get go, no hidden costs like some other companies often shock you with at the desk! RENTAL / DRIVING TIPS:
5 DAYS IN COSTA RICA ITINERARY:
DAY 1:
CATARATA DEL TORO: There are numerous ways to drive from San Jose to La Fortuna. We went to the east and had a nice pit stop at Catarata Del Toro waterfall. We had a later-than-planned-departure from San Jose (due to hubby needing to take some morning work calls at the hotel), otherwise we also would have also visited Blue Falls (literally right next to the other, we just didn't have a moment spare for it). Catarata Del Toro was GORGEOUS - an impressive 270 ft cascading waterfall within an old volcano crater! The water was actually grey due to nearby Poas Volcano current activity, but the color fluctuates. The entrance fee was $15, and you see the waterfall from above pretty much right away. We decided not to decend the hundreds of steps to the bottom due to the rain, instead we hiked around in our ponchos and had a nice relaxing adventure that broke up the drive perfectly. They have a restaurant on site that we were planning to lunch at, but the cook was sick, so we were out of luck there. This was our first lesson in "go with the flow, expect the unexpected" in Costa Rica! Pro tip: always have lots of snacks in the car for unexpected things like this, and being stuck behind cows or construction on the road for random 20-30 minute spans of time! 
NIGHT HIKE:
A night hike to see frogs, sloths, and other creepy crawleys at night in the jungle is a MUST DO in Costa Rica. But there are SO many to choose from, I found myself spinning in circles!! Save yourself the time and just book La Fortuna Hikes & Trails night hike* (about $43 per person), which is the one we did and includes a really unique tortilla making class (it actually ended up being a really hefty snack / light meal so consider this when making your dinner plans before or after the hike). 
Our guide was SO amazing! We were all given rechargeable flashlights, and she walked us through pointing out creature after creature, telling us all about them, letting us take our time capturing endless photos and videos. I had purchased and brought mosquito repellent bracelets and we all wore one but didn't notice many mosquitos, which was shocking - in the jungle and in Costa Rica as a whole. After 5 days I went home with only 2 bites, the kids had more unfortunate because they left the bedroom door open too long and had some in their room overnight. Oops! 
Day 2:
MISTICO HANGING BRIDGES There are a few options for hanging bridges, we opted for Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges* (about $40 per person) and absolutely loved it! It's a long hike, with lots of steep inclines, through gorgeous jungles, but the paths are paved and they even had strollers you could rent so that speaks to how well the paths are made! We didn't book tickets with a guide but recommend you consider it - they will help spot wildlife, take group photos etc! We occasionally came across a group with a guide and were lucky enough to have them point out a couple of vipers and other wildlife for us, so if you don't get a guide, try to stay near a group that does ha!! 
One of my 3 kids was terrified of the hanging bridges, I did not anticipate that, so keep it in mind if you have anyone afraid of heights in your group. They are QUITE high, they creak, they swing a bit if anyone isn't walking carefully one foot in front of the other. They are spectacular though, some offer views of rivers, others of the volcano. We just loved it! And it was mostly shaded, we didn't even bother with sunblock and were just fine. Be sure to use the bathroom beforehand, as there's nowhere within the park to go.
LUNCH: After finishing your hike, they do have ice cream and a restaurant with a stunning view, but if you want to save money, drive a few minutes down the road to Soda La Palma which was recommended to us by a Mistico staff member. It has great food, and even had a mini petting zoo behind it! 
DON JUAN ARENAL COFFEE + CHOCOLATE TOUR I should preface this by saying my mother and I almost opted out of this one. It sounded boring for us and the kids, we were just going to send the men while we stayed behind to let the kids swim. Boy oh boy were we mistaken, and I'm SO glad we all went along, despite the pricey admission tickets (about $50 per person)... this tour was EPIC!!!! So hands on, lots to smell, taste, and do. Our guide kept it fun for the kids and was so informative about EVERYTHING involved in the process of growing these crops. We saw a sloth on property, picked and ate fresh bananas off a tree, sucked on fresh cocoa pod seeds (they taste like fruit candy!!), even got to make our own chocolate! Don't sleep on this one, get your tickets for Don Juan Coffee + Chocolate tour here*!! 
Don Juan is located quite close to the La Fortuna Hikes & Trails, so could be nicely paired back to back with a hike there, although that's a LOT of guided tour in a row if you ask me (and my kids). They're also pretty close to downtown La Fortuna, so we booked the last tour of the day at 4pm and finished at late dusk and headed into town for dinner. We ended up at Volcano Steakhouse, which had a shockingly long wait (not sure if that's typical or they were down on staff) but food was good and vibe was fun, and my parents treated the kids to Pops ice cream afterward! 
Day 3:
LA FORTUNA WATERFALL
When in La Fortuna, visiting La Fortuna Waterfall* is a MUST DO. Again, like everything else, you must pay to see it, but it's worth it, trust me! It's about $20 per person, there was no discount for kids but my parents got in for dirt cheap after inquiring about their senior rate. There are 500 steps down, and another 500 steps back up. My mother opted to sit that hike out but there is a great viewing platform at the top, so she still got to see it from above and waited in the shade for the rest of us to hike down, SWIM at the base of the waterfall, and hike back up. We were all nervous about that climb back up, but honestly, take it slow, take lots of breaks (for just looking around and enjoying nature!), and it's no problem, really!! 
Be VERY careful though, the rocks by the waterfall are VERY VERY SLIPPERY!!! Also, if swimming out, be careful not to kick the rocks, there's a drop off a bit out where you can swim without concern about rocks, but when coming back in, just use your arms as you get closer. Ask us how we know (ouch!). Also, be mindful of your things. There was some security guards down there, not sure I would rely on them. They have lockers at the top so I advise you to leave valuables at home or in the lockers, and only bring down your clothes, shoes, towel, water bottle, and your phone in a waterproof phone pouch (see my "Costa Rica shopping list" at the bottom of this post for other must-brings)! 
GO ADVENTURE ZIP LINE Zip lining is right up there with night hiking for "must do" in Costa Rica. There are many locations and companies to choose from, and we struggled big time with this decision, especially since my father has Parkinson's and he was very very nervous about his ability to properly hold onto the line. We ultimately chose Zip Lining with Go Adventure* because at about $60 per person they were MUCH cheaper than some others, the tour included multiple zip lines AND an optional (but no extra fee) rappel, a Maleku experience, and admission to nearby Montaña de Fuego hot springs (and hot springs in the area are quite pricey so it was like 2 birds one stone here). Oh, and the meeting point was literally a 5 minute walk from our hotel. Winner winner chicken dinner! 
And were were 1,000% happy with our pick, Go Adventure was amazing!!! It was the first time zip lining for all of us, and we had THE best time! SO exhilarating, terrifying, breathtaking - all the feelings at once!! We were overwhelmed with the instructions at first, and totally anxious walking out to that first line. But everything felt very safe and secure - you were hooked onto the tree or the cable line basically at all times. We were SO high up but after that first zip, everyone felt amazing, even Mia who had been terrified on the hanging bridges was fine with this - so funny!! They have lockers at the meeting point so you can leave bags and valuables there. They don't recommend bringing ANYTHING with you on the zip lining tour, but I wore my DJI Osmo action camera on a harness (on my shopping list at the bottom of this post!), and my husband brought his iPhone and kept it secured in his pocket while ziplining. If you do bring a camera, make sure it is held close to your body and fully secured. You dont want to get tangled, and you dont want to drop something - all the platforms are a gridlike metal so very easy for little things to fall through or larger things to bounce and be gone forever in the jungle! You can hire a professional camera person there, it was quite pricey but if you dont have a camera that can be secured safely, and want to capture amazing stuff, you may want to splurge. But we were happy with the DIY videos and photos we got on our own. 
After such an adventurous day, we were all exhausted and were glad to find nearby Mirador Arenal Steakhouse (across the street from our hotel) for dinner (and I treated myself to a Passion Fruit Mojito - YUM!), and afterwards, a cute little convenient store (next to Go Adventure) where we were all treated to ice cream again by my sweet toothed Mom! Score!! Sweet end to a sweet day! 
Day 4:
ARENAL 1968 LAVA FLOW LOOP HIKE
As if we hadn't done enough hiking, JUST ONE MORE we told the kids! The Arenal 1968 hike (about $25 a person) is a must do in the area, it was a much more strenuous hike than we anticipated, AND we opted for the shorter loop, too! It also had lots of sunny areas - my shoulders deeply regretted not putting on that sunblock today! Definitely put on sunblock, bring water, use the bathrooms, and grab the hiking sticks they have at the entrance. There's plenty of wildlife to see, bring a guide for the best experience, otherwise just pay attention to other hikers looking at stuff, that's how we discovered most of the creatures we saw in Costa Rica! On this hike we saw a sloth, a Coati climbing through the trees, and some gorgeous birds with very interesting calls (listen to them in my youtube at the top of this post)! 
At the end of the hike is a cute cafe with GORGEOUS views, but again, we opted to drive onward to a Soda for a cheaper lunch. This time we visited Soda Arenal, which had amazing food and a super cute dog my mom and kids had fun feeding from the table, ha! 
Montaña de Fuego hot springs + pool Montaña de Fuego is one of the few all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, maybe the only one in La Fortuna area? It's a beautiful property, and they have a lovely pool with swim up bar, jacuzzi, kiddie pool, 3 lovely manmade healing mineral hot springs, and volcanic mud to slather on your body - and a day visit for these is included with your Go Adventure wristband!! You don't have to go the same day, just don't take off your wrist band and you'll be admitted! There are no lockers, towels, or changing rooms though, so keep that in mind and BYO stuff. They do have bathrooms to use, so no worries there. You can also purchase food and drinks. It's a fun and relaxing time, we really enjoyed it as a "free" way to have the volcanic hot springs experience essential in La Fortuna (the bigger venues are very very pricey, but again, do your research - you may find buying day passes worthwhile, or you may decide to splurge on a luxury Hot Spring Resort as your accommodation, which includes use of their hot springs). 
Day 5:
Check out and go home day, we chose La Paz Waterfall Gardens as our pit stop on the road trip back this time and it was PERFECTION! Definitely give yourself plenty of time there, I think we were there about 5 hours and could have stayed longer!! The grounds and location were spectacular, possibly the best "zoo" we've ever been to - it's an animal sanctuary so all of the animals are rescues, and all (or mostly all?) local to Costa Rica. There's a butterfly aviary where they fly all around and land on you. You can see UP CLOSE tons of animals including spider monkeys, sloth, puma, jaguar, ocelot, toucan, venomous snakes, and more!
I highly recommend paying a little more for the admission ticket that includes the buffet lunch, for one because there's nothing else in the area and honestly the cost is barely more than you'd pay at a soda, and it's BUFFET with drinks, too. Admission is about $54 per adult without lunch, and $69 with lunch. The food was delicious!!! And great way to fuel up for the lovely hike that takes you to FIVE waterfalls!! At the end of the (up and down hike with lots of stairs) they have a free shuttle that takes you back to the entrace. Even my parents did the hike, so while it's not stroller or wheelchair friendly, it's quite doable for most people. 
TIPS, TRICKS, + PERSONAL TAKEAWAYS:
SHOPPING / PACKING LIST:
Some of our other Travel Guides + Family Friendly Itinerary we think you'll enjoy:
Contributed post.
Are you dreaming of a vacation filled with nature, adventure, and relaxation? The Poconos region of northeastern Pennsylvania offers the ultimate escape, with everything from stunning mountain views to exciting outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a family getaway, or a weekend of adventure with friends, the Poconos is the perfect destination. And there’s no better place to stay than Le Wood. Why the Poconos Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination The Poconos is one of the most popular vacation spots in Pennsylvania, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its majestic mountains, serene lakes, and an abundance of outdoor activities, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Here’s why:
Le Wood: Your Cozy Retreat in the Poconos
When you book a stay at Le Wood you’re choosing more than just a place to sleep; you’re choosing a peaceful retreat with all the comforts of home. Nestled in the heart of the Poconos near Jim Thorpe, Le Wood is an A-frame cabin that blends rustic charm with modern amenities, making it the perfect vacation rental for small groups, families, or couples. Here’s what makes Le Wood stand out:
Things to Do in Jim Thorpe, PA While Le Wood offers a perfect setting for relaxation, there’s plenty to do in nearby Jim Thorpe, a town known for its picturesque streets and historic charm. Here are some top things to do during your visit:
Book Your Stay at Le Wood Cabin Today! Don’t wait—book your perfect vacation home in the Poconos today! Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills or a peaceful retreat in the mountains, Le Wood is the perfect base for your getaway. Ready to book? Secure your spot at Le Wood by visiting LeWoodCabin.com for the best rates and exclusive offers. Contributed post.  Your smartphone is an amazing multi-purpose tool. It can do everything from taking pictures to telling you the time. When traveling, it’s important to embrace the many features that your phone has to offer. Simply by using the right app, you may be able to get yourself out of many common tricky travel situations and even potentially prevent disasters. Below are 30 examples of ways to put your smartphone to use when traveling. Planning and navigating 1. Navigate with GPS GPS can help guide you to your hotel or attractions without the need for a map. It’s very useful on road trips, but also useful when navigating a new town by foot or even identifying public transport links. 2. Check the weather forecast Should you wear shorts and a t-shirt? Will you need to wear sunscreen? Being able to check the weather each day while traveling can be very useful for preparing what to wear and also planning your activities. Weather apps can help to do this for you - including alerting you of extreme weather. 3. Look up attractions Using your smartphone, you can also research local attractions while traveling - including everything from restaurants to museums. You can use Google to check opening times, busy periods and reviews to help influence your decision. 4. Find local gas stations When on a road trip, your phone’s GPS function can help you to find local gas stations when your tank is running low. There are also apps like GasBuddy that can help you shop around for the cheapest gas prices in the area to save money. 5. Check train and bus times Being able to look up train times and bus times online can be very useful when planning to use public transport. It can save you having to trudge down to the station and prepare for any delays or route closures. Tickets and documentation 6. Access travel documents Many types of travel documents like travel insurance policies, hotel booking information and visa receipts can be accessed in digital form online. It’s worth downloading PDFs of these documents onto your phone so that you can access them even if you can’t connect to the internet. 7. Store digital tickets Tickets to attractions can also be stored on your smartphone. When going on a city break, apps like My CityPASS are great for booking and storing tickets to multiple attractions in one place. 8. Record useful information Your notes app can be a useful place to store all kinds of information such as room numbers, parking spaces, luggage locker codes or hotel addresses. You may even be able to take photos of signs or train maps to help you remember them. 9. Check into your flight early Some airlines allow you to check in early via an app. If you’re only traveling with hand luggage, this can save you having to queue up at the check in desk when you arrive. With some budget airlines, checking in early via the app may even prevent additional hidden charges. Managing your finances 10. Convert currency Need to work out how many yen are in a dollar? Being able to accurately convert foreign currency pricing into US dollars can help you to get a better idea of how much you’re spending and whether you’re getting a good deal. There are sites and apps that you can use to quickly convert currencies. 11. Check your bank balance If you’re paying by card while abroad, it could be important to be able to access your bank balance in real time to check how much you’ve got left to spend. It could also be important to check currency transfer fees and also make sure no fraudulent payments are coming out of your bank. 12. Pay by phone It’s even possible to make contactless payments using your phone’s wallet app. Not all vendors will be able to accept mobile payments, but in many major cities a lot of stores and restaurants will have the technology. This could save you having to carry your cash and card everywhere. Staying entertained 13. Stream movies and TV shows Keep you and the kids occupied on long coach and car journeys by streaming your favorite movies and TV shows on your phone. A tablet is likely to be better for this, but a phone can be a useful backup solution. Downloading TV shows and movies could be useful for times without the internet (such as flights). Be wary that some countries may have restrictions on certain content, preventing you from streaming certain movies or TV shows abroad. 14. Listen to music You can also use your smartphone to listen to music while traveling. You can queue up a playlist of your family’s favorite songs to play on a road trip through the car speakers, or listen to your own private playlist on your headphones while on public transport. 15. Read an ebook/listen to an audiobook While some of us love the feel of a physical book, they can be heavy and can be easily damaged in certain environments. By switching to e-books, you can reduce luggage weight and not have to worry about pages falling out. Audiobooks could also be an option for listening to in the car or on headphones. 16. Play online games Online games can be a great way to occupy you and the kids. On top of many of the modern games available, you can also play traditional games like Scrabble or Solitaire on your phone, or try an online pool game. Puzzles like sudoku and crosswords are also fantastic for occupying oneself when traveling. Breaking language barriers 17. Translate signs and menus Did you know that you can use Google Translate and apps like iTranslate to decipher foreign text? These tools both allow you to use your camera to scan the text and are able to then translate the result into English. This is useful for navigating yourself around using signs or for ordering food on a foreign language menu. 18. Translate voices There are also apps that you can use to translate voices. Some of these are designed for traveling - a person can speak into the app and it will translate what they are saying into English so that you can understand them. 19. Use language learning apps There are many apps like DuoLingo that can allow you to learn a foreign language. You may even be able to search up words and phrases using these apps, helping you to communicate in foreign speaking countries. 20. Listen to language learning audiobooks There are also audiobooks you can listen to that can teach you foreign words and phrases. While hiring a car abroad, you could stream one of the audiobooks and the whole family some of the foreign lingo. Interacting with your environment 21. Take photos and videos An obvious way to use your smartphone while traveling is to capture memories by taking photos and videos. Modern phones allow you to easily tag and edit photos and videos so that you can create the ultimate vacation photo gallery. 22. Set up a wi-fi hotspot You can also use your phone’s data to connect other devices like laptops and tablets to the internet. This is useful when you haven’t got access to wi-fi. Just make sure that your mobile data plan isn’t too expensive - data roaming charges may apply to some contracts when traveling abroad. 23. Use as a flashlight The flashlight features on your phone can be useful when exploring places after dark. It’s particularly useful when camping. 24. Open QR codes Some attractions and restaurants may have QR codes that you can scan to access online menus or other information. You can scan QR codes using your phone’s camera. 25. Identify landmarks, plants and animals The Google Lens app can help you identify landmarks, plants and animals by scanning them with your phone camera. If you stumble across something you’re uncertain of and you want some extra information, try out Google Lens to see if it has the answer. Communicating with others 26. Talking with family and friends Let’s not forget the most traditional function of a phone: being able to call people! Phone calls and texts may come with extra fees abroad, so consider using the likes of Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp instead. 27. Book a taxi/Uber Smartphones are a great tool for booking taxis and Ubers while traveling. You can compare prices beforehand and choose a trusted driver. 28. Share your live location Need someone to meet you at a certain location? Or want to let a relative back home know you’re safe? Certain apps also allow you to share your live location with friends and family members. 29. Share photos and videos on social media Using your smartphone, you can also directly upload photos and videos to social media. You don’t need to wait until you get back home to share your vacation snaps. 30. Make emergency calls Finally, your smartphone can be a useful tool for making emergency calls in a crisis. If you have an internet connection, you should be able to look up the local emergency number. It may even be worth storing this in your notes in case you need it in an area where you haven’t got wi-fi. So, there you have it - 30 ways to use your smartphone while traveling! Make sure to look after your smartphone and to keep the battery charged up if you want to be able to access all of these amazing functions during your travels. At the same time, make sure that you’re not constantly glued to your phone screen - it’s important to take things in with your own eyes and immerse yourself in your new environment. Contributed post.  Let’s be real: giving gifts to your own family can be the trickiest part of the holidays (or any occasion). You want it to feel personal and meaningful… but also useful. You want it to make them smile — maybe even cry a little (the good kind, of course). Whether you’re shopping for your in-laws, your spouse, your kids, or even yourself (#selfcare), this family gift guide is packed with thoughtful ideas that celebrate connection, culture, and love. As a bicultural family with roots in the U.S. and Japan, we’ve added a few Japanese-inspired touches along the way — because gifts that reflect your heritage or language? Priceless. Let’s dive in — and make gift-giving feel joyful again! 🎁 1. For Mom: A Custom Necklace She’ll Wear Every Day There's something timeless about a delicate necklace that tells a story. Whether it's engraved with the kids’ initials or features each child’s birthstone, Mother Jewelry is always a hit — especially when it’s subtle enough to wear daily. Want to make it even more meaningful? Look for designs that incorporate kanji characters, birth flowers, or Japanese name etchings. One small pendant, infinite emotional value. 💡 Mom tip: Add a tiny pearl or sakura charm for a soft, feminine nod to Japanese culture. 💰 Starting at: $30–$80 depending on material and customization 👨👧👦 2. For Dad: A Custom Leather Men’s Bracelet (Yes, Really!) Hear me out — men love personalized gifts too, especially when they’re simple and wearable. A sleek men bracelet with the kids’ initials, a special date, or a subtle message inside the band is modern, masculine, and surprisingly sentimental. Whether your partner wears suits or hoodies, a leather or braided bracelet is a stylish way to carry family close — without being flashy. 💰 Budget range: $25–$60 🛠️ Tip: Look for options with Japanese inscriptions or minimal kanji designs for bicultural flair. 👶 3. For the Kids: Name Puzzles and Personalized Bento Accessories Personalized wooden name puzzles are a favorite for toddlers and preschoolers — educational, cute, and keepsake-worthy. Want something more functional? Gift them colorful bento box accessories like character-shaped picks, animal sauce containers, or a name-engraved chopstick set. It’s fun, practical, and makes lunch way more exciting. 💰 Range: $15–$45 🎌 Bonus: Get accessories featuring their favorite Japanese anime or mascot characters! 👵 4. For Grandma: A Family Photo Calendar or Memory Blanket Grandparents love anything that includes their grandkids — especially if it shows up once a month! A custom photo calendar with notes for birthdays, holidays, or special quotes is one of those gifts that lasts all year long. For something cozier, go for a memory blanket printed with the names or pictures of all the grandchildren. Add the birth dates and a quote in both English and Japanese, like “Kazoku wa kokoro no shiro” (Family is the fortress of the heart). 💰 Range: $30–$70 📦 Ships easily — great for long-distance gifting. 👴 5. For Grandpa: An Engraved Wooden Watch or Storybook Journal Gift him something timeless — literally. A wooden or bamboo watch engraved on the back with a family message (“We’ll always be on your time”) is stylish, sentimental, and wearable. Want something more interactive? Try a guided journal with writing prompts about his life — a way to preserve family stories across generations. 💰 Watches: $40–$90 📖 Story journals: $25–$35 🎎 6. For In-Laws in Japan: Compact Gifts That Travel Well If you’re sending gifts abroad, go lightweight and meaningful. Consider:
💌 Add a note in hiragana or romaji for a sweet, personal touch. 💰 Most items under: $25 (plus shipping) 🎧 7. For Your Teen: A Custom Spotify Code Gift or Zodiac Necklace Teens aren’t always easy to shop for — but they do love music, self-expression, and gifts that feel personal. A custom Spotify plaque (or even a hoodie!) featuring a song that means something to them is an unexpected win. Not into music gifts? Try a minimalist zodiac necklace in their sign. It’s trendy, gender-neutral, and something they might actually wear. 💰 Price range: $20–$50 ✨ Add a small bilingual tag with their name in kanji or katakana to make it extra unique. 👩🍼 8. For New Parents: A Star Map or “First Year” Keepsake Box Help celebrate the newest addition to the family with a gift that captures the moment. A custom star map showing the night sky on the baby’s birthdate is as beautiful as it is sentimental. Or give a wooden memory box engraved with the baby’s name and room for their hospital bracelet, photos, and first-year milestones. It’s something they’ll treasure long after the toys are outgrown. 💰 Star maps: $35–$60 📦 Keepsake boxes: $40–$75 👯 9. For Siblings: Matching Accessories That Celebrate Your Bond Whether you’re close in age or opposites in personality, there’s a certain kind of magic between siblings. Matching keychains, coordinated rings, or half-and-half necklaces are playful and meaningful without being too sappy. Look for options that let you engrave nicknames, shared phrases, or quotes you both love. 💡 Japan-inspired idea: Choose a yin-yang or sakura motif to represent balance and beauty in your sibling relationship. 💰 Range: $20–$50 🧸 10. For the Littlest Ones: Personalized Storybooks or Stuffed Animals Toddlers and babies might not remember the gift — but parents sure will. Try a personalized bedtime story where they’re the hero, or a custom stuffed animal with their name embroidered on the belly or foot. Some brands even let you record a voice message inside the plushie — perfect for relatives living far away. 💰 Budget: $25–$60 🎁 Makes a wonderful keepsake gift for baby showers or first birthdays. 🛋️ 11. For the Whole Family: A Shared Experience Gift Not every gift has to be something you wrap. A gift certificate for a family photo shoot, annual museum pass, or virtual cooking class can create lasting memories and quality time — which, let’s be honest, is sometimes the best gift of all. 💡 Great for minimalist families or long-distance gifting. 💰 Typical cost: $50–$150 🌸 12. For the Sentimental One: Birth Month Flowers Jewelry or Art Just like birthstones, Birth Month Flowers are becoming a meaningful way to personalize jewelry and home decor. A floral necklace featuring each family member’s flower? Yes, please. Or try a framed print showing all the flowers of the family side by side — like a blooming family tree. 💰 Price range: $25–$80 depending on design and material 🎨 Ideal for moms, grandmas, and artistic family members ✍️ 13. For the Writer or Dreamer: Custom Journals or Poetry Prints For that introspective soul in the family, consider a leather-bound journal embossed with their initials — or a custom poem print featuring their name in acrostic form. You can even include quotes in both English and Japanese for an international flair. 💡 Make it extra special by adding your own hand-written message inside. 💰 Journals start around $25; prints from $20 💌 14. For Yourself: A “Me” Gift That Feels Just Right Hey, you’re part of the family too — and you’ve been doing a lot. Treat yourself to something that makes you feel seen. A delicate bracelet with your kids' initials, a cozy robe, or a Japanese skincare set you’ve been eyeing. Gift yourself the same thoughtfulness you offer others. You absolutely deserve it. 💰 Range: $30 - 80 depending on your taste (and how generous you're feeling with yourself) ❤️ 15. For Everyone: A Custom Family Name Sign
Whether it hangs in the entryway or over the dining table, a wooden sign with your family name (or your name in Japanese characters!) is a beautiful way to celebrate unity. It's a gift that works for any generation, and it's perfect for holidays, anniversaries, or new homes. 💰 Wood or acrylic signs typically range from $40–$90 🌐 Most sellers offer international shipping if you're gifting abroad Contributed post.  One of the biggest setbacks you’ll deal with during this time is selling your current property, a process that can often take several months. However, you can ensure you’re packing that moving van as quickly as possible by getting your current home ready for the market. This means that you’re more likely to capture the attention of potential buyers while also adding to your home’s value, meaning that this work is truly a win-win. With that in mind, here are some simple steps that you can take to prepare your home for the market. Work on your curb appeal. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see (both online and in person). As such, working to improve your curb appeal is essential, whether you achieve this by applying a fresh coat of paint to windows and door frames or gardening. Aim for a neat, clean finish in order to make your home look as presentable as possible. Get rid of your junk. Buyers attending viewings or open houses are unlikely to be blown away by homes that are full of junk and clutter. As such, you can speed up the sales process quite considerably by removing this from your home ahead of time. This will also save you a lot of time and energy on moving day, as you’ll no longer have to pack this up and take it with you. Generally speaking, the easiest way to remove junk from your home, such as dated and bulky furniture, is to work with a company that offers junk pick up services. Deep clean the space. Deep cleaning your home will also ensure your home is market-ready. This is because it means it will look as attractive as possible on listing photos, and whenever somebody stops by for a tour. Remember, buyers are encouraged to be particularly eagle-eyed when looking for a new home, which means they are likely to pick up on issues such as dust and dirt build-up, no matter how minor that may seem to you. This is because they often suggest that the previous owner was not the most diligent when caring for the home, meaning they’ll expect to encounter maintenance issues, too. Deal with maintenance issues. As mentioned above, potential maintenance issues will quickly deter buyers or cause the value of your home to plummet. In both cases, this means that your home will spend a lot more time on the market than necessary. As such, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress by dealing with them beforehand. Final thoughts. Preparing your home for the market ensures you can move to your new home (and life) as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can make your home as attractive as possible, from getting rid of junk and clutter to dealing with maintenance issues. Contributed post. Traveling with family can be one of the best experiences in the world - and one of the most stressful. If you are keen to make sure you are making the most of it, there are all sorts of things you might want to think about and focus on. And there are a lot of ways in which you can ensure you are truly ready for the experience. In this post, we are going to discuss some of the best ways to get ready for your next family trip, so you can ensure you are going to enjoy it as much as possible.  Choose A Suitable Location It’s certainly the case that some destinations are more family-friendly than others, and this is something you will want to bear in mind as you plan for your next trip. You’ll ideally end up with a spot that has something for everyone, and which is going to be suitable for families - perhaps it has family-friendly resorts, or it’s the kind of place that has something you can all enjoy. Whatever and wherever it is, do make sure you are spending time finding the ideal spot as best as you can. Take Something To Keep You Entertained And perhaps more importantly, to keep the kids entertained. You’ll need to think about the long journeys that you might need to take, and what you can do to make those a lot more bearable. This might be easier than you think, but you’ll certainly find it helpful to take something with you that will help to keep you entertained as well as you can. That could be a tablet or laptop for some solitaire and mahjong, or it might be a book or anything in between. In fact, it’s usually best to have a variety of things, just to cover you.  Stay Flexible Though a certain degree of planning is wise, there is certainly such a thing as overplanning, and it’s a good idea to make sure you are avoiding that at all costs. If you want to keep stress at bay here, consider how you might be able to remain flexible. That is going to make it a much more relaxed experience, and it will mean that you still have space to move in, which really makes a world of difference here. So remain flexible and open, and you will find that your family has a much better experience. Remember Your Documents It’s a simple and perhaps an obvious thing, but do try to make sure that you remember all the documents you need to have with you in order to travel. That means the passport for each person, as well as flight details and so on too. Also, you may want to take evidence of travel or health insurance with you, as this will probably make you feel a lot more safe throughout the whole trip experience. This is one of those simple things that really makes a difference. Contributed post. Sometimes we all need to escape from reality. Whether we’re enjoying the things in our life right now, or an outlet is needed to help forget about it for a brief moment or two. Escapism is and will always be a great way of letting your mind reset, relax, and everything in between. Whether you’re a fan of gaming or not, online gaming has become widely popular in recent years. So much so that there’s an abundance of games available to play, making it challenging to choose which one you play first. The power of online gaming when it comes to escaping reality is incredible, and if you’re looking for stress relief or a way to socially connect with others online, then online gaming can prove fruitful. Here’s everything you need to know about the power of online gaming and how it can help to escape the reality of life itself.  It’s a therapeutic tool Online gaming can prove incredibly beneficial for those who are looking to escape for the purpose of mental clarity. Sometimes, it can be helpful to take yourself away from life when it’s getting a little stressful or you’re finding it a bit mundane at the moment. Many people get stressed in life, whether it’s stressors from work and their professional life, to problems within the home environment. Whatever stressors they may be, gaming can provide a way of de-stressing and releasing those negative emotions that may be felt. Being able to regulate your emotions effectively is important, and gaming can be a healthy way of navigating through those emotions when they appear. Games are helpful for cognitive engagement Even beyond childhood, there’s a lot of cognitive development that can be maintained and improved upon as an adult. There are lots of games to choose from online, whether it’s a nostalgic game like Minesweeper or Sudoku, or a more complex game with open maps and various story arcs to complete. When games have complexities to them, it can help with cognitive function and work out your brain as a muscle. Like every organ in the body, your brain needs attention so that it can continue to function effectively. Whether you’re looking to improve your memory or your ability to solve problems, games are a great way of escaping while also providing some vital training for your body. There are pros and cons to escapism in gaming Escapism in gaming comes with its pros and cons. Gaming can be a great way of getting away from life’s bugbears, but it can also lead to an addiction if you’re not careful. Here are some of the pros and cons of escapism in gaming. Pros of escapism in gaming
Cons of escapism in gaming
As with a lot of indulgences in life, it’s important to get the balance right. While gaming can be a fun pastime to have, it can quickly become something that gets out of hand and easily becomes a hindrance to your life instead of a help. Improvement of mental health Our mental health is something that all of us will have to tackle at some point. After all, every one of us has a brain, and mental health problems can emerge in a variety of forms and at many points in a person’s lifetime. From the death of a family to an unexpected divorce or a relationship that’s broken down and no longer exists. These impacts on the mental well-being of an individual need to be nurtured and cared for.  Online gaming has become part of that aid for many who want an escape from life’s problems, if only for a brief period of time. Of course, it’s back to reality that we all have to go to at some point, but even for an hour or two, online gaming provides that relief. It’s important, though, that you’re aware of your own mental health and how you might want to focus on improving that wherever possible, beyond just playing games. Sometimes, professional help might be needed. How to find the balance when gaming online So, how do you find balance when gaming online? How do you manage between healthy gaming online and avoiding a gaming addiction? Play games that you enjoy Games should be enjoyed, and it’s not something you should get particularly stressed about. Sure, there will be times when gameplay becomes stressful as you try to navigate a tough part of the game. However, it’s making sure to check in and understand when the game is no longer fun and is actually hindering your enjoyment. Manage your gameplay time and limit it when needed Try to manage your gameplay as best as possible, setting time limits when you find yourself spending a bit too much time on it. It’s good to get the right balance between enough gameplay that it satisfies you and not doing too much that it’s eating into your real-life responsibilities, like putting the bins out or doing bedtime with the kids. Recognize an addiction and set boundaries Remember that anything can become an addiction, even gaming. It’s important that you’re setting boundaries so that online gaming doesn’t take over your life. If you recognize an addiction forming, then it’s best to stop or get help for it if it’s getting out of hand. Tips for beginners in online gaming If you’re new to online gaming, then it’s likely to be a daunting but exciting opportunity to explore the world that has developed and evolved over the years. When it’s something you’ve not tried prior, then it can be tough to know where to start. With that being said, here are some tips for beginners who are trying online gaming for the first time. Pick one game at a time Instead of getting overwhelmed, look to start your online gaming journey with just one game at a time. If you’re trying out a multitude of games, then you’re going to get distracted because your attention is being stretched too thinly. Try out one game at a time instead and make sure to only move on to something new when you’ve mastered the first one. Learn the basics Learning the basics of a game is essential because if you’re skipping past the tutorial or the instructions, then you’re likely to get less enjoyment out of it when you get stuck. Try to get to grips with the gameplay at the beginning, and don’t forget to adjust your gameplay experience through the settings on a console or via your monitor. Play with others A great benefit of online gaming is that there are many games out there that provide an opportunity to play with others. Therefore, if you want to, look at how you could play with others online too. Playing with others can be a lot of fun, especially when it comes to online gaming. Look at what games you want to try out, whether you’re playing with just one person or a network of gamers. Take regular breaks Regular breaks are imperative to managing your time healthily while playing. Take a regular break from gaming to stretch your legs, make a drink, and reset where needed. Escaping reality through gaming online is a wonderful habit to have, but it’s good to make sure it’s well managed and done so in a healthy way. Use these tips to get the most out of your gaming experience.  Disclaimer: This post is sponsored but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Links in this post are Amazon affiliate links - you don't pay more but I earn a commission from eligible purchases made after clicking my links. Whether you're upgrading your teen's gaming room decor or want some EPIC birthday party decorations, these MeRGBW LED Light Up Letters we were sent to review are IT!! Watch our full demo review video below for the full experience, and read on for more details and (commission earning affiliate links) to buy!! Buy each letter individually, and you can group them to sync all the LED letters together and be powered on a single USB cord! Everything is included that you need, including a USB power cord with attached remote control, a cord to connect the next letter, and screw and double sided adhesive if you want to mount them to a wall, but they're self-standing too! Leave the USB cord in the first letter, pull the USB cord out of each following letter you plan to sync, and attach the connecting cables instead. You can control all via the first USB cord's attached remote OR via the free app on your phone. DO NOTE: only the 1st 4 letter lights will automatically sync. If linking more than that, there's a simple extra step: you'll have to download the free MeRGBW App and adjust the number of total pixels set to light up. Do the math and calculate 5 pixels per light - so if you have 6 lights it'll be 30 pixels. Once you update that (more detailed instructions are in the manual and on the box), all the lighted letters will sync perfectly and be able to control all together via the remove or the app).  They're a great size (about 5x6" and 1" deep) - big enough to make a FUN colorful and bright impression as unique home decor and birthday decorations, but small enough to be portable and compactly pack away for travel and storage!  You can control all the basics on the attached remote, and endless customizations on the app including numerous pre-set scenes, several options to sync to music, create custom scenes, and thousands of RGB options.  Ready to shop!? They've got all the letters as well as a few symbols!! Shop with my Amazon affiliate link here!! These will definitely be on my graduation decorations 2025 gift guide - they make the perfect girls gifts, boys gifts, teen girl gifts, wall decor, living room decor, office decor, holiday decorations, and even Bluey birthday decorations LOL!! Not to mention what fun glitter letters make in your daily life - keep them up year round!! |
 
About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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