I've got the latest and greatest tech to keep you warm this winter - we're talking battery operated heated vests + jackets, rechargeable hand warmers, electric heated comforter + mattress pad, space heaters, electric fireplace, even a heated foot massager... LET'S GO!

Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by iHood and contains affiliate links, through which I earn commission from purchases made after clicking.

iHood Heated Vest + Jacket

iHood Heated Vest
I was sent iHood's lightweight heated vest to review and it's amazing (watch my full demo here)!! They make one with a detachable hood as well, but this one is without, just a cute puffer vest with 2 hidden zippered pockets on the outside, and 2 on the inside, with one of them holding the hookup for the 7V lithium battery it comes with. Charge the battery and it'll warm up your vest for hours!! You can control the heat right from the button on your chest - so convenient, and toasty warm with heating elements on the stomach, back, and neck. Water and wind resistant, and machine washable to boot! The vest is so flexible cuz you can layer under and over it as needed, keep your core warm and have full range of motion of your arms, which is great for horseback riders and other outdoor enthusiasts. Shop iHoodwarm.com (affiliate link) or Amazon (links follow):

Buy the women's version without a hood here:

Buy the detachable hood model vest here, for men and women:

iHood Heated Jacket

iHood also makes a heated jacket which has independently controlled stomach, back, and neck heated zones with a 12V battery (which can also charge your phone) that inserts into an inner pocket and is controlled with the button on the chest! It's made of waterproof, windproof, scratch proof material, the hood and neck are fleece lined and so cozy! It has a million zippered pockets (8 outside, 2 inside to be exact), and a huge hood with a long brim you can fold back or extend out to keep rain and snow off your face, or cinch closed to keep the wind out.  Watch my full demo video here and get $20 off iHood heated jacket on ihoodwarm.com (affiliate link) or buy one on Amazon here:

JINHODY Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Charge them up and turn them on to act as hand warmers in your pockets. You can even charge your phone with them - WIN WIN! These are versatile, cute (coming in pink, green, or black), and a must have this winter! Watch my full demo here and buy a set here (affiliate link):

Sealy Electric Heated Mattress Pad
Getting into a chilly bed in winter is the worst, am I right?! We are LOVING this Sealy electric mattress pad - not only does it warm up your bed for you but it's DUAL SIDED, so you can each control your side to the perfect temp (my husband doesn't usually use his, but I keep mine toasty from fall through spring, so it's perfect for us!!!). It also has a timer so you can keep it on all night or have it turn off after a couple of hours. Watch my full demo here, and buy it here (affiliate link):​

ZONLI Electric Heated Blanket
This is a great electric blanket, whether you use it on the sofa, over your legs while working at your desk, as a bed comforter, or all of the above!! It's plush and cozy and SO WARM!
Watch my full demo here, and buy it here (affiliate link):​

Feculs Space Heater
It heats up super fast, use the controls on the heater or on the remote! Have it on high or low or set a temperature for it to maintain. It has a timer, and tip over safety mechanism to cut off power. You can even use it without heat as a fan! It's so great for small spaces - heat up your feet under your desk or your bathroom so you're toasty warm before and after your shower! Watch my full demo here and buy it here (affiliate link): ​

Star Patio Tabletop Heater
No gas required - just assemble, put on top of your patio table, plug in and poof - warm hands and faces all around!! I love this Star Patio Tabletop Heater, they also make taller versions!
Watch my assembly + demo video here, and buy it here (affiliate link): ​

Cloud Massage Shiatsu Heated Foot Massager
I literally use this at least 5 times a year, without heat in summer, and with heat the rest of the year. No joke, it has permanent residence under my desk. I love it love it love it!!!!
Watch my assembly + demo video here, and buy it here (Thrasio / Amazon affiliate link):

Rintuf Electric Fireplace
If you don't have a traditional fireplace, or you just don't want to mess with wood or gas, then you need this electric fireplace!! Looks cool and keeps you warm! Review coming soon (will add here when published), buy it here (affiliate link):

Guest post provided by Bounce - instantly find locations nearby to drop off your luggage wherever you go!

At the western end of Long Island, Brooklyn is a fantastic place for a family trip with all of the beaches and parks in the borough. It may be small, but it has the most people in the state of New York with over 2.6 million residents. Everyone has heard of the Brooklyn Bridge, but there is a lot more to Brooklyn than that. 
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Brooklyn has over 30 museums with a children’s museum, toy museum, and museum of food and drink that kids of all ages will love. And just a quick train, bus, or Uber ride away, you cannot forget the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty! But you cannot bring your luggage, so drop it off at a Brooklyn luggage storage facility before starting to explore.

Museums
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• Brooklyn Children’s Museum

What other kind of museum would kids be so excited to see? Well, BCM is one of the best for kids because it has so many fun activities for kids of all ages. It was founded in 1899 and was the first children’s museum in the US. Kids (and adults) learn to make milk carton boats, coffee filter oysters, and much more. 

• Toy Museum

Located on the second floor of St. Ann & Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn Heights, The Toy Museum of NY is the only one in the world that puts on live performances. They also have a collection of really cool toys like rare dolls, the original Frisbee, Mr. Potato Head, Easy-Bake Oven, Howdy Doody, and thousands more.  
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• Museum of Illusions

Let your mind play tricks on you at the Museum of Illusions in lower Manhattan. Your eyes tell you one thing, and your brain tells you something else. This mind-boggling place has over 70 exhibits from optical illusions to holograms and the kaleidoscope to the rotating room. This is also a great place to get some unique souvenirs. 
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• Museum of Food & Drinks

Also known as MOFAD, you and the kids can learn a plethora of fun things about the food and drinks we enjoy every day and some of the ones we really don’t want to. These exhibits help you learn through smell, touch, and taste to experience other cultures and the variety of foods and drinks we all consume.

Theme Parks
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• Coney Island

Coney Island is on the tip of Long Island, which is actually a peninsula. It is several amusement parks in one, with Luna Park being the largest. In fact, they have more than 30 rides from the toddler’s tea party to the thrilling Coney Island Cyclone. And 15+ games like Fried Frogs, Whack a Mole, and Stinky Feet.

• Fantasy Forest at Flushing Meadows Park

For the smaller kids and parents who do not want to walk 20 miles through a huge park, Fantasy Forest in Queens is a small but fun park with eight rides and a bunch of games. They also have live shows, carnival food, and gift shops where you can get some cool souvenirs. And the unique carousel from 1964 is perfect for group selfies. 

• Nickelodeon Universe 

Although it’s actually in New Jersey, Nickelodeon Universe is only 15 miles from Brooklyn. This indoor fun park has rides, games, and other attractions like the Angry Birds mini golf, the Mirror Maze, Sea Life Aquarium, Ren & Stimpy’s Space Madness, and Spongebob’s Jellyfish Jam. They even have an indoor water park. 

• Victorian Gardens Amusement Park

This park is not as huge as Nickelodeon or Coney Island but is bigger than Fantasy Forest. Victoria Gardens, in Manhattan's Central Park, has 12 rides with most of them geared toward toddlers to tweens. Take a ride on the Mini Mouse coaster, race each other in the Grand Prix, or fly high on the Aeromax. They also have several games where you can win prizes.

Attractions
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• Madame Tussauds

Known as the best wax museum in the world, Madame Tussauds has locations from NYC to London. This is the selfie spot for everyone where you can get shots with actors like Julia Roberts, Leo DiCaprio, and Angelina Jolie or musicians like Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift. And the kids will love Iron Man, ET, and the Hulk.
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• Brooklyn Bridge

This iconic bridge opened in 1883 and it was the longest suspension bridge in the world spanning over 1,500 feet. Take a walk or ride bikes through the middle of the bridge on the elevated walkway. It stands about 18 feet over the car lanes where you can get some amazing views of the city and some fantastic selfies. 

• Empire State Building

The most recognized building in the world, the Empire State Building in central Manhattan is over 1,450 feet tall and is known for its role in video games, TV shows, books, and films. Go see King Kong on the second floor where you can hear him growl and feel the vibrations from his giant paws. Or go up to the 102nd floor for a stunning view.

• Statue of Liberty

Another well-known icon, you can visit the Statue of Liberty by taking a ferry to Liberty Island. Go visit the museum and theater before heading up to the pedestal or crown for a unique view of the city. The 305-foot statue was a gift from the French in 1885 to commemorate the relationship between the US and France.

Animal Fun

• Prospect Park Zoo

With 12 acres and 864 animals, Brooklyn's Prospect Park Zoo may not be the largest, but it is nonetheless a fantastic way to spend the day learning about the wildlife and how they touch our lives. They have three buildings including the World of Animals, Animal Lifestyles, and Animals in Our Lives. 

• Central Park Zoo

Even smaller than Prospect Park, Central Park Zoo in central Manhattan has 6.5 acres with 1,487 animals in 163 species. The main zoo has three areas including the polar, temperate, and tropical. The granite buildings are covered in vines and they surround the square sea lion pool. See pythons, foxes, lemurs, leopards, monkeys, and more.
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• Queens Zoo

In Flushing Meadows Park, the Queens Zoo features hundreds of animals on 18 acres. They have an aviary full of birds, a section of domestic animals like sheep, cows, and rabbits, the sea lion pool with a bunch of these funny water creatures, and the animal trail section has pumas, bears, lynx, bison, and coyotes. 
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• Bronx Zoo

The largest zoo in New York, the Bronx Zoo boasts 265 acres with more than 4,000 animals in 650 species. Their exhibits include the Congo Gorillas, Jungle World, Wild Asia, Madagascar, Tiger Mountain, African Plains, World of Reptiles, and the World of Birds. Don’t forget to grab some cool souvenirs before you go.

Between all these visits, you have to stop and eat. Shake Shack is a favorite for families with locations throughout Brooklyn and New York City. Stage Door Deli and Pizzeria in lower Manhattan has sandwiches, pizza, and all kinds of other yummy foods. And for dessert, go to Laboratorio del Gelato in NYC's Lower East Side (or New JerseY) where they have 15 kinds of chocolate and 40 flavors of fruit gelato.

To further plan your visit (or staycation if you're a NYC local), check out some of these great resources:

• Our Brooklyn Borough Guide and "Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from NYC"
• Brooklyn-USA.org
• Brooklyn Guide
• NYC Go
• Trekaroo
• Mommy Poppins​

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Responsival but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Additionally, this post includes some affiliate links - we earn commission from purchases made after clicking.

Gift giving should be thoughtful, from the heart, maybe even a bit humorous. If the intended gift recipient has (or had) a beloved pet, this can be a great theme to run with, so I've curated a 2022 Best Gifts for Pet Lovers roundup to save you time in your researching! Maybe one of these will jump out at you as a wonderful gift for your spouse, your child, maybe even yourself!! So, let's go!

1. Custom Pet Portrait
Your fur babies rightfully take up a big piece of your heart, so why not give them a dedicated space on your wall with a fun wrapped canvas custom pet portrait!? Mr&MrsPaw has got your back here, quite literally, they even have pet portrait throw pillows! And cell phone cases. And mugs! They have tons of designs to choose from, too. Selecting one is definitely the hardest part! Search by theme: Renaissance (I'm a huge Bridgerton fan, so couldn't help putting our guinea pig's cutie patootie face added to this "Noble" design!!), Film & TV (great for lovers of Harry Potter, Star Wars etc!), Asian Style, and Hobbies & Jobs (Want to see your dog play baseball? Yeah, I thought so!!) Most designs are for a single pet but they do have some especially for groups of 2, 3, or 4 pets!

After I submitted my order, they emailed me with a proof for approval, and I was blown away by how they edited the color and angle to look absolutely PERFECT!!! About a week later the canvas arrived and it's absolutely beautiful, and so hilarious, we just love it!!! Watch our first reactions here, so funny!!!

2. Pet Cam
Being able to check in with your fur baby while you're at work or away for the weekend is priceless, so thankfully there are some great pet cams out there! You love the eufy robot vaccuum (who doesn't), but did you realize they make a pet camera that even dispenses treats - so you can play catch and watch their happy little face catching and nomming up that food in real time! SO FUN!! With a 1080p clarity, smart motion tracking, 2-way audio, a 170 degree wide angle, and 16gb of local storage! Buy the eufy Pet Dog Camera D605 on eufy's website or Amazon.

3. Photo Jewelry
A great way to keep a pet always with you, or honor a pet that's already crossed the rainbow bridge, special moments photo jewelry from mint&lily are beautiful in so many ways. Add your pet's photo to a bracelet or necklace (they currently have 12 gorgeous designs to choose from), hold it up to your eye with light behind it (or put your camera lens up to it) and boom, a beautiful picture of your beloved fur baby appears!! If you haven't already joined the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt wagon on this one, just give in already and get one!

4. Paw Prints
Pearhead has two framed options for including a photo of your pet along with the pawprint - either imprinted in clay or stamped! Or you could do your pet's pawprints and kids' footprints in stepping stones in the garden!

5. Subscription Box for Pets
It seems there is a subscription box for EVERYTHING these days - from Sake and Japanese snacks (click for our fun YT unboxings on those) to clothes and games, there are some great ones for pets, too!  Bark Box is probably the most well known one for dogs. Check out Skip and Scamper for cats, Piggie Box for guinea pigs, Happy Bunny Club for rabbits... you get the idea!!

If interested in sustainable & zero waste pet products, check out The Kind Pet, a brand new online store co-founded by my very own AMAZING sister!  Be sure to follow their blog for great tips and support for those on their sustainability journey, no matter what that looks like!​

If you loved this best gifts for pet lovers roundup, we think you'll love these other gift guides, too!!

• Best Toys for Active Kids
• Out of the Box Father's Day Gift Guide
• Unique Mother's Day Gift Guide

Disclaimer: Most of these toys were sent to us free to review over the years, but we honestly LOVE them! Links below are affiliate links - as an Amazon Associate & Thrasio Influencer, I earn commission from purchases made after clicking :)

The leaves are turning, the air is getting colder... tis the season for early bird Christmas shopping!! I'm going to be compiling a few great 2022 Christmas Gift Idea roundups to help you, featuring my favorite toys for kids in various categories. We'll be kicking this off with the BEST ACTIVE TOYS FOR KIDS! Whether you have sport loving active kids, or need toys to help get your kids off screens and moving their bodies, this list has something (or many things) your kids (and maybe even YOU) will love!!!

Watch my roundup video featuring short demos of these awesome toys, and shop using my affiliate links below!!

SCOOTERS & RIDE ONS:

• Ezy-Roller (ages 4-adult, us parents love this, too!)
• Cooghi Push-Sit-Stand Converting Scooter (for  ages 1-5 years)
• ​​​Beleev 3-wheel kick scooter (for ages 3-6 years)
• Beleev Small 2-wheel kick scooter (for ages 5-12 years)
• Beleev Large  2-wheel kick scooter (for ages 8 - adult, us parents love it, too!)
• PlasmaCar (ages 3-adult)
• Beleev Skateboard (220lb weight max) 

DANCE MATS:

• Dance Mat by Lefree Toys (for pink/purple/princess lovers)
• Light Up Dance Mat by Kidzlane (a more gender neutral one) 

ROLLERBLADES & ROLLERSKATES:

• Adjustable Rainbow Roller Skates by 4-Pejijar
• SKL Adjustable Rollerblades

MISC. OUTDOOR SPORTS & ACTIVE TOYS:

• Light Up Glow in the Dark Football by GlowCity
• Portable Outdoor Basketball Hoop by Yaheetech
• Geo Dome Climber by Lifetime
• The Swurfer Disc Swing
• Bounce House by AirMyFun
• 4-Pack of Rechargeable Walkie Talkies by Radioditty​

MISC. INDOOR ACTIVE FUN:

• GymBarPro gymnastics pullover bar (this was a collapsible one and great but it's no longer listed, we actually graduated to a taller, sturdier, but non collapsible one - if that sounds like what you're looking for check out the Safly Fun Gymnastics Bar that adjusts from 3 - 5' high and has a 300 pound weigh capacity!
• Over the Door Basketball Hoop by QDragon
• Ring Toss by Elite Sportz
• Rechargeable LaserTag by ArmoGear
• Boxing Battle by ArmoGear
• Portable Ping Pong Set by NIBIRU SPORT

OUTDOOR WATER TOYS:

• Reusable Silicone Water Balloons
• Splash Battle Laser Tag by ArmoGear
• 68" Sprinkler Splash Pad by Ricoco​​

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission from sales made after clicking on below affiliate links. 

​We love a good sale, am I right? And Amazon has plopped a 2nd prime day holiday right in our laps!!
That's right, today and tomorrow (October 11-12, 2022) there are TONS of items with huge discounts for prime members!! If you haven't done so already, get a 1 month free Amazon Prime Membership here (if you've already done it before, just sign up for Prime, the monthly fee will be way less than all the $$$$ you save shopping!!).

GREAT SALES!!!

Save over $50 on the Cloud Shiatsu Heated Foot Massager (watch my review below and buy it here)

Save 30% on Tineco iFloor3 that mops and vacuums AT THE SAME TIME (and self cleans) - this thing is amazing!!! Watch my demo video below and buy it here!

Save $80 on this amazing cordless stick vacuum I love from Ganiza (watch my review video below and click here to buy it)

Save $180 on the Gotrax 3-wheel e-scooter!! Watch my demo video below and buy it here!

Save on this 2-pack of cute touch lamps that are dimmable and have USB A & C plugs and AC plugs in the lamp so you can charge your phone, hook up alarm clock and more! Watch my demo video below and buy here!

Save $20 on string light poles! Watch my demo video below and buy here!

Save $18 on this cozy electric blanket! Watch my review video below and buy it here!

15% off Peleton Bike
20% off Macbook Air
​72% off Echo Dot with Plug

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By taking better care of our teeth and gums, we can cut down on costly dental procedures and have a more beautiful and healthy smile! Brush twice a day and floss daily. We know, we know...

​But did you know a good sonic toothbrush can help clean your teeth significantly better?? Or so says my kids' dentist, anyway! 

Now there's a SMART sonic toothbrush that PAIRS TO AN APP to suggest which mode is best for your teeth, to monitor how well you brush, remind you when to replace your toothbrush head, and so much more!!

​Watch my unboxing and demo below and read on for more details and learn how to buy yours from Beheart, who sponsored this review!

What makes this electronic toothbrush so special?

​Well, let's see...

• Download the app for iPhone or Android and pair your toothbrush for a personalized experience. Acting as your private dental assistant, tell the app about your lifestyle (smoker, soda / coffee / tea drinker, sweets lover, etc) and color of your teeth, and it'll let you know which mode is best for your teeth!! See my image below. What's more? It tracks how well you brush (did you get all 4 quadrants? Did you brush the full 2 minutes?) and keeps a record, giving you a score and a weekly / monthly average! How's that for accountability!?​

• .96" LED screen on the toothbrush makes it easy to select mode, time, and more. Bonus: it looks cool!
• It has 6 modes: clean, whitening, deep,  gentle, massage, and custom (as mentioned above - it personalizes the mode depending on your habits).
• It comes with 2 brush heads: one medium strength and one hard strength bristles​.

• It vibrates 44,000 times a minute!! For reference, the Philips Sonicare Prestige Power vibrates only 31,000 times per minute (and doesn't have a screen), and Oral-B Cloud Sense i09 vibrates 40,000 times per minute.
• It's IPX7 level waterproof, so you can even brush in the shower.
• It can be used for about 60 days on just a 2.5 hour USB charge.
• It has a smart 2 minute timer and gives a short pause every 30 seconds to remind you to switch quadrants.

Click to learn more about Beheart White Key W2 Smart Sonic Toothbrush, which just launched on Indiegogo July 8!!

I was once a queen of the stroller review scene. We've owned and reviewed a dozen or so strollers over the years of my twins plus one being little. From tiny travel sized strollers to a triple stroller and everything in between. It's been a few years so I was really excited for this collaboration with Mompush, who sent me their Ultimate 2 Stroller to review and share with you all!! Check out my full unboxing, demo, and review video (embedded right below) and keep reading for more details and my affiliate link (this bad boy comes with SO MUCH GREAT STUFF and sells for under $500 - I can't even believe it!!)

What comes with the Mompush Ultimate 2 Stroller??

• stroller frame with huge under basket and easy "flip flop friendly" brake
• toddler seat with great canopy
• infant bassinet 
• car seat adapters (compatible with most Maxi Cosi infant carseats and Nana Pipa)
• drink holder
• rain cover
• foot cover bunting for toddler seat
• zippered bassinet cover
• beautiful leatherette stroller bar (matches the telescoping handlebar)

The Bassinet
It lays quite flat for easy storage and is quick to pop up and lock into bassinet mode. There is a thick foam insert so it'll be comfy for newborns, though I highly advise buying an infant head support pillow like this one (just don't use it in a car seat!). It comes with a nice thick cover you can zipper on to keep baby warmer, that is easy to zip open or remove completely in warmer months.

The canopy is a good size with a quiet (no velcro) peekaboo mesh window, and there's a canopy extension panel you can zip on to make it go past the vertical point, which is great for nap time!! The leatherette belly bar can be used as a handle on the bassinet, giving it a beautiful look and making it easy to transport the bassinet, just don't pick it up with baby inside.

Maximum weight for the bassinet is 9kg (about 20 pounds) and you'll want to make sure you stop using it before baby can sit up or pull up as there is no seat belt or strap in it.

The bassinet is designed to lay at a slight angle so that baby's head will never be downward, which is great! It jiggles ever so slightly when walking, completely safe and normal movement that may actually help lull your little one to sleep!! 

The Toddler Seat

Stick with the bassinet or car seat until baby is at least 6 months old and can sit up unaided, then you're ready for the toddler seat! With a maximum weight capacity of 50 pounds, this toddler seat has a nice 5 point harness and reclines from nice and vertical to fully flat position with an easy one-handed recline lever! It has an adjustable foot rest making for a super comfy ride!

It's really quick and easy to reverse the seat from forward facing to parent facing, which I've always found a great feature in strollers. I like to have baby facing me for walks, but if we're going out and needing them to take a nap, I face them forward and don't fight sleep as hard.

The canopy is amazing, going past vertical, with a special zippered section that is fully mesh and great for strolling in warmer months. It also has a silent (no velcro) peekaboo mesh window.

Why I love it:

• First of all, it's beautiful!! I love the modern look with leatherette handlebar and belly bar.
• Secondly, with the bassinet, car seat adapter, and toddler seat, there are so many options and should take you from birth til age 4 or so! Then add on a toddler board and keep using it for the next baby! 
• It's a smooth push with great tires (no air to pump, no worries about getting a flat tire!), pivots on a dime, hoists up onto curbs, and has a telescoping handlebar so it's a comfy push for short and tall parents. Oh, and the under basket is HUGE!!
• It comes with so many thoughtful accessories! The rain cover is a perfect fit (with air vents), the cup holder is a bit small but is a clever design so it'll stretch open to accommodate bigger cups). The toddler foot cover is SO helpful to keep them warm in cooler months and also help keep in dropped snacks and toys.
• The price point!!!! ALL OF THIS for well under $500!? It's an amazing bang for your buck!

The Mompush Ultimate 2 Stroller comes in 3 great colors!!
Click my affiliate link to buy one on Amazon today or check it out on mompush.com!

**originally posted 12/6/2016 when we had 7 strollers for our 3 kids ages 3 and under (updated 5 years and 7 additional strollers later LOL!!! Some affiliate links included below)

Hi, my name is Heather and I'm addicted to strollers. We have 3 children ages 4-6 (including twins), are living in a tiny 950 square foot apartment in Brooklyn, and yet we have managed to own a total of FOURTEEN strollers (maxed out at 5 at one time). Yes, you read that correctly. Here are the strollers we've had, some for as little as a week, others for 2+ years!! Be sure to click the ** links for my full blog reviews, my demo videos are embedded at the end of this post:

1 triple:

• ** Joovy Big Caboose (blog review)

​4 Doubles:

• ** StrollAir MyDuo (video demo/review)
• Joovy Scooter X2 (Amazon affiliate link)
• Maclaren Twin Techno (Amazon affiliate link)
• ** Joovy Twingroove UltraLight (blog review & video demo)

​3 Single to Double Convertibles:

• Britax B-Ready (Amazon affiliate link)
• ** StrollAir Solo to Tango (blog review & video demo)
• ** Evenflo Pivot Xpand (blog review & video demo)

5 singles:

• Britax B-Agile (Amazon affiliate link)
• ** GB Pockit (blog review & video demo)
• UppaBaby G-Luxe (Amazon affiliate link)
• ** Mockingbird (blog review & video demo)
• **Mompush Ultimate2 Stroller & Bassinet (blog review & video demo)

1 wagon:

• ** Wonderfold W1 Stroller Wagon (blog review & video demo)

​I just might have a problem... Here are some signs you might have a problem, too!

1. You have more than one stroller.
​Heck, you probably have more than a few strollers. Possibly a good half dozen or so! And the funny thing? You can justify your desperate need for each and every one of them!!! 

2. You're always lusting after the latest and greatest.
The one, or 4, you already have are still in perfectly good condition. But you're bored. You want a new baby, a new stroller baby, that is! Your heart actually skips a beat when your favorite stroller brand comes out with a new model or special edition.

3. You pimp out your (baby's) ride.
Custom seat liners, matching canopies, luxory diaper bag, stroller muffs, air-filled tires, you name it. Your little one rides in style!!

4. You have strollers in every nook and cranny.
Every car has one in the trunk, and your garage and closets are at capacity with strollers. Maybe you even begged your significant other to build some shelving space for them. Heck, you may have developed a product for smartly storing strollers indoors like the 2 moms behind MetroTot stroller hanger & CityStork stroller wheel covers!

5. You know how to score a deal.
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, local and online stroller resale groups (StrollerQueen StrollerSwap!!!), trade in events, blog giveaways, you name it. You know how to sell your old strollers to help finance a new one, and you know the best ways to save big!

6. You get stroller envy.
Walking through the park or the grocery store, you're constantly on the lookout. Who is pushing what stroller, what accessories are they sporting (here are my faves!!), is there one you haven't seen before? No shame - go and ask the mom about it!!! Maybe ask to take it for a quick test drive!

7. You're the go-to girl for your friends and family.
When someone is having a baby or needing a new stroller, you are the one they look to for advice. Because you know, well, pretty much EVERYTHING about strollers!!! You may even publish guides such as "7 Best Double Strollers for Families", "The Best New Strollers for Every Budget", or "Stroller Shopping Tips"!

Did I miss any signs of stroller addiction? Are you an addict??? Share your story in a comment below! Tell us the stroller you love most and why. Maybe it'll be the next stroller added to my collection!

​And just for fun, I'll embed my stroller review & demo videos below!!

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Nakturnal.

When Generation Joy reached out for a collaboration, I was so excited because they have SUPER cute kids clothes, AND we had spring break in Mexico coming up, which gave us the perfect chance to debut their outfits with an adorable fashion show in Cancun!! Woohoooo!! Watch that below and keep reading for more on the clothes, as well as my 15% off discount code!!!

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Generation Joy but all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post includes affiliate links below - I receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Are they too cute or what? The clothes I mean (the kids, too)!! 

Generation Joy's kids' clothes have "grow with me" features such as cuffable leggings that will fit for longer (pun intended) - just uncuff when kiddo hits a growth spurt, extended cuff joggers, and adaptable waistbands with comfy elastic or adjustable drawstrings.

I let my kids shop for their own outfits, here's what they picked out:

Shop Mia's Style:

• ​Girls Everyday Joy Short Sleeve "Poolside Joy" - this was a bit long on her (she's 6 years old but on the petite side, so "S 6/7" was a bit big) but no worries, she LOVED throwing it into a pony tail! And this should fit her for a couple of years!
• Girls Ultimate Reversible Legging "Jet Black Ladybug Spot" - we love these!!! Super cute fit and reversible so you get 2 looks in 1 piece!! Size up and you can cuff them for the first year and uncuff the next year for extended use - woot woot!!

Shop Emi's Style:

• ​Boys Everyday Joy Short Sleeve "Explore" - yes, you read that right, BOYS! But Emi wants you all to know, we shouldn't associate gender with colors or clothes. Wear what you like, what brings you JOY!! Emi, for instance, likes longer cut short sleeves, which are more easily found in the "boys" section, so that's where she shops, but who cares? She looks great and feels great!!
• Girls Just for Fun Lightweight Short "Peachy Dream" - these are so fun! Great cut, not too short or too long, with adorable detail on the bottom!!

Shop Kenzo's Style:

• Boys Everyday Joy Short Sleeve "Space Doodles" - I love how it says "wow" when I look at it, and when he looks down while wearing it, it says "mom" LOL!
• Boys Just for Fun Cargo Shorts in Khaki - with cargo pocket on each side and 2 back pockets, elastic waist with draw strings for the PERFECT fit - so comfy and functional and cute!!

Their clothes are designed to be super comfy, durable, and practical, with tag-less labels, and some great pieces with reinforced knees and reversible styles so you get 2 looks out of 1 garment.

The t-shirts we got are made of really nice feeling fabric, a soft blend of cotton, modal, and spandex. Hello 2022 best clothing for picky kids! Honestly, I wish they had adult sizes!!!

​What's more?? How about a 30 day return policy and free shipping on orders over $50!! 

Shop Generation Joy now (affiliate link) and use code Fam15 to get 15% off your order!!

We usually do our annual Family Vacation Guide to Lancaster in the summer and hit up Dutch Wonderland and Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, but when Cartoon Network Hotel invited us down for a winter visit, we were excited to discover what kid-friendly fun was to be had in Amish Country in winter and year round... and to share with you all, of course!!

Watch our highlights video and read on for more details about each of the attractions, restaurants, and hotels!

Cartoon Network Hotel
Whether you have a lover of cartoons in your home or not, adults and kids of all ages will LOVE Cartoon Network Hotel!! 

We were provided 2 nights in the Steven Universe Dream Suite in exchange for our review, but don't worry, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased. In full honesty... IT IS AMAZING!!!!!

They have 4 dream suites that can sleep 6: Steven Universe, Ben 10, Power Puff, and Adventure Time. Ours had a private primary bedroom for the parents, a huge bathroom with 2 sinks and a shower, a 6-chair dining table, small kitchen with mini fridge / Keurig / microwave, large living room with 75" TV, and kids room with 2 double bunk beds and a TV in each bed (this didn't have a door, unfortunately, but was off to the side so you could have lights and TV on in the living room and it wouldn't bother kids if deep sleepers like ours, or simply head to your own bedroom and close the door ;)

The dream suite costs quite a bit more than the regular rooms that sleep 2 or 4 people, but are the only rooms inside the main building and are totally worth the splurge IMO! The only negative I have is that because it is right over the lobby, we heard the music pumping down there (they were doing karaoke I think?) on Saturday night til 10pm. It didn't bother me and my kids didn't notice and passed right out, but just a heads up. Nothing some ear plugs or white noise app on your cell phone can't take care of!

Inside the main building, you have the Cartoon Kitchen, regular character meet & greets, a cafe, the gift shop (a dream for Cartoon Network fans!!!), Omnicade (arcade), and the favorite of me and my kids: the Toon Room. Here you can play VR (even 2 can play together in the same game/cube), scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, and more! 

They have an outdoor pool and splash area open in summer, and they have a lovely heated indoor pool open year round but you have to go outside to get there and ooooooof it can be cold in winter! It didn't have any locker rooms but we changed in the bathroom, not a big deal. Be sure to BYO puddle jumpers / floaties.

​Book your room on cartoonnetworkhotel.com or Hotels.com (affiliate link).

LoKal Experiences
There are a ton of companies out there with "Amish tours" and museums and what not. Some are authentic, others not at all. I ran across LoKal Experiences on Discover Lancaster's website and am SO glad I reached out to work together on a review. The "Unique Amish Immersion Experience" tour we were taken on went above and beyond my expectations in teaching us all about Amish / Mennonite history, culture, and such great tidbits. I never realized how misinformed we are about them! Here are some things I found most fascinating:

• They utilize propane gas and generators for powering electric appliances (fridge, washer etc).
• They build extensions onto their homes to create multi-generational housing. Each home has a landline telephone and answering machine in a little outhouse style building, away from the home. 
• They only go to school through 8th grade, in a 1 room school house, no less. They don't generally learn English til school but in school it's immersion style with everything being taught in English by a young unmarried Amish woman. They don't learn science or have any higher education, so if they need to see a doctor or other professional, it is someone outside of the community.
• Rumspringa is not at all what we have come to believe. It's actually the period between 16 and when the person decides to either get baptised and join the church or to leave Amish life (only about 5% do the latter). During this time they don't have the strict limitations of Amish life, and some will go out and explore Western ways, may buy a car, have a cell phone, etc. If they choose to leave the Amish community rather than join, they're not shunned. They can keep in touch with family, come back and visit, etc!
• They can ride in a car but can't drive it. For a vacation, they may get a group together and charter a bus. They're not allowed to fly for pleasure, but can in an emergency.
• Each regional group has their own Bishop who makes decisions for the group. If you think a cell phone or computer is essential for your business (for example we went to a farm of an Amish man who has a huge and successful nationwide construction business), you would make the request and it would be approved or denied. But even when such modern ways are approved, they are limited, such as only having a simple flip phone and not bringing it into their home.
• Divorce is not allowed. They are very forgiving people but if you break the rules and don't stop after being warned, you would be shunned or excommunicated. 

Mike, the co-founder of LoKal, is passionate about working with local Amish businesses and families, and giving his clients an authentic, memorable, and fun experience. He took us in his beautiful 14 passenger van to several homes (including one that was featured in the 1985 Harrison Ford movie Witness) and farms and even Down on the Farm Creamery that had the BEST ice cream I've EVER had. (Yes, at 9:45am. Don't judge.) He also had these great ear pieces so you could hear him and ask questions no matter how far back in the van you sat, which was really helpful!

​They offer tons of experiences and tours, so you can find the best one for your family - from lunch with an Amish family to a Sweet & Savory tour of Lancaster City, even some craft beer & dive bar options for adults!

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Founded 35 years ago and serving 15,000 guests annually, this 328 seat theatre is a great stop on any family-friendly Lancaster vacation!! Check their calendar to see which performances will be held during your stay! Their main theatre lineup includes Singin' in the Rain (~April 16), Rock of Ages, The Little Mermaid, Chicago, Saturday Night Fever, and Elf the Musical. They also have workshops and performances geared more toward children, which is what we were invited to join! I had no idea what to expect but we went for the matinee lunch and show of Pinkalicious the Musical and honestly, I LOVED IT!  The buffet for the kids show wasn't spectacular, to be honest, it was "kid-friendly" foods (think hot dogs and fish nuggets) but it did have a salad bar and yummy cupcakes and cookies! The show itself was one hour and pure fun. The acting, set, and music were top notch, and it was, frankly, HILARIOUS. All 5 of us had a fabulous time!! After the show the cast stayed on stage to take questions from the audience, which was a really nice touch!! It's running through April 15, I really recommend it!!

Choo Choo Barn
If you love model trains, the Choo Choo Barn is a MUST!! It's basically 1 HUGE Lancaster County themed train set in a 1700 square foot room! With over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains. There are buttons to press to activate different parts. Every 10 minutes the room darkens and the ceiling has starts that light up to simulate nighttime. It's just utterly fascinating to examine every single inch of this place! I wasn't sure if our kids would be bored but they couldn't get enough of it either! There's a zoo, ski slopes, airplane, Dutch Wonderland, a house on fire, a circus, so so so so much to see! SO FUN!! For older kids who need some help focusing, they have 2 great scavenger hunt lists - one for first timers and one for repeat visitors.

Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides
We had terrible luck with the weather, in the middle of a winter storm when it was time for our reserved time at Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides. Despite the wind and snow, they were more than happy to take us out and tell us all about the Amish history and culture. The owner, or "Grandpa," as he said everyone calls him, was our driver and was so great with our kids. He let all 3 pile up front and help him steer the horse. Answering their millions of questions and taking photos with us afterward. I can't wait to go back for a longer ride during nicer weather!  They have several tours to choose from such as the 20 minute "Cookie Run" with a stop at a farm stand to the 90 minute "Amish Journey" and private rides as well. Check out their website for hours and more details!

Fulton Steamboat Inn
We already had our accommodation settled for this trip but in all our years visiting Lancaster, we had yet to stop by the Fulton Steamboat Inn! So, I reached out and was delighted to be invited for a hotel tour and dinner! From the moment you see the "steamboat" from the road, til you step foot inside and get immediate "Titanic vibes", it's just one OOOOH after another! It's a truly unique experience and stunning property!

They have an assortment of beautiful rooms, and if going on a couples getaway or momcation, I highly recommend their spectacular rooms on the adult-only sun deck!! They have an indoor pool and jacuzzi, a small game room, a cute playground and pond outside (the Koi fish were wintering but we had fun feeding the ducks)! Dinner was delicious, they had a great kids' menu and coloring activities for them, and we were pleasantly surprised to have pianist Bill Horn playing during our meal! Whether you stay at Fulton Steamboat Inn or just drop in for a meal at Huckleberry's Restaurant, you won't be disappointed! Book your room at fultonsteamboatinn.com or Hotels.com (affiliate link).

Did we manage to squeeze in a TON in just 3 days or what!?!?! We loooooove Lancaster and can't recommend it highly enough for your next family vacation! Are there some must-sees and must-dos we missed? Leave us a comment below!! And if looking for more Lancaster ideas, see our past years' guides below!

Our previous Lancaster Family Vacation Guides:

• August 2021 (featuring Dutch Wonderland, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, & Wyndham Lancaster Resort)
• July 2019 (featuring Railroad Museum of PA, Tiny Town Playplace, Verdant View Farm, Bird-in-Hand Smorgasbord & Magic Show, Miller's Smorgasbord, Dutch Wonderland, & Cherry Crest Adventure Farm)
• June 2018 (featuring Bird-in-Hand Family Inn, Dutch Wonderland, & Cherry Crest Adventure Farm)
• June 2017 (featuring Strasburg Railroad, The Amish Experience, Bird-in-Hand Smorgasbord, Kitchen Kettle Village, Lancaster DoubleTree Resort, Dutch Wonderland, & Cherry Crest Adventure Farm)