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

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

Why do we love pediped? First and foremost, they're good for kids' feet!! They have actually been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development! Most of their shoes have an incredibly flexible sole and are vegan, many are water-safe or machine washable, and they come TONS of designs and sizes, from baby's crib shoe through 6Y (about 10 years old). What's more? They care! Since its establishment in 2005, pediped has given more than $2,800,000 in product and monetary support to children in need.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is CBD??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Canvaspop but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased. Additionally, affiliate links are included - you don't pay more but we receive a commission from purchases made after clicking.

Wanting to spruce up a room with some new wall art? Or thinking it's time to update your wall (or your parents' wall) with a new family portrait? You've come to the right place! I'm unboxing and reviewing a new canvas print I just got from Canvaspop, who sponsored this post and has $250 credit in the $1,000 value jackpot giveaway we are running right now! Link at bottom of this post to enter to win, but first watch my fun unboxing video (with a mini dining room makeover), and read on for more details!

There are a million places you can turn to for on demand prints, but I'm completely blown away with the high quality service I received from Canvaspop, and think you will be, too! First of all, they have tons of products to choose from. You can upload your own design or choose from their endless wall art designs, which is what I did.

Then, you customize it regarding size (from 8x10" to 30x40", or a custom size), type of print (framed or canvas, even choosing wrapped print or not, how thick the edge should be, etc). You can even choose photo collage or 3 panel triptych print! Measuring the space I was going to use above our dining room table, I chose a 24x30" design and went for the 3/4" depth canvas print.

You'll receive a digital proof, so you can be sure they lined up your image correctly, especially important to check if you've chosen wrapped canvas with the image being stretched over the sides. Mine came boxed up very securely, not bubble wrapped, but protected and in pristine condition.

I'm not an artist or any kind of professional interior designer, but was very impressed with the quality! The canvas was tight and thick, with a wooden support in the back, wall protectors already on the bottom corners, canvas was neatly wrapped around corners and securely stapled a bazillion times around the back of the wooden frame, and a metal wire is pre-installed so it was ready to hang!

​The print is GORGEOUS!!! Colors are so vibrant and the detail is astounding - it looks like a textured painting, but it's not! It's a flat canvas! But looking at it on the wall you would never know! It's hard to see in my pictures, you'll get a better idea in my video. But here's the before and after. I'm SO SO SO happy with how my mini makeover turned out. My only regret is not recording my kids and my husband walking in and seeing it for the first time. They all squealed and ooh'd and ahhhh'd over it! YAY!!!

I couldn't be happier! So what are you waiting for!?? Shop for your next wall art at Canvaspop RIGHT NOW!!

Don't forget, you can enter to win $250 credit to Canvaspop in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway running through October 5 here (US residents only).

Essential oils are all the rage these days, but I have to admit I've never tried them before... until now that is! I'd been sitting on the sidelines with all kinds of FOMO but I finally am in the game y'all! Just got me the Pocket Pack from Poiēma, who sponsored this post and has included a Pocket Pack in the $1,000 value jackpot giveaway for grownups running right here on my blog through October 5 (link to enter to win at the bottom of this post)!!

First, watch my quick unboxing and demo, then read on for more details on this convenient pack (a great starter set for fellow essential oil noobs such as myself)!

What are essential oils??
​Essential oils are essentially (LOL pun intended) essence of certain plants' natural smell and flavor that is extracted, mixed with oil, and used to achieve various health and mood benefits through application on the skin or inhalation (aromatherapy). There are over 90 types of essential oils (WOW!!), read more about the basics here. Here is the basic way Poiēma recommends using their Pocket Pack vials for inhalation: roll on palm, rub pals together, cup hands over face and inhale:

Why ​Poiēma??
​​Crafted with 100% pure therapeutic-grade natural plant extracts, Poiēma essential oils are GC/MS laboratory tested in the United States for purity, with no additives, toxins or GMOs.

What's in the Pocket Pack??
The pocket pack is a cute zippered travel-size bag including five 10mL roll-on vials of the following essential oils:

1. ​Destress: lavender, orange, and chamomile oils for relaxing your spirit and easing your soul.
2. Head Space: lavender, vetiver, rosemary, and cajeput for stress release.
3. Recover: eucalyptus, rosemary, and menthol (from peppermint) refresh and soothe the body.
4. Restore: tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and menthol (from peppermint) invigorate your body when under the weather. 
5. Better Belly: peppermint, fennel, and myrrh aid in the massaging of the belly to release stomach tension, discomfort and stress.

The pocket pack also includes a handy how-to visual guide (shown below) with ingredients, where/how to apply each essential oil vial to which parts of the body for which kinds of ailments. I definitely have a lot to learn about these and will be having a lot of fun experimenting to be had, but so far I find them really easy to use and they smell great!

SHOP Poiēma Essential Oils here!
Get 10% off your purchase with code "USJAPANFAM"!​

ENTER TO WIN!!
​1 Pocket Pack is included in our $1,000 value jackpot of 15 prizes in our #Giveaway4Grownups sweeps ending October 5, 2021. Enter to win here!

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

Blue light is a phrase we tend to hear a lot these days, and while you probably know it has a negative connotation, do you know why? Exactly what is blue light, how bad is it, and how can we block it?? Keep reading for answers to all of this, and to enter to win $100 credit from our DiscountGlasses.com (who sponsored this post) in our $1,000 value jackpot #Giveaway4Grownups!

NEGATIVE IMPACT ON SLEEP (and Health):

According to Harvard Health Blog, blue light (which may or may not be perceived as the color blue) is visible light with a wave length between 400 and 450 nanometers. It is a concern because it has more energy per photon of light than other colors in the visible spectrum. They say that blue light from screens such as your computer, tablet, and cell phone, is not strong enough to contribute to macular degeneration or blindness, but it can still have a negative impact on your health by stimulating your circadian clock and keeping you awake or disrupting your sleep.

Some studies have suggested a link between exposure to any bright lights at night with increased risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, with blue light being the worst offender.

​Proposed ways to counteract the effect of blue light on our sleep cycle and overall health include:

• avoiding bright lights and screens 2-3 hours before bedtime
• using blue light blocking lenses at night when bright lights and screens can't be avoided (ex. for night shift workers)
• getting more bright light during the daytime (this is my personal favorite way to combat jet lag!)

VISUAL STRAIN:

A report by AOA (American Optometric Association) explains that extended use of cell phones, tablets, and personal computers can lead to symptoms of dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches, and suggests the use of amber-tinted or blue light blocking lenses when using screens directly before bedtime can help limit their effect on sleep.

PLAY IT SAFE!!

We are just starting to venture into the study of blue light and personal screens' effects on both adults and children, and we have SO much to learn!! For now we are mostly hearing various "links" and "assumptions" rather than proven cause & effect... I don't know about you but in this type of situation I like to play the whole "better safe than sorry" card.

​What's this mean?? Having my children and myself avoid personal screens 2 hours before bedtime. But let's face it... for myself, it's not all that practical. I usually have to get on at night after the kids go to bed to catch up on work and to send some quick emails. Not to mention to watch TV and scroll through social media. You know how it is... This is where blue light lenses come into play!​

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

I've been an ambassador for DiscountGlasses.com (DG) for a few years now, since my youngest needed "indestructible" glasses at age 3 (see that ADORABLE unboxing review video at the bottom of this post). We LOVE DG for glasses and sunglasses for our entire family! It wasn't until very recently I realized the potential health benefits of adding a blue light blocking coating to the lenses (whether prescriptive or not), so I did just that with my most recent order!

Check out these Lunettos Clarkson frames I just got - how cute are these!? The basic frames with prescription are $39.95 (with free shipping) but I got the following add-ons:

• blue light blocker (+$19)
• thinner & lighter lenses (+$19.99)

Other popular enhancements include:

• transitions (makes glasses work as regular & sunglasses) (+$79)
• anti-reflective +($20)

This is my first ever glasses of any kind with blue light blocking lenses and honestly, there is zero difference in respect to how I see out of them and how they look, which is great! They're not colored. I really have no idea how they work but again, better safe than sorry!! I typically don't wear glasses for computer use, I only wear prescription sunglasses while out because I can't see distance (signs, etc) but now I plan to wear these blue light blockers at least when on screens in the evening... but maybe more? They SUPER cute, and so lightweight! I really love them!!

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

The grand prize winner of our $1,000 value jackpot #Giveaway4Grownups will receive a $100 credit to DiscountGlasses.com!

Enter to win here!!

As a self-proclaimed coffee addict, I didn't expect myself to venture into the world of herbal teas. But I kept reading about how good tea is for you, not to mention the health benefits of skipping the dairy and sweetener that I need to get my coffee down... So here I am, super excited to be trying out Prosperatea, who sponsored this post and has included tea in our $1,000 value jackpot #Giveaway4Grownups (enter to win at the bottom of this post)! Be sure to watch my unboxing and review here and read on for more details and a discount code!

Now, I'm the kinda girl that needs ranch or hummus dip for my veggies, milk and sugar in my coffee, and prefers booze that tastes like juice. It is safe to say I have a picky palette. So I was a little nervous to try Prosperatea. Will they be bitter and gross?? In a nutshell, NOPE! They're flavorful but mild (I guess that depends on how you brew) and quite lovely to sip and breathe in that aromatic steam!!! On top of that, the ritual of brewing the cute little triangle tea bag is fun and reminds you that you're doing something good for your body and mind, not to mention the tubs of tea are beautiful - get several and have them on your counter as decoration!!

Prosperatea has 10 different natural botanical blends, so you can find one with any flavor or for any health benefit you're looking to achieve such as boosting energy or focus, activating the immune system, or helping you sleep!

1. DETOX: sencha, matcha, oolong
2. SLIM: green tea, rosehip, orange peel
3. GOOD HEALTH: ashwagandha, pomegranate, mallow flower
4. PMS: rose, rooibos, spearmint
5. DE-STRESS: valerian, cinnamon, chamomile
6. FOCUS: gingko, black currant, rosemary
7. BEST DAY EVER: orange, goji berry, peppermint
8. DREAMLAND: lavender, peppermint, licorice
9. AT PEACE: chamomile, jasmine, lavender
10. SUPER IMMUNITY: echinacea, peppermint, cardamom

Each retails for $29.97 and comes with 24 pyramid tea bags, so we're talking  $1.25 per 1-2 cups! What a steal! Get 10% off your order today with code "HEATHER10" and don't forget to enter to win a box of Prosperatea in our $1,000 value jackpot giveaway here!!

I usually do big group giveaways focusing on the kids, but THIS ONE is for the GROWNUPS and will have one VERY lucky winner snatching up the ENTIRE $1,000+ value jackpot!!! Read on for more info on each of the fabulous prizes, and enter to win at the bottom of this post!!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by the brands below and includes affiliate links - you don't pay more but we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking. 

THE PRIZES!

CANVASPOP ($250 Gift Card)

As a mom, I'm taking photo after photo of our children's every moment and milestone, our family travels, you name it! You, too?? Sure, we share on social but when is the last time you stopped to consider memorializing one of these moments as well decor?? For me... it was our twins' newborn photo... 5.5 years ago!! AGH!! But don't worry, Canvaspop makes it super easy! Just upload your photo to create a canvas print, from 8x10 to 30x40. You select the edge finish and depth, add a filter (or not), and even get a free digital print proof! Want to put someone else's amazing design on your wall? No worries, they have a HUGE MASSIVE AMAZING selection of artwork to choose from! Our grand prize winner will receive a $250 credit to Canvaspop!!​ See my full blog review here!

• SHOP HERE: canvaspop.com

Black + Decker Corded Vacuum + Steam Mop

Vacuum and steam clean with one device! That's right!! The Black + Decker Corded Vacuum + Steam Mop (Model #BDXSMV190G) gets it all done with 2-in-1 versatility and is super cute to boot! The steam function can be used on a variety of hard sealed surfaces (including sealed hardwood, tile, stone, grout, wood, laminate and granite) and kills 99% of germs without any chemicals. What's more?? You can use the steam mop and 500-watt vacuum separately or AT THE SAME TIME!! Talk about time saving!! Featuring a HEPA washable filter, washable stainless steel filter, 11.5" cleaning path, 1.2L dust & 0.38L water capacities. It weighs 10 pounds and is corded i.e. unlimited run time and no waiting around for charging! Our grand prize winner will receive one Black + Decker Steam 'N Vac, a $200 value!

• BUY IT at Amazon (affiliate link), Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond! 

DiscountGlasses.Com ($100 Credit)

Whether looking for sunglasses (with or without prescription) or regular glasses, DiscountGlasses.com has an amazing selection of styles for toddlers through adults, at great prices!! With glasses from just $20, DG is a fun and budget-friendly way to spice up your eyewear collection regularly! They have great and affordable upgrades as well, such as blue light filter, transitions, and ultra thin lightweight lenses.

If you're nervous about ordering glasses online, don't be! They have free shipping, 365 day free returns, virtual try on for most frames, and you can even renew your prescription with their free online vision test! ​Our grand prize winner will receive a $100 credit to DiscountGlasses.com. See my blog review on my latest DG glasses with blue light blocker lenses!

• SHOP HERE: on DiscountGlasses.com (affiliate link)

oNecklace ($60 Credit)

Whether gifting a loved one or yourself, personalized jewelry is always a win! oNecklace has beautiful options for men, women, and children! Customize their gorgeous necklaces, rings, bracelets, and anklets with  names, birthstones, and plating (silver, gold, white gold, and rose gold). Our grand prize winner will receive a $60 gift card to oNecklace.​

• SHOP HERE: onecklace.com​

SEENDA Charging Station

Seenda has a great assortment of tech products for your home and office - from mouse and keyboard to charging stations and laptop stands! Our grand prize winner will receive their 5-port USB Charging Station with Wireless Charger Pad, a $40 value! Featuring 3 charging modes (10w, 7.5w, and 5w), you can charge 6 devices simultaneously with 5 USB ports and 1 charging pad (up to 2.4A per port)! It's a great way to keep your devices and cords more organized! 

• SHOP HERE: seenda.com and Amazon (affiliate link)!

GoSili Gift Set

Ditch the disposable single-use cups, straws, and bags and get you some GoSili!! Their 100% silicone tableware products for kids and adults are non-toxic, dishwasher & microwave safe, and ready to reuse for years to come! We love that their silicone straws bend easily to fit in a handy travel case, giving you ZERO excuses to grab a wasteful plastic straw! Our grand prize winner will receive a variety pack from GoSili, valued at $50!! Read more about GoSili in this dedicated blog post.

• SHOP HERE: gosili.com and Amazon (affiliate link)

Three Peaks Manuka Honey

Certified Manuka honey UMF™ is used to boost wellness, and for its natural anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. 100% certified, authentic, and traceable Three Peaks Manuka Honey, sourced from from a UNESCO Heritage Site (The Tongariro National Park), uses New Zealand Manuka honey, which contains 200 compounds not found in other types of honey. The higher the UMF™ ("unique Manuka factor") rating, the higher the proportion of unique signature compounds found in that honey, the better it is for you. Read more about the health benefits of this natural super food here! Our grand prize winner will receive a 500 gram container of Three Peaks 10+UMF Manuka Honey, a $46 value.

• SHOP HERE: threepeaksnz.com and Amazon (affiliate link)

Loloma Pure Virgin Coconut Oil

Sourced from organic 100 year old plantations on the pristine Northern Islands in Fiji, Loloma pure virgin coconut oil moisturizer is unbleached and completely chemical free, without parabens, sulphites, or any harmful chemicals. With natural vitamin E, healthy fats, and anti-oxidant properties, it's an ideal cleanser and moisturizer for the face and body of babies, children, and adults! It can also be used as a deep conditioner or hair mask, bath oil, or for healing wounds, diaper rash, eczema, dry skin, and stretch marks. Our grand prize winner will receive a 100mL (3.4oz) container of Loloma, valued at $32.

• SHOP HERE: lolomafiji.com or Amazon (affiliate link)

Flosmore Cordless Water Flosser

Are you taking good care of your teeth and gums? The best care possible? If you're flossing daily, that's good. But if you want to do better, you might consider switching to a water flosser like this cordless waterproof one by Flosmore, featuring customizable water pressure from 20PSI to 140PSI, 3 deep clean modes, a non-slip handle, 4 multifunctional 360° rotatable jet nozzles, and a 300ml large water tank. It has a high-intensity pulse water column that cleans away 99.99% of teeth stain, limescale & dental plaque that traditional brushing and flossing can’t reach, and is suitable for those with braces, implants, or periodontal pockets! What's more? The 2000mAh powerful lithium battery charges in 2.5 hours and lasts up to 30 days on a single charge! Our grand prize winner will receive one Flosmore Water Flosser, a $40 value.​

• BUY on Amazon (affiliate link)

Poiēma Essential Oils Pocket Pack

Crafted with 100% pure therapeutic-grade natural plant extracts, Poiēma essential oils are GC/MS laboratory tested in the United States for purity, with no additives, toxins or GMOs. Our grand prize winner will receive the Poiēma Pocket Pack, retailing for $40, including 5 unique blends and mixes to be used for relief from stress, anxiety, and tension and to promote relaxation and balance. Premium ingredients include Lavender, Chamomile, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Orange, Lime, Eucalyptus, and Myrtle.  To use, simply pick your blend, roll on the palm of your hand, rub palms together, then cup hands over nose and mouth and breathe deeply.​​

• SHOP HERE: poiemaessentials.com​

Prosperatea Tea

Using ingredients carefully sourced and blended with the finest ingredients on Earth, Prosperatea provides delicious tea blends that benefit your mind, body, and spirit. Our grand prize winner will receive their choice of tea blend, choosing from 10 amazing options including Slim, Detox, Good Health, PMS, De-Stress, Focus, Best Day Ever, Dreamland, At Peace, and Super Immunity, a $30 value. Check out my full blog review and youtube unboxing here!

• SHOP HERE: prosperatea.com

Aubert & Amandine Awaken Aromatherapy Candle

Not your average candle, these 3-wick Aubert & Amandine candles are filled with an extra dose of fragrance to fill larger rooms with therapeutic aromas, lasting 30-45 hours! Using pure soy vegetable wax and wicks made of cotton and paper fiber that never burn out, Aubert & Amandine candles are 100% natural and environmentally sustainable. Our grand prize winner will receive the Awaken sandalwood lotus scent aromatherapy candle, a $30 value.

• ​SHOP HERE: aubertamandine.com and Amazon (affiliate link)

UooEA LED Lamp

Looking for mood lighting or a fun night light? Check out these UooEA's LED Lamps! Our grand prize winner will receive their choice of either the 6.4" Saturn Lamp or 5.9" Moon Lamp, a $30 value. Both feature 16 colors, 4 modes, 7 levels of brightness, 3-hour charge time via USB providing 8 hours of use, and control via remote and touch.  

• BUY HERE: on Amazon (affiliate link) Saturn or Moon

The Hope & The Heart

Who doesn't need daily inspiration? How about having it in the form of beautiful hope-inspired art, designed by my dear friend and amazing mother of 4, Rhianon! I'm so excited to introduce you to her newly launched business, The Hope & The Heart, featuring the following 3 collections:

1. Abstract: beautiful thoughtful designs meant to transcend words and speak to your soul.
2. Verses: powerful verses from the bible, on gorgeous pieces of art, designed to remind us who God is and who we are created to be.
3. Speak: a collection of prayers meant to be spoken, because words have power and so do you.

Our grand prize winner will receive their choice of 8x10" design in velvet or giclee premium finish, a $25 value (alternatively, the winner can use $25 credit toward a larger purchase).

• SHOP HERE: for sizes 8x10 - 30x40 and finishes including canvas mounted, canvas wrapped, velvet, and giclee premium, as well as custom designs!

US Japan Fam MAMA MERCH!

I've just launched a line of mom merch with wearables that'll let the world know what a bada$$ Mom Boss you really are, cuz Mommin' Ain't Easy, am I right!? We've even got some dedicated for our crew in Bay Ridge Brooklyn aka Ba(b)y Ridge, and for twin parents ("trouble maker" and "double" / "trouble")!! Head over to TeePublic to see all the designs, available in a ton of colors and styles - from tees, tanks, hoodies, and onesies to cell phone cases, totes, magnets, and pillows!! Our grand prize winner will receive their choice of any of my designs in tee or tank in any size for adult, child, or baby, a $26 value. Don't forget to tag @usjapanfam on social showing us your merch!

• ​SHOP HERE: US Japan Fam on TeePublic

ENTER TO WIN HERE!!

Is that a great giveaway or what!? Enter to win in the Rafflecopter box below! Only a comment on this blog post is needed to enter (don't forget to tell the app you did so), but any extra actions you take will earn you more entry points and a greater chance to win! Some points can be earned daily so bookmark this page and set a reminder to keep coming back!! Giveaway is open to US residents 18 and older, and ends October 5 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
(if there is a glitch and the app doesn't open below, you can enter here)

Disclaimer: We were provided free stay in exchange for our honest review - all thoughts and opinions are our own and 100% unbiased, as always :) Affiliate links may be included below, you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Whether you prefer off-the-grid tent camping, have an RV, or are looking for more of a "glamping" experience with AC and an actual bed, New York City North / Newburgh KOA Holiday has it all! Kid-friendly campgrounds with tons of activities from outdoor swimming pool and a bounce pillow to bike rentals and fishing, set in the heart of New York's Hudson Valley, just 80 miles north of NYC! Watch our highlights video below for a tour of Newburgh KOA campgrounds (including a peak at their communal showers and bathrooms, in case you'll be at a tent or non-deluxe cabin), a tour of our KOA deluxe cabin, see many of the activities, and read on for more details!!

Let me preface this by saying our family has never been camping. My husband and I have been camping as kids, but it's been a good 2-3 decades! Before we invest hundreds of dollars in tents and gear, we figured we should dip our toes into the experience first by trying out a cabin at the KOA Holiday Newburgh, just a 30 minute drive from our home in Cornwall!

​I've heard such great things about KOA (Kampgrounds of America) from moms in various Facebook groups - it's the world's largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds, with 525 KOA campgrounds throughout the US and Canada!

​We got a KL1 "Deluxe Cabin" at KOA Holiday Newburgh, that included AC (a unit in the living room and bedroom), a bathroom with a shower, a bedroom with a queen bed (box spring and all!), a small kitchen (with fridge and stovetop but no oven), a queen sleeper sofa (which was horribly thin/springy & uncomfortable but our kids didn't seem to mind), twin bunks (very thin firm mattress on wood - I slept on it one night and found it surprisingly comfortable, definitely better than on the ground in a sleeping bag), and outside had a propane grill, picnic table, fire pit, and parking spot.

​You do have to bring your own linens (towels, sheets, blankets, pillows) as well as toiletries and food. They did have toilet paper and some basic kitchen/cooking/grill supplies, and most of the basics can be bought at their General Store onsite, but we decided to head to the local Hannaford (5 minute drive) to get soap, food, booze, etc.

I was really impressed with the activities they had to offer at the campgrounds! Our kids (and us parents) enjoyed the following FREE activities:

• outdoor pool (3.5-6' deep; no lifeguard; Memorial Day - Labor Day)
• jumping pillow (similar to a trampoline)
• mini golf
• arts & crafts
• playground
• volleyball
• basketball
• hiking
• giant chess / checkers

They also had a fishing pond, horseshoes, wine tasting, a rock climbing tower, fee-based arcade, bike rentals, and excursions!

Every morning from 8-11am they serve free pancakes which were huge and delicious!! You can buy coffee (something like $1.25) and extras such as bacon and sausage. From 12-5pm they serve basic but good and super affordably priced griddle food (we got a cheeseburger, hot dog, and ice cream - all delicious), as well as chips and bottled drinks. If you plan ahead for an early dinner you could have it there, otherwise you're on your own to cook. Though, there are some nearby restaurants that will deliver to the campgrounds, including a pizzeria. But come on, you're camping!! Time to barbecue - I believe the deluxe cabins have a propane grill and other sites have charcoal grills. And for dessert, s'mores over the fire, of course!! The manager actually recommended s'moreos - use the Oreo cookie instead of Graham crackers!! All can be found in their General Store, even reusable metal s'more sticks!

We really enjoyed walking around the campgrounds in the evening after dinner. Everyone is so friendly - sitting out by their fires or watching TV on the outside of their RV's (what!?!?! SO COOL!!). But it's the woods and there are mosquitos... we bought mosquito bracelets and I'm not sure if they helped or not but we got home yesterday and I'm still itching like crazy! So... consider ALL. THE. REPELLENTS - spray, bracelets, coils, you name it! We did twice a day tick checks and didn't find any - phew, but be sure to stay on top of that as well!

There is free wifi, so my husband got some work done on our picnic table one morning, and had a video conference from our kitchen table. We couldn't figure out our TV remote but it was Roku so we were able to control it with an app on my phone. Wifi and TV are pretty essential for my family, even on "off the grid" type of vacations like this. Sometimes you need to do a bit of work, or let the kids chill for a hot minute, am I right?

KOA Newburgh is open late March through October, with pool / snack bar open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

• Tent Site from about $35/night
• RV Site from about $48/night
• Cabin (no kitchen or bathroom, up to 6 people) from about $94/night
• Deluxe Cabin (with Full Shower, up to 8 people), from about $200/night

Get more information and book your stay (or get day passes) here!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Checklist for First Time Family Camping
• Family-Friendly Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from NYC
• Kid-Friendly Hudson Valley Day Trips & Activities

Disclaimer: We were provided complimentary tickets to Dutch Wonderland and Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in exchange for our promotion, but all thoughts and opinions are our own - we LOVE them, have been going for years, and know you'll love them, too! This post also contains affiliate links, you won't pay more but we receive commission from purchases made after clicking.

We missed our annual trip to Lancaster last summer, we all missed ALOT of things last year, am I right?! But it made our trip this year that much more special! And to top it off, we also met my best friend (and her family) who I hadn't seen in 3 years!! See the WHOLE vacation in this super fun video here, and read on for more details!!

Lancaster is one of our favorite family vacation destinations, for 3 reasons:

1. The landscape
It's absolutely beautiful, so peaceful, with rolling hills and endless farmland! Also, I may be a tad fascinated with Amish culture and lifestyle... ​

2. Dutch Wonderland
Possibly the best amusement park out there for toddlers and younger kids, with everything from chill rides to exciting diving shows, and even a small water park. There are many rides where you can hold babies and little ones in your lap. By around 2-3 years old, they're tall enough for most rides, at least going together with an adult. My oldest is 8 and finally tall enough to ride the wooden roller coaster with the highest height requirement. My 5 year olds are tall enough for the 2nd highest cutoff ride, Merlin's Mayhem, a super exciting SMOOTH metal roller coaster. Look at the below photo of our first trip in 2017 and our latest trip in 2021 - the kids have grown SO much!!

We're still not out of the pandemic, but I should note that most people at the park were NOT masked, and it did get crowded. The waterpark was too crowded for our comfort (you can see in our video) so didn't venture in there, but other than that we didn't feel uneasy, especially being outdoors. We got there right when they opened at 10am and were able to ride Merlin's Mayhem (our favorite roller coaster) twice in a row without any line and didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes until afternoon, when it got a bit more crowded but still not crazy, for a super nice Sunday in August I was pleasantly surprised!

We just love going back year after year! We haven't noticed any change in rides since we've been going, but it's fun seeing how the kids change each time - what they're excited to ride or see again, and what they're suddenly tall enough to do.

You can get a special discount on Dutch Wonderland tickets here ($9 off!!)

3. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
We've been going to Cherry Crest for years now and every time they have added new things and expanded and my mind is blown in the best way all over again!! It's basically 25 acres of outdoor adventuring "agri-entertainment" fun on the farm - we're talking HUGE fast potato sack slides (a 6-lane slide is new this year and amazing!!!), jump pillows for kids AND adults, petting zoo, tractor rides, shooting apples and paint balls, Sproutsville kids' town (expanded this year with many new buildings - see the video), and so so so much more!! 

Their epic corn maze was voted #1 in the country last year!! Be sure to click here and vote so they win again this year. Above center is an aerial view, this year's 5-acre corn maze with 2.5 miles of trails has a theme of "Hometown Heroes", and throughout the maze you can learn about how local and national emergency services keep our communities safe!

Cherry Crest is open daily through the summer (closed Sundays/Mondays) in July & August, and open Thurs-Sat from September 11 - November 6. Check out their calendar here!

We've stayed at several different Lancaster hotels over the years, you can see them mentioned in our previous annual guides (our 2019 guide, our 2018 guide, our 2017 guide - you can see TONS of other activities and restaurants in those as well).

ACCOMMODATION:
This year we chose the Wyndham Lancaster Resort and it's our new favorite!! Here's why we loved it:
1. Huge and newly renovated - modern, clean, super nice! We got a pool-view balcony room with 2 queen beds and I was surprised how big it was! Could fit an extra bed but we decided to keep it roomier and just had our 3 kids sleep sideways in one of the queen beds, easy peasy!
2. Great heated zero-entry outdoor pool with lounge chairs IN THE POOL. It was in the 90's when we arrived and the pool was actually a bit too warm, felt good but not refreshing. I've never said that about a pool in my life LOL, it was like a warm bath, would have felt really nice on a normal day in the 70s-80's but in a heat wave, I wanted icey water!
3. Nice indoor pool with 9' deep end, nice for jumping and diving!
**note: NO LIFEGUARDS! You have to sign a ton of waivers at check in.
​4. TODDLER ROOM!! See photo below and in our video. My kids are 5, 5, 8 and loved it here. And it was amazing for our friend's 2 year old because he could just roam free with no worries. It's a great space to take your kids when they wake early, to let your partner enjoy a sleep in!
5. Super cute outdoor playground. Note: it's not gated in, so you'll have to stay close to your little ones if they're runners!
6. On-site restaurant, bar, and Starbucks. Pro Tip: the Starbucks has a microwave (our room didn't), it also has a little food pantry where you can buy cereal, snacks, etc.
7. Located across the street from Cartoon Network Hotel and Dutch Wonderland, walkable to many restaurants including Applebees. Very close to the outlets and TONS of stuff! That said, it's in a busy commercial area, not the quiet peaceful areas of Lancaster where we've stayed before.

We also dropped by Cartoon Network Hotel because I've been curious about it since it opened recently! It looks like it was an old motel that got bought up and gut renovated in a really fun and kitsch way. We peaked into an open room and it was small, no wonder they have a max 4 guests policy. The outdoor pool and splash area look great, and we ate dinner at the Cartoon Kitchen, which looks more like a cafeteria than a restaurant, but we got a private BenTen themed "pod" (3 walled room with a TV at the end of the table) and had fun. The food was good, drinks were strong and yummy, they have a FAB gift shop if you have CN loving people in your life, and they had meet and greet with a couple of characters, however there was a no-touch policy, covid related probably. I definitely recommend either a stay or a meal there!

MORE FAMILY VACATION INSPIRATION:

• Family-Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from NYC: amazing roundup we made with TONS of links to personal reviews!!)
• Kid Friendly Hudson Valley: great roundup we made of family-friendly day trips and activities for kids!

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Primary but all thoughts and opinions are my own :)

Looking for CUTE and QUALITY clothes for babies through big kids? Look no further than Primary and shout it out loud with me y'all: EVERY COLOR FOR EVERY KID!!!!! YESSSSS!!!!! Primary does not have boys and girls listings and I couldn't love that more. You simply shop by size (from newborn through 14Y, and some coordinating tops for grownups, too), by color, or by clothing type (ex. underwear, tees, dresses, etc). On their FAQ page, they say, "Clothes and colors don’t have genders, so it never made sense to us to organize them as if they do. We make dresses for kids who wear dresses, pants for kids who wear pants, PJs for kids who wear PJs. We make the clothes, but kids make the choices."

We have a $75 gift card to Primary.com in my 2021 Back to School Giveaway, enter to win that at the bottom of the post, but FIRST, check out our family's ADORABLE unboxing and fashion show of some coordinating threads we just got from Primary!

We decided to go with the "Lollipop" coordinating colors, since they were nice and bright and a color kinda between red and hot pink that we all love! I was a bit disappointed the "Lollipop Henley Tee" we got for my son wasn't a 100% match to the reds in the rest of our clothes. It's "heathered" and actually says that in the product description which I didn't bother reading, whoooops! But it still works, let's him stand out a bit, and maybe good for us to not be so obnoxiously matchy matchy LOL!

On the left, Emi is wearing the Swing Tee (on sale now for $9.50) and Skinny Jeans ($29.50) in dark wash. She usually wears a size 5 so we went for the 6/7 and it's a bit big but fits nicely. The size 6 skinny jeans fit great! Emi is a great example of why kids clothing shouldn't be sorted by gender. She would choose big brother's baggy hand me down tee and soccer shorts over a dress any day. She can't explain why she likes what she likes, and doesn't like what she doesn't like. She just does! I wasn't sure if she'd go for the Swing Tee because she usually vetoes any kind of frill or poof, but she likes it, and LOOOOOOOOVES her new jeans! Phew!

In the middle, Mia is wearing the Recess Dress (on sale now for $12.50) and purple leggings part of the Raspberry Mix 3-pack of leggings ($36). She's quite petite and usually wears a 4/5; this dress is a 6/7 which is why it's kinda swimming on her, but hey, we'll get a few years' wear out of it!! She can't stop spinning and swirling in this. She's hilarious! She's team skirts and dresses for life I think!

​As mentioned above, Kenzo on right is in the Lollipop Henley Tee (on sale for $12.50). He usually wears a size 8 and the size 8/9 and it fits perfectly. He's also wearing the slim jeans ($29.50), size 8. He usually fights me on jeans, choosing joggers instead because, obviously, they're more comfortable! (I hear ya kid, I live in my leggings!) But these have more stretch than jeans he's worn before, so I think he's sold. Which is awesome because he's going back to school in September after 1.5 years at home and I really don't want him at school in jogging pants every day. But, then again, probably not a battle should be worrying about!

Below I've got my son's slim jeans next to my daughter's skinny jeans. Obviously they're different sizes but you can see the skinny leg is slightly more tapered at the ankle. They both feature adjustable waists with elastic and buttons inside. AND they both feature real pockets, real belt loops, real zipper, and a FAKE OUTTER BUTTON - yes, they snap! EASY PEASY. They're both a great denim material with a good stretch to them (73% cotton, 25% recycled polyester, 2% spandex).

My husband is 5'7" and usually wears a Men's Small - the Small Classic Fit Tee ($18) fits him perfectly. I'm 5'8" and usually wear a women's Small or Medium - the Small Slim Fit V-Neck ($18) fits me perfectly. You can see in the below photo (I hope) how they are cut slightly differently, I would say they pretty much correspond to traditional sizes in Men's for Classic and Women's for slim fit, which has shorter and more narrow cut arms/shoulders, and a shorter cut length. Ours don't seem any different width wise, or not significantly. They're both super soft loose fitting tees, not skin hugging or anything.

We had fun picking out our coordinating family outfits, and look forward to doing more Back to School clothes shopping with Primary (they have washable cotton masks with removable filters for adults and kids, too)!!!

Don't forget, you can win $75 shop credit to Primary.com in our $500+ Value Jackpot Back to School Giveaway running through August 17, 2021!!

Enter to WIN Here!!