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Contributed post. A new baby can be intimidating while exciting. It is very normal that you are going to be on a rollercoaster of emotions when you are expecting a new baby, which is why preparation is key. Many people will prepare by getting their home ready. While this is important, there are also many other things that you need to consider, including your support network, your sleep, your stress management, food, and more. To help you on what is going to be a very emotional journey, here are some key areas to prepare before your new baby arrives, so you can significantly reduce stress and the pressure on your shoulders. Get lots of sleep and rest Sleep and rest are important, as you are going to have a lot less of it when you have a new baby. It will also ensure that you are your best and most rested self before your baby comes, which can do wonders for your pregnancy and mental health. A lack of sleep can cause significant mental and physical stress. Meal prep Preparing your meals in advance can be one of the most helpful things you can do. Clear your fridge and freezer, batch cook some nutritious meals, and label them. This can help get you through the long, hard days that are to come. You will ensure that you are eating regularly, fueling your body, and meeting all your nutritional needs. After giving birth, this is going to be more important than ever. Learn stress management strategies Stress management is going to be key preparation, as you will be able to regulate your nervous system. This will help you feel more calm, which will positively reflect on your baby. You will feel much more emotionally and physically stronger, and manage the stress that inevitably comes with having a baby. Start building positive strategies, such as breathing techniques and yoga, to help calm and ground you. Then you can call on them whenever you need them. Put a support system in place Support is going to be vital. This might be mental and emotional support, like a trusted friend or therapist. This could also be baby classes, parent groups, and learning resources that will support you in all forms on your journey. It is really important that you don’t try to go on this journey alone. Consider what support you might need and make sure you give it to yourself. Prepare your home Preparing your home is very important. When your home is stocked and ready, you can bring your newborn home and be more present with them. Set up a nursery and quiet space for your baby, with a safe and comfortable sleeping space. Stock up on supplies, such as diapers and baby clothes. A romper is a really great piece of clothing for a new born. Also consider feeding supplies, blankets, and toys. You may benefit from a changing station so you have a dedicated space with all the necessary items that you will need, as well as baby-proofing your home for peace of mind. Remember things outside your home, too, like the installation of a car seat. Bringing a newborn home can be scary. Preparing can really help your mindset and give you more peace of mind.
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Contributed post. The bathroom is not just a functional space in a home where you clean yourself, it has become an oasis of calm, personal comfort, and self-care. But for many homeowners, upgrading their bathroom remains one of the most overlooked home improvement tasks. Upgrading is more than just making it pretty, it increases your quality of life as well as the property values. In this blog, we will look at why modernizing your bathroom should be high on everyone's list. First Impressions Bathrooms make an instantaneous first impression with guests and even potential buyers, both internally and externally. An outdated or subpar space can diminish the overall appeal of a home while an updated space shows attention to detail and care. Modern fixtures, stylish tiles and soothing lighting can turn an ordinary bathroom into a showpiece. A well-designed bathroom shows that its owner values functionality and style, and can also add another level of sophistication to their property. Boost Your Home’s Value Remodeling the bathroom can increase the resale value by a lot. Studies show that bathroom upgrades generate some of the highest returns on investment among home improvement projects. Potential buyers can quickly recognize luxurious touches like double vanities, walk-in showers, or spa-like soaking tubs. Such upgrades make a home more marketable while distinguishing it from its competition in the real estate market. The Health and Hygiene Advantage Older bathrooms more often than not have inadequate ventilation and outdated plumbing, leading to mold, mildew and other hygiene concerns. A bathroom upgrade gives you an opportunity to install more efficient ventilation systems, water-saving faucets and efficient toilets, promoting better hygiene while also cutting down maintenance burdens. Modern materials such as antimicrobial tiles or grout can also further increase cleanliness while decreasing maintenance needs. Because of this huge advantage it's always better if you leave it in the hands of experts. You can compare shower upgrade quotes with Mr Remodel's website and get the best services. Modern Comforts and Technology Technology has infiltrated every facet of our life, including our bathrooms. From heated floors and touchless faucets to smart mirrors with built-in lighting and Bluetooth speakers, modern bathrooms are increasingly being transformed into high-tech havens that enhance daily routines while adding luxury into your life. You can be walking into an inviting, preheated bathroom on cold mornings or even listening to your favorite playlist while getting ready with an upgraded bathroom. Small upgrades can lead to big lifestyle improvements too. Your Bathroom Reflects Your Personal Style Your bathroom is a reflection of who you are and the style you prefer, giving homeowners the freedom to experiment with different themes from industrial chic to boho-inspired themes. Adding unique details like statement tiles, bold finishes or artistic lighting fixtures create a space that feels tailored and welcoming. Upgrading your bathroom is an opportunity to design a corner of your home that perfectly embodies your vision and taste. Conclusion Upgrading your bathroom is more than a mere whim, it can change any home. From increasing the property value and hygiene benefits, to modern amenities such as integrated faucets, the benefits are phenomenal. Don't settle for just functional renovation, make it into an environment where your style meets purpose and relaxation. Contributed post. When you’re getting your start in a life of fitness, one of the first things that you’re going to want to do is pick a gym. When it comes to ensuring consistency and quality in your workouts, a good gym is vital. But what exactly makes for a good gym, and how do you know whether you’ve stepped into one? Here, we’re going to take a good look at some of the most important elements of a gym so that you can choose the right one for you. Equipment Quality And Variety No matter what your goal is, a good gym should offer a balance of cardio, strength, and range of motion training equipment to support you. You want to ensure that the machines are well-maintained, easy to operate, and provide a variety of options. Aside from machines, a good supply of free weights, resistance bands, and space for mobility work is important, too. A Good List Of Classes A lot of gyms don’t just offer the room to work out on your own, but a range of group fitness classes that can help you build a more varied and fulfilling routine. Be it yoga, spin, HIIT, or strength training, make sure that the gym offers classes that match the specifics of the goals that you want to reach, with experienced and certified instructors who can guide you along the way. Membership Cost And Value You want to make sure that you’re able to consistently afford to go to the gym with little trouble. However, it’s not just about finding the cheapest, but finding the best value for what you pay. Gyms like Fitness 19 offer a free guest pass so that you can check out a lot of what they offer before you commit. Be sure to check the amenities that gyms offer for their members, as well, such as locker rooms, showers, and the like. The Right Community Who you share your space with might matter a lot more than you think. A welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere is vital, especially for those who are new to the space. Good signs are staff who greet you, trainers who are approachable, and members who respect shared spaces. It’s always worth checking the social media pages and reviews of gyms you’re interested in to get a better idea of what kind of community they foster. Cleanliness And Condition Any gym should be well-maintained and cleaned regularly. It’s non-negotiable. Otherwise, hygiene and safety issues can impact not just your workout but your health, as well. You should be able to see them cleaning equipment, have access to sanitizing wipes, and see that their locker rooms are spotless. Missing lightbulbs, flooring stains, poor air circulation, and poorly maintained temperature are all signs of a workout environment that isn’t well-maintained enough. The right gym is not going to look the same for everyone. Proximity, workout focus, budget, and the community all matter, so keep the tips above in mind as you look at those available near you. Contributed post. Posting on social media takes time, energy, and planning. Once you start to grow and gain a loyal following, you’ll likely start to earn money. It’s exciting and rewarding to be able to make an income from this. But how do you stay organized? Here are the top tips for small business creators and bloggers. Separate Business and Personal Finances This one might sound basic, but it’s essential, at least if you want to accurately track profits and avoid being tempted to overspend on personal items with business money. It’s easier to account for all activities, especially at tax time, when you have separate bank accounts. Also, it looks more professional to clients who hire you for social media promotions. Use Financial Tools to Simplify Tasks With a UK business account set up in only minutes, your accounting activities are remarkably easier. ANNA keeps track of expenses, sets up standing orders, and makes invoicing simple. Getting paid smoothly for your social media work lets you focus more on expanding, from determining which services to offer to deciding whether your rates are competitive. Set Reminders to ‘Check In’ Keep yourself accountable with a monthly check-in, or do it more often if you feel it’s needed. During this session (set it on your calendar so as not to forget or delay it), review your expenses, income, and whether you’re saving as much as you hoped. Set new money-related goals and look at whether you’re meeting the ones you previously set. Connect Your Content Calendar to Your Finances Monetizing social media posts and getting brand deals is even more effective when you tie it to your payment schedule. Keep track of when invoices are due and which types of collaborations are better money-makers than others. Maybe your audience likes certain kinds of content more than others, so focus on that to get more views and earn more money. Automate Social Media Activities Make better use of your time to earn more from social media and stay organized, too. Using tools that automate posting, for instance, helps you focus on creating new content, from brainstorming new ideas to filming. You can also use the time automation saves over manual actions to reach out to potential new clients. Let them know you’re a small business creator and blogger who is open to new opportunities, and don’t be tempted to discount your rates if they ask for it, as you are worth it! Track Time and Project Costs Perhaps a specific type of brand collab takes more time than the others, leaving you with little profit. Track how much time you invest per project to learn which ones bring you the most, money-wise. Then focus more on them to increase your business profits. Conclusion Your social media side hustle is about to become your main income source, and when it does, you’ll be organized. That makes your workday smoother, helping you track expenses, invoice in a timely manner, and continue to save. The tips above help you continue to grow in this great career. Contributed post. Trying to balance family life with fitness isn’t always easy, and it might even feel impossible when you take into account the school runs, work, cooking, cleaning, and the endless list of other things that have to be done - the idea of making any time for exercise just doesn’t come into it. But that doesn’t have to be the case, and fitness really doesn’t have to be a chore that fights for your attention - you can just make it a natural, even enjoyable, part of everyday life. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more about how to finally make fitness fit into family life. Rethink What Exercise Looks Like One of the reasons why people struggle so much to stay consistent when it comes to exercise is because they think fitness has to look a certain way, with gym memberships, personal trainers, or getting up to do a run before the sun comes up. But the truth is that moving around (because that’s basically what exercise is) can be a lot easier to fit into your day, and a lot simpler to do. For example, you could walk or cycle to work or school instead of driving, or do some jogging on the spot while you’re cooking dinner, or perhaps go on a family hike at the weekend, and so on. As long as you’re moving regularly and consistently, it’s going to count, and when it becomes part of your routine, it’s not really going to feel like a lot of effort anymore. If you want a bit more structure but you’re still looking for flexibility, local weight loss classes could be the answer because they’ll give you support, accountability, and professional guidance without needing you to completely change your life to make them work - you can find sessions that fit into your week rather than having to move things to make them fit. Plus, the encouragement from others makes a massive difference when you want to be more motivated. Involve The Whole Family The easiest way to make fitness more of a regular thing is to make it something everyone in the family enjoys, so instead of seeing it as your time away from the family (which can be tricky in some cases), turn it into something you can share. There are loads of things you could do - you could have mini dance competitions, for example, or walk the dog together, or start weekend activities like swimming or cycling, and so on. The truth is that even a trip to the park can double as exercise if you do it right. The point is, when movement becomes part of your family time, you’ll stop having to fit it in or make sacrifices to make it happen because it’s already part of things. On top of that, you’ll be showing your kids that exercise is fun and positive, and not a chore or punishment that has to be endured. Let Go Of The All-Or-Nothing Mentality Sadly, a lot of people actually end up giving up on fitness because they think if they can’t do it perfectly right from the start (or at least pretty quickly) it’s just not worth it. But in reality, missing a workout or choosing to have a rest instead of going running, for example, doesn’t mean you’ve failed - it just means you’re human. The point about progress isn’t that you have to take it to extremes for it to happen - you just need to be persistent, and when you are, you’ll move forward. After all, some weeks you’ll have time for proper workouts, and other weeks you might just need to do a few short walks if that’s what you can manage, but you should see that both of these things are progress because you’re still doing something. And remember, if your form of fitness is just adding stress to your life, it’s not helping, and it’s better to find something else to do. Focus On Energy, Not Appearance When life is busy, as it often is, it’s easy to focus on the wrong goals, like trying to get to a certain number on the scales or comparing yourself to others online, and so on. But the truth is that the real value of exercise isn’t about how you look - it’s about how you feel. It might sound strange, but regular movement actually helps you manage stress better, and it improves your sleep, boosts your mood, and gives you more energy for everything else you need to do. When you shift your focus from how you look to how you feel, you’ll find motivation doesn’t get quite so lost. Plan For Real Life, Not A Fantasy Schedule When you think about it, your fitness plans don’t fail because you don’t care, but it’s because what you’ve planned just doesn’t work in real life. For example, if you’ve got young children, work long hours, or there’s a lot of unpredictability in your life for whatever reason, having some kind of strict workout schedule is only going to make things harder and more frustrating. So what you need to do instead is work with what you’ve got. If mornings are tricky and busy, try exercising during lunchtime or in the evenings, for example, and if you can’t get to the gym, find online workouts you can do at home. Even ten minute videos can do a lot of good if you do them on a regular basis. The key is really to make it part of your normal day rather than an unusual event that you need perfect conditions for. Take The Pressure Off One of the best ways to make fitness sustainable is to stop expecting it to be life-changing right from the very start - it’s not going to be. In fact, starting small is the best thing you can do, perhaps by taking a short walk after dinner, for example, or stretching before bed, and so on - that’s how it’s going to become normal, and not something to stress about. And if you miss a few days, don’t overthink it, just pick it up again when you can. Contributed post. Buying a yacht is one of those things that can seem like a dream, but not something that’s easily attainable. This isn’t exactly wrong. A yacht is a massive investment and, for a lot of people, it takes a fair amount of work to be in the position to buy a yacht for your family trips. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it, or that it has to be completely impossible. If you own a yacht, you might be able to use it to earn money by renting it out to other enthusiasts or even to a charter company, a bit like using a vacation home for short-term rentals when you aren’t using it. It also means that you can take your yacht out when you please, allowing you to enjoy cheaper luxury vacations. So, what do you need to know before you make the plunge and invest in a yacht? Saving and Budgeting First things first, you really need to consider how much the yacht will cost before you buy it. As luxury items, yachts are a massive investment for any person to make, so it’s important to count the cost and work out how much you can afford to spend on a yacht. If you’ll need to take out a loan, you should factor that into your family budget so you don’t get overburdened with debt. Coming up with a payment plan that allows you to pay it back as quickly as possible will lower the amount of interest you have to pay. Some sellers may offer a zero-interest plan for a while, which could be ideal for such a large purchase. It’s a good idea to save up as much as you can, as putting a deposit in or at least having money ready for your first payment will make it much easier to pay off the cost sooner. What Yacht Is Right for You? Another thing to consider is which yacht is best for your needs and your family. A smaller yacht might be nice for short trips, but if you want to use your yacht for long vacations where you travel to different countries, you may need to invest in a larger yacht with more storage and more comfortable accommodations. You should also think about how luxurious you want your yacht to be. For larger options, you should research superyachts for sale, as they can accommodate a lot more people. This might be perfect if you want to take your friends out with you or if you want to use your yacht to earn money. Operating the Yacht Finally, it’s important to be able to operate the yacht you choose. Some areas may require a license, especially if you are using a motor-powered yacht. You can either apply for the license yourself and train for it, or you can hire a crew to operate the yacht while you’re on vacation, allowing you to relax and enjoy a luxury break. Reinventing Style: How Sustainability and Technology are Redefining the Future of Fashion10/29/2025 Contributed post. Fashion is changing like never before, and it is only just getting started. It is at a crossroads, with the evolution of social media, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). The industry is going through an unprecedented transformation, which was once just about seasonal trends and glamor. Then you throw rapid consumption into the mix, and that changes it up even more. However, as digital innovation grows, the priorities of consumers shift, the urgency of the environment increases and the need for sustainability grows, the future of fashion has never been so exciting - but also very unpredictable. AI and technology have really thrown everything up in the air, from the way people choose their clothes to how they buy them. Even the way they are now designed and produced is changing. We don’t yet know the full extent of the shifts. Understanding these changes is essential. This will help you, whether you are a consumer or business owner, to stay relevant in a fast-evolving market place. Fashion is a complex landscape to navigate, with intricate systems that are influenced by a range of factors, such as the economy, culture, and now technology. But in 2025 and beyond, it is changing once again. The landscape of fashion is shifting with ethical expectations put on brands by consumers, disrupted by digital trends and influencers, and uncertain with fluctuating global markets. It can be hard to know where to go for information, but by staying informed by reputable and credible sources, you can learn a lot. For example, Shinesty data reveals economic confidence by city, offering a valuable starting point broken down by location, to help you understand how the next generation of fashion will unfold. To help you on your journey, here are some of the key shifts that are driving fashion and what they mean for people, businesses, and the environment. Circular fashion Sustainable fashion is the way forward. It is one of the most significant movements redefining fashion now and in the future. It was a recent trend on social media to make, wear, and discard clothes. You always needed to have something new to wear, and social media influencers were doing big clothing hauls on their channels. This has faced a lot of backlash in recent times, with more people becoming eco-conscious and moving towards reusing, recycling, and reimagining their clothing. Second-hand markets, upcycling, and clothing rental platforms are growing. Quality The quality of clothing really matters. One big lesson that came out of fast-fashion trends is that the quality is not great, due to the rush in production. People are now moving towards minimalist clothing ideas and capsule wardrobes. This includes high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched. The digital wardrobe Technology has become an inseparable part of fashion. Now people are looking at technology to tell them what to wear and how to wear it, as well as where to shop. This is changing the shift completely from a shared and cultural experience and the rise of trends, to a more digital and individual experience. The fashion industry is changing in more ways than one. It is an exciting time. Contributed post. There is something about being outside that just clicks. Fresh air, open skies, and the sound of birds or a gentle breeze can do more for your mood than you realise. Even a short walk through a park or sitting on a bench by a lake can help you feel calmer and clearer in your head. Spending time outdoors is also good for your body. Moving around, breathing deeply, and soaking in sunlight can all boost your energy and leave you feeling refreshed. If you have been stuck inside too much, trying to get outside more this year can make a big difference to how you feel day to day. Stay at an RV Park One of the easiest ways to really get into nature is to spend a few nights at an RV park. It gives you a chance to be close to trees, trails, and open spaces without giving up the comfort of a roof over your head. You can wake up to birdsong, enjoy breakfast outdoors, and then explore the surrounding area without worrying about where to sleep. RV parks are great for people who want to relax in nature but do not want to deal with the full stress of camping in the wild. They also often have small amenities like picnic tables or fire pits, which make spending time outside even easier and more enjoyable. Get a Bike If you want to explore more of the natural world, a bike can be a game changer. Even short rides can open up paths and areas you might never notice on foot. Electric bikes make hills easier to tackle and allow you to go further without getting exhausted. Cycling through parks, along quiet country lanes, or around lakes is not only fun but also a gentle workout that will leave you feeling energised. You do not need to plan huge trips; even a weekend ride can make you feel more connected to the outdoors. Go Camping Camping is one of those classic ways to enjoy nature, and it can be surprisingly rewarding even if you have never tried it before. You do not need to go far or have fancy equipment to enjoy it. A tent in a quiet spot lets you feel part of the natural world while giving yourself a break from screens and daily stresses. Sitting by a campfire, listening to leaves rustle, or falling asleep under the stars is a simple way to recharge and appreciate the world around you. Take Up Hiking Hiking is another excellent way to get outside and get moving at the same time. You do not have to climb mountains to enjoy it. Local trails, nature reserves, or even long walks through nearby parks can give you a sense of adventure and help you feel fitter and healthier. Hiking allows you to focus on your surroundings and slow down enough to really notice small details, like the way sunlight filters through trees or the sound of water in a stream. Learn a Sport Spending time outside does not always have to be solitary. Taking up a sport is a fun way to be active outdoors and meet new people. Tennis, football, ultimate frisbee, or even rock climbing can give you a reason to be outside regularly. Sports give structure to your time outdoors and can make it easy to build a routine around nature and movement. Contributed post. Traveling with your family is an experience that will get scarcer the older the kids get. The open road, changing landscapes, and the possibility to stop at a whim is unlike anything else. While the excitement of RV living is nice, it's difficult to maintain this spirit when there are children along for the ride. To achieve a balance between adventure and happiness with your family, will take discipline and commitment to both flexibility and routine. Structure Is Not A Bad Thing, Even On The Road One of the most appealing aspects of RV living is the freedom of being able to go wherever you want, whenever you want. For families, too many unknown variables can result in a lot of stress and fatigue. Children crave routine and consistency no matter where they are, it is possible to incorporate some structure into your daily routines without taking away the spontaneity of RV travel. Use the basic building blocks of a structured day, such as eating meals at set times, setting up a consistent sleep schedule, and blocking aside specific periods of time for homework or quiet time. The basic framework of a daily structure allows children to feel secure and provides them with a base of knowledge about what is expected of them each day. Keep your daily schedule light and flexible. Share your daily plans on a calendar, write down the plans on a whiteboard, and avoid creating too many expectations of what needs to be accomplished each day. Choosing the Best Campsites Will Help Ensure Your Family Has Fun On Vacation There are many different types of campsites available to RV travelers. It is essential to choose a site that has many amenities that are suitable for families with children, like playgrounds, clean restrooms and showers, and plenty of room for your children to run around and explore. If you plan to continue working while on the road or plan to homeschool your children, then having access to Wi-Fi would be a great feature. Do not forget that a fun pool or a short walk to a nature trail can be just as important, these bonuses contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable vacation for all members of your family. Homeschooling On The Road - Find Balance Between Flexibility & Focus Flexibility is one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling or "roadschooling" when you're traveling. It is very helpful to have a basic framework or curriculum to follow, so you're not constantly searching for educational opportunities. Mornings seem to work better for focused learning than afternoons. Fresh minds and fewer distractions contributes to effective learning in the morning. Afternoons are a perfect time to explore museums, visit nearby nature trails, or participate in other local activities that support your child's learning. Family Chores And Downtime In a confined RV, every member of your family has a job to do. Assigning age-related tasks creates a sense of accountability among your children and helps keep the RV neat and a little less chaotic. Create a rotation system to complete daily tasks like cleaning the floors, washing dishes, and organizing gear prior to leaving each campground. The routine helps build team effort and reduces arguments with the family over time. For relaxation, stock your RV with board games, creative supplies, and books. RV living can be very peaceful when all family members have something to do. Contributed post. Family holidays are supposed to be relaxing, but the truth is that in reality, they don’t always turn out that way. Between travel schedules, packing, and keeping everyone happy, it can sometimes feel more like a project than a break, which is far from the point, but luckily with a little planning and a different focus, it really is possible to make a trip feel calm, enjoyable, and memorable for everyone involved. The key is to pick and choose wisely when it comes to what to do and how to do it, and plan in advance where you can, so with that in mind, keep reading to find out more. Start With A Simple Itinerary The easiest way to take the stress out of a trip is to keep your plans straightforward because although a packed schedule might seem like a good idea, but it often leaves no room for rest or flexibility. It’s far better to pick a few key things you actually want to do, and give yourself time around them to just enjoy being there. The fact is, no matter what you do or where you go, kids usually don’t remember how many sights they saw, but they do remember how it felt to be on the trip, and when no one’s racing from one activity to the next, everyone has more energy and patience to actually enjoy themselves. Choosing The Right Base Where you stay can make or break a holiday - a comfortable, well-located base gives you room to slow down, and instead of jumping between places, it’s often easier to find one spot that gives you everything you need and then build your plans around it. For families who enjoy the outdoors, an RV park can be a great option. It gives you flexibility, space to relax, and the feeling of being away from your usual routine without being miles from everything. Plan Less And Experience More It’s easy to feel like a good holiday means seeing as much as possible, but in reality, most trips are better when you focus on a few meaningful experiences rather than cramming in a long list of attractions. This doesn’t mean doing nothing - it just means giving your family time to settle in where you are because in the end, a slow walk, a meal together, or a quiet afternoon can be just as valuable as a big outing. Have Some Downtime Downtime isn’t wasted time, it’s actually the bit of the trip where everyone actually rests. For kids, it gives them time to recharge, and for adults, it takes away the feeling that they’re managing a schedule. So make sure you add breaks to your itinerary, which could mean something like a relaxed morning before heading out, an evening spent sitting outside, or maybe a few hours with no plans at all. Those moments are often the ones that feel the most like a holiday. Final Thoughts A relaxing family vacation doesn’t need to be complicated, and by keeping plans simple, the whole trip starts to feel easier. The goal isn’t to do everything - it’s to actually enjoy being there together, and that’s what makes it memorable.
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About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! Categories
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