US Japan Fam

This AI Baby Monitor is THE BEST!

1/25/2022

usjapanfam reviews simcam baby pro AI baby monitor by simshine

We just got sent the Simcam Baby Pro AI Smart Baby Monitor for review by Simshine and it is AMAZING!!! Watch my full review (on my brand new Our Favorite Things Reviewed YouTube channel) and read on for more details and a special discount code!!

My favorite features about this baby monitor include:

2-way communication so you can talk to your child (great for soothing a baby, telling a toddler to get back into bed, or talking to older kids playing while you're in another room).
360* pan via phone app (you can pan up, down, and all around - even works for bunk beds if you find a good spot for it!)
Install it on the crib rail to see baby, or sit on a platform to monitor older kids or a room. (Note: it's not wireless).
Amazing night vision.
Great quality video, photo, and audio.
Comes with a Micro SD card and records and alerts you when baby wakes (I love looking back at these short videos; I found a super cute one of my 6 year old soothing herself back to sleep hugging her Squishmallow - check it out in the above video!)
AI technology so you can program it to turn on a nightlight and play a lullaby when baby cries.
It'll alert you and record short videos when baby wakes or stirs, and keep a sleep log to analyze baby's sleep quality.
Up to 5 sub-users.
Easy to set up - pair with phone using USP code.
Super cute little dinosaur design!
NO MONTHLY FEE! Just purchase and go!

BUY IT NOW!!
(affiliate links follow):
Get $30 off with code usja on simshinemall.com or buy on Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I receive commission from purchases made after clicking the above affiliate link.

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Cute Sneaker Alert: ALEADER!

1/20/2022

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Disclaimer: this post was sponsored by Aleader but all thoughts and opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate I receive commission from purchases made after clicking affiliate links below.

If you're looking for cute, comfy, super lightweight sneakers that won't cost you an arm and a leg, then check out Aleader, who has a pair of sneakers in my $400 value jackpot giveaway ending tonight! They just sent me this adorable pair of Energy Cloud kicks and I'm in love!!!

US Japan Fam Reviews Aleader Energy Cloud Sneakers

They're super duper lightweight, featuring a breathable knit upper (available in light pink, light blue, grey/white, and grey/black), quick-dry hygroscopic technology, and a flexible, durable, anti-slip shock-absorbing EVA sole.

I love that there's no loose tongue to drive me nuts, and the heel comes up high with a very thick and comfy lining (see photo above)! The sole is quite padded with a nice supportive instep but not too high, just right.

Regarding size, I'm usually somewhere between a 9 - 10, it's so hard to know with shoes right? I ordered a 9.5 and they're a tad big, fine with thicker socks but I'd recommend getting your regular size or even sizing down if you're in between sizes, especially if you plan to wear barefoot or with thin socks in the warmer months.

Whether you're going out for a run or running errands, these shoes will keep your feet happy! Because they're so lightweight, they're great for traveling, as well!

Aleader has TONS of other shoes as well, from kids snow and rain boots to mens' water shoes! Check them out at aleadergear.com or on Amazon (affiliate link).

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Canvas Discount Review + $100 Credit Giveaway

1/18/2022

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Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Canvas Discount but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you're like me, you're always looking for a fun way to update your walls, and get those favorite vacation and family photos up on display! If this sounds like you, then you're in the right place because today I've got a review and GIVEAWAY sponsored by the amazing Canvas Discount!!

Canvas Discount is a photo printing company that specializes in transforming digital photos into customized, high-quality wall décor and lifestyle accessories, such as Canvas Prints, Framed Photos, Metal Prints, MIXPIX Photo Tiles, Posters, Cushions, Custom Blankets and many more.

Enter to win a $100 credit (plus free shipping) to Canvas Discount in the giveaway at the bottom of this post, but first watch my fun review video and read on for more!!

I do love a good canvas print, but wanted to try some of their more unique items, so I went with a custom rug and wall hanging!

The photo rugs come in size 20x28" (the size I got, great as a door mat) and 35x55". It came rolled up which left it a bit wrinkled. The wrinkles are only noticable on the white space, which looking back on it is probably not a great color for a rug anyway LOL, so my advice is to go for a photo that is darker or more colors than a light/solid background. Overall I'm really impressed with the rug - it's super soft low pile, almost a velvet type feel. It's vibrant and the image and text came out great! The quality of stitching around the sides looks perfect, and the back is a non-slip rubber. It's not a thick memory foam type of pad, but it's not a simple thin material either. Kinda in between. They use UV-resistant ink so it should last quite a while!

I also ordered their new canvas wall hanging and absolutely love it, especially in comparison to the wall hangings we have from Japan that are so difficult to put together. Canvas Discount's has lovely premium pine wooden bars that have magnets inside of them, so they just snap together on top of the canvas!! So easy to put together and adjust so it's all laying perfectly! The canvas print came out beautiful, and it comes with a leather-effect cord hanger, already installed into the top wooden bar. Couldn't be easier! Also, the canvas is simple and could be mounted or framed on its own later if you decide to switch it up. You can order portrait/vertical or horizontal/landscape orientation in size 8x12", 12x16" or 16x24" (what I got), or 12" or 24" square.

After you narrow down what kind of product you want, and what image to use (the two hardest parts, of course), ordering is really easy since they have sizes and templates for every product. Personally, I used Canva.com to create my images exactly how I wanted them (with font overlay for the rug and converted the wall hanging image to black and white), then uploaded those to Canvas Discount. They provide a helpful mockup after you upload, which showed me I had to resize and try again since my text was getting cut off. Thank goodness for the mockup, after fixing the image it came out perfect! Products are ready to ship in under 24 hours! SO FAST!!

Looking for more reviews? Check out CanvasDiscount.com TrustPilot where they're ranked the #1 Best Canvas Shop in the USA with over 16,000 reviews!!

Shop all products at CanvasDiscount.com and use code USJAPANFAM25 for 25% off your order over $50 (excluding face masks and MIXPIX), or use my affiliate link: https://www.canvasdiscount.com/usjapanfam
This discount is on top of any other discount/sale already on the website!!

GIVEAWAY:

Enter to win $100 credit (plus free shipping) to Canvas Discount in the Rafflecopter app below. Only a blog comment is required to enter (don't forget to tell the app you commented) but you can earn extra entry points with every action you take, and some can be taken daily! Giveaway open to US residents ages 18+. Those signing up multiple times with various emails will be disqualified - play nice please! Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM ET on Monday January 24. Winner will be randomly chosen, emailed, and have 24 hours to respond before another winner will be chosen.
**If giveaway app isn't loading, you should be able to enter here**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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($400 Value) Wellness Giveaway

1/13/2022

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

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

Nutritionist Consultation with Theresa Gentile, MS, RDN, CDN

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

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

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

ScrubzBody Sugar Scrub & Body Lotion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Best Kids Headphones!

12/21/2021

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US Japan Fam reviews New Bee KH-20 - The Best Kids Headphones

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

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

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

US Japan Fam reviews New Bee KH-20 - The Best Kids Headphones - kid safe volume control mic ears

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

Plug & Play

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

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

US Japan Fam reviews New Bee KH-20 - The Best Kids Headphones - compact fold cute design

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

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

US Japan Fam reviews New Bee KH-20 - The Best Kids Headphones - ADJUSTABLE for ages 4-16

BUY THEM NOW :)

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

See them featured in our Christmas Gift Haul video here:

US Japan Fam reviews New Bee KH-20 - The Best Kids Headphones vertical for pinterest

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8 Reasons You Need a Dash Cam

12/7/2021

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8 REASONS YOU NEED A DASH CAM - US Japan Fam reviews Carchet T12 Rearview Mirror Mounted Dash Cam

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

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

8 Reasons You Need a Dash Cam:

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

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

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

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

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

8 REASONS YOU NEED A DASH CAM - US Japan Fam reviews Carchet T12 Rearview Mirror Mounted Dash Cam - backup cam

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

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

8 REASONS YOU NEED A DASH CAM - US Japan Fam reviews Carchet T12 Rearview Mirror Mounted Dash Cam - GPS tracking

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

8 REASONS YOU NEED A DASH CAM - US Japan Fam reviews Carchet T12 Rearview Mirror Mounted Dash Cam - easy to hookup

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

BUY IT HERE!!

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2021 Christmas Gift Guide & Giveaway ($300+ Value)

11/30/2021

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

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

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

THE PRIZES:

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

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

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

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

GIFT YOURSELF... a better smile :)

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

GIFTS THAT PAMPER:

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

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

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

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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Best Christmas Decor Shipped to Your Door!

11/23/2021

9 Comments

The Best Christmas Decor Shipped to Your Door - US Japan Fam 2021

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

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

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

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

Artificial Christmas Trees:

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

Christmas Lights & Decor:

Kid-Friendly Christmas Decor & Toys:

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

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

Christmas Fashion & Family Matching Christmas Pajamas:

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

In The Kitchen!

Staying Warm!

Other Festive Fun!

9 Comments

Family-Friendly Walkable Towns in New Jersey for Families (Bergen & Essex Counties)

11/21/2021

3 Comments

The Best Family-Friendly Walkable Towns in Bergen & Essex Counties New Jersey - us japan fam

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

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

MONTCLAIR, NJ

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

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A post shared by MONTCLAIR NOW â€¢ Montclair, NJ (@montclair.newjersey)

RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY

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

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WESTWOOD, NEW JERSEY

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

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GLEN ROCK, NEW JERSEY

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

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RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY

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

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CALDWELL, NEW JERSEY

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

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VERONA, NEW JERSEY

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

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

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

Research more towns using my favorite sites:

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

3 Comments

How to Keep Kids Safer While Gaming

11/12/2021

12 Comments

SAFER GAMING WITH KIDAS - US Japan Fam review of Kidas in-game monitoring system for parents

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

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

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

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

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

So how do we keep kids safer while gaming?

Kidas. That's how!

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

US Japan Fam reviews Kidas for monitoring kids in-game activity - weekly report

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

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

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

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

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