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    • Subscribe to our List Serves!
    • Press Page - Travel
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  • Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
  • Hudson Valley
    • Day Trips & Activities
  • Bay Ridge Families
    • Scavenger Hunt
    • Advertising
    • Submit Your Event
    • Summer Camp Guide
    • Birthday Party Guide
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    • Halloween Guide
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  • Family Travel

Mabel's Labels Spring Haul for Kids + Garden

3/29/2021

5 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews Mabel's Labels washable customizable labels for home + garden
Disclaimer: Sponsored by Mabel's Labels but all our thoughts and opinions are our own and 100% unbiased :) Affiliate links included below - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Whether your kids are in day care, in school, going off to camp, or you just like to label everything in your home from water bottles and phone cases to garbage cans and scooters, Mabel's Labels has got your back with customizable water-safe labels in gazillions of sizes, shapes, and designs!

​Check out my unboxing and review video (below left video; the other video is our previous Mabel's Label review), read on for more details about the fun labeling haul we just got, and don't forget to enter to win $50 credit to Mabel's Labels in our $1,000 value jackpot giveaway (at the bottom of this post)!

Plant + Garden Markers

We're excited to be in a house finally after leaving our NYC co-op for the country this past summer. When I saw Mabel's Labels had an adorable plant + garden marker set, I decided I had to get it and I had to make a little herb and vegetable garden with  my kids!! 

This set includes 15 wooden sticks and pre-printed labels for peppers, garlic, lettuce, carrots, onions, cucumber, tomatoes, peas, basil, parsley, rosemary, dill, mint, chives, and thyme! With cute images so even your toddlers and pre-readers can understand them! We haven't used them yet, so can't attest to how well they hold up but the website says they're waterproof and durable, so you should be able to clean, store, and re-use each year!

​It's not quite warm enough to get started, but we have the markers and a few bags of various seeds and are ready as soon as hard frosts finish! I'd love to hear any first-timer gardening tips you may have in a comment below!!

  • ​Buy your Plant + Garden Markers here (affiliate link)
US Japan Fam reviews Mabel's Labels - Plant + Garden Markers

Round Glitter Labels:

​​Who doesn't love glitter, especially glitter that doesn't come off and make a hot mess!? These labels are so fun, when the light hits right it's sparkle city!! These are waterproof, dishwasher & microwave safe, durable, and you can customize these with first and last name, 8 fonts, 10 colors, and 49 adorable design characters like butterfly or baseball (or go without a character as I did). 

  • Customize your Round Glitter Labels here (affiliate link)
US Japan Fam reviews Mabel's Labels washable customizable round glitter labels

Heart Shape Name Labels:

Hearts aren't just for Valentine's Day, they're a year-round shape in our house and I'm simply in LOVE with these labels, as are my twin girls, who will be labeling the heck out of their school supplies come September (we just registered them for Kindergarten, eeeeek!!).

These labels are waterproof, dishwasher-safe, durable, and you can customize with first and last name, 8 fonts, and your choice of 8 solid colors and 8 multicolor designs.

  • Customize your Heart Shape Name Labels here (affiliate link)
US Japan Fam reviews Mabel's Labels washable customizable heart shape name labels

Such great stuff, am I right!? You simply can't go wrong with Mabel's Labels! We've been using them on our kids' water bottles for years now and they seriously live up to the claim that they're "durable and dishwasher safe" - we've never had one peel off!! So, head over to customize your own labels, and don't forget you can...
Enter to win $50 credit from Mabel's Labels (among a TON of other great stuff) in our $1,000 value jackpot Spring into Summer Giveaway for families, ending April 7, 2021!!
2021 Spring into Summer $1000 value jackpot giveaway for families
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The Best Children's Shoes this Spring & Summer!

3/28/2021

10 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews pediped childrens spring and summer shoes
Disclaimer: we received these shoes in exchange for our review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased! There are affiliate links below, you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Kids grow like weeds, it is a fact. But you simply cannot scrimp when it comes to children's shoes. When you find a brand that protects those precious tootsies, nurtures their development, comes in tons of styles and colors, and is still in great shape for hand-me-downs, you stick with it. I've found this in pediped shoes, and if you've tried them, I'm pretty sure you've been sticking with them as well! Keep reading for our review of a few new pairs we just got and enter to win a pair of pediped shoes in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway at the end of this post!!
When I say pediped is great for your kids' feet, you don't have to take my word for it. 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 vegan, many are water-safe or machine washable, and they come in sizes from baby's crib shoe through 6Y (about 10 years old). One thing I love is that they have several color options in each design, which is GREAT for moms like me who kind of obsess over coordinating her twins' outfits LOL!
US Japan Fam reviews pediped Flex Sahara summer water-safe sandals
The first pair we're going to review are the pediped Flex Sahara sandals, which are water-safe with quick-dry EVA footbeds, are machine-washable, vegan and eco-friendly (made without any solvents during the manufacturing process i.e. less carbon dioxide emission and less use of water and energy!).

We actually love these as summer shoes SO much, this is our 2nd round with them - click here for the most adorable flashback of our 2017 review of these shoes for our 3 kids, in different colors! This year, our girls chose the Berry (kind of a magenta) and Ocean (beautiful bright blue). The soles are super flexible but also grippy - great for your little runners, scooterers, and splash pad adventurers!

  • Shop here in TEN color options, in sizes 20 (US 5) - 33 (US Y1.5-2)
US Japan Fam reviews pediped Flex Sahara summer water-safe sandals
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My girls threw me a curveball with their next order. They didn't choose the same design! They're not matching or coordinating and my heart broke a little, but the shoes they chose are so darn cute I just couldn't argue!
US Japan Fam reviews pediped Flex Dani Blossom & Flex Estella Silver girls shoes
Mia, on the left, is wearing the pediped Flex Estella Silver, and Emi is in the Flex Dani Blossom sneakers. Both of these are a bit stiffer than the Sahara sandals, but as you can see below they are still pretty flexible. Both of these also feature a simple velcro strap, no frustrations with laces to worry about!

Mia is loving the glitter and bows on her shoes, and I am, too! These Flex Estella shoes are vegan, come in 2 colors (silver or pink) in sizes 22 - 36 with a canvas upper, breathable canvas lining, and a rubber sole. 
US Japan Fam reviews pediped Flex Estella Silver girls shoes
Emi got the Flex Dani Blossom sneakers which come in 6 colors in sizes 22 - 36, are vegan, machine-washable, with a mesh upper and flexible rubber sole. She's been running around in them non-stop and also balancing on her tippy tip toes "like a ballerina" ha!
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Both the Dani and Estella shoes feature pediped's unique "Flex Fit System" (see above right image) which provides you with a 2mm insert that allows you to customize the shoe's fit a bit, basically allowing you to buy half a size bigger and get a bit more time out of the shoes! Insert for a snugger fit, then take out and use the original insole when the feet have grown a bit!
SUPER CUTE, comfy, great quality shoes - am I right!? And now it's your chance to...
WIN A PAIR!!!!!
Enter to win my Spring into Summer $1,000 value jackpot giveaway here, running through April 7!!
US Japan Fam's Spring into Summer Giveaway
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Black+Decker Steam N' Vac Review

3/25/2021

14 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews Black+Decker Steam N' Vac 2-in-1 steam mop & vacuum
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included below - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.
We're all juggling a million things at once - the house, the kids, a job, our sanity! A good life hack here and there can save you lots of time and energy, and I've got a pretty major one for you. Are you ready for this!?

​With the Black+Decker Steam N' Vac, you can steam mop and vacuum AT THE SAME TIME!!! That's right!!! Let the steam mop scrub and sanitize your floors while the vacuum picks up all the crumbs and dust bunnies. 2 birds 1 stone! Huge time saver and game changer - I couldn't love mine more!!

​Watch my unboxing and demo of the Black+Decker Steam Mop & Vacuum combo, read below for more details, then enter to win one in my $1000 value jackpot giveaway at the bottom of this post!!
Here's a break down of the 2-in-1 Black+Decker Steam N' Vac's features and why I'm loving it:
usjapanfam reviews black+decker steam mp + vacuum - in use
STEAM MOP:
  • ​The steam kills up to 99% of germs without chemicals! That's right - just fill the tank with water and you're sanitizing - talk about great green cleaning products!!
  • 2 settings: "ECO Steam" and "MAX Steam", used alone or at the same time as the vacuum! Huge time saver!
  • The 1,000-watt steam boiler takes less than 30 seconds for water to heat up and be ready to steam.
  • With a full water tank (0.38L), you can steam about 15-20 minutes.
  • Step release to pull the mop head off, pull off to wash (easy peasy, it's elastic on the edges), dry, ready to re-use! 
  • Safe on any sealed hard surfaces around the home, including sealed hardwood, tile, stone, grout, wood, laminate, vinyl and granite. They do recommend testing a spot first, just to be safe, especially on hardwood.
  • When using steam alone, it's quiet, kinda sounds like an iron to me, and it didn't leave the floors super wet, just glistening, and clean!!
usjapanfam reviews black+decker steam mp + vacuum - steam mop functions
VACUUM:
  • This 500-watt vacuum works on hard surfaces and has a carpet attachment as well, just don't use the steam mop on the carpet - it's not a carpet cleaner.
  • Large capacity (1.2L) stainless steel washable dust bin is very easy to release, empty, and re-insert. That's right - it's bagless, meaning less waste and eco-friendly!
  • Includes a washable HEPA filter above the dust bin!!
  • It weighs just 10 pounds, has a 11.5" wide cleaning path, and has a 16' long cord, meaning unlimited run time!
  • Comes with a 3 year limited manufacturer's guarantee
usjapanfam reviews black+decker steam mp + vacuum - vacuum functions
Buy yours at Walmart or Bed Bath & Beyond.

​Enter to win one in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway, ending 4/7/2021!
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14 Comments

Spring into Summer Giveaway for Families

3/24/2021

71 Comments

 
US Japan Fam's 2021 Spring into Summer Giveaway - $1000 jackpot of prizes for kids and parents!
We've done it! We've made it through a full year of lockdowns and pandemic pandemonium. It's not over, yet, but can we just take a moment to appreciate everything you've done to take care of yourselves and your families through all of this!? Well freaking done!!! You deserve a treat, parents, and I've got one for you in the form of another HUGE and fa-bu-lous group giveaway!!! Read on for more about the participating brands and $1,000 worth of prizes for kids and adults in the jackpot that will go to 1 lucky winner (US resident over 18)! Enter to win in the Rafflecopter app at the bottom!!
​
DISCLAIMER: Sponsored by participating brands but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Affiliate links included below - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

US Japan Fam Spring into Summer Giveaway - Rabbit Hole Children's Theater Virtual Summer Camp
At-Home Summer Camp with
​The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater


​You may not be able to or be comfortable sending your children to in-person summer camps this year, but no worries, The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater in San Francisco has developed an AH-MAY-ZING, super creative, and incredibly engaging LIVE theater camp experience, heading into its second year!

Each week will have students visiting a different land in Rabbit Hole Queendom, and a corresponding Theater-in-a-Box kit is mailed to each camper with everything needed to bring a magical show to life at home! Students will attend live classes virtually from home with Rabbit Hole teachers and enjoy character meet and greets, theatrical play, puppet shows, art activities, and audio tales! Nurturing imaginary play and building creative confidence, camp is offered from 9AM - 3PM in two time zones (PST & EST), and will have your child creating and performing their own play!

  • PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive 1 week of The Rabbit Hole Children's Theater's virtual camp, valued at $350 (winner chooses which week to attend). Alternatively, you  may choose their Theater Camps To-Go option (all the magic without the live components), valued at $200.
  • BUY: at therabbitholesf.com

US Japan Fam Spring into Summer Giveaway - Black+Decker Steam Mop + Vacuum
Black+Decker 2-in-1 Steam Mop + Vacuum Combo

When you're a parent, you have to learn to multitask, and you need products that can multitask, as well! This 2-in-1 Steam Mop and Vacuum by Black+Decker does just that! You can steam mop your sealed surface floors (removing built-up dirt and killing 99% of germs with no chemicals - just water!!), vacuum (includes a large dust bin with a washable HEPA filter), or do BOTH AT THE SAME TIME!!! It blew me away, quite literally!! Check out my full blog review here (unboxing & demo video is below)!! Better yet, save yourself time and just go ahead and buy one at Walmart or Bed Bath and Beyond!!

  • PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive one Black+Decker Steam N'Vac Steam Mop + Vacuum Combo, valued at $230!!!
  • BUY: at Walmart or Bed Bath and Beyond!!

US Japan Fam Spring into Summer Giveaway - DiscountGlasses.com stylish budget-friendly eyewear for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults
$100 Credit from DiscountGlasses.com

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!! Their "20 for $20" monthly picks are a steal, a fun and budget-friendly way to spice up your eyewear collection regularly!

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!

Check out my latest review of some super cute "mommy and me" / "daddy and me" sunglasses we just got, read an older review of mine here, and watch Mia's adorable "first glasses" unboxing below (we originally ordered her the famously toddler-friendly Miraflex on DiscountGlasses.com but have since realized DG has their own brand, Picklez, with a kids' hinge-free line that is MUCH cheaper and equally amazing)!!


  • ​PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive a $100 credit to DiscountGlasses.com
  • BUY: on DiscountGlasses.com (affiliate link)

US Japan Fam's Spring into Summer Giveaway - Beleev Skateboards and Scooters
Beleev Skateboard or Scooter

Your whole family can be rolling around in style together this spring and summer with Beleev, producing a great lineup of skateboards and scooters!!

Their 3-wheel scooters are good for ages 3 - 10 years (up to 110 pounds), with a handlebar height of 26"-34" and flashing LED light up wheels! Next up we have their 2-wheel kids scooters for ages 4 - 12 years (up to 141 pounds), which folds, has a handlebar height range of 30-34", and features LED lighting wheels. Then we have their 2-wheel scooter for teens and adults, recommended for ages 8+ and up to 220 pounds, which folds, has a kickstand and a handlebar height of 31"-41". They also have 27" & 31" long classic maple skateboards with really great designs to choose from, and 22" long cruiser skateboards with light up LED wheels. Skateboards hold up to 220 pounds.
​
  • PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will win their choice of scooter or skateboard, a $70 value.
  • BUY: on beleev.com

US Japan Fam spring into summer giveaway - pediped childrens shoes
pediped Children's Shoes

Whether running around at school or your own backyard, your children deserve to be in pediped, high quality fashionable shoes that have been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development! With everything from water-safe sandals to washable sneakers to cute and cozy boots, pediped will take your little one from baby's first crib shoe to size 6Y (about 10 years old).

See our latest review of pediped summer water-safe sandals and 2 other cute pairs of shoes here, and don't miss our 2020 review of pediped sneakers and Mary Janes here!

  • PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive one pair of children's shoes - their choice of size and gender (design choices vary by availability).
  • BUY: on pediped.com​ and Amazon (affiliate link)

FREE TRIAL of Homer Essential Learning for Ages 2-8

US Japan Fam Spring into Summer Giveaway - mifold comfort compact booster seat
mifold Comfort Compact Backless Booster

Whether you need to squeeze 3 kids across in the car, need to send a booster with your child to school (this will easily fit in their backpack!), have some taxi travel ahead, or you just want to be totally prepared for carpool duty (this will fit in your glove compartment), mifold has you covered. Their itty bitty booster seat brings the seat belt down to the child rather than boosting them up. In fact, it's the worlds most compact carseat booster, 10x more compact than traditional boosters, but just as safe.

Designed for kids ages 4 and up (40 - 100 pounds, 40 - 59" tall), mifold meets or exceeds NHTSA standard FMVSS 213 in the USA and is regulated for use in every country except Australia.


Check out our review of the new mifold comfort vs. original mifold, and see our kids using them 3-across in our car! Super excited to test out this new design, which features a more comfortable cushioned seat and anti slip pads underneath!

mifold has another incredibly revolutionary product you're not going to want to miss: hifold, the  world's most adjustable high back booster seat! Check it out here!!

  • PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive their latest model, the mifold comfort booster, in their choice of color, a $40 value. 
  • BUY: on mifold.com and Amazon (affiliate link)

US Japan Fam Spring into Summer Giveaway - YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Honey Skin Soothing Cream
YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Honey Skin Soothing Cream

The healthiest and most effective skin cream in the world? Hands down, YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Honey Skin Soothing Cream.​ Made with only 6 ingredients, all of them 100% natural, this creamy soothing buttery balm is dermatologist tested and approved, rated 1 (best) on EWG Skin Deep database and safe for babies through adults!

​Featuring active 16+ Manuka honey and Manuka oil, which is potent in battling bacteria and fungus! There are zero added preservatives or fragrances, it's nut-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, and not gamma radiation treated. Whether you suffer from eczema, psoriasis, sun burn, dry and sensitive skin, razor burn, rosacea, diaper rash, you name it - you need this in your life! 
​
  • PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive a 2oz tub of YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream, a $25 value.
  • BUY: You can purchase the 2oz and 4oz on yoronaturals.com, eczemacompany.com and Amazon (affiliate link). You can also browse their amazing line of healing Remedywear™, featuring soothing fabric made of TENCEL™ and anti-bacterial zinc, including the most comfortable face masks for kids and adults!!

US Japan Fam Spring into Summer Giveaway - Mabel's Labels
$50 Credit from Mabel's Labels

Whether you have a baby or a big kid, Mabel's Labels has what you need to make sure everything is labeled beautifully - from clothes and bags to shoes and bottles! Heck, you can even label your grownup gear!! Mabel's Labels products are super durable, waterproof, and customizable with names, fonts, and cute designs!

​Check out our latest 
Mabel's Labels haul, including Plant & Garden Markers, as well as some adorable heart and glitter labels!! You can also see one of our previous reviews here, including their silicone ID bracelets, Little Kid School Combo label set (with shoe inserts to help little kids know left from right!), silicone bottle bands, and emergency contact labels!

  • PRIZE: our grand prize winner will receive a $50 credit to customize and order the labeling products they need most!!
  • BUY: on mabelslabels.com (affiliate link)

US Japan Fam's Spring into Summer Giveaway - Little GF Chefs Unicorn Donuts Kit
Little GF Chefs Unicorn Donuts Kit

Little GF Chefs' seriously unique monthly baking kits are designed to build confidence, educate, and empower kids! Created by a mom raising children with celiac disease and food allergies, all kits are gluten-free, free from the top 8 most common allergens, contain no artificial dyes, and yet are seriously delicious and creative! Each month's kit is shipped out including dry ingredients, decorating supplies, and a baking tool for a fun new recipe!

  • PRIZE: Our grand prize winner will receive the April 2021 kit to make Unicorn Donuts, a $40 value that includes a silicone donut pan!
  • BUY: one time baking kits and subscription plans available at littlegfchefs.com!

US Japan Fam Spring into Summer Giveaway - Squeasy Gear Silicone Food Pouch
Squeasy Gear Silicone Food Pouch

​Say hello to the world's best food pouch! Squeasy Gear's Squeasy Snackers are seriously amazing - with a removable spill-proof insert (that totally works!!), these are great for pureed baby food, yogurt, applesauce, and even liquids!! They're dishwasher & freezer safe, made of 100% food-grade eco-friendly bacteria-resistant silicone self-standing for easy filling, and turn inside out (handy when for cleaning flax seed and other tricky items in your smoothies!). You can see my review here - yes, it's from 6 years ago and we are STILL using the same pouches, they seriously never die!!
​
  • PRIZE: Our winner will receive 1 pouch in the color & size (16oz, 6oz, 3.5oz) of their choice (subject to availability), a $17 value!
  • BUY: on squeasygear.com or Amazon (affiliate link)

ENTER TO WIN IT ALL!!!

Did I tell you or did I tell you!??! This is quite possibly the most amazing giveaway I've organized in my many years of doing so! This is going to be one very lucky winner, and it could be you!!! All you have to do is enter to win below: leaving a comment on this blog post and telling the Rafflecopter app that you did so will be your entry!!

​But wait, you can gain more entry points with every action you take, and some you can take daily!! US residents ages 18+ only. Winner will be chosen randomly, emailed, and given 48 hours to respond so make sure to be checking those spam filters please!! If you have twitter I usually tag you to give you a heads up over there as well!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
71 Comments

Happy Masks Review: Breathable Reusable Face Masks for Kids & Adults

3/17/2021

16 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews Happy Masks - adjustable washable 99% filtering covid masks for kids and adults
Disclaimer: We received these masks free for review but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased! There are also some affiliate links included - you don't pay more but we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Life in the time of COVID, I feel like I'm always on the lookout for the perfect face mask - adjustable with a great fit, washable & reusable, breathable, effective, cute design options... and you know what? I was able to check off every box with these amazing Happy Masks (we received ours free in exchange for promotion, but they didn't reach out to me, it was vice versa cuz I was so impressed!!). 

Watch our YouTube video here for a fun unboxing and demo of the various features, and read on for more details as well as to grab your code for free shipping!!
SUPERB FILTRATION:
Made with a 3 layer nanofiber membrane filter, Happy Masks have been tested by Nelson Labs to show they filter out over 99% of airborne particles as tiny as .3 microns!! That includes allergens (pollen!!), dust, and smog. And they factually filter out 99.9% of bacteria, and viruses (including COVID-19 / coronavirus)! On top of that, the filter is not removable, so there's no concern about losing it or having to replace it.
US Japan Fam reviews covid face masks for kids and adults - Happy Masks Filters
UNIQUE "BEAK" DESIGN:
Happy Masks have a soft fabric with a unique "parrot beak" design which means they don't suck into your  nose and mouth when breathing and talking! Your kids won't suck on them! And they don't feel like they're suffocating you!
US Japan Fam reviews Happy Masks - washable breathable adjustable face masks for kids and adults with unique
ADUSTABLE EAR LOOPS:
Our faces are not one size so face masks shouldn't be one size fits all, am I right? Happy Masks come in Medium and Large for Adults, and one size for kids, but feature super easy-to-use adjustable ear straps! They also feature a metal wire over the nose for added adjustability, and provide a great snug and comfy fit all around the nose, cheeks, and under the chin! They also sell a protective pouch, and a lanyard that easily snaps onto the ear loops, so you can put it on and off without touching the mask itself, and not worry about your kids dropping it onto the bathroom floor (or... into the toilet!).
US Japan Fam reviews Happy Masks - reusable face masks for kids and adults - with lanyards and protective pouches!
WASHABILITY & DURABILITY:
Happy Masks' efficacy have been tested for a minimum of 50 hand washes and 250 hours of wear. The trim is hand sewn for increased durability and snugger fit. Washing instructions: soak in cold water with a drop of dish detergent for 10 minutes (use a drop of dish detergent on a soft toothbrush to remove makeup or sweat), gently rinse (do not rub or wring), air dry. For added disinfection and deodorization, spray with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol after each wash and place in the sun.
You can buy these great face masks for kids and adults at happymasks.com and use code USJAPANFAM for free shipping!
16 Comments

"Stay Safe" Family Vacation @ Crystal Springs Resort in NJ

3/2/2021

9 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews Stay Safe at Crystal Springs Resort - family vacation during the pandemic
Disclaimer: We were provided our stay free in exchange for sharing our experience with you. However, below are our honest experiences and unbiased opinions - we TRULY love love love Crystal Springs!!

Crystal Springs Resort in New Jersey is one of my all time favorite family-friendly vacation spots in the Tri-State area! I've been there twice before: as a family in the summer of 2019 and as a #momcation with one of my best mom friends in February 2020 (just before Covid came to town). Put simply, this place NEVER disappoints. From the tropical indoor Biosphere pool to the delicious dining options to unique activities like puppy and goat yoga!!

​So, when we were invited back recently for a hosted stay in exchange for sharing with you all what it's like to vacation at Crystal Springs during the pandemic, I jumped at the chance! Well, I put on my mask and jumped from a socially safe distance, that is! Ha!

​Check out our highlights videos from our 1-night mini getaway at Crystal Springs, including our outing to nearby Mountain Creek for Snow Tubing, and keep reading for more details and photos of our time at Crystal Springs and what you can expect regarding pandemic safety!!
Crystal Springs is definitely making safety a priority, while still providing top notch service, activities, and dining experiences! If you've been before, you'll notice subtle changes related to pandemic safety, which are outlined in their COVID-19 Statement, and I'll go over the ones that stood out to me below:​
  • Guests must fill out a waiver form, declaring that for the past 14 days they've been healthy, had no known exposure to COVID, and haven't traveled to a higher risk COVID state.
  • Masks are required indoors as well as outdoors when 6-feet of social distance cannot be maintained.
  • ​​Hand sanitizer stations are located all over the resort, along with friendly reminders about masks and social distance. Everyone (guests and staff) seemed to be taking this very seriously.
  • You are not currently able to cross between Grand Cascades and Minerals resorts freely; you have to stick to your location's activities, and there is no shuttle offered between them. Luckily they each have great restaurants and heated indoor & outdoor pools, so it's not a big deal.
  • You are not currently able to use facilities before check-in (4pm) or after check-out (11am), which makes a one-night only stay not quite as full of a vacation as it usually is. That said, the pools have long hours, so you still have time to swim in the evening after check-in and early morning before check-out if just doing one night, and you can also pay $50 extra for a late checkout.
US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Safety Protocols
  • The pool locker rooms are currently closed, so you'll need to change and shower in your room, a minor inconvenience. Because guests can't use pools before check-in or after check-out, they're less crowded. But if nervous about unmasked indoor swimming, no worries, both Grand Cascades and Minerals have awesome outdoor "snow pools" which are kept REALLY warm and soooooo cozy!! Pro-tip, use before you get your hair wet, or bring a hat, or just keep dunking yourself under the water :) 
  • The pools are being cleaned several times a day - like REALLY sanitized - fully shutting down for half an hour (4 times a day at Grand Cascades and 3 times a day at Minerals). Take note of the schedule so you don't suit up and have to wait! No reservations required, but they're for guests only (no day passes) and first come first served basis with limited capacity.
US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Biosphere Pool
  • The sauna and Grotto jacuzzi at the Biosphere were shut down, which I was disappointed to see. BUT, we had a jacuzzi tub in our hotel room, which I used after the kids went to bed, and it was amazing. Private and clean, no mask needed. Highly recommend!
US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Private Room Jacuzzi
  • In addition to regular dining (in restaurant, pickup, outdoor, or room service), they are still offering some buffet dining options (and you'll get $30 credit toward breakfast buffet per room per night), and have gotten really smart with these! Masked staff serve the food from behind protective windows. 1 server walks from station to station with 1 guest on the other side of the shields and fills up their plate. This means it takes much longer to get your food than old-school buffets, and gets a bit complicate if you have adults ordering for themselves and their kids, but personally, I hope it stays like this always! No concerns about some rando sneezing on the food!! Love it!! My kids enjoyed the independence of being able to order for themselves, as well!
US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Buffet Dinner
  • They have a handful of really unique private enclosed outdoor dining which they're calling "Champagne Chalets" (similar to igloo dining / bubble dining). Reservations required.
US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Private Enclosed Outdoor Dining Champagne Chalets
  • Our rooms were SPOTLESS, beautifully renovated, even the remotes were in little plastic baggies! We got adjoining rooms in Grand Cascades Lodge: Room 527 had double queen beds with a bathroom, and Room 529 was a suite with a king size bedroom, huge his-and-her sink bathroom with jacuzzi tub AND a shower, a small balcony, washer and dryer, and a separate living / dining / kitchen (bedrooms opened up to each side of this common area)! The full kitchen (oven, 4-burner stove top, coffee maker, dishwasher, fridge, freezer) is a must if you want to cook. And the large indoor dining table and small balcony table make it easy to eliminate any risk of public dining, if that concerns you. We only stayed one night so didn't have housekeeping, but for longer stays it's limited to trash pickup and replenishment of toiletries. Also, each room has individual heating and cooling systems. There was a TV in each bedroom and the living room, for a total of THREE TVs, which came in handy when our kids were getting too crazy in the morning and had to be separated for a bit (see the video LOL)!
US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Our Suite
  • Glice skating was a nice outdoor activity. You grab your skates from the pro shop and they sanitize them after every use. Offered seasonally, through March 21. Reservations required - $25 per person for 45 minute session. Cute bar and fire pits out there as well, so you can watch the skaters or just hang out.
US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Glice Skatingicture
  • The exotic animal show was REALLY great - it's free but you need reservations. Us adults enjoyed it as much as our kids! Very educational and we got to see a tarantula and baby American alligator, hold a huge Burmese python, and touch a hedgehog and chinchilla! SO COOL!! It was indoors in the Emerald Ballroom but families were spread out by tables and everyone wore masks so it seemed fairly safe, and was just half an hour.
US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Exotic Animals Show
  • We did the "dinner and a show" which was a DELICIOUS buffet dinner and magic show in the Emerald Ballroom. I was impressed with how safely they served the food (mentioned above) though waiting in line for food took a while and guests were masked but not ideally spaced out in line. While tables were spaced out, the room was quite full for a 2-hour dinner and show where no one put masks back on after eating... I wouldn't say it was unsafe, but this is probably the only activity we did that I really wouldn't recommend for anyone super anxious about Covid.
US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Dinner & Magic Show
  • Some other great activities included in your stay: nightly family movies, horse drawn carriage to Cozy Corner, marshmallow roasting, petting zoo, hiking & nature trails, scavenger hunt, pony rides, putting, and golf glow.
  • Some great activities (for additional fee): Glice skating, axe throwing, goat yoga, archery, paint & sip, trap & skeet shooting, arts & crafts, horse back riding, wine tastings, and activities at Mountain Creek (a short 10 minute drive). We did a session of snow tubing which was really fun!!!
  • You can see the current week's schedule of activities here for a good idea of what'll be going on during the days of your visit.
US Japan Fam reviews Crystal Springs Family Vacation during the Pandemic - Snow Tubing at Mountain Creek

Watch the highlights videos from our previous two vacations at Crystal Springs, pre-pandemic:
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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 plus 1).  This blog is chock full of product reviews, family travel guides, and giveaways galore! It's also home to Bay Ridge Families, and several guides focused on kid-friendly activities and guides to South Brooklyn, Hudson Valley, and New Jersey, as well as family-friendly destinations beyond the NYC area (check the menu bar!)

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