I've been working from home for a few years now, like many of you, so I wanted to share some of my favorite items (some purchased, some provided for review), as well as some on my must-buy-soon wish list! I'm calling this my roundup of products for a healthier home office, but these would also be great additions to your out-of-home office, or even in your house or apartment, for a healthier mind, body, and spirit.
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Responsival. Below you'll find affiliate links. As a Renpho, Thrasio, & Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking these links. Ya girl's gotta fund her family's travels somehow - thank youuuuu for understanding ;) So, let's get to the list!!
1. Cubii compact seated elliptical machine
Have you seen Cubii before?? IMO it's the best under desk exercise equipment on the market. Hands down. They have a few models, I was sent the Cubii Total Body+ which is a tiny elliptical machine that you use while sitting down!! It also has resistance bands included!! You download their free app and can access tons of workout videos, classes, and it'll track your workouts, of course. It's really easy to set up and use, and it's honestly an amazing full body workout - great to use under your desk, while working (or taking a quick TikTok break), or while watching TV. Don't believe me?? Watch my demo video below - I'm out of breath with burning thigh / calf / butt muscles in just a few minutes! Cubii FTW!!!
2. Sitting to Standing Desk
It may come as a shock but sitting at your desk for hours upon hours is NOT good for our health (read about it on this Mayo Clinic post). But you're in luck because there are several ways to do less sitting, even while working! TechOrbits makes a great electrical standing desk that adjusts height from 28" to 48" to quickly and easily go from a great sitting desk to an amazing standing work space!! Alternatively, if you can't or don't want to upgrade your entire desk, you could add something like this TechOrbits standing desk converter that sits atop your desk or table. While you're at it, why not use a stool that allows you to sit at a regular desk or perch at your standing desk, like this BonVIVO standing desk chair that adjusts from 26 to 33 inches, with 10 degree tilt and 360 degree swivel.
3. Blue Light Blocking Glasses + Bulbs
Blue light from screens and lighting can cause eye strain, difficulty falling asleep, and other health issues, so consider investing in some blue light blocking technology! It can be as easy as having a special blue light blocking coating added to your next pair of prescription glasses - Warby Parker has some great ones! And if you don't need corrective lenses, you can get a cute non-prescriptive pair. Check out NY Mag's 2023 list: "The 6 Very Best Blue-Light Blocking Glasses here"! You may even consider adding a floor or desk lamp with this blue light blocking Amber bulb to use when working after dark.
4. Air Purifier
Whether you're sensitive to odors, mold, dust and other impurities in the air, or you just want to make sure your home and office are as clean and healthy as possible, a good air purifier is a must. You can get a nice budget-friendly HEPA air purifier like this one by VEVA, or go for a super smart one with all the bells and whistles that is super pretty to boot, like the CleanForce Rainbow that shows you exactly how clean your air is, automatically adjusts air refresh speed, and lets you control everything from an app (watch my demo above)!
5. Humidifier / Diffuser
Keeping your air clean is one thing, keeping it at the right humidity level to prevent mold growth while keeping your skin and mucous membranes healthy is another! I love this HuPro smart humidifer, watch my demo video above! It shows you the current humidity and will will run for 30 hours on a single (top loading) tank to maintain the desired humidity level you set. It has a remote, 360 degree nozzle, and has a built-in aroma therapy tray, so it'll work as an essential oil diffuser as well!! Hello 2 birds 1 stone!! If you want a separate essential oil diffuser, why not get one that also acts as room decor? This one that looks like potted flowers is just so cute!
6. Ergonomic Mouse, Keyboard & Chair
According to this article on Business.com, "repetitive strain injuries take a long time to develop, they also typically take a long time to treat". So do yourself a favor and invest in ergnomic office gear to help you avoid such injuries in the first place!! We're talking:
7. Eye Massager
If you suffer from eye strain, migraines, or stress, this heated eye massager from Renpho is a must. It folds in half for easy storage in your office desk drawer, bedside table, or carry-on bag. It has gentle rolling and squeezing pressure, warms up, plays relaxing music, ahhhhh it's really a nice way to take a little meditative break from work (or set the timer and lay down with it for a nap!). You can find it on Amazon or get 10% off with my affiliate code USJP10 on their website!
8. Under Desk Foot Massager
I dunno if this one is for "health" per se, maybe mental health?? I received this Cloud Massage Shiatsu heated food & calf massager to review over 2 years ago and it is like, my #1 must-have under my desk while working. I literally use it a minimum of 3 times a day. It feels SO good!!! You can use it on your feet (it rolls, squeezes, vibrates, and warms) or you can change the angle and lay down to massage your calves!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Get itttttttt!!!
9. Standing Desk Treadmill
Besides getting in some extra steps and cardio, using a treadmill while working may actually lead to increased productivity!! This is a great under desk treadmill by UREVO (above right image), you can even stand it against the wall when not using it. Or if space is limited, go for this extra short treadmill by Egofit (above left image).
10. Smart Watch
Whether you go for the latest Apple Watch, FitBit, a more budget-friendly smart fitness tracking watch alternative, these can do wonders for helping you both in and out of the office. They can keep track of your steps, send you reminders that you've been sedentary too long and it's time to get up and move, lead you through meditative breathing, measure your blood pressure and pulse ox, let you know how well you are sleeping, give suggestions on a better evening routine and bedtime, and so much more!!
I hope you found this roundup helpful!! If you did, or if you have any great items to suggest, I'd love for you to leave a comment below!!
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MY PERSONAL REVIEW:
We were provided tickets to check out the Gazillion Bubble Show in NYC in exchange for our promotion and let me just say, myself and my kids (even my jaded 10 year old) were BLOWN AWAY (pun intended). They rotate the bubble artists and we had Guinness Record holding Anna Yang at our show. She was just amazing! Like a bubble magician! HOW could she do all of this stuff, like blowing tiny bubbles into a larger bubble, or reaching into a big bubble and pulling a gas filled bubble out of it!?? LIKE... HOW!?!?! It was just jaw dropping super fun and amazing show. There were several opportunities for kids to volunteer to go up to stage (one of my 3 got chosen and she's just over the moon!), and volunteers all got rewarded with bubbles and bubble machines which was a fun extra bonus! It's a great show for those visiting NYC and for those who live in or nearby and come into the city frequently. It's a convenient location in midtown so we took the bus from NJ and it was a 15 minute walk from Port Authority, check out my highlights video of our most recent "Saturday in the City" where we went to both Gazillion Bubble Show and Japan Parade - so much fun! I love our city!! DISCOUNT TICKETS!!! Get your Gazillion Bubble Show tickets for as low as $49* (Reg. $79)!! Read on for more info and to get your discounted tickets today!! Celebrating 15 years in NYC, Gazillion Bubble Show is the unpoppable international hit for the whole family! Bubble lovers of all ages are delighted with an incredibubble experience, awashed with a bubble tide, and perhaps even find themselves inside a bubble. Mind-blowing bubble magic, spectacular laser lighting effects and momentary soapy masterpieces will make you smile, laugh, and feel like a kid again. You have to experience it to bubblieve it! Performance Schedule:
3 WAYS TO BUY YOUR TICKETS:
ABOUT DOG MAN THE MUSICAL:
A Hilarious Heartfelt Family Adventure Based On The Worldwide Bestselling Series! With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world\'s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey's beloved characters.
NY Times Critic's Pick
Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they're in 5th grade, they figure it's time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!!?How hard could it be? SAVE UP TO $30 ON SELECT TICKETS MARCH 4 - APRIL 2! $51 Discount: Mon 7pm, Fri 7pm, Sat 430pm $61 Discount: Sat 11am & 2pm, Sun 12pm & 3pm LOCATION: New World Stages Box Office, 340 West 50th St Btw 8th & 9th Ave NYC 3 WAYS TO FETCH YOUR TICKETS: 1. ONLINE: Visit TelechargeOffers.com & enter code: DMGEN23 2. CALL: 212-947-8844 & mention code: DMGEN23 3. IN PERSON: Visit New World Stages Box Office, 340 West 50th St Btw 8th & 9th Ave NYC "You have to love a family show that makes adults laugh, too." -New York Times "This show is perfect for everyone." -Newsday "Dog Man should be every kid's best friend." -Theater Life "Epic musical adventure." -New York Family "Non-stop enjoyment from beginning to end." -Plays To See "Hamilton was a game-changer for Broadway shows. It was new, fresh, different, brilliant, etc. I put Dog Man in the same category. What a great way to introduce young people to the stage with something to which they can relate." -Craig, DOG MAN fan on Twitter *Offer valid on select performances 3/4/23 - 4/2/23. All tickets subject to a $2 facility fee. Normal service charges apply to phone & internet orders only. All sales are final - no refunds or exchanges. Offer subject to availability & prior sale. Not valid in combination with any other offers. Performance schedule subject to change. Code valid for purchases made through 4/2/23. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice.
Travel with kids, especially with babies and toddlers can be hard. It's not so much vacation as it is parenting in a new location, am I right?! But one great family travel hack is renting your baby gear on location, and nobody makes it easier than BabyQuip Baby Gear Rental, who provided our rentals free in exchange for our honest review.
Watch my video below for a quick overview of how it works, and read on for more details and my coupon code to get $20 off your next baby gear rental!!
If you travel with young children, if you own a vacation home that you rent out as an AirBNB or VRBO host, or if you occasionally have family visit with babies or toddlers, then you have GOT to know about BabyQuip Baby Gear Rentals, who I just collaborated with on a rental for family who brought their 1 year old to visit us from Japan.
We haven’t had little ones in our home for several years now, so to have a toddler coming to stay with us for 2 weeks was a bit overwhelming!! I considered searching on Facebook to borrow or buy used items from random people, but it’s stressful and very time consuming and I was nervous about the condition items would be in.
Thankfully BabyQuip makes the whole process SO easy!! You search for providers on their website or on their app, can see how many rentals they’ve completed and see reviews from previous customers. Each provider has their own list of gear and prices, there are discounts for longer rental periods, and some even had discounts for twins and multiples. Their quality providers deliver and set up clean, safe, and insured baby gear right to your door!
Most providers have free self-pickup and return or a nominal fee to drop it off and pick it up from your home, hotel, or vacation rental location. They’ll even come in and set it up for you if needed!
We rented from Teresa who is quite popular up here in Northern NJ. She was so easy to communicate with and everything was dropped off nicely protected on our door step, where she picked it up from at the end of our 2 week rental. We got a pack ’n play and an infant car seat from her, both were in perfect condition.
Using BabyQuip made everything so easy - no worries about having to buy or sell or store all this stuff. It’s really a great option for people like us who very occasionally host family for a visit, or as an add-on option for Air bnb or verb hosts, or when you yourself are traveling and the hotel or rental home doesn’t have any baby gear. You can rent anything from cribs and high chairs to car seats, strollers, baby gates, and even toys!! Less to pack is a WIN for me!!
You don’t have to take my word for it either, they have over 30,000 5 star reviews, with over 1200 quality providers serving 900 locations!
If you find yourself in need of baby gear rentals, check out BabyQuip! And don’t forget to use code JAPANFAM20 for $20 off your rental over $100!!
Guest post provided by Hue.
Deciding what to wear to your child’s school functions can be challenging as there are often no clear-cut rules, unlike ordinary events. There’s also the added pressure of wanting to leave a good impression or show your best self to teachers, administrators, and other parents without going overboard. After all, you’re representing your child, so the least you can do is appear presentable and wear outfits appropriate for the occasion.
Perhaps you often struggle with trying to figure out what to wear for different school functions. Or maybe you’re searching for outfit inspiration to make dressing up more fun and less stressful this school year. Either way, read on. This piece will offer pointers and outfit ideas that you can wear to various school functions, from sporting events to fundraisers.
Sports Activities
Supporting your athletic child while sitting on the bleachers naturally requires a casual ensemble. However, it doesn’t mean you should just wear sweatpants, workout clothes, and similar pieces that you typically wear while lounging at home. What you need are comfortable yet dressier options that make you look and feel good. You can wear a white sweater dress under an oversized beige knit sweater paired with quality black leggings and white leather sneakers. Finish the look with a black crossbody bag for a chic yet relaxed appearance. You can also put on an off-white hoodie, an army green puffer vest, dark wash skinny jeans or denim leggings, and low-top trainers. Accessorize with a dark navy beanie to complete the look.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
You never know what can happen during parent-teacher conferences. Besides meeting with your child’s teachers, you might also explore students’ exhibits and booths, mingle with other parents, or take a tour of the campus. As such, you need an outfit that allows you to sit, stand, and move around comfortably, not to mention something stylish so you can walk with a spring in your step. When in doubt, your best bet is to go for a fit-and-flare dress in a neutral hue, as this style can help you create an elegant and feminine vibe. Wear it with a cardigan and pointy flats or low heels that complement the color of your dress to tie everything together. If you want to wear pants, consider selecting dressier types like cigarette or stove pipe pants. Pair them with an asymmetrical top, a stylish blouse, or a white button-down shirt. As for shoes, closed-toe pumps, kitten-heel sandals, and strappy heels are great options.
Field Trips
If you’ve signed up to chaperone your kid’s school trip, you need something that’s not only fashionable but also comfy and functional. That’s because there’s a great chance you’ll spend considerable time on your feet managing and keeping an eye on playful children. When selecting clothes, remember to consider the weather and the itinerary. Stay comfy and warm with a chunky sweater, jeans, and ankle boots with padded insoles during the cooler months. For warmer days, you can wear a short-sleeve button-up shirt, a dark-colored t-shirt, or a linen tunic. You can pair them with denim leggings and comfy rubber sandals or espadrilles for a cute summer vibe. Whatever pieces you choose, make sure they’re suitable for academic environments. That means tank tops and shorts are a no-no, even if the weather is hot and humid. You may also need to bring additional layers to keep you comfortable throughout the day. Consider packing a shawl or a lightweight jacket that you can readily use to stay warm when visiting museums, auditoriums, and similar places that are usually chilly.
Plays, Recitals, or Talent Shows
Attending school plays, recitals, talent shows, and similar functions where your child will go on stage and perform is a remarkable opportunity to show them that you value their skills and talents. When planning a suitable outfit, you may want to avoid overly casual pieces, like graphic tees and distressed jeans. Instead, look for dressier options that suit the venue. If the show is in the school auditorium or local hall, you can opt for a smart casual outfit—something neat and polished but not too formal. For instance, you can wear a black blazer over a printed blouse and go for dark-wash, well-fitted jeans and black heels to achieve a relaxed yet sophisticated look. When attending school shows in formal venues, try to dress up a little bit more, especially during the evenings. A black wrap dress paired with black heels is a great option, as it flatters the figure and makes you look taller. Add a splash of color to your ensemble with statement earrings or bracelets. You can also wear a stylish blouse with a pencil skirt in a dark shade and pointed-toe heels. Complete your elegant look with a well-made handbag that complements your outfit.
Fundraising Events
School fundraisers are important events where you can meet the school administrators, stakeholders, and other important people. So, make sure to dress up in a way that makes you feel confident and empowered. Consider a well-fitted black or dark gray dress with a classic cut and stylish black heels. You can also opt for a printed dress, but try to stick to delicate and subtle prints on a neutral-colored background. Moreover, keep your accessories simple and classy to create a polished and put-together appearance. Hopefully, this piece gave you plenty of ideas on how you can dress up for various school functions. Ultimately, the key is to keep your outfits simple and classy, even if the event requires more casual attire. Remember, what you wear can affect people’s perception of you and, indirectly, how they see your child. Thus, you may want to make an effort to ensure that what you wear always reflects your best self.
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical is running Off-Broadway in NYC through April 30 (unless the show gets extended AGAIN, which it might, cuz it's THAT GOOD!!!), and if you like ANY of the following , you're going to absolutely love it:
I had only ever seen episode 1 of Stranger Things before, so to know that I'm not very familiar with the suuuuuper popular Netflix series is important. Despite this, I still utterly enjoyed this musical. Literally laughing out loud throughout. It's hilarious!!! Jokes related to the show, jokes related to the 80's, jokes related to teenage angst and puppy love and silly dancing and omg it's just so so so so good you guys!!
Watch my video below for a sneak peak into the really cool theater, which is decorated in such a fun way with Christmas lights and 80's paraphernalia! It's small and intimate, meaning NO BAD SEATS (they actually even have bean bag chairs on the floor if you want to go that route)! The cast even had a little "dance party" for us after they took their bows - you can really tell they love their roles and their jobs!!!
Many wonder if this show is appropriate for kids and I'll say, if you are comfortable with your kids watching the Netflix show, then yes, it'll be fine. The only potentially inappropriate things I noticed were cursing and silly scenes eluding to making out / sex, but nothing was graphic or gory, just 100% pure silly camp. There were several tweens and teens at the matinee I attended, and while my own kids (7, 7, 10) probably wouldn't have gotten half the jokes, they would have enjoyed it, for sure!!
In a nut shell - great original songs, beautiful singing, non-stop laughter (from the lyrics to the spoken dialogue to the slapstick comedic movements, dances etc). I mean, come on, Will was a frickin' PUPPET (see photo above), the boys had choreographed bike ride using just the handlebars, and the mom had a whole song about her alter ego being Wynona. So. damn. gooooooood.
Grab your tickets NOW!!!
Located at Playhouse 46 in NYC's Theater District (steps from Times Square and Hell's Kitchen) |
About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins plus 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, saving moms time finding the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! Categories
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