Looking to elevate your summer experience with a budget friendly backyard makeover? Or perhaps you do a lot of camping or RV travel and are looking for a great portable spa. Either way, I got you!!! I was sent this 4-6 person Relxtime inflatable hot tub to review and it is, in a word, AMAZING, I'll go on a limb and say the best 2024 inflatable hot tub! But you don't have to take my word for it - watch my detailed video below to see how easy it is to unbox, inflate, fill, heat up, and enjoy the BEST inflatable hot tub!! More details and links below about this portable jacuzzi and other ways to elevate your backyard this summer!

​Why we're loving this inflatable hot tub from Relxtime:

• hot water and bubbles, nuff said!! so relaxing (without the kids anyway, and with the kids, well, they have SO much fun in there!!)
• it self-inflates (in a minute or two), no need to buy or bring your own inflator!
• it's portable! when empty, you can easily move it to a new spot in your yard, or deflate and pack up to bring camping!
• it's the perfect size - small enough to not take up too much space on a small deck or backyard, but big enough to easily fit 4 adults (more if you're ok getting cozy in there LOL)
• it's easy to keep clean - coming with a cover (and single air bladder), 2 filters, and water test strips (you need to buy the chemicals though)
• it's comfortable - because the back is not hard, it's so much more comfortable than a hard hot tub!
• it has a hose hookup for draining away from your house and flexibility to divert water to different areas - this was essential for me, we've dealt with kiddy pools that flooded our yard, having control over where the water goes and how quickly is so important!

OK, time to shop!!!

Disclaimer: as an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from purchases made with the following links):

BUY THE HOT TUB HERE:

• Relxtime Inflatable Hot Tub (includes the hot tub, 2 filters, a cup holder, cover with child safe locks and keys, an air bladder, water test strips, storage bag, barometer, foot mat, repair patch, 11' long power cord, and motor to self-inflate, heat water, and create bubbles) - buy on Amazon here or get 5% off on their website here with code USJAPANFAM

OTHER PRODUCTS YOU MAY NEED OR WANT:

• Garden Hose - to fill up and drain the hot tub
• Chlorine / PH Increaser / PH Decreaser and other Inflatable Hot Tub / Spa chemicals (necessary to keep dangerous bacteria in check if you plan to use the water for more than 2 or 3 days; user manual says not to use salt as it can clog the filters, and I've been reading you need to maintain a pH balance of 7.2-7.6 and alkalinity of 125-150 for vinyl spas.
• Extension cord:  the hot tub instructions say not to use an extension cord, but if you're using the tub on grass like we are, the 11' long cord it comes with may not be long enough... if you do get an extension cord, make sure it's for outdoor use, is waterproof, and that it can handle the wattage. After much research, I ended up buying this 1875w 25' outdoor waterproof extension cord and so far so good!
• Hot Tub Mat (make sure your deck can support the 2,000lbs or so the tub will weigh when filled with water, otherwise, on the grass may be a better idea)
• Solar Powered Floating Pool Lights​​​

Here are some other products we've elevated our backyard with (review videos below):

• Suncreat self-standing hammock
• ​Solar Powered Bistro String Lights
• ​10' Trampoline with Safety Net + Basketball Hoop
• Solar Powered Flower Garden Lights

​Summer camp prep can be overwhelming! Not only finding the right summer day camp (at the right price) and getting a spot before it fills up, but also what to buy buy and have on hand so you're ready for packing and sending your child off to camp every day!! Don't worry, I got you!!! See my list below for shopping links or watch the video at the bottom to see everything in action!

Disclaimer: this post was NOT sponsored but I did receive everything free to review (over the last year or two) and affiliate links are included below - as an Amazon and Mabel's Label's Affiliate, I receive commission from purchases made through the links below.

Day Camp Packing Check List for this Summer:

• Backpack (we love this Mermaid drawstring backpack from Wawsam)
• Stainless steel water bottle (any from Elemental are amazing, and kids LOVE their Iconic line with pop fidget straps!!)
• Insulated lunch bag like this one from Joyhill
• Water safe shoes like these Dream Pairs closed toe water sandals
• Swimsuit - we're loving this Arshiner cutout one piece bathing suit
• Swim Goggles
• UPF 50+ Swim Shirt / Rash Guard (UV Skinz has the BEST UPF Swimwear for babies, kids and adults)
• SPF 50+ Zinc-based sweat and water resistant (or proof) sunblock (we love ThinkSport and all the sunscreens in the THINK family)
• Sun hat (UV Skinz has some cute water safe sun hats and visors - some come in a 3-piece set with rash guard, swim skirt, and sun hat!)
• LABELS LABELS and more LABELS!!! Mabel's Label's has got you here with their amazing durable dishwasher-safe washing machine safe fully customizable labels!! Shop here - they're having HUGE sales on their summer camp sets as well as individual items like water bottle bands, bag tags, and a bazillion sizes and styles of labels!
• Optional things to think about: bug repellent, rainy day books and crafts, a first smart phone (like our favorite Teracube Thrive) for kids and tweens (perfect for 8-17 years old) or first smart watch for younger ones (we love TickTalk smart watch for kids ages 4-10 years).

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​If you’re looking for some great home projects that could save you money, look no further than ways to make your house safer. Unlike those intimidating home improvement jobs, these projects can (usually) be finished in an afternoon, meaning you can enjoy the benefits immediately. So it doesn’t matter if you have kids or pets or just want to make your home feel safer and more secure, here are some great projects to consider.

Install Security Systems

Many homeowners use security cameras to protect their property. If you haven’t done so yet, it could be time to install cameras and lights to ensure your home is safe. These accessories can provide a functional benefit and act as a general deterrent, which could protect your neighbors, too. It’s worth researching the best security light placement to ensure you cover all possible entrances, while your cameras should focus on the front and back of your home to capture any would-be burglars. 

Secure The Property

You should also find ways to secure your property to make it more challenging for intruders to gain access. Much like security systems, this deters them from even trying to get into your home, so choosing robust tubular fencing to surround your property can make a huge difference without making it feel like you’re blocked in like you would paneled fences. These additions can make you feel safer and help you sleep better, especially if you use a heavy padlock on your driveway gate to make access even harder. 

Clear the Garden

Your garden could contain plenty of hazards you’re not even aware of and since you want to use it as much as possible over the summer, it’s worth clearing it to make it safer and more enjoyable. Take some time to clear any garden debris and mow the lawn. You can also trim bushes and hedges. If you work in the garden regularly, have a place to store your tools when you’re finished rather than leaving them outside. 

Fix Rickety Furniture

There is nothing better than sitting on the porch at sunset, but you don't want to sit on wobbly chairs that threaten to throw you off at any moment. The good news is that fixing these chairs and other furniture is easy as long as you have some glue and tools. Use the super glue to secure any loose fittings or tighten screws to prevent legs or chair backs from wobbling. This will give you more support and stability to enjoy your evenings without worrying about falling over. 

Lay Carpets

​If you’ve got pets, kids, or elderly relatives visiting over the summer, you can lay carpets around the house to make your sleek hardwood floors safer. Carpets provide better grip, meaning there’s less chance of slips or falls so everyone can walk through the house confidently. However, these don’t need to be permanent. Use carpet tape to secure them in place and remove them when you don’t need them anymore. 

Safe Home

​Everyone deserves to feel safe and risk-free in their house. These projects focus on potential hazards, including burglaries and slips, trips, or falls to make your home as secure as possible. 

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Medical science only goes so far after having a baby. Of course, it is valuable. However, new mother holistic therapies can help you find baby bliss and manage with minimal stress. From body treatments to ways to focus your mind, here are some alternative suggestions.

Embracing the Holistic Approach

First, you need to understand that a holistic approach to managing life in general can have stunning positive results. Medical science and doctors are excellent at advising specific things. But they aren’t there when you feel anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Support is a powerful way to cope with massive life changes. There are many unplanned pregnancy help support groups online. Just talking with others and reciprocal care will help when medical science cannot.

Treatments for the Body

Now for the fun stuff. There are tons of holistic therapies that can help you feel much better about yourself, life in general, and your situation. Something as simple as a massage can be just what you need to recharge and feel vibrant. If you are feeling the aches and pains of childbirth, treatments like acupuncture are believed to refocus energies and relieve chronic pain. Homeopathic remedies are also used by many new mothers to treat symptoms like nausea.

New Mother Holistic Therapies at Home

​Parenting when you have a new baby can be a challenge. While getting to milestones, there are home treatments you can do. Maybe you have anxiety after childbirth. You aren’t alone. A study in Australia found that 30% of new mothers experience this. So what can you do? Some of the easiest ways to relieve anxiety with holistic treatments are easy. These include aromatherapy and drinking herbal teas. Some also find anxiety relief by keeping a journal taking the baby out.

Focusing the Mind

There is a distinct link between healthy minds and healthy bodies. Fortunately, like the body, there are many holistic treatments you can try to focus the mind. Most of these are easy to do but require some time and dedication to get the most from them. One of the most useful is meditation. There are all types of meditation, such as guided meditation, which is the best for beginners. Apps such as Headspace offer various exercises to suit different lifestyles.

Exercise and Physical Activities

Pregnancy takes its toll on your body. Getting back into shape after a baby is not easy. However, with some self-care and dedication, you can achieve excellent results. Exercises such as yoga are practical for strengthening core muscles and will help get your stomach muscles back to normal. Other muscles, such as the pelvic muscles and the vagina, can also be damaged. Simple pelvic exercises alongside gentle jogging will relieve pain and gain strength.

Summary

Embracing holistic therapies such as support as a lifestyle choice helps make the fourth trimester easier. Home remedies such as aromatherapy are easy to do and cost little. Other beneficial at-home activities include yoga, meditation, and even drinking herbal teas.

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​Do you want to stand out when it comes to fashion? Maybe you want to experiment but you just don’t know how to get started. Either way, if this sounds like you then there are a few things you can do to try and turn things around.

Mix and Match Textures

Mixing different textures is often the best way for you to make your outfit stand out. The main reason for this is that it helps to add both depth and contrast. If you mix a silky blouse with a nice velvet skirt then the two fabrics will work with each other to create something that truly catches the eye. It will also help to make your outfit much more unique and memorable. If you want to take things to the next level, another thing you can do is try and combine different textures in your own individual way. If you do this then you will soon find that you can express yourself and your personality.

Invest in Accessories

Unique accessories are one of the best ways for you to make your outfit look the part. You can make your outfit look striking by simply adding some unexpected elements. Choosing bold or even interesting statement pieces is often the best way for you to look the part. You can also draw attention to your ensemble and this will help you to make a solid statement. By doing this, you can push the boundaries with what you love about fashion and you can also make sure that you are always one step ahead of any trends. If you are lacking accessories right now then one thing you can do is invest in industrial piercing jewelry. When you do this, you will soon find that it becomes easier for you to get the result you want out of your fashion game.

Layer Different Pieces

Layering different pieces is one of the best ways for you to add visual interest to the outfits and dresses you have. You may also find that this technique is the best way for you to add patterns and colors for a more eclectic look. You will soon find that you can express your personal style with ease and this is great, to say the least. Layering your outfit also gives you the chance to mix unexpected hues together so you can get a unique edge that helps you stand apart from the crowd. Of course, if you want you can even mix things like navy and pink together which is the best way for you to surprise yourself.

Play with Proportions

By experimenting with different things, you will soon find that it is possible for you to create a bit more of a unique silhouette and this can work in your favor more than you realize. Of course, if you have an oversized sweater, it may be that you combine this with a pair of nice voluminous trousers, so you can make an unexpected look that really gives you a unique appearance overall.

Japan is a bucket list trip for many people, and many wonder whether or not it's worth taking the kids when they're young, waiting til they're older, or waiting til they're out of the next and just going with your partner! I'll say, any and ALL of these are excellent choices!! We're lucky in that my husband is from Japan so we get to go and have a place to stay basically whenever we want, but are limited in that the flights alone cost a good $7-10k for our family of 5... I lived there for 5 years pre-kids and we've been back with kids 3 times so far. This blog post will host videos from our latest trip, in the summer of 2023, featuring lots of Japanese cultural nuances and tidbits such as tours of a typical Japanese home, as well as touristy spots like Kyoto, Arashiyama, Arima Onsen, and Universal Studios Japan (hello NINTENDO WORLD!!!). If you have any questions or comments, throw them below!!!

PART 1:
Features: our flight to Japan on United), Obon Matsuri, Japanese house tour + Tatami Room explanation, Japanese katana + suriken, Japanese washlet (bidet toilet) demo, how they grow rice / rice field, garbage and recylcling in Japan, Japanese vending machines, Japanese cemetery / graveyard, Japanese conbini haul / convenient store tour, Japanese bath and shower explanation, Japanese genkan / entryway, Japanese tatami mats, shoji doors, home shrine, Japanese shrine, Kaiten Sushi / Revolving Sushi and ROBOT, Japanese McDonald's Menu, Karaoke in Japan (private karaoke party room),  Japanese Temple, and jetlag in kids.

PART 2:
Featuring Japanese yen lesson, Yamaguchi-cho town hall children's center & shoe changing / bathroom slipper lesson, how to open Conbini Onigiri (rice ball packaging), Japanese shopping mall / Randoseru, Japanese food court / children's meals, squat toilet vs washlet in Japan, Rajio Taiso (morning TV exercise), me playing piano after 20 years!, Japanese babies and home BBQ,  Japanese pinata "Suica Wari", Japanese bakery "Sanbonmatsu Pan", meeting 3 of our 4 Japanese nieces and nephews for the first time!, Buying & using train tickets / train to Kyoto.

PART 3: Kyoto + Arashiyama
Featuring: room tour of Kyoto Hotel Androoms, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion ward of Kyoto, Aloe Yogurt, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Arashiyama Monkey Park, Kiyomizu Dera Temple, How to take onsen / sento (public bath) in Japan, Higashi Hongashi Temple, Gatcha Gatcha Capsule Machines, Takoyaki, machinery for planting and harvesting rice, and local farmland, Mos Burger (japanese fast food hamburger), Okinomiyaki restaurant.

PART 4: Universal Studios Japan
Featuring our day at Universal Studios Japan, including Super Nintendo World (we even got to ride Mario Kart Koopa's Challenge), the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and much more!!

PART 5:
Featuring Danjiri Matsuri Festival Cart , Taiko Drum Demo, Japanese shoe and indoor slipper culture, Arima, 1 of Japan's Top 3 Onsen (Hot Spring) Towns, BBQ with Rio's friends from college, Japanese Fireworks (hanabi), Family & Cousins feat. Japanese B-Boy breakdancing, Nashi Somen (Noodle Slide / Flowing Bamboo Noodles), Japanese Middle School, Sushi & Robot, Playground, Yakiniku and trying beef tongue, Japanese Futon and Sleep Culture,  Japanese public bathroom tour, Airport goodbye! Flying Osaka KIX - SFO San Francisco with United - Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz & San Francisco!

See our past Japan trips including:

• Summer 2017 Family Trip to Japan (with 1 year old twins and 3 year old) 
• Summer 2014 Family Trip to Japan with our Toddler 

See other helpful family travel tips, destination inspiration, and more here!!

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Your kids' eyes light up with excitement as they experience a vibrant new culture. You see their faces filled with wonder as they explore ancient ruins. These are the moments that make traveling with kids so worthwhile. Yes, there might be a few tantrums or lost socks along the way, but the memories you'll make together are worth their weight in gold.

This guide is your roadmap to incredible family travel. Learn how to plan stress-free adventures, embrace the surprises, and create unforgettable moments with your kids.

Preserve Priceless Memories with Tech

​Technology offers incredible ways to preserve the moments that matter most. Here's how to make technology work for those unforgettable moments:

• Document the Little Things: It's not just about the iconic sights. Record the joy in the pool, the excitement of trying new foods, or the giggles inspired by a street performer.
• Narrate Your Memories: Add a voiceover as you take videos or look through photos later. Describe what your child was doing, what they said, and how they made you feel. You can use a built-in mac audio recorder utility to record your voiceover. You can check out the comprehensive guides to learn how to find and use this utility. It will also teach you if you need any third-party tool or if just the default recorder is enough.
• A Timeless Tech-Powered Gift: Your photos and videos, combined with your voice, become a priceless gift for your child as they grow. It's a window into their childhood adventures, seen through your loving eyes.

Chart Your Family Adventure

Getting kids involved in the planning stages is a genius move! Let them help choose a place to stay or pick a few activities they're excited about. This builds anticipation and makes them feel like part of the adventure.

Age matters! A toddler will love the thrills of a theme park, but teens might be more interested in exploring cool cities with a rich history. Tailor your destination to your kids' ages for maximum fun.
Refrain from cramming your days with activities. Leave room for ice cream breaks, naps (for everyone!), and spontaneous discoveries. Those unplanned moments often become the most treasured memories.

Roll With the Changes

Sometimes, travel goes differently than you planned. Missed flights, sudden downpours, a grumpy kid at the museum – these things happen! The key is to roll with the punches. A flexible attitude lets you turn mishaps into hilarious stories.

Don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path. Sometimes, the best family memories come from unexpected detours. Get a little lost in that charming town. Follow that trail to see where it leads. These unplanned moments might lead to your favorite discoveries.

Flexibility is not just for the parents. Teach your kids that it's okay when things change. They'll learn to adapt and find joy in the unexpected, a valuable skill for both travel and life!

Keeping Everyone Happy and Engaged
​

• Pack Snacks, Bring Smiles: Hangry kids (or parents!) are no fun on a trip. Pack plenty of snacks and water for those unexpected hunger pangs.
• Beat Boredom with Surprises: Bring a few surprises! A favorite toy, coloring books, or a new game can keep kids entertained for hours on long journeys.
• Chill Time, Happy Time: Schedule downtime to recharge. A playground stop or relaxing by the pool makes a world of difference for the whole family.
• Comfort is Key on Adventures: A little planning for your kids' comfort goes a long way. Happy, comfy kids make the entire travel experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Disconnect to Truly Connect

Traveling is the perfect time to ditch the screens and truly focus on each other. Put those phones away and soak up the laughter, the conversations, and the inside jokes only your family would get. Leave the social media updates for when you get home.

Trying new things together builds an incredible bond. Whether it's a weird-looking fruit at the market or navigating a crowded subway, shared experiences bring you closer.

The best souvenirs aren't bought in a shop. They're the memories you make – the time your kid finally conquered a waterslide or the silly song you all sang at the top of a mountain. These moments will stay with your family long after the tan lines fade.

Conclusion

Planning helps, but don't sweat the small stuff. Roll with the changes, laugh at the mishaps, and focus on those precious moments with your family.

Go ahead, brave mama! Book the trip, pack the bags, and get ready for adventures. Those amazing memories are just waiting to be made!