Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Canvaspop but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased. Additionally, affiliate links are included - you don't pay more but we receive a commission from purchases made after clicking.
Wanting to spruce up a room with some new wall art? Or thinking it's time to update your wall (or your parents' wall) with a new family portrait? You've come to the right place! I'm unboxing and reviewing a new canvas print I just got from Canvaspop, who sponsored this post and has $250 credit in the $1,000 value jackpot giveaway we are running right now! Link at bottom of this post to enter to win, but first watch my fun unboxing video (with a mini dining room makeover), and read on for more details!
There are a million places you can turn to for on demand prints, but I'm completely blown away with the high quality service I received from Canvaspop, and think you will be, too! First of all, they have tons of products to choose from. You can upload your own design or choose from their endless wall art designs, which is what I did.
Then, you customize it regarding size (from 8x10" to 30x40", or a custom size), type of print (framed or canvas, even choosing wrapped print or not, how thick the edge should be, etc). You can even choose photo collage or 3 panel triptych print! Measuring the space I was going to use above our dining room table, I chose a 24x30" design and went for the 3/4" depth canvas print.
You'll receive a digital proof, so you can be sure they lined up your image correctly, especially important to check if you've chosen wrapped canvas with the image being stretched over the sides. Mine came boxed up very securely, not bubble wrapped, but protected and in pristine condition.
I'm not an artist or any kind of professional interior designer, but was very impressed with the quality! The canvas was tight and thick, with a wooden support in the back, wall protectors already on the bottom corners, canvas was neatly wrapped around corners and securely stapled a bazillion times around the back of the wooden frame, and a metal wire is pre-installed so it was ready to hang!
The print is GORGEOUS!!! Colors are so vibrant and the detail is astounding - it looks like a textured painting, but it's not! It's a flat canvas! But looking at it on the wall you would never know! It's hard to see in my pictures, you'll get a better idea in my video. But here's the before and after. I'm SO SO SO happy with how my mini makeover turned out. My only regret is not recording my kids and my husband walking in and seeing it for the first time. They all squealed and ooh'd and ahhhh'd over it! YAY!!! 
I couldn't be happier! So what are you waiting for!?? Shop for your next wall art at Canvaspop RIGHT NOW!!
Don't forget, you can enter to win $250 credit to Canvaspop in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway running through October 5 here (US residents only). 
19 Comments
Essential oils are all the rage these days, but I have to admit I've never tried them before... until now that is! I'd been sitting on the sidelines with all kinds of FOMO but I finally am in the game y'all! Just got me the Pocket Pack from Poiēma, who sponsored this post and has included a Pocket Pack in the $1,000 value jackpot giveaway for grownups running right here on my blog through October 5 (link to enter to win at the bottom of this post)!!
First, watch my quick unboxing and demo, then read on for more details on this convenient pack (a great starter set for fellow essential oil noobs such as myself)!
What are essential oils??
Essential oils are essentially (LOL pun intended) essence of certain plants' natural smell and flavor that is extracted, mixed with oil, and used to achieve various health and mood benefits through application on the skin or inhalation (aromatherapy). There are over 90 types of essential oils (WOW!!), read more about the basics here. Here is the basic way Poiēma recommends using their Pocket Pack vials for inhalation: roll on palm, rub pals together, cup hands over face and inhale: 
Why Poiēma??
Crafted with 100% pure therapeutic-grade natural plant extracts, Poiēma essential oils are GC/MS laboratory tested in the United States for purity, with no additives, toxins or GMOs.
What's in the Pocket Pack??
The pocket pack is a cute zippered travel-size bag including five 10mL roll-on vials of the following essential oils:
ENTER TO WIN!!
1 Pocket Pack is included in our $1,000 value jackpot of 15 prizes in our #Giveaway4Grownups sweeps ending October 5, 2021. Enter to win here!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by DiscountGlasses.com and contains affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.
Blue light is a phrase we tend to hear a lot these days, and while you probably know it has a negative connotation, do you know why? Exactly what is blue light, how bad is it, and how can we block it?? Keep reading for answers to all of this, and to enter to win $100 credit from our DiscountGlasses.com (who sponsored this post) in our $1,000 value jackpot #Giveaway4Grownups!
NEGATIVE IMPACT ON SLEEP (and Health):
According to Harvard Health Blog, blue light (which may or may not be perceived as the color blue) is visible light with a wave length between 400 and 450 nanometers. It is a concern because it has more energy per photon of light than other colors in the visible spectrum. They say that blue light from screens such as your computer, tablet, and cell phone, is not strong enough to contribute to macular degeneration or blindness, but it can still have a negative impact on your health by stimulating your circadian clock and keeping you awake or disrupting your sleep.
Some studies have suggested a link between exposure to any bright lights at night with increased risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, with blue light being the worst offender. Proposed ways to counteract the effect of blue light on our sleep cycle and overall health include:
VISUAL STRAIN:
A report by AOA (American Optometric Association) explains that extended use of cell phones, tablets, and personal computers can lead to symptoms of dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches, and suggests the use of amber-tinted or blue light blocking lenses when using screens directly before bedtime can help limit their effect on sleep.
PLAY IT SAFE!!
We are just starting to venture into the study of blue light and personal screens' effects on both adults and children, and we have SO much to learn!! For now we are mostly hearing various "links" and "assumptions" rather than proven cause & effect... I don't know about you but in this type of situation I like to play the whole "better safe than sorry" card.
What's this mean?? Having my children and myself avoid personal screens 2 hours before bedtime. But let's face it... for myself, it's not all that practical. I usually have to get on at night after the kids go to bed to catch up on work and to send some quick emails. Not to mention to watch TV and scroll through social media. You know how it is... This is where blue light lenses come into play! 
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
I've been an ambassador for DiscountGlasses.com (DG) for a few years now, since my youngest needed "indestructible" glasses at age 3 (see that ADORABLE unboxing review video at the bottom of this post). We LOVE DG for glasses and sunglasses for our entire family! It wasn't until very recently I realized the potential health benefits of adding a blue light blocking coating to the lenses (whether prescriptive or not), so I did just that with my most recent order!
Check out these Lunettos Clarkson frames I just got - how cute are these!? The basic frames with prescription are $39.95 (with free shipping) but I got the following add-ons:
This is my first ever glasses of any kind with blue light blocking lenses and honestly, there is zero difference in respect to how I see out of them and how they look, which is great! They're not colored. I really have no idea how they work but again, better safe than sorry!! I typically don't wear glasses for computer use, I only wear prescription sunglasses while out because I can't see distance (signs, etc) but now I plan to wear these blue light blockers at least when on screens in the evening... but maybe more? They SUPER cute, and so lightweight! I really love them!!
If you're nervous about ordering glasses online, don't be! DG hase 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! The grand prize winner of our $1,000 value jackpot #Giveaway4Grownups will receive a $100 credit to DiscountGlasses.com! Enter to win here!!
As a self-proclaimed coffee addict, I didn't expect myself to venture into the world of herbal teas. But I kept reading about how good tea is for you, not to mention the health benefits of skipping the dairy and sweetener that I need to get my coffee down... So here I am, super excited to be trying out Prosperatea, who sponsored this post and has included tea in our $1,000 value jackpot #Giveaway4Grownups (enter to win at the bottom of this post)! Be sure to watch my unboxing and review here and read on for more details and a discount code!
Now, I'm the kinda girl that needs ranch or hummus dip for my veggies, milk and sugar in my coffee, and prefers booze that tastes like juice. It is safe to say I have a picky palette. So I was a little nervous to try Prosperatea. Will they be bitter and gross?? In a nutshell, NOPE! They're flavorful but mild (I guess that depends on how you brew) and quite lovely to sip and breathe in that aromatic steam!!! On top of that, the ritual of brewing the cute little triangle tea bag is fun and reminds you that you're doing something good for your body and mind, not to mention the tubs of tea are beautiful - get several and have them on your counter as decoration!!
Prosperatea has 10 different natural botanical blends, so you can find one with any flavor or for any health benefit you're looking to achieve such as boosting energy or focus, activating the immune system, or helping you sleep!
Each retails for $29.97 and comes with 24 pyramid tea bags, so we're talking $1.25 per 1-2 cups! What a steal! Get 10% off your order today with code "HEATHER10" and don't forget to enter to win a box of Prosperatea in our $1,000 value jackpot giveaway here!!
I usually do big group giveaways focusing on the kids, but THIS ONE is for the GROWNUPS and will have one VERY lucky winner snatching up the ENTIRE $1,000+ value jackpot!!! Read on for more info on each of the fabulous prizes, and enter to win at the bottom of this post!!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by the brands below and includes affiliate links - you don't pay more but we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.
THE PRIZES!
CANVASPOP ($250 Gift Card)
As a mom, I'm taking photo after photo of our children's every moment and milestone, our family travels, you name it! You, too?? Sure, we share on social but when is the last time you stopped to consider memorializing one of these moments as well decor?? For me... it was our twins' newborn photo... 5.5 years ago!! AGH!! But don't worry, Canvaspop makes it super easy! Just upload your photo to create a canvas print, from 8x10 to 30x40. You select the edge finish and depth, add a filter (or not), and even get a free digital print proof! Want to put someone else's amazing design on your wall? No worries, they have a HUGE MASSIVE AMAZING selection of artwork to choose from! Our grand prize winner will receive a $250 credit to Canvaspop!! See my full blog review here!
Vacuum and steam clean with one device! That's right!! The Black + Decker Corded Vacuum + Steam Mop (Model #BDXSMV190G) gets it all done with 2-in-1 versatility and is super cute to boot! The steam function can be used on a variety of hard sealed surfaces (including sealed hardwood, tile, stone, grout, wood, laminate and granite) and kills 99% of germs without any chemicals. What's more?? You can use the steam mop and 500-watt vacuum separately or AT THE SAME TIME!! Talk about time saving!! Featuring a HEPA washable filter, washable stainless steel filter, 11.5" cleaning path, 1.2L dust & 0.38L water capacities. It weighs 10 pounds and is corded i.e. unlimited run time and no waiting around for charging! Our grand prize winner will receive one Black + Decker Steam 'N Vac, a $200 value!
DiscountGlasses.Com ($100 Credit)
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!! With glasses from just $20, DG is a fun and budget-friendly way to spice up your eyewear collection regularly! They have great and affordable upgrades as well, such as blue light filter, transitions, and ultra thin lightweight lenses.
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! Our grand prize winner will receive a $100 credit to DiscountGlasses.com. See my blog review on my latest DG glasses with blue light blocker lenses!
oNecklace ($60 Credit)
Whether gifting a loved one or yourself, personalized jewelry is always a win! oNecklace has beautiful options for men, women, and children! Customize their gorgeous necklaces, rings, bracelets, and anklets with names, birthstones, and plating (silver, gold, white gold, and rose gold). Our grand prize winner will receive a $60 gift card to oNecklace.
Seenda has a great assortment of tech products for your home and office - from mouse and keyboard to charging stations and laptop stands! Our grand prize winner will receive their 5-port USB Charging Station with Wireless Charger Pad, a $40 value! Featuring 3 charging modes (10w, 7.5w, and 5w), you can charge 6 devices simultaneously with 5 USB ports and 1 charging pad (up to 2.4A per port)! It's a great way to keep your devices and cords more organized!
GoSili Gift Set
Ditch the disposable single-use cups, straws, and bags and get you some GoSili!! Their 100% silicone tableware products for kids and adults are non-toxic, dishwasher & microwave safe, and ready to reuse for years to come! We love that their silicone straws bend easily to fit in a handy travel case, giving you ZERO excuses to grab a wasteful plastic straw! Our grand prize winner will receive a variety pack from GoSili, valued at $50!! Read more about GoSili in this dedicated blog post.
Certified Manuka honey UMF™ is used to boost wellness, and for its natural anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. 100% certified, authentic, and traceable Three Peaks Manuka Honey, sourced from from a UNESCO Heritage Site (The Tongariro National Park), uses New Zealand Manuka honey, which contains 200 compounds not found in other types of honey. The higher the UMF™ ("unique Manuka factor") rating, the higher the proportion of unique signature compounds found in that honey, the better it is for you. Read more about the health benefits of this natural super food here! Our grand prize winner will receive a 500 gram container of Three Peaks 10+UMF Manuka Honey, a $46 value.
Sourced from organic 100 year old plantations on the pristine Northern Islands in Fiji, Loloma pure virgin coconut oil moisturizer is unbleached and completely chemical free, without parabens, sulphites, or any harmful chemicals. With natural vitamin E, healthy fats, and anti-oxidant properties, it's an ideal cleanser and moisturizer for the face and body of babies, children, and adults! It can also be used as a deep conditioner or hair mask, bath oil, or for healing wounds, diaper rash, eczema, dry skin, and stretch marks. Our grand prize winner will receive a 100mL (3.4oz) container of Loloma, valued at $32.
Are you taking good care of your teeth and gums? The best care possible? If you're flossing daily, that's good. But if you want to do better, you might consider switching to a water flosser like this cordless waterproof one by Flosmore, featuring customizable water pressure from 20PSI to 140PSI, 3 deep clean modes, a non-slip handle, 4 multifunctional 360° rotatable jet nozzles, and a 300ml large water tank. It has a high-intensity pulse water column that cleans away 99.99% of teeth stain, limescale & dental plaque that traditional brushing and flossing can’t reach, and is suitable for those with braces, implants, or periodontal pockets! What's more? The 2000mAh powerful lithium battery charges in 2.5 hours and lasts up to 30 days on a single charge! Our grand prize winner will receive one Flosmore Water Flosser, a $40 value.
Crafted with 100% pure therapeutic-grade natural plant extracts, Poiēma essential oils are GC/MS laboratory tested in the United States for purity, with no additives, toxins or GMOs. Our grand prize winner will receive the Poiēma Pocket Pack, retailing for $40, including 5 unique blends and mixes to be used for relief from stress, anxiety, and tension and to promote relaxation and balance. Premium ingredients include Lavender, Chamomile, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Orange, Lime, Eucalyptus, and Myrtle. To use, simply pick your blend, roll on the palm of your hand, rub palms together, then cup hands over nose and mouth and breathe deeply.
Using ingredients carefully sourced and blended with the finest ingredients on Earth, Prosperatea provides delicious tea blends that benefit your mind, body, and spirit. Our grand prize winner will receive their choice of tea blend, choosing from 10 amazing options including Slim, Detox, Good Health, PMS, De-Stress, Focus, Best Day Ever, Dreamland, At Peace, and Super Immunity, a $30 value. Check out my full blog review and youtube unboxing here!
Not your average candle, these 3-wick Aubert & Amandine candles are filled with an extra dose of fragrance to fill larger rooms with therapeutic aromas, lasting 30-45 hours! Using pure soy vegetable wax and wicks made of cotton and paper fiber that never burn out, Aubert & Amandine candles are 100% natural and environmentally sustainable. Our grand prize winner will receive the Awaken sandalwood lotus scent aromatherapy candle, a $30 value.
UooEA LED Lamp
Looking for mood lighting or a fun night light? Check out these UooEA's LED Lamps! Our grand prize winner will receive their choice of either the 6.4" Saturn Lamp or 5.9" Moon Lamp, a $30 value. Both feature 16 colors, 4 modes, 7 levels of brightness, 3-hour charge time via USB providing 8 hours of use, and control via remote and touch.
Who doesn't need daily inspiration? How about having it in the form of beautiful hope-inspired art, designed by my dear friend and amazing mother of 4, Rhianon! I'm so excited to introduce you to her newly launched business, The Hope & The Heart, featuring the following 3 collections:
I've just launched a line of mom merch with wearables that'll let the world know what a bada$$ Mom Boss you really are, cuz Mommin' Ain't Easy, am I right!? We've even got some dedicated for our crew in Bay Ridge Brooklyn aka Ba(b)y Ridge, and for twin parents ("trouble maker" and "double" / "trouble")!! Head over to TeePublic to see all the designs, available in a ton of colors and styles - from tees, tanks, hoodies, and onesies to cell phone cases, totes, magnets, and pillows!! Our grand prize winner will receive their choice of any of my designs in tee or tank in any size for adult, child, or baby, a $26 value. Don't forget to tag @usjapanfam on social showing us your merch!
ENTER TO WIN HERE!!
Is that a great giveaway or what!? Enter to win in the Rafflecopter box below! Only a comment on this blog post is needed to enter (don't forget to tell the app you did so), but any extra actions you take will earn you more entry points and a greater chance to win! Some points can be earned daily so bookmark this page and set a reminder to keep coming back!! Giveaway is open to US residents 18 and older, and ends October 5 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
(if there is a glitch and the app doesn't open below, you can enter here) 
Disclaimer: We were provided free stay in exchange for our honest review - all thoughts and opinions are our own and 100% unbiased, as always :) Affiliate links may be included below, you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.
Whether you prefer off-the-grid tent camping, have an RV, or are looking for more of a "glamping" experience with AC and an actual bed, New York City North / Newburgh KOA Holiday has it all! Kid-friendly campgrounds with tons of activities from outdoor swimming pool and a bounce pillow to bike rentals and fishing, set in the heart of New York's Hudson Valley, just 80 miles north of NYC! Watch our highlights video below for a tour of Newburgh KOA campgrounds (including a peak at their communal showers and bathrooms, in case you'll be at a tent or non-deluxe cabin), a tour of our KOA deluxe cabin, see many of the activities, and read on for more details!!
Let me preface this by saying our family has never been camping. My husband and I have been camping as kids, but it's been a good 2-3 decades! Before we invest hundreds of dollars in tents and gear, we figured we should dip our toes into the experience first by trying out a cabin at the KOA Holiday Newburgh, just a 30 minute drive from our home in Cornwall!
I've heard such great things about KOA (Kampgrounds of America) from moms in various Facebook groups - it's the world's largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds, with 525 KOA campgrounds throughout the US and Canada! 
We got a KL1 "Deluxe Cabin" at KOA Holiday Newburgh, that included AC (a unit in the living room and bedroom), a bathroom with a shower, a bedroom with a queen bed (box spring and all!), a small kitchen (with fridge and stovetop but no oven), a queen sleeper sofa (which was horribly thin/springy & uncomfortable but our kids didn't seem to mind), twin bunks (very thin firm mattress on wood - I slept on it one night and found it surprisingly comfortable, definitely better than on the ground in a sleeping bag), and outside had a propane grill, picnic table, fire pit, and parking spot.
You do have to bring your own linens (towels, sheets, blankets, pillows) as well as toiletries and food. They did have toilet paper and some basic kitchen/cooking/grill supplies, and most of the basics can be bought at their General Store onsite, but we decided to head to the local Hannaford (5 minute drive) to get soap, food, booze, etc. 
I was really impressed with the activities they had to offer at the campgrounds! Our kids (and us parents) enjoyed the following FREE activities:
Every morning from 8-11am they serve free pancakes which were huge and delicious!! You can buy coffee (something like $1.25) and extras such as bacon and sausage. From 12-5pm they serve basic but good and super affordably priced griddle food (we got a cheeseburger, hot dog, and ice cream - all delicious), as well as chips and bottled drinks. If you plan ahead for an early dinner you could have it there, otherwise you're on your own to cook. Though, there are some nearby restaurants that will deliver to the campgrounds, including a pizzeria. But come on, you're camping!! Time to barbecue - I believe the deluxe cabins have a propane grill and other sites have charcoal grills. And for dessert, s'mores over the fire, of course!! The manager actually recommended s'moreos - use the Oreo cookie instead of Graham crackers!! All can be found in their General Store, even reusable metal s'more sticks!
We really enjoyed walking around the campgrounds in the evening after dinner. Everyone is so friendly - sitting out by their fires or watching TV on the outside of their RV's (what!?!?! SO COOL!!). But it's the woods and there are mosquitos... we bought mosquito bracelets and I'm not sure if they helped or not but we got home yesterday and I'm still itching like crazy! So... consider ALL. THE. REPELLENTS - spray, bracelets, coils, you name it! We did twice a day tick checks and didn't find any - phew, but be sure to stay on top of that as well!
There is free wifi, so my husband got some work done on our picnic table one morning, and had a video conference from our kitchen table. We couldn't figure out our TV remote but it was Roku so we were able to control it with an app on my phone. Wifi and TV are pretty essential for my family, even on "off the grid" type of vacations like this. Sometimes you need to do a bit of work, or let the kids chill for a hot minute, am I right?
KOA Newburgh is open late March through October, with pool / snack bar open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
|
 
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
All
Archives
September 2024
|
RSS Feed
Proudly powered by Weebly
