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Contributed post. Long road trips with kids can go two ways: they can be fun and memorable or stressful and chaotic. The difference often comes down to being prepared. When kids are entertained and engaged, Road trips offer you a great opportunity to bond, explore, and learn together. You're not just going from point A to point B; you're creating experiences along the way. With the right mix of games, activities, and thoughtful planning, you can turn hours in the car into time well spent.  Let's explore how you can keep the kids happy during your next family road trip. Start With a Flexible Routine Children thrive on structure, even when they are on vacation. While road trips are all about freedom, having a loose routine can help reduce restlessness. Break the trip into segments. For example, plan something quiet for the first hour, a snack break next, and then an activity followed by a little bit of screen time. Rotate between high-energy games and calm tasks so that the kids stop getting overwhelmed or bored.. Keep a few consistent anchors, such as meals and rest times, so that the kids know exactly what to expect. When they feel secure in the rhythm of the day, they are much more likely to cooperate. Pack a Travel Activity Bag Each child should have their own activity bag packed with items they love. This gives them a sense of ownership and easy access to entertainment. Include a mixture of coloring books and crayons, sticker books, reusable activity pads, puzzle books, small toys or action figures, and a travel journal or blank notebook. Rotate them in and out as the trip goes on, and keep a stash of surprises to pull out when the energy dips or any delays crop up. Use resealable bags or small containers to organize your supplies, as less mess means less stress. Turn the Car Into a Mobile Classroom Road trips are full of learning opportunities. Use the time to explore new ideas and skills in a relaxed and pressure-free environment. Make sure you encourage curiosity. Point out any interesting landmarks that you spot, whether in nature or cityscapes. Ask them questions like "What do you think that building is for?" or "Do you think that cows live in that field?" You could even bring along a few trivia cards or quiz games, such as 20 Questions with science or history themes. Talk about time zones, geography, and road signs that you see. You're not lecturing them; you are exploring. The goal is to keep the kids thinking and engaged in the world around them. Make Reading a Part of the Journey Non-car rides are great for reading. Whether it is a quiet solo time or shared stories, books can help calm busy minds and pass the time. Audiobooks are a brilliant option; choose family-friendly titles with strong narration that you can listen to, and get their input to talk about what is happening in the story. Bring physical books or e-readers loaded with age-appropriate content., Choose chapter books, picture books, or comics based on your child's interests. Reading in the car also helps to support literacy; It builds vocabulary, attention span, and comprehension to help young readers improve decoding skills. During your trip, check out these 18 Tips for Boosting Decoding Skills in Young Readers. Even simple word games can support reading. Play "Find the Letter" using road signs or challenge each other to spot a few words that start with a certain letter. Bring Back Classic Car Games You don't need to have screams in order to keep the kids entertained. Classic car games are fun and free, and they also create family interaction. Some of the most popular are "I Spy" because it's great for young kids and it builds observation and vocabulary skills, the license plate game as it helps you to spot different states and keep a list, then "Would You Rather" in which you can ask silly or thought-provoking questions to spark conversation, and the alphabet game where you look for words that start with each letter of the alphabet in order. All of these games are great when kids get restless or start to squabble. They also encourage creativity and collaboration. Create Travel Challenges and Rewards Turn the trip into a mini-adventure with some easy challenges. These keep kids motivated and focused. You could set goals such as reading for 20 minutes each day, finding 10 blue cars, writing three sentences about today's scenery, and staying quiet for five minutes during a tricky driving stretch. Small rewards for each completed task, such as a snack, a sticker, or even a chance to choose the next song, can be very effective. "Truffle Bingo" is another great way to keep the kids entertained and add some excitement. Make your own cards with things like cows, construction signs, bridges, or fast food logos. Please help the kids to get small wins; it makes them feel successful and involved. Involve the Kids in the Planning Children love to feel included, so let them take part in planning where you're going to stop, what snacks to bring along, or which activities to do during the drive. Offer them some simple choices, such as "Do you want to listen to a book or play a game first?" or "Should we stop at the park or go for a roadside dinner?" Give them basic math tasks and let them follow along. Teach them how to track mileage, look for city names, or estimate what time you're going to arrive. This helps to build real-world math and geography skills while also keeping them focused on their progress. Older kids may want to help with directions or look up fun facts about the places that you are traveling through. Encourage Movement and Rest Stops Kids need to move, and sitting for long stretches can lead to them being cranky. Plan some time for rest during long stretches. Try to look out for rest stops that have grassy areas or small playgrounds. Even 10 minutes of active play can make a huge difference to their mood and energy levels. Pack a ball or a jump rope for quick exercise and do a few easy stretches as a family before you get back on the road. Also, think about building in some quiet time. Bring a picnic blanket or neck pillow for naps and use calming music. Having a mixture of activity and rest can help to maintain balance and reduce any outbursts or meltdowns. Keep Snacks Handy and Healthy Snacks can save a road trip, but can also lead to crankiness, especially in children. However, too much sugar can backfire. Make sure you pack a variety of options. Fruit slices, crackers and cheese, nuts, or trail mix for the older kids, and veggie sticks and whole grain bars are all easy snacks that you should think about for a road trip. Avoid any messy or crumbly snacks and choose items that are easy to eat without needing utensils. You might want to think about keeping a small cooler within reach and refilling it during stops. Having food ready avoids any last-minute fast food grabbing and keeps the kids more comfortable between meals. Don't forget to also have plenty of water, as dehydration can quickly sneak up during long trips and lead to headaches or fatigue. Conclusion A successful road trip with children definitely takes a bit of planning. However, it's worth it, and with the right activities, snacks, and a bit of creativity, you can ensure that your kids are happy, learning, and engaged the whole trip.. Use books and reading time to grow their literacy skills and try a few easy games and challenges to spark creativity. Make sure you have your routine in plac,e but be flexible so you can give your kids a chance to move, rest, and help along the way. Road trips aren't just about the destination you're heading to; they are also about the memories that you create along the way.
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Contributed post.  Long-haul coach trips have become a popular travel option for those on a tight budget. For the fraction of the price of a train or a plane, you can cross entire countries and even continents. However, you need to be prepared to spend hours sitting in the confines of a coach seat. Planning how to occupy yourself is essential - otherwise you’ll quickly get bored. Here are just a few tips on how to stay entertained on a long coach trip. Plan your itinerary If you haven’t already planned what you’re doing when you arrive at your destination, your coach ride could be a great time to come up with an itinerary. Provided you’ve got an internet connection and phone signal, you could even book hostels/hotels or even look into places to eat. Having a physical travel guide book (such as a Lonely Planet guide) could allow you to plan an itinerary without the internet. Bring a book Talking of books, a long coach ride could be the perfect time to get through a novel. This could be a physical book, an ebook or even an audiobook. Physical books can give you a break from looking at a screen and won’t drain your devices, however ebooks and audiobooks won’t take up any extra space (which could be important if you’re trying to travel light). Think about which medium is best for you. Queue up a playlist Listening to music could give you the freedom to also take in various sights from your window. Consider queuing up a playlist of songs beforehand to fuel your journey. Some streaming services allow you the option to listen to playlists offline by downloading them. This could be useful if you’re travelling somewhere that may not have public wi-fi. Consider buying some noise-cancelling headphones as some coaches can be quite noisy. Download some movies A long coach journey could also be a great time to watch a movie or catch up on a TV show. You can watch these on your phone, however a tablet will likely be better for the experience. Some streaming services won’t allow you to stream their content in other countries regardless of whether you have an internet connection or not, so you may have to download movies separately, however a VPN may also be a way around this. Play card games If you’re traveling with someone else, it could be worth bringing a deck of cards so that you can play some card games. Of course, it might be difficult to play some games without a table, however you may be able to improvise. Digital card games can be a more practical option if you're traveling alone. There are online games that you can play against other players or a computer. There are also single-player online card games that you can play such as spider solitaire. Apps might allow you to play card games offline, which may be more convenient on some journeys. Learn a foreign language Traveling to a country where people speak another language? Your coach ride could be an opportunity to learn some of the local lingo. You could bring along a language learning handbook and teach yourself a few words and phrases. Alternatively, you could download a language learning app - which may come with quizzes and other interactive activities. There may even be the option of language learning videos or podcasts that can teach you a foreign language. Make sure to download these beforehand if you’re not sure whether you’ll have wi-fi. Journal your travels You could also spend your coach ride writing about your travels. In fact, if you’ve got a travel blog, this might be the perfect place to write up your next blog post - provided you’ve already done some traveling before you got on the coach. A laptop may be the best device for doing this. Alternatively, you could simply keep a private travel diary to look back on in years to come or share with those closest with you. In this case, make sure to bring a notepad and a couple pens. Pack some snacks While many long-haul coaches do stop for brief food breaks, it’s still worthwhile packing some snacks in case you get hungry. When choosing snacks, try to choose foods that won’t spoil easily unless you plan to eat them immediately. Make sure to also be courteous of other passengers and don’t bring anything too strong-smelling like strong cheeses or fish. Many coaches like Greyhound buses will also have restrictions against liquor and may require hot drinks to be in a flask or cup with a lid. Do your research beforehand in order to avoid taking banned foods on board. Talk to other passengers It’s possible that other passengers may be willing to engage in conversation. If you’re traveling alone and you get lonely, consider plucking up the courage to talk to people around you. It could be a chance to share stories and travel tips and make a new travel buddy. Not everyone will want to talk to you and it’s important not to persist if passengers seem reluctant to have a conversation, however chances are that someone seated around you will be happy to chat if you’re traveling during the day. Bring items to help you sleep A long coach trip could potentially be a chance to catch up on sleep. In fact, if you’re traveling overnight, you’ll most likely want to get some shut-eye. Packing a few sleep aid items could help to make it easier to get some rest. This could include a travel blanket to keep you warm, a travel pillow to support your neck, a sleep mask to block out light and possibly some earplugs to block out noise. Wearing comfortable clothes will also help. Some people even take sleep supplements, but be wary that these could make it hard to wake up in an emergency. Even with all these aids, not everyone can successfully sleep on a coach - an overnight coach is not advised if you struggle to sleep on a coach as you could reach your destination feeling exhausted. Contributed post.  If you are a dedicated follower of fashion, then there's a chance you have some expensive stuff lying around. There are quite a few fashion items that gain value as they get older and are cared for properly. From luxury handbags to vintage designer clothing, here are some examples. Diamond Jewelry Pieces Diamonds are a girl's best friend, and they say. But given the value and appreciation of diamonds, they are a friend to all! Jewelry, especially diamond rings, is a smart investment when chosen wisely. Jewelry with diamonds is always popular and can make for great investment pieces. If you are unsure, Rare Carat is the best place to buy diamond rings with natural and lab-grown stones so you can add some timeless and classic quality to your growing portfolio. Luxury Handbags from Quality Brands Does that bag you got for $100 on a New York street not look quite right? Don't get excited, as it's probably not a piece you should be hanging on to! However, one of the most profitable niches in luxury fashion is designer handbags. Certain bags, such as Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags, can fetch a fair sum because of their perceived exclusivity. Classics such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci are also in high demand, and a well-cared-for bag can sell for tens of thousands. Watches are Fashion Items that Gain Value Among the most valuable and noteworthy fashion accessories are watches. Brands such Patek Philipe, Tissot and of course, Rolex, are highly sought after. With entry levels in the thousands, these are already exclusive brands. However, they also sell for staggering sums when rare. For instance, Paul Newman's 1968 Cosmograph Daytona was sold for $17.8 million at auction in 2017. If you want to stand out more with fashion, these are guaranteed to ensure that! Vintage Designer Clothing There was once a stigma attached to wearing second hand clothing. However, since the 2008 housing market crash and its subsequent effects, people weren't so picky about pretty much anything. Today, the used clothing market is pretty big and even charity stores are raking it in! However, vintage clothing has a unique place, and cost, and sales are better than ever. For instance, certain leather jackets and items like the Fendi Baguette are highly sought after. Limited Edition Shoes and Trainers Who doesn't love a good pair of shoes? Whether you enjoy the occasional treat or have something of an addiction like Carrie Bradshaw, shoes can make or break an outfit and your day. High-quality shoes from brands such as Jimmy Choo are beyond most people. However, you can begin small and start a collection that could end up being worth a lot of money. Of course, do we even have to mention Michael Jordan's limited edition Nike trainer ranges? Summary Diamond jewelry pieces are among the best fashion items that gain value as they get older. Of course, they must be cared for, yet watches can sell for millions if they are rare or have a history. And what about shoes? Limited editions can reach staggering amounts of resale value. Contributed post. When people hear “estate planning,” they often picture wills, property deeds, or awkward conversations about who gets the antique teacups. What rarely comes up—but should—is your child’s education fund. While it might seem like a separate, standalone savings effort, integrating it into your estate plan is not just smart; it’s essential. Here’s why.  A Legacy Beyond Inheritance Think about it: what’s the real legacy you want to leave your child? A house? A few heirlooms? Or the chance to learn, grow, and chase their ambitions without the weight of student debt pulling at their heels? When you map out your estate, you’re deciding how to protect and distribute what matters most. And for most parents, that list includes ensuring their child has every opportunity to succeed—even when they’re no longer around to cheer them on. Avoiding the Chaos, Nobody Talks About Imagine this: something unexpected happens, and your child’s education fund isn’t clearly accounted for. Who takes over? What if the funds aren’t accessible when tuition is due? What if relatives disagree on how the money should be used—or worse, someone uses it for something entirely unrelated? By weaving the education fund into your estate plan, you set firm legal guardrails around how that money is managed, accessed, and protected. You control the narrative, even in your absence. Estate planning also allows you to assign a trusted guardian or trustee to oversee the education fund—someone who understands the importance of keeping those funds focused on your child’s academic journey, not sidelined for other expenses. Education Isn’t a “Nice-to-Have”—It’s the Foundation College, trade school, private high school—it all costs money. Often, lots of it. And those costs are rising faster than most family incomes. A solid education fund doesn’t just cover fees; it gives your child breathing room. Room to focus on learning, not survival. That peace of mind is a powerful gift. But it only works if it’s properly secured through your estate plan. If your education fund exists as a loose, undocumented account, it’s vulnerable. Integrated into your estate plan, however, it becomes an iron-clad part of your child’s future. RESP: Family vs Individual—What Works Best? One often overlooked detail in planning is the type of RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) you choose. The debate around family vs individual RESP structures can have lasting effects. A family RESP allows flexibility if you have more than one child—funds can be reallocated if one child doesn’t pursue post-secondary education. An individual RESP, on the other hand, keeps things straightforward but less adaptable. Whichever you choose, both should be included in your estate plan. Without that inclusion, decisions around ownership and beneficiaries can become murky and unnecessarily stressful for your loved ones. Wrap-Up: Plan with Heart and Foresight Planning your estate isn’t about fearing the future. It’s about caring deeply for the people you love. When you include your child’s education fund in that plan, you’re doing more than managing money—you’re investing in dreams. So take the extra step. Make it official. Your child’s future deserves more than hope—it deserves a plan. Contributed post.  Home maintenance is a major responsibility, and you’ll need to spend quite a bit of time on it. It’ll offer more than a few benefits, like preventing repairs and the hassle these come with. That doesn’t mean it’s usually easy to do. It often takes a decent bit of work. Thankfully, you can make home maintenance easier for yourself by focusing on a few areas. The right home maintenance tips can help with this. Not only should they take a bit of effort out of your routine, but they could make it noticeably easier. Take a Proactive Approach Countless people leave home maintenance until there’s an issue. Something could break, which is then when homeowners put the time and effort into it. This is far from the best approach to take, as it could lead to more than a few issues. You’ll end up dealing with countless repairs, and the stress that comes with them. By being proactive with your home maintenance, you’ll avoid all of this. While you’ll still have to put time and effort into it, this should be far less than fixing any repairs. You’ll have far fewer headaches than you would with a more reactive approach. Know When to Call Pros There could be plenty of times when you’ll need to call in professionals, like with electrical maintenance or plumbing repairs. These are times when professional help can be vital to avoid any noticeable mistakes or hazards. Make sure you call a professional for any of these to avoid more problems later on. Then there are the times when hiring a professional makes everything more convenient. It could take quite a bit of time to clean a swimming pool, for example, so it could be much easier to invest in a pool cleaning service. This can often be recommended when you live a busy lifestyle. Have a Maintenance Schedule One of the main reasons home maintenance can feel overwhelming is because it could feel like you’ve a lot to do at once. Thankfully, there are ways to make this easier for yourself. Having a home maintenance schedule could be more than worth investing in relatively early. This lets you keep track of when everything needs to be done. Since many home maintenance tasks need to be done at different times, this can make keeping track of them much easier. There’s no reason everything should feel like it’s on top of you once you’ve put together your checklist. You’ll often spend a lot of time and energy on your home maintenance routine. It can often feel like it’s never-ending, but you still need to get it done. Thankfully, this doesn’t need to be as overwhelming as you could think. More than a few home maintenance tips can help with this. Not only should these make your routine a lot easier, they’ll make sure you’re still looking after your home properly. With the impact some of them can have, there’s no reason not to put a little bit of effort into them. Contributed post. Balancing motherhood and ambition from the same place you fold laundry? That’s a challenge many out there won’t understand. But also—it’s a privilege. Juggling Teams meetings and snack time, chasing dreams while trying to find someone’s missing sock. It’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters, when it matters, in a way that doesn’t leave you hollowed out at the end of the day.  Balance is a loaded word. It suggests there’s some golden ratio between work and home, success and serenity, ambition and affection. Spoiler: there isn’t. At least not one-size-fits-all. If anything, balance looks more like a pendulum. Some days you’re deep in work mode while the kids watch an extra episode of Bluey. Other days, your laptop collects dust while you build Lego towers and make grilled cheese. Both are okay. More than okay—they’re necessary. Design Your Days With Intention There’s a certain freedom in being able to wear fuzzy socks and answer emails at the same time. But flexibility without structure can turn into chaos real fast. The trick? Give your days some shape, even if it’s a soft one. A morning ritual. A midday break when no one’s allowed to talk to you unless something’s on fire. An hour in the evening when your phone lives in a drawer and your kids climb on your lap like they did when they were tiny. Some days will feel seamless. Others chaotic. That’s part of it. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s sustainability. Think less “optimized life calendar” and more “realistic rhythm that doesn’t make you want to scream.” Start where you are. Adjust as needed. Set Boundaries Without Guilt Let’s talk about the guilt. It sneaks in when you close the door for a call and your toddler cries. When you’re responding to an email and miss the joke your kid just told. When you’re at the park and your brain is still in that meeting from this morning. Boundaries help. A real, physical space for work—even if it’s a corner of the dining room. Clear times when you’re off the clock and not just pretending to be. Honest conversations with your partner, your boss, your kids. And yourself. Because you’re not failing by having limits. You’re protecting what matters. Allow Space For Big Dreams And Real Life You’re not less of a mom because you have ambition. You’re not less of a professional because you build your schedule around nap time. The truth is, life isn’t linear—it’s layered. Some days, you’re building a business or leading a team. Other days, you’re covered in finger paint. And sometimes, you’re planning your wedding while mediating a sibling argument and negotiating a contract. It’s ridiculous. And beautiful. You don’t have to shrink your dreams to be present. You just have to let them live alongside the mess, the joy, the noise. Prioritize Joy And Connection This part’s easy to forget. When the to-do list is long and your bandwidth is low, joy can feel like a luxury. But it’s not. It’s essential. Make time for the things that fill your cup—without guilt. A walk alone. Music that makes you dance in the kitchen. A text thread with friends who get it. Something that’s just yours. Because this isn’t about surviving the season—it’s about living inside of it. Fully. With your messy house and your big ideas and your tired-but-determined heart. Balance, it turns out, isn’t a final destination. It’s a daily choice. And you’re already on the path. Atop any summer, beach, pool, and general travel essentials packing list for vacation should be a waterproof phone pouch. A watertight phone pouch will not only save your phone from potential disaster, but is also the answer of how to take photos underwater! I have reviewed a BUNCH, and I'm going to be going over key features to keep in mind when picking out your waterproof phone pouch, and including a detailed review (with videos!) of two of my favorites.  Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by ProCase and JOTO but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I honestly never go to the pool, beach, or waterpark without 1 of these for myself, my husband, and my son (our twins don't have phones yet but they'll be using waterproof pouches as soon as they do!) This post also includes affiliate links - as an Amazon affiliate, I earn commission from qualified purchases made after clicking my links. KEY FEATURES TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SHOPPING:
ProCase Waterproof Phone Pouch  This ProCase floating phone case gets my vote as the best floatable waterproof phone case. It doesn't have air inside with your phone that could interfere with function, but rather it has a really unique built-in air padding bubble frame that keeps it from sinking and makes it easy to retrieve in the water. Just a really cool design for a floating phone pouch! BOTH sides of this are fully clear, but it's worth mentioning that (in my experience anyway) only the logo side has full functionality underwater with a high-sensitivity TPU window, so just make sure you put your phone in the correct way. Above water, underwater, no worries - you can scroll, switch selfie to regular mode, take photos and videos, you name it! It's got a great snap-and-seal closure, a lanyard for hands-free carrying, and comes in a bunch of colors! Shop this waterproof ProCase phone floatation device on Amazon (affiliate link). JOTO Waterproof Phone Pouch  This is the best-selling classic Joto waterproof phone pouch has a full window on both sides, utilizing thick, transparent material that ensures keeping your phone dry while helping you take crystal-clear photos and videos! It features a sturdy, secure lock so you can rest assured not a drop of water will get in there, and the lanyard is strong and durable. This one passed my in and out of water test with flying colors as well, with great screen functionality, and the water tension did not trigger the photo or video button. Available in many colors, get a few so you'll always have one matching your swimsuit! Do note, this one does NOT float, so you want to be extra careful not to drop it in the water., but it might be the preferred choice for someone who snorkels and dives and doesn't want their underwater phone pouch to float. Shop for this Joto Waterproof Phone Pouch on Amazon (affiliate link). I hope this post helped you realize a waterproof phone case should be at the top of your pool, waterpark, and beach essentials packing list! And helped you figure out which features are most important for selecting YOUR best waterproof phone pouch and phone dry bag. Here are some related posts and resources we think you'll like:  
Are you ready for the ultimate IPL at home hair removal device review?? I'm no expert (or professional), but I've dabbled enough in the IPL hair removal world to know what the standout and gold standard features are for a device that will give you the best bang for your buck (i.e. powerful, painless, + fast). I had my armpits professionally treated in Japan over a decade ago, and have been doing my own IPL treatments (underarms, legs, feet/toes, + bikini zone) over the past year, having tested out a whopping SIX IPL at home hair removal devices. Yes... six!! I'm here today to review the latest one, the Salloot Trinity i15 Pro (HUGE discount code at the bottom of this post), which is hands down my new favorite, AND to compare it to the Ulike Air 10, my previous favorite, and now a close 2nd!I've got a FULL demo and review of the latest and greatest IPL on the market, the Salloot Trinity i15 Pro (who sponsored this review, but don't worry, I'm not biased!!) AND comparison to my other favorite, the Ulike Air 10!! What I love about each, what I don't love, how it feels, everything!! Watch my video, read on, and don't miss my DISCOUNT CODE at the bottom of this post!! Let's go!! Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links - as a Share a Sale and Amazon affiliate, I receive commission from qualified purchases made after clicking the links in this post.
Features in BOTH the Trinity i15 Pro + Air 10:
They both feature DUAL lights which is incredibly rare, most IPL devices have a single bulb. Dual lights means more power and quicker hair removal results! They both also offer multiple pulses per trigger (max 4 for i15 Pro, max 2 for Air 10), and work fast - up to 400 flashes per minute for the i15 Pro and up to 120 flashes per minute with the Air 10. They both have manual trigger and auto glide option, the latter makes doing large surfaces such as your legs super easy, and is a MUST for IPL in my opinion. They both also maintain a very cool surface even when using continuously for an hour (i15 Pro stays under 53*F and Air 10 stays under 65*F). They also both blow other IPL devices out of the water when it comes to power - the i15 Pro delivers a whopping 27Joules and the Air 10 has a max 26 Joules - this is the light energy transferred to destroy those hair follicles, so it's incredibly important! They're both similar sizes and weights, powered by regular outlet, making them quite portable and coming with nice storage boxes, razor, and protective eye wear. 
Where the Salloot Trinity i15 Pro Stands Out: PHR (Powerful Hair Removal) Mode: As mentioned, with 100W of power and a maximum energy output of 27J, coming through a 4-pulse burst in PHR mode (and 3 pulses in regular mode), which carbonizes hair follicles rapidly and is amazing at eliminating course and stubborn hair such as underarms, legs, even men's chest hair! Sapphire Ice Cooling Window: The i15 Pro offers the largest sapphire ice cooling window in the world, a whopping 16.6 c㎡ (most are only 3-4c㎡), which keeps your skin nice and cool during treatment, despite the powerful pulses of light transferring down to your hair follicles. The window is chilled down to 35*F and kept under 53*F when used for 1 hour continuously. This makes it virtually painless, even in the most intimate VIO (bikini) areas! The CTONE / AI Coaching HR™ APP: This amazing free app is tremendously helpful - providing step by step usage tutorials, personalized treatment plan, tracking treatments, sending smart treatment reminders (it's important to stay on schedule), AI analysis reports, and more! 
Wider Treatment Area: With dual lights and a 4.2c㎡ treatment window, you can move quicker and have less concern about missing a spot. Ergonomic Design: The i15 Pro has a 30-degree shaped design that makes it incredibly ergonomic to hold - no need to awkwardly bend your wrist while gliding it along or reaching VIO areas. 
Suggested Schedule + Expected Results: Salloot recommends treatments 3-4 times a week during the first 2 weeks, 2-3 times a week during weeks 3-4, and after the first month is completed, maintenance is suggested twice a month moving forward. This treatment schedule takes away user error such as missing a spot, and ensures each hair is treated at the correct time in its growth cycle. 
Curious to learn more, or to SHOP!?? Purchase Salloot Trinity i15 Pro IPL Device (Get $140 off with code HEATHERI15) on Salloot's website or on Amazon 
Welcome to my highlights from the 2025 Toy Fair New York! I spent over 6 hours walking through hundreds of aisles and thousands of booths to bring you my FAVORITE new and best toys for 2025 - these are going to be the hottest Christmas toys 2025, amazing for birthday presents, edutainment, MESH / STEM / STEAM, sports + exercise, arts and crafts, you name it, for little kids, big kids, teens and adults!!! Whether looking to treat yourself or your child to a new toy, or searching for the hottest holiday toys 2025, it's all here! Watch my fun highlights video and shop with my commission earning Amazon + Walmart affiliate links below (in order of appearance in the video)!
Check out my past 4 Toy Fair New York highlights videos here:
We don't always have time, budget, or energy to plan an epic family vacation. Sometimes we just want a nearby no-frills family-friendly hotel with a pool and comfy beds, where we can take the kids for a quick and cheap staycation, am I right!? Bonus if they have free breakfast and some cool stuff to do nearby.
So if you're in northern New Jersey finding yourself spinning circles googling "cheap hotels with indoor pools near me" LOL you're in the right spot - I got you!! Whether you are looking to get away last minute during a long three day weekend, or just want to surprise your kids for a random overnight adventure (while you escape that growing pile of laundry and list of chores to do), let's go! 
Note: Below are my hand picked hotels from a search I did for President's Day (Feb 17-18) for 4 guests on Expedia, sorted in ascending price. My pricing examples below include taxes, fees, and Expedia membership discount (if applicable). I earn a commission if you book through my affiliate links below. Remember to have Rakuten (affiliate link) installed so you get your 6% cash back!! You can of course search and book directly through the hotel or your favorite aggregator.
Holiday Inn Express Woodbridge
Courtyard by Marriott Edgewater
Hampton Inn & Suites Teaneck Glenpointe
Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne
Archer Hotel Florham Park / Morristown
What do you think? Have you stayed at one of these hotels? Do you recommend another?? Leave a comment below!
Looking for more travel inspo? Here are some other articles we think you'll love:
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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 + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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