US Japan Fam

Win 4 Tickets to Flip Circus 2023 Tour

2/2/2023

If you haven't been to Flip Circus or any circus by the Vazquez Family yet, you are missing out!! We've been hosted to see 2 in the past year and can't wait to check out the next show at their first stop on their 2023 tour - in Yonkers NY!

No animals are used, only insanely talented (and consenting) humans - so it's more of a cirque than what you may consider a "circus", and I couldn't love it more! I'm not sure what the acts will be this time, but in the past we've seen amazing contortion, juggling, motorcycles in cages, hilarious acrobatic clowns, and much much more! Fun for the whole family!!

Check out our highlights videos below from 2 previous shows, and enter to win a 4-pack of tickets to your choice of day/time at any of their 2023 tour locations in the giveaway app at the bottom of this post. 2023 scheduled shows include:

Yonkers (March 3 - 20)
Staten Island (March 24 - April 10)
Long Island (April 14 - 24)

ENTER TO WIN IN THE APP BELOW!!!

Just leave a comment and let us know in the app you did so! Any extra actions taken (some can be done daily) will earn you extra entry points :)

Giveaway open to US residents ages 18+ and will end at 11:59PM ET on Thursday, February 9. Winner will be chosen randomly, contacted via e-mail (and social if applicable) and given 48 hours to confirm win (choice of date/time/location can be finalized later on, no rush - much of their tour schedule is still in the TBA).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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2023 Best Skincare Products on Amazon

12/19/2022

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Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Eclat but all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post includes affiliate links - as an Amazon associate, I earn a small commission from purchases made after clicking links below, at no extra cost to you.

Whether you're looking for anti-aging serums and anti-wrinkle face creams like me, or looking for acne cream or general hydration and skin care routines, I hope you'll find this post and my embedded demo video below helpful!!

Here are what I think are the 2023 best skincare products on Amazon, all from a great seller, Eclat Natural Skincare, who sent me a set of their best selling skin care products! All featuring the purest most natural ingredients, undiluted, sustainably sourced, suitable for all skin types, and utilizing packaging that will protect against UV damage and keep products as potent as possible.

Watch the video below (with unboxing & demo of each product) and keep reading for more on each of these great products!

2023 Best Skincare Products on Amazon - Eclat Vitamin C Serum

Eclat Vitamin C Serum

What it does: Customers report smoother & brighter skin, with reduced fine lines, acne, and dark spots.

What's in it: 20% Vitamin C, retinol, jojoba oil, vitamin E, aloe vera & MSM. It utilizes the purest and most stable form of Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate). It's cold pressed for 4x more stability. Its synergetic ingredients boost Vitamin C's power for accelerated skin renewal and new cell turnover, to see results 6x faster.

My thoughts: I'll update with results once I've been using it for a month, but for now I love the feel. It's not oily or sticky, which really surprised me as it's a "serum" with a handy little dropper. I put it on all over my face after washing in the morning and evening, and put on my usual lotion afterward. There's no smell or anything negative to report - I love using it!!

2023 Best Skincare Products on Amazon - Eclat Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Eclat Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream

What it does: Customers report plumper skin in just 2 weeks, and in 6 weeks, more radiant, rejuvenated, firm, & smooth skin with improvements in fine lines and deep wrinkles.

What's in it: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, 6 age-erasing peptides and anti-oxidents (including organic green tea, jojoba oil, & safflower seed oil), Matrixyl 3000, Argireline ("natural botox" - clinically studied to reduce deep wrinkles 197.3% more than common anti-aging ingredients like retinol).

My thoughts: I'll update with results once I've been using it for a month, but for now I love it. It's incredibly hydrating, you can use in morning and night on the face and neck (but there's no SPF so make sure you're using sunblock during the day as well).

2023 Best Skincare Products on Amazon - Eclat Aloe Vera Gel

Eclat Pure Aloe Vera Gel

What it does: Customers report immediately soothed skin. Great for sun burns, minor injuries and irritations, eczema & psoriasis, and much more.

What's in it: Not diluted with water, alcohol or other fillers as most other aloe vera gels are, Eclat's contains 99.75% pure aloe vera juice, with Vitamin C as a natural preservative. Each aloe leaf is hand-picked in Australia at its ripest and filleted to preserve 99.8% of its natural micronutrients. It's then cold pressed for 2x more potency.

My thoughts: A beautiful clear gel that's easy to apply to even the most sensitive skin. We've been using it on my daughter's winter-induced eczema and I'll definitely be keeping it on hand in summer for potential sun burns.

2023 Best Skincare Products on Amazon - Eclat Acne Cream

Eclat Acne Cream

What it does: Customers report clearer skin and reduction in blackheads in just 10 days.

What's in it: Featuring nano salicylic acid for deep pore exfoliation, plus safflower seed oil for reduced sebum production. Encapsulated Vitamin C penetrates the skin deeper for maximum regeneration and reduction in acne scars. Olive fruit oil and allantoin calm and moisturize skin rather than drying it out like other acne creams.

Buy Eclat Vitamin C Serum, Collagen Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream, Pure Aloe Vera Gel, Acne Cream, Retinol Serum, or Hyaluronic Acid serum here:

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Powered ways to stay warm this winter!

11/17/2022

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powered ways to STAY WARM this winter - usjapanfam

I've got the latest and greatest tech to keep you warm this winter - we're talking battery operated heated vests + jackets, rechargeable hand warmers, electric heated comforter + mattress pad, space heaters, electric fireplace, even a heated foot massager... LET'S GO!

Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by iHood and contains affiliate links, through which I earn commission from purchases made after clicking.

iHood Heated Vest + Jacket

iHood Heated Vest
I was sent iHood's lightweight heated vest to review and it's amazing (watch my full demo here)!! They make one with a detachable hood as well, but this one is without, just a cute puffer vest with 2 hidden zippered pockets on the outside, and 2 on the inside, with one of them holding the hookup for the 7V lithium battery it comes with. Charge the battery and it'll warm up your vest for hours!! You can control the heat right from the button on your chest - so convenient, and toasty warm with heating elements on the stomach, back, and neck. Water and wind resistant, and machine washable to boot! The vest is so flexible cuz you can layer under and over it as needed, keep your core warm and have full range of motion of your arms, which is great for horseback riders and other outdoor enthusiasts. Shop iHoodwarm.com (affiliate link) or Amazon (links follow):

Buy the women's version without a hood here:

Buy the detachable hood model vest here, for men and women:

iHood Heated Jacket

iHood also makes a heated jacket which has independently controlled stomach, back, and neck heated zones with a 12V battery (which can also charge your phone) that inserts into an inner pocket and is controlled with the button on the chest! It's made of waterproof, windproof, scratch proof material, the hood and neck are fleece lined and so cozy! It has a million zippered pockets (8 outside, 2 inside to be exact), and a huge hood with a long brim you can fold back or extend out to keep rain and snow off your face, or cinch closed to keep the wind out. Watch my full demo video here and get $20 off iHood heated jacket on ihoodwarm.com (affiliate link) or buy one on Amazon here:

JINHODY Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Charge them up and turn them on to act as hand warmers in your pockets. You can even charge your phone with them - WIN WIN! These are versatile, cute (coming in pink, green, or black), and a must have this winter! Watch my full demo here and buy a set here (affiliate link):

Sealy Electric Heated Mattress Pad
Getting into a chilly bed in winter is the worst, am I right?! We are LOVING this Sealy electric mattress pad - not only does it warm up your bed for you but it's DUAL SIDED, so you can each control your side to the perfect temp (my husband doesn't usually use his, but I keep mine toasty from fall through spring, so it's perfect for us!!!). It also has a timer so you can keep it on all night or have it turn off after a couple of hours. Watch my full demo here, and buy it here (affiliate link):

ZONLI Electric Heated Blanket
This is a great electric blanket, whether you use it on the sofa, over your legs while working at your desk, as a bed comforter, or all of the above!! It's plush and cozy and SO WARM!
Watch my full demo here, and buy it here (affiliate link):

Feculs Space Heater
It heats up super fast, use the controls on the heater or on the remote! Have it on high or low or set a temperature for it to maintain. It has a timer, and tip over safety mechanism to cut off power. You can even use it without heat as a fan! It's so great for small spaces - heat up your feet under your desk or your bathroom so you're toasty warm before and after your shower! Watch my full demo here and buy it here (affiliate link):

Star Patio Tabletop Heater
No gas required - just assemble, put on top of your patio table, plug in and poof - warm hands and faces all around!! I love this Star Patio Tabletop Heater, they also make taller versions!
Watch my assembly + demo video here, and buy it here (affiliate link):

Cloud Massage Shiatsu Heated Foot Massager
I literally use this at least 5 times a year, without heat in summer, and with heat the rest of the year. No joke, it has permanent residence under my desk. I love it love it love it!!!!
Watch my assembly + demo video here, and buy it here (Thrasio / Amazon affiliate link):

Rintuf Electric Fireplace
If you don't have a traditional fireplace, or you just don't want to mess with wood or gas, then you need this electric fireplace!! Looks cool and keeps you warm! Review coming soon (will add here when published), buy it here (affiliate link):

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Brooklyn Family Vacation: Top Things to Do

11/11/2022

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Guest post provided by Bounce - instantly find locations nearby to drop off your luggage wherever you go!

At the western end of Long Island, Brooklyn is a fantastic place for a family trip with all of the beaches and parks in the borough. It may be small, but it has the most people in the state of New York with over 2.6 million residents. Everyone has heard of the Brooklyn Bridge, but there is a lot more to Brooklyn than that.

Brooklyn has over 30 museums with a children’s museum, toy museum, and museum of food and drink that kids of all ages will love. And just a quick train, bus, or Uber ride away, you cannot forget the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty! But you cannot bring your luggage, so drop it off at a Brooklyn luggage storage facility before starting to explore.

Museums

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

What other kind of museum would kids be so excited to see? Well, BCM is one of the best for kids because it has so many fun activities for kids of all ages. It was founded in 1899 and was the first children’s museum in the US. Kids (and adults) learn to make milk carton boats, coffee filter oysters, and much more.

Toy Museum

Located on the second floor of St. Ann & Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn Heights, The Toy Museum of NY is the only one in the world that puts on live performances. They also have a collection of really cool toys like rare dolls, the original Frisbee, Mr. Potato Head, Easy-Bake Oven, Howdy Doody, and thousands more.

Museum of Illusions

Let your mind play tricks on you at the Museum of Illusions in lower Manhattan. Your eyes tell you one thing, and your brain tells you something else. This mind-boggling place has over 70 exhibits from optical illusions to holograms and the kaleidoscope to the rotating room. This is also a great place to get some unique souvenirs.

Museum of Food & Drinks

Also known as MOFAD, you and the kids can learn a plethora of fun things about the food and drinks we enjoy every day and some of the ones we really don’t want to. These exhibits help you learn through smell, touch, and taste to experience other cultures and the variety of foods and drinks we all consume.

Theme Parks

Coney Island

Coney Island is on the tip of Long Island, which is actually a peninsula. It is several amusement parks in one, with Luna Park being the largest. In fact, they have more than 30 rides from the toddler’s tea party to the thrilling Coney Island Cyclone. And 15+ games like Fried Frogs, Whack a Mole, and Stinky Feet.

Fantasy Forest at Flushing Meadows Park

For the smaller kids and parents who do not want to walk 20 miles through a huge park, Fantasy Forest in Queens is a small but fun park with eight rides and a bunch of games. They also have live shows, carnival food, and gift shops where you can get some cool souvenirs. And the unique carousel from 1964 is perfect for group selfies.

Nickelodeon Universe

Although it’s actually in New Jersey, Nickelodeon Universe is only 15 miles from Brooklyn. This indoor fun park has rides, games, and other attractions like the Angry Birds mini golf, the Mirror Maze, Sea Life Aquarium, Ren & Stimpy’s Space Madness, and Spongebob’s Jellyfish Jam. They even have an indoor water park.

Victorian Gardens Amusement Park

This park is not as huge as Nickelodeon or Coney Island but is bigger than Fantasy Forest. Victoria Gardens, in Manhattan's Central Park, has 12 rides with most of them geared toward toddlers to tweens. Take a ride on the Mini Mouse coaster, race each other in the Grand Prix, or fly high on the Aeromax. They also have several games where you can win prizes.

Attractions

Madame Tussauds

Known as the best wax museum in the world, Madame Tussauds has locations from NYC to London. This is the selfie spot for everyone where you can get shots with actors like Julia Roberts, Leo DiCaprio, and Angelina Jolie or musicians like Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift. And the kids will love Iron Man, ET, and the Hulk.

Brooklyn Bridge

This iconic bridge opened in 1883 and it was the longest suspension bridge in the world spanning over 1,500 feet. Take a walk or ride bikes through the middle of the bridge on the elevated walkway. It stands about 18 feet over the car lanes where you can get some amazing views of the city and some fantastic selfies.

Empire State Building

The most recognized building in the world, the Empire State Building in central Manhattan is over 1,450 feet tall and is known for its role in video games, TV shows, books, and films. Go see King Kong on the second floor where you can hear him growl and feel the vibrations from his giant paws. Or go up to the 102nd floor for a stunning view.

Statue of Liberty

Another well-known icon, you can visit the Statue of Liberty by taking a ferry to Liberty Island. Go visit the museum and theater before heading up to the pedestal or crown for a unique view of the city. The 305-foot statue was a gift from the French in 1885 to commemorate the relationship between the US and France.

Animal Fun

Prospect Park Zoo

With 12 acres and 864 animals, Brooklyn's Prospect Park Zoo may not be the largest, but it is nonetheless a fantastic way to spend the day learning about the wildlife and how they touch our lives. They have three buildings including the World of Animals, Animal Lifestyles, and Animals in Our Lives.

Central Park Zoo

Even smaller than Prospect Park, Central Park Zoo in central Manhattan has 6.5 acres with 1,487 animals in 163 species. The main zoo has three areas including the polar, temperate, and tropical. The granite buildings are covered in vines and they surround the square sea lion pool. See pythons, foxes, lemurs, leopards, monkeys, and more.

Queens Zoo

In Flushing Meadows Park, the Queens Zoo features hundreds of animals on 18 acres. They have an aviary full of birds, a section of domestic animals like sheep, cows, and rabbits, the sea lion pool with a bunch of these funny water creatures, and the animal trail section has pumas, bears, lynx, bison, and coyotes.

Bronx Zoo

The largest zoo in New York, the Bronx Zoo boasts 265 acres with more than 4,000 animals in 650 species. Their exhibits include the Congo Gorillas, Jungle World, Wild Asia, Madagascar, Tiger Mountain, African Plains, World of Reptiles, and the World of Birds. Don’t forget to grab some cool souvenirs before you go.

Between all these visits, you have to stop and eat. Shake Shack is a favorite for families with locations throughout Brooklyn and New York City. Stage Door Deli and Pizzeria in lower Manhattan has sandwiches, pizza, and all kinds of other yummy foods. And for dessert, go to Laboratorio del Gelato in NYC's Lower East Side (or New JerseY) where they have 15 kinds of chocolate and 40 flavors of fruit gelato.

To further plan your visit (or staycation if you're a NYC local), check out some of these great resources:

Our Brooklyn Borough Guide and "Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from NYC"
Brooklyn-USA.org
Brooklyn Guide
NYC Go
Trekaroo
Mommy Poppins

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5 Amazing Gifts for Pet Lovers

10/30/2022

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us japan fam's 2022 best gifts for pet lovers

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Responsival but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Additionally, this post includes some affiliate links - we earn commission from purchases made after clicking.

Gift giving should be thoughtful, from the heart, maybe even a bit humorous. If the intended gift recipient has (or had) a beloved pet, this can be a great theme to run with, so I've curated a 2022 Best Gifts for Pet Lovers roundup to save you time in your researching! Maybe one of these will jump out at you as a wonderful gift for your spouse, your child, maybe even yourself!! So, let's go!

1. Custom Pet Portrait
Your fur babies rightfully take up a big piece of your heart, so why not give them a dedicated space on your wall with a fun wrapped canvas custom pet portrait!? Mr&MrsPaw has got your back here, quite literally, they even have pet portrait throw pillows! And cell phone cases. And mugs! They have tons of designs to choose from, too. Selecting one is definitely the hardest part! Search by theme: Renaissance (I'm a huge Bridgerton fan, so couldn't help putting our guinea pig's cutie patootie face added to this "Noble" design!!), Film & TV (great for lovers of Harry Potter, Star Wars etc!), Asian Style, and Hobbies & Jobs (Want to see your dog play baseball? Yeah, I thought so!!) Most designs are for a single pet but they do have some especially for groups of 2, 3, or 4 pets!

us japan fam's 2022 best gifts for pet lovers - Mr&MrsPaw custom pet portraits

photos from mrmrspaw.com

After I submitted my order, they emailed me with a proof for approval, and I was blown away by how they edited the color and angle to look absolutely PERFECT!!! About a week later the canvas arrived and it's absolutely beautiful, and so hilarious, we just love it!!! Watch our first reactions here, so funny!!!

us japan fam's best gifts for pet lovers - guinea pig before and after pet portrait

2. Pet Cam
Being able to check in with your fur baby while you're at work or away for the weekend is priceless, so thankfully there are some great pet cams out there! You love the eufy robot vaccuum (who doesn't), but did you realize they make a pet camera that even dispenses treats - so you can play catch and watch their happy little face catching and nomming up that food in real time! SO FUN!! With a 1080p clarity, smart motion tracking, 2-way audio, a 170 degree wide angle, and 16gb of local storage! Buy the eufy Pet Dog Camera D605 on eufy's website or Amazon.

us japan fam's 2022 best gifts for pet lovers - eufy pet cam

photos from us.eufy.com

3. Photo Jewelry
A great way to keep a pet always with you, or honor a pet that's already crossed the rainbow bridge, special moments photo jewelry from mint&lily are beautiful in so many ways. Add your pet's photo to a bracelet or necklace (they currently have 12 gorgeous designs to choose from), hold it up to your eye with light behind it (or put your camera lens up to it) and boom, a beautiful picture of your beloved fur baby appears!! If you haven't already joined the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt wagon on this one, just give in already and get one!

gifts for pet lovers - special moments photo jewelry from mint&lily

photos from mintandlily.com

4. Paw Prints
Pearhead has two framed options for including a photo of your pet along with the pawprint - either imprinted in clay or stamped! Or you could do your pet's pawprints and kids' footprints in stepping stones in the garden!

us japan fam's 2022 best gifts for pet lovers - pawprint frames from pearhead

photos from pearhead.com

5. Subscription Box for Pets
It seems there is a subscription box for EVERYTHING these days - from Sake and Japanese snacks (click for our fun YT unboxings on those) to clothes and games, there are some great ones for pets, too! Bark Box is probably the most well known one for dogs. Check out Skip and Scamper for cats, Piggie Box for guinea pigs, Happy Bunny Club for rabbits... you get the idea!!

photos from barkbox.com skipandscamper.com piggiebox.com

If interested in sustainable & zero waste pet products, check out The Kind Pet, a brand new online store co-founded by my very own AMAZING sister! Be sure to follow their blog for great tips and support for those on their sustainability journey, no matter what that looks like!

The Kind Pet - sustainable and eco-friendly products for your pet

from thekindpet.com

If you loved this best gifts for pet lovers roundup, we think you'll love these other gift guides, too!!

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Best Active Toys for Kids | 2022 Christmas Gift Ideas

10/14/2022

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2022 Best Active Toys for Kids 2022 Christmas Gift Ideas blog cover

Disclaimer: Most of these toys were sent to us free to review over the years, but we honestly LOVE them! Links below are affiliate links - as an Amazon Associate & Thrasio Influencer, I earn commission from purchases made after clicking :)

Tis the season for Christmas shopping!! To help you out, I've compiled a list of the BEST ACTIVE TOYS FOR KIDS! Whether you have sport loving active kids, or need toys to help get your kids off screens and moving their bodies, this list has something (or many things) your kids (and maybe even YOU) will love!!!

Watch my roundup video featuring short demos of these awesome toys, and shop using my affiliate links below!!

SCOOTERS & RIDE ONS:

Ezy-Roller (ages 4-adult, us parents love this, too!)
Cooghi Push-Sit-Stand Converting Scooter (for ages 1-5 years)
Beleev 3-wheel kick scooter (for ages 3-6 years)
Beleev Small 2-wheel kick scooter (for ages 5-12 years)
Beleev Large 2-wheel kick scooter (for ages 8 - adult, us parents love it, too!)
PlasmaCar (ages 3-adult)
Beleev Skateboard (220lb weight max)

DANCE MATS:

Dance Mat by Lefree Toys (for pink/purple/princess lovers)
Light Up Dance Mat by Kidzlane (a more gender neutral one)

ROLLERBLADES & ROLLERSKATES:

MISC. OUTDOOR SPORTS & ACTIVE TOYS:

MISC. INDOOR ACTIVE FUN:

GymBarPro gymnastics pullover bar (this was a collapsible one and great but it's no longer listed, we actually graduated to a taller, sturdier, but non collapsible one - if that sounds like what you're looking for check out the Safly Fun Gymnastics Bar that adjusts from 3 - 5' high and has a 300 pound weigh capacity!
Over the Door Basketball Hoop by QDragon
Ring Toss by Elite Sportz
Rechargeable LaserTag by ArmoGear
Boxing Battle by ArmoGear
Portable Ping Pong Set by NIBIRU SPORT

OUTDOOR WATER TOYS:

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October 11-12 Prime Day Sales

10/11/2022

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Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission from sales made after clicking on below affiliate links.

We love a good sale, am I right? And Amazon has plopped a 2nd prime day holiday right in our laps!!
That's right, today and tomorrow (October 11-12, 2022) there are TONS of items with huge discounts for prime members!! If you haven't done so already, get a 1 month free Amazon Prime Membership here (if you've already done it before, just sign up for Prime, the monthly fee will be way less than all the $$$$ you save shopping!!).

GREAT SALES!!!

Save over $50 on the Cloud Shiatsu Heated Foot Massager (watch my review below and buy it here)

Save 30% on Tineco iFloor3 that mops and vacuums AT THE SAME TIME (and self cleans) - this thing is amazing!!! Watch my demo video below and buy it here!

Save $80 on this amazing cordless stick vacuum I love from Ganiza (watch my review video below and click here to buy it)

Save $180 on the Gotrax 3-wheel e-scooter!! Watch my demo video below and buy it here!

Save on this 2-pack of cute touch lamps that are dimmable and have USB A & C plugs and AC plugs in the lamp so you can charge your phone, hook up alarm clock and more! Watch my demo video below and buy here!

Save $20 on string light poles! Watch my demo video below and buy here!

Save $18 on this cozy electric blanket! Watch my review video below and buy it here!

15% off Peleton Bike
20% off Macbook Air
72% off Echo Dot with Plug

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The World's Smartest Toothbrush?!?

6/21/2022

12 Comments

the worlds smartest toothbrush - usjapanfam reviews beheart white key w2 smart toothbrush on indiegogo - blog cover

By taking better care of our teeth and gums, we can cut down on costly dental procedures and have a more beautiful and healthy smile! Brush twice a day and floss daily. We know, we know...

But did you know a good sonic toothbrush can help clean your teeth significantly better?? Or so says my kids' dentist, anyway!

Now there's a SMART sonic toothbrush that PAIRS TO AN APP to suggest which mode is best for your teeth, to monitor how well you brush, remind you when to replace your toothbrush head, and so much more!!

Watch my unboxing and demo below and read on for more details and learn how to buy yours from Beheart, who sponsored this review!

What makes this electronic toothbrush so special?

Well, let's see...

Download the app for iPhone or Android and pair your toothbrush for a personalized experience. Acting as your private dental assistant, tell the app about your lifestyle (smoker, soda / coffee / tea drinker, sweets lover, etc) and color of your teeth, and it'll let you know which mode is best for your teeth!! See my image below. What's more? It tracks how well you brush (did you get all 4 quadrants? Did you brush the full 2 minutes?) and keeps a record, giving you a score and a weekly / monthly average! How's that for accountability!?

usjapanfam reviews beheart w2 smart toothbrush on indiegogo - personal dental assistant receommends best mode for your teeth

.96" LED screen on the toothbrush makes it easy to select mode, time, and more. Bonus: it looks cool!
It has 6 modes: clean, whitening, deep, gentle, massage, and custom (as mentioned above - it personalizes the mode depending on your habits).
It comes with 2 brush heads: one medium strength and one hard strength bristles.

usjapanfam reviews beheart w2 smart toothbrush on indiegogo - .96 inch display screen on toothbrush and 60 day charge

It vibrates 44,000 times a minute!! For reference, the Philips Sonicare Prestige Power vibrates only 31,000 times per minute (and doesn't have a screen), and Oral-B Cloud Sense i09 vibrates 40,000 times per minute.
It's IPX7 level waterproof, so you can even brush in the shower.
It can be used for about 60 days on just a 2.5 hour USB charge.
It has a smart 2 minute timer and gives a short pause every 30 seconds to remind you to switch quadrants.

Click to learn more about Beheart White Key W2 Smart Sonic Toothbrush, which just launched on Indiegogo July 8!!

the worlds smartest toothbrush - usjapanfam reviews beheart white key w2 smart toothbrush on indiegogo

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Mompush Ultimate 2 Stroller Review

4/26/2022

18 Comments

US Japan Fam Mompush Ultimate 2 Stroller Review

I was once a queen of the stroller review scene. We've owned and reviewed a dozen or so strollers over the years of my twins plus one being little. From tiny travel sized strollers to a triple stroller and everything in between. It's been a few years so I was really excited for this collaboration with Mompush, who sent me their Ultimate 2 Stroller to review and share with you all!! Check out my full unboxing, demo, and review video (embedded right below) and keep reading for more details and my affiliate link (this bad boy comes with SO MUCH GREAT STUFF and sells for under $500 - I can't even believe it!!)

What comes with the Mompush Ultimate 2 Stroller??

stroller frame with huge under basket and easy "flip flop friendly" brake
toddler seat with great canopy
infant bassinet
car seat adapters (compatible with most Maxi Cosi infant carseats and Nana Pipa)
drink holder
rain cover
foot cover bunting for toddler seat
zippered bassinet cover
beautiful leatherette stroller bar (matches the telescoping handlebar)

US Japan Fam Mompush Ultimate 2 Stroller Review - infant ready stroller bassinet

The Bassinet
It lays quite flat for easy storage and is quick to pop up and lock into bassinet mode. There is a thick foam insert so it'll be comfy for newborns, though I highly advise buying an infant head support pillow like this one (just don't use it in a car seat!). It comes with a nice thick cover you can zipper on to keep baby warmer, that is easy to zip open or remove completely in warmer months.

The canopy is a good size with a quiet (no velcro) peekaboo mesh window, and there's a canopy extension panel you can zip on to make it go past the vertical point, which is great for nap time!! The leatherette belly bar can be used as a handle on the bassinet, giving it a beautiful look and making it easy to transport the bassinet, just don't pick it up with baby inside.

Maximum weight for the bassinet is 9kg (about 20 pounds) and you'll want to make sure you stop using it before baby can sit up or pull up as there is no seat belt or strap in it.

The bassinet is designed to lay at a slight angle so that baby's head will never be downward, which is great! It jiggles ever so slightly when walking, completely safe and normal movement that may actually help lull your little one to sleep!!

US Japan Fam Mompush Ultimate 2 Stroller Review - toddler seat features

The Toddler Seat

Stick with the bassinet or car seat until baby is at least 6 months old and can sit up unaided, then you're ready for the toddler seat! With a maximum weight capacity of 50 pounds, this toddler seat has a nice 5 point harness and reclines from nice and vertical to fully flat position with an easy one-handed recline lever! It has an adjustable foot rest making for a super comfy ride!

It's really quick and easy to reverse the seat from forward facing to parent facing, which I've always found a great feature in strollers. I like to have baby facing me for walks, but if we're going out and needing them to take a nap, I face them forward and don't fight sleep as hard.

The canopy is amazing, going past vertical, with a special zippered section that is fully mesh and great for strolling in warmer months. It also has a silent (no velcro) peekaboo mesh window.

US Japan Fam Mompush Ultimate 2 Stroller Review - toddler seat features 2

Why I love it:

First of all, it's beautiful!! I love the modern look with leatherette handlebar and belly bar.
Secondly, with the bassinet, car seat adapter, and toddler seat, there are so many options and should take you from birth til age 4 or so! Then add on a toddler board and keep using it for the next baby!
It's a smooth push with great tires (no air to pump, no worries about getting a flat tire!), pivots on a dime, hoists up onto curbs, and has a telescoping handlebar so it's a comfy push for short and tall parents. Oh, and the under basket is HUGE!!
It comes with so many thoughtful accessories! The rain cover is a perfect fit (with air vents), the cup holder is a bit small but is a clever design so it'll stretch open to accommodate bigger cups). The toddler foot cover is SO helpful to keep them warm in cooler months and also help keep in dropped snacks and toys.
The price point!!!! ALL OF THIS for well under $500!? It's an amazing bang for your buck!

The Mompush Ultimate 2 Stroller comes in 3 great colors!!
Click my affiliate link to buy one on Amazon today or check it out on mompush.com!

Stroller of the Year - mompush ultimate 2 stroller review usjapanfam - vertical

18 Comments

7 Signs You Might Be a Stroller Addict

4/25/2022

16 Comments

**originally posted 12/6/2016 when we had 7 strollers for our 3 kids ages 3 and under (updated 5 years and 7 additional strollers later LOL!!! Some affiliate links included below)

7 Signs You Might Be a Stroller Addict - by US Japan Fam

Hi, my name is Heather and I'm addicted to strollers. We have 3 children ages 4-6 (including twins), are living in a tiny 950 square foot apartment in Brooklyn, and yet we have managed to own a total of FOURTEEN strollers (maxed out at 5 at one time). Yes, you read that correctly. Here are the strollers we've had, some for as little as a week, others for 2+ years!! Be sure to click the ** links for my full blog reviews, my demo videos are embedded at the end of this post:

1 triple:

** Joovy Big Caboose (blog review)

4 Doubles:

** StrollAir MyDuo (video demo/review)
Joovy Scooter X2 (Amazon affiliate link)
Maclaren Twin Techno (Amazon affiliate link)
** Joovy Twingroove UltraLight (blog review & video demo)

3 Single to Double Convertibles:

Britax B-Ready (Amazon affiliate link)
** StrollAir Solo to Tango (blog review & video demo)
** Evenflo Pivot Xpand (blog review & video demo)

5 singles:

Britax B-Agile (Amazon affiliate link)
** GB Pockit (blog review & video demo)
UppaBaby G-Luxe (Amazon affiliate link)
** Mockingbird (blog review & video demo)
**Mompush Ultimate2 Stroller & Bassinet (blog review & video demo)

1 wagon:

** Wonderfold W1 Stroller Wagon (blog review & video demo)

I just might have a problem... Here are some signs you might have a problem, too!

1. You have more than one stroller.
Heck, you probably have more than a few strollers. Possibly a good half dozen or so! And the funny thing? You can justify your desperate need for each and every one of them!!!

2. You're always lusting after the latest and greatest.
The one, or 4, you already have are still in perfectly good condition. But you're bored. You want a new baby, a new stroller baby, that is! Your heart actually skips a beat when your favorite stroller brand comes out with a new model or special edition.

3. You pimp out your (baby's) ride.
Custom seat liners, matching canopies, luxory diaper bag, stroller muffs, air-filled tires, you name it. Your little one rides in style!!

4. You have strollers in every nook and cranny.
Every car has one in the trunk, and your garage and closets are at capacity with strollers. Maybe you even begged your significant other to build some shelving space for them. Heck, you may have developed a product for smartly storing strollers indoors like the 2 moms behind MetroTot stroller hanger & CityStork stroller wheel covers!

5. You know how to score a deal.
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, local and online stroller resale groups (StrollerQueen StrollerSwap!!!), trade in events, blog giveaways, you name it. You know how to sell your old strollers to help finance a new one, and you know the best ways to save big!

6. You get stroller envy.
Walking through the park or the grocery store, you're constantly on the lookout. Who is pushing what stroller, what accessories are they sporting (here are my faves!!), is there one you haven't seen before? No shame - go and ask the mom about it!!! Maybe ask to take it for a quick test drive!

7. You're the go-to girl for your friends and family.
When someone is having a baby or needing a new stroller, you are the one they look to for advice. Because you know, well, pretty much EVERYTHING about strollers!!! You may even publish guides such as "7 Best Double Strollers for Families", "The Best New Strollers for Every Budget", or "Stroller Shopping Tips"!

Did I miss any signs of stroller addiction? Are you an addict??? Share your story in a comment below! Tell us the stroller you love most and why. Maybe it'll be the next stroller added to my collection!

And just for fun, I'll embed my stroller review & demo videos below!!