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Eliminate Odors Naturally: Discover the Power of ElectriFresh

6/7/2023

3 Comments

 
Eliminate Odors Naturally - Discover the Power of ElectriFresh a natoral odor eliminator utilizing just water salt and electricity to neutralize pet, smoke, fish, urine, and basically all odors - us japan fam review
I was sent a bottle of ElectriFresh to review as part of a sponsored campaign. I didn't know what to expect. I mean, it's just "electrolyzed oxygenated water" (i.e. water, salt, and electricity). HOW COULD THAT POSSIBLY WORK!?? Can it get rid of fish smell? Can it remove smell from towels? Get rid of cigarette smell and cat urine!??!

I told them, straight up, if it doesn't work, I can't do the review. Do you think it worked?? Well... you're here on the reivew so... HA! YES! IT IS AMAZING!!!!! Watch my fun video below and keep reading:
I don't understand the science behind it. I prefer to just call it magic. But check out the bottle label below - this electrolyzed deodorizer is safe for people, pets, and the planet. That's a win win win for me!! 

Our guinea pig fleece liners that used to carry a very specific odor even after washing (if you have dogs or cats or caged animals and deal with pet urine you know what I'm talking about). But magically after a spray, these liners are fresh as they were new. WHAT THE WHAT!?? This spray will neutralize odors (not cover it up with perfumes!) - we're talking shoes, sports and gym equipment, litter boxes, pet odors and stains, fabrics, bedding, you name it!!
us japan fam reviews electrifresh odor eliminator electrolyzed oxygnated water spray - bottle ingredients

But you don't have to take my word for it. Buy a bottle of ElectriFresh** and try it out yourself (don't forget to come back and leave a comment letting us all know your thoughts!!)

**Above is an affiliate link - as an Amazon associate, I receive commission from qualified purchases made after clicking the link.

Want to read more from me?? Hit the main blog and scroll through awesome articles from family travel reviews to DIY hair tips, or search by category (on the side bar on a computer, or the top menu on a phone!)
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10 Hacks for a Healthier Home Office

3/22/2023

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US Japan Fam 10 Hacks for a Healthier Home Office
I've been working from home for a few years now, like many of you, so I wanted to share some of my favorite items (some purchased, some provided for review), as well as some on my must-buy-soon wish list! I'm calling this my roundup of products for a healthier home office, but these would also be great additions to your out-of-home office, or even in your house or apartment, for a healthier mind, body, and spirit. 

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Responsival. Below you'll find affiliate links. As a Renpho, Thrasio, & Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking these links. Ya girl's gotta fund her family's travels somehow - thank youuuuu for understanding ;)

​So, let's get to the list!!

US Japan Fam 10 Best Products for a Healthier Home Office - Cubii Total Body+ seated elliptical machine with resistance bands
1. Cubii compact seated elliptical machine

​Have you seen Cubii before?? IMO it's the best under desk exercise equipment on the market. Hands down. They have a few models, I was sent the Cubii Total Body+ which is a tiny elliptical machine that you use while sitting down!! It also has resistance bands included!! You download their free app and can access tons of workout videos, classes, and it'll track your workouts, of course. It's really easy to set up and use, and it's honestly an amazing full body workout - great to use under your desk, while working (or taking a quick TikTok break), or while watching TV. Don't believe me?? Watch my demo video below - I'm out of breath with burning thigh / calf / butt muscles in just a few minutes! Cubii FTW!!!

US Japan Fam 10 Best Products for a Healthier Home Office - techorbits electric standing desk
Photo credit: Amazon (TechOrbits)
2. Sitting to Standing Desk

​It may come as a shock but sitting at your desk for hours upon hours is NOT good for our health (read about it on this Mayo Clinic post).

​But you're in luck because there are several ways to do less sitting, even while working! TechOrbits makes a great electrical standing desk that adjusts height from 28" to 48" to quickly and easily go from a great sitting desk to an amazing standing work space!!

​Alternatively, if you can't or don't want to upgrade your entire desk, you could add something like this TechOrbits standing desk converter that sits atop your desk or table.

While you're at it, why not use a stool that allows you to sit at a regular desk or perch at your standing desk, like this BonVIVO standing desk chair that adjusts from 26 to 33 inches, with 10 degree tilt and 360 degree swivel.

US Japan Fam 10 Best Products for a Healthier Home Office - blue light blocking glasses
3. Blue Light Blocking Glasses + Bulbs

Blue light from screens and lighting can cause eye strain, difficulty falling asleep, and other health issues, so consider investing in some blue light blocking technology! It can be as easy as having a special blue light blocking coating added to your next pair of prescription glasses - Warby Parker has some great ones! And if you don't need corrective lenses, you can get a cute non-prescriptive pair. Check out NY Mag's 2023 list: "The 6 Very Best Blue-Light Blocking Glasses here"! You  may even consider adding a floor or desk lamp with this blue light blocking Amber bulb to use when working after dark.

4. Air Purifier
Whether you're sensitive to odors, mold, dust and other impurities in the air, or you just want to make sure your home and office are as clean and healthy as possible, a good air purifier is a must. You can get a nice budget-friendly HEPA air purifier like this one by VEVA, or go for a super smart one with all the bells and whistles that is super pretty to boot, like the CleanForce Rainbow that shows you exactly how clean your air is, automatically adjusts air refresh speed, and lets you control everything from an app (watch my demo above)!

5. Humidifier / Diffuser
Keeping your air clean is one thing, keeping it at the right humidity level to prevent mold growth while keeping your skin and mucous membranes healthy is another! I love this HuPro smart humidifer, watch my demo video above! It shows you the current humidity and will will run for 30 hours on a single (top loading) tank to maintain the desired humidity level you set. It has a remote, 360 degree nozzle, and has a built-in aroma therapy tray,  so it'll work as an essential oil diffuser as well!! Hello 2 birds 1 stone!! If you want a separate essential oil diffuser, why not get one that also acts as room decor? This one that looks like potted flowers is just so cute!

6. Ergonomic Mouse, Keyboard & Chair

​According to this article on Business.com, "repetitive strain injuries take a long time to develop, they also typically take a long time to treat". So do yourself a favor and invest in ergnomic office gear to help you avoid such injuries in the first place!! We're talking:
  • ergonomic mouse (like this really cool vertical ergonomic mouse by Seenda, see my demo video above)
  • ergonomic keyboard (this one by Logitech is Amazon's best selling ergonomic keyboard)
  • ergonomic chair (this #1 best seller in executive chairs has over 46,000 ratings on Amazon)
  • proper placement of office equipment is essential!! For tips, check out this Ergonomic Workplace Setup article by NY Times!

7. Eye Massager

​If you suffer from eye strain, migraines, or stress, this heated eye massager from Renpho is a must. It folds in half for easy storage in your office desk drawer, bedside table, or carry-on bag. It has gentle rolling and squeezing pressure, warms up, plays relaxing music, ahhhhh it's really a nice way to take a little meditative break from work (or set the timer and lay down with it for a nap!). You can find it on Amazon or get 10% off with my affiliate code USJP10 on their website!


8. Under Desk Foot Massager

​I dunno if this one is for "health" per se, maybe mental health?? I received this Cloud Massage Shiatsu heated food & calf massager to review over 2 years ago and it is like, my #1 must-have under my desk while working. I literally use it a minimum of 3 times a day. It feels SO good!!! You can use it on your feet (it rolls, squeezes, vibrates, and warms) or you can change the angle and lay down to massage your calves!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Get itttttttt!!!​

US Japan Fam 10 Best Products for a Healthier Home Office - under desk treadmill
Photo Credit: Amazon (Egofit & UREVO - both linked below)
9. Standing Desk Treadmill

Besides getting in some extra steps and cardio, using a treadmill while working may actually lead to increased productivity!! This is a great under desk treadmill by UREVO (above right image), you can even stand it against the wall when not using it. Or if space is limited, go for this extra short treadmill by Egofit (above left image).

US Japan Fam 10 Best Products for a Healthier Home Office - smart watch
10. Smart Watch
Whether you go for the latest Apple Watch, FitBit, a more budget-friendly smart fitness tracking watch alternative, these can do wonders for helping you both in and out of the office. They can keep track of your steps, send you reminders that you've been sedentary too long and it's time to get up and move, lead you through meditative breathing, measure your blood pressure and pulse ox, let you know how well you are sleeping, give suggestions on a better evening routine and bedtime, and so much more!! 

I hope you found this roundup helpful!! If you did, or if you have any great items to suggest, I'd love for you to leave a comment below!!
PictureUS Japan Fam 10 Hacks for a Healthier Home Office
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CBD 101 & Uncle Bud's Hemp Review

10/14/2021

16 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews Uncle Bud's Hemp - all about CBD Oil and Hemp Oil
Have you jumped onto the CBD band wagon yet? Are you curious? CBD and it's potential health benefits are all the rage these days, heck, they even have cbd for horses!! I've been a bit hesitant for the past couple of years but recently (finally!) dove right in with a couple of great CBD & hemp oil products from Uncle Bud's Hemp, who sponsored this post :)
What is CBD??
I think a lot of us are wary of CBD products because they're not evaluated by the FDA, we are hearing they are miraculous cures and treatments for countless ailments but haven't seen in depth scientific studies and evidence of this yet, and of course, their connection to marijuana... So I want to start by kind of debunking these concerns in relation to Uncle Bud's:
  • All of Uncle Bud’s Hemp-Healthy products are lab-tested and formulated in an FDA-Registered lab in the USA, so that should put your mind at ease!
  • Hemp is one specific type of plant in the cannabis family, and it contains very little THC (the psychoactive ingredient that marijuana is infamous for), however it does have high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which is the good-for-you-stuff! Uncle Bud's products contain NO THC, and are made from hemp sourced 100% from the USA.
  • Some studies suggest that hemp oil may be of use in the treatment of certain inflammatory issues and some skin conditions, in part due to it being high in Vitamins A, D, E, antioxidents, Fatty Acids Omega-3 & Omega-6, and anti-inflammatory GLA (Gamma-Linolenic acid).
  • Hemp seed oil is extracted from hemp seeds, whereas CBD oil is extracted from the stalk and leaves of the hemp plant. 
OK now that we have the basics under our belts, let's get to the review! 
US Japan Fam reviews Uncle Bud's CBD Anytime Gummies
CBD Gummies
Uncle Bud's has a line of CBD Gummies including:
  • Sleep Gummies (with 2mg of melatonin and 25mg of CBD per serving)
  • Multivitamin Gummies (with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron, Folate, and 25mg of CBD per serving)
  • Energy Gummies (with 10mg of caffeine and 25mg of CBD per serving)
  • Anytime Gummies (with 25mg of CBD per serving)
​I was given a bottle of the Anytime Gummies to try out. They're 100% vegan and come with 30 gummies in a bottle (suggested 1-2 gummies every 6 hours or as desired). Each gummy is 15 calories with 3g of carbs and 2g of sugar. They come in lime, blue raspberry, strawberry, and watermelon and in my opinion start out really yummy then have a slightly bitter taste kick in (the CBD oil I'm guessing), but it's not at all unpalatable. I should note there is a Prop65 warning for Reproductive Harm on the bottle, and they're not recommended for use while pregnant or breastfeeding. There is NO THC, so it's as expected that I didn't feel any different after consumption. But CBD oil is said to have many possible benefits so I see it as one of those healthy supplements you can simply add to your daily routine.
US Japan Fam reviews Miss Bud's Hemp Oil Anti-Wrinkle Cream
ANTI-WRINKLE CREAM
This one is labeled under Miss Bud's as opposed to Uncle Bud's, not sure what that's about cuz men certainly get wrinkles too LOL!! The box says "may help reduce the signs of aging for a smoother, brighter skin complexion", and I am HERE. FOR. IT! It goes on to say hemp skin care provides:
  • advanced moisturizing
  • may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles including crows feet and course deep wrinkles
  • may help tone skin for a youthful glow
  • perfect for all skin types
I should preface my review by letting you know I have VERY sensitive skin, with rosacea which flares up all red and angry from the slightest thing. However, I'm really excited to say that this cream does not flare up my skin, quite the opposite, it's incredibly soothing! It's a light cream with a slight oil to it that really penetrates the skin! The lotion I had been using wasn't heavy enough and when I put concealer or any makeup on top, my skin gets so dry! But this hemp seed oil cream is amazing!!! It's just enough to fully moisturize without leaving you shiny or greasy. I'm truly loving this stuff!!! I haven't been using it long enough to notice any difference regarding wrinkles and fine lines, so it's not an instant type of miracle worker. I'm hoping to see results soon, but even if I don't, I still love it simply for it's moisturizing abilities (though honestly, it doesn't smell great hehe).

The box directs you to gently massage into face and neck every evening after cleansing, and the active ingredients include hemp seed oil, alfalfa seed extract, coconut oil, and rosehip oil. It's paraben free, cruelty free, and made in the USA.

If interested in kicking off your journey into the world of CBD and Hemp, Uncle Bud's has got you covered. They have a HUGE line of great products, focusing on muscles & joints, edibles, personal wellness, skin care, and even pet care! You can even find some of their hand lotions and soaps over on Amazon (affiliate link).
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What's Blue Light and How You Can Block It

9/27/2021

24 Comments

 
usjapanfam - what is blue light and how to block it - discountglasses review
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:
  • avoiding bright lights and screens 2-3 hours before bedtime
  • using blue light blocking lenses at night when bright lights and screens can't be avoided (ex. for night shift workers)
  • getting more bright light during the daytime (this is my personal favorite way to combat jet lag!)
US Japan Fam - what is blue light and how can you block it featuring DiscountGlasses.com blue light blocking lenses

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!
​
US Japan Fam - what is blue light and how can you block it featuring DiscountGlasses.com blue light blocking lenses
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:
  • blue light blocker (+$19)
  • thinner & lighter lenses (+$19.99)
Other popular enhancements include:
  • transitions (makes glasses work as regular & sunglasses) (+$79)
  • anti-reflective +($20)
US Japan Fam reviews DiscountGlasses.com Lunettos Clarkson lightweight glasses with blue light blocking lenses
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!!
US Japan Fam's $1,000 value jackpot #Giveaway4Grownups
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Beleev Scooters & Skateboards for the Whole Family!

5/6/2021

8 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews BELEEV Scooters + Skateboards for the whole family
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Beleev but all thoughts and opinions are my own and 100% unbiased. This post also contains affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.
Looking for the best 3-wheel scooters and balance bikes for a toddlers, the best foldable 2-wheel kick scooters for kids and adults, or the best skateboard for ages 8+?! Would you believe you can find them all with Beleev?! We sure did - we just got Beleev ride ons for our whole family!! Read on for more about the products we received (and LOVE), including our unboxing / demo videos!

Foldable Kick Scooter for Teens & Adults
This high quality durable kick scooter comes in several color options and is good for ages 8 through adult (rider max weight of 210 pounds). It features a super quick and easy fold, adjustable height handlebar, a kick stand, extra large PU wheels, and front suspension system for a smooth ride!!

​My husband and I are both loving this so much I'm planning to buy a second one so we don't have to share LOL! Adjusting the handlebar is a snap, no tools required, so I can raise it high for me, then lower it for my 8 year old to ride it, taking literally 5 seconds!
US Japan Fam reviews Beleev 2-wheel foldable kick scooter for teens and adults
​Buy yours at beleev.com or Amazon (affiliate link).

Foldable Scooter for Kids
Check out our twins twinning on Beleev kids' foldable kick scooters!! These are good for ages 4 - 12 years, rider weight up to 141 pounds, are foldable, have adjustable height handlebars, light up LED wheels, foam handles, a grippy 4" wide deck, and weigh just under 6 pounds.
US Japan Fam reviews Beleev maple skateboard for kids teens and adults
Buy on beleev.com or Amazon (affiliate link).

Skateboard for Kids, Teens, & Adults
Beleev sells 2 types of skateboards, the cruiser series (22" plastic board with large light up LED wheels), and the Classic Maple series, which is what we got. The latter is a 31" Canadian maple skateboard featuring a grippy 31” x 8” 7-Ply Canadian maple deck and heavy-duty 5” aluminum alloy truck! It weighs less than 5 pounds and has a max weight capacity of 220 - so it's good for ages 8+ (i.e. kids, teens, and adults)! What's more? It comes completely assembled! Just unbox, unwrap, and roll! My son and my husband are obsessed with this thing - it's not easy to learn to skateboard but so fun! Don't forget protective gear!!
US Japan Fam reviews Beleev maple skateboard for kids teens and adults
Buy on beleev.com and Amazon (affiliate link).
Beleev also sells 3-wheel scooters and balance bikes for toddlers, stunt scooters, and protective gear! Check out their full lineup on beleev.com and Amazon (affiliate link).
8 Comments

Sutera: the Best Pillow for All Sleepers

4/15/2021

8 Comments

 
usjapanfam reviews sutera dream deep memory foam contour pillow
Disclaimer: Sponsored by Sutera but all thoughts and opinions are my own, honest and unbiased! Affiliate links included below, you don't pay more but we receive a small commission made from purchases made after clicking.

Wish you could sleep like a baby, and stop waking to those aches and pains in your neck?! Sutera Dream Deep adaptive memory foam and orthopedic contour pillow may be your solution!! Offering premium comfort for side, stomach, and back sleepers, it supports proper cervical alignment, reducing back, neck, and joint pressure!
usjapanfam reviews sutera dream deep memory foam contour pillow for all sleepers: stomach, back and side!
Made of a high-density cooling memory foam, it promotes temperature regulation, better sleep, energy boost, stress reduction, and relief of pressure on back, neck, hips, and joints! 
usjapanfam reviews sutera dream deep memory foam contour pillow
Sutera Dream Deep Pillow comes with a removable machine washable cover, which is super smooth and comfy, or you can upgrade to their Hydroluna pillowcase! It's 100% silk, which feels amazing and helps prevent hair damage. It's also infused with anti-aging hyaluronic acid, which is great for your skin!
usjapanfam reviews sutera dream deep memory foam contour pillow
As a side and back sleeper, I'm loving this pillow and its versatility! It's incredibly comfortable and I'm sleeping great!! Not like a baby though, because they wake every 1-2 hours do you not remember?! Where did that phrase even come from LOL!! Anyway, I'm sleeping BETTER than a baby!

Get 20% off your pillow at 
sleepsutera.com/HT20 (or use code "HT20"); also available on Amazon (affiliate link)!!
8 Comments

Sunglasses for the Whole Family!

4/5/2021

16 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews Sunglasses from DiscountGlasses.com
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by DiscountGlasses.com but all thoughts and opinions are my own, honest and unbiased! Affiliate links are contained below - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Sunglasses are most certainly not a summer-only thing - kids and adults alike need to be sure to shade-up and protect their eyes year round! But with spring and warmer sunnier weather on the horizon, who couldn't use some new sunnies to liven things up, am I right?

​Thankfully, DiscountGlasses.com lets you do so guilt-free because they're budget-friendly and allow you to shop and order online without leaving the comfort and safety of your home! AND they have a $100 credit in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway - link at bottom of this post!!

I just got the below Westend Lewis Center for my husband and Picklez Ziggy for my son cuz I thought they'd be so cute daddy-and-me in their silver frames with blue mirror lenses!! And they are! In fact so cute I have to occasionally to "borrow" them to enjoy some mommy-and-me fashion LOL! So, you tell me, who is wearing them best??? The Westend fits us both really well, I love how gender neutral they are!! Both of these sunglasses have some different color options too, for the frame and lenses!
US Japan Fam reviews mommy-and-me / daddy-and-me sunglasses from DiscountGlasses.com
This is my second year as an Ambassador for DiscountGlasses.com. I honestly love them, I actually started out as a regular customer and couldn't be more proud to be working with them to promote their amazing products! Such a fabulous selection of sunglasses (prescriptive and non) and prescription glasses and for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults - and they've adapted through the pandemic to even offer a free online vision test so you can update your prescription from home!!

​They also have free shipping, 365 day free returns, virtual try on for most frames, and great lens upgrade options for how thin and lightweight they are, blue light reflective, transitions, progressive, anti-reflective, and sun tint! I mean, awesome right!?
​​Check out this crazy collection of kids and adults sunlgasses we have collected from them over the years - basically one for every day of the week LOL! And of course I have a collection of regular prescription glasses that are just as fun!!

The key is finding a great provider like DIscountGlasses.com where you can find tons of great glasses for a super affordable price, so there's no guilt in having several (or half a dozen??) frames, am I right!?
US Japan Fam reviews DiscountGlasses - my collection of sunglasses!
And now,
enter to win $100 credit from DiscountGlasses
in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway running through April 7, 2021!!
Picture
16 Comments

Black+Decker Steam N' Vac Review

3/25/2021

14 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews Black+Decker Steam N' Vac 2-in-1 steam mop & vacuum
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included below - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.
We're all juggling a million things at once - the house, the kids, a job, our sanity! A good life hack here and there can save you lots of time and energy, and I've got a pretty major one for you. Are you ready for this!?

​With the Black+Decker Steam N' Vac, you can steam mop and vacuum AT THE SAME TIME!!! That's right!!! Let the steam mop scrub and sanitize your floors while the vacuum picks up all the crumbs and dust bunnies. 2 birds 1 stone! Huge time saver and game changer - I couldn't love mine more!!

​Watch my unboxing and demo of the Black+Decker Steam Mop & Vacuum combo, read below for more details, then enter to win one in my $1000 value jackpot giveaway at the bottom of this post!!
Here's a break down of the 2-in-1 Black+Decker Steam N' Vac's features and why I'm loving it:
usjapanfam reviews black+decker steam mp + vacuum - in use
STEAM MOP:
  • ​The steam kills up to 99% of germs without chemicals! That's right - just fill the tank with water and you're sanitizing - talk about great green cleaning products!!
  • 2 settings: "ECO Steam" and "MAX Steam", used alone or at the same time as the vacuum! Huge time saver!
  • The 1,000-watt steam boiler takes less than 30 seconds for water to heat up and be ready to steam.
  • With a full water tank (0.38L), you can steam about 15-20 minutes.
  • Step release to pull the mop head off, pull off to wash (easy peasy, it's elastic on the edges), dry, ready to re-use! 
  • Safe on any sealed hard surfaces around the home, including sealed hardwood, tile, stone, grout, wood, laminate, vinyl and granite. They do recommend testing a spot first, just to be safe, especially on hardwood.
  • When using steam alone, it's quiet, kinda sounds like an iron to me, and it didn't leave the floors super wet, just glistening, and clean!!
usjapanfam reviews black+decker steam mp + vacuum - steam mop functions
VACUUM:
  • This 500-watt vacuum works on hard surfaces and has a carpet attachment as well, just don't use the steam mop on the carpet - it's not a carpet cleaner.
  • Large capacity (1.2L) stainless steel washable dust bin is very easy to release, empty, and re-insert. That's right - it's bagless, meaning less waste and eco-friendly!
  • Includes a washable HEPA filter above the dust bin!!
  • It weighs just 10 pounds, has a 11.5" wide cleaning path, and has a 16' long cord, meaning unlimited run time!
  • Comes with a 3 year limited manufacturer's guarantee
usjapanfam reviews black+decker steam mp + vacuum - vacuum functions
Buy yours at Walmart or Bed Bath & Beyond.

​Enter to win one in my $1,000 value jackpot giveaway, ending 4/7/2021!
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14 Comments

Happy Masks Review: Breathable Reusable Face Masks for Kids & Adults

3/17/2021

16 Comments

 
US Japan Fam reviews Happy Masks - adjustable washable 99% filtering covid masks for kids and adults
Disclaimer: We received these masks free for review but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased! There are also some affiliate links included - you don't pay more but we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Life in the time of COVID, I feel like I'm always on the lookout for the perfect face mask - adjustable with a great fit, washable & reusable, breathable, effective, cute design options... and you know what? I was able to check off every box with these amazing Happy Masks (we received ours free in exchange for promotion, but they didn't reach out to me, it was vice versa cuz I was so impressed!!). 

Watch our YouTube video here for a fun unboxing and demo of the various features, and read on for more details as well as to grab your code for free shipping!!
SUPERB FILTRATION:
Made with a 3 layer nanofiber membrane filter, Happy Masks have been tested by Nelson Labs to show they filter out over 99% of airborne particles as tiny as .3 microns!! That includes allergens (pollen!!), dust, and smog. And they factually filter out 99.9% of bacteria, and viruses (including COVID-19 / coronavirus)! On top of that, the filter is not removable, so there's no concern about losing it or having to replace it.
US Japan Fam reviews covid face masks for kids and adults - Happy Masks Filters
UNIQUE "BEAK" DESIGN:
Happy Masks have a soft fabric with a unique "parrot beak" design which means they don't suck into your  nose and mouth when breathing and talking! Your kids won't suck on them! And they don't feel like they're suffocating you!
US Japan Fam reviews Happy Masks - washable breathable adjustable face masks for kids and adults with unique
ADUSTABLE EAR LOOPS:
Our faces are not one size so face masks shouldn't be one size fits all, am I right? Happy Masks come in Medium and Large for Adults, and one size for kids, but feature super easy-to-use adjustable ear straps! They also feature a metal wire over the nose for added adjustability, and provide a great snug and comfy fit all around the nose, cheeks, and under the chin! They also sell a protective pouch, and a lanyard that easily snaps onto the ear loops, so you can put it on and off without touching the mask itself, and not worry about your kids dropping it onto the bathroom floor (or... into the toilet!).
US Japan Fam reviews Happy Masks - reusable face masks for kids and adults - with lanyards and protective pouches!
WASHABILITY & DURABILITY:
Happy Masks' efficacy have been tested for a minimum of 50 hand washes and 250 hours of wear. The trim is hand sewn for increased durability and snugger fit. Washing instructions: soak in cold water with a drop of dish detergent for 10 minutes (use a drop of dish detergent on a soft toothbrush to remove makeup or sweat), gently rinse (do not rub or wring), air dry. For added disinfection and deodorization, spray with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol after each wash and place in the sun.
You can buy these great face masks for kids and adults at happymasks.com and use code USJAPANFAM for free shipping!
16 Comments

The Best FREE Fitness Apps & Budget-Friendly Products!

2/22/2021

9 Comments

 
When you want to lose weight and/or get fit, there are many ways to go about it. Believe it or not, you can do it without forking over thousands of dollars for equipment and memberships! I'm going to share with you my favorite FREE fitness apps and some very budget-friendly products I'm loving these days on my own weight loss journey!
US Japan Fam's list of the best free fitness apps for intermittent fasting, weight loss, and health!
Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional - PLEASE discuss any diet or fitness plans with your doctor! Safety first guys!!. Also, this post contains some affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking. 

First, watch my video for all the deets!! Then get the links and my personal weight loss and weight / fitness maintenance schedules below!
My Favorite FREE Apps for Fitness & Weight Loss:
i.e. the apps I'm currently using and loving!! Available for iPhone and Android!
  • Fastic App: super easy way to manage your intermittent fasting, track water intake, & more!
  • MyFitnessPal: great way to track calories in and out - has a HUGE database of food, drinks, and activities!
  • MapMyWalk: tracks your walks/runs and calories burned, creates a map of your route, and notifies you after finishing each mile with your average time. 
  • VeryFitPro: the app needed when using this awesome fitbit alternative smart watch. It tracks your steps,  your sleep, takes your heart rate. It has a sedentary alarm you can have it remind you at whatever intervals to get up and get moving (so motivating!!). You can connect to your phone to read emails and texts on your watch and get notified of phone call, and use it as a remote to have your phone take photos. Very cool!!! I'm LOVING this $20 watch (so cheap!!) and got one for my husband as well! This app and the other apps above all sync with Google Fit, so for example, your steps will sync from your watch to this app, to Google Fit, and on to MyFitnessPal. But that's cuz I'm android, there will be another roundabout way for iPhone users.

My Weight Loss Routine:
  • 16/8 Intermittent Fasting (every day).
  • consuming under 1200 calories per day (high protein, low carb), usually breaking the fast with BioTrust Metabogreens & Coffee blend, and an Orgain protein shake for a snack later in the day
  • once a week "refeeding" day to boost the metabolism, hitting my regular caloric needs of 1800 calories.
  • cardio 3-5 days a week, averaging minimum of 10k steps per day per week, with some minor to moderate weight training.
  • weighing myself 2-3x a week with this Renpho smart scale, which has its own app that syncs with Google Fit.
Yoga Club

My Weight Maintenance Routine:
  • 12/12 - 16/8 Intermittent Fasting (every day).
  • consuming my daily requirements of about 1800 calories.
  • exercising 3-5 days a week, averaging minimum of 10k steps per day per week.
  • weighing myself once a week with this Renpho smart scale, which has its own app that syncs with Google Fit.

Related Posts:
  • Book review and my results after 1 month on "Always Eat After 7PM" diet
  • Great Exercise Gear for Every Budget: from Kettlebells to Ellipticals
9 Comments
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    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!

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