Guest post provided by No nonsense
Being a mother is one of the most meaningful and rewarding roles a person can take on, but it’s also one of the hardest. Between managing the household, taking care of the kids, and other duties, most moms are practically working 24/7. It’s no wonder that maternal burnout is a real and recognized phenomenon. A recent survey by a US-based all-in-one parenting platform revealed that 93 percent of mothers in the U.S. feel burned out at least occasionally, and nearly 45 percent are burned out most of the time.
Perhaps you’ve experienced that feeling of overwhelming exhaustion at one time or another as you try to juggle your numerous responsibilities as a mother. If so, you may need to squeeze in regular breaks in your routine and adopt habits that can help boost your depleted energy and refresh your tired mind and body. Otherwise, there’s a high chance you’ll suffer from burnout and hurt your physical and mental well-being as a result. If you’re looking for ways to recharge your mommy battery, here are several ideas you may want to consider: Practice a Relaxing Bedtime Routine Getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night is non-negotiable if you want to revitalize your exhausted body and mind. After all, a good night’s sleep is the most powerful body recharger. It helps your body repair itself, it helps boost immunity, and it triggers the release of hormones vital to fighting stress, infection, and inflammation. That’s why you should do everything you can to achieve sufficient and high-quality sleep. Train your kids to go to bed early and avoid staying up late watching television, using mobile devices, or doing other things that can reduce the time you spend in bed. More importantly, implement a relaxing bedtime routine to help you fall asleep faster and sleep longer. Perhaps you can take a warm bath, change into comfy clothes like an oversized shirt and soft cotton leggings, and listen to relaxing music to wind down and prepare your mind and body for sleep. Reserve One Day for Yourself If you want your battery to last for a whole week, you probably need an entire day to yourself so that you can decompress and nourish your body and soul. Perhaps you can ask your partner, in-laws, or your parents to take care of the kids on Saturdays so you have time to get a massage, have coffee with friends, go to the salon for hair treatments, or do anything that makes you happy and relaxed. You can also stay at home, if you want, and do your chosen self-care regimen therein. Whatever you choose, commit and enjoy the experience.. Exercise While it may appear to defeat the purpose of resting and recharging, incorporating physical activities into your regular schedule can be a remarkable way to boost your energy. That’s because exercise triggers the release of endorphins, the neurochemicals that improve mood, alleviate stress, and provide an overall sense of well-being. Instead of making you feel tired after engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity, endorphins provide a natural “high” or a burst of energy needed to carry out your mommy duties afterwards. Moreover, regular exercise can help you sleep better at night, so you’ll feel refreshed and energized the following day. Can’t squeeze in time to work out? Consider exercising with your kids. You can take a walk in the park, play tag in the yard, swim in the public pool, or follow kid-friendly exercise videos online. You can also do stretches or squats while waiting for the washing machine to finish a cycle or watching your children play. Engage in Creative Hobbies Recharging doesn’t only mean resting physically. More often than not, you need to recharge mentally to do your mommy duties properly and joyfully. To avoid being psychologically drained, consider engaging in creative pursuits, like quilting, photography, or watercolor painting during your free time. One study published in the Journal of Public Health found that creative hobbies are a meaningful vehicle for improving well-being. Find a hobby you’re interested in and make time to enjoy it. Take Regular Mommy Breaks Taking regular breaks from your busy day is necessary for you to be able to fight fatigue and replenish your energy. Learn to listen to your body. If you feel tired, stressed, and overwhelmed, let your children watch cartoons or play video games a little longer than usual so you can take a few moments to pause and do nothing. Close your eyes, light a scented candle, and relax. Better yet, give yourself at least 10 minutes a day to pause and recharge instead of waiting to reach your limit before taking a break. Perhaps you can make afternoon nap time for your kids mandatory if you have small children to help you get that much-needed rest. Or maybe you can introduce an engaging activity like doing puzzles or painting to keep your kids preoccupied while you try to refresh yourself. Hopefully, these tips gave you plenty of ideas on how you can recharge and acquire more energy to care for your kids and loved ones. Whether you adopt them entirely or modify them to suit your situation is up to you. The important thing is you exert effort and make changes to your everyday routine so you could protect your well-being. That way, you can avoid burnout and enjoy motherhood to the fullest.
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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!! 
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!!! 
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. 
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:
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!!! 
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). 
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!!
Guest post provided by Hue.
Deciding what to wear to your child’s school functions can be challenging as there are often no clear-cut rules, unlike ordinary events. There’s also the added pressure of wanting to leave a good impression or show your best self to teachers, administrators, and other parents without going overboard. After all, you’re representing your child, so the least you can do is appear presentable and wear outfits appropriate for the occasion.
Perhaps you often struggle with trying to figure out what to wear for different school functions. Or maybe you’re searching for outfit inspiration to make dressing up more fun and less stressful this school year. Either way, read on. This piece will offer pointers and outfit ideas that you can wear to various school functions, from sporting events to fundraisers.
Sports Activities
Supporting your athletic child while sitting on the bleachers naturally requires a casual ensemble. However, it doesn’t mean you should just wear sweatpants, workout clothes, and similar pieces that you typically wear while lounging at home. What you need are comfortable yet dressier options that make you look and feel good. You can wear a white sweater dress under an oversized beige knit sweater paired with quality black leggings and white leather sneakers. Finish the look with a black crossbody bag for a chic yet relaxed appearance. You can also put on an off-white hoodie, an army green puffer vest, dark wash skinny jeans or denim leggings, and low-top trainers. Accessorize with a dark navy beanie to complete the look. 
Parent-Teacher Conferences
You never know what can happen during parent-teacher conferences. Besides meeting with your child’s teachers, you might also explore students’ exhibits and booths, mingle with other parents, or take a tour of the campus. As such, you need an outfit that allows you to sit, stand, and move around comfortably, not to mention something stylish so you can walk with a spring in your step. When in doubt, your best bet is to go for a fit-and-flare dress in a neutral hue, as this style can help you create an elegant and feminine vibe. Wear it with a cardigan and pointy flats or low heels that complement the color of your dress to tie everything together. If you want to wear pants, consider selecting dressier types like cigarette or stove pipe pants. Pair them with an asymmetrical top, a stylish blouse, or a white button-down shirt. As for shoes, closed-toe pumps, kitten-heel sandals, and strappy heels are great options.
Field Trips
If you’ve signed up to chaperone your kid’s school trip, you need something that’s not only fashionable but also comfy and functional. That’s because there’s a great chance you’ll spend considerable time on your feet managing and keeping an eye on playful children. When selecting clothes, remember to consider the weather and the itinerary. Stay comfy and warm with a chunky sweater, jeans, and ankle boots with padded insoles during the cooler months. For warmer days, you can wear a short-sleeve button-up shirt, a dark-colored t-shirt, or a linen tunic. You can pair them with denim leggings and comfy rubber sandals or espadrilles for a cute summer vibe. Whatever pieces you choose, make sure they’re suitable for academic environments. That means tank tops and shorts are a no-no, even if the weather is hot and humid. You may also need to bring additional layers to keep you comfortable throughout the day. Consider packing a shawl or a lightweight jacket that you can readily use to stay warm when visiting museums, auditoriums, and similar places that are usually chilly. 
Plays, Recitals, or Talent Shows
Attending school plays, recitals, talent shows, and similar functions where your child will go on stage and perform is a remarkable opportunity to show them that you value their skills and talents. When planning a suitable outfit, you may want to avoid overly casual pieces, like graphic tees and distressed jeans. Instead, look for dressier options that suit the venue. If the show is in the school auditorium or local hall, you can opt for a smart casual outfit—something neat and polished but not too formal. For instance, you can wear a black blazer over a printed blouse and go for dark-wash, well-fitted jeans and black heels to achieve a relaxed yet sophisticated look. When attending school shows in formal venues, try to dress up a little bit more, especially during the evenings. A black wrap dress paired with black heels is a great option, as it flatters the figure and makes you look taller. Add a splash of color to your ensemble with statement earrings or bracelets. You can also wear a stylish blouse with a pencil skirt in a dark shade and pointed-toe heels. Complete your elegant look with a well-made handbag that complements your outfit.
Fundraising Events
School fundraisers are important events where you can meet the school administrators, stakeholders, and other important people. So, make sure to dress up in a way that makes you feel confident and empowered. Consider a well-fitted black or dark gray dress with a classic cut and stylish black heels. You can also opt for a printed dress, but try to stick to delicate and subtle prints on a neutral-colored background. Moreover, keep your accessories simple and classy to create a polished and put-together appearance. Hopefully, this piece gave you plenty of ideas on how you can dress up for various school functions. Ultimately, the key is to keep your outfits simple and classy, even if the event requires more casual attire. Remember, what you wear can affect people’s perception of you and, indirectly, how they see your child. Thus, you may want to make an effort to ensure that what you wear always reflects your best self.
These myths may make you reconsider no medical exam life insurance as an option for you.
This is a sponsored guest post provided by Responsival. 
When people think of life insurance policies that do not require a medical exam, they most often assume those types of insurance are reserved only for people with serious medical issues. However, that is absolutely not the case. While this type of insurance is a great option for people with health issues, it can also be an option for people in perfect health. This misconception, on top of the many other misconceptions people often have about life insurance with no medical exams ultimately ends up unnecessarily limiting the options people have for life insurance types. Let’s debunk some of those myths and discuss some of the most popular life insurance types that do not require a medical exam. Debunking the Biggest Misconceptions About No Medical Exam Life Insurance What you believe to be the case about no medical life insurance may not actually be true. 
Getting life insurance is a big decision, so of course, those shopping around for a policy that suits their needs want to do their due diligence when researching. Because many people have so many misconceptions about no medical exam life insurance, they may not consider this type of insurance as a legitimate option. With these 7 myths explained, no medical life insurance may be a serious contender when searching for life insurance policies.
Myth #1: Life Insurance With No Medical Exams Are The Only Option For People With Pre-Existing Conditions People with pre-existing conditions commonly believe that they will not qualify for traditional life insurance policies or that their life insurance premiums will be completely unaffordable, thus leaving them with no medical exam life insurance as their only option. While each situation will be evaluated by an insurance carrier, many people with pre-existing conditions would be surprised to learn that they can still get a traditional policy at an affordable rate. In fact, there are very few pre-existing conditions that would disqualify someone from a traditional life insurance policy. Some of the medical conditions that may disqualify someone from traditional life insurance may include but are not limited to:
Myth #2: People Can Only Get No Medical Exam Life Insurance If They Are Old Age is a determining factor that does indeed play part in life insurance premiums and rates. Generally speaking, someone young is expected to have a longer life expectancy than someone who is a bit older and therefore is a lower risk to life insurance companies. Just because someone is young and in good health doesn’t mean they can’t also consider life insurance with no medical exams. While they are more likely to get a lower premium and higher coverage amounts with traditional life insurance options, young people can still get quotes for policy options that do not require a medical exam. While some types do require applicants to be within a certain age range or have certain health issues, not all do. So, both traditional and no medical life insurance options should be considered. On the flip side, just because someone is older, that doesn’t necessarily mean that no medical exam life insurance policies are their only option. Traditional insurance policies may have a higher premium rate and lower coverage, but older adults are still very likely to be approved for a policy of some type if they are in good health. Myth #3: People Only Qualify for No Medical Exam Life Insurance If They Are Sick While life insurance policies that do not require a medical exam are great for people who have been denied coverage from traditional policies because of their health, that’s not the only reason why someone may want to get this type of policy. In fact, people in perfect health may still prefer policies that don’t require a medical exam. Here are some common examples of why that may be the case:
Myth #4: No Medical Exam Life Insurance Applications Will Not Ask Any Medical Questions Of course, much like the name suggests, when applying for life insurance with no medical exam, there will be no medical exam needed. However, many people assume that the application process requires no medical information at all. In actuality, that is dependent on the type of life insurance policy someone applies for, so someone may still need to answer questions about their own health or their family’s health history. For example, a simplified life insurance application will ask the applicant a few questions about their medical history in order to determine the coverage and premium amount. On the other hand, guaranteed life insurance will not ask any medical questions at all. Myth #5: No Medical Exam Life Insurance Is Unaffordable Typically speaking, a life insurance policy that does not require a medical exam does tend to be more expensive than that of a traditional life insurance policy. Because companies do not take as much medical information into consideration, policyholders are automatically considered a higher risk. That’s why premiums tend to be a bit more expensive. What someone considers affordable is dependent on their own personal situation. However, with options to work with a broker or an agent or shop around to compare quotes online, it is possible to find an affordable life insurance policy that does not require a medical exam. Myth #6: Life Insurance Policies With No Medical Exams Can Provide Similar Coverage as Traditional Life Insurance Policies When comparing the coverage of traditional life insurance policies to policies that do not require a medical exam, more often than not, policyholders are often able to get a much higher amount of coverage with a traditional policy. A no medical exam life insurance policy, like guaranteed life insurance, may only cover up to $25,000, whereas a traditional life insurance policy can often offer a much higher coverage amount. Sacrificing a medical exam for life insurance does come at a cost in most cases. However, many people are able to find the appropriate amount of coverage they need as they shop around for different options. Myth #7: Coverage Is Instant Once Approved Many people assume that when they are approved for a life insurance policy without taking a medical exam, they have instant coverage. This is not always the case and absolutely depends on the type of life insurance policy. With a simplified life insurance policy, the policyholder is covered as soon as they are approved. With a guaranteed life insurance policy, the policyholder has to go through a waiting period between 2-3 years depending on the company and the policy details. It is always best to double-check when the coverage goes into effect when getting a life insurance policy. Common Types of No Medical Exam Life Insurance Policies Explaining the top 3 most common types of life insurance options that do not require a medical exam 
No medical exam life insurance policies are not just for people with serious medical conditions, though it can be a good option in those instances. As people shop around for a life insurance policy that works for them, no medical exam policies should be considered in the running just in case one does fit their lifestyle and needs. Of the most common types of no medical life insurance policies, people typically consider accelerated term life insurance, simplified life insurance, and guaranteed life insurance.
Accelerated Term Life Insurance While there used to be a time when someone could only get life insurance through a broker or an agent, that’s just not the case anymore. With more and more life insurance options popping up online, life insurance policies are only getting more accessible. Now, it’s even possible to get no exam term life insurance policies under an accelerated process. Accelerated term life insurance is not something that’s offered by every life insurance provider, but it is becoming much more popular. It’s the same as a traditional life insurance policy, however, the application is much simpler and faster. In this case, an applicant would provide details about previous health records, financial information, and lifestyle habits. With these details, companies opt to use algorithms to bypass the need for a human underwriter to review the application. Depending on the applicant’s situation, they can get a fairly high coverage amount for an affordable rate. Despite the simplicity, if someone is in poor health or has a family history of serious medical conditions, they may be denied coverage. An accelerated approach to term life insurance is a great option for people in good health who need coverage quickly, but may not be the best option if they have serious health issues. Guaranteed Life Insurance Guaranteed life insurance is a common type of policy that does not require a medical exam. In this instance, when someone applies for a guaranteed life insurance policy, not only is the medical exam not required but there is also no requirement for the applicant to answer any type of health questionnaire or give any information about medical history records. In an instance where health problems disqualify someone from getting any other type of life insurance, guaranteed life insurance is typically the best option. Because many of the people who get guaranteed life insurance are in poor health, life insurance providers view guaranteed life insurance policyholders as a high risk. Because of that, guaranteed life insurance policies have small death benefits, high premiums, and long waiting periods until death benefits kick in. While it does depend on the company and the policy, people who get guaranteed life insurance can expect to only get a death benefit between around $2,000-$25,000. The waiting period for this type of insurance is on average between 2-3 years, so if the policyholder dies before that waiting period is over, the death benefit is not paid out. With this being said, life insurance providers will repay the premiums of the policyholder, oftentimes with interest. Simplified Life Insurance Simplified life insurance is a type of no medical exam policy with an extremely short and simple application process. While the applicant doesn’t have to take the medical exam, the application for simplified life insurance policies does tend to ask a few health questions, though that portion is fairly brief. The health questionnaire allows life insurance companies to assess an applicant's health risks in a modified format so that they can set appropriate death benefits and premiums. While the process of getting a traditional life insurance policy can take anywhere from 1-2 months, a simplified life insurance policy may only take days for coverage to go into effect once approved. Beyond the benefit of not taking a medical exam, people typically opt for a simplified life insurance policy if they need coverage quickly. In comparison to guaranteed life insurance, simplified life insurance policies may offer a higher death benefit, which can be anywhere between $5,000-$100,000. Though premiums are a bit higher than traditional life insurance policies, simplified life insurance policies are a good route for people who need life insurance quickly. Finding a life insurance policy can be a tough decision, and limiting the options only makes that decision harder. With these misconceptions about no medical exam life insurance policies explained, this type of insurance may no longer be ruled out as an option. Though no medical exam life insurance policies may not be the best option for everyone, they could be the right option for you. 
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
Theme Parks
Attractions
Animal Fun
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: 
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...
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??
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!! 
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. 
Why I love it:
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! 
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Primary but all thoughts and opinions are my own :)
Looking for CUTE and QUALITY clothes for babies through big kids? Look no further than Primary and shout it out loud with me y'all: EVERY COLOR FOR EVERY KID!!!!! YESSSSS!!!!! Primary does not have boys and girls listings and I couldn't love that more. You simply shop by size (from newborn through 14Y, and some coordinating tops for grownups, too), by color, or by clothing type (ex. underwear, tees, dresses, etc). On their FAQ page, they say, "Clothes and colors don’t have genders, so it never made sense to us to organize them as if they do. We make dresses for kids who wear dresses, pants for kids who wear pants, PJs for kids who wear PJs. We make the clothes, but kids make the choices."
We have a $75 gift card to Primary.com in my 2021 Back to School Giveaway, enter to win that at the bottom of the post, but FIRST, check out our family's ADORABLE unboxing and fashion show of some coordinating threads we just got from Primary! 
We decided to go with the "Lollipop" coordinating colors, since they were nice and bright and a color kinda between red and hot pink that we all love! I was a bit disappointed the "Lollipop Henley Tee" we got for my son wasn't a 100% match to the reds in the rest of our clothes. It's "heathered" and actually says that in the product description which I didn't bother reading, whoooops! But it still works, let's him stand out a bit, and maybe good for us to not be so obnoxiously matchy matchy LOL!
On the left, Emi is wearing the Swing Tee (on sale now for $9.50) and Skinny Jeans ($29.50) in dark wash. She usually wears a size 5 so we went for the 6/7 and it's a bit big but fits nicely. The size 6 skinny jeans fit great! Emi is a great example of why kids clothing shouldn't be sorted by gender. She would choose big brother's baggy hand me down tee and soccer shorts over a dress any day. She can't explain why she likes what she likes, and doesn't like what she doesn't like. She just does! I wasn't sure if she'd go for the Swing Tee because she usually vetoes any kind of frill or poof, but she likes it, and LOOOOOOOOVES her new jeans! Phew!
In the middle, Mia is wearing the Recess Dress (on sale now for $12.50) and purple leggings part of the Raspberry Mix 3-pack of leggings ($36). She's quite petite and usually wears a 4/5; this dress is a 6/7 which is why it's kinda swimming on her, but hey, we'll get a few years' wear out of it!! She can't stop spinning and swirling in this. She's hilarious! She's team skirts and dresses for life I think! As mentioned above, Kenzo on right is in the Lollipop Henley Tee (on sale for $12.50). He usually wears a size 8 and the size 8/9 and it fits perfectly. He's also wearing the slim jeans ($29.50), size 8. He usually fights me on jeans, choosing joggers instead because, obviously, they're more comfortable! (I hear ya kid, I live in my leggings!) But these have more stretch than jeans he's worn before, so I think he's sold. Which is awesome because he's going back to school in September after 1.5 years at home and I really don't want him at school in jogging pants every day. But, then again, probably not a battle should be worrying about! Below I've got my son's slim jeans next to my daughter's skinny jeans. Obviously they're different sizes but you can see the skinny leg is slightly more tapered at the ankle. They both feature adjustable waists with elastic and buttons inside. AND they both feature real pockets, real belt loops, real zipper, and a FAKE OUTTER BUTTON - yes, they snap! EASY PEASY. They're both a great denim material with a good stretch to them (73% cotton, 25% recycled polyester, 2% spandex). 
My husband is 5'7" and usually wears a Men's Small - the Small Classic Fit Tee ($18) fits him perfectly. I'm 5'8" and usually wear a women's Small or Medium - the Small Slim Fit V-Neck ($18) fits me perfectly. You can see in the below photo (I hope) how they are cut slightly differently, I would say they pretty much correspond to traditional sizes in Men's for Classic and Women's for slim fit, which has shorter and more narrow cut arms/shoulders, and a shorter cut length. Ours don't seem any different width wise, or not significantly. They're both super soft loose fitting tees, not skin hugging or anything.
We had fun picking out our coordinating family outfits, and look forward to doing more Back to School clothes shopping with Primary (they have washable cotton masks with removable filters for adults and kids, too)!!!
Don't forget, you can win $75 shop credit to Primary.com in our $500+ Value Jackpot Back to School Giveaway running through August 17, 2021!! Enter to WIN Here!! 
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by DiscountGlasses.com but all thoughts and opinions are my own. There are affiliate links included below, you won't pay more but we'll receive a small commission made from purchases after clicking.
Over the past year and a half, we've learned alot about protecting ourselves from germs. This summer, make an effort to protect yourself from the sun! We're talking sunglasses, sunblock, and UPF50+ clothing. But don't worry, you can be sun safe AND be cool - literally and figuratively LOL! With that in mind, here is my quick list of 2021 Summer Must Haves!!
Sunglasses
Proper sunglasses not only protect your eyes but also the delicate skin around your eyes. I went way too many years without wearing any, and you know what? My crows feet have crows feet. But it's never too late to start taking care of yourself, so I always wear sunglasses outside now, year round! Having a few fun pairs to choose from helps, that's why I love DiscountGlasses.com - they have an amazing selection of glasses and sunglasses for kids and adults, some for as low as $20!! What's more, they have virtual try-on, you can update your prescription online for free, and they have free 365 day returns! My latest pair (above photo) are the Lunettos Jean, which feature an oversized but super lightweight matte black plastic frame that is so fun and flirty! I upgraded to prescription lenses since I can't see anything past my nose these days LOL! With 100% UVA/UVB protection, you'll see me rocking these poolside, in the yard, at the park, pretty much everywhere this summer!
UPF 50+ Clothing & Swimwear
I grew up thinking tanned skin made me more beautiful. *cringe* Now, I understand tanned skin is actually DAMAGED skin, and while I still long for a tan I'm doing my best to keep my kids' and my own skin protected from the sun. When I can avoid sunblock, I do, with UPF 50+ protective clothing. I've been putting my kids in long or short sleeve rash guards since their very first time at the pool as babies! But I just got MY very first rash guard (from UV Skinz - see our 2 youtube reviews below) and wore it while we were at the waterpark for 7 hours last weekend. I was worried it'd be hot and annoying but actually, it had the opposite effect - if I kept it damp it kept me comfortably cool!! Not to mention I didn't have to worry about my shoulders, chest, and back burning like they almost always do, even if I put on sunblock! So, yeah, that's it, rash guards for life!
Waterproof Phone Case
Protect your phone from water but still use it to take calls, photos, and videos in a CaliCase! These waterproof phone cases are padded, float, and are simply amazing. Check out my full review here (with video demo to show you how great your photos and videos come out!) and get 20% off yours here with code: japanfam (No, I'm not wearing my rash guard in the above photo, I took it off at 4pm LOL) 
Sunblock
When you can't cover up, you gotta lather up - in UVA/UVB water resistant SPF 50+ mineral sunblock! I always refer to the EWG Skin Deep Database to make sure any products I'm buying are "safe" and our favorite, is ThinkBaby / ThinkSport (same product, just different packaging). It's vegan, reef-friendly, zinc oxide 20% (non-nano), is creamy (easy to apply), and smells SO GOOD! Free from PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, and toxic chemicals! We love this stuff! We always get the regular cream but they also make a sunscreen stick. While sunscreen sprays look easy, I avoid it because I don't want me, my kids, or nearby folks inhaling that stuff!! 
Blended & Iced Coffee Drinks
Coffee and caffeine is a yearround need for me (and most), but in summer, it's gotta be cold brew, iced coffee, or blended like a DIY frapuccino, am I right?! I've recently fallen in love with Javy liquid microdose coffee - no brewing, you just add 1-2 tsp to your drink and boom - ready to enjoy! It's delicious, and effective LOL!
Insulated Travel Mug / Water Bottle
We are huge Contigo fans here, our kids grew up on their straw and sippy cup plastic bottles and now they've graduated to the huge insulated stainless steel water bottles my husband and I use, too! Throw some ice water in there in the morning, leave it in the hot car, and at the end of the day it's still icy!! They keep drinks hot up to 7 hours and cold up to 18 hours! They are amazing, a must have all summer, and quite frankly, all year. You can get the auto-seal kind where you squeeze it to drink (great for kids since you can't spill!!), or get a snap top, in 16 - 24oz sizes!
Sun Hats & Headbands
Sun hats help keep your face shaded - you'll stay cooler and avoid sun damage. You may want to opt for one that is adjustable size or has a chin strap if using in windy location (ex. beach), and finding one with good ventilation is key to avoid major sweat. Speaking of sweat... if you have bangs, like me, ugh. Summer sweaty forehead and bangs do NOT mix. I have a newfound love for headbands!! I'm loving this 6-pack of boho headbands I found on Amazon! Many colors to choose from, they're comfy, and bonus, they fit both me and my 5 year old girls! Sharing is caring!!
Sundresses
Nothing says staying cool like an easy breezy sundress! From tank and tee swing dresses to minis and maxis, even some have POCKETS (yes, now that song is in my head...) There are SO many to choose from and you can find them for cheap, I'm talking $10-30 a pop!!
So, what do you think? Have I inspired you to up your game this summer? What is on your must-have for summer list??
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased :)
We just got back from a full (hosted) day at the Liberty Science Center and had THE. BEST. TIME! For the full experience of the new dinosaur exhibit and see what the entire center has to offer from the largest planetarium in the western hemisphere to hot wheels exhibit and and so so soooo much fun for the kids (and adults!), be sure to watch our highlights video here, then keep reading for details on their latest exhibition, Sue the T-Rex Experience!
I've always been into dinosaurs, I mean, who isn't!? I've seen my fair share of fossils and full-size replicas but honestly, Sue the T.Rex Experience at Liberty Science Center is a completely different ball game and you will LOVE. IT!
Upon entering the exhibit, you immediately find yourself face to face with the huge and menacing Sue, named after the paleontologist who discovered the fossils during a commercial excavation trip in South Dakota in 1990. Standing at 40 feet long and 13 feet tall at the hip, she is the most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found and has helped scientists learn more about T. rex than ever before... and now we can learn about her at Liberty Science Center!
They do a great light show on Sue, which is beautiful and educational - they highlight different bones as they talk about what each finding has revealed about her life, and death! This was fascinating, as well as the large movies they play on the opposite side of the room where you can watch daily life for her and other dinosaurs at the time, including some pretty action-packed fight scenes which my kids found especially captivating (me, too)!
Another highlight was the life-size replica of Sue enjoying a tasty meal (see above right image) - you can see the bloody tooth marks on her prey, you can touch the skin, it's just really breath-taking and makes it feel so incredibly real! Just next to it you can even take a whiff of what they think her breath smelled like. WARNING: it's revolting!!!! Watch our video to see our hilarious reactions! But as with everything at LSC, it's a fun learning experience - we learn her breath would have smelled horrible, of rotting meat, because they had small gaps between the teeth where meat would get trapped, and obviously, they couldn't brush and floss LOL!
While large and in charge Sue dominates the exhibit, there are some other fossils and replicas to see and learn about, like the life-sized Triceratops (above right)! Give yourself at least a few hours (if not a full day) to explore this exhibit and the rest of the museum. It's a great family-friendly trip!!
TICKETS:
PANDEMIC SAFETY:
We hadn't been to Liberty Science Center (or any indoor activities like it) since the time I now refer to as #PrePandemic, so I was very curious to see how things would be handled. Rest assured, we felt completely safe! They took the kids' temperatures upon entry to the science center, masks are required for ages 2+ (regardless of vaccination status), they kept exhibits to a low capacity with short lines outside so they could maintain safety without crowds, and the cafe is closed, however they do have limited spaced out indoor dining seating (outdoor as well) and if you find yourself in a pinch they also have some vending machines with drinks and snacks. |
 
About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins plus 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, saving moms time finding the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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