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DIY Sustainable Toilet Bombs
I am by far the most lazy environmentalist (sustainable-ish, remember?), so anything that I say is easy really must be. These DIY Toilet Bombs are EASY! Not only that – but it’s a natural, non-toxic, and plastic free way to keep your bathroom clean. With just 4 ingredients, these can be mixed in only 5 minutes.
What are we waiting for?!
Why is Plastic Free Important?
No one has outlived a piece of plastic. That’s a scary thought! Plastic isn’t as recyclable as most people think, and when it breaks down it enters your waterways, wildlife, and even our bloodstream! Not to mention, plastic leeches toxins that can cause some long term effects for us humans. Why not avoid that altogether and go plastic free?
Things to Know
This recipe is super simple! With only 4 active ingredients (which you probably have around the house anyway).
You could use either tap water or distilled water. The reasons for using distilled vs tap water would depend on your local tap water. If your tap water has a lot of minerals in it (hard water), it could leave water marks when cleaning (which defeats the purpose)!
Spray bottles work best for integrating the water/essential oils mix into the powdered mixture. No spray bottle? No problem! Slow and steady wins the race (explained in recipe).
DIY Toilet Bombs
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup Baking Soda
- 1/2 cup of Citric Acid
- Essential Oils: Lemon for disinfecting, add any other scent you like! I add Eucalyptus to. mine.
- 1 tsp of water
- Silicone Mold
- Spray Bottle (optional, but very useful)
Directions
- In a non-metal bowl, combine the baking soda and citric acid. Mix well.
- Combine water and essential oils either in a spray bottle, or cup or bowl.
- Spray the water and oil mix very slowly into the dry powder and mix.
The mixture will fizzle a little – that’s okay! If you are pouring from a cup or bowl it is very important to go SLOW here! - Mix around until it is damp (like damp sand). If the mixture is too crumbly, add water a bit at a time (slowly, so it doesn’t fizzle!)
- Press into mold. Make sure that you compress well, but you don’t need to fill to the top as it will expand as it hardens
- Keep at room temperature to harden for 2-3 hours
- Store in an airtight jar until it’s time to use!
Using Your Toilet Bombs
Ready to unlock your homemade cleaning power?
Just grab one of the toilet bomb tablets, plop in your toilet bowl, and let fizzle. That’s it! Sure, grab your brush and scrub if you m use, but your toilet will be sparking clean, smell great, and all sustainably done!
See, that was easy! And all it took was 5 minutes out of your day to prep. You should only need one toilet bomb per cleaning, but I live with 3 boys so sometimes 2 is needed depending on the size.
If you don’t have a silicone mold, most baking or craft stores will. Even silicone ice cube trays works! Have fun and play around with different shapes for your toilet bombs.
Ready to make it yourself? Tag me in your creations so I can see! Need some more inspo? Check out this video I made detailing the process.
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Easy Ways to be Sustainable with Babies
Babies, it all goes so fast but how does something so little go through so much waste!? Seriously, the average newborn goes through an average of 10 diapers a day. Now times that by the amount of years disposable diapers take to breakdown – roughly 500 years! There are conscious changes we can make to better our children’s future on this earth. It doesn’t mean making huge changes, but just knowing what is better for you, and your family.
This blog post was made possible by my friends at Goodnest
- Cloth Diapering
Cloth usually gets met with a side eye and some disbelief, that is until they try it for themselves. It’s not as overwhelming or dirty as is often assumed. In fact, it’s the cleaner way to live. Cloth diapers can be reused for up to three children. (Depending on care) Not only that, but they beat disposables by being made with natural materials (think hemp and bamboo), and there is no plastic touching your baby’s bottom. Cloth diapering also saves you money in the long run, we’re talking in the thousands. It’s time we rethink reusables for babies.
- Goodnest
Making sustainability accessible is what I like to see! Enter, Goodnest. Available at Targets nationwide, this line of baby care items is earth loving, plastic free, and better for baby. Their 3-in-1 body wash, shampoo and conditioner is gentle on our little one’s skin, with soft suds and no added dyes, synthetics, parabens or phthalates.
The silicone bottles are reusable. Pair it with the cleaning tablets and water and you have some gentle baby cleaning power. Check out this video breakdown of Goodnest.
- Baby Clothing Rental Membership
It’s no secret that babies grow out of their clothes in the blink of an eye. Even though you probably got an overload of cute outfits as gifts, the reality is they’re in pjs all day just like mom. That’s where clothing rental memberships come in. Pick what you like in the online closet, use it until your baby gets too big and send it back. Repeat as necessary! You don’t have to worry about buying a ton of clothes and having a closed loop system means clothes are doing their job and being loved!
- Make Homemade Purees
Knowing where your food comes from, and better yet locally produced food helps minimize your carbon footprint and impact on the environment. Making your own purees are a great way to know exactly what your baby is eating. It’s also a great way to prevent food waste, by using what you already have in your fridge. A mix of fruit, veggies, and even meats can be steamed and pureed for your baby’s food journey!
Being sustainable doesn’t mean a huge lifestyle change. It just means more conscious choices of what you buy and use in your home. Personally, I always look for ingredients that are plant based with no added chemicals, parabens, or plastic. Another huge factor for me is longevity. Will I be able to use this product or the packaging it comes in for a while? If not, is it easily recyclable?
Plus starting to make sustainable swaps young will make it normal for our children as they grow. They will be raised knowing we need to care for the world around us. The changes we make today will become the norm if we just keep it up! All I know is that if we don’t care for our planet now, then our kids won’t have much of it left to enjoy. We can all do our part for our planet, our kids, and future generations to come!
- Cloth Diapering
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10 Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers
It’s no secret that disposable diapers create a huge problem in our landfills, estimated to need 500 years to decompose. Being that disposables were invented around the 1950’s that means not us, not our parents, nor our grandparents have outlived disposable diaper waste.
While cloth diapering is the most sustainable option, it isn’t for everyone for reasons ranging from economic factors, to not having access to a regular laundry and wash routine. Not to mention the toxins and chemicals that most mainstream disposables carry. Don’t worry, my fellow planet loving parents – there are better options!
Let’s break down 10 of the most eco-friendly disposable diaper options, and dig deeper to what that really means!
Kudos
Kudos diapers are twice as plant based as other leading disposables on the market.
These diapers are not only absorbent, but leak proof! Made with 100% clean cotton in the liner – no plastic, they are working to become 100% planet friendly
2. Healthy Nest
Healthy Nest are also a sustainable choice. Made with plant based materials and without added dyes and toxins. They are also the first diapers to be EWG certified which upholds strict standards to confirm a product is toxin free. If you’ve never heard of these diapers you’ve most certainly heard of their parent company Happy Family Organics which make top of the line, organic, baby and toddler food.
3. Healthy Baby
No diaper, even these more sustainable options, are 100% biodegradable. That’s why we like Healthy Baby – there is no greenwashing, only transparency! They are the first EWG certified disposable diaper and use renewable plants like sugarcane instead of plastics. They’re made in Europe which has higher environmental standards than here in the US.
4. Dyper
Dyper brand are made of sustainable bamboo without added toxins or chemicals like latex, alcohol, or phosphates. They are safe for babies skin and biodegradable! Best of all they have a REDYPER program which lets you send back used diapers to be properly composted through TerraCycle to be used in projects all around the world!
5. Freestyle World
A tree free diaper – these are made with BambooTEK – a bamboo core which helps lock in wetness. They are strong against blowouts and have a Net Zero Plastic Waste certification which means they remove plastic from the environment. Not only are they planet friendly, but they have cute prints too if that’s your thing (it’s totally our thing).
6. Andy Pandy
Andy Pandy is 87% biodegradable, which is more than most of the diapers on this list! There is also no chlorine, PVC, alcohol, or preservatives. The downsides? Sizing is often off and not the best for overnight absorbency.
7. Coterie
Definitely considered a ‘luxury diaper brand,” Coterie has soft and absorbent diapers for your little ones. While not the most sustainable (only 25% is made of plant based materials) they partner with organizations that fund renewable energy sources as well as donating unused diapers to those in need.
8. Joone
Joone was founded on the principal of transparency. They have set high standards on the quality and traceability of their ingredients. Even providing the toxicology and clinical reports for their diapers. Made with sustainably sourced raw materials, they include non-toxic ingredients and are 100% biodegradable. Setting a high standard for other sustainable disposable brands.
9. Eco-Originals
The first plastic neutral diaper company, these diapers are made with 90% plant based materials. The company also dedicates themselves to building ethical recycling systems, renewable energy projects, and plant 1 tree per order. They offset the carbon from every order, which makes them zero-impact on carbon emissions. The diapers are 93% compostable and their wipes are 100% home compostable!
10. Eco by Naty
Founded by a mom for her own children, this brand of eco-friendly diapers were one of the first on the market (about 25 years). The diapers use renewable and compostable materials, like 100% wood pulp and is 85% compostable. They are also super transparent about their ingredient list and make a line of eco-friendly women’s care products.
How to Choose?
There are many brands with different values, ingredients, and price points. So, how do you choose the right eco-friendly disposable for your family? It really depends on you! There is no wrong answer, as sustainability is not linear. As I always say, we must focus on progress, not perfection. Even these small steps to a sustainable diaper is a big step in the long term well-being of our planet.
That being said, there were more mainstream brands that I chose to omit. While many claim to be better for the planet, that is not always the case and tends to greenwash in order to cater to a wider, more conscious customer base. I suggest looking into the ingredients and transparency of the brand you chose, like if they willingly share their supply chain and sourcing.
Either way, I am proud of you for taking a step in the greener direction. For you, for your family, and for our planet!
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Sustainability with Subtitles: How Latinidad Shaped My Environmentalism
I joke that I’ve always been sustainable-ish due to my Cuban upbringing. Cubans are known to be resourceful, but a lot of that has been out of necessity and lack of accessibility to the rest of the world (and its resources). Still, Latinos are some OG’s when it comes to sustainability. I know we’ve all had the metal galleta container only to find sewing needles, threads, buttons, and whatever else would fit. Lentejas o frijoles in the butter container. Resourceful repurposing.
I remember my teenage years when my abuela would expertly sew a patch on the inner thigh of my jeans, constantly ripping thanks to my thicker thighs. In a world where it is so easy to dispose she would renew. Socks were her speciality, she would never throw away a sock. If it had too many repairs then she would use it to clean. Our socks lived many lives.
Parties were no different. I think we ate on the same set of plastic plates for at least 10 years. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were even older than that. Red solo cups and gold utensils would be used for every celebration and family get together. I used to think “why are we washing these when they were made to be thrown away?” I get it now.
Plastic bags were folded into little triangles and placed into another, bigger plastic bag to hold them all. Take out containers would be stacked and threaten to fall every time we opened the cabinet. In them would be my daily school lunches (bistec con moros, usually) and leftovers from our weekly extended family meals. We kept every. single. container.
My family didn’t set up to be sustainable, it was out of necessity. Like many first generation Latinxs, my family came to this country with nothing and started from scratch, never forgetting where they came from. I used to be embarrassed from these practices at home. Little did I know the foundation it was setting for me. Hay comida en la casa also translates to stop food waste and use what you have.
While my sustainability journey may be a bit more upgraded, my roots lie in that brick building in Corona, Queens. I still save any plastic bags, while that rarely happens anymore. My containers are now glass. I still do it out of necessity but necessity for a better world.
Con mucho amor,
Alyssa
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10 Tips for Saving Water on World Water Day (and always!)
March 22nd is known as World Water Day! It was created to raise awareness of the BILLIONS of people that don’t have access to safe water, as well as saving this precious resource for the benefit and future of our planet.
But, what can we do? A lot actually! Here are 10 easy tips on saving water and the world!
- Turn your faucet off when brushing your teeth or washing your hands and face.
- Like to take hot showers? Put a bucket to collect the water as it heats up, then use it to water your plants and garden
- Maximize your water use. Make sure your laundry and dishwasher are full before running a cycle.
Did you know: running a dishwasher on a full load can often use less water than hand washing? - Couldn’t finish all your food? Wipe off your food scraps into a compost bin instead of rinsing into the sink.
- Take quick showers, and less baths.
- Shaving? Fill up a bucket or basin and use that instead of in the shower with the water running.
- Hand washing your dishes? Soap them all up first (with the faucet off), then rinse altogether. This saves water from constantly running and going down the drain.
Pro tip: If you have a double basin sink, use one side for washing and the other for rinsing! - Water your lawn only when it needs it!
- Collect rainwater and use to water your plants, garden, and even in your bathroom.
- Clean your fruits and veggies with a brush in a bowl instead of under the running water.
By no means is this a comprehensive list of saving the world, but it’s a start! As I always say small choices lead to big change. We can all do our part for the planet.
Remember, there are billions of people without access to safe water. This is a global problem that affects areas in almost every country, the United States included. Make sure you test your water to monitor the levels of chemicals and contaminants that may be present, and use products that are naturally derived to avoid any run off that can harm our waterways and ecosystem.
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Orlando, It’s Time to Getaway
Located just two hours from Orlando in High Springs, Florida is Getaway House! These cabins are your cozy tiny home away from home. Whether you need to disconnect, want to reconnect with nature, or just find some peace and quiet a Getaway House is for you! Getaway House gave our family the best gift, a sponsored two night stay so we could bond with our boys!
What is a Getaway House?
Getaway Houses are tiny cabins situated in the woods which help you disconnect from the world and connect with what truly matters. Each outpost has either one or two queen beds located next to a floor to ceiling window for the dreamiest of daydreams. Or, in my toddlers case, perfect for finding all the animals! He swears he saw an owl and a giraffe in the woods!
The cabins are all equipped with a kitchen with a stove, sink and mini fridge. There is heat and AC, and even hot water in the shower! So what’s missing? Wifi! You are truly meant to disconnect and soak in the world around you.
What to do?
There is plenty to do both in your Getaway House and in the surrounding area. You can grab a book from the little library they provide. There is also firewood stocked which you can use in the pit next to your cabin. We roasted some s’mores with the boys and told fun stories all night.
There is so much to do that will be a whole separate post! But you can grab a beer at the local brewery or explore one of the many state parks like Gilchrist Springs State Park. If you’re lucky, you might go in Manatee season!
But is it toddler friendly?
YES! Why wouldn’t it be?! As we had the bunk bed cabin, Patrick and I each took one kid to cuddle with. They had fun running around and jumping on the bed. Santi especially loved hunting for animals out of the big window with his binoculars. Gainesville is also a short drive away where there’s an awesome museum with interactive things for kids.
A Welcomed Break
As you may know, living in Orlando is like living on a permanent vacation. Sure the theme parks are fun, but the fast paced lifestyle can be a lot. I always welcome disconnecting whenever possible.
Not only that, reconnecting with nature is good for your mind, body, and soul. Recharging in wild Florida was just what the doctor ordered. It doesn’t matter if you visit the Florida house, Boston, Atlanta, or even New York – what matters is that you getaway! Treat yourself, you deserve it!
This was such a nice way for us to spend time with the boys. Any chance I get to teach the boys about the world around us is just an added bonus. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how they would like it being so young. But Santi and Cami bonded on this trip like I have never seen. I can’t wait to do another getaway here soon. Maybe child free next?
If you’re looking to Getaway, use code CASABOLANOS for $25 off your stay! Want a closer look? Check out my latest reel for all the details!
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Things to do with Toddlers in Orlando (That’s Not a Theme Park!)
Welcome to the City Beautiful! Believe it or not, Orlando is so much more than Disney and theme parks.
Yes, theme parks are fun too! But whether you live here or are just visiting, they get draining. With a 3 year old and an 18 month old, we always have to stay BUSY! Here are our top destinations when exploring Orlando.
Orlando Science Center
Without a doubt our favorite place in all of Orlando! The Orlando Science Center is the perfect all year round activity. Too hot? OSC has AC! Raining? It’s all indoors. With 4 levels of science learning made fun, this is an activity that all ages will spend hours enjoying.
For toddlers specifically, There are a number of scenes to explore. When you first walk in to your right you have KidsTown where babies to 7 year olds can interact. Orange Grove, Toddler Time, and of course the Drip Drop Splash area are not to be missed!
Central Florida Zoo
The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford is a great way to spend a day. With stroller friendly walkways throughout the zoo, it’s an easy journey visiting the more than 350 animals homed there.
They are AZA accredited which means the Central Florida Zoo is dedicated to protecting wildlife, conserving our natural habitats, and supporting scientific research. While there, pay a visit to the Botanical Gardens or enjoy cooling off in the Splash Pad.
Creative Jane
Creative Jane is a wonderful space where kids can learn through play, art, and expression. They have a toddler class which is a “creatively curated art and sensory experience” for walkers to age 4! This is open ended play that works on colors, shapes, even problem solving skills through the art stations and sensory bins.
Toddler classes are currently offered Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9-10 am, and again Wednesdays from 11-12pm. Pre-registration is highly encouraged.
Farms
When I tell you Orlando has it all, I’m not lying! We have incredible family owned farms all within an hours drive. Southern Hill, Amber Brooke, and Beck’s Brothers all offer U-Pick fruits and sunflowers at different times of the year. There are even family games, bounce pads, and incredible food and food trucks to sample!
Dinosaur World
Located in Plant City, Dinosaur World is nice for your Dino-obsessed kids. With over 200 life size Dinos in their lush prehistoric environments, fossil digs, and a playground on site – you’re likely to spend a few hours here. Just make sure you stock up on mosquito repellant.
Sea Life Aquarium
Sea Life Aquarium is located in one of the more touristic spots, but it’s not a theme park! Inside of ICON Park you’ll find Florida’s only 360 degree tank, along with thousands of sea creatures waiting to meet you! I love Sea Life not just because they are also AZA accredited but they do extensive rehabilitation for the creatures that come through their door.
If you have time, I really recommend the Behind the Scenes tour which gives you ultimate access to the aquarium. It shows their mini hospital on site, gives you a private peek above the seas, and you even get to feed some fish! I loved when we did it and will absolutely do it again when the boys are older and can understand the importance of the work being done at Sea Life.
That is just a little taste of what can be done around Orlando with kids! You can’t forget all the pop ups and seasonal events going on around town. If you want to stay up to date on the latest Orlando things to do make sure you’re signed up for our newsletters and follow on Instagram!
¡Hasta pronto, friends!
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Life, Motherhood, and Mental Health at 32
Hi, it’s been a while.
Life has been, well, life. I have been doing too much and I haven’t really followed through enough. So here I am being vulnerable on the internet to try and kick start the motivation once more. I recently turned 32 on January 6th and that’s had me reflect a lot, like most birthdays make you do.
TW: Mental Health
Life
If you follow along on Instagram or especially TikTok you’ll know I’ve been very outspoken on healing our generational trauma that in part stems from my own childhood abuse. This resulted in a lot of my family turning their backs on me for being so open. As shitty as that has felt, nothing has felt better than healing. I also started some pretty intense EMDR therapy that has helped me process so much. It’s also mentally, emotionally, and physically draining to do. But I am here to do the work so that my kids have a happy and healthy mom.
You may or may not know we opened up a store, a sustainable one at that. This was all in response to my former employer firing me during my disability leave. You know, the one I took when dealing with birth trauma from almost dying giving birth to Camilo. Anyway, that gave me the push I needed to chase a dream. And with that dream came imposter syndrome, debt, sleepless nights, flexibility, pride, and so much more. It’s called Oh Eco, it’s the first eco friendly store in Orlando and we’re doing something good here.
Balancing life and running a business has not been easy.
Motherhood
It never stops (as I write this with my 18 month old on my lap)….
We successfully potty trained Santi! The pride this kid has when he drops a deuce is on another level. It was easier than I thought (do you want a post on it?) and even Cami, at 18 months, is trying to potty train just from copying his brother.
Cami is a shop kid and hangs out with mamá y papá at the store. It’s nice to be able to have one on one time with him while Santi is in school. I’m sure other parents of 2+ can relate, the guilt I feel for having been able to focus so much on the oldest and the second doesn’t get that same attention. So whenever I can make memories with just Cami I jump on it.
Still breastfeeding at 18 months. After dealing with his birth and the aftermath, this was no easy feat. I’ve officially past my record which was 16 months with Santiago.
Mental Health
Like I mentioned before, therapy and healing has been intense. Due to me losing my former job I also lost health coverage for a bit which meant no therapy. I am nothing if not honest. I have really struggled with my mental health since.
I have been formerly diagnosed with anxiety disorder, manic depression, and PTSD. I have had suicidal tendencies in the past and recently have had moments where I have gone back to that mindset. It’s not easy for me to admit, nor am I proud of it, it’s just how life has been. I have to give it up to my husband, who has navigated around that and let me feel what I need to feel.
I always feel extremely guilty for having those thoughts and saying them out loud. I know I am so incredibly lucky to be alive. I have a strong marriage, supportive partner, kids who I am their world. Still, it somehow doesn’t negate the dark feelings of despair that sometimes come over me. I am getting better. I am trying to at least. I’ve come a long way from the 16 year old Alyssa but I’m only human and can only handle so much. Here are some things that have helped me:
- Getting outside every day
- Starting my day with gratitude journaling
- Listening to my favorite songs on blast while driving (old Fall Out Boy and The Hamilton Soundtrack are especially great to belt out)
- Working out
- Eating chocolate
- Making my cortadito in the morning
- Being consistent with my skin and hair care
- Snuggling with my boys
- Mindfully hugging my partner (seriously, hugs are linked to lower stress levels)
As simple as some of these seem, consistency and mindfulness has really helped. It’s part of my “fake it till you make it” mentality. If I can trick my mind into thinking it’s all good, it will be (eventually).
So if you’re struggling, please hold on
I can’t say it’ll all work out, or magically get better. But life comes in waves, or cycles. Yes there are bad moments but soon the good will wash that all away. and rinse and repeat. I’m trying to remember that myself – which is why I’m still here. Holding on for my life.
What’s to come…
I promise to be more consistent going forward. This is a promise I will keep because I have a bunch of exciting stuff to share! A NEW Florida getaway, cool stuff with kids, and of course tons of easy sustainable hacks and swaps to make life easier and the planet greener.
So thank you for being here. It means the world to me.
Hasta pronto, y con mucho amor,
Alyssa
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It’s a Bluey Christmas!
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx and Moose Toys
Hey Parents, we just won Christmas!
The perfect gift for your preschooler is here, and it’s Bluey’s new Ultimate Lights & Sounds Playhouse!
Our 3 year old loves Bluey, and we do too. Bluey and her adventures with her mom, dad, and sister
Bingo teach valuable life lessons in a fun way. As a parent I appreciate the themes of the show, whileSanti loves the adventures in each episode. So when I saw the Ultimate Lights & Sounds Playhouse on a Target run I knew I had to bring the fun home!
I have to say, I underestimated how much Santi would love this Playhouse! He played with it for hours
(which for a toddler is a big win). We even let him stay up a few minutes past bedtime because Santi
said Bluey and Bingo were in the middle of dinner.
The house looks exactly like Bluey’s house on their show and even comes fully furnished. There’s also a dance floor and when you press the octopus in the kid’s room it activates lights and over 50 sounds and phrases! It was so cool to see all the details of the show come alive through Santi’s imagination.
The Ultimate Lights & Sounds Playhouse is just the right size for our preschoolers too. Coming at 17” tall and 30” wide, it’ll be the biggest present under the tree! Better yet, when playtime is done the Playhouse folds up for easy storage or transporting it between home and grandma’s house.
With 3 floors of fun, 7 rooms, and tons of accessories like the furniture from the house, Bluey, Bingo, and Chattermax – there is no shortage of play and imagination to be had! You can find Bluey’s Ultimate Lights & Sounds Playhouse at your local Target or Walmart, or here just in time for the holidays. If it’s Santi approved, it’s a clear winner!
From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!
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Kids Holiday Gift Guide
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx
The holidays are rapidly approaching! If you’re anything like me it could get overwhelming to find the perfect gift for all the kids on your list. Luckily, I have put together the most fun gifts for boys and girls this Christmas! Check out the perfect gifts from Clixo, Real Littles, Candlewick Press, TOMY, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, and Stride Rite.
Tomy Toys
TOMY is on a mission to make the world smile! They have a wide range of innovative and high-quality toys for kids off all ages. We have two really cool gifts to share, the TOMY Games Pop Up Pirate and Monster Treads Lightning Wheels Transformers Optimus Prime.
Pop Up Pirate is great for family game night. It is a fun popping action and guessing game for ages 4 and up. Even better is there are no batteries required! The boys were having a blast! The laughs when the pirate would pop were absolutely worth it!
Monster Treads Lighting Wheels Transformers Optimus Prime
This was a clear winner for Santi! I mean, what boy doesn’t love big monster trucks and flashing lights. The cool thing is the faster the wheels turn the faster the lights flash! And with it being the Transformers Autobot Leader, Optimus Prime, you know he’s getting all the wild and crazy action there is around our house.
Clixo
I wasn’t familiar with Clixo until now, and I am glad I am! This STEAM approved toy is light and flexible, allowing kids to use their full imagination to build, play, and explore! The powerful magnets keep everything together while allowing for some cool 3D builds. Even myself and Patrick got in on creating some interesting pieces.
The best part?! You can save today! Use code: CLIXOBBX20 for a discount
Stride Rite
Stride Rite is a brand that needs no introduction! They’ve been making high quality shoes since 1919, allowing kids a full range of motion to run, play, jump, and climb to their hearts content. Both boys each got a new pair to ring in the holidays and new year with!
Santi got the Vincent Sneaker Boot with flexible treads that support multi-directional movement. Perfect for a very active child!
Cami is wearing the Artie Shoe which is APMA approved for first time walkers. Plus they are easy on and off since he can never just sit still!
Looking for a new pair for your littles? Use code BBRITE10 for $10 off a $70 purchase (valid now until 2/1/2023)
Disclaimer: $10 off your purchase of $70 or more at striderite.com. Discount applied in cart
with one-time use coupon code. Offer cannot be combined with any other special offers,
promotions or coupons. Offer may not be applied toward previous purchases, eGift
certificates, gift cards, shipping or taxes. Items marked “Final Sale” cannot be returned or
refunded. Consumer pays all applicable sales tax. Offer valid for in-stock merchandise only.
Other exclusions may apply. Void where prohibited by law. Stride Rite reserves the right to
cancel or modify this offer at any time. Offer valid through 2/1/2023 2:59 AM EST.A Very Mercy Christmas
A Very Mercy Christmas by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen and is from Candlewick Press is the perfect holiday story for the whole family.
Mercy Watson, everyone’s favorite porcine character from the best-selling Mercy Watson chapter book series, is starring in her very own Christmas story! So, if you read the previous Mercy Watson books, you will be delighted in seeing many familiar characters. This book celebrates community and kindness, which was a great lessons for the boys.
On the back of the book there is even an ornament that you can cut out and hang on the tree together! A heartwarming story with a great message.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is leading the way the world understands, treats, and
defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Their purpose is clear: Finding cures.
Saving children.® Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food—so they can
focus on helping their child live.These ornaments are inspired by artwork from St. Jude patients. Each purchase of the ornaments or a St. Jude pin go back to helping kids in the hospital. You can find out more HERE.
Real Littles
These are great gifts for the little girls in your lives! Real Littles is the world around us, made micro. The miniaturized replica of familiar things,people and places transport you to a shrunken-down world of play. It’s smaller than just “mini” –
it’s micro!We received the Real Littles Cutie Carriers, Real Littles Journal, and Real Little Backpack. Each of these are perfect for fun at home and on the go!
Your Christmas list made easy!
How great are all these gifts? I hope they help make your holiday shopping a bit easier. Which gift is your favorite for the season!? Let me know.
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Santa is BACK at ICON Park!
Santaaaaaaaa! You heard right, The Santa Workshop Experience has returned to ICON Park!
The Santa Experience
Located right next to The Wheel at ICON Park, Santa’s Workshop Experience has returned for another magical filled season! This unique set up has interactive photo ops like giant teddy bears and toys, a fireside photo op, and even tinker with Santa’s toys! There are 6 unique photo backdrops to entertain before the big reveal.
Once you make it around the corner, you’ll find the kindest Santa you’ve ever seen! With the rosiest cheeks and most jolly laugh, this Santa is a very calming presence even if your little one tends to be on the wary side. Santa looks straight out of an old time Christmas tale.
After the photo, he has a special gift, a golden dream coin for every child! This is so they can hold on to and remind themselves to stay on the nice list! Want a more personalized experience? If you book ahead of time you’re able to bring in a wrapped gift 24-48 hours in advance for Santa to give your child. Isn’t that incredible?!
From December 3rd-24th you confined Santa hanging out from 10 am to 8 pm. Reservations are highly recommended, as Santa is a busy guy!
You can make reservations here and check out the different photo packages they have available.
Want a sneak peek? Check out this first look on my instagram here!
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Celebrando Papa en Culver’s!
Thank you Culver’s for sponsoring this post. Celebrate dad today!
¡Papá! ¡Cuánto te queremos! Aunque siempre te queremos celebrar, para este Día del Padre estamos celebrando con un rico almuerzo en Culver’s!
Fuimos a nuestro Culver’s más cercano para disfrutar de un almuerzo para toda la familia. Lo que más nos gusta de Culver’s es la buena comida con el mejor servicio. Con hamburguesas deliciosas, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, y Frozen Custard te juro que vas a salir lleno y satisfecho!El favorito de papá es el ButterBurger, hecho con carne siempre fresca, nunca congelada y con un pan tostado con mantequilla encima. Puedes escoger de las opciones en el menú o construir la hamburguesa de tus sueños con las mejores opciones.
Culver’s también tienen el menú para niños que incluye la entrada donde puedes escoger entre hamburguesa o pollito, un acompañamiento de papitas, brócoli, o salsa de manzana, y postre! Claro que una visita a Culver’s no está completa sin la famosísima Frozen Custard!
Otra cosa que me alegró ver fue la dedicación al medio ambiente. Culver’s utilizando materiales compostables, como las bolsas de papitas. Estamos evitando acumular más basura en este mundo.
Todos elegimos un sabor diferente de Frozen Custard. Para mi esposo, el mejor Papá en el mundo, eligió vainilla con pedacitos de brownie por encima. Y yo, con chocolate soy feliz!
Culver’s es el mejor lugar para momentos especiales, y todos los días pueden ser muy especiales!
No te pierdas la oportunidad de celebrar lo bonito que es la vida, y lo especial que Papá es para la familia con Culver’s hoy, mañana, y siempre!
