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12 Fun, Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions on Galveston Island

by momfad_com

Disclosure: I received complimentary passes from the Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau and a rental 2018 Mazda6 Signature in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Every year my family plans a spring break trip to help us get through the last stretch of winter. This time we wanted somewhere on the Gulf Coast, and Galveston Island, Texas, kept popping up in our searches. The island has a special charm—family-friendly attractions, amazing food, and beautiful white-sand beaches. Put it all together and Galveston makes for a fun, relaxing family getaway.

12 Fun, Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions on Galveston Island

I’ve rounded up some of our favorite family-friendly things to do on Galveston Island. You could easily spend 3–4 days exploring, so plan for plenty of time!

12 Family-Friendly and Fun Things to Do on Galveston Island

1. Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens has three pyramid attractions: Rainforest, Aquarium, and Discovery. We visited the Rainforest Pyramid to see the plants and animals—my kids loved the otters, birds, and the terrarium marine life. Catch the talks and special exhibits if you can; we watched a marine feeding and the stingrays were a highlight. The Aquarium pyramid features a 1.5-million-gallon tank that feels like you’re under the ocean. The Discovery Pyramid offers museum exhibits, including a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles display. The grounds also have a ropes course and zip lines, Palm Beach lazy river, paddlewheel boats, theaters, and more. You can buy single- or multi-day passes or tickets to individual attractions. Allow several hours per pyramid.

2. The Seawall
The Galveston Seawall stretches more than 10 miles of beaches for sunbathing, picnics, swimming, and strolling. Lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, it offers great views—BLVD Seafood was one of our favorites. You’ll pay for street parking, but it’s an easy walk to the beach. Even on a chilly late-March day, we loved walking the Seawall, exploring the sand, and checking out the piers.

3. Harbor Tours
One of our favorite activities was a harbor tour with the Texas Seaport Museum. We took the Seagull II, a 50-foot boat, and learned about the area’s history, ports, wildlife, and industry. Dolphins even swam close to the boat, which thrilled everyone. The trip lasts about an hour—bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.

4. 1877 Tall Ship Elissa & Texas Seaport Museum
The Texas Seaport Museum is a great place to learn about local immigration and maritime history. It’s home to the Elissa, an 1877 tall ship you can board and explore above and below deck. My kids spent ages pretending to be pirates while checking every nook and cranny. Even cooler: Elissa is still a working ship—we saw her sailing a few days after our visit.

5. Eat ALL the Food
Galveston has a wide variety of delicious cuisines, and we made the most of fresh Gulf seafood. BLVD Seafood is perfect for a family meal with views of the Gulf and Pleasure Pier. We shared campechana (shrimp, crab, avocado, tomato with chips), soft-shell tacos, and cedar-plank salmon—don’t skip the bread pudding for dessert. For brunch, Yaga’s on the Strand is a bright, laid-back cafe with an affordable drink menu (carafes of mimosas for $9), and lots of brunch options—French toast, frittatas, burgers, and more. I loved the spicy “butta” shrimp. I’ve also heard good things about their live music and evening events.

6. Moody Mansion
The Moody Mansion is stunning and one of the nation’s most famous historic homes. Touring the house gives you a peek into the Moody family’s history and their impact on Galveston. The brick home features beautiful woodwork, art, and classic architecture.

7. Pleasure Pier
Galveston’s Historic Pleasure Pier is a family-friendly spot with rides, games, food, and shops—right on the water. The pier is lively and fun, with music and tempting smells. It can get pricey, so a wristband for unlimited rides is often the best value.

8. Space Center Houston
About an hour’s drive from Galveston, Space Center Houston is worth the trip. It’s an immersive, hands-on experience with over 400 exhibits—spacesuits, moon rocks, theaters, VR experiences, science demos, and astronaut talks. You can walk through the shuttle replica Independence mounted on the historic NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft and tour the massive plane. Our kids were blown away and talked about it for days. Budget at least 4–5 hours—there’s a lot to see.

9. Take the Ferry
A free ferry runs between Galveston Island and Port Bolivar. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and is a great, low-cost way to see the area—dolphins often follow the boat. Lines to drive on can be long, so consider parking and riding as a passenger. Kids love the higher deck for watching ships and the shoreline.

10. Seawolf Park
On Pelican Island, Seawolf Park features historic naval vessels like the WWII submarine USS Cavalla and the destroyer escort USS Stewart. Walk around and explore the ships to learn about life at sea and naval history. The park also has one of the island’s best playgrounds—bring snacks and drinks and let the little ones run.

11. Drive the Coast
Grab road-trip snacks and drive the coast. A unique perk of Galveston is that you can drive on parts of the beach with a pass. We stuck mostly to the roads but took a short cruise along the sand—so much fun. For our trip we drove a 2018 Mazda6 Signature, which was a great family sedan. The interior felt plush and comfortable (heated steering wheel and seats were welcome on a cold, rainy day), the back seat had plenty of room for two large car seats, and the trunk easily fit our luggage. Aerial view parking assist was handy for tight street parking.

The Mazda6 Signature has helpful driver assists: Mazda Radar Cruise Control automatically adjusted our highway speed to keep a safe distance from the car ahead; you can set how much space you want. We used a larger gap in heavy Houston traffic and tightened it for open-road cruising. Lane Keep Assist can feel surprising at first, but it was accurate and reassuring—if you drift, it vibrates the wheel and makes a small steering correction to guide you back. These features made driving smoother and safer for our family.

12. Schlitterbahn
Schlitterbahn wasn’t open when we visited, but it’s a well-known water park in Galveston. Their site says guests will find thrilling water slides, wave rivers, water coasters, longer rides, free parking, and picnic-friendly grounds—great for families and large groups.

Have you been to Galveston Island?
To see more photos and videos from our trip, check my Instagram highlight reel.

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8 Must-Have Toys Every 8-Year-Old Boy Will Love

by momfad_com

This post is sponsored by Wicked Uncle. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Summer is here, which means birthday parties and more free time with the kids home from school. We have a 6-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son, so we’re always on the lookout for toys that keep them busy, happy, and entertained.

8 Must-Have Toys Every 8-Year-Old Boy Will Love

Finding gifts for 8-year-old boys can be tricky. They’re past the cutesy toys but not quite ready for high-tech gear. The best choices challenge their growing bodies, engage their minds, spark creativity, and help them learn new skills.

Below are some of my favorite toys for 8-year-old boys from Wicked Uncle. They carry a huge selection of unique, well-loved toys for all ages—perfect for birthdays, Christmas, or just adding something new to your toy stash. You can even add gift wrap at checkout to make giving easier.

Here are my top picks:

– Sonic Booma Sports Boomerang — A whistling boomerang that flies 45–60 feet and reliably comes back. Great for burning off energy outdoors.
– Metal Detector — Perfect for backyard or beach treasure hunts. This one has a waterproof base, detects metals, and flashes and beeps when it finds something.
– Dodgetag — Combines dodgeball and tag. Comes with colorful Velcro vests and four soft dodgeballs for hours of active play. Great for family games too.
– Mega Bounce XTR — Super bouncy balls that can soar higher than a two-story building when thrown hard. Kids of all ages love them.
– Mini Hornit (Blue) — A bike and scooter light and sound accessory with 25 effects. Waterproof and easy to attach, it includes a remote trigger so kids don’t have to let go of the handlebars.
– Bump Balls — Two giant (36-inch) inflatable balls that let kids bounce, roll, and bump into each other safely. They’re a guaranteed laugh-fest.
– Wandini — A magic LED levitation wand with eight light modes. It creates cool light effects for backyard magic shows.
– Paper Planes – Fold, Fling, Fly! — A kit with a book, colorful paper, and everything you need to make 20 different paper airplanes. Perfect for rainy days and competitions.
– Stomp Rocket Ultra LED — Foam-tipped rockets that launch up to 100 feet when kids stomp on the launcher. The LED lights make night launches even more fun.

These are just a few of my favorite gift ideas for 8-year-old boys. Wicked Uncle also has a massive list of over 140 great toy and gift ideas if you want even more options.

One-Pot Garlic and Parmesan Pasta

by momfad_com

This post is sponsored by Pacific Foods® in partnership with SheSpeaks. All opinions are my own. #ad

If you’re always hunting for a family dinner everyone will like, this one-pot garlic parmesan pasta is a winner. The creamy garlic-parmesan sauce, made with Pacific Foods® Organic Free Range Chicken Broth, is flavorful, easy to make, and reliably loved by the whole family.

One-Pot Garlic and Parmesan Pasta

For weeknight meals, a recipe becomes a regular if it’s:
– Quick (under 30 minutes)
– Made with good ingredients
– Something everyone will eat

This one-pot garlic parmesan pasta meets all three. Pasta is one of my go-to dinners on busy nights. The garlic-parmesan sauce is a great base that works with many kinds of pasta and pairs well with chicken, shrimp, meatballs, or veggies. I like making a big batch for dinner and enjoying the leftovers later in the week.

One of the best parts is that it’s all made in one pot. Less cleanup means dinner feels easier. There’s no draining because everything cooks together—just toss the ingredients in a wide pot, stir now and then, and dinner is ready.

It’s cozy, comforting, and takes under 30 minutes: about 5 minutes of prep, 20 minutes to cook. I often serve it with grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, Italian meatballs, or a simple salad, broccoli, or green beans.

The sauce relies on three main ingredients: chicken broth, milk, and parmesan cheese. The chicken broth you pick really matters for flavor. I use Pacific Foods® Organic Free Range Chicken Broth because it combines organic free-range chicken, sea salt, and balanced seasoning for a full, rich taste.

I keep several cartons in the pantry for soups, rice, risotto, Instant Pot meals, and pasta dishes. A splash of this broth adds the right flavor balance. Pacific Foods® products use high-quality organic ingredients and are fat-free and gluten-free, giving wholesome nutrition without sacrificing taste.

How to Make One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
You’ll need a wide soup pot so the pasta fits. You can break the pasta in half if needed.

Ingredients:
– 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
– 8 garlic cloves, minced (I usually double up on garlic, but this recipe uses a moderate amount—add more if you love garlic)
– 4 cups Pacific Foods® Organic Free Range Chicken Broth
– 2 1/2 cups milk
– 16 oz fettuccine pasta (spaghetti works too; watch cook time and you may need more milk)
– 3/4 cup parmesan cheese (freshly shredded is best; pre-shredded is fine)
– 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Tips for Making This Dish:
– Use a large, wide pot so the pasta can be covered by the liquid. Break pasta if needed.
– Stir often, especially at first, to prevent sticking.
– Need a smaller batch? Halve the recipe for about 4 servings.
– If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is done, add more milk or chicken broth. Different pasta brands cook differently, so a splash of liquid fixes texture issues.
– Use tongs to help stir and move the pasta so it cooks evenly.
– Reheating can thicken the dish. Add a splash of milk while reheating and stir halfway through. I also enjoy it cold—leftovers firm up almost like a casserole and make a nice snack.

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Total time: 23 minutes
Servings: 8

Instructions:
1. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a large, wide pan. Heat over medium until the butter melts.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the Pacific Foods® Organic Free Range Chicken Broth, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat to a simmer and add the pasta. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is tender, about 18 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat when the noodles are cooked. Stir in the remaining butter and the parmesan cheese until melted and the pasta is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more milk or broth to thin it.
6. Serve right away and garnish with chopped parsley.

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Toys & Games: Gift Ideas for Boys Aged 5 and Up

by momfad_com

This post is in partnership with Babbleboxx and Moose Toys.
The holidays are coming, and I’m sharing some of my favorite gift ideas for boys ages 5 and up. I love picking out toys for my kids at this time of year. I try to choose toys they’ll play with again and again, toys that spark imagination, and most of all, toys that bring smiles and laughs.
Moose Toys is one of my go-to brands — they have so many great lines like Treasure X, Magic Mixies, Little Live Pets, and more. From action figures and arts & crafts to collectibles, dolls, and games, there’s something for every kid.
Below are a few of my favorite holiday gift picks for boys 5 and older!
Treasure X Skull Island
These micro playsets are packed with adventure — 15 levels of digging, blasting, and treasure hunting that keep kids engaged for hours. Players uncover two tiny figurines, find hidden temple secrets, and sometimes even discover real gold-dipped treasures (1 in 12 packs). The step-by-step unpacking and blasting process is easy to follow, and there’s fun sensory stuff like squishy pretend snow that my son loved. The kids really enjoyed exploring and finding surprises. You can find Treasure X Skull Island here.
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Deep Goo Sea
Sensory toys are a big hit with this age, and Deep Goo Sea fits the bill. Each figure is filled with a different type of goo — some even have tiny sea creatures floating inside — making them squishy, crunchy, and super stretchy. They can stretch up to three times their size, and the Double Goo figures include pop-out weapons. These are stretchy, gooey action toys that offer tons of tactile fun. Buy here!
Akedo Battle Giants
Battle toys are always a winner. The Akedo Battle Giants line has new supersized Beast Strike Giants and a button-bash controller for epic face-offs. Shadow Roach has Double Strike Armor — hit him once to see his armor burst off, then hit him again for a dramatic Split Strike. There’s also a line of mini battling warriors (25 figures across series 5 & 6) that are great for collecting and playing. These make perfect stocking stuffers — my kids love battling and already want more for Christmas. Purchase here!
Doo Doo Kangaroo
Silly games are always a hit in our house, and Doo Doo Kangaroo had the kids in stitches. You feed the kangaroo donut treats until he goes “doo doo” — when he’s full he wiggles and then lets it go. My kids thought it was hilarious (they’re big fans of bathroom humor), and the first to collect five donuts on their plate wins. It’s great for mixed-age play and is recommended for ages 3 and up. Available at Target.
Flipslide
We’ve had Flipslide for years and still love it. It’s a handheld electronic game where you flip and slide to match colors and beat the clock. There are four competitive modes — choose the speed, play by memory, solo, or head-to-head. It’s perfect for road trips or camping since it provides long stretches of focused fun (and you can turn the sound off). Great for older elementary kids (8+) and fun for adults, too. Buy here!
I hope these picks gave you some holiday gift inspiration!
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Toys & Games: Gift Ideas for Boys Aged 5 and Up

5-Minute Fresh-Faced Natural Makeup Look for Spring

by momfad_com

This post is sponsored by Burt’s Bees; the views and opinions are my own.

Spring always lifts my mood and inspires me to clean, organize, and refresh different parts of my life. My favorite refresh is updating my makeup. I love swapping out old items for fresh spring hues and lighter formulas.

5-Minute Fresh-Faced Natural Makeup Look for Spring

On my last Walmart run I grabbed a few new Burt’s Bees makeup pieces. I’ve long liked Burt’s Bees (I’ve shared other favorites before) because they focus on natural-origin, skin-nourishing ingredients. Their products are free of phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, and SLS, and they’re Leaping Bunny certified—no animal testing.

They’ve launched a new line I’m really into—the formulas are creamy and hydrating, and the shades are so pretty. I prefer a natural, less-is-more look, and these colors are perfect for enhancing your natural features. I’ve been playing with a few items and put together a quick five-minute natural look that’s ideal for spring: dewy, lightly highlighted, and great for everyday wear.

Burt’s Bees products I tried are packed with skin-loving ingredients to nourish and hydrate. My skin has changed over the years (hello, fine lines) and I tend toward dryness, so I was excited about the new Color Nurture cream eye shadow and cream blush. Creams work well on mature or dry skin because they blend smoothly, don’t cake, and don’t emphasize lines. They also have a pleasant, light, sweet scent.

Burt’s Bees Color Nurture Cream Blush
The cream blush in Guava Meringue (comes in two other shades) is fabulous. It’s easy to use, blendable, and buildable for a seamless pop of color. The cream sets nicely and feels very moisturizing. I like to tap it on the apples of my cheeks with my fingers, then blend in small upward circles. You can also buff it in with a domed brush.

Burt’s Bees Color Nurture Cream Eye Shadow
This nourishing cream eye shadow comes in three shimmery nude shades and applies easily with your fingertips. It’s great for all-over lid color and is buildable for more intensity. I’ve also used the Caramel Buttercream shade to highlight my cupid’s bow for a little extra definition.

Burt’s Bees Squeezy Tinted Balm
One of my favorites! The Squeezy Sweet Peach smells and tastes lovely, and the color gives a flattering glossy pop that suits many skin tones. It contains responsibly sourced beeswax and hydrating cocoa butter to keep lips nourished and shiny. I’ll definitely try the other colors and flavors.

Burt’s Bees All Aflutter Volumizing Mascara
This mascara is a good pick for sensitive eyes. The lightweight, gentle formula applies smoothly without clumping—even with two or three coats—and wears well throughout the day without much flaking.

You can find these new Burt’s Bees products at Walmart and on Walmart.com. They’re a great way to refresh your beauty routine for a natural, fresh-faced warm-weather look.

Do you switch up your makeup when the seasons change? Spread the love

14 Fantastic Mindfulness Books and Tools for Kids

by momfad_com

Mindfulness is a simple practice that helps bring your attention to the present moment. For children, it’s especially useful: it gives them tools to manage emotions, focus better, grow empathy and compassion, and feel happier. I’ve gathered some of my favorite books and resources that are great for introducing kids to mindfulness and encouraging regular practice.

Photo by Monstera from Pexels.

14 Fantastic Mindfulness Books and Tools for Kids

This post includes affiliate links; I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I’ve practiced mindfulness for several years, but in 2021 I dove deeper—expanded my own practice and recently completed mindfulness teacher training. I’m excited to share this wonderful practice with others and show simple ways to bring it into everyday life.

Why Teach Kids Mindfulness?
Learning mindfulness early gives kids skills they can use for life. Habits formed young tend to shape future behavior. Mindfulness helps nurture kindness, empathy, compassion, acceptance, and calm. It also exercises the brain’s prefrontal cortex—the area that helps with focus and self-control. Practicing mindfulness strengthens the pathways related to attention, self-regulation, and decision-making.

Mindfulness can lower stress and increase well-being for both children and adults. It helps kids stay present without judgment, which is useful as they navigate strong emotions and new experiences. Being more aware of their thoughts and feelings helps children communicate more clearly, react less impulsively, listen better, and build healthier relationships.

How Do Children Learn Mindfulness?
One of the best ways children learn mindfulness is by watching you. Kids copy adults all the time, so modeling mindful behavior and having a personal practice is the most effective teaching. I’ve shared practical ways to add mindfulness into daily routines (on Zulily’s blog), and many of those ideas can easily be adapted for kids.

Below are some of my favorite books, tools, and resources that make teaching mindfulness to children easier and more fun.

14 of the Best Mindfulness Books & Tools for Kids:

I Am Peace
From the creators of I Am Yoga and I Am Love, this gentle book invites children to breathe, taste, smell, and be present. It includes a guided meditation and encourages calm and awareness.

Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing
Alphabreaths teaches the ABCs and mindfulness through playful breathing exercises. Breaths like Mountain Breath and Heart Breath connect kids with nature and gratitude. Simple, fun, and beautifully illustrated—great for introducing breath awareness.

I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids
This book introduces mindful affirmations to support and encourage children when things get tough. It celebrates diversity and is a wonderful addition to any home or school social-emotional library.

The Breathing Book
The Breathing Book guides young readers through breathing practices and engaging activities to calm the mind, set positive intentions, and boost creativity. With simple instructions and charming illustrations, kids bring the practices to life by breathing, balancing the book, tracing shapes, reframing thoughts, and sending kind wishes to others.

A Handful Of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles
Developed by Thich Nhat Hanh, A Handful of Quiet teaches pebble meditation—a hands-on, creative practice that connects children with nature. Pebble meditation can reduce stress, increase focus, build gratitude, and help kids handle strong emotions.

My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing
From bestselling author Nick Ortner, this picture book helps children find calm through mindful breathing. In a busy world, My Magic Breath guides kids toward balance, self-awareness, and peaceful moments.

ABC Mindful Me
A fun read for the whole family, ABC Mindful Me teaches toddlers their ABCs while introducing mindfulness themes like breathing, compassion, gratitude, and kindness.

Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids
This book offers simple mindfulness practices for children ages 5–12 to help with anxiety, concentration, and strong emotions. It includes a 60-minute audio CD of guided exercises read by Myla Kabat-Zinn.

Listening to My Body
This interactive book helps children name feelings and notice the physical sensations that come with them—from wiggly and squirmy to still and rested. It builds a sensations vocabulary and includes kid-friendly mindfulness activities, making it a great tool for parents, counselors, and teachers.

I Am Yoga
Illustrator Peter H. Reynolds and author Susan Verde invite children to explore yoga, creativity, and self-expression. I Am Yoga encourages kids to discover mindfulness and open their hearts to the world.

Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere
Breathe Like a Bear is a lovely collection of short mindfulness exercises that teach kids how to manage their bodies, breath, and emotions. The 30 simple practices can be used anywhere—on car rides, during busy nights, or at school.

Mindfulness Tools for Kids:

Mindful Moments: Guided Exercises and Mantras for Kids
Mindful Moments introduces kids to mindfulness with interactive exercises and empowering mantras. The practices help increase emotional intelligence, improve focus, build resilience, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of calm and connection. These exercises are easy to add to a calming bedtime routine or use anytime your child needs grounding. Available for purchase.

Mindfulness Journal for Kids
This journal is full of writing prompts, easy exercises, and uplifting quotes that make mindfulness fun and accessible for kids. It’s a handy tool for regular practice.

Mindful Maze Boards
These sensory maze boards help calm and refocus through finger tracing, which also supports breath pacing. The set includes three double-sided mindful maze boards for hands-on mindfulness practice.

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Affordable Stocking Stuffers Under $15

by momfad_com

This post is sponsored by Burt’s Bees, but the content and opinions are my own.

It’s hard to believe 2020 is almost over and Christmas is right around the corner. I’m finishing up my shopping and the last things I need are stocking stuffers. Every year I finish the big gifts and then panic a few days before Christmas when I realize I forgot the stockings. This year I’m determined to get everything done early so I can actually enjoy the holidays.

Affordable Stocking Stuffers Under $15

For stocking stuffers I like small, affordable, fun items that fit in a stocking. I often choose self-care, beauty, and health items because they’re compact, useful, and a nice way to introduce someone to a new product. Who doesn’t love a little extra TLC?

Our family has been switching to more natural products, so grabbing Burt’s Bees holiday favorites was an easy choice. I’ve loved Burt’s Bees for years and enjoy giving their products to friends and family. Their products use ingredients from nature, aren’t tested on animals, are responsibly sourced, and come in recyclable packaging. I feel good gifting skincare and lip care that’s gentle on skin, kind to the planet, and thoughtfully made. With so many great options, gift-giving becomes easy and fun.

I picked up a bunch of Burt’s Bees stocking stuffers at Walmart on my last grocery run. You can buy them in store or online (Walmart.com offers free shipping on orders of $35 or more). There were lots of options under $15, which makes gifting affordable this year. Holiday packs include lip care favorites in festive flavors, skincare sets with lotion and lip balm (I love the strawberry), hand cream trios, and kissable color lip shimmer packs. There’s something for everyone—women, men, kids, grandparents—at a great price and super convenient to buy at Walmart or Walmart.com.

I grabbed a pack for everyone on my list and I know they’ll be used and loved. The kids always get excited about lip balms (and they need them in cooler weather), and I’m treating my husband to the ultra-hydrating hand cream trio. I may have snuck a little something for myself too—I’m obsessed with the kissable color products.

Here are some other inexpensive stocking stuffer ideas I love:
– Favorite candy
– Salty snacks: nuts, jerky, trail mix
– Bath loofahs
– Manicure items
– Fun pens and pencils
– Portable phone power bank
– Gum and breath mints
– Fun face masks
– Card games
– Mini toys for kids (Play-Doh, silly putty, building blocks, slime)
– Magazines
– Phone cases and mounts
– Socks
– Wallets
– Jewelry
– Scrunchies and hair ties
– Reusable makeup pads or wipes

Remember to pick up Burt’s Bees at Walmart or Walmart.com.

What are your favorite stocking stuffers? Which Burt’s Bees holiday pack would you want in your stocking?

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Find Your Escape in Springfield, Ohio: Top Things to Do and Places to Eat

by momfad_com

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A few weeks ago my family and I took a short getaway to Springfield, Ohio. I’m so glad our kids are finally old enough for road trips again—travel was one of the things I missed most during the baby years. Now that we’re in the toddler and preschool stage, trips are getting easier and more fun for everyone.

Find Your Escape in Springfield, Ohio: Top Things to Do and Places to Eat

Springfield made a great road trip spot for us. It’s only about 3 to 3½ hours from most of metro Detroit and has plenty of family-friendly things to do. The mid-sized city is bringing in new restaurants, shops, and activities, so we spent two nights and three days enjoying a relaxed little adventure.

We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott right in downtown, which let us walk to almost everything. Our son is obsessed with hotels and couldn’t wait to explore—especially the pool. There’s a big mural by the back entrance that’s really cool, too.

That first evening we walked downtown and popped into Champion City Guide & Supply, a charming shop full of Springfield-themed goods. I loved the handmade items and the shop’s eclectic vibe. The downtown area has so many lovely, historic buildings—Springfield has done a great job turning old spaces into new businesses.

Dinner was at Seasons Bistro, a family-owned spot with locally sourced food and a tempting menu. Everything we ordered was delicious—my pasta was rich and comforting, and the glazed salmon was cooked perfectly. It’s a great place for drinks and a date night, but it also welcomes families with roomy seating and kid-friendly options.

We planned to visit Hartman Rock Garden after dinner, but the kids were getting tired, so we headed back to the hotel. I wish we’d seen the gardens—they look interesting and beautiful, and best of all, they’re free.

After a surprisingly quiet, restful night (major win—the kids slept so well!), we headed out for coffee at Winans Coffee & Chocolates. It’s a fun shop with lots of drink choices and tempting chocolates—vacation is definitely a time for chocolate covered pretzels. Back near the hotel, the farmers market was in full swing with baked goods, plants, soaps, live music, and kid activities—my favorite kind of morning.

After a quick breakfast, we visited the Springfield Museum of Art. The Christopher Burk exhibit was incredible—his urban paintings looked so real I kept thinking they were photos. The kids loved the Marvelous Journeys exhibit made from mixed materials; they were obsessed with the dollhouse and loved adding to a community art piece in the hands-on area. Outside the museum there’s a path with more art and views of whitewater runs.

Next we drove to nearby Yellow Springs, a laid-back, quirky town with lots of shops and things to do. We started at Young’s Jersey Dairy, which the kids absolutely adored. It was perfect for them to run around and burn off energy—there were rides, mini golf, batting cages, bounce houses, tricycles, and farm animals. They loved feeding the goats and watching the cows. We even chose ice cream over lunch!

One of my favorite stops was Glen Helen Nature Preserve. The trails and scenery are beautiful—just wear good shoes because some paths can be slippery. We did a one-mile loop that hits the most popular sights, including waterfalls, springs, and brooks. Next time I want to pack a lunch and spend a whole day there. It’s a must-see.

After a full day of hiking and exploring we were starving, so we ate dinner at Winds Cafe on their shaded patio. Outdoor dining in summer with kids is the best. We started with local beers and a fantastic cheese dip appetizer (cheese curds and horseradish with sesame crackers). I had an asparagus salad I can’t wait to try to recreate at home. Our main courses were wonderful, the service was excellent, and we left feeling very satisfied—perfect end to a busy day.

We crashed early that night. On Sunday morning I took a slow-flow yoga class at Into The Blue, which was exactly what I needed after so much activity.

We grabbed sandwiches at Mike & Rosy’s deli—their Italian is a local favorite—and then headed home, stopping at the Ohio Caverns on the way. I’d always seen the signs but never visited before. I worried the kids might be scared of the dark, small spaces, but they loved it. We took the Natural Wonder Tour about 130 feet underground to see crystal-white stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns are a cool 54 degrees and the winding paths show so many amazing formations. If you’re nearby, check them out.

We had a wonderful time. Springfield, Ohio offered a great mix of relaxed moments and family-friendly adventures.

Do you have any road trips planned for this summer?

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4 Ways to Get Ultra-Soft, Kissable Lips

by momfad_com

This post is sponsored by Burt’s Bees, but the thoughts and opinions here are my own.

I’m pretty particular about lip care — dry, chapped lips bother me so much that I keep lip balm everywhere: my desk, car, bathroom, purse, and next to the bed. Soft, kissable lips are worth the effort.

4 Ways to Get Ultra-Soft, Kissable Lips

I’m sharing a few simple tips to keep your lips super soft, plus one of my winter go-tos: Burt’s Bees Lip Butters. They’ve been a lifesaver for me this year. Made with 100% natural ingredients and responsibly sourced shea butter, they hydrate lips and give a soft sheen. They’re great for all-day moisture and work well under or over lipstick. I also love the different botanical flavors:

– Limited-Edition Vanilla Clove: comforting vanilla with a hint of clove.
– Lavender & Honey: my favorite for nighttime — calming and soothing.
– Orange & Pistachio: bright and summery — my most-used flavor.
– Rosemary & Lemon: energizing, perfect for a midday pick-me-up.

The tins are easy to open and recyclable, which I appreciate. You can find them at Ulta stores or online at ulta.com.

Here are my favorite tips for smooth, soft, pucker-ready lips:

4 Tips for Ultra-Soft Lips

1. Lip Scrub
Once or twice a week I use a lip scrub to exfoliate and remove dry skin. You can buy one or make your own. A few simple DIY scrubs:
– Sugar and honey
– Sugar and coconut oil
– Honey, brown sugar, and coconut oil
Mix sugar with the other ingredient in about a 1:1 ratio, gently rub onto lips, and rinse. You can also use a soft toothbrush to exfoliate. Finish with Burt’s Bees Lip Butter for light, creamy moisture.

2. Keep Moisturized
Moisturize often. Winter weather, wind, and indoor heat dry out lips quickly. Apply balm before going outside, at bedtime, and even under lipstick. Burt’s Bees Lip Butters go on light and never feel greasy or sticky, so they’re great under or over color.

3. Drink Water
Staying hydrated helps your skin, including your lips. Many of us don’t drink enough water — swapping a coffee for a glass of water now and then can make a difference.

4. Lip Masks
Don’t forget your lips when you do skincare masks. Lip masks give a big boost of moisture and help restore softness.

Are you always fighting dry, chapped lips? Which Burt’s Bees Lip Butter flavor would you like to try?

14 Luxe Picks for an Amazing At-Home Spa Night — All Under $25!

by momfad_com

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by iHerb.com. All opinions are my own.

There’s more to self-care than a spa day, but an evening of pampering is a simple, lovely way to relax and treat yourself. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I love putting together a calming, at-home spa night. I’m a bit of a beauty and skincare enthusiast, so I pulled together my favorite spa-style products to make planning a luxe, low-effort night in easy.

14 Luxe Picks for an Amazing At-Home Spa Night — All Under $25!

Quick secret: iHerb.com is one of my go-to places for natural, high-quality beauty and skincare. They carry over 30,000 natural products and ship to more than 150 countries. Along with a wide selection of great brands, iHerb offers competitive prices, friendly customer service, and climate-controlled storage to keep products in top shape. I’ve included some nice promos near the end, so don’t miss them—save money and treat yourself with some of my tried-and-true picks.

I’ve rounded up must-have beauty and skincare items for a cozy, indulgent spa night at home. Set the mood: light soothing candles, dim the lights, pour a glass of wine or lemon water, play your favorite music, and get ready to relax.

14 Lush Products for an Amazing At-Home Spa Night (All Under $25!)

EcoTools Dry Brush
Before you hop in the tub, try dry brushing to exfoliate, boost circulation, aid lymphatic drainage, and give skin a smoother feel. Brush in long strokes toward your heart with gentle pressure. I like EcoTools’ brush—the bristles are just right and the handle is easy to hold. Don’t scrub too hard, and follow up with a rich body butter after your bath.

Deep Steep Bubble Bath — Grapefruit Bergamot
Pour a generous amount of Deep Steep bubble bath into the tub for a calming soak. This vegan, cruelty-free formula is rich in nourishing oils like argan and coconut, plus shea butter to leave skin feeling soft and hydrated.

EO Bath Salt & Soak — French Lavender
If you prefer a salt soak to bubbles, try EO’s blend of Himalayan pink salt, California sea salt, and lavender essential oil. It’s a favorite for relaxing tired, sore muscles.

Smith & Vandiver Stress Relief Bath Bombs — Lavender
These bath bombs are full of skin-conditioning ingredients and calming essential oils. They fizz into a cloud of bubbles and leave skin soft and conditioned—made with natural ingredients.

Andalou Naturals Conditioning Hair Masks
A deep hair treatment is one of my spa-night musts. I wash my hair and leave a mask on while I soak. Andalou has great masks for different hair types. The Exotic Marula Oil Deep Conditioning Mask hydrates and smooths with marula oil and fruit stem cells, while the 1000 Roses Complex Deep Conditioning Mask is ideal for color-treated hair—helping protect color, tame frizz, and smooth split ends.

Earth Therapeutics Exfoliating Body Sponge
Use this sponge to buff away dry skin and create rich, foamy suds for a luxurious scrub and smoother skin.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub — Passion Fruit & Guava
I love a sugar scrub, and this one smells heavenly. After soaking, gently massage it over your skin for a lasting scent and silky smoothness. It also contains shea butter to keep skin moisturized.

Pacifica Facial Masks
A cooling face mask while you soak is such a treat. Pacifica’s vegan, cruelty-free masks are favorites—try the Disobey Time mask for hydration with chamomile, peptides, rosehip seed oil, and hyaluronic acid, or the Stress Rehab mask with coconut, green tea, and caffeine to calm, tone, and reduce redness and puffiness.

Tree Hut 24-Hour Intense Hydrating Shea Body Butter — Moroccan Rose
After your bath, slip into a cozy robe and smooth this rich body butter over your skin. Made with argan oil, rose, and organic shea butter, it’s thick, luxurious, and great for reviving very dry skin.

Pixi Beauty Glow Peel Pads
These gentle exfoliating pads help reveal brighter, more radiant skin. Glycolic acid sloughs off dry cells, rosehip hydrates, and retinyl palmitate supports collagen production. They’re worth adding to your routine for ongoing results.

Petitfee Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch
For puffy, tired under-eyes, try these gold and ginseng-infused hydrogel patches. Use them after cleansing and toning to hydrate and brighten the delicate eye area. For extra relief, chill them in the fridge before use.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
End your spa night with this revitalizing gel mask. It’s designed to be worn overnight and rinsed in the morning for deep hydration and radiance. I love the calming scent—ylang ylang, rose, sandalwood, and orange blossom—perfect for winding down.

Now that you’re dreaming of a spa night, stock up on these affordable favorites!

New customers can get 10% off their first iHerb order with no minimum purchase.

iHerb also offers trial pricing, so you can try samples and new products at a discount—a great way to test items without spending much.

What’s your favorite bath or beauty product?

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