best products

Must-Have Travel Products for Kids

Lifestyle, Travel

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly like and think you will, too. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

We have some fun travel plans coming up, and I’m so looking forward to exploring new destinations with my family! There’s something so magical about being able to share travel experiences with your children. I love seeing the world through their eyes… The way they light up when they see the ocean; how they get so enamored with nature on walks and hikes in new places; the big proud smiles on their faces when they get to try something new, like skiing or boogie boarding. It makes this mama’s heart so happy to see them enjoy our amazing, beautiful world!

You know what doesn’t make me happy, though? The actual traveling with kids. Let’s be honest, long plane and car rides are a bit more challenging with children in tow. Their little busy bodies don’t like sitting still for long periods of time, and it seems like they whine for a new snack, like, every 30 minutes. Oh, and they have so much stuff!! Strollers, car seats, changes of clothes, toys, books, ahhh!!

My husband and I have been determined to make traveling with our kids as simple as possible. Some parents will buy every hot travel gadget, toy or stroller they’ve been influenced on Instagram to feel prepared for long travel days, but take it from me (someone who’s experienced in traveling alone with two young children and also worked in the travel industry for 10+ years), you don’t need more STUFF to lug through the airport to make travel easy. What you need are the easy basics — items that will help keep your luggage at a minimum, things that are simple for kids to carry and will help keep them occupied. So, while I doesn’t necessarily look forward to the travel days with kids, I believe we’ve found ways to make it very tolerable… and sometimes even pleasurable! Heck, sometimes I actually get to take a nap or sip on a glass of champagne! And when that happens, I arrive to our destination cheerful and ready for our family adventure!

Want to know my essential travel items for kids? I shared 5 must-have products with KTLA Morning News, and you can watch by clicking play, below! I also linked all the products we use to make our flights and road trips with kids simple and painless below the video.

Essential Travel Products for Kids:

Portable Hanging Organizer

Packing and unpacking your family is so easy with this four-tier packing cube that acts as a carry-on closet to keep your belongings organized and in plain view. You will no longer have to dig in your suitcase to locate your 2-year-old’s tiny socks! What makes this luggage organizer stand out among other packing cubes out there is the fact that it has four compartments — three shelves to store folded clothes and one zip-up container at the bottom that’s great for stashing toiletries, shoes or dirty laundry — and two hooks so that it can hang, making it easy to unpack and repack at your destination. This packing cube is durable and lightweight, in addition to coming in two different sizes and multiple different colors. I purchased the large and extra large in grey earlier this year, and it has been such a game changer to keep mine and my children’s belongings organized. I typically put pajamas, socks and underwear in the top compartment, my son’s clothes in the middle compartment and my daughter’s clothes in the third compartment. I’ll put shoes in the bottom zip-up compartment. In the large size, I was able to pack 4 days worth of clothes for the kids, who are ages 4 and 2 as I’m writing this. I love that I simply hang it up in the closet when we arrive, so we’re no longer living out of disorganized suitcases or accidentally leaving a shirt or sock behind in a hotel drawer! Do yourself a favor and get this portable hanging organizer before your next trip!

RideSafer Travel Vest

Car seats are a huge pain to schlep through the airport, especially if you have more than one child, like me! I also dislike taking them with us to a destination where we’re not renting a car. Constantly installing the car seat in Ubers then carrying it into a restaurant or museum can be really annoying. Enter: The RideSafer Vest!!! This is a safe, legal and convenient device that makes it easy to travel in taxis or ride shares when you get to your family’s destination. The vest lightweight (less than 2 pounds) and comes with a small backpack that children can easily carry themselves. Most importantly, it’s crash tested and safety certified – it meets or exceeds Federal safety standards! The RideSafer Vest features a unique, 3-clip design that positions the car’s seat belt comfortably and correctly on your child. Just slip it on like an article of clothing, fasten in the front and place the seat belt through the metal belt guides. Most children can do all of that themselves if you teach them and practice a few times. It also comes with a shoulder tether for a consistent sitting position and increased security. The tether also makes it possible for kids to ride safely in the middle seat without a shoulder strap! RideSafer offers four different sizes of the Vest, so this device is an option for parents with children ages 2 and up.

TravelSmarter Booster Seat

The same company that makes the RideSafer Travel Vest also makes an extremely lightweight TravelSmarter Booster Seat. This seat can be used with the vest, and they both fit into a backpack weighing less than 3 pounds. My kids have no trouble carrying it! The TravelSmarter Booster Seat is great for smaller children who may enjoy looking out the window, but it is not required to use with the vest. You can use the booster alone or with the vest or you can use the vest without the booster. 

Puro Sound Labs Volume Limiting Kids Headphones

There’s a growing concern over the rise of noise-induced hearing loss from headphones and earphones, leaving parents alarmed and looking for solutions to protect their children’s ears. Thankfully, I found Puro Sound Labs Junior Jams bluetooth headphones, which help keep little ones entertained on long flights while limiting volume to 85 decibels (the recommended listening level). What sets these volume-limiting headphones apart is their 22 hours of battery life, superior sound quality and fold-up feature, making them easy to store in little kids backpacks. These headphones also boast a sophisticated design, bright color options and durability. We have gone through a couple of headphones in the last 3 years that simply couldn’t hold up to travel or stopped working shortly after purchasing, but Puro Sound Labs creates quality headphones with a 1-year warranty! These headphones are perfect for children ages 3 to tween.

Puro Sound Labs also has developed PuroQuiet, which features active noise cancelling for little ones to tune out the loud world around them without having to increase their headphones volume. PuroQuiet bluetooth headphones have a volume limit of 85 decibels, 35 hours of battery life without the active noise canceling on, and 23 hours with it, and blocks out 78% of background noise. The PuroQuiets cost a bit more than the Junior Jams, but they’re so worth it for the active noise cancelling feature!

Melissa & Doug Take Along Activities

Our favorite toy brand Melissa & Doug is fantastic at developing toys and activities to keep babies and toddlers engaged through screen-free open-ended play. The Water Wow! reusable travel painting sets have been a staple in our house since my firstborn was around 18 months old. I love to throw these in my diaper bag and surprise the kids with them once we get on the plane or when they need to keep busy at a restaurant. Simply fill the pen with water, and your kids can paint the pages in the book to reveal colorful, educational scenes. The color disappears when the pages dry, so kids can paint them again and again. The best is that there’s no mess (besides maybe a little bit of water)!

For babies under 1 year old, Melissa & Doug just launched the Take Along Ice Cream Toy that clips to strollers, diaper bags, high chairs, car seats, and more to keep the fun close to little hands. Babies love pulling the cone to reveal four adorable ice cream scoops with friendly faces. When expanded, the toy vibrates and plays chiming sounds as it shrinks again. This toy helps kids develop fine motor and sensory skills with its multi-textured features, vibration and sounds. If I had a baby again, I’d definitely bring this cute little toy with me! Make sure you check out all of Melissa & Doug’s awesome travel-friendly toys on their website!

The North Face Kids Backpacks

Mini Explorer by The North Face

One of the best things a family can do when traveling together is have each person responsible for their own stuff! Traveling got so much easier once my toddlers were able to wear a backpack filled with their favorite snacks and toys. Plus, it’s fun for them! They love the sense of purpose and responsibility, and my kids enjoy packing their own backpack, too! The North Face has been a trusted brand for family adventures for years and makes three different sized backpacks to fit your child’s travel needs at every age. The Mini Explorer is perfect for preschoolers, the Youth Mini Recon is great for elementary school age children and the Youth Court Jester is a solid choice for tweens and high schoolers. I love The North Face, you get a lifetime guarantee with free returns, durability and high functionality. These are high quality backpacks that your kids can use for everything!

Youth Mini Recon by The North Face
Youth Court Jester by The North Face

I’m always on the lookout for great products, so let me know if you have any favorite travel items we should try in the comments below!

For more family product recommendations, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok, and shop my favorite fashion and products on http://www.shopLTK.com/explore/maggiehjackson.

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Holiday Must-Haves Featured on San Antonio Living

Holidays, Lifestyle

I’m wrapping up my second year doing lifestyle product TV segments, and I couldn’t be happier to finally be featured on a show in my home state of Texas!

I partnered with some fabulous brands to share several “holiday must-haves” on San Antonio Living which airs on San Antonio’s local NBC News affiliate (WOAI, channel 4). Watch the two segments below for ideas to make your season bright!

Holiday Must-Haves on San Antonio Living

December 14, 2022

World Vision’s Celebrity Ambassadors’ Handcrafted Gifts

By giving a handcrafted gift from the World Vision Gift Catalog, you’ll be helping vulnerable communities worldwide create lasting change for themselves and empowering artisans who receive fair-trade wages to support their families. Products featured in this segment include:

Santa Clausthaler

Santa Clausthaler will make your holidays merry and bright. Clausthaler is the pioneer in non-alcoholic beer, going back more than 40 years and this limited-edition holiday beer features Clausthaler original with cranberry and cinnamon. Serve ice cold, just as it’d be at Santa’s home at the North Pole.

I Love Ice Cream Cakes

Need the easiest, best dessert idea for the holidays? Surprise your family and friends with an Ice Cream Cake! Just go to ILoveIceCreamCakes.com to see all the cakes you can find at your local grocery store.

Holiday Must-Haves on San Antonio Living

November 23, 2022

Quilling Card Greeting Cards

Quilling Card offers Verified Fair Trade quilled greeting cards handcrafted by highly skilled artisans using the intricate paper art form of quilling.

DAX Hair Wax & Pomades, USA Made

DAX hair products have been proudly made in the USA since the 1950’s, a fitting era to introduce their wax pomades.

Current promotion: code TEX2022 will score you 20% off your order + free shipping

Jergens Shea Butter Body Lotion

Give your skin the moisture it needs with Jergens Shea Butter Lotion! It refreshes, conditions and revives dry skin, leaving radiant skin! Infused with Shea butter, this formula conditions and soothes skin, leaving a pleasant and comforting scent.

Be on the lookout for more fun lifestyle TV segments from me in a city near you in 2023!

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more lifestyle and family tips and to see where I’ll appear on TV next!

XO Maggie

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

5 Tips to Keep Your Child Healthier This School Year

Health & Wellness

We’re back to school, and parents might already be experiencing what I call the “back-to-school plague” where your child has picked up a cough, some extra sniffles, or maybe even conjunctivitis (a.k.a. pink eye) like we recently experienced with our preschooler. With all the exposure to new people, places, and germs, our kids’ little immune systems take quite the beating the first few weeks of school!

While it may seem inevitable that your child will get sick the first few weeks of school, there are proven ways to help combat the “plague!” I shared five tips to keep your child healthy this school year on KTLA Morning News with Anchor Lu Parker – watch below!

Here are the 5 products I featured on KTLA Morning News about keeping kids healthy this school year:

1. Teach proper hand washing with SoaPen

SoaPen is a hand soap pen for kids (that easily fits into a backpack or lunchbox) that encourages kids to wash their hands by coloring all over them! How genius is that?! When SoaPen co-founders learned that 50% of infectious diseases that lead to fatalities among kids under 5 can be avoided by the simple act of washing hands with soap, the duo sprung into action to create a solution. Simply have your children use the SoaPen to color red, blue or green all over their hands to apply the soap. I love this, because kids can easily see where they’re placing the soap and if they’ve missed a spot. The color takes at least 30 seconds to wash off, so it’s the perfect tool to help kids create proper hand washing habits. Don’t worry – the color won’t stain clothes! You can find SoaPen in a 3-pack on Amazon here.

2. Stay healthy and hydrated on-the-go with LARQ PureVis Water Bottle

Drinking enough water helps prevent infections, delivers nutrients to cells, and boosts brain function – just a few of the many important reasons for your little one to stay hydrated! But, have you ever been concerned about the quality of water your child is drinking? Look no further than LARQ PureVis water bottle, which is the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle and purification system! You no longer have to worry about what’s in the water your child is drinking when they’re filling up their bottle from the hallway water fountain. Every LARQ Bottle utilizes PureVisTM purification technology to eradicate up to 99.9999% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Proprietary UV-C LED technology uses 270-275 nanometer of UV-C light to neutralize germs, triggering a photochemical reaction that destroys their DNA. Powerful PureVis™ technology activates at the touch of a button and cleans water in 60 seconds. The water bottle also self cleans every 2 hours to eliminate harmful bacteria such as E. Coli. This means no more stinky bottles! I hate when my other reusable water bottles get funky. I’ll clean them over and over again, and they still easily get yucky! Thankfully, the LARQ PureVis self-cleaning system keeps yuck away!

I also love that LARQ’s full charge lasts up to a month. Who needs another thing to charge every day, right?! Other great qualities are that the LARQ Bottle features double insulated walls, keeping it hot for 12 hours and cold for 24 hours. It’s chicly powder coated in five subtle colors, so it looks good at school, at the office, on a hike, or wherever your travels take you. Grab one for your child and one for you here.

3. Destroy air pollutants with Molekule Air Pro and Molekule Air Mini+ Purifiers

Did you know that indoor air quality can sometimes be worse than outdoors? That’s so alarming to me, especially when we spend so much of our time indoors! When researching a solution to purify our home’s air, I found Molekule products, which have been FDA cleared for medical use, including in the home, for the destruction of viruses and bacteria in particular. Molekule has been proven in lab settings to destroy 99% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in 1 hour! Also, peer-reviewed testing has demonstrated Molekule’s ability to inactivate the H1N1 flu virus by up to 99.99% in single-pass experiments. This is PHENOMENAL! Molekule sets the standard for the air purifying industry!

Molekule’s purifiers work by using Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO; sounds like Pee-Koh) technology. PECO uses oxidation to break down pollutants at the molecular level, which can destroy chemicals like VOCs, ozone, mold, viruses, bacteria and more. PECO — the technology inside all Molekule air purifiers — was developed over the past two and a half decades as a unique and innovative way to mitigate indoor air pollution. Instead of trapping organic pollutants within the unit like other air purifiers, PECO destroys them at the chemical level.

Molekule Air Mini+
Molekule Air Pro

For large spaces in our home, the Molekule Air Pro cleans up to 1,000 square feet. Air Pro is equipped with a robust suite of sensors that destroys pollutants including viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and mold, while also detecting relative humidity, and CO2. We also can track air quality trends with a retroactive view into the air quality of the space. Called Expanded Air History, this feature gives Air Pro users the ability to see which pollutants are affecting the indoor air quality over the past day, week, or month.

For smaller spaces in our home, like the children’s bedrooms, the Molekule Air Mini+ cleans up to 250 square feet. I love that it is lightweight and easy to carry from room to room. Air Mini+ has a particulate matter sensor designed to detect particles in the air like dust, dander, VOCs, mold, bacteria and viruses. It also is equipped with Auto Protect mode, which automatically adjusts the device’s fan speed based on the particulate matter it senses. With Auto Protect Mode, Air Mini+ responds in real-time to reduce the amount of particles in the air like pollen and dust, while also capturing and destroying other indoor air pollutants. This compliments what the PECO filter already provides the device, ensuring the capture and destruction of the widest range of pollutants in the air. 

I honestly didn’t think too much about indoor air quality until I had children and learned research shows that children breathe more pollutants than adults per body weight, meaning they’re more susceptible to health complications from pollutants, like mold in classrooms and gasses from school buses. Similarly, the EPA notes that almost one in 13 children suffers from asthma, one of the leading causes of student absences. Poor indoor air quality affects everyone, but especially children – making Molekule air purifiers an important line of defense! Find Molekule air purifiers here.

4. Reduce stress and anxiety with Zenimal Kids guided meditation audio player

According to a report by the American Psychological Association, long-term stress weakens the responses of our immune system. Our kids are under a tremendous amount of pressure to perform at school and sports, and repeated stress could really affect their bodies’ ability to fight off infections. Help your child destress with Zenimal Kids guided meditation audio player. My favorite thing about this device is that it is screen free! There is no app, subscription, or pesky pairing to manage which gives kids full autonomy over their meditation practice. It was designed by a mom who wanted her own children to have something they could control to build their wellness skills.

From A to Zen, the portable audio player comes with 9 meditation tracks for sleep, relaxation, breathing, creativity, stillness, empathy, gratitude, and feelings, ranging from 3-15 minutes long. Many children may find that they love using their Zenimal as a sleep aid. Simply turn on one of the peaceful tracks and your child will fall asleep the all-natural way, calmed and peaceful, without the use of medications or melatonin. Kids can also use it at school during challenging times since the device has a headphone jack. It’s also a great tool for in the car or school bus on the way to school to center the mind and body first thing in the morning. The rechargeable battery lasts 7 hours and the food-grade silicone cover is removable and washable. If you’re like me and want one of these Zenimals for yourself, the brand also makes a version for teens and adults, called Zenimal+. I’ve always thought that meditation apps on my phone ruined the idea of a peaceful meditation practice (personally, I want to put my phone AWAY when I’m trying to relax and reconnect), so I love that I finally have a screen-free tool to guide me in calming my mind! Zenimal Kids is great for children ages 5-12, and Zenimal+ is perfect for ages 13 to adults.

5. Get quality sleep with the adjustable MLILY JAMA Pillow

According to an article from Mayo Clinic, studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick. Help your child get their best sleep possible with the MLILY JAMA Pillow, an adjustable foam pillow specially designed for children and their growing bodies, ergonomically shaped and sized for kids ages 3+. Its unique feature includes three foam layers individually wrapped – two flat layers to adjust the height as their body grows and one top layer contoured to support the head and neck for proper spinal alignment. The modal fabric is soft, breathable, hypoallergenic and made from 100% biodegradable material derived from beech tree pulp. The removable cover is machine washable and features a hidden zipper design that conceals sharp edges. Plus, your kids will love the 90s aesthetic and bright purple and teal colors!

I love a product that has a good give-back component, and MLILY gives a portion of proceeds from every JAMA sold to Special Spaces, a not-for-profit organization that creates dream bedroom makeovers for children ages 2-19 who have cancer. MLILY JAMA pillows are available to purchase here.

Which of these products would you like to try to help keep your kids healthy this school year? Do you have any other favorite products to boost your child’s immune system I should know about? Let me know by commenting below!

I often share top products and easy recipes for young families that help make their lives simpler and healthier, so be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for my latest posts!

XO Maggie

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

Best Books to Prepare Your Child for Preschool

Lifestyle, Mom & Baby, Uncategorized

If you have a little one starting preschool soon, you may be nervous about how they’ll handle the transition. To help prepare your toddler for their first day of preschool, I recommend reading children’s books with them that give a fun and comforting look into what their time at school will be like.

Personally, I was a worried wreck about my firstborn starting school when he was 2 years old. He was pandemic toddler who had been stuck at home with mommy for several months prior to his first day of school. I was nervous that he’d miss me, not like his teacher, or have a hard time getting along with other toddlers. I was pregnant and without childcare or family nearby, and I knew that I’d need help caring for and stimulating our toddler when the baby was born. Preschool was the best option for us at that time, but it didn’t stop my motherly worries.

A couple months before his first day of school, I starting reading these children’s books, listed below, to my son about going to preschool hoping it would make the transition easier. After reading together, we’d chat about what he thought preschool would be like. To my satisfaction, he started getting really excited for preschool! I involved him in the process of picking out his lunchbox and backpack. We would drive by the school and talk about what we thought the kids and teachers were doing. We circled the first day of school on the family calendar on our fridge and talked about it every day… “Four more days until the first day of school!”

My son’s first day of preschool

I’m delighted to report that my son’s first day of preschool was a success! There were no tears, and he actually waved goodbye to me like he was glad I was leaving! The second week of preschool was when we started having some struggles saying goodbye. I think he realized that preschool was his new normal and maybe was concerned about how often he’d be away from mom. But, he only whimpered a little bit, never sobbed, and his teacher told me that once he got inside and started playing with his friends that he never asked about mommy again. I was so proud of us for making this transition together, but it also felt bittersweet. My baby was growing and didn’t need mommy all the time!

Help your little one prepare for preschool with our favorite picture books, below.

A few of our favorite picture books about starting preschool

4 Best Books to Prepare Your Child For Preschool:

  1. Preschool Day Hooray!, by Linda Leopold Strauss

Of all the books listed here, Preschool Day Hooray! was my son’s favorite book when we were preparing for preschool. The story positively shares a typical day in preschool from drop-off to pick-up with fun, upbeat rhymes. The children in the book do story time, dance, make arts & crafts, play outside, and even see what it’s like when someone gets an ouchie. Our favorite part was the end of the book when mommy comes back!

2. The 12 Days of Preschool, by Jenna Lettice

The 12 Days of Preschool is a fun book to read (or sing!) because it goes along to the same tune as “The 12 Days of Christmas” song. The book counts all the fun experiences children get to do at preschool in their classroom and outside, like sharing toy trains, riding tricycles, story time, and nap time. The colorful and busy pictures are fun for children to browse, and our book even came with stickers!

3. Our Class is a Family, by Shannon Olsen

I wanted our son to know that he would be safe and loved at school just like he is at home, and Our Class is a Family is a great book for sharing this concept. The book explains that school is kids’ home away from home where they are respected and accepted just the way they are. The book encourages children to build a community and strengthen friendships at their school. I loved this book for preschool prep, because it helped our toddler not feel intimidated by the new teachers and students he’d be spending his days with.

4. The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn

This book, The Kissing Hand, is wonderful for families dealing with separation anxiety. The story follows a child raccoon, Chester, who is nervous about his first day of school. His mother raccoon shares a sweet family secret that helps calm his fears and gives him the confidence to be away from home. This book is filled with empathy and compassion for little ones worried about being away from mommy and daddy. You can use it for more than preschool – day care, camp, overnights with grandma, etc. !

What favorite picture books have you read with your child to help with the transition to preschool? Please share your recommendations with me in the comments below! I’d also love to connect with you on Instagram and TikTok!

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

Award-Winning Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for New Moms

Holidays, Mom & Baby

The very first Mother’s Day as a new mama may be one of the most important and memorable. There are so many special milestones in the first year with baby, like first words, first steps, and each month’s birthday, but the first Mother’s Day is a unique milestone because it’s all about celebrating MOM!

If you’re stumped about what to get an expecting or new mom for Mother’s Day, look no further! I’ve teamed up with L.A. Parent magazine to share top gift ideas from the National Parenting Product Awards, which features the best family products tested and rated by real mothers! The NAPPA Awards work closely with L.A. Parent magazine to provide their readers with unique and quality gift ideas, and we think these are the very best for new mamas!! The NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 32 years, and L.A. Parent has been a part of the Los Angeles community for 42 years, so you can trust their tips and guidance as you navigate your parenting journey!

L.A. Parent magazine works closely with NAAPA Awards to feature the best products for parents! Here, I’m wearing the award-winning Cloud Robe by Bumpsuit, which we think is a top Mother’s Day gift idea!

Below, I’ve outlined our top Mother’s Day gift ideas that have been recognized by NAAPA as best products for parents! You also can watch me demonstrate these products live on TV on KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 9:45 a.m.!! If you don’t live in Los Angeles, the show is streaming online at ktla.com!

6 Award-Winning Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For New Moms:

  1. The Cloud Robe by Bumpsuit
The Cloud Robe

This buttery soft robe does just as its name suggests –- mamas feel like they are lounging on a cloud! Designed and sold by Bumpsuit, the new maternity fashion brand beloved by celebrities, the Cloud Robe’s super soft brushed jersey material gently stretches with the body to maintain max fit and support throughout women’s different stages of pregnancy and beyond. The design is elegant yet simple and comes in a timeless beautiful ivory shade. The fabric holds its shape and quality even after washing! What I love most about this robe is that all mama’s will love it no matter where they are in their prenatal or postpartum journey. Help mama lounge while still feeling chic and comfy in this gorgeous robe!

2.     Milkmakers Bath Tea + Foot Soak by Munchkin

Treat mama-to-be to an at-home spa day with these luxurious, all-natural, pregnancy-safe bath soak sachets to help relax tired muscles and moisturize dry skin. Think of it like taking an elevated Epsom salt bath, with bonus itchy belly relief! Use 1 sachet to soak swollen feet or 1-2 sachets for full body bath. Deeply calming botanicals like French lavender and chamomile mingle with rolled oats and pure Epsom salt for the ultimate self-care treat. Pair this soak with the Cloud Robe above for a wonderful pampering gift!

3. Mbrio Pregnancy Earbud Adapters by Mbrio Tech 

Now mamas can easily and safely share their music with their babies with Mbrio – the only patented innovation that uses mom’s own earbuds to share music with baby in the womb! They’re so easy to use – just pop your earbuds into the adapters, clip them to your waistband and feel baby move! Made from medical-grade silicone and independently tested, Mbrio’s adapters are safe for baby’s ears, skin-safe, comfortable and ultra-lightweight. Prenatal music is important, because it soothes baby, helps with bonding, stimulates movement and stimulates baby’s brain and memory! This may be the coolest gift on this list! I wish I would have had these when I was pregnant!

4.     On-The-Go Backpack by TWELVElittle 

Every mom needs a great diaper bag, and this backpack is the perfect stylish bag that can be carried for any occasion — family outings, work functions and travels! For families that travel, the bag’s backside has a zipper pocket with an opening on the top and bottom, to be used as a sleeve to fit through luggage handles. The spacious main compartment has five pockets for maximum organization, and a separate opening for a fully padded laptop sleeve. The D-rings at the back of the backpack allows the bag to be attached to a stroller using the TWELVElittle Stroller Clip Set (sold separately). Made with functional water-resistant materials and vegan leather trim, this bag will hold up throughout all your children’s diaper years and beyond.

5. Sleep Bag by Kyte Baby

Kyte Baby has long been a favorite clothing brand of mine for my babies because of its super soft, comfy materials and variety of colors. This super cozy Sleep Bag from Kyte Baby is the perfect gift to help both mama and baby get sleep — because when baby sleeps, mama sleeps!! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies do not sleep with blankets, so this Sleep Bag is like a wearable blanket to keep your baby cozy and comfortable all night long! The 97% bamboo rayon fabric is breathable and buttery soft to the touch. This Sleep Bag also features a J-shaped double zipper, which makes it easy for mom to take on and off and during middle-of-the-night diaper changes. Kyte Baby’s sleep bag also comes in three different fabric warmth levels, so you can ensure baby’s temperature is comfortable all night. Kyte Baby uses the TOG rating system for measuring fabric warmth for parents to simply select which sleep bag their baby needs based on the typical temperature in their nursery. If you’re confused on what TOG to choose, don’t worry, Kyte Baby’s website helps guide you through it!

5. Crib Mattress by SleepOvation Baby

A crib mattress is probably one of the most useful products a mom can have for baby, and the SleepOvation Baby mattress is probably the safest and most comfortably designed baby mattress on the market! SleepOvation’s mattress is designed to combat plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) with its patented design that reduces pressure on the head while keeping the spine correctly aligned. It comes with a removable and washable cover, and the interior mattress core has built-in air channels to increase breathability, while also providing temperature regulation. What’s amazing about this mattress is that it’s a 2-stage design providing use for both newborn and toddler phases! After your baby’s first birthday, simply turn the mattress over for a softer mattress that insures proper spine alignment. The toddler side also features a waterproof backing that helps keep those leaky diapers contained. One of the things I love most for mom is how lightweight this mattress is! Most crib mattresses are big and bulky, which makes it complicated to change crib sheets. This mattress is much easier for mom to maneuver, which is a big relief when doing laundry!

More Great Gift Ideas:

These aren’t the only great gift ideas for mom! The NAPPA Awards features so many great Mother’s Day gift ideas, and they’re constantly updating their site with new winners, so check back often! Take a look at the NAPPA Awards website and let me know your favorite products! https://www.nappaawards.com/

And, be sure to check out L.A. Parent magazine for additional parenting resources, like family-friendly activities, events and travel destinations, along with community news and parenting advice! https://www.laparent.com/

Mamas! Let me know which of these 6 products you’d like to receive for Mother’s Day in the comments below!

  1. The Cloud Robe by Bumpsuit
  2. Milkmakers Bath Tea + Foot Soak by Munchkin
  3. Mbrio Pregnancy Earbud Adapters by Mbrio Tech
  4. On-The-Go Backpack by TWELVElittle
  5. Sleep Bag by Kyte Baby
  6. Crib Mattress by SleepOvation Baby

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok for more family-friendly ideas and content!

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

 

Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Kids!

Holidays, Lifestyle, Mom & Baby

Hey Busy Moms! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and I want to share two absolutely FABULOUS online marketplaces that are making it so easy to celebrate LOVE with your family – Maisonette and Goldbelly!

If you don’t yet know about Maisonette, you need to log on their website to check out all their adorable clothes, accessories, toys and gear for kids and families. There’s even some fun things for mom, too, plus home decor! The company was founded by two moms in 2017 with the goal of helping modern families navigate the adventure of raising the next generation. The have the most high quality kids products, partnering with the best brands to curate a shopping destination that all moms love! Maisonette is my go-to site when looking for unique specialty gifts for baby, kids and mama!

The next online marketplace that you must know about is Goldbelly! This online marketplace is where you go to find the best regional and artisanal foods crafted by top local food purveyors throughout the United States, like celebrity chefs, restaurants, bakeries, delis, etc. Have you ever wanted to try one of Duff Goldman’s famous cakes but don’t live near one of his cake studios in Baltimore or LA? Well, now you can with Goldbelly, which ships to all 50 states! Goldbelly is great if you need impressive food for a special occasion or want to gift someone an extraordinary treat. For example, through Goldbelly you can recreate Wolfgang Puck’s legendary smoked salmon pizza at home, or gift your friend, boss, mom, client (anyone!) the famous macarons from Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery in Yountville, Calif. There are so many outstanding culinary experiences for purchase in one place!

I turn to both of these sites when I’m looking for something special for holidays and Valentine’s is no different! Below are some great products from Maisonette and Goldbelly to help you celebrate with your kids this Valentine’s Day!

Lucy in her GlamBaby Priscilla Heart Shaped Sunglasses and Ce Ce Co. Velvet Purse with Heart Patches
  1. Mommy-and-Me Matching Pajamas and Sweaters

I’m a sucker for matching with my mini, so I love that Maisonette is offering a variety of mommy-and-me styles for Valentine’s Day!

Fun products and treats to celebrate Valentine's Day with your littlest loves!
Maison Me Valentine’s Pajamas for Women and Pajamas for Baby and Toddler

Wake up in comfy yet chic mommy-and-me matching pajamas by Maison Me featuring a mini heart print and shades of pink for Valentine’s Day. These special holiday pajamas, featured in the Ditsy Heart print, come in adult women’s sizes, as well as footies for babies sized 0-24 months and kids sized 2 years to 12 years. Their lightweight 100% cotton rib is super comfortable for sleep or play and cute enough to lounge in all day!

Maison Me Valentine’s Pajamas for Women
Maison Me Valentine’s Pajamas for Kids
Maison Me Valentine’s Pajamas for Baby

When it’s time to change out of your PJs, the Love Sweater by GiGi Knitwear is the perfect top for Valentine’s Day and chilly February days! Rendered in a sift and breathable light weight knit, the Love Sweater is perfect for layering and playtime. GiGi Knitwear’s one-of-a-kind sweaters are handmade by a family-owned factory in Bulgaria with super soft fine merino wool to keep you and your mini extra cozy. Find the women’s sweater here and the little girls’ sweater here.

Love Sweater by GiGi Knitwear
Love Sweater Mini

2. Valentine’s Day Mini Fashion Accessories

Maisonette features some of the chicest kids’ accessories from independent brands, including adorable Valentine’s Day themed jewelry, sunglasses and purses, for your little one to wear throughout the whole month of love!

Children will feel sophisticated and special with the Risa’s Pieces Noa Valentine’s Day Monogram Bracelet Set, which you can personalize with your child’s name. It comes as a fashionable stacking set of three red, white, and pink bracelets.

Risa’s Pieces Noa Valentine’s Day Monogram Bracelet

Perfect for sunny SoCal, GlamBaby Priscilla Heart Shaped Sunglasses are made of durable acetate and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection. They come in the option of red or white for your littlest fashionista.

Complete your sweetheart’s outfit with a Ce Ce Co. Velvet Purse with Heart Patches! The upscale Ce Ce Co. also has this Tweed Purse with Furry Heart for your sophisticated bebe. Is it me or is there nothing cuter than a little girl adorned in mini versions of grown-up accessories!

3. Valentine’s Plant Based Playdough

Get creative with your little one on the Day of Love with The Dough Project’s ultimate box of Valentine’s Day goodies! The Dough Project Much Love Bundle comes complete with three jars of fresh, plant-based playdough, a box of “Make Your Own Playdough” mix and a mini rolling pin for unlimited play! The dough comes in red and pink Valentine’s colors for the celebration! The DIY playdough mix is an especially fun sensory project for kids. It’s a dry mix that you simply blend with water and oil to make your own dough – sort of like making pancakes or cookies! The Dough Project is a product parents can feel good about while being made from all natural, food-grade ingredients and colored from plants.

The Dough Project Much Love Bundle

4. Valentine’s Day Tea Set for Dolls by Sophia’s by Teamson

Make imaginary play fun for Valentine’s Day with the Sophia’s by Teamson Kids Valentine’s Day themed tea set. This Warm Your Heart Hot Cocoa & Sweets Set features all the desserts your little one’s doll could want with cake pops, sugar cookies and chocolate covered strawberries! Mugs of hot chocolate with whipped cream, plates and spoons complete this detailed set. Kids will have lots of fun celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special pretend tea party! The doll is sold separately, but you can use this tea set for any 18’ doll or with your stuffed animals!

Warm Your Heart Hot Cocoa & Sweets Set

5.    Heart Lunch Box by Dabbawalla Bags and Surprise Lunch Notes by Cheree Berry Paper

Be her Valentine all year long with this adorable pink and white heart lunch bag from Dabbawalla Bags. These quality bags are not only great for tots and teens, but moms and teachers would love to receive these sweet bags as a gift for Valentine’s Day, too! There’s also an option to personalize the lunch tote with an embroidered name! The insulating, eco-friendly material is machine washable and flexible enough to hold a wide range of lunch containers. All Dabbawalla Bags are crafted with TPE, a sustainable foam that is degradable, recyclable, and friendly to the environment. The production of these bags supports fair labor practices and is certified free of toxic chemicals.  

Dabbawalla Heart Lunch Bag

Surprise your little sweetie with a thoughtful love note in their lunch box with this set of 40 notes from Cheree Berry Paper that are playful, yet polished. Cheree Berry Paper is a custom graphic design and stationery company known for creating interactive and conceptual designs full of unexpected details and clever copywriting.  Your little one will love the surprise note that lets them know you’re thinking of them while at school on Valentine’s Day.

Cheree Berry Paper Surprise Lunch Box Notes

6.    Goldbelly Valentine’s Treats from Chefs Cat Cora and Duff Goldman

Goldbelly is known for offering the most unique and delicious food products from the nation’s top chefs, small businesses, and food purveyors, and the company is offering dozens of options of specialty Valentine’s treats to share with your kiddos, friends and family this year!

Drop one of popular Iron Chef Cat Cora’s bite-sized Heart Shaped Rainbow Cookies in your kiddos lunch box for a Valentine’s Day surprise at school or pass out to friends at a Valentine’s Day party! These classic Italian rainbow cookies will brighten anyone’s Valentine’s Day made with three layers of marzipan, apricot jam and a thin coating of chocolate topped with chocolate sprinkles. They come in a set of 18, so they’re perfect for sharing with your children and their friends!

Cat Cora’s Heart Shaped Rainbow Cookies

If you’ve spent any time watching Food Network over the past decade, then you know Duff Goldman and his legendary cakes. This Red Velvet Heart Cake is a delicious four-layer red velvet cake with vanilla cream cheese filling, frosted with pink-tinted buttercream frosting and decorated with red fondant hearts – the perfect way to show your love with your little ones! The cake serves 8-10 people – great for a party! It also arrives in a decorative box, so it could make for a fun gift!

Duff Goldman’s Red Velvet Heart Cake

I hope you’ll take some time to check out Maisonette and Goldbelly for your Valentine’s Day celebration needs, in addition to other holidays! I plan to shop their sites in a couple months for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter!

I’d love to hear how you’re planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kiddos! Let me know in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram @maggiehjackson!

XO Maggie

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

Small Ways I’m Optimizing My Health & Wellness This New Year

Health & Wellness, Lifestyle

Happy 2022! Here we go again… New Year, New Resolutions!

I love goal setting, visualizing, dreaming, manifesting, all things positive life improvement, you name it! For me, the New Year is the perfect time to revamp my goals around health and wellness, because it’s a fresh start after all the holiday indulging, in addition to starting a new year after my birthday (Dec. 23). I love that I get to enter a new calendar year at the same time as a new year in my life!

I haven’t always been successful with resolutions, though. I used to set these big, lofty and sometimes unspecific goals – often with no real reason behind them other than vanity or comparison. I have yet to run a marathon or get “super toned,” and the years that I made those resolutions were typically some of the hardest years for me. I always felt like I was failing and usually resorted to worse habits, like crash dieting, overexercising, or giving up completely. After some time, maturity and therapy (seriously!), I’ve learned that the best health and wellness resolutions are the ones that are realistic and easy to keep. I know that when you have a big goal, like losing 50 pounds or running a marathon, the idea of making only a small change can sound disappointing, but trust me… the smallest changes can lead to the biggest impact over time! I’m so proud to say that I’m the healthiest and happiest I’ve been in my life – all without running a marathon LOL!

So, this year for me is all about small changes that help me OPTIMIZE my health and wellness. I’m at a stage in my life where my health maintenance is pretty good. My diet consists of 80% healthy and 20% fun food. I prioritize finding time to move throughout the week. I get a lot of sleep. I take the time to journal and work on my mental health. These things are good, but I feel they can be taken to a higher level.

I don’t just want to move 30 minutes a day, I want to make sure I’m doing the right type of movements consistently and improve my resting heart rate. I don’t just want to sleep for 8 hours, I want to have the deepest, healthiest sleep without middle-of-the-night interruptions. I don’t want to simply journal every day, I want to continue taking a proactive approach toward enhancing my mental health.

With this in mind, below are the detailed ways I plan to OPTIMIZE my health and wellness in 2022. You also can check out my YouTube vlog where I share more details! Let’s get it!!

Better Workouts:

First, let me tell you a bit about my workouts… I workout about five days a week doing something active. That could be a HIIT workout, a 30 minute walk around our neighborhood, yoga, or a 5k run around the Rose Bowl. What I do for a workout usually depends on the time I have that day and how my body is feeling. Trying to squeeze in a 30 minute workout 5 days a week, plus adding movement where ever possible (taking the stairs, playing outside with my kids, etc.) has worked for me the last four years in maintaining my fitness. I don’t belong to a gym. We built a makeshift gym in our garage during the pandemic, and now I honestly wonder if I’ll ever join a gym again (you can read about our home gym here).

Apple Watch Series 7

Apple Watch Series 7 in Starlight

As I started examining how I could optimize my fitness this year, I realized that I wasn’t doing any sort of tracking to truly understand how I could make it better. Enter the Apple Watch Series 7. Yes, I know I’m late to the Apple Watch game, but that’s because I never had a reason to have one… In fact, I didn’t want one, and I actually thought it would make my life worse! I’m too connected to my iPhone as it is – I don’t need another Apple device on my wrist!! But, here’s the truth: I’m less connected to my iPhone now because of my Apple Watch! When I’m with my children, I now leave my phone in the other room and can be PRESENT without the lure of opening a social media app or browsing the internet. If I receive an urgent call or text message, I’ll receive it on my wrist, but I often decide to respond to it later. I love the activity app on my Apple Watch that tracks my movement, exercise and standing. It’s my goal every day to close my “activity rings” by doing enough movement to burn 310 calories, exercise for at least 30 minutes, and stand for at least a minute each hour. It’s very motivating to see my daily progress and try to move more to close my rings. I also love that the Apple Watch tracks my heart rate. Heart disease runs in my family, so I believe it’s super important to be aware of your resting and active heart rates. I honestly like the band that my watch came with – I chose the Starlight color. But, when I don’t want it to look like I’m wearing a fitness tracker, I switch out my band for this pretty two-tone stainless steel band that’s super affordable on Amazon.

Two-Toned Stainless Steel Band for Apple Watch

Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoe

Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoe

Running is my preferred method of cardio, and I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m way behind on updating my running shoes! Experts recommend changing running shoes every 300-500 miles. Of all the running shoes I’ve tried, Brooks brand has consistently been the best running shoe for me and for many other runners. Brooks are like the Heinz Ketchup of distance running shoes. Every bada** long-distance runner loves them! For me, it’s the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 that does the job… WOW, they are comfortable and offer lots of support! I have thin feet and a high arch, and these shoes protect me from getting plantar fasciitis while also adding extra support for my knees and hips. Adding these new shoes will make my runs longer, more comfortable and injury-free. I recently purchased the shoes in the Grey/Rose/Black color combo (below). I like the neutral colors with the subtle girly nod with the pink accents!

Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bike

Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bike

I already mentioned that my preferred method of cardio is running outside, but my husband and I felt we needed a cardio machine to add to our home gym for when it’s raining or can’t leave the house with kids napping. Since my husband is a big mountain biker and cyclist, we considered getting a Peloton. Then, he discovered the Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bike, which is basically like the Peloton but much more affordable! To be honest, I’m not a big cyclist and don’t necessarily love cycling classes. I prefer choosing my own music, pedaling to the beat and switching up my resistance based on whether the song is fast or slow. We didn’t really feel like we needed to pay for all the bells and whistles of Peloton’s fitness classes (especially the monthly fee!), and Echelon provides cheaper options to do without! We got the bike without the screen, because we can add our own. However, there are options to add a screen and Echelon also has plenty of live, on-demand rides and classes to choose from, including yoga! If you want something as similar to Peloton as possible without paying an arm and a leg, this is the bike to get! It’s quiet, sleek and works like a dream. But, if you’re rich and need Ally Love (or whatever instructor) to move your butt, go the Peloton route. I can’t wait to level up my cardio at home with this Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bike!

New Workout Outfit

X REVOLVE Workout Set

Sometimes you just need a new outfit to inspire you, right? I’ve been on the hunt for the cutest pink workout set, and these are so hot! Most of my workout gear is black, but I’m ready to switch it up this year with fun colors!

Alo Lounge Set

Better Sleep:

Some background on my current sleep: I feel really fortunate that I have pretty great sleep already and part of that is because I made a priority several years ago to develop good sleeping habits. Thankfully, both of our children sleep through the night. My children go to bed at 7-7:30 p.m., and we’re in bed by by 8:30-9 p.m. every night except for weekends. Despite having fairly good sleep, there are still some nights I have trouble falling sleep and some mornings where I wake up really groggy for no apparent reason. Because of this, I was curious if there were any ways I could optimize my sleep.

Juna Nightcap Sleep Drops and Juna Nightcap Sleep Roller

Juna Nightcap Sleep Drops

I used to be really resistant to wellness products that included CBD, and honestly, that’s only because I didn’t know enough about how beneficial they truly are! I used to think that CBD for sleep was like habit-forming melatonin, and I knew I didn’t want to be knocked out or have to take a pill every night. Also, because of the messaging around marijuana I’d heard my whole life, I had a weird subconscious voice telling me I’d get high or addicted… Even though the science around CBD told me otherwise! Then, my girlfriend told me about Juna, a botanical wellness company founded by two busy moms and career women who were looking to optimize their overall wellbeing with plant-based solutions, and the effectiveness of their Nightcap Sleep Drops. I was skeptical, but after I looked into it, I learned about the different stages of sleep and how Nightcap helps restore your natural sleep cycles and get your brain to Stage 3 Deep Sleep (when your cells and body repair themselves). I started incorporating Juna Nightcap Sleep Drops into my nightly routine by simply putting the drops under my tongue before bed. I did this regularly for two weeks, and I truly started noticing a difference in how well I slept and how refreshed and clear-headed I felt the next morning! If you have any interest in optimizing your sleep, you won’t regret trying these sleep drops! And, if you use code MAGGIEJACKSON at checkout, you get 15% off!

I took better sleep a step further and started pairing the Nightcap Sleep Drops with the Juna Nightcap Sleep Roller before bed. The rollerball is a NON-CBD product, so it’s a great solution for pregnant or breastfeeding moms who want great sleep but are concerned about the effects of CBD prenatal or postpartum. I put the Nightcap Sleep Roller on my wrists and behind my ears before bed, I take a couple deep inhales, and it’s like a magical sensory experience that calms me for a deep sleep. Again, if you use code MAGGIEJACKSON at checkout, you get 15% off, which is awesome if you get more than one product!

Juna Nightcap Sleep Roller

My nighttime routine is now so peaceful and sets me up for a great sleep. One hour before bedtime, I drop the Juna Nightcap Sleep Drops under my tongue. Then, I take a warm shower or bath. I absolutely adore a warm bubble bath with Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath Soothe & Sleep. I brush my teeth, put on body lotion, then put on silky PJ’s from Cleobella or Lunya (my favorites are here and here). Then, I put on my Juna Nightcap Sleep Roller on my wrists and behind my ears. Sometimes, I roll it on my chest, too! I take a deep breath or two into my wrists, then climb in bed. I read a calming book for the next 15-30 minutes, then turn out the light and Zzzzz! It’s important to mention that I have NO SCREENS during this nighttime routine, which I think is HUGE if you want to reach a better, deeper sleep!

Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath Soothe & Sleep, Cleobella and Lunya pajamas

Better Mental Health:

I have done A LOT of work on myself the last 15 years, including therapy, reading tons self development books and listening to a multitude of self-improvement podcasts. Some of you may know that mental illness runs in my family, so I have made it a priority to work toward improving my mind the same way that I work out to improve my body. Here are the ways I’m optimizing my mental health this year:

Daily Gratitude, Love and Intention in my Moleskine Classic Notebook

Moleskine Classic Notebook

I use my Moleskine Classic Notebook for almost everything, including to-do lists, brainstorms, and mapping out my three, five and 10 year goals. But, I use this notebook the most during my morning routine where I jot down my daily gratitude, love and intention. I got this idea from two great influencers I follow, Lauryn Bosstick and Rachel Hollis. First, I write down what I’m grateful for and make it specific. For example, I don’t simply say, “I’m grateful for time with my kids.” Instead, I’ll write, “I’m grateful for the time I got to spend present with my kids at the playground yesterday.” Next, I’ll write down who I’m sending love to. Sometimes, this is a list of people who I know are going through a rough time. It’s also people that are just on my heart. It’s like a little prayer for those I care about. Lastly, I’ll write down an intention for who I want to be that day by stating an affirmation, like “I am a fun, energetic mother. I am a loving, devoted wife. I am going to be a national TV host.” Stating these intentions stick with me throughout the day and help me live up to them! I highly recommend that you grab a Moleskine and start doing this first thing in the morning while you sip your coffee (or lemon water or protein shake or whatever your routine) to set your mind in a positive, grateful place for the rest of the day. I’ve used Moleskine notebooks for years, because they’re the highest quality, come in lots of color options, simple to write in, and last forever! It’s my goal for 2022 to do this practice at least 5 days a week, and I’d love for you to join me!

An example of my morning journal routine in the Moleskine Classic Notebook

Juna Balance Drops

Juna Balance Drops

Here I am talking about Juna, again, because the product is really that amazing! I started incorporating Juna Balance Drops in my morning routine and have sincerely seen a difference in my overall mood and daily productivity. After taking these drops consistently for two weeks, I noticed that I felt more clear, more relaxed, and more “on.” This may sound crazy, but I relate these drops to the pills that Bradley Cooper takes in the movie “Limitless.” Okay, I’m not some magical Wall Street master, but I do feel more like Super Mommy! I used to find my mood all over the place throughout the day where it was hard to stay focused and present. When using these drops, I feel a bit more even keeled, ready to bounce back and forth from cooking family breakfasts to answering emails to playground playdates to writing projects. According to Juna’s website, the Balance Drops are “a reliable dose of brain nourishing phyto-actives that centers the mind and balances the body… Balance truly helps us reduce daily stress and calm nerves.” It’s like vitamins for your brain! Use my code MAGGIEJACKSON to get 15% off at juna-world.com!

Juna Balance Roller

Juna Balance Roller

Similar to how I pair the Nightcap drops and roller together in the evening, I pair the Balance Drops with the Juna Balance Roller for a heightened mood lifting experience. As the last step of my get-ready routine, I put the rollerball on my wrists and take two deep inhales… AHHH! According to the website, “Juna’s nanoparticle mood-shifting Balance Halo is a complex essential oil rollerball that uses scientifically proven functional botanicals that will reset the mind and shift your mood.” For me, it’s like an instant mood boost with the relieving scents of cedarwood, peppermint, grapefruit and eucalyptus. And, you can keep a roller in your purse for instant relief on-the-go! Check it out and get 15% off with code MAGGIEJACKSON.

Toss Juna Essential Rollers in your bag for on-the-go wellness

Meditation

I love journaling and practicing mindfulness, but as a super busy mom who often feels pulled in 5 different directions at one time, it can sometimes be difficult to find my zen! I decided that 2022 is the year that I really make meditation a habit. It’s my goal to feel more centered and in-tune with my body, so when the stressful days and moments do arise, I’ll have a great foundation to stand on.

I learned the 4-7-8 breathing technique several years ago from a therapist when I was learning coping skills for anxiety. It’s an awesome way to just slow down and ground yourself for a minute. Some people claim that it puts them to sleep after several rounds! I’ve found that it’s also an awesome way to meditate or begin meditation. If you’re not familiar with the 4-7-8 breathing technique, let me explain: breathe in for 4 seconds; hold for 7 seconds; then breathe out for 8 seconds. Once I do a couple rounds of 4-7-8, I switch to 4-4-4 and keep my mind only on my breath. If my mind wanders, that’s okay. I just come back to the breath. It’s actually kinda cool to see what pops up! I’m, like, now why did my brain go there?! LOL! My favorite time to meditate is after a workout or while taking a warm bath before bedtime. I love the calming scents of lavender from the bubble bath while I slip into deep relaxation.

The next step for me will to start doing guided meditations, and I’m looking into which app, like Headspace or Calm, may be best for me. I’ve also heard great things about Deepak Chopra’s Meditation Experience! If you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

What do you think: Would you try any of these simple hacks to optimize your health and wellness this year? I’d love to hear ways you’re getting healthy in 2022! Drop me a comment below or connect with me on Instagram @maggiehjackson.

XO Maggie

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

6 Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas for Mom from Mom-Owned Businesses in the LA-OC Area

beauty, fashion, Holidays, Lifestyle, Mom & Baby, Travel

I’m so excited to share this list of great gift ideas for mom from some of my favorite mom-owned businesses in the LA-OC area! In addition to sharing the list below, I’m featuring these gifts LIVE on KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles today, Dec. 22, 2021 at around 11:45 a.m., and I’m so hopeful you’ll tune in! *UPDATE* If you missed the live TV segment, you can view the recorded version here.

Monogrammed Travel Bag from The Monogrammed Home in San Marino

Okay, so… You made your list, checked it twice, and… Oops! You STILL need a gift for mom!!

This is when some of you will quickly run to Target to find a mug that says “MOM” or grab whatever overpriced, picked-over item you can find at Tiffany’s or Nordstrom. Don’t be one of those people wandering blankly around the big chain store only to get mom ANOTHER robe or slippers. Didn’t you get her that last year? Crap, you can’t remember!

Y’all… Don’t do this to mom! Yes, those gifts mentioned above are nice… I have thoroughly enjoyed every robe I’ve been gifted… BUT!!! (This is an important “but,” thus needed additional emphasis) … I need y’all to think of what kind of gift mom really deserves after what she has been up to this holiday season…

Those holiday cards your friends and family received? She designed, signed, and addressed those… Not to mention she licked all 75 envelopes!

Your kids’ reindeer antler headband, the “holiday themed red sweater,” and new dress shoes (grew out of last year’s shoes) that their teacher required you to buy and have your child wear for their school holiday performance… MOM.

Who coordinated the family holiday outings? Photos with Santa, holiday lights show, kids’ museum holiday activities, etc., etc. … MOM.

Who made cookies for Santa? Sure, the kids helped… But, it was probably MOM who had to set it up and clean it up! ALL THOSE SPRINKLES AHHH!!!

Gifts for your neighbors, extended family, newspaper delivery person, mail carrier, kids’ teachers, etc… MOM!!

All the dang wrapping… MOM.

And who usually makes Christmas Eve dinner and/or Christmas Day brunch as everyone enjoys their new gifts or watches football… not always but usually MOM!!!

The exception to all these tasks listed above is a mom who has an incredibly helpful and/or available partner, a mom who has the financial means to outsource everything, or the mom who just stopped giving a F—! Nevertheless, the holiday hustle can get to any mom no matter the level of support she receives.

SO, LET’S HOOK MOM UP THIS YEAR, Y’ALL! Let’s get her something that’s truly unique and thoughtful while also supporting a local MOM-owned business!

REASONS TO BUY FROM A LOCAL MOM-OWNED BUSINESS:

  • Shopping local is a great way to give back to your community where you live and want to see prosper. Local stores tend to keep their profits local, hire local employees, and donate to local charities and organizations.
  • It’s the best shopping method to limit your environmental impact. There’s less shipping and typically more local products available, so less transportation needed.
  • The experience is unmatched! You’ll have the opportunity to personally connect with a member of your community who really cares about their customers! Also, the knowledge of their products is superior to some of the big box chains that hire seasonal employees. Because they’re passionate about their products and filling a need in their community, local business owners often go the extra mile to make sure you are a happy customer!
  • If you love your mom, you’ll also love supporting another local mom. Imagine your own mom putting her blood, sweat and tears into a business on top of all her mom-ing… That is one bad mother!
  • Interesting products! Local businesses sell products that fulfill the interests of the owner and the owner’s customers. They are not limited to some national chain store’s sales and marketing plan, so you’ll often get some really unique and special product options!
  • It’s hard to trust last-minute shipping these days with all the supply shortages and shipping delays we’re seeing on the news. When you shop local, you’re typically perusing all the products currently in stock, so you don’t have to worry about your gift not making it to mom before Christmas.

Now that I’ve convinced you that shopping at a local, mom-owned business is the way to go, below is a list of my favorite gift ideas from mom-owned businesses in Southern California. These business stretch from Sunset Beach to Montrose, and all have ways to secure gifts in these last couple days leading up to Christmas. I’ve included gift ideas for every type of mom – the new mom, the expecting mom, and moms who love wine, traveling, skincare and wellness.

6 Holiday Gift Ideas for Mom from Local Mom-Owned Businesses:

FOR THE EXPECTING MOM

Cleobella Taylor Mama Bag in Cognac

Cleobella Taylor Mama Bag

This leather bag is so chic and high-quality that you’d have no idea it’s actually a diaper bag! Perfect for the stylish new mom who doesn’t always want to look like she’s hauling around baby gear! The braided detailing on the handle and zipper pulls is gorgeous, and it comes in three different colors (black, moccasin and cognac) to fit any mom’s style. I personally love how this bag is well designed for versatility. You can wear it as a backpack, crossbody, or with your hands for style and convenience. Multiple pockets are large enough to hold all the essentials. I can even squeeze my laptop into it in case I need to mix work with mom life. I fully intend to carry this bag even when we’re out of the diaper phase! Cleobella was founded by a SoCal mom, along with her husband, who desired ethically handmade fashion inspired by her global travels. The brand is deeply rooted in its commitment to sustainability and employment that uplifts independent artisans around the world. One percent of every purchase goes back to charities that support our planet and people who need it most. 

How to Buy: The Taylor Mama Bag is available to purchase in-person at the Cleobella boutique in Sunset Beach located at 16792 14th St Sunset Beach, CA 90742. The boutique will be open from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 22-23. The company website www.cleobella.com offers expedited shipping options from their local headquarters, in addition to e-gift cards for those extra last-minute shoppers. Be sure to use the code KTLA at checkout for 20% off your order! The code is good through December.

FOR THE NEW MOM

Saranoni Mommy-and-Me Matching Luxury Blankets at Babies, Bellies & Bosoms

Keep mama and baby cozy this winter with luxury matching blankets from Saranoni found at Bellies, Babies & Bosoms in Montrose. Saranoni’s Bamboni Collection is made from bamboo fibers that are converted to rayon, so the blanket’s cloud-like fabric is light, breathable, stretchy, and as soft as ever! When you’re snuggled up with this blanket, “you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a cupcake!” said Laura, the owner of Bellies, Babies & Bosoms. The blankets will undoubtedly bring comfort and warmth to mommy and baby this holiday season, and I’m obsessed with the idea of giving a matching mommy-and-baby gift to a new mom! The blankets come in a variety of colors and patterns to match mom’s style and home. If you purchase the “Mudcloth” print, Saranoni will donate a portion of proceeds to Well-Africa, an organization that strives to end child slavery, build schools, and educate children in West Africa. Love a gift that gives back!

How to Buy: Saranoni’s Bamboni Collection of blankets are available to purchase at Bellies, Babies & Bosoms in Montrose, a quaint historic community just north of Glendale. I love this shop because it was founded by a mom in 2003 with the passion to promote breastfeeding, support new mothers and be a sanctuary for all motherhood needs. She carries so many special gifts for new parents and babies! Bellies is located at 2430 Honolulu Avenue, Montrose, CA 91020 and will be open from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Dec. 22-23 and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Dec. 24.

FOR THE BEAUTY LOVING MOM

Tinted Lip Jellies from Facile Dermatology and Boutique

Just in time for the holidays, Facile launched its fan-favorite lip moisturizer in a collection of brand-new Tinted Lip Jellies with a plumping complex that instantly boosts hydration and leaves lips looking fuller, firmer, and more defined with each wear. The Tinted Lip Jellies come in three effortless shades: Rose, Rouge, and Berry. I tried all three shades and each of them looked good on my skin tone, but my favorite is the Rose to wear every day for a very natural look. Glossy but never sticky, the Tinted Lip Jellies soften and condition lips with a long-lasting, hydrating blend of Peptides, Jojoba Oil, and Essential Fatty Acids, leaving lips with a wash of beautiful color. Not only are these lip jellies amazing for your lips, every purchase goes toward an amazing cause! Throughout the month of December, Facile will be donating 20% of all Lip Jelly sales to NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) which provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. Co-founded by skincare-obsessed entrepreneur and mom Danielle Nadick Levy and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nancy Samolitis. Facile opened in 2016 and quickly garnered a celeb following from beauties like Mandy Moore, Lucy Hale and Dove Cameron. If you really want to win big with mom, accompany the Lip Jellies with a gift card for mom to get a personalized treatment at Facile. They do it all from mini facials to fillers to microneedling and PRP injections! Perfect for any beauty or skincare loving mama!

How to Buy: Facile has two locations in West Hollywood (8457 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069) and Pasadena (140 S. Lake Ave., Suite 104, Pasadena, CA 91101) where the products can be purchased on Dec. 22 or 23.

FOR THE WINE ENTHUSIAST MOM

Aervana Travel Aerator from Emerald Forest Gifts

This brand-new Travel Wine Aerator from Aervana is perfect for any wine lover who loves to travel or simply save space at home (glass decanters don’t travel well and take up lots of space!). This aerator is small enough to fit in your purse or drawer, plus, it comes with a cute carrying case and corkscrew. At the touch of a button, it turns tannic wine into smooth-as-velvet liquid in seconds! Simply attach the single tube that accompanies the Aervana Travel to the body of the aerator, slip it over an open wine bottle, and press the button on top.  Perfect for travel, road trips, the beach, picnics – anywhere! To be honest, my husband and I love this aerator so much that we use it at home most of the time!

How to Buy: Get the Aervana Travel Aerator before Christmas at mom-owned Emerald Forest Gifts in the San Fernando Valley located at 12638 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604. The owner, Michelle, started Emerald Forest Gifts in 1987 and is celebrating the store’s 36th Christmas Season! Known for carrying unique, elegant gifts for all occasions, Emerald Forest will even gift wrap your gift to make it easy for you to give to mom! Her shop will be open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 22-23 and from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 24.

FOR THE WELLNESS WARRIOR MOM

Juna Essential Roller Set

If mom is always looking to optimize her wellbeing (or if she simply needs some help chilling out this holiday season – LOL!), Juna’s new essential oil rollerballs offer a therapeutic mood lifting experience throughout the day. The Essential Roller Set from Juna includes three nanoparticle mood-shifting rollerballs – Balance, Nightcap and Ease – designed with a complex blend of scientifically proven functional botanicals that will reset the mind and shift mood. Roll on temples, behind the ears, wrists, breathe deep and experience the mood shifting benefits.  The Balance helps you feel awake and clear; the Nightcap helps ease you into a deep sleep; and the Ease can help you shift your mood from overwhelmed to calm and relaxed. They are great for daily use, for on-the-go, fast, effective relief. Based in Dana Point, Juna creates plant powered products with over 40+ active botanicals that solve the stress, anxiety, and sleep issues women are facing daily. The wellness company was founded by two busy career women and mothers seeking an effective solution to optimize their every day.

How to Buy: The rollers are available to purchase with expedited shipping for Christmas on juna-world.com. If you use code KTLA at checkout, you’ll get 20% off your order! The code is good through December. Perfect time to consider getting Juna’s bestselling Nightcap drops, too! Juna also sells several of its plant-powered solutions in Erewhon markets.

FOR THE WELL-TRAVELED MOM

Personalized Jewelry Round and 3-Piece Travel Set from The Monogrammed Home

Nothing is more thoughtful than a personalized gift, and The Monogrammed Home can help you secure these monogrammed travel cases just in time for Christmas! I love this adorable Seersucker Jewelry Round and 3-Piece Stacking Set that can be used for toiletries, makeup, hair accessories, and whatever you can fit, ready to be monogrammed with mom’s name or initials! I also love the idea of monogramming the 3-piece set to stay organized around the house with labels like, “cords,” “sunscreen,” “vitamins,” “safety pins,” etc. The stacking set is available for $78 and comes in 7 different colors. The jewelry rounds are available for $38 and come in four different colors. Pricing includes monogramming, and customers can choose from over 100 monogram and font options and over 50 thread colors! You’re sure to find a style that mom will love! The Monogrammed Home is one of my most favorite gift shops close to my home! The shop offers a variety of thoughtful, personalized home and lifestyle gifts for everyone in your life. I seriously get every special occasion gift from this shop! The shop was founded by two sisters in 2014, who are now mothers.

How to Buy: Available online at the-monogrammed-home.com, by phone (626) 405-1153, or at The Monogrammed Home located at 2556 Mission St., San Marino, CA 91108. KTLA viewers will not incur a rush charge for purchases of the Jewelry Round or Stacking Set. Purchases placed today (Dec. 22, 2021) by 3 p.m. will be ready for pick up tomorrow (Dec. 23, 2021) between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Gift cards also are available to purchase. 

The Taylor Mama Bag from Cleobella is a perfect gift for an expecting mom!

MOMS! Which of these gifts would you like to receive? Let me know in the comments below, or connect with me on Instagram at @maggiehjackson!

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

A Few of My Favorite Things – Great Holiday Gift Ideas!

beauty, fashion, Health & Wellness, Holidays, Lifestyle, Mom & Baby

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens… These holiday gift ideas have me feeling so smitten!

Okay, okay… I’ll drop the cheesiness…

But, seriously, below is a list of a few of my favorite things divided in two categories: things in my vanity and things in my closet. I use many of these items daily! I wanted to share a list of my favorite things as an easy gift guide resource for those of you struggling to find a holiday present for a deserving lady in your life. I’ve tried, tested and approved all these items, so I know any smart, chic lady like myself (LOL) would love these!

When all your shopping is done, come back to this list and choose something for yourself, too! I’ve rounded up a wide range of affordable and luxe items that I feel are truly spectacular! After a long almost two years of pandemic craziness, we can all use a little holiday pick-me-up 🙂

One of my FAVORITE things: Coola Sunless Tan Firming Lotion

A Few of My Favorite Things:

In My Vanity:

Supergoop Glow Screen – A 40 SPF sunscreen that doubles as a primer while leaving your skin with a dewy and glowy finish… YES, PLEASE! I seriously think I look more awake, fresh, and youthful after putting this on! And, its so easy to apply makeup on top, too! *virtual high five*

Drunk Elephant The Littles Gift Set – I love ALL of Drunk Elephant’s products and these are my most favorite go-to’s! If you’re interested in trying Drunk Elephant but don’t know which product to start with, or if you love Drunk Elephant and need some travel size products, this gift set is PERFECT!

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara – I love this mascara because not only does it make my lashes look long and full, it’s a nourishing product made with clean ingredients that doesn’t flake off — all while still being easy to remove at the end of the day! I have deep set eyes, so I always struggle with my mascara smudging, and this is one of the best mascaras I’ve found!

Aquis Hair Turban – This towel is amazing at absorbing water while limiting damage to your wet hair. I love how easy it is to tie up and wear around while I do my makeup and get dressed.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer – Worth the hype – and the price tag! Less noise, less damage to my hair, and dries my hair faster!

Coola Sunless Tan Firming Lotion – I’ve tried so many sunless tanners in my lifetime and this has been my favorite so far! It’s so easy to apply, and I never get fake looking streaks. The color is very natural. There is a slight hint of a smell that comes with most self tanning lotions, but I find it not as strong compared to others I’ve used. I love that it’s made with clean ingredients, too… Used it during my pregnancies!

Bond No. 9 Madison Avenue Perfume – I found this sexy scent when I was shopping in Vegas, and I love it, because I don’t have a single girlfriend who wears it… Bond No. 9 Madison Avenue is MY SCENT, ok?! But, now I’m sharing with you, because I know you’ll love it! It’s sexy, but not too skanky… It’s high energy but not too annoyingly happy… ya get me? It’s my favorite perfume to wear for special occasions.

Versace Bright Crystal Perfume – This perfume is so versatile, so I like to wear it daily. It’s fresh, floral and bright… the way I want to feel going throughout my day. Any lady will like Versace!

In My Closet:

Veja Sneakers – These are the best sneakers to go with EVERYTHING! I’ve worn them with dresses, jeans, shorts and joggers. They’re classic and felt like a good upgrade to my everyday casual mama wardrobe. I like the Veja Campo style in white leather and natural suede, but Veja has lots of styles and colors to choose from to fit your personality!

Schutz Ariella Mules – The heels that go with (almost) everything! They’re like Cinderella’s glass slipper emulating a “barely there” look. The plastic is flexible, so they’re really quite comfortable! I’ve worn these for hours at a time and can dance in them, too!

Levi Wedgie Straight Ankle Jeans – Since skinny jeans have been fading on the fashion circuit, I scoured the internet for a pair of new non-skinny jeans that didn’t make me look like I was a Gen Z-er (sorry Gen Z). I wanted jeans that were still a bit fitted but made me feel like a cool mom, ya know? Enter these Levi Wedgie Straight Ankle Jeans! They def give off some 90s vibes but with a much better fit. They don’t have a lot of stretch, so consider that when choosing sizes!

Madewell Cropped Sweatshirts – I am really digging copped sweatshirts lately to wear around the house, to mommy-and-baby play dates, running errands, etc. I love these from Madewell. They’re perfect for layering and look great with the Levi jeans and Veja sneakers listed above.

Reformation Dresses – Reformation knows how to make a flattering dress. I love all their dresses! I have a couple that are staples for winter and summer festivities. I absolutely love this cherry red one for the holidays!

Cleobella Taylor Mama Bag – My friend Taylor designed this diaper bag, and it’s been the perfect bag for Lucy and me. I love that it’s so chic and doesn’t look like a diaper bag! The leather is soft, and the braided detailing is beautiful! I can even fit my laptop in it when I need to balance work and mom-ing. It comes in three different colors, too!

Salvatore Ferragamo Chain Wallet – After carrying around a big diaper bag during the day, the last thing I want to do is carry a large purse with me for a night out. This little chain wallet is so chic and perfect for date night or mommy’s night out.

Lunya Pajamas Washable Silk Set – Never knew I could get this excited about PJs, but I need to share that these are the ULTIMATE pajamas! The silk is soft, cool, and machine washable (bonus!). Plus, they make me feel luxurious! I’ve never found a set of PJs where I felt both comfortable and sexy in front of my husband. These are it! They come in a few colors and styles, so pick your fave!

Beechwood Crew Pajamas – I’m a sucker for matching with my mini, and Beechwood Crew has launched several fun holiday prints for the whole family to coordinate! A former colleague of mine launched Beechwood Crew with her longtime BFF earlier this year. They wanted an alternative to cheap, fast fashion for their families with high-quality, small-batch pieces they will wear forever… And they did it! The quality is amazing, and the PJs are so soft, warm and comfy – perfect for the holidays! Make sure you order before December 15 to get your made-to-order PJs in time for Christmas! And don’t forget to use my code MAGGIE15 to get 15% off your order! YAY!

Stackers Jewelry Box Set – I love this convenient and space-saving way to store and organize jewelry. It also looks really sophisticated and modern in our home.

David Yurman Cable Classic Collection Bracelet – A timeless heirloom bracelet that you can make personal – how fabulous is that?! My husband gifted me this bracelet with the green gemstone to represent our first baby who was born in August (the August birthstone is green Peridot). I love that you can get different versions of the David Yurman Cable bracelets and create a beautiful stacking look that’s classy enough to wear to church, chic to wear to brunch, or fancy for a night out. This would definitely be a special gift!

Ladies, tell me which of these gifts you’d like to receive in the comments below! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and LTK for more fun shopping and gift guides like this one!

XO Maggie

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.

Non-Candy Halloween Treats

Health & Wellness, Home, Kitchen, Lifestyle, Mom & Baby

Blake’s Seed Based Rice Crispy Treats are a yummy (and healthy!) treat for the whole family!

First of all, I know many of you may have read the headline for this blog post and rolled your eyes… Look, I’m a kid who grew up in the late ’80s and ’90s (Gushers! Mountain Dew! Pop Tarts! Sugar on top of SUGAR!), and I promise you that I’m NOT ready to give up the tradition of genuine TREATS for Halloween! What is Halloween without candy, anyway?! But, as I review the holiday activities we have planned this month… WHOA… it’s major compared to when I was a kid! We don’t just have a class Halloween party and the classic trick-or-treating… We also have the pumpkin patch visit, the multi-family immersive Nights of the Jack experience, our local YMCA trunk-or-treat… and I’ve already said no to a few other local Halloween festivities that include kids getting treats! I realized that if we don’t take the time to be mindful of moderation, the candy exposure can get really out of hand!

So, here I am… being that annoying healthy mom that I used to roll my eyes at before I had kids. I assumed “her” kids drank kale smoothies for breakfast and their favorite treat was the olive bar at Whole Foods… Well, I’m here to tell you that my kids DO NOT drink kale smoothies for breakfast and my oldest wouldn’t touch an olive with a 9-foot pole. But, I do know that my kids can appreciate “treats” in forms other than candy, like nutrient-packed muffins, festive shaped foods and seasonal flavors!

I put together this list of non-candy Halloween treats for parents desiring to limit the candy craziness this year. Whether you want to create healthier habits for your family, dread the kids’ candy sugar high, or responsible for sending a non-candy treat to school for the class Halloween party, these non-candy Halloween treat ideas are great for parents who need an easy, individually wrapped goody this fall season! From pumpkin rice crispy treats to pumpkin dog treats, there’s something for the whole family to snack on and feel good about!

6 Non-Candy Halloween Treats for the Whole Family:

  1. Blake’s Seed Based Pumpkin Spice Rice Crispy Treats  

I have lots of memories around my mom making homemade rice crispy treats and purchasing the prepackaged cereal treats to put in my lunchbox as a kid. These are EVEN BETTER! Blake’s Seed Based Rice Crispy Treats come in many yummy flavors like strawberry, birthday cake, chocolate chips, and now PUMPKIN SPICE! Blake’s is the very first vegan rice crispy treat on the market, so it’s the perfect allergy-friendly trick-or-treat candy. They’re 90 calories, only have 7 grams of sugar, nut-free and gluten-free! If you live in Southern California like me, you can find Blake’s Seed Based Rice Crispy treats available in local Sprouts stores, or you can shop the snacks online at Amazon or on the company’s website.

Blake’s Seed Based Rice Crispy Treats are a perfect treat for Halloween!

2. Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips Ghosts & Bats   

We already eat Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips in our house as a better-for-you alternative to regular fried potato chips, so I was really excited that the brand came out with Halloween chips in spooktacular shapes! Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips Ghosts & Bats have the crispy crunch and flavor you want in a snack, but without all the artificial flavors and artificial preservatives that you don’t. The seasonal chips are packaged in individual-sized bags that are perfect for trick-or-treaters, classroom parties, or lunchbox treats. They are available in major retail stores across the nation, as well as online and Amazon, sold in individual bags or packs of 24.

My kids’ treat bags filled with Sensible Portions Veggie Chips Ghosts and Bats!

3. Bobo’s Pumpkin Spice Oat Bites  

I often get frustrated with store-bought muffins and snack bars, because the ingredients show that they may as well be cupcakes and candy bars! Not Bobo’s! The Bobo’s brand offers delicious, simple, handmade 100% whole grain oat bites and snacks and released a brand-new pumpkin spice flavor just in time for the holidays! The slow-burning oats give kids clean energy that won’t leave them with a crash, while satisfying their sweet tooth. Each bite is non-GMO, gluten-free and plant-based, and there’s a variety of flavors in addition to pumpkin spice, like apple pie, chocolate chip, coconut, lemon poppyseed and peanut butter & jelly! You can easily find them at your local Kroger flagship, Whole Foods Market, or Target and online at Amazon. 

4. Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips  

Nothing says fall like apple harvest season, which is the perfect reason to pass out Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips to trick-or-treaters!  Bare Baked Snacks are real apples baked into deliciously crunchy chips and never fried. The apple chips are non-GMO verified and have no added oils or preservatives. They’re sold at select retailers, or you can purchase in multi-packs online at Target and Amazon. 

5. Dole Mandarin Orange Jack-O-Lantern Fruit Cups  

Orange fruit cups turned into jack-o-lanterns with faces and pipe cleaner stems
Photo Credit: https://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/halloween-snacks-pumpkin-fruit-cups/

Get a little crafty by turning Dole’s Mandarin Orange Fruit Cups into cute Jack-O-Lanterns! All you need is a black sharpie to draw a Jack-O-Lantern face on the cups! Bonus if you decide to add the green pipe cleaner for a stem! These are the perfect festive snack for a class party! Dole Fruit Bowls Mandarin Oranges in 100% Juice are made from the best sun-ripened fresh fruit that nature has to offer, and they’re non-GMO and naturally gluten free. Dole Fruit Bowls are available at all major grocery stores or you can get multipacks on Amazon.

6. Greenies Dental Treats, Pumpkin Spice Flavor  

If you want to share holiday treats with your furry family members or pass out treats to dogs trick-or-treating with kids, Greenies Dental Treats for dogs has launched a puppy-approved pumpkin spice flavor!  The unique texture of Greenies Dog Chews cleans down to the gumline to fight plaque and tartar and freshen breath. The treats are sold at Target, Amazon and Chewy.

Would you share these festive treats with your family? I’d love to hear what other better-for-you store-bought treats you pass out at Halloween! Please share with me in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram at @maggiehjackson!

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of this post contains affiliate links for the products I use and LOVE. If you take action on these links (like clicking, buying, etc.), I may receive compensation at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own, and I’ll only recommend what I truly love. For more information about affiliates and your privacy, view our Terms & Conditions page here.