Still Celebrating #Summer2025

While everyone is gearing up for Back To School, we are still celebrating summer here! But these items could be two-fold. Something for Mom and Dad and self-care, while enjoying the last few days before the crazy school season gets into full swing!

There’s a new contender for drink of the summer, and it’s not a hard seltzer or a craft cocktail. Meet Hello Soju Sparkling Soju, a refreshingly bright, sparkling soju that’s perfect for backyard BBQs, poolside hangs, beach trips, picnics, and potlucks (or relaxing at home after a busy day!). Unlike overly sweet RTDs, Hello Soju is clean, crisp, and bubbly with real fruit flavors like Lychee, Lemon Yuzu, Peach, Green Grape, and Asian Pear. Plus, it's gluten-free, made with natural juice, and rings in at 7% ABV, just the right buzz without the hangover. Soju is the #2 most-consumed spirit in the world. Made with rice, gluten-free, and no fake stuff. All-natural fruit juices. From the juicy pop of Lychee to the tang of Asian Pear, it’s a trip to Seoul in a can.

Baby Foot is a great find for college-bound students and parents heading back to the office who could use a little self-care boost. Baby Foot is a best-selling at-home foot peel that removes layers of dead skin to reveal soft, smooth feet. It's an easy, effective way to reset and recharge after long days on your feet. With over 30,000 glowing reviews on Amazon and a strong following on social media, it's a cult-favorite in personal care.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Snack Supplies For #BackToSchool

I always try to be one step ahead, and stocking up on things I know will be needed for school lunches and after-school snacks is a must! Here are some things to help stock that pile:

The Summer Snack Bundle from GoodSAM Foods isn’t just a snack pack. It’s a gentle reminder to take care of yourself, wherever and whenever you can. Thoughtfully curated for summer’s real moments: road trips, post-swim hunger, or quiet breaks under a tree. The Summer Snackable Bundle is full of fun, feel-good snacks made with simple ingredients and a big heart. It is an amazing start to your Back To School snack supplies as well! Inside, you’ll find a craveable mix of crispy fruit chips and buttery macadamias. Easy to pack, easy to love, and made to support both you and Mother Earth. No added junk. Just good food from regenerative farms and direct trade partners who care as much as you do. What’s Inside: Pineapple Slices,  Banana Chips,  Sweet Plantain Chips,  Pineapple Chips,  Pineapple Chili Lime Chips, and  Salted Macadamias.

National S’mores Day is coming up on August 10th (right before Callan goes back to school!), and while we all love the classic gooey-goodness of graham, marshmallow, and chocolate, this year, up the bar - literally. Alter Eco makes s’mores better in every way, starting with what matters most: the chocolate. Their rich, melt-in-your-mouth bars are organic, fair trade, and climate neutral, so you can roast, stack, and snack with a little less guilt and a lot more flavor. With bold, crave-worthy options like Brown Butter, Burnt Caramel, and Classic Blackout, Alter Eco turns your backyard bonfire into an eco-conscious (and seriously elevated) indulgence. Plus, they come wrapped in compostable packaging that’s just as thoughtful as what’s inside.

Modballs are a healthier alternative to sugar-laden protein bars. They come in two flavors: Almond Coconut Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chocolate. These poppable snacks feature the most nutrient-dense food on Earth. They are available for purchase on Amazon and the brand's site. The products are made in the USA and contain zero preservatives or artificial ingredients. Each ball is 100 calories and provides energy through a carefully crafted blend of clean carbs, healthy fats, and plant proteins. Each ModBall delivers over 75 different fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts, and chocolate.

For the environmentally and health-conscious parent, check out PlantSwitch, the global leader in plant-based compostable plastic that does no harm to our bodies or the environment, which has just dropped its Premium Napkin Rolls and Birthday Napkin Rolls for children’s celebrations. PlantSwitch plant-based plastic utensils look, feel, bend, and perform identically to traditional plastic, without any harmful microplastics.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Bag Options For #BackToSchool

This Back To School season, it's all about the bags. Some people use it as a fashion statement, while others go for functionality. Here are a few options that we feel offer both:

Gear up with CALPAK essentials that keep you and your kids organized, stylish, and ready to take on the school year - from daily commutes to weekend adventures. And just in time for Back To School, CALPAK just launched their brand new Kids Collection (like this Medium Backpack)  - designed to keep little ones organized, confident, and excited for every journey, whether it’s the classroom or a weekend adventure. CALPAK is a modern lifestyle brand celebrated for its stylish and functional travel gear and accessories. With an emphasis on blending fashion with practicality, CALPAK offers a diverse range of products, including luggage, backpacks, and travel essentials, all crafted to make your journey effortless and enjoyable. Their bags are designed to be your most beloved travel companions, helping you pack efficiently while keeping your belongings secure from departure to arrival.

The Backcountry Destination 20L Backpack is perfect for older high school or college students. It’s made with a durable, recycled ripstop fabric that is naturally water-resistant, keeping pack contents dry. It has a dedicated laptop sleeve that can fit devices up to 16 inches, which is also compatible with a hydration system, making the pack versatile for class and outdoor adventures. The contoured shoulder straps and back panel offer breathable comfort, and there are several colors available to pick from right now. Callan and Jason argued over who would get this backpack, and of course, as our rising Senior and Future Soldier, Callan won! He can use this for all his life's adventures, for high school and beyond!

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

National Parents Day

National Aunt & Uncle Day

Food & Drink Finds For #BackToSchool

Back To School is approaching faster than some of us would like. It is time to think about breakfasts in the morning for a good start, school lunches, and meals and snacks in the evening! Here are a few things to get us all going:

PACHA’s Sprouted Buckwheat Bread and new Sourdough Tortillas are made with just two ingredients (sprouted buckwheat and sea salt), making them gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free. PACHA is a favorite among wellness gurus, and their products boast nearly 4,000 five-star reviews from fans who have finally found a way to feel good about eating bread again.

Tortillas: two-ingredient Sourdough Buckwheat Tortillas - Fermented with wild yeast, these tortillas offer gut-friendly benefits while delivering incredible softness and pliability without fillers, gums, or preservatives. Callan has learned to use these for quesadillas, and really enjoys them. Sprouted Sourdough Buckwheat Bread - Comes in flavors like Multi-Seed, Rye, and Cinnamon Raisin (which has become a new fave of mine!).

Lotus Foods took everything gross about 2000s ramen and left it behind. Their noodles and rice bowls are made with heirloom rice, never fried, and come in actual flavors you’ll recognize like Thai Red Curry. And they cook in 90 seconds. Gluten-free, lower sodium, no MSG!

Perfect for quick after-school munches - The Heat & Eat Rice Pouches are ready in 90 seconds, come in flavors like white rice and brown rice, and are free of additives and allergens.

Rice Ramen Soup Cups are the modern upgrade to instant noodles: naturally gluten-free, lower in sodium, and actually satisfying. Perfect for a school lunch, or office lunch for moms and dads, too!

Ideal for college dorms - Rice Ramen Cakes make it easy to DIY a healthy dinner in 4 minutes with whatever’s in the fridge - no kitchen skills required. This is also something we are going to keep in our back pocket for sending care packages to Callan when he is at Basic Training!

With Four Sigmatic, you don’t have to sacrifice your coffee routine when you’re traveling or on those busy school mornings. Their instant mushroom coffees and lattes, like the Focus Instant Coffee Latte and Focus Matcha Latte, are made for quick and convenient preparation on the go. Just add hot water for a functional, flavorful cup.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

MALK Organics For #BackToSchool

Back-to-school is such a busy season, and it's hard enough as it is to stay healthy and make good choices. But MALK Oranics has you covered. Made with the fewest and cleanest ingredients on the market, such as organic almonds, filtered water, and sea salt, MALK is a nutritious, school-lunch-friendly staple for parents seeking to simplify their family’s routine. It’s a great dairy-free alternative for cereal, lunchboxes, or after-school smoothies.

MALK is available in kid-approved varieties like Vanilla Almond, Original Oat, Coconut, Soy, and creamy Cashew Milk, plus creamers for coffee! MALK is a fridge essential for busy families prioritizing clean, organic choices.

Check it all out at MALK Organics on Facebook, as well as MALK Organics on Instagram.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.