End of Summer #Vacation2025 Must-Haves

With summer in full swing still, everyone is eager to get outside, and sun protection is essential for all outdoor activities. Nammu Hats offer comfortable, all-day UPF 50+ protection that’s perfect for pool days, beach trips, and backyard fun.

Unlike sunscreen that needs constant reapplication and can wash off, Nammu Hats provide reliable, water-friendly sun defense so families can stay outdoors longer, safe from harmful UV rays. They’re not only practical but also cool-looking, affordable, and come in a variety of styles, so everyone can find a favorite. Nammu also has some other great sun-protective apparel!

The Nammu UV Multi Wrap is your go-to solution for stylish sun protection while enjoying water activities. Crafted with UPF fabric, this versatile swim wrap is designed to shield your body from harmful UV rays, whether you’re swimming, lounging by the pool, or strolling on the beach. Designed with both fashion and functionality in mind, the Nammu UV Multi Wrap can be worn in countless ways. Its unique design includes holes for your arms, providing extra comfort and ensuring a perfect fit every time. Plus, its one-size-fits-most feature makes it accessible to everyone. Not limited to water use, this multi-functional wrap can also be used on land. You can sit on it at the beach for added comfort, or even wrap it around your head as an alternative to your Nammu hat.

A common vacation problem every family faces is what to do with the wet stuff? Neco Bags’ Wet Bags are stylish, reusable pouches that make packing for summer road trips, cruises, and campgrounds a whole lot easier. Whether it’s soggy swimsuits, muddy socks, or stinky camping clothes, these bags keep moisture contained without single-use plastic. Bonus: they’re machine washable and made with a recycled plastic lining - 12 plastic bottles used in every yard!

Stio's Vallis collection with PeakVale material is the new go-to fabric for everyday life. A soft, natural feel and four-way stretch create comfort that goes all day, all while keeping its shape and resisting creases and wrinkles. A zippered back pocket keeps essentials secure, and the PFAS-free WR finish sheds light rain during impromptu hikes. Available in pants, skirts, and shorts.

Additionally, the Stio Water Bottle Sling is a must-have accessory for any traveler. It is a slim, light, and multifunctional bottle holder that makes it easy to carry water and small essentials out on the trail or roaming through town.

The Mozy Lower-Body Thermal Wrap is perfect for attending sporting games on the sidelines, in the bleachers, and at the outdoor stadium with those school sporting events coming up soon! Also a nice fit for the whole family for your scheduled and last-minute road trips to enjoy at your outdoor adventures, camping outings, bonfires, coastal and mountain getaways for cooler evenings, and is also a great solution for bringing on a flight or cruise. The Mozy Lower-Body Thermal Wrap keeps you warm as it’s wearable, weatherproof, and wraps around your waist so you are hands-free. Simply wrap and fasten the Mozy thermal wrap to keep you 500% warmer than a stadium blanket using the laws of heat and thermodynamics. It is also flame-resistant and flame-retardant. 

~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.

Packing With Tripped Travel Gear For #Vacation2025

Summer adventures are still happening, and those memories are sure to make an impression! Make the packing easier with Tripped Travel Gear. Whether you are road-tripping to the mountains, sailing into sunset on a cruise (ours can't come soon enough!), or relaxing at a resort escape, the travel gear from Tripped keeps the travel chaos in check and the summer vibes high.

Carry-On Compression Packing Cubes and Checked Bag Compression Cube Set – The key to stress-free summer getaways. Ideal for airports, but also amazing just for general packing, whether flying or not!

Toiletry Bag Set – Leak-proof, TSA-ready, and with a handy hook for hanging in RV park showers or in your cruise cabin bathroom. Also, amazing for summer camps!

Travel Pouch – A glovebox MVP. Use it to stash chargers, snacks, passports, or anything you want quick access to on the road or at your seat. And, side note - when not traveling, this is amazing to toss in a work bag for daily essentials!

Daypack – Lightweight, foldable, and built for movement. Ideal for hikes, day trips, or tossing in a few extras for your four-legged friends. I love this and can't wait to use it for our excursions on our upcoming cruise!

Everything is lightweight, adventure-tested, and designed to help travelers spend less time digging through their bag and more time enjoying the trip.

~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.

#Summer2025 Reading and Road Trips #Vacation2025

We love reading - probably why we started #BookTober, which we are so excited about this year! But that is a bit a ways away. There is still a lot of Summer to be had! And there are those Summer family road trips! What better time to spend with a book! Here are some great reads - just to enjoy or to have in your arsenal for boredom busters on long car rides!

Isle of Ever - Bestselling and beloved author Jen Calonita delivers the first in a brand new series featuring a girl who will inherit a mysterious fortune if she can break a centuries-old curse! Days after her twelfth birthday, Everly “Benny” Benedict learns she’s the heir to a fortune! But to collect the inheritance, she first has to play - and win - a game. Following clues that her ancestor left, Benny must locate a small island that vanished long ago, according to legend. She has only two weeks to play the game and find the island. If she’s successful, she’ll break a two-hundred-year-old curse. If she fails, the fortune will be forfeited. And if she’s not careful, she’ll cross paths with someone else who is after the island’s secrets, and who will stop at nothing to get them. Because, as it turns out, there’s far more than a fortune at stake.

The Last Great Heir - The female heirs of two opposing families must duel to rule the land for the next generation in this dazzling fantasy adventure debut! Merriment Feast's life is one constant party, complete with dazzling gowns and delicious pastries. Well, except for her aunt's physically grueling training. Merri believes it's her responsibility to protect her family's traditions and the power they've held for generations. Rue Famine knows that only Feasts benefit from Feast rule. As the heir of House Famine, she spends her days studying potion-making in an enormous, dusty library and learning how to use her magic to help others. Custom dictates that the heirs of Feast and Famine must duel on their thirteenth birthday. Only one family can rule the land of Fauret, and Merri and Rue have been raised as rivals. But as the contest draws near and dangers escalate, their true enemy may be a shared one.

Curse Of The Night Witch - From #BookTok phenomenon and New York Times bestselling author of the YA fantasy novel, Lightlark (Alex Aster), this fast-paced middle grade series starter is steeped in Colombian mythology and full of adventure. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Curse of the Night Witch is filled with fantasy, action, adventure, and an unforgettable trio of friends. On Emblem Island, all are born knowing their fate. Their lifelines show the course of their life, and an emblem dictates how they will spend it. Tor Luna was born with a leadership emblem, just like his mother. But he hates his mark and is determined to choose a different path for himself. So, on the annual New Year's Eve celebration, where Emblemites throw their wishes into a bonfire in the hopes of having them granted, Tor wishes for a different power. The next morning, Tor wakes up to discover a new marking on his skin…the symbol of a curse that has shortened his lifeline, giving him only a week before an untimely death. There is only one way to break the curse, and it requires a trip to the notorious Night Witch. With only his village's terrifying, ancient stories as a guide, and his two friends Engle and Melda by his side, Tor must travel across unpredictable Emblem Island, filled with wicked creatures he only knows through myths, in a race against his dwindling lifeline.

Finders Keepers - A scavenger hunt takes a sinister turn in the third novel in the Eek! series, tales to scare you silly! In the small town of Farlow, mysterious advertisements appear for a summer scavenger hunt. Twelve-year-old Maggie and her friends can't wait. They have their team, and more than bragging rights, they want that huge cash prize. On the big day, a strange man welcomes everybody to the game. The first items are ridiculously easy ("An egg? Seriously?"). But they quickly grow more difficult. When getting one of the items requires an actual crime - breaking into the school after dark - Maggie loses one of her teammates. But the others manage to steal Mr. Kramer's favorite mug. A bone from the cemetery seems like it's as dark as the game can get, but when they're asked to bring back a human head, nobody wants to play anymore. But it's too late to quit.

The Changelings - Three-time Newbery Honor-winning author Christina Soontornvat's debut novel, now with fresh new cover art for a new generation of readers! All Izzy wants is for something interesting to happen in their sleepy little town. But her wish becomes all too real when a mysterious song floats through the woods and lures her little sister, Hen, into the forest, where she vanishes. A frantic search leads to a strange hole in the ground that Izzy enters. But on the other side, she discovers that the hole was not a hole, this place is not Earth, and Hen is not lost. She’s been stolen away to the land of Faerie, and it’s up to Izzy to bring her home. But inside Faerie, trouble is brewing, and Izzy is in way over her head. A ragtag group of outlaw Changelings offer to help, and she must decide whether a boulder that comes to life, a girl who looks like a ghost, and a boy who is also a stag can help her save Hen before it’s too late.

Camping Activities For Kids - Going on a camping trip? Encourage kids to explore like a scientist with an illustrated camping activity guide for ages 8 to 12. Attention campers! Are you ready to think like a scientist and adventure like an explorer? This fun and interactive guide shows kids how to camp with an active mind for learning. They’ll discover all the different items you need to go camping, the steps to building an awesome campsite, and how to make the most of exploring nature through 20 lessons and 20 activities to try on the trails!

Ocean Activities For Kids - Inspire kids to explore like a scientist with an illustrated ocean activity guide for ages 8 to 12. Calling all ocean lovers: Are you ready to think like a scientist and adventure like an explorer? This fun and interactive guide for kids shows you how to discover the seas with an active mind for learning. Travel down into the depths with 20 lessons and 20 activities that show you how different parts of the ocean work together, and explore all the unbelievable things the ocean does, such as moving with the moon, changing the shape of shorelines, and providing a home to millions of amazing creatures!

Awesome Road Trip Activities For Kids - Bust backseat boredom with fun games, puzzles, and journal prompts for kids ages 8 to 12. Start having a blast the moment you pull out of the driveway with Awesome Road Trip Activities for Kids. You'll find oodles of travel-themed fun for hours of entertainment on long road trips. With 9 different types of activities and over 100 individual puzzles, games, and prompts, this book turns "Are we there yet?" into "Aww, we're there already?"

~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.

#Vacation2025 Essential Mothballs In My Attic

Have a long road trip coming up? Boredom can set in fast! I have the perfect solution! Also fun for any time, with family and friends, to get to know one another!

Mothballs In My Attic is a book that uses one word from your past to trigger a familiar thought, smell, or visual sensation that brings in a flood of surrounding memories. Suddenly, you are having a MiMA moment! The authors, sisters Cindy and Barbara, invite you to journey with them to the past without losing precious moments in the present. They have a passion to help you remember the pleasant things, as well as major turning points that we have all experienced growing up.

This book will prompt you to journey back to the mothballs in your attic! 11 Chapters with over 200 MiMA Moment questions!

~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.

Glow & Go #Vacation2025 #Summer2025

Vacation, all I ever wanted! Vacation, had to get away! And don't forget to add these necessities to your beauty bag!

Fairy Tales Sun & Swim Coco Cabana Leave-in Conditioning Spray - Use this conditioning spray before you swim to protect the hair and after to detangle and replenish moisture even after hours of swimming in salt water or chlorine pools. This product is safe for color hair too!

Hello Sunday The Mineral Lip One SPF 45 Nourishing Lip Tint - This nourishing lip tint aids in hydration and provides broad-spectrum SPF 45 protection. Leaves a sheer to medium buildable, velvety color, perfect for all day, any day.

Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste - With a sharp taste of cool mint for a pleasant and lasting freshness, it helps remove plaque, while gently whitening teeth for a brighter, more beautiful, splendid smile. Available in travel size!

No Makeup Makeup Duo - Discover the original No Makeup Makeup Foundation - a weightless, buildable formula that effortlessly conceals, corrects, and camouflages with our Foundation Brush, the perfect companion to a flawless complexion.

~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.

Soothe & Splash #Summer2025 Skin Care #Vacation2025

While traveling or just enjoying the rest of your summer, skincare should still be top of mind! Check out these awesome items to add to your routine:

'Ili is a Hawaiian skincare brand inspired by the purity of island life. They believe in the power of self-care to transform your skin and mind. Their scrubs are made with sustainably sourced up-cycled coffee and other natural ingredients. They are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harsh chemicals. When you use 'Ili, you can feel good about knowing that you are nourishing your skin and supporting the environment. We got the Hibiscus + Grapefruit Salt Scrub. After dampening your skin, it’s best to turn the shower off. With a couple of small handfuls of Ili, scrub your entire body using moderate pressure in circular motions, loving every inch of yourself. We recommend letting the product be on your skin for at least five minutes, longer if you can. Rinse and repeat every few days.

Bubble Skincare Plus One Tinted Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 - Super easy to apply, this SPF 40 mineral formula protects your skin from damaging UVA/UVB while adding a bronzy tint. Plus One isn’t greasy, it’s non-comedogenic, it doesn’t leave chalky white cast on your skin, and it’s tinted with a fun, bronzy finish that blurs and perfects your skin’s appearance.

Dr. BRANDT Liquid Sun Shield - One of my new faves! A lightweight, 100% mineral sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF50, HEV/Blue Light, infrared, and pollution protection, promotes radiance and more youthful-looking skin, protects against further discoloration, damage, and photoaging.

care.ē.on En Route Essentials Kit - This TSA-friendly skincare set has everything you need for glowing, hydrated skin on the go. Perfect for picnic essentials, this kit includes: A yuzu-flavored Lip Mask made with shea butter and moringa seed oil. A refreshing Facial Mist with aloe leaf juice, cucumber extract, and rosemary leaf extract. Highdrating Pads with cucumber fruit extract, caffeine, and apple fruit extract. A highdrating mask infused with squalane oil, niacinamide, and a hint of lavender.

Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH Invisible Matte Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - the invisible SPF feels like a makeup primer with a smooth, dry finish as it helps control shine + defend against harmful UV rays.

Loved01Cleansing Wipes – On-the-go cleansing wipes that stay juicy, never dry. Designed to cleanse without stripping, leaving you feeling fresh.

~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.

Feeding Pets While Traveling #Vacation2025

It is not always easy to bring along pets while traveling, especially at feeding time. Here are some brands to help make it a bit more enjoyable!

The Honest Kitchen’s Dehydrated Food line is perfect for road trips, camping adventures, or just simplifying everyday feeding. Made with human-grade ingredients and vet-formulated for optimal nutrition, all it takes is water to serve up a delicious, balanced meal your pup will devour. No fridge, no fuss, just real food, anytime, anywhere. The benefits of fresh, homemade meals - real ingredients, minimal processing, and robust nutrition - in a convenient, cost-effective form. Just add warm water to serve as a complete meal, a topper, or pair it with your favorite enrichment toy.

And of course, you need dessert! Blueberry & Vanilla Goat's Milk N' Cookies - Made with real goat’s milk and wholesome ingredients, these dog treats are more than just a tasty reward - they're a probiotic-packed snack that supports digestion.

Traveling can be scary for pets! Maev’s Anxiety & Calming Supplement Bars are peanut butter flavored treats designed to support your dog’s nervous system. With human-grade, balanced ingredients, including L-Theanine – an amino acid known to calm, increase serotonin and dopamine, and reduce anxiety – these bars are built to keep your pet grounded during stressful moments.

Skip the table scraps and tummy woes by treating your pup to Maev’s Human-Grade Freeze Dried Treats. Made with 100% USDA Certified Beef Liver, this single ingredient snack is packed with protein, flavor, and no fillers or preservatives, just pure, healthy goodness your dog will love!

~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.