If you’ve been anywhere on TikTok or Instagram lately, then you’ve probably seen the YETI Camino Carryall everywhere. It’s trending. It’s hyped. Everybody seems to have one. And I almost bought it. But I didn’t.
But I didn’t.
Instead, I picked up the RUX 30L Waterproof Tote – and after using it, I can honestly say… it fits my lifestyle way better. So if you’re trying to decide between the two, let me break it down for you – real talk, no fluff.
Why Bags Are My Thing (And Why This Matters)
If you’ve been following me for a while, then you already know…
“I’ve been doing what’s in my bag videos for almost 20 years.”
As a mom, a sports mom especially, I don’t carry light.
We’re talking:
snacks
towels
wipes
drinks
random “just in case” items
I need a bag that can handle real life – not just look cute on camera.
“I have nothing against the YETI Camino… it just does not serve the purpose that I need.”
The biggest issue for me?
It doesn’t close.
And that’s a dealbreaker.
“I like that compact, keeping it out of the way… not worried about things falling out.”
As someone who is constantly on the go, I don’t want:
my stuff exposed
things falling out
people looking into my bag
The RUX gives me privacy + security – and that matters.
RUX vs YETI Camino (Real Comparison)
Here’s the honest breakdown:
✔️ Where RUX Wins (For Me)
Fully waterproof (not just water -resistant)
Roll-top closure = nothing falls out
Modular system (lash points = customizable)
Can convert into a backpack 👀 (of course, you will need to add your own straps to make this possible)
✔️ Where YETI Camino Wins
Rigid structure
Built – in bottle pockets
Slightly larger capacity
But here’s the thing…
“The Camino doesn’t fit the needs that I need it for.”
And that’s what it comes down to.
Do You Even Need Bottle Pockets?
This is something a lot of people hype up. But for me?
“I’ve never really used those pockets… it’s easier to just throw everything inside.”
Between my Brumate and other bottles that don’t leak, I don’t need dedicated space for them. So that “feature” wasn’t actually a selling point for me.
Real Life Use: Why This Bag Works
This isn’t just a “cute tote.”
This is a:
beach bag
sports bag
adventure bag
everyday carry
“This is the perfect everyday beach bag… biking bag, off -road bag – all the things.”
And because of the lash points? You can literally:
strap it to a bike
attach it to gear
customize it however you want
That modular aspect is 🔥
Let’s Talk Price (Because It Matters)
Yes – the RUX is more expensive than the YETI Camino.
But…
“In my opinion, absolutely worth it.”
Why?
Because I’m paying for:
durability
waterproof protection
functionality that fits MY life
Not just hype.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Get?
Here’s the truth:
If you want:
an open tote
easy grab – and – go
trendy aesthetic
👉 The YETI Camino Carryall might be your vibe.
But if you’re like me and need:
structure + closure
waterproof protection
versatility
The RUX 30L Waterproof Tote is the better choice.
Let’s Talk
Have you tried either bag?
Are you team YETI Camino or team RUX?
Or are you like me… and need your bag to actually function in real life?
Drop a comment and let me know 👇
Watch the Full Review
Check out my full video review here where I break everything down and show how I actually use the bag:
👉
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video. Some products were sent for review consideration while others were purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links can and may be linked throughout this post. Clicking on these links will give me a small cut of your purchase – but please be rest assured that it will not cost you anything out of pocket other than the actual cost of the products you are buying.
Stress can be a constant trial for parents. If you are overly stressed, then you’re going to feel overwhelmed and as though you are carrying the weight of…
Being a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. From juggling multiple responsibilities to dealing with your children’s meltdowns, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Let’s be real here, I don’t do calm well… but, being a calm mom is key to maintaining a happy and healthy household. Here are some tips to help you find your inner zen and become a more calm and more centered mom.
Make yourself a priority
One of the most important keys to being a calm mom is to prioritize self-care. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, but rather necessary for your well-being and that of your family. Make sure to schedule time for yoga, meditation, and other activities that help you relax and recharge. Also, make sure to get enough sleep and eat a healthy, balanced diet. You may even want to check out the calming products at CBDistillery, because, when you feel your best, you are better able to handle the demands of motherhood with calmness and grace.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and fully engaged in what you’re doing. It’s a powerful tool for reducing stress and increasing calmness. Try to incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as taking deep breaths, meditating, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature. When you’re mindful, you’re less likely to get caught up in negative emotions and more likely to respond to your children with patience and understanding, and more likely to actively enjoy your time with them too.
As a mom, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be superwoman and do it all. However, setting unrealistic expectations for yourself can lead to stress and burnout. Instead, try to set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Prioritize the most important tasks and be willing to let go of the rest. When you focus on what really matters, you’re better able to stay calm and present in the moment.
Work at being a positive parent
Positive parenting is an approach to parenting that emphasizes respect, empathy, and understanding. It’s a way of relating to your children that promotes their emotional well-being and fosters a deep sense of connection. By practicing positive parenting, you can reduce the likelihood of conflicts and tantrums and create a more peaceful and harmonious household.
Spend time with mom friends
One of the best ways to stay calm and centered as a mom is to connect with other moms who are going through similar experiences. Joining a mom’s group or online community can provide a sense of camaraderie and support that can be invaluable during times of stress. It can also help you to gain new insights and perspectives on the challenges of motherhood.
Being a calm mom is not something that comes naturally to everyone, but it’s a skill that can be developed through practice and intention. By doing these things, you can reduce stress, increase calmness, and create a more peaceful and happy household. Remember, when you’re calm, your children are more likely to be calm too, and that’s something that benefits everyone.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links are posted throughout. Feel free to read my Disclaimer Page for details and information on sponsored posts, affiliate links, and more.
Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option for parents who want to have more direct control over their children’s education. There are many benefits to homeschooling, including the…
On January 12th, 2022 – my family and I had the opportunity to visit the Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park and Attractions. It was my first time going to the one in Hollywood, having only been to the one in Orlando. My children have not been to the Hollywood one either, so it was kind of a first-time experience for us all. If you’ve been reading other posts about our recent travel, this vacation included a lot of firsts.
Booking our Adventure
We booked our Universal Studios Hollywood experience through their website more than a month in advance of our trip. Having booked Disneyland Tickets and Reservations, I knew that it would be best to have everything we needed prior to arriving in California, so it was the best choice for my family.
What is the Universal Express Pass?
The Express Pass is a Universal Studios pass that is offered and available for purchase with a paid theme park ticket. At the current time as well as when we purchased our tickets, the 1-Day Universal Express ticket was $189.00 per person. Since my sons are all over the age of 12 – they paid a full fare.
The Universal Express Pass includes the following:
One-Time express access to each ride, attraction, and seated show (this is not for every attraction, ride and show and you’ll be told this as you check-in)
1 Day General Admission to the Park (You select the date at checkout and this is only valid for the selected date)
The standard 1-Day General Admission is about $109 (depending on the time of year) so you do pay almost twice the amount with Express, but since we only had one day at Universal, my husband and I wanted to ensure that we were able to accomplish all the things we had planned. Our goal was to get in as many rides as we could so the boys would have a great experience.
What kinds of attractions can we expect?
Like with other theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood had all kinds of things for all ages. Since we took on the park during January and on a Wednesday, I think that really helped with the number of people that were visiting. While it was busy – it was still not as busy as we had anticipated and for the most part, we were able to get on the rides more than once with minimal wait times.
Food lines were probably the longest wait and many different food vendors were not open since we started our day at the park quite early.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
One of our highlights most definitely had to be the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I’m a huge huge Potterhead and have been looking forward to visiting Hogwarts and exploring all the things the space had to offer. Of course, we tried Butterbeer, but outside of that we didn’t really stop and grab any food.
Three Broomsticks was not open while we were there since we stopped at the Wizarding World first upon arrival at the park. The Magic Neep Cart was also not open till well after we left and came back in the afternoon, so we didn’t stop there either. Hog’s Head offered Pumpkin Juice and Butterbeer but they were located within Three Broomsticks and we grabbed Butterbeer from a cart located outside. I would have loved to had tried Three Broomsticks, especially since I’m a huge fan of Turkey Legs and Shepherd’s Pie, but unfortunately – we didn’t wait around for them to open.
We rode on the Happy Potter and the Forbidden Journey – TWICE! It was definitely fun and worth it. Keep in mind that it has much more movement throughout the ride than I expected, but I loved it and the boys did as well. You’ll be given a locker that you set with your fingerprint to hold your things. Make sure you utilize that because little things can easily get lost if not locked up.
We also rode the Flight of the Hippogriff – which the boys enjoyed tremendously. They rode it five times before we left the park and while it’s a smaller scale rollercoaster, I think it was fun enough for even a teen to really enjoy.
Jurassic World
We couldn’t go to Universal Studios Hollywood without riding on Jurassic World. The boys enjoyed it and while we did get pretty soaked on the ride, it was a great thrill and definitely fun! Of course – we also had to do the Studio Tour. I did it in Orlando and loved it so I wanted to boys to experience the same kind of fun. They definitely enjoyed it and we had a blast. Of course, we had to take a look at all the awesome Dinosaur things (including Raptors) while in the Lower Lot. Make sure to stop and check out all the different stores, and more in that section, because it can be easy to just leave without a second thought of it.
Visit the Kwik-E-Mart and the gang from the Simpsons or check out Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Another fun thing to do is the DreamWorks Theatre featuring Kung Fu Panda. That particular attraction is fun for the whole family because you’re sitting in a theatre-style setting and experiencing everything in a comfy (but moving) seat.
Did we enjoy ourselves?
Sharing this experience with my family was Amazing! Honestly, we didn’t expect the park to be so easy going on that day – but we are thankful since we weren’t rushing. The park opened at 10 am and closed at 5:30 pm so we truly didn’t have as much time there as we would have liked. After the park closed to walked over to CityWalk and grabbed a few yummies like Voodoo Donut.
We grabbed some giant pretzels while out and about through the park and also had a turkey leg from a vendor. I love Turkey Legs, but as much as I did – honestly, Universal’s does not compare to Disney’s. If you are expecting a turkey leg the size of what you get at Disney – you’ll be disappointed. We noticed it was significantly smaller – but still pretty good.
Is Universal Express Worth It?
If you’ve never been to Universal Studios Hollywood before or only have a short time to spend there – YES, I think it is. While it was not busy on the day we went, I definitely can see how it can be crazy during peak times of the year. Quick note – January is really a nice time to go and cool enough to not feel so overwhelmingly hot. Since we only had about 6 hours or so at the park that day – even if the lines were not too bad, we definitely didn’t want to miss out on a thing. If you have a short time to visit and a family, definitely get Express. Since we traveled all the way from Hawaii, I wanted to make sure we could make use of our time there and I wanted to boys to experience all the attractions.
Does Express Pass include Photos?
Unfortunately – the Express Pass does not include photos. While photos were taken of us on some rides, we were able to purchase a digital package (which cost $69). That cost is for one day only and we only had a total of 5 images. I remember visiting Orlando years ago and it was about $20 per image. So I think you do save with the day pass, but it’s still a hefty cost.
Covid-19 Protocol
NOTE: The regulations are a bit different between Universal and Disneyland since Universal Studios is a part of LA County. All persons 5+ must be prepared to show proof of full FDA or WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccination (a full 14 days after final dose was administered) or negative test taken within 24 hours. Regardless of Vaccination status or negative test results, face coverings are required to be worn at all times, both indoors and outdoors when visiting the theme park. The same goes for Universal CityWalk. We removed our mask quickly to take photos and while eating, but always wore a mask throughout the park on our day of visit.
Final Thoughts
Overall – like with any theme park no matter where you go, there will be a ton of walking, long lines and you’ll get your occasional unhappy person. But, this was a first-time experience for my twins Luke and Isaiah and also for Kevin Ka’eo who had gone to Orlando as a baby and really would not have remembered. Since they are old enough to experience these things, it made it so much more memorable. We definitely had a blast and it’s a place we hope to visit again soon.
A few tips for those planning a visit:
Make sure you’re dressed comfortably and have comfortable shoes or footwear that you can walk in all day.
Bring a small water bottle with you because it’s best to stay hydrated. Many vendors were not available or open when we first entered the park, so it’s best to be prepared.
Download the Universal Studios App so you can track your parking location, view dining options and so much more. You don’t get a map when you enter the park. So the app will be your map for directions to restrooms, dining, etc.
If you are parking – pay the extra fee for front gate or premium parking. Normal parking is $30. And after a long day of walking, it sucks to walk back to the car with tired kiddos. We paid for Front Gate Parking which was $65. We literally were parked right outside the front gate. When we were ready to leave, we were seconds away from the car. It’s so worth it in my opinion. While we don’t have little travelers, as a mom who traveled with toddlers, I know how much of a challenge it can be after a long day. Pay for the parking, it’s definitely worth it.
Disclaimer: The products featured within this post were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links can and may be posted throughout. Please visit my disclosures page for more info.
Here in Hawaii, most of us are on day 5 or more of the self-quarantine, social distancing, and lockdown during this coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. Our Mayor just released…
I love Christmas shopping, especially for my children. When it comes to Christmas, my boys are so laid back and easy to shop for, that it makes surprising them each year that much easier. I think children should have a wide range of gifts from clothes and toys to books and games and I’m always excited to write up my list of treats for my boys each year. Shopping for kids can be a challenge, at any age… so I have compiled a list of presents that are reasonably priced for any child. No matter the age, I’m sure you will find something in my list that your children may enjoy. Let’s get started, shall we?
Trekz Titanium Mini Wireless Headphones ($129.95) – These headphones from AfterShokz are the ideal gift for my teenager. Kevin Ka’eo is at the age where he works on projects for school on his iPad and Tablet and needs a quality headphones that can take the beating that teens dish out. He also runs and jogs so I really want to ensure I have a product that will work for him and provide him with quality sound.
The Trekz Titanium Mini Wireless Headphones are lightweight and comfortable. The are stereo headphones which are the safest alternative to traditional sport headphones and earbuds. With bone conduction technology, an open ear design and a suite of convenient features, the Trekz headphones deliver premium music play and crystal clear calling without any compromise. This headphone is designed with athletes in mind and are sweatproof and secure – making them ideal for my son. They will allow you to hear your surroundings – no matter where life takes you.
4id Power Spurz Light Up Heels ($19.95) – If you have little ones or even teenagers (heck, I even use them), Power Spurz are a great gift. They keep you safe and visible through your outdoor training, walking, running or everything in between where you need to be lit up so you are visible. The lightweight heel spur has two available settings – pulse and continuous light. The piece slides conveniently on the back of your shoe and glows in a vibrant LED light. Since my family and I often do night time walking around our block, or are out and about at the local festivals, these work perfect for the boys and they were a hit at Halloween. They come in five different colors and I definitely suggest it. They fit on my shoes as well as the boys so you have many options to utilize these.
LUX – The Principled Block Lux Blox ($29.99 +) – All three of my sons LOVE Legos or anything that will allow them to build creations to their heart’s desire. I love encouraging their imagination and the fun without the screen, so Lux Blocks are definitely a fun toy for anyone to play with – kids and adults too.
Lux is Made in the USA and was created by artist/inventor Michael Acerra because he and his wife Healther wanted to give the world a block that could bring everything as nature does. These construction blocks allow you build and make structures that curve, bend and move. The come with a unique, patent-pending snap and lock hinge system that allows you to build a structure that flexes, twists and turns.
There are different sets available and like I mentioned before, it doesn’t matter your age or your child’s age – they will love Lux as much as we do. While we still LOVE Legos in our house, Lux has easily become a building block we enjoy and I have it on my list to purchase several sets for my nieces and nephews.
Magic Sketch Art Tablet For Kids ($29.95) – I love As Seen on TV finds and the Magic Sketch is definitely one of them. This fun and new way for k8ids to draw, play and learn is flexible with an LCD screen that is transparent. The Magic Sketch allows kids to trace with the provided stencils or from their own images and creating all kinds of amazing art is fun for all ages. Unlike most tablets, the Magic Sketch is super kid proof. Kids can drop it, toss it, even step on it and it won’t break. It’s completely water resistant, so if they have a spill, it will wipe off and they can keep going. It’s got advanced internal electronics so you can clear the screen with just a push of a button.
Each Magic Sketch retails for $29.95 and includes:
Magic Sketch
Protector Guard
1 Roller
3 Stamps
20 Learning Stencils
20 Games Stencils
20 Art Stencils
I especially love this as a gift because it’s perfect for travel, mess free and I don’t have to worry about replacing an expensive device if it breaks or gets lost or stolen. It’s an ideal gift for all ages and I can’t wait to doodle on it myself.
Books & E Readers Make Great Gifts ($10 +) – My sons all love to read, so a great book (or two or three) or an E Reader like the Amazon Fire Tablet make great gifts. These items make fabulous stocking stuffers or fun gifts for unwrapping. Each year, I select at least two books for each of my boys and wrap them up. This year – I’ll be purchasing an Amazon Fire Tablet for the three of them to download some of their favorite Kindle books (that way there is more room for my books on mine… lol) and with Amazon Prime and Amazon Underground – many books are free to read and download. A basic Amazon Fire Tablet will make a great gift because it provides a plethora of apps and internet capability at reasonable costs. You can easily get a Tablet for $50 now a days and it’s worth it.
A few books that the boys have been loving lately – The Adventures of Camp Nana Papa and The Spinfords are great classics that I think any child would like. My eldest is currently reading The Kingdom Oceana (not currently pictured) and highly suggests that one.
Stompeez Slippers ($19.99) – Slippers with Personality. These slippers are absolutely adorable and perfect for my twins. They are fun, soft and comfy. Walk, stomp or jump and Stompeez will pop to life.
I thought these would be the perfect gift for Luke & Isaiah because they love soft and cuddly things. They come in different sizes and a variety of different designs – 9 total. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Batman, Nemo, Dori, Shopkins, Happy Puppy, TRex Dinosaur and so much more.
Buddy Balls ($19.99) – Zip it, Flip it, Love it! The boys and I have talked about Buddy Balls here on the blog before and it was a rave for a product. We love Buddy Balls and definitely thought it would make a great Holiday Gift to include in our gift guide. Buddy Balls are soft, cuddly and so sweet. They are little bears that you can zip up and flip into a ball to play with. The boys love them and I love them so much, I’ve purchased several of these as gifts for the holiday.
You can read about Buddy Balls and our review on these sweeties here.
I realize that most of the gifts I listed in this post are really for boys, but hey – I grew up a tomboy and I loved to play with all the boy things when I was younger, so I guess many of these things really gravitate in my mind as fun gifts. The fact of the matter is – they are all unisex and the gifts like Stompeez and Buddy Balls are sweet presents for little girls as well as any of the items I’ve chosen here. Each of these were selected because we have tested them ourselves and the boys and I really went through and found the ones that we would love to get or enjoy. At the end of the day, gift giving is about love and the thought is always what counts in our house.
I do have something fun for all of you. The boys and I are working in collaboration with AfterShokz and giving away a Trekz Titanium Mini for someone this holiday season. Check out the Giveaway Widget below to enter.
Looking for more ideas for your holiday shopping? Be sure to check out the following links for my guides and inspiration: (this list will be updated periodically as new guides become available)
So, what about you? Are any of these items a part of your children’s wish list this holiday?
Disclosure: Some of the products featured in this post were sent for editorial consideration, while others were purchased by Honeygirlsworld.com. This post may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details and outline of my product review disclosures and policies, affiliate links, etc. please visit my Disclosures page.
I am participating in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central and hosted by Claritin®. I have received compensation to thank me for my participation. All opinions…
With all the kiddos heading back to school for the 2016-2017 school year, Target has you covered. The “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target” product collection includes leading natural, organic and sustainable brands for you to choose from. At the heart of Made to Matter is an assortment of great products made with simple, recognizable ingredients that are designed to be higher quality for everyone and accessible to anyone. Are you a Target shopper? If so, read on and check out some of these brands that you can add to your list the next time you’re out shopping.
Target is one of my favorite stores to shop at and I’m excited to share a few fun brands for you to check out as a part of the “Made to Matter Handpicked by Target” collection. These brands and products offer an assortment of great products and today I’m going to share them with all of you.
Pacifica is a brand that I know and love and I’m very thankful to be a Pacifica Beauty Ambassador. The Made to Matter product from Pacifica is the DreamBIG Lash Extending 7 in 1 Mascara ($15.99) which I wrote a review on previously (you can find that here). This mascara provides instant amplification with natural plant fibers that build and build plus fortify your lashes with an innovative peptide serum. It also includes a magic wand that changes up your mascara game with a twist. Fake it till you make it with this awesome mascara.
Shea Moisture Made to Matter Products – Peace Rose Oil Complex Nourish & Silken Shampoo and Conditioner ($10.99 each). I’m a huge fan of the Shea Moisture products but have not tried this particular line from the brand until now. These nourishing recipes are made with natural and certified organic ingredients and are designed to hydrate and soften dry, brittle hair. Key Ingredients include: Peace Rose Oil Complex (Alpine, Damask and Must Rose Oils) to help soften and silken dry hair. Date Pam Extract to provide protective moisture barrier with sensitivity pathway blockers and Camellia Leaf Extract contains antioxidant properties, soothing minor skin and scalp irritation. I have been LOVING these hair products and plan to have a full review up on the blog in the coming weeks.
Method Rebecca Atwood + Method Pumpkin Clove Gel Handwash ($3.49) is a design-driven, planet-friendly home and personal care product that was designed in collaboration with Brooklyn-based designer Rebecca Atwood. The line includeds four custom painterly patterns and fragrances that span a variety of method products in this limited edition collection for fall – bringing sophisticated style to everyday products. The bottle is gorgeous with a chic design that is show stopping and the scent of the soap is awesome. Method met the clean label challenge for the Made to Matter program by sharing all product ingredients with Target’s Sustainability Index team so that they could verify the safety and sustainability.
Suja Pressed Probiotic Waters in Raspberry, Orange, Ginger Pineapple, Pineapple Lemon Cayenne & Ginger Lime ($2.99) are the perfect back to school drink. Suja has created the first enhanced water on teh market with no additives of any kind and no natural or artificial flavors. Suja’s Pressed Probiotic Waters are Organic, Non-GMO and Cold-Pressured. Suja’s waters are the first-ever enhanced water made with nothing but organic fruits, vegetables and vegan probiotics. 10 calories and one gram of sugar or less, the pressed probiotic waters offer a subtle sweetness and no additives of any kind. They also contain 2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of vegan probiotics, these waters provide a clean dose of immune and digestive benefits.
Annie’s Snacks ($3.45/box) and Justin’s Peanut Butter + Banana Chip Snack Packs ($1.99) are delicious snacks that are perfect for back to school. These treats are conveniently packed to put into the lunchbox and are a nutritious snack for the whole family. They are tasty and fun and I love that they are perfect for on the go.
Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Paper Masks ($2.99) are single use Ultra Hydrating paper masks that naturally hydrate and provide the skin with and extra dose of tropical scented moisture.
Tom’s of Maine just launched their first natural antiperspirant for Men – Naturally Dry North Woods. Selected for the “2016 Made to Matter-Handpicked by Target” Program. 48 Hour odor and wetness protection with no petrochemicals or artificial fragrances. It’s also non-irritating and with every purchase Tom’s of Main donates 10% of profits back to helping people and the planet. Tom’s Main Naturally Dry Deodorant ($4.49) is reasonably priced and smells nice. But I especially like that it will not cause irritation to my husband who has sensitive skin like me.
Tom’s of Maine Luminous White Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste ($4.99) is their newest, most advanced natural whitening toothpaste designed exclusively for Target. Luminous White offers effective whitening with only naturally derived ingredients that work to remove surface stains. Most importantly, it’s safe on enamel and selected for the 2016 “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target program because it contains no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or artificial sweeteners like saccharin. It’s also gluten free with no animal testing and clinically proven, dual silica whitening technology.
The Honest Company has been one my family has really grown to love. The Organic Healing Balm ($12.95) is a favorite mainly because it is very similar to those that I currently use from other brands. It’s an all purpose salve for dry, chafed or sensitive skin and a favorite in our household because I can easily carry it in my purse and take on the go for when I need it most. It’s all natural, soothing and hypoallergenic which make it all great for my sensitive skin and my family. Award winning, this balm is a must have, super versatile salve to help soothe my very dry and sensitive skin and so much more. With organic sunflower, olive and coconut oils along with shea butter to nourish and moisturize, my dry skin gets the relief it needs. It’s also made without petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances, dyes and most ingredients that cause common allergies.
The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray ($2.98) is also a favorite in our house. It smells so refreshing and bright with an orange citrus scent and moisturizes with aloe vera. Kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria, this antiseptic + moisturizer offers antimicrobial protection made with plant-based ingredients. Soothing botanicals help to reduce drying, redness and chapping and there are no harsh chemicals. I love that it is in a convenient (easy to travel and use on the go) packaging and it’s a favorite to always have on hand.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Vinegar Gel Cleaner ($3.99) is something new to our family and I have not used it prior to this. Heritage-inspired specialty cleaners that are bleach-free but still work hard on grease, grime and soap-residue. Mrs. Meye’s Vinegar Gel Cleaner in Lemon Verbena smells nice and is naturally thickened vinegar with the Lemon Verbena fragrance to help clean stainless steel to a bright, brilliant shine without needed to rinse. Use to clean countertops, the refrigerator, handles, knobs and all those little do-it-yourself vinegar jobs but with more of a pleasant scent. I love it… I am someone who keeps a bottle of vinegar on hand just for cleaning the house and this product is awesome.
Happy Family Organics Brand Happy Tot Super Smart Organic Pears, Peas & Mangos ($1.60) I have been seeing kiddos around our neighborhood and at football practice sipping on these pouches over the last couple of weeks and I was excited to be able to try one. Since a toddler’s brain doubles in size from birth to age 2, it’s essential to give them the proper support for a tot’s growth. These Super Smart pouches contain 20mg of DHA and 100mg of choline, both important nutrients to help support brain health in a growing toddler. But, while these are formulated mainly for toddlers, the boys tried them and really enjoy it. I know they have a variety of flavors for older kids too so we’ll be checking those out in the next week or so and stocking up.
Babyganics Moisturizing Lotion ($7.29 for 11oz bottle) is the only baby lotion designed specifically for baby’s developing skin, featuring NeoNourish Natural Seed Oil Blend and the 100% natural scent of chamomile verbena (also available fragrance free). It’s free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, dyes or synthetic fragrances and the boys enjoy it as well as I do. Non-allergenic, pediatrician & dermatologist tested and never tested on animals, this is a really nice brand that includes Shea butter, Aloe, Vitamin E, Olive and Avocado Oil and the Babyganics 100% natural NeoNourish Seed Oil Blend.
Bitsy’s Brainfood Smart Crackers ($3.99) has been a fun new treat for us. Clean Label, USDA Organic, Non-GMO, nothing artificial and low in sugar, high in nutrition with 1/2 serving of vegetables. Smart Crackers are baked in a zero waste die and no scrap dough and the boys love that there are puzzle games on the 1005 recycled paperboard. The crackers are made with real organic veggies and come in three yummy flavors: Cheddar Chia Veggie, Mapple Carrot Crisp and Sweet Potato Cinna-Graham. They are made with love in the USA in a peanut and tree nut-free bakery. My sons really enjoy them and I think they taste really good… YUM.
Nature’s Path Organic EnviroKidz Granola Bars ($4.99 / 6 bars) are made with gluten-free rolled oats, chocolate chips and chocolate drizzle. The first and only granola bar made totally organic, gluten free and peanut free so they’re the perfect allergy-friendly lunchbox snack. The boys love these and love the way they taste, plus – the cute monkey on the packaging is a total fun way to snack.
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs ($12.99) include Seventh Generations trusted Free & Clear laundry formula that is now available in EPA safer Choice certified all-temperature laundry packs. These bio-based laundry packs use quadruple-enzyme power to remove stains and leave your clothes looking good as new. The product includes 45 toss-and-wash single-dose pods to make laundry day simple and mess-free. Their EPA Safer Choice certification means that every ingredient in their laundry packs have been reviewed by the EPA to ensure it meets their stringent human health & environmental criteria. What I enjoy the most about these laundry packs is that they are perfect for sensitive skin and my family is full with sensitive skin bodies. I think this will become a favorite our ours in the future and you may see a full review on this in the months to come.
As I mentioned before, “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target” is a collection of products of leading natural, organic and sustainable brands. At the heart of Made to Matter is an assortment of great products made with simple, recognizable ingredients that are designed to be higher quality for everyone and accessible to anyone. It is always a great thing to walk into my local Target store to see the “Made to Matter” logo and emblem on product displays because I know what they are about and am proud to support these brands. This year I was introduced to brands I have never tried before and some that I have loved over the years and my family and I have been enjoying them all.
It’s always great when a company offers such great quality but higher standards and I’m excited for my readers and friends to try some of these brands for themselves.
Make sure to shop all of these amazing #MadeToMatter favorites on Target/MadeToMatter website: http://www.target.com/c/made-to-matter or at your local Target Store.
Thank you Target and Pacifica Beauty for sending my family and I this awesome gift of goodies, we surely love them and look forward to trying more.
Disclaimer: The products discussed in this post were sent for review and feature consideration and as gifts. All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased. Affiliate links are posted through out.
