Month: December 2022

Have you tried Amazon Explore?

This last Summer when Delta had taken over and traveling internationally just wasn’t possible for us, my family decided do take a few trips right from our computer. I was offered a special deal to try out Amazon Explore and take my daughter on trips around the world daily – from home. We did this as sort of our Summer School. We would plan for what trip we were taking and what we were seeing there, then making dinners from that country and sometimes a fun craft as well. This has been happening for about 6 Months with Amazon and many of the sample trips we did in the beginning are no longer there and have been replaced with different ones.

It is a wonderful experience and almost all of the tour guides we had were amazing. We traveled to Paris, Japan, Barcelona, Madrid, Costa Rica, New Orleans, and so many more. Each tour was completely different depending on where it was, who was leading it and what you asked them to show you. You see and hear them and the area around them (most are walking tours) but they can only hear you (which must be very weird for them!). You can take photos as well which you can download and save of your trip. I have heard they are now doing group tours as well to cut costs but we didn’t experience any of those. There are many more we can’t wait to take. If you’re looking for a fun, cultural, educational experience for the whole family to make the world around them see a little more available right now, check out Amazon Explore.

xoxo

Jaimarie

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Allure Beauty Box

I am a huge fan of subscription Beauty Boxes and have tried many different over the years. I love the idea of getting to try many new products every month that I may not have heard of or wanted to try but didn’t want to commit to buying a full size without knowing if I liked it. Many leave a lot to be desired when it comes to quality of the products, or the small trial size you recieve. It’s a lot of fluff in packaging but not much product. I recently tried a subscription to The Allure Beauty Box through Amazon. I discovered that Amazon has a significant amount of subscription boxes on their site and this was my first one to try.

When it arrived it was nicely packaged in the box it came in and items were wrapped in tissue paper. Not a lot of junk to throw away. Right off I knew 4 of the brands and am a big fan of two (Sunday Riley & Bliss in particular). As you can see from the photo 3 items are full size products (it seems you get 3 full size every month). I love that. No trial sizes here. The shipping is free (unlike other beauty box companies) and the box is $23.00 and you can cancel at anytime. Since it’s Amazon it’s really easy, unlike some others. I’m excited to try these fun products and I think this would make a great gift for any beauty lovers in your life (or yourself!). Click the photo below to check it out for yourself. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Allure Beauty Box

xoxo

Jaimarie

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The Minnie Van

Before I had a baby I wasn’t too excited about a Minivan. Recently at Walt Disney World that all changed.  Together with Lyft Disney has created a very fun ride called the “Minnie Van”. It is a collaboration with the ride share service and available for guests of the resorts around the parks. You can arrange a ride in a private Disney car right from your phone. A Disney cast member drives you, so you know you’re in good hands, and they can take you anywhere around Walt Disney World Resort. The service holds up to 6 guest with two available car seats (versatile car seats that can be either forward or rear facing or even a booster seat) for little guests.

Minnie Van
The Minnie Van on our most recent WDW trip

On our last two trips to Walt Disney World we have had the opportunity to try the Minnie Van. One time from the Caribbean Beach Resort and once from the Polynesian. If you currently use Lyft you probably know how it works but additionally we had to ask for an activation code at the front desk to use the Minnie Van service.

WDW Minnie Van
Gianna loving the Minnie Van at WDW

On both trips the Disney cast member drivers were wonderful and so helpful and accompanying. The ride is $25 flat for a one way trip. Although this seems a bit high compared to normal ride sharing apps or the free transportation options WDW offers, when you are pressed for time or don’t want to deal with the bus service or other options it is a great time saver! Also being provided by Disney there is a feeling of additional safety and the provided car seats make it great for families.

The Minnie Van drops you off right where you need to be at the parks!

For us, we had a half day after travel to spend at the park so the time saved was well worth it. Disney music was playing during the trip which my daughter loved and it was so much fun to see her light up as she recognized a song. Both of our drivers have been so helpful and knew answers to any questions we have had.

On each trip, our Minnie Van was equipped with Graco 4ever car seats and Gianna loved them so much that we ended up getting one ourselves as her new “big girl” car seat!

Graco 4ever
Her new “Big Girl” car seat at home

If you are staying at a WDW property and are looking for a way to add a little special touch to shorten your trip to the park or ease to your day, make sure you try a Minnie Van. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks from our adventures at Walt Disney World in upcoming posts and follow us on Instagram @ATinySuitcase!

xoxo

Jaimarie

 

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The Best Makeup I’ve Found Recently

I have found some wonderful makeup lately that not only achieve a great look easily but also save me time. With wearing masks and Zoom meetings the need to “glam up” has changed a bit but here are the new finds that I absolutely love. Most can be found on my Amazon list here but one that can’t is listed below it. With my link you will receive a $5 gift card to use at Static Nails. I really love their products because they are easy to use and made with great ingredients. I haven’t been disappointed with any of these things I’ve included and they make life in this crazy time feel a little more normal when you still want to feel a little pop of glamour.

Best Makeup Finds
Static Nails

xoxo

Jaimarie

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A Model Baby

When my daughter was just over one year old she shot her first product packaging and print job as a model for the company Lulyboo. She had a great time doing it and enjoyed her first day in front of the camera at a professional photo studio.

Waiting for her next shot
Getting to know the Lulyboo products

I have worked as a model since I was a teenager and it was amazing to see her so comfortable on her first photo shoot (I know I wasn’t!). The whole team was so wonderful and knew just how to work with a baby and make her feel at ease. We shot at a studio in San Diego, California and she had a great day.

During the shoot with Lulyboo
Gianna on set with the wonderful women behind Lulyboo

Here is her ad for their Shopping Cart & Highchair cover. It is perfect for travel, has a zippered pocket and even has a place for a tablet or phone to keep kids busy while you shop or dine if you choose to. You can purchase it on the Lulyboo website, at Amazon, ToysRus, Target, Walmart, BuyBuyBaby, Bed Bath and Beyond and many more retailers.

The advertisement for Lulyboo’s Shopping Cart & Highchair Cover from their website
The advertisement for Lulyboo’s Shopping Cart & Highchair Cover from their website

(Photos from Lulyboo’s website)

 Since then she has done more shoots and enjoys playing to the cameras (and all of the attention) but this was her first professional modeling job and we will never forget it and the wonderful crew she worked with at Lulyboo.

❤️

Jaimarie

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Great Workouts You Can Do From Home

During the pandemic many people starting working out at home that never tried it before. For some people, home workouts were common but for others it was new territory. So many new options emerged in the last few years from online phone apps, Apple Fitness+, Peloton and more.

I love working out at home because it gives you the freedom to do it at anytime of day or night, with little to no preparation and it is a fantastic option if you have children. It is a great way to break up your day and if you are fortunate enough to have the time, it can be a lot of fun. It’s not for everyone, as some just prefer a gym and/or the company of a group for their fitness activities. If you’re willing to try something new, there are many great at home fitness options for all fitness levels. Below are links to some of my favorites and a list of some great fitness items that make working out at home fun and easy.

xoxo

Jaimarie

A great way to do dance based fitness at home from the BBS Online Studio.
Console free version of the fun Dance game Just Dance Now. Both my daughter and I love this!
Support your favorite animal organization just by walking!
Great things for fitness that make working out at home easier.
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Island Life

Our family recently relocated to The Bahamas for my husband’s work. Although our extended family lives here and we have visited often, nothing compares to the new adventure we are on. Traveling (and moving) with a toddler is always challenging.

Being based in California, London and Las Vegas previously, the island life is something you see in movies and photos on social media or are lucky enough to experience on a vacation or cruise (my previous experiences).  Although we will be back and forth, we will be spending quite a bit of time here and it is truly like a dream.  Spending the Winter in a tropical location adds a very fun twist to the normal cold holiday season.

Within a day of arriving, my daughter found a coconut that had fallen from a tree, cracked it open and we drank the water.  One of her favorite movies is Moana so you can imagine how excited she was!

She found a fallen coconut
Just like Moana!
Learning about coconuts
Drinking the coconut water

If you want to escape the cold Winter this is the place to do it!  Check back often for more about our adventures in The Bahamas here or on our social media Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, & Pinterest

🇧🇸❤️

Jaimarie

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