8 Travel Accessories Made in the USA

As the travel season gets under way, many of us are planning our trips to see loved ones and share in that camaraderie that makes for future memories.  Proper packing and planning can make or break a great trip.  Here are some travel accessories made in the USA that help include some of the conveniences of home while being away from home.

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1. Women's Large Canvas Bag



Kraft Canvas Bag
w/Leather Bottom
Click here to BUY NOW

Having a reliable bag during a busy travel season proves priceless.  This one is made for tools, but when you are away from home, having the proper [traveling] tools may give you some peace of mind.  It also has a waterproof bottom so whether you are headed for the beach or bunny slopes, this bag will be ready for you.

MakeUp Brush Case
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2. Makeup Brush Case

Makeup brushes are the foundation (no pun intended) of good makeup application.  A travel case will keep them safe and together while you are on vacation.  Now all you have to worry about is proper lighting!

3. Flip Flops


Sbicca Women's Dress Sandal
Made in the USA
Click here to BUY NOW

Have you ever walked [or sprinted] to catch a flight?  Have you ever done it in uncomfortable shoes?  That is no fun.  Besides, having one pair of shoes to go everywhere in can make packing a lot easier.  Accessories take up much less space than multiple pairs of shoes.  Of course, these flip flops are assuming that you are headed south - and with this crazy winter weather - way south!


Laundry Bag Non Dyed Eco-Canvas
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4. Laundry Bag

Pack for a vacation and relax like you're on vacation.  Bring a laundry bag and worry about it when you get back, unless you're going to Mama's house.......



5. Wristlet wallet

Harveys Minnie Wristlet
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A wristlet wallet makes it easy to grab needed documents, cash and ID so you are not constantly digging through your bags or the car.


 

Beau Monde Organics
Luxury Organic Scarf
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6. Scarf

Scarves serve as wonderful accessories.  They can add a pop of color to an outfit, keep you warm, and are easy to pack.  This Beau Monde Organics scarf is Made in USA: Designed, printed, hand-cut/sewn in USA.  Let Stephanie know Karina @Mom in the USA - sent you.


7. Snacks



Jelly Bean Chocolate Dips®
Strawberry – 16 oz
Click here to BUY NOW

Snacks are priceless when traveling, especially with children.  Keep them handy because you never know when your next meal may come.  Also, include some healthy snacks because they can keep the kiddos full a bit longer than just plain junk.  Chocolate-covered strawberries - can you really go wrong with chocolate and strawberries??

Airstream Vacation Luggage Tag Set - 2 pc
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8. Luggage Tags

Choosing luggage tags or decorating your luggage to stand out from all of the other bags helps to increase the chances of them going home with you.  Add some creativity that is unique to yours, such as these Airstream tags.


Always remember, whatever your travel plans may be:

Be safe.  What are some of your travel must-haves?  What plans do you have for this holiday season?

Karina

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Travelin' Good Times

Photo credit left   Photo credit right


'Tis the season for holiday travel.  Now that I have kids travel plans are completely different.  We have to anticipate everything.  We went on a road trip with the girls a few months ago -  a short one - but I learned several things.

1. Have a master list.  As mom and mistress of my domain, it is my job to make sure everything gets packed.  I admit I am not as Superwoman as everyone thinks (shh don't tell).  A master list keeps me focused on the task at hand since trips can be a bit crazy anyways.  The list also helps delegate {for those of you who have older children}.  For example, Husband person, please entertain the kids until I am done.  I cross things off with a black marker when they are done.

2. Consider your audience.  By this I mean, who are you traveling with?  I travel with a husband, a 3 year old and a 1 year old.  I have to prepare the kids {mentally} that we are going on a trip.  That one is kind of simple, but I find it helps to do and do it a few days in advance.  Even kids don't like last minute changes and trips are a change in their routine.

3. Check the weather.  This sounds like common sense, but you don't want to forget.  Make sure you know what the weather will be like where you are and the areas where you will be traveling.  Also, check the weather for your final destination.  This may determine when you will leave and what clothes to pack.  Add these notes to your Master List.

4. Pack an emergency kit.  I sometimes get laughed at for this one, but to sound cliche, you just never know.  

• A first aid kit - include scissors in the kit
• A flashlight with fresh batteries
• Extra blankets {in case the car breaks down somewhere cold}.
• Do you have a towing service, either AAA or through your car insurance?  
• Bring a car charger for your cell phone.  Maybe have an extra back-up battery for it.
• Pack medications - any that you currently take or may need.  For example, for motion sickness, for fevers/colds, for pain, for bad belly.
• Large zippered plastic bags {in case the motion sickness or bad belly meds don't work, if you get my drift}
• Hand sanitizer
• Write down important phone numbers, like auto and homeowners insurance, contact phone numbers, AAA if you have it.  This way if the electronics don't work, you have a back-up.
• Bring change for tolls, an air machine to fill your tires with air, or even a pay phone {if you can find one}.

5. Check your car. Check your tire pressure, your fluids {oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield fluid, etc.}, your gas level, your wipers, your headlights, your brake lights, your turn signals, your horn.  Bring an empty gas can or additional fluids, just in case.

6. Pick your travel time wisely.  Travel during rush hour stinks.  No one wants to do it on a daily basis, let alone during your vacation.  If at all possible, leave at night or early in the morning.  These times are usually coordinated with the times the kids sleep.  I find it's also more relaxing to travel at night.  We get more conversation in.

7. Pack entertainment.  If you do leave when the kids are awake, entertain them. 

• Bring movies so they can watch them while traveling. 
• For my 3 year old, I took a cookie sheet and put magnetic letters and anything else that would stick to it and periodically switched it around. 
• For my 1 year old, I made sure to bring her favorite doll and her blanket.  This also helps with security.  She has something familiar with her. 
• Bring {virtual or physical} books, crossword puzzles, Mad Libs, handheld video games (with plugs so not everyone else has to listen to it).
• Play games like I Spy, Spot-A-Bug (look for VW Bugs).  We look for letters and colors in signs and license plates.  If your kids are older, you can look for letters all the way to Z.  The first one to reach Z, wins.
• Count.... How many of an item can you find?  For my girls, it has to be simple because of their ages.
• Learn geography and science.
• Name that tune.
• Notebooks and a pen or pencil so kids can journal their adventures and have as a keepsake.

8. Bring food and drink.  Inevitably, someone will want something to eat or drink.  This can also save some money on stopping to get food.  Use a collapsible cooler.  Pack things in see-through baggies or containers and label them.  You can also make something for each traveler and label it.  Bring plastic bags so you can collect any garbage.  When you stop, you can throw it out.  Also, bring disposable baby wipes, even if you don't have babies.  If they can clean a baby's bottom, they can clean just about any mess you make.

• As a side note to this one: I bring my daughter's potty seat whenever we go somewhere - the one you put on the seat to make it small enough for a child.  I carry it in a backpack.  This makes it easier when using a public restroom.  I knew one mom who brought the actual potty and put it in the back of her SUV.  She said it helped with potty training continuity.

9. Bring a change of clothes. I know you have your bags packed and this seems redundant, but life happens.  Spills happen.  Leaks happen.  Weather changes.  Who wants to go looking through a suitcase in the middle of a trip?  It helps to be comfortable on a road trip.  Also, have a blanket on hand or a pillow and a towel.

10. Bring a good attitude.  Life will happen on a trip.  It will.  Some of it planned.  Some of it not.  A good attitude will determine your trip and it is contagious.  Family trips are meant to spend good quality time together.  As long as everyone is safe and sound, everything else can usually be resolved.

I hope this list helps you in your travel planning.  Have fun and be safe!

Karina
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A Quick Funny

{Photo Credit} Used with permission

Since yesterday I posted on a really sad story, today I thought I would balance that out with a quick funny story.

This coming week begins the rush of holiday travel.  Blessed am I to have been able to have flown on a number of flights and different airlines.  On one particular flight just as we landed and are making our way to the gate, the flight attendant comes on the intercom.  She tells us all of the usual stuff - Please remain seated until the plane has come to a complete stop and the captain has turned off the seat belt sign; Be careful opening the overhead bins so you don't get hit in the head, etc., etc., etc.  She thanks us for flying Southwest Airlines and closes her spiel by saying, We at Southwest Airlines would like you to know that no one loves you and your money more than Southwest Airlines.  Have a great day!  The passengers roared with laughter and clapped.  It was probably one of the funniest things I had ever heard on a flight.  It was great.  Closing the flight with a funny line must be a Southwest Airlines thing because I have heard them on several flights of theirs. 

Hope you are having a great day!

Karina
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Category: Shopping & Review

What Stares Back at You When You Look at Your Computer?

Hutchinson Island, FL

I write about so many wonderful products that are made in the USA.  I also add where these products are made.  I felt the need to write today, but the words were not coming to me.  Then, I happen to notice the background on my computer.  It is the beach where my husband and I were married.  Yes, we had a fabulous destination wedding.  There is a coral reef that overlooks this wonderful beach.  It almost appears like an altar overlooking the ocean.  It is breathtaking and I am so happy that we were married there.

Here's the romantic part of this story: My husband is the one that put this picture as our background.  Here's the stranger part: I'm not sure where he got it from because the screen on our old/other laptop went out and we have no access (yet) to any pictures on it (ie: our wedding photos).  As mysterious as that seems, I'd rather just live in the rose-colored-glass world that shows me my husband has a [little] romantic in him.

While there are many great products that are produced in the US, there are equally, if not more, fabulous places to see in the US.  If you get the opportunity, go visit them, even if it's a tank full of gas away.  By the way, if any of you are looking for a great place to visit in the US, this is one of them.  I am starry-eyed about the place for obvious reasons, but nonetheless.....let me live in the starry place.

Share some pictures of great places in the US that you have traveled to.  I would love to see them.

What stares back at you when look at your computer?  What story does it elicit?  Tell me about it.

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Karina
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A Road Map with a Goal

Photo by Phillip C

As I talk with [actually email] companies around the country, I often wonder about the actual production, the behind-the-scenes.  This is one of the reasons that I put the city and state in which the products are made.  It adds a personalization.  My goal is to get at least one product from each state.

I told my husband when I re-started doing this blog that I would love to be able to take a road trip across the country and visit some of these companies and their production facilities.  I would love to see how the local communities operate.  My dream has always been to go RV-ing.  It's on my bucket list.  Even if it's just a weekend trip, it still counts.

Where would you love to travel to?  Do you live somewhere that people travel to often?  I would love to read about your stories.  Come and share them.

Karina
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