As we head into the second half of the -ber months, we’re heading into sweet baby O’s first birthday and what I’d consider her first holiday season of substance (she was still just a lump last year). I’ve been thinking a lot about gifts for a first birthday, or that first toddler Christmas that will quickly follow, and I want to consider gifts that will be meaningful and practical. I’ve always been a bit of a maximalist but having so much stuff alongside a baby is, in short, incredibly overwhelming. 

Here are some things I think will support growth and development for a new one-year old, or will make life a little simpler. 

I recognize some folks may incorporate these much earlier, but this little miss basically started crawling overnight, and the baby-proofing stuff felt mostly unnecessary with a mobile tot. But now, she’s giving us a run for our money with her ability to get around. We’re tired. Some things like gates, cabinet guards and drawer guards to keep those closed for little ones, the most obvious socket covers, and those nice little soft corner covers to protect baby from harsh table corners all feel incredibly essential now. We just bought one of those giant floor playpens (kind of like in Rugrats - this one is probably more similar to that), which I think will come in handy too. An open floor plan makes many gates challenging unless they’re over 100 inches long.

Now that O’s crawling around, she’s also discovering lots of things around the house, like the shiny surface of the fridge, which reminds me of the alphabet magnets of my childhood. I think she’d absolutely love to play with those!

Speaking of, toys are beginning to accumulate. Some cute sets of toy baskets, like these and this one, for upstairs and downstairs living spaces would be perfect to keep the space tidy(ish) and give the toys a place to live when they’re not being used.

With her newfound crawling skill, it’s only natural to begin planning for her to start walking. Push walkers are the pediatrician-recommended option these days (instead of the bouncer style walkers). These would allow her some stability as she started to figure it all out. But don’t be fooled - I’m terrified of this upcoming development. One of those baby backpack head pillow things would be perfect to provide protection for any tumbles she may take.

Toy wise - Lovevery has some great options that can be purchased with a subscription based on age, but it’s also a good starting place to figure out the kinds of toys that are developmentally appropriate.

Lastly, since we’re moving into a new age group and a new season - new clothes for the new weather are also important. She could certainly use new items like a hoodie jacket, warm hats and mittens, lots of warm skid-free baby socks, and even cute little pants with the decorative knee pads. I’ve also become quite the fan of the two-piece pajama or footless zippy pjs these days because she gets frustrated with things on her feet. 

 

 

Of course, these are things that are bit specific to baby O and her stages of development right now, but they may be helpful for other moms and dads with a baby's first birthday approaching soon. 

 

 

What do you think? Does any of this resonate with your almost toddler(s)?

 

 

 

 

This is a collaborative post. 

Safety is always vital when you’re traveling. However, the focus shouldn’t only be on protecting yourself and your possessions alone. You should also be mindful of the specific vulnerabilities of traveling while carrying digital technology. Our tech helps us pass the time and look up important information, and it can generally be a very useful tool to keep on hand.

A lot of us rely on this technology, to the point that it can serve as a gateway to all manner of private, sensitive, and financial data. Here, we’re going to look at a few vital tips to ensure that you’re mindful of the risk that this technology can pose, especially if it falls into the wrong hands, and how to protect yourself and your tech.



Be mindful of thieves

While traveling, especially in busy tourist areas, theft is a real risk. Keep your devices secure by using wrist straps, lanyard cases, or anti-theft bags. These security tools make it more challenging for a thief to grab and run with your device. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when working in public places. Try to keep valuable items in sight and avoid setting your phone, tablet, or laptop down unattended. Remaining vigilant can prevent most petty theft incidents, helping you feel secure and focused on your travels. Make it as difficult as possible for thieves to be able to steal your device and they’re a lot less likely to make the attempt. 

Be able to track your device

In case of theft, having tracking tools can be invaluable. Enable tracking features like Apple’s “Find My iPhone” or Google’s “Find My Device,” which can help you locate lost or stolen items. Some services even allow you to remotely wipe data, which can be critical if sensitive information is at risk. Also, consider device insurance plans that cover theft or loss. Having these tracking tools and contingencies in place provides an additional layer of security for both your data and peace of mind. 

Use a VPN to stay connected

While VPNs are essential for accessing work files safely, they also offer a layer of privacy when using public networks. When you’re connected to public or semi-public networks, it is possible for hackers to effectively eavesdrop on your connection, and by doing this they could steal some sensitive data. Beyond encrypting your data, VPNs can help you access online accounts that might be restricted in certain countries. Using a trusted VPN for Mac with robust privacy policies can shield your internet activity from hackers and give you a secure connection, no matter where you’re working. In general, you may want to be mindful of which networks you connect to in the first place. Some avoid connecting to public wifi altogether.

 

 

Avoid posting live updates on social media

This used to be the complete opposite. Remember FourSquare and checking into your locations on social media? SO WEIRD! One important but often overlooked safety measure these days is to avoid posting live updates about your location on social media. While sharing your travels in real-time can be tempting, doing so reveals your location to a wide audience, potentially increasing your vulnerability to theft or other risks. Consider waiting until you’ve left a location to share your experiences online. By being discreet, you not only protect your safety but also limit the information available to potential scammers or stalkers. What’s more, posting frequently is also an advertisement that you’ve left your home. 

 

 

Back-up your data

Losing your device while on the road could result in the loss of important files, so having a reliable backup strategy is essential. There are plenty of Cloud services, including both free and premium options, that can be used to store copies of crucial files. If internet reliability is a concern, consider carrying an external hard drive with automatic backup capabilities. By backing up your files regularly, you ensure that any data loss won’t impact your work or personal information. 

 

Anticipate more phishing attempts

Traveling often exposes you to an increased number of phishing attempts, as scammers may try to exploit travel-related vulnerabilities. Be cautious when opening unfamiliar emails or clicking on links, especially if they claim to be from travel or booking companies. Regularly monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity and avoid accessing sensitive information over public networks without a VPN. Developing a critical eye for phishing attempts can help you maintain your digital safety while traveling. Honestly, if unsure - just delete and report it. If it's from someone who knows you, they'll have other ways to contact you.

Traveling with your digital tech does carry some degree of risk, but there’s plenty that you can do to ensure that you mitigate it. This way, you don’t have to live with worry simply because you’re traveling with your phone on your person. 

 

Are there other tactics you use to mitigate risks? What are they? Share in the comments below.

 

 

 

This is a collaborative post  

Whether you're soaring through the skies, embarking on a cross-country road trip, or simply a passenger on a car journey, there's always going to be downtime. But with these versatile tips, ranging from leisurely activities to productive tasks, you can take control of your travel experience and make the most of your journey, feeling empowered and in charge of your time.

So, what do you do when you have a lengthy journey and a lot of time to kill? Keep reading for a few suggestions!



Sleep

When possible, sleeping is a great way to pass the time and arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go. Whether you're at an airport, on the plane, or as a passenger in any other type of transport, a good rest can make a world of difference. Consider planning to travel overnight or later in the day when your body is naturally tired, and bring along aids like a white noise app or a good book to help you unwind and get some sleep. It's not just about passing the time, it's about arriving at your destination feeling your best.



Play games

Playing games during your trip is a great way to keep everyone entertained, both adults and kids, and pass the time in a more enjoyable way, making the journey more engaging and fun.

There are so many games you can play, from standard travel board games to card games or online games like solitaire, Sudoku, Chess, and more. You can even play your favorite video games en route too to help you pass the time. But the fun doesn't stop there. You can make games to play in your surroundings, play I-Spy with the kids, spot different vehicles on the road, or see who can find a certain object first. Basic, simple, sure, but they can be so much fun and a great way to pass the time.



Read a book

Reading is an excellent way to pass the time while you're on the move. After all, you don't have much time to do anything else, especially if you're not traveling with kids or other people. This downtime can be the perfect opportunity to finally start reading that book you have wanted to read for a while now, allowing you to relax and escape into a different world.

Plus, it doesn't matter how you read, be it a physical book, an ebook, or an audiobook. Settle down, turn the page, and let yourself get lost for a few hours to make the most of the journey and the free time. This is certainly my favorite travel activity!



Watch movies

Why not download a film or two to watch while you're making your way to your final destination? Movies can provide a great way to relax, unwind, and lose track of time, making the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

Top tip: If you don't think you can connect to wifi when you travel, then try downloading before you leave home, but make sure you have the storage on your device first. Also, ensure you have your devices charged and have battery packs to keep you going so you don't get halfway through one movie and cannot carry on due to a dead battery. The last time I travelled, I figured out how long my flight would be and downloaded enough episodes of True Blood to pass the flight. Once I was at my destination, I deleted the ones I watched and then downloaded more episodes for the flight home using the hotel wifi. 



Podcasts and music

If you prefer to listen to podcasts or music rather than watch or read, listening to music can provide the same escapism while still allowing you to look around and take things in.

There are so many songs, albums, and podcasts you can enjoy it's highly likely you won't find something you want to listen to, so why not explore genres you’vs never been interested in before or have been wanting to listen to but never gotten around to? For instance, if you're into true crime, there are plenty of gripping podcasts to keep you entertained. Or, if you're a history fan, numerous educational podcasts can make the time fly by. Plug in, switch off, and let your ears take over the journey.



Engage with others

It's not possible for some types of journeys or travel options; however, if your method of traveling allows for connecting with others, talking to people can be a great way to pass the time if you're sociable and can find others who are, too. Of course, you need to be careful when you're connecting with strangers, and keeping personal information personal can be a good idea. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Starting a general conversation about where you're going, the weather, sports, or hot topics can alleviate boredom and get you some much-needed company for the trip.



People watch 

For example, if you're waiting at an airport or train station, people-watching is a common way to pass the time and maybe even learn something new. Take a seat, sit back, and watch the world go on around you.

You never know, you might see families reuniting, lovers quarreling, kids learning something new, the joy and wonder of love and relationships between spouses, siblings, or friendships being made between strangers. People are weird and wonderful creatures sometimes, and people watching can be a great way to pass the time and take in the world around you.



Journal

If you are a fan of preserving memories and writing things down, then journaling during your trip can be a great way to absorb what is going on and ensure that you remember your journey as it happens in real-time. Journaling can come in the form of taking pictures and writing down information you feel is essential or that you want to remember. Or you can make a digital journal and build a diary online or even blog about what you're doing. You can also record your thoughts and capture images to share on social media, which can also be a form of journaling. The format is up to you!



Craft something

If you've got a long stretch ahead of you of doing nothing while being transported, then taking a little hobby with you (as allowed) can be perfect for long, boring periods. Whether you enjoy knitting, photography, drawing, crocheting, or writing comics, it can be anything that requires you to craft and create, and getting stuck in can offer you an activity that takes you away from what's going on and reduces boredom to no end. 

This is a collaborative post.

Most of us enjoy traveling in some respect. It’s definitely one of life’s great joys, and famously it broadens the mind. It’s also a great way to develop as a person more and more, and that’s probably one of the main reasons we really do it. But it has to be said that travel can also be quite stressful and even difficult at times, so it’s something that you will want to be aware of whenever you’re traveling.


The good news is that it is also perfectly possible to make any trip much more enjoyable. In this post, we’ll take you through some of the best ways to do that. If you can take the following on board as best as you can, you should find that you’re going to have a much more enjoyable time whenever you are traveling in the future.


Keep a travel journal

This is a great way to really engage with your traveling much more, and you’ll find that the results are going to speak for themselves. Having a travel journal is going to encourage you to think critically and engage with the experience in a really interesting way, so it’s something that you will want to think about doing for sure. Plus, it’s a simple enough thing to set up and get into.

Fundamentally all you need to do is buy yourself a nice journal and start writing in it whenever you go on a trip. This could even be a trip somewhere close to home, it doesn’t really matter. Write down your impressions and thoughts each day, and soon enough you’ll have a lot to leaf through. This alone can be a great way to really enjoy traveling a lot more.


Go off-season

To be honest, changing diapers was one of the things I was most terrified of when thinking about becoming a mommy. There are many other things that worry me constantly when it comes to my daughter’s health and wellbeing, but before she was here, I was just convinced that I wouldn’t be able to change diapers, especially dirty diapers. But now, I hardly even smell her dirty diapers and I’m just happy to know she’s using the bathroom because that means she’s eating and getting her nutrients.