Lissa's Lists • Spring + Summer Home Refresh

Since we’re all spending a lot more time at home lately, I have found myself in spring cleaning mode. We’ve purged, rearranged, consolidated…and now I’m excited for a little refresh because the weather had been beautiful lately!

So, for today’s Lissa’s List, I’m sharing a few things I’ve picked up for my home, and a few things I’ve loved having over the years.

Lissa's List - spring + summer home refresh by Lissa Anglin

Funny Doormat
I saw this a few weeks ago and thought THAT WAS MADE FOR OUR HOUSE. This Etsy shop offers lots of hilarious and cute sayings on custom made doormats.

Under Doormat Rug
I just love this buffalo check and it’s the perfect for under a natural fiber doormat. Comes in red and black for all you Red Raiders, too!

Olive Leaf Door Wreath
I am so impressed with this little faux olive wreath - I’m picky about faux flowers, and this leafy wreath is just perfect for my front door.

Faux Plants

Wall Hanging Faux Plants
I hope to be a real plant lady one day, but these faux hanging plants are just perfect. I think I’m going to grab a few for the kids’ bathroom.

Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
I have a couple real fiddle leaf fig trees, and let me tell you- they are finicky. Thankfully, you can’t kill this one and it looks quite nice in any corner of your home.

Faux Snake Plant
I’m also snagging some of these for my front porch on either side of my front door. They add the perfect amout of height.

Santal Oil
Ya’ll, if you grab ONE thing off this list, make it this oil! It is absolutely my favorite smell and we keep it in our living room diffuser pretty much all the time.

Outdoor Rug
I get asked about this rug all the time. It is actually an outdoor rug, but I have it under our dining room table because KIDS ARE MESSY. I love that I can literally wipe or spray this off. We’ve had it a few years and it still looks brand new.

Outdoor Pillows
Neutral
Love these neutral pillow covers with the leather accent. I would definitely use these inside, too!
Colorful
These are very similar to what I currently have on our patio, and I love the bright colors and illustrations.

Utensil Caddy
My mom has always kept a caddy like this stocked with paper goods in her pantry, and finally last year I bought one and wondered why I hadn’t done it sooner! This caddy is perfect for stocking with paper plates, napkins, and utensils and makes grilling out and eating on the patio super easy.

Wooden Utensils
I love these and think they are a stylish and Earth-friendly alternative to the plastic utensils. Plus, they aren’t that expensive! I’ve got some in my cart.

Diamond Planter
I’ve been eyeballing this planter on Amazon for a while now! So cute!

Planter with Stand
I have this planter and get asked about it a lot. Neutral and stylish.

Fiddle Leaf Woven Basket
Excited to have gotten one of these as a new home for one of my fiddle leaf figs. I almost bought another one for throw pillows and blankets in the living area.

Paper Goods

While looking for a caddy similar to mine, I came across all these fun paper goods and had to share! What a fun way to make a backyard dinner a little more special!
Amethyst & Rose Gold Paper Plates

Pale Pink & Gold Confetti Paper Cups

White Marble & Gold Cocktail Paper Napkins

Lissa's Lists • Creative Mama Mother's Day Gifts

It’s sure to be a Mother’s Day like no other this year- and I am predicting that more than ever, most moms just want a few minutes alone! However, while we’re all safe at home, I have a feeling that those of us with crafting in our veins are itching for something to make. So, this week’s list is coming a day early- so you can go ahead and send this to whomever might be purchasing your gifts this year!

This week’s list includes a few of my all-time faves, a few things that I’m crushing on, and some of the things you guys, my community, have told me you’re wanting. There are a few great sales happening and so I’ve linked all the items right here for you- best price guaranteed!

Creative Mama Mother's Day Gifts by Lissa Anglin

Illustrating Bible

I get asked about my Illustrating Bible all the time, and I absolutely love it. It is a nice large size, the square shape is perfect for posting photos, the pages don’t bleed through and the spiral binding is a gamechanger. If you are wanting a journaling Bible, this is the ONE! Promise. (Psssst- also found it for 25% off at the link above).

Illustrated Faith Accessories

If you’re getting a journaling Bible, might as well go ahead and grab a few accessories. My favorites are the date stamp, cardstock and epoxy stickers- but they have a ton more!

Cricut Joy

This is a recent addition to my craft room, and I go to bed at night thinking about more projects I can do with it. :) Not joking. It is so compact and perfect to just keep out on a desk or shelf- perfect for small projects like cards and labels. I’m considering it my new label makeer!

Cricut Air 2

This is the Joy’s older, slightly more capable sister. She can pretty much do anything you want, at a larger size, and if you’ve been eyeballing one, go ahead and pull the trigger- these are priced lower than I’ve ever seen them right now!

Cricut Easy Press

You know all those cute custom shirts you see people wearing? They probably have an easy press. This little heat machine is what adheres the vinyl on to fabric and you could literally make alll sorts of things- from onesies to dishtowels to tote bags.

Water Pens

These are a favorite of mine! Perfect for newbie brush letterers, or anyone who is a little nervous about watercoloring with a brush. The water stays inside the pen, and then you dip it into color. It combines colors beautifully as well.

Iridescent Ink

Y’all, how fun are these inks?! These can be used like any paint, with a water brush, or in an alcohol ink project. A little goes a long way, so they will last a long time. I linked the set that you would REALLY want.

Iridescent Watercolors

Iridescent means they SPARKLE! This is a newer product and I am dying to test them out. I think they will be so much fun for Bible journaling!

Supply Cart

This is such a no-brainer- I am positive that everyone could use one or a few of these. I love the fact that you could pack if full of supplies and then roll it to wherever your project is happening. My heart loves a good functional gift.

Tombow Pens

FAVORITE. PENS. EVER. They’re just good, ya’ll. The dual tips are perfect when you want to brush letter and then switch to the fine tip. They have a ton of colors and I’m linking a new color palette here!

Stabilo Pens

A friend gifted these to me a few years back and I have loved them for their size and great variety of colors. These are perfect if you need a super fine tip- I use them to underline in my Bible a lot. Ples this little carrying case is so cute!

Watercolor Tin

I have this watercolor tin and love it. It’s sturdy, gives me room to mix paints, and the little containers can pop in and out so you can wash them or rotate out your colors.

Paint Pouring Kit

Am I the only one who has spent many, many minutes on the internet watching paint pouring?! Now there is a KIT you can do at HOME, guys! How fun is that?!

This post contains affiliate links, on which I will receive a small commission should you purchase anything/sign up/subscribe etc. I would never share something I didn’t actually like or want to share with you, so I wanted to let you know. Sharing affiliate links affords me a few more lattes and it’s always my aim to add value to your life with the brands and products I share. Thanks for supporting me!

Lissa's Lists • Fun Kitchen Must-Haves

I’m a list lover. I’ll write to-dos down just to cross them off. Want to convince me of something? Make a list of reasons why. So, for some time now, I’ve wanted to do a fun weekly feature called Lissa’s Lists- where I get to share a fun list of whatever I feel like sharing! So, without further ado…

This week’s list is Fun Kitchen Must-Haves. I thought about calling it Quirky Kitchen Gadgets or Stuff I Have In My Kitchen That Makes Me Smile, but really, all of these things are things I would consider must haves- and they either make cooking a little easier or more fun for me- or both!

Popco Popcorn Maker

We bought this popcorn maker about 2 weeks into quarantine and have used it so much! There are tons of great recipes out there but we love this kettle corn one the best.

PackIt Freezer Bags

You could say I’m a little fanatical about this brand of bag- they contain ice packs build into the bag and fold up nice and compact to fit in your freezer when not in use. We use this for road trip snacks, soccer and baseball games and picnics. We also have several of their lunchboxes, and they make ones for breast milk as well!

Oxo Strawberry Huller

My mother-in-law gave me one of these after I watched in amazement as she used hers one day. I love strawberries and this little guy takes all the pain of getting the stem out!

Microwave Cleaner Angry Mom with Fridge Odor Absorber Cool Mom

Quite the quirky and useful pair- my mom gave me these. One is a fridge odor remover, and one fills with water and vinegar and steams your microwave clean.

Dinosaur InstaPot Steam Diverter

I mean, why not?! I bought this because I noticed that my InstaPot was steaming right onto my kitchen cabinets, but also it’s just fun. Be sure to check that it fits your specific model before you buy - they also have other characters if dinos aren’t your jam.

Brown Sugar Saver

This is a quick and cheap fix for dry brown sugar. Just soak it in water and pop it into your canister, and voila!

Square Ice Cube Trays

I love these for many reasons- good for whiskey ice, frozen coffee, homemade baby food.

Pampered Chef Mix N Chop

Another gift from my mom that I use several times a week. This little tool makes breaking up ground beef, turkey or sausage soooo much faster and easier.

Kitchen Scissors

If you don’t have a good pair of kitchen scissors, you’re working too hard!

This post contains affiliate links, on which I will receive a small commission should you purchase anything/sign up/subscribe etc. I would never share something I didn’t actually like or want to share with you, so I wanted to let you know. Sharing affiliate links affords me a few more lattes and it’s always my aim to add value to your life with the brands and products I share. Thanks for supporting me!

shawn's father's day gift list

You guys know I love Amazon lists (you can view all of mine right here)- but this post is something extra special. I asked my husband of 13 years, and general man’s man, Shawn, to put together a Father’s Day wishlist. When he accepted and then came up with this awesome collection, I was so impressed!

Gifts for men can be so tough, and there is a good range of price tags here. I personally loved the Daddy-Daughter Date Idea book, but a lot of the items here are things he already owns and loves. So, check it all out below.

Shawn’s thoughts are on the caption of each photo!

lissa's lists summer fashion faves

Way, wayyyyyy back on this blog I did a feature called Lissa’s Lists- because I am a LIST LOVER and have about 30 of them going at all times. I’ve been wanting to bring it back in some form or fashion- and you guessed it- FASHION it is!

My hope is to create a new list weekly (fingers crossed) of things I am loving or have had my eye on. I am endlessly “adding to cart” and so this will be a hopefully-helpful way to share what I’m loving with you, my dear readers.

This week’s edition is my Summer Fashion Faves!

Now listen, I love what’s trending but I am also a MOM and need some modesty in my life. Because much of my time in the summer is bent over at the pool getting someone in or out, or sunscreen-ing or honestly trying to avoid the sun altogether because my pasty white skin hates the sun, I’m always on the hunt for good coverups, shorts, and hats/visors that don’t make me look 100% dorky. I’m ok with 75% dork…I can handle that. :)

So, here you go- a few things I’m loving for Summer!

P.S. Did I mention EVERYTHING IS UNDER $50 and MOST ARE UNDER $20?!? Be sure to scroll all the way through because I saved my favorite for last.

Huge, water-resistant, wipeable pool bag.

Goes-with-everything black tank. I also love this because it’s long enough to cover my booty so it’s yoga pants approved!

Basic ponytail cap. WORTH your $9 if you have long hair and want to keep it out of the chlorine.

Black & Gold Oversized Sunglasses. You can’t beat the price and they’ll go with everything.

Tropical Print Shorts. I was expecting these to be too small and short, but was actually really pleased! They have a TON of different prints, and I’m wearing the XL here (typically a size L), so size up.

The most comfy, pool-perfect white sandals. You guys, I have always been a fan of this brand but have only bought for my kids until now! I’m so glad I gave these a shot because they have molded soles with arch support. Perfect for a vacation or any day when you’re doing a lot of walking.

The most flattering swimsuit ever! Conceals my tummy pouch and covers my booty. This one comes in a LOT of different prints and I was surprised by the great quality. You must at least try this on- because the top ties, it can accommodate a lot or a little on top.

Pretty and versatile kimono. $18 yall! This one also comes in a ton of different patterns, but I loved this one in particular- because it can go with my swim gear or be worn with shorts, dress, you name it! This one is very flowy and can accommodate many body shapes. I am wearing a Medium here but think I could have sized down to a Small.

Comfy neutral sandals. I wanted to find something that could easily be washed off and these are perfect for that! They are extremely lightweight and will pack flat for vacay!

Cutest tortoise sunnies. These are great and an instant fave. They are a bit higher than most dupe sunglasses at $25 but the quality is better. I also loved the way they fit every outfit.

Kaftan please! This one is perfection. It’s also just $18, annnnd again they have a ton of different patterns. But trust me, you want this one, because the instant you put it on you will also feel the need for a mai tai.

Brown criss-cross sandals I’ve been wearing all the time. They go with everything. And they’re comfortable. Done.

Brown hat. My one and only trick for the days when I don’t dry shampoo and I want to look like a legit fashion blogger.

Denim bag. I was so, so pleased with the huge size of this bag, and how it looks. I wish it were waterproof, but it could probably be scotch-guarded. Regardless, it’s a great overnight bag/carryall.

Those tortoise sunglasses again. Love them.

White duster that goes with everything. It completely buttons down so you can make it a dress, wear it over an outfit or over your swimsuit. I am wearing a Medium and probably could have sized down to a Small. This is a GREAT versatile piece that makes me feel more put-together instantly.

Oversized tank. I have worn this so much since I got it, and love it for it’s versatility. Comes in blush pink, too! Enter LISSA10 at checkout and get 10% off!

Hi-rise jegging. Probably my favorite pair of pants in warmer weather. And button-fly is so trendy right now.

These strappy sandals. I am clumsy, and can’t usually handle any type of platform or wedge (yes, I am a DORK) but these are great. I’ve worn them all day and they haven’t hurt my feet. And also they are cute.

Earrings from my girl BreckieGrey Designs.

Lace kimono. Under $20. Looks expensive and I have had so many compliments on it! Great to dress up shorts and shirt, great over your swimsuit. This is my FAVE!

Button-fly denim shorts. When I ordered these I really expected them to be too small- but they are PERFECT. The length is great, too- and I really wanted to find some button-fly because I love that that 90’s trend is baaaccccckkkkk, baby!

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I hope you enjoyed that round-up and can’t wait to see what your faves are! The image below is CLICKABLE so click on what you like to be taken directly to shop!

There are a couple of items here I actually own but didn’t get photographed, so I can vouch for the quality and fit. :)

Let me know what you have your eye on in the comments! Hope you enjoyed the come back of Lissa’s Lists!

an exhaustive adoption packing list

I'm going to apologize in advance for the amount of detail in this post- I'm writing it for me, one month ago. At that time I was a frantic, excited and stressed out mama trying to pack her entire household for a trip across the world. This included packing for a child I knew only a little about and had yet to meet. Cue the list-making, and googling, and random trips to Target for that one thing I forgot.

If you are an adoptive mama about to make that trip, bless you! I hope this is helpful. I realize everyone has their own preferences, but here's how we packed our bags. 

Travelers were myself, my husband, our 7 year old son, 3 year old daughter and we brought home our 2 year old daughter. My parents also came with us, but I'm only covering our family of 5 in this list.

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Baggage Allowances

You'll want to check your baggage allowances before you start packing. We were able to book humanitarian tickets through American Airlines (thanks to Adoption Airfare) which allowed us all up to a 50 lb. bag. The problem with that is that our domestic flights had much tighter restrictions on weight (35 lb. per bag) and only 1 carry-on. So, we needed to pack for the domestic flights, not the international.

If you're headed to China, be prepared to find conflicting or no information at all about the baggage allowances on domestic flights (I'm sorry!). There are also different requirements about where liquids and electronics go (checked bags vs. carry-ons- it was different every time!). The guides our agency provided were extremely helpful with this and there was definitely some packing/un-packing we had to do at check in, but we all got on the plane in the end. 

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Luggage

• 1 medium rolling bag for Lissa's clothing (Here is the set we have)

• 1 small rolling bag for Shawn's clothing (Here is the set we have)

• 2 small hard-side bags for Knox, Liv, and Lucy's clothing (Liv's bag similar, Knox's bag was the smallest of this set) 

All of our luggage bags had expandable zippers which were super important because we really packed the small ones down! They worked like a charm, and I found that I really prefer the hard-side bags to the fabric ones. 

• 1 backpack/bag for each person 

Our backpacks were our carry-ons and all had a little something different in them. 

Shawn's backpack (also carried our laptop, important paperwork, and DSLR camera)

My bag (this is typically my camera bag, but the lens insert and pockets worked really well)

Knox's backpack (iPad, headphones, activity books, pens/pencils, small toys, change of clothing/underwear, water bottle and snacks)

Liv and Lucy's backpacks (these are smaller sized so it meant they could carry them by themselves which was essential at a few points!) I packed Lucy's backpack in my larger luggage bag on the way there. Liv's bag included her iPad, headphones, small zipper bag of shopkins, coloring books/activity books, crayons, stickers, wipes, extra Pull-ups, water bottle and snacks)

• Stroller (ours has been discontinued, here is a similar)

I debated on bringing a stroller, but ultimately it was SO helpful- especially in the airport and on a few sightseeing days. We needed it most for our 3 year old (we carried our new daughter in a carrier most of the time). I would recommend buying one there if you are not bringing other children with you, and I also would not take a stroller that is too precious to you. There were a few moments we weren't sure if we'd see it at baggage claim, and in those moments I was really glad we'd brought our old umbrella stroller.

• Tula Carriers

Not technically baggage, but carriers. :) We borrowed my sister's Tula and so we had two- one for each girl. These were so great- especially on the days when the stroller wasn't appropriate (hiking the Great Wall, for example) and we were SO glad we'd brought them. We love our Tula- very comfortable and fit our 2 and 3 year old well.

• Compression Bags

I bought these on a whim and they were so useful for us. I had seen a lot of recommendations for packing cubes, but they were more expensive than these bags and the compression aspect of the ones we used was great for diapers and clothing.

• Money Belt/Neck Wallets

Shawn and I wore these money belts from the time we took off in Lubbock to the time we landed back home (well, I guess we took them off while showering and sleeping, but you get it). They were fine, necessary, but annoying. My dad had a neck wallet- something I didn't even know existed- and I will definitely be purchasing one for our next overseas excursion because it seemed way more comfortable. 

• Luggage tags

This might be an obvious, but I wanted to pass along a few tips. Make sure that every piece of luggage you bring (including carry-ons) has a luggage tag on it. We like to fill out the address with our home address and then put another card with our name and our hotel's address ON TOP OF IT for the flight over. We do this on trips longer than a few days, when there would be enough time for our bags to still arrive at our destination should they be lost or not on the correct flight. Once we receive them at our destination, we take the top tags off, so that our luggage now reads our home address.

Another thing to consider is your personal safety. We are very careful about what we put on our tags, since anyone can see that information. We only use 1 name, address, phone or email for all of our bags, and on the kids' backpacks, we even flipped the information over and wrote "over for info" on the card- just to ensure that wandering eyes couldn't associate our children with any address or name. We were also careful to make sure that the bags they were carrying did not have their names displayed on them (the girls' backpacks do have a monogram)- this is just a safety measure to prevent strangers from knowing their names. 

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Clothing

We packed for only half the trip and did our laundry halfway through (our guide helped us find laundry service at 1/2 the price of of the super-expensive hotel laundry). This cut down majorly on what we needed to pack. I had read that laundry was cheap, but after sending clothing for all 5 of us to be laundered, it was still 150.00! I would do this again, but budget a bit differently. :)

I also did my best to make sure that every piece of clothing could be worn together. Helped me feel a bit less monotonous and Shawn dress the kids. I brought several matching outfits for the girls which also helped with dressing.

It was in the 70s the entire time we were in China (April), but it was also a lot more humid than we are used to in West Texas. So overall, we packed to warmly. Here's what was useful, though: 

Per person:

• 7 shirts (4 short sleeve/3 long sleeve)- I recommend bringing quick-dry materials. It was humid and rains off and on, so you need all the help you can get for your clothing to dry out.

• 7 pants or shorts

Knox and Shawn wore shorts every day, while the girls and I wore pants or leggings. It was hot and humid- so I could have gotten away with shorts or a dress- I just prefer jeans. 

• 10 pairs of underwear, 1 bra, 3 bralettes, 1 sports bra 

• 4 sets of pjs per kid (somehow these were dirty quickly), 2-3 Shawn and I (I brought yoga pants and wore those during the day too)

• 5 pairs of socks  (the girls wore sandals or slip-ons most of the time, so they didn't need more than a couple pairs of socks)

• 2 pairs of shoes (MAX! This is a great way to create more luggage space. I ended up wearing my tennis shoes the entire time, except for when we went to the pool and the last few days in Guangzhou, where I wore sandals)

Shawn's shoes (New Balance tennis shoes, Chacos)

Lissa's shoes (cheap tennis shoes from Walmart- these are similar, sandals)

I was happy that I hadn't brought my "nice" tennis shoes so that I wasn't worried about how dirty they were getting! We walked at least a mile every day (not kidding)- so having tennis shoes was essential. These sandals are cheaper versions of the Sanuk brand. I bought the Sanuks several years ago and they broke in a few months. These have actually lasted several years! Also- you might get some looks from people in China about your sandals if you choose to wear them. Chinese people just don't really wear sandals and we were questioned a couple of times if we really wanted to wear ours or not that day :). 

Knox's shoes (tennis shoes, Keens)

Liv and Lucy's shoes (sandals, slip-on shoes)

Estimating Lucy's sizes was tough and the shoes I brought her were a total miss- wayyyy too big. Thankfully, they didn't take up much space and we were able to find her a couple of pairs while we were there (there was an H&M in the mall in her city).

• Swimsuit & swim caps

Some pools in China require you to wear swim caps, so I bought these and packed them unopened just in case. We only swam in Guangzhou, and didn't need swim caps there, so I returned them once we got home. 

• Rain jacket (we used these a few times and they didn't take up much space, so I was glad we brought them)

Shawn's rain jacket, My rain jacket, Knox's, Liv and Lucy's

• Vinyasa Scarf 

I am in love with this scarf and it was so great on the plane because it doubled as a blanket or pillow. I didn't wear it in-country though- it was too hot!

• Sunglasses

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Baby Things/for Our New Daughter

• Diapers

You can buy diapers in China (they took us to Walmart immediately after meeting Lucy so we could buy the baby things we needed), but they were just as expensive in China and the compression bags we used really worked well to make them take up less space in the luggage- so I was glad we'd packed them. I estimated 3 a day and we still came home with some. 

• Swim Diapers- only a few

• Wipes- we brought 4 or 5 packages of the sensitive (or unscented) kind in case Lucy had any reactions to fragrance. We used these for way more than just diaper changes!

• Medication

We used Dr. Chambers at Children's of Alabama International Adoption Clinic to review our files when we received Lucy's referral. A week or so before our trip, she called in a few prescriptions to take with us for commonly seen issues in Chinese adoptees. There were a few creams and an antibiotic, which we ended up giving to Knox when he got sick on Gotcha Day. We also brought our favorite cough syrup, ibuprofen, allergy meds, powdered Pedialyte and Pepto for the kids. 

• Melatonin

Our pharmacist (a.k.a. Uncle Justin, who actually is a pharmacist) recommended this melatonin for the kids- and it was essential for us, especially those first few days getting over jet lag. We gave it to the kids at bedtime for the first few days, and on the long flights when it was time to sleep.

• Bib and plastic kid utensils

• Sippy Cup with straw (we actually bought this in China)

Lucy was used to drinking from bottles, but we found out quickly that she could also drink from a straw and bought one at Walmart there.

• Toys

Light up toy (we had a microphone that lit up and played music that she loved- I think the lights were helpful in getting her attention and interest that first day), coloring book, crayons, stickers, stacking cups (great for bathtime, too!), small board books

• Small hair bands and bows (we are from Texas, duh!)

• Detangling Spray 

• Boogie wipes (these were super helpful as we brought a virus with us that Lucy quickly contracted and alllll the boogers ensued)

• Snack containers

I should have known to bring these, but I forgot! Definitely something I wished I'd had for Lucy.

• Blanket

I packed a Kickee pants swaddle blanket in each of their backpacks, and they were perfect for the plane, stroller, and sleeping. They are very lightweight and breathable, but also fold down and aren't very bulky. Lucy still sleeps with hers every night.

• Safety pins

These are always useful and just in case the clothing we bought her was way too big, I knew these would help.

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Toiletries/Meds for Adults

• All the medication we might need- I took everything out of boxes and labeled them well. Tums, allergy meds, Tylenol, melatonin, activated charcoal (this is helpful if you feel someone has had food poisoning)

• Essential oils and diffuser (this one is smaller and great for travel)

The oils and diffuser are some of our "normals"- we used the oils for various things- upset tummies, headaches, general mood lifters and sleep. It was nice to keep the diffuser running in our hotel room so it smelled nice and was relaxing.

• Toothbrushes & toothpaste (including one for Lucy with fluoride-free toothpaste) 

• Travel size containers of all shampoos, body wash, hair products, etc. 

If there was a travel size of something, I brought it! This was super helpful with space-saving. Dry shampoo was a MUST for me and this is my favorite kind- I found the travel version at Walmart. 

• Makeup essentials

I wore my tinted moisturizer , my favorite mascara , and chapstick most days. We did need nail scissors for Lucy (I actually use these and am obsessed with them! They took them away from me in Hong Kong because they weren't in my checked luggage and I immediately came home and bought a replacement pair). I also brought my favorite mama self-care eye cream which boosted my jet-lagged self on several days. Small things like this were a great way for me to feel like I was still "me" during two straight weeks of no alone time.

• Sunscreen- we didn't pack this but our travel group friends shared. This was definitely needed on some sightseeing days where we were outside most of the day.

• Deoderant, Gold Bond powder (it's hot and humid!)

• Curling Iron or Flat Iron (Converter needed. No need to bring hairdryer- they are in the hotels)

• Razors 

• Qtips, cotton balls

• Kleenex travel packs (you will need to keep these in your daily backpacks for squatty pottys)

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Tech

• Travel Converters

It is super important that you get converters and not just adapters- as China's voltage is different from the US. We ordered several of these on eBay and they worked great. I've also seen people recommend bringing a power strip, which we definitely could have utilized at times, but we were fine without- even with 2 iPads, a laptop, phones and chargers.

• iPads 

We brought two iPads for the kids with pre-downloaded videos (you can do this for free on Netflix) and games. I also wish we would have downloaded some episodes of Elmo in Mandarin from YouTube- Lucy loves those!

• Headphones and headphone splitter

We brought 3 pairs of headphones total- 2 pairs of wireless bluetooth headphones (for the girls- we have found we like the wireless ones better because no one can chew on the cord and ruin them...not that that's happened or anything...) and 1 wired pair (Knox's old headphones), with this splitter so that the 2 wireless headphones could watch the same iPad. This worked really well in the hotel room, but we found the bluetooth headphones did not work on the plane with their in-flight video system. This was okay because they provided earbuds on the plane- except the girls could not wear the earbuds- they were just too big to fit in their ears. So, I would have preferred 3 sets of old school, wired headphones. :) 

• VPN

China blocks many of the websites we needed to keep friends and family updated- specifically any form of social media (besides WeChat), and so to access those, you will need a VPN. We had a friend set us up on all our devices, but it's good to have at least 2 downloaded to your phone/laptop/iPads BEFORE you leave. When the one our friend set us up (a private one) didn't work, we used Betternet and it was great. Just download it from the app store.

• International phone plan

This was something we'd decided we didn't need, until our international adoption doctor recommended it. She said, "what happens if you get stuck at a hospital somewhere and don't have any way to reach anyone?"- and that sealed the deal for me. We just called our provider and got a temporary international plan for one of our phones. We did actually end up using it a few times for calls or directions, so I'm glad we had it.

• WeChat

As I said earlier, WeChat is pretty much the only social media in China. They use it for everything- texting, renting a bike and even paying. So go ahead and download it and create a profile. You will use it to talk to your guides and your travel group. I WISH I would have asked Lucy's foster mother to friend me on WeChat so I could have stayed connected with her. One of my biggest regrets for sure.

• Battery backup charger

My mom brought a backup battery charger and it came in clutch when one of our phones was about to die.

• Downloaded music

We have a "Sleep Playlist" that we play for our kids every night when putting them to bed on Spotify, and so we downloaded it to our phones before we left. I also downloaded this album- "A Little Mandarin" which has some familiar children's music in Chinese. I wish I had downloaded more just to enjoy while we were hanging out in our hotel room. 

• Google Translate

This app was super handy when we needed to read a menu, read a street sign, or try to communicate with a shop owner. Must download!

• List of waiting games

You'll spend a lot of time waiting- in an airport, like, van, etc. and if you are bringing kids, you will need some entertainment. I kept this list on my phone of games that required nothing but kept the kids entertained:

I Spy / Simon says / Thumb wrestling / Would you rather / Two truths and a lie / Telephone  / Rock Paper Scissors / Alphabeth Game- My name is Alice. My husbands name is al. We come from Alabama, where we sell apricots / 20 questions- guess the animal or person

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Food/Other

• Laundry hamper

This was suggested by another adoptive mom who had just been to China and it was genius. We took this one and packed it into our luggage bag. It was super helpful to have when you're in 1 hotel room with 5 people and all their dirty clothes.

• Coffee survival kit

This was one of my favorite "pamper me" items. I am a caffeine addict- meaning I will literally get a headache if I don't have a cup of coffee in the morning. Sad but true! It's also just a little comfort item. So, I researched the best instant coffee, and put several packets of it, a baggie of palm sugar, and powdered creamer all inside a sandwich-sized ziploc bag with some plastic spoons. My little "survival kit" came in handy several mornings/evenings when I wasn't able to run down to the lobby to get some coffee and was a familiar taste of home.

• Water bottles

This is just something our family does on every trip. I packed the kids each an empty Contigo water bottle (found them cheapest at SamsClub auctions! They're not always there, so here is another link) that we filled up after we went through security at the airport. You can't drink the water in China, which means we were either buying bottled water or using the complimentary ones at the hotel, and having these water bottles meant we always had something to keep us hydrated. Shawn and I both brought Kleen Kanteen insulated bottles and loved them because we could do coffee or water. The loops on the top of all the bottles we took were handy when we had a lot to carry- it was easy to tie them on to a backpack.

• Candy

Yes, some of this was just for personal comfort, but we also brought a package of Dum-Dums specifically for Lucy on Gotcha Day. I had read that suckers were a great way to say "hello", and that the sucking motion would help soothe her as well. So you better believe I packed those in her backpack! She could have cared less about them on Gotcha Day but they did come in handy several times during our trip.

• Dish soap and dish brush

I brought a small travel-sized bottle of dish soap and it was so handy when I needed to wash our water bottles, bibs, or even treat a stain on clothes. I just forgot a small dish brush! So I had to use a washrag most of the time, haha.

• Laundry detergent 

We've had this concentrated laundry detergent for several years now and it was really handy when I needed to wash a few things before we were able to send our laundry out. Mind you, it was very humid where we were so it literally took DAYS for things to dry in our hotel room. 

• Clif bars

Ya'll, we lived on Clif bars! The food was great in China, but there were a lot of moments where we were in-between meals and everyone was getting hangry. I bought a large pack at Sams and we ate every last one. Knowing my kids were also getting some protein in their systems and not just a ton of sugar was great too- and it kept them full until mealtime. Lucy actually liked these as well- especially the banana ones (she has a thing for bananas!) I also brought some Z bars for the kids since they don't always eat the larger bars.

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Things to buy in China

There are many opportunities to go to Walmart or a local grocery store to buy things you might need. Our guides took us in both Guiyang City and Guangzhou, but we were also able to find them on our own after asking the hotel concierge for directions.

• Bottled Water

Again, you can't drink the water in China (brushing teeth is ok), so you will probably want to get a case of water. Don't overdo it though- every hotel we stayed at would supply us with 3 new bottles every day.

• Paper towels

3 kids and 2 adults in 1 hotel room. Spills happen. I wish I would have just had a couple rolls of paper towels!

• Sippy cups (if your child doesn't like what you brought)

They didn't have a huge selection in China, but we were able to find one with a straw that Lucy could use well once we realized she did not need to be drinking from the bottle we were given by her foster mother. If there had been any indication that she needed to continue to use it for emotional support, we would have been glad to continue using it- but she saw our other kids' water bottles and immediately forgot about the bottle.

• Crackers & Snacks

We bought Lucy drinkable yogurt (which she loves and is super popular there), rice crackers and several other snacks to keep in our room. We actually overbought and had to leave some food there- so I would say don't go overboard.

• Bubbles

We loved playing with bubbles and they were easy to find and inexpensive in China. I had packed some, but I wished I hadn't and saved that space/weight for something else and then purchased bubbles while we were there. 

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Unnecessary Items

• Bulky/large strollers

• More than a couple pairs of shoes

• Face mask for smog (if you want one, they are readily available)

• Umbrella (you can borrow one from the hotel)

• Car seats (these just don't exist in China, haha!)

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Cultural differences

Lastly, I want to share a few random tips if it's your first time visiting China, and a few things we learned while on our adoption trip.

• It's not rude to stare, or speak up

Just prepare yourself for it. If you are caucasian, you're going to get stared at. Don't take it too personally- because it's not considered rude to stare in China and most people are just genuinely curious. When we did engage people who were staring, they were very nice for the most part. It's also not rude for someone to offer you their opinion, even if you have no idea what they are saying. Chinese like to keep their little ones in several layers of clothing, so if you take your kids out in any less than 2 shirts and a jacket, there will inevitably be a little old woman that needs to tell you to put some more clothes on your child. :) 

• Appointments and work hours are different

We were both amazed and frustrated at how quickly and how long some appointments took. Some were more formal than others- and sometimes we'd need to run to a random office to sign something or get passport photos. Our guides were very trustworthy and knowledgeable, but sometimes it felt a little chaotic, and that's just the result of how things work in China. One exception was our appointment at the U.S. Consulate- which was exactly on time.

• Translation requires patience

Most people spoke some English, but there were many times when we needed things to be translated for us. Our guides/translators were super helpful, but it required us to add an extra dose of patience into every conversation. Most people were incredibly patient and helpful with us- but it was frustrating to wonder how well something was being translated, waiting for the translation, and the fact that everything took longer because of that. Our American culture wanted everything to be more efficient, but because we had the privilege of a translator, we had to chill out and be more patient with every conversation.

• No air conditioning

So many people laughed at us because we were always commenting on the heat! Our hotels had air conditioning but one in particular was quite warm. We did request a fan from the lobby and very quickly had a large fan delivered- complete with ice cubes in it to cool us off! So, just so you know- air conditioning is not the norm.

• Walmart! And Starbucks!

If you've made it this far, you've seen me post about Walmart- but there are also several other western familiarities- especially in Guangzhou. Starbucks, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, KFC...lots of familiar things for when you get a craving. However, these restaurants are more expensive AND you'd be missing out on the delicious local food if you just stick with what you know. 

• Check front desk for fees

Before checking out, be sure to check the front desk to see if there have been any fees associated with your room you might not be aware of. In two of our hotels, there were unknown fees and we needed our guide to help us sort them out with the hotel before we checked out. I am assuming this is pretty common, so I'd want to be sure to check while a translator is there to help.

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Whew! I hope that was helpful. Of course, I still feel like I am missing a few things. Here are a few other packing lists I referenced that were very helpful:

No Hands But Ours                Mix and Match Mama

holiday wishlists for the camera-lover in your life!

Some of the most popular topics in our Moms Who Snap Facebook group are about which lens is best for what, which camera to to buy, and what software/courses are recommended. (Psssst.....if you're not a part of the group, come join us!) I love hearing what works for everyone, but I thought it would be fun to compile some all-inclusive "must haves" for beginning photographers, soccer moms, and even those who have been shooting a while. So, I've created 4 wishlists, just in time for Christmas shopping!

It was SO much fun to put these together, and I'm hoping they will be helpful if you are buying for a momtographer or if you need something to easily pass to that family member who has no idea what to buy you! I'm linking all the products and sharing a little about why they've made my list this year under each photo. Enjoy!

I'm asked all the time to give a recommendation on a "nice camera"- this is it, friends! I always trust what Ken Rockwell has to say, and the D3400 is his favorite DSLR for the price. It comes with an 18-55mm lens (also known as a "kit" lens), that will perform well outside, but also including the 50mm prime lens makes this setup a great all-around choice. Add in an extra battery, a super fast SD card and cute bag, and you are good to go! I've shot Nikon all my career, so that's what I know best, but I'll also be linking the Canon equivalents in case you'd prefer to go Canon- both companies are equally great!

ONE- Nikon D3400 with 18-55mm lens   (Canon equivalent: Canon Rebel T6)

I've linked the refurbished model- a great way to save some cash! This camera also has Eye-Fi technology which means you can connect it to your computer or phone and get images sent straight to them!

TWO- Nikon Nikkor 50mm 1.8 lens  (Canon Equivalent: Canon 50mm 1.8)

This sweet lens is a staple for professionals and comes in clutch in low-light situations, like when you're unwrapping gifts by the light of the tree. :)

THREE- SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB SD Card

32GB will hold quite a few images- at least 400 RAW files, or over 4000 JPG! And it's quick writing speed means you'll be able to shoot more quickly too- highly important when you're trying to capture a busy toddler!

FOUR- Extra Battery for Nikon D3400  (Extra Battery for Canon Rebel T6)

This may seem like a no-brainer, but an extra battery is realllllly nice to have around when your camera dies suddenly as your kid steps up to bat. Not that that has ever happened to me or anything. ;)

FIVE- Kattee Camera Backpack (also comes in navy and black!)

This is a cute bag at a great price point. The camera compartment is removable, and there is plenty of other space to store your stuff.

Wooo- this was a fun one, and I had WAY too many bags to fit into this graphic! So here are the ones I've had my eyes on!

ONE- JoTotes Hanover Bag This is my day-to-day workhorse of a bag. I love it!

TWO- JoTotes Georgia Herringbone Bag Cute for work and travel!

THREE- House of Flynn Evermore Bag This bag comes in a ton of different colors and fabrics!

FOUR- Ona The Capri Shoulder BagCalling all leather lovers!

FIVE- Kattee Camera Backpack Comes in navy and black as well! 

SIX- Kelly Moore Steph Bag Helllloooo, metallic! I also love the shape. I have owned several Kelly Moore bags and loved every one!

Another popular question I get is "what lens do I need to photograph my kids' sports games"? I'm afraid the answer isn't cheap, but it will do the trick and me a worthy investment! Here's the perfect setup for all you soccer moms!

ONE- Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 lens (Canon equivalent: Canon 70-200mm 2.8 lens)

This is the older model, (you can buy the newer one at almost $2000 more!), but I have had this exact lens for 11 years and it continues to be one of the most tried-and-true lenses- able to reach long distances in low light.

TWO- Nikon 70-300mm f4-5.6 lens (Canon equivalent: Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6)

This is a less-expensive long range lens that will do well if you are primarily shooting outside (i.e. soccer and baseball- sorry basketball moms!)

THREE- Lowepro Flipside Backpack I loved the look of this backpack AND the fact that you can fit the 70-200 lens in it easily, along with the rest of your gear. 

FOUR- SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB SD Card

32GB will hold quite a few images- at least 400 RAW files, or over 4000 JPG! And it's quick writing speed means you'll be able to shoot more quickly too- highly important when you're trying to capture a busy toddler!

FIVE- UV lens protector 

Not only will this help protect your lens, it will help reduce UV light and create richer colors.

ONE- Adobe CC Photoshop + Lightroom

This is a pre-paid 1 year subscription. Lightroom the THE most essential software needed to organize and edit your images, and Photoshop is it's even cooler older brother.

TWO-  b.still Leather Camera Strap

Because the yellow and black ones are just ugly.

THREE- How To Work It Online Camera Course

Yes, this is MY course- but- I have to say that it has gotten rave reviews on Skillshare! This would be an easy gift for someone wanting to learn how to really work their DSLR camera- and it's all done at their own pace. My suggestion would be to get at one-year membership to Skillshare (around 100.00). Not only will that grant you access to all my How To Work It classes, but my editing course as well- not to mention the thousands of other great classes on Skillshare!

FOUR- Vintage Floral Camera Strap

Again, the yellow and black one is ugly. ;)

FIVE- mPix Gift Card

This is the place I recommend to my clients for photo goods and printing. mPix is the consumer side of one of the best professional labs, and I've been consistently impressed with their products!

SIX- Pelican SD Card Case

These cases are tough and I love knowing my cards are in a safe place where they don't have a chance to fall out.

SEVEN- Nikon Nikkor 85mm 1.8 Prime Lens . (Canon equivalent: Canon 85mm 1.8)

This baby makes some beautiful portraits and performs well in low light. A great addition to a basic lens collection.

EIGHT- Nikon SB-900 Speedlight . (Canon Equivalent: Canon Speedlite 580EXII)

This flash will drastically improve the look and quality of your images when you need to use flash. Instead of blinding your subjects with the on-camera flash, this one can be used to bounce light off another surface, creating a more natural, even look. 

NINE- Sigma ART 35mm Lens for Nikon (Sigma ART 35mm lens for Canon)

This is one of my favorite lenses of all time! Gorgeous bokeh and contrast. My love affair with the 35mm may never end. :)

TEN- Nikon Nikkor 28-70 2.8 lens (Canon equivalent: Canon 28-70 2.8 lens)

This is on my actual wishlist this Christmas. It is an amazing workhorse of a lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths, allowing you to get wider shots or portraits. Plus, the 2.8 means it performs well in low light!

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Whew, that was a lot of info! Hope you find this helpful! As always, I am happy to answer questions (i.e. offer my opinion!) about anything you see here. This post is not sponsored in any way and is alllll my professional opinion. It does contain affiliate links that help me pay for the childcare I need to put these wishlists together for you- haha. But seriously, it's true. Can anyone get anything done with a very "helpful" two year old around?!?

Merry Christmas and happy shopping!