10 things every traveler needs

1. belkin surgeplus 3-outlet mini travel swivel charger surge protector with dual usb ports

hotel rooms suck at having enough outlets in the room. this has saved me on many trips and comes in handy at the airport too. 

2. voyager digital luggage scale w/ 110 lb. capacity & smartgrip

ever stressed about your baggage being over 50 lbs.? this lightweight and easy to read scale will put your mind at ease before you even reach the airport.

3. ebags packing cubes

these have changed my packing experience. easy to pack what you need, sort it out and get to what you need when you need it. when traveling as a family, try having a different color for each family member and it makes unpacking a shared suitcase a snap.

4. iphone 4-way, 360 degree, privacy screen protector

i have this on my phone at all times and continually get asked about it. no one can see what you are looking at on your phone or what you are typing. 

5. privacy screen for ipad

same as the above privacy screen, this makes airplane travel so much easier without the nosey eyes of the person in the seat next to you seeing what you are working on. 

6. bose noise cancelling headphones

worth every penny. truly.

7. keyboard cover for ipad

this small device turns my ipad into a mini laptop and serves as a case and stand as well. awesome.

8. ultra portable usb port external battery charger/power pack

throw this item in your purse or briefcase and have power for your laptop or phone, even when an outlet isn't available to use.

9. memory foam neck pillow

most comfortable neck pillow i have ever used. heavenly.

10. ultralight eye mask

i normally hate eye masks. they smash my eyelashes and feel awful. these are very lightweight and are curved so your eyelashes don't bump against them. it's wonderful for the plane, a not-so-dark hotel room or are awesome if you are a migraine sufferer. 

friday fun finds: the top 10 ipad apps for toddler and preschool age kiddos

i have an ipad. scratch that. i *had* an ipad but once i learned what an amazing learning tool it is for my 2 and 4 year old boys i reluctantly quickly handed it over to them. 

i have some rules. there are no games on the ipad that are not educational in some way. there are no movies or tv shows. it is also not something that they have access to whenever they want. it is a special treat that they earn by making good choices or being a good listener and helping mommy. they will do *anything* in order to earn 10 minutes with it before bedtime. it helps me *and* helps them. i am amazed at how fast they are learning. it is not a substitute for spending time with your kiddos and teaching them and it certainly doesn't come close to being an actual teacher *but* it reinforces all of the things that they are learning at home or in school and makes learning fun for them.

first of all; i strongly suggest that you protect your ipad with a case before handing over to your little ones. here is my personal favorite:

speck iguy ipad case

i also *love* this number 2 pencil stylus. they are thick and easy to hold and are the *perfect* tool to help with the writing apps that are among my favorites.

number 2 pencil stylus

and here it is.....the list that you have all been waiting for.....the *best* apps for toddler and preschool aged children:

1. monkey preschool lunchbox

2. monkey math school sunshine

3. monkey word school adventure

4. super why!

5. letter school

6. elmo loves abc's

7. write my name

8. dora abc's

9. numbers with nemo

10. word wagon

what are *your* favorite apps?

note: i did not receive payment or any free product in conjunction with this post. all products and apps are ones i love and have purchased on my own and tested.