Looking for a delightful Valentine’s Day gift idea for the little ones? Look no further! Introducing “Valentine Your Croc” – a charming and hassle-free DIY gift idea that’s perfect for parents and teachers alike.
With my free printable, featuring an adorable image of Crocs sandals and the endearing phrase “Valentine your croc,” you’re just a print away from spreading some love and joy. Simply download and print the printable on A4 size paper in color, and you’re all set!
Once you’ve got your charms, simply place a few in a small treat bag along with the printable, and voila! You’ve got yourself a unique and thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift that’s sure to be a hit with the kids.
Whether you’re making these gifts for your child’s classmates or their friends, “Valentine Your Croc” is a fun and creative way to spread some love and cheer this Valentine’s Day. So why not make someone’s day a little brighter with this adorable gift idea? Happy gifting!
Arushi Garg winner of Season 1 Hot Wheels Ultimate Challenge reality show
Hi there! I’m Arushi Garg, a proud boy mom from Houston, parenting and lifestyle influencer aka The Snazzy Mom, full time digital ad sales professional and now, the reigning champion of “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge” that is airing on USA Network from Sept 4th and available to stream on Peacocok TV. My incredible journey on this car makeover competition show has been nothing short of a whirlwind adventure, and I can’t wait to share it all with you! I am so grateful for the opportunity and for everyone involved in this process. Thank You!
The Road to Victory
It all started when I decided to participate in “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge.” I was no stranger to the world of cars, having grown up around them, but this competition pushed me to new heights. I was named the winner during the show’s finale, making me the only woman among the three remaining contestants. The icing on the cake? I won a whopping $50,000 and had the privilege of having my winning design transformed into a die-cast Hot Wheels car.
The Hot Wheels Die Cast of my build is available to pre order here on Mattel Creations!! If you want to share something meaninful with your car loving kid, partner, friend or more you need this one.
Arushi Garg’s winning SKYLINE R33 car converted into a die cast Hot Wheels collection available to purchase on Mattel Creations.
Imagine the thrill! My first thought was to buy hundreds of them, not just for my 7-year-old son Vir, who’s a Hot Wheels fanatic, but to create a family legacy that will last for generations. It’s still hard to believe; it hasn’t completely sunk in yet. I am so grateful for the new friends I have made on the show and inspiring people I have met.
Watch the finale episode highlights on you tube here and watch the Finale Best Build episode on you tube on why the judges chose the Rally Resilience here.
But this victory wasn’t my first taste of success on the show. Earlier in the season, I won $25,000 for my remarkable transformation of a 1980s Suzuki Maruti Omni van, exclusively made for the Indian market. This project, known as the “Jaipur Jewel,” was a heartfelt homage to my Indian culture and my late father. It was a profound moment for me, blending my heritage and my love for cars. Apart from winning this episode my favorite part was meeting Sung Kang!! Wow I can’t believe I got to hug him. He is a special person really.
HOT WHEELS: ULTIMATE CHALLENGE — “Skater Boy vs Jaipur Jewel” Episode 104 — Pictured: Arushi Garg — (Photo by: James Stack/NBC)
One winner was chosen from each of the qualifying episodes, and the top three moved on to the finale. For my final challenge, I got the iconic Nissan Skyline R33, a car made famous by the “Fast & Furious” franchise, and turned it into a rally car with a raised roof, bigger wheels, and a roll cage. My vision was questioned by the judges initially, but I was determined to send a message to kids worldwide: “Never quit.” I even included this message as an Easter egg on the car itself, a reminder that resilience can overcome any obstacle.
A Family Affair
Throughout this journey, my son Vir was my rock and my primary source of inspiration. I embarked on this adventure for him, to show him that his mom could achieve big things on national television and break boundaries. As a mother, I wanted to set an example for him and other young girls that they could outdo themselves, have faith, stick to their vision, and trust their instincts. I wanted to prove that age is no barrier to success.
In a male-dominated car culture, my win is not only a testament to my determination but also a reminder that anyone, regardless of gender or background, can excel in their chosen field. It was a reassuring moment, a reminder that I, too, can achieve greatness.
Rutledge Wood and Arushi Garg on Hot Wheels Ultimate Challenge
Rally Resilience: My Winning Car
For the final showdown, my transformed Nissan Skyline, aptly named “Rally Resilience,” faced tough competition. My design choices, including the controversial decision to use oversized wheels, raised eyebrows among the judges and industry experts. Despite the doubts, I stuck to my vision, believing that this car could inspire children worldwide. Rally Resilience ultimately proved the doubters wrong and was crowned the winner. Even Jay Leno praised it for being the kind of car a kid would love to play with. The idea wasnt to make another slammed Skyline that has been done millions or more times. The idea was to do an ULTIMATE custom and original job. We wanted to make room for futuristic ideas that can challenge current trends.
Creating Rally Resilience was a departure from my previous work, the Jaipur Jewel, which was deeply personal. Rally Resilience was a universal message of resilience and determination, a car for every kid around the world.
Two Babies, One Proud Mom
Looking back on this incredible journey, I can’t pick a favorite between my two winning Hot Wheels creations. The Jaipur Jewel was a tribute to my heritage and late father, while Rally Resilience symbolizes resilience and the power of never giving up. Both have played crucial roles in my journey, and I am incredibly proud of both.
In conclusion, “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge” has been a life-changing experience that has allowed me to embrace my passion for cars, celebrate my heritage, and inspire future generations. It’s a reminder that with determination, resilience, and a little bit of risk-taking, you can achieve your wildest dreams. So, remember, never quit, and always believe in yourself. After all, as I tell myself now, “You are a badass.”
Follow me on Instagram and DM me to stay in touch!
Love
Arushi Garg
Arushi with her fantastic car poolers on Hot Wheels Ultimate Challenge.
I am sharing Behind the scenes and my personal experience, to show everyone parts of this journey that have not been on TV.
But the road to this finale has been paved with unexpected twists and turns. When I got the call , notifying me that I would be returning for the ultimate challenge, my joy was tinged with worry. My mom was battling health issues at the time, and I found myself torn between pursuing this dream and staying by her side. It was during those challenging moments that my mother’s unwavering support and powerful words rang in my ears: “Chase your dreams. Don’t let anything hold you back”
As the big finale got closer, I started feeling unsure and nervous. But something amazing happened when I stepped onto the stage – it was like a special feeling came over me. The place felt important, like a sacred spot where my determination and passion mixed together. Suddenly, I felt stronger and more motivated than ever before. That moment was a big one for me. It made me realize that being grateful for another chance wasn’t enough. I was there not just to be part of it, but to win and show everyone what I could do.
I am so glad I got my amazing team with me!! My carpoolers, for that extra support and confidence I needed. This time I am joined with Rachel, Miachel, Cody and Preston as Team Red and we immediately bonded.
And the icing on the cake was getting the iconic SKYLINE R33 as my next build for a lifesize Hot Wheels. Well I got all the inspiration I needed for this competition from my son’s collection of Hot Wheels and I knew I had to do something never done before. I needed to Break Boundaries and so did my SKLYLINE aka Rally Resilience.
I am getting a lot of heat in this 2 part finale for my ideas and my vision! But if you know me you know I don’t fear feedback, critque or competition. I just am focussed on the BRIEF. I am not building a road legal car yet , I am building a life size Hot Wheels that could potentially be turend into a die cast!!
Watch me and the other Finalists battle it out on the Grand Finale on 8/8 9pm Central on NBC and streaming on Peacock. Also wait Jay Leno is here!!!
HOT WHEELS: ULTIMATE CHALLENGE — “Grand Finale, Part 2” Episode 110 — Pictured: (l-r) Jay Leno, Rutledge Wood, Ted Wu, Arushi Garg, Dalal Elsheikh, Hertrech Eugene Jr. — (Photo by: James Stack/NBC)
I’m thrilled to share my incredible journey with you – a journey that led me to create the vibrant and symbolic “Jaipur Jewel” Hot Wheels van. I’m Arushi Garg, a full-time digital creator, “The Snazzy Mom,” (Follow me on Instagram) based in Houston, and this experience has been nothing short of a dream come true.
As a child born in India, my heart yearned to bring a piece of my homeland and cherished memories to life. When the opportunity to participate in the “Hot Wheels Ultimate Challenge” presented itself, I knew I had to take it. I set out to transform a 1980’s Suzuki Maruti Omni van, originally made exclusively for the Indian market, into a striking homage to my roots.
If you haven’t seen the episode on NBC or streamed it on Peacocok, you can the You Tube special of my winning build here
The journey began with the remembrance of my first family car, the very same van I replicated. It was a tribute to my father, who left this world when I was just 14. Sharing the emotions tied to my dad was both unexpected and cathartic. I had kept my pain locked away for years, but as the van took shape, I found the courage to open up and share my memories with millions.
The Jaipur Jewel became more than just a flashy Hot Wheels design; it became a canvas for my culture and identity. Jaipur, the “Pink City” of Rajasthan, is where I grew up, and it holds a special place in my heart. I wanted to portray my immigrant life, bringing a sense of home to the American screen through this creation.
Growing up in India, Hot Wheels cars were a luxury most people couldn’t afford, but I was captivated by them. While other kids played with dolls, I always preferred cars – a preference that stayed with me even after moving to Houston with my husband 12 years ago. Here, I rediscovered my love for cars and appreciated the thriving car culture, especially at events like “Coffee and Cars.”
My 7-year-old son, Vir, played a significant role in inspiring this project. He’s an avid Hot Wheels fan, and his passion for these tiny die-cast cars ignited a spark within me. Seeing his eyes light up with excitement made me realize how significant this project was beyond just a competition. It became an opportunity to break barriers and represent women, people of color, immigrants, and moms in a male-dominated car culture.
Participating in the show was an unforgettable experience. Winning $25,000 and the possibility of a spot in the finale brought me immense joy and validation. But the true reward was the pride my son felt in seeing his mom take on such a massive and crazy challenge. I couldnt have done this without my amazing car poolers Michael Sciortino , Claudia La Bianca and Sam Brackley!! Follow them on Instagram and check out their pages.
As I share this account with you, I hope it inspires you to chase your dreams, embrace your heritage, and never let anyone define what you can or cannot achieve. We all have the power to be trailblazers and break stereotypes, just like I did with my Hot Wheels creation!
Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and until next time, keep dreaming big and creating from the heart!
Also I cant believe I finally got to meet Sung Kang aka Han from the Fast & Furious Franchise.
Are you ready for the ultimate automotive showdown?
Look no further than NBC’s Hot Wheels Ultimate Challenge, the action-packed competition featuring contestants battling it out in a series of car transformatio challenges.
Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge premieres May 30 at 10 p.m. ET on NBC and next day on Peacock.
If you follow my Instagram or TikTok page you must have seen my recent announcement of my particpation in the #NBCHotWheels competition.
As a lifelong car and Hot Wheels enthusiast, I was honored to be selected to participate in this adrenaline-fueled show. From building my own lifesize Hot Wheels car to navigating intense obstacles, this challenge pushed me and other contestants to test our skills and knowledge of cars while being fully creative and thinking outside the box to create a lifesize toy.
But the competition wasn’t the only highlight of the show. I also had the opportunity to work with a talented and experienced car poolers, judges and crew, who helped us every step of the way. And the camaraderie and sportsmanship among the contestants made the experience even more special.
Now, I’m counting down the days until the show airs on NBC.
Find the exclusive trailer here and list of all contestants and car poolers, judges and celeberities here on People.com’s Exclusive article.
Will I emerge victorious, or will another contestant take home the title? You’ll have to tune in to find out.
If you’re a fan of cars, racing, and high-stakes competitionand most importantly Hot Wheels , you won’t want to miss this thrilling show.
Get ready for the ultimate automotive showdown, and join me in watching NBC’s Hot Wheels Ultimate Challenge. This will be the perfect treat for the entire family.
Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge premieres May 30 at 10 p.m. ET on NBC and next day on Peacock.
As parents, we want our children to be happy, confident, and successful in life. Unfortunately, bullying is a reality for many kids, and it can be difficult for gentle and timid children to stand up for themselves. Recently my son faced an incident in school where he came back home with a bruise on his leg after being kicked by a classmate and tripped by another.
To be candid, the possibility of my son being harmed or bullied by a friend or classmate was a concern that weighed heavily on my mind. Unfortunately, it came to pass sooner than I anticipated, and while we took it as an opportunity to work with the school and teachers to address these issues, we also came to the realization that we need to take proactive steps as a family to empower and protect him
I recently shared my experience on my Instagram stories and received an outpouring of support from mothers who opened up to me about their own struggles with similar matters. Many expressed their fears of their children facing similar situations and were grateful for the opportunity to share tips and advice on raising confident and resilient kids.
In this blog post today, I will be sharing some of the strategies we have implemented at home to help our child cope with these challenges. Additionally, I will also be sharing valuable insights and recommendations from other mothers who have gone through similar experiences and have raised or raisng successfully confident and gentle kids.
Here are some of the things that parents can do to help their kids develop the skills and confidence they need to deal with bullies and other challenging situations. These are based of my understanding and experience and I am not an expert in child psycology. However these are some of key tips I like to include that have been helping my 6 year old.
Encourage self-expression. Children who are comfortable expressing themselves are less likely to be bullied. Encourage your child to speak up and express their thoughts and feelings, and listen carefully when they do. If they are shy, try to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions. (After our son was hurt by his friends, he did complain to his teacher and also asked for an apology from them in front of the entire class. Personally I was very proud of him for standing up for himself and using his voice.)
Teach assertiveness skills. Assertiveness is the ability to stand up for oneself and communicate one’s needs and opinions in an appropriate and confident manner. Teach your child how to be assertive by modeling assertiveness yourself and providing opportunities for them to practice. For example, you could role-play situations where they need to stand up for themselves or assert their rights.
Build self-esteem. Children who feel good about themselves are less likely to be bullied and more likely to stand up for themselves. Help your child build their self-esteem by praising their strengths and accomplishments, and encouraging them to try new things and take risks.(The Self-Esteem Workbook for Kids: Activities to Help Children Build Confidence and Achieve Success” by Lisa M. Schab and Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell are some great books to check our for teens and elementarty kids.)
Teach conflict resolution skills. Conflict is a natural part of life, and children need to learn how to handle it in a healthy and productive way. Teach your child how to resolve conflicts by compromising, listening to others, and finding mutually acceptable solutions. We often role play at home and ask our son how he would act in a particular situations and help see his POV too.Talk about bullying: Open up a dialogue with your child about bullying and what they can do to protect themselves. Discuss different scenarios and role play to help them develop their own responses.
Be a good role model. Children learn by example, so be a good role model by demonstrating assertiveness, self-confidence, and respect for others. Show your child how to handle difficult situations with grace and poise, and help them understand that it’s okay to walk away from a situation if it becomes too uncomfortable.
Support and empower your child. Let your child know that they can always come to you for support and guidance, and that you believe in them. Empower your child by encouraging them to make their own decisions and stand up for themselves. One of the most important quality I stress on as a mom.
Practice self-defense techniques: Consider enrolling your child in a self-defense class or teaching them some basic techniques for protecting themselves in emergency situations. We are enrolling our son to a martial arts camp for spring.
Foster independence: Encourage your child to be self-reliant and to solve problems on their own. This will build their confidence and help them to become more resilient.
Promote positive body image: Help your child to develop a positive self-image and to be proud of who they are. This will help them to feel good about themselves and to resist negative influences. One of the biggest conversations in the homes of people of color. Whether it is skin color, hair or the way they look we have to foster positive mindset daily and practce what we preach in front of our kids.
Encourage positive relationships: Teach your child how to build and maintain healthy relationships with others. Encourage them to surround themselves with friends who are positive and supportive. This is something we need to continue working on as our children grow and their friend circle changes and matures over time.
Seek outside support: If your child is being bullied, consider seeking outside support from teachers, counselors, or a child psychologist. They can provide additional strategies and resources to help your child feel safe and supported.
In conclusion, as a parent, it is important to help your child build their self-esteem and confidence so that they can stand up for themselves and handle difficult situations with ease. I hope by implementing the tips and resources shared in this blog post, we can provide a strong foundation for our children to thrive and succeed in life.
Remember that every child is unique, so be patient and supportive as they grow and develop their own sense of self-worth. And above all, let them know that they are loved, valued, and capable of overcoming any challenges that come their way.
Love
Arushi
PS: My DMs are open to discuss more. Feel free to connect with me on my Instagram.
The Festival of Colors is a celebration of love and inclusion—and a beautiful event for springtime.
This festival celebrates the arrival of spring and harvests to come, and the victory of good over evil. Although it is traditionally a Hindu festival, Holi is celebrated across the globe and is a great equalizer. Everyone is invited to participate, regardless of your religion and cultural background: It’s a celebration of love and inclusion.
On the day of Holi, we gather in their backyards, terraces, neighborhoods, or driveways to play Holi with brightly colored powders. In our celebrations, we set up tables with bags of colors and water balloons, pools filled with colored water, and water blasters or pichkaris. We party with upbeat Bollywood music, local brews or thandai, tasty mithais, and fun-filled chatter—all are essential elements of Holi!
I recently sat down with Women’s Day Magazine and shared more about the colorful festival and it’s importance in our culture.
DIY Diwali Lantern by Vir. (As seen on Disney Junior social pages)
The festival of lights. Diwali is celebrated by over a billion people every year globally, and each region and religion celebrates it differently and for different reasons. For some, it’s a new year; a fresh start. For others, it’s the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. For the most part, Diwali is a celebration that culminates in good food, the company of wonderful family and friends, and holistic introspection. Follow our Diwali updates on my Instagram @TheSnazzyMom
This holiday season, whether you want to support a small business or need some amazing gifts, these South Asian-owned businesses have got some of the coolest products. I am curating a list of shops that I love and our my go to!
From delicious sweets, to authentic paan, and homeware to kid’s gifts, these South Asian-owned businesses will definitely deliver the best of the best. We can do our bit by supporting these small business and celebrate the culture!
You can also check our Diwali video from last year on Disney Junior ‘s social page. We had the amazing opportunity to share all about our culture with all Disney fans.
Got sweets on the brain? I have you covered
Simply Mithiai – These are western desserts with a desi twist. Check out the Diwali – Signature Mithai Bonbons and also add a personal touch with a handwritten note.
The Paanwala– It’s a drink. It’s a dessert. It’s a chilled taste bud tantalizer Paan creation, simply put. Check out the Paan Truffle box, a deconstructed version of a Meetha Paan, transformed to a bite size, easy to fall in love for a Paan novice or Connoisseur.
Home Made Diwali sweets , chocolate barks, barfis or store bought dry fruits , dates beautifully packaged in boxes gives the personal touch to your gifts! I am making some for my friends and family! Let the kids get crafty and decorate teh Diwali boxes!
Diwali Decoration Ideas For A Bright & Beautiful Home
Desi Favors has everything you need from Indian DIY decorations , traditional favor packaging, Quick Indian Backdrop Kits for Indian weddings and more. Their Diwali hampers are wrapped very carefully along with a hand written note and every gift box has a Desi Vibe to it , so we can stay connected to our roots.
All things Artistic you can give a gift that is meaningful to the receiver and shows a part of you as well. From scented candles to urli sets the store has artistic pieces that can take your Diwali decor of gifting next level.
Arjuna Design studio a modern lifestyle brand that has some of the most unique and classic contemporary furnishings and accessories. It is a platform that champions for local Indian artists. The lotus branded Masala Dabba is a must have.
Also Sophia Diwali Home Decor Collection will add charm to your home this Diwali season. Welcome your guests this Diwali with a decorative door sign made from solid MDF and available in traditional gold
South Asian influenced confortable children’s fashion, in beautiful print
Lark Adventurewear is a bestselling kid’s wear brand with clothing made of the softest bamboo essentials that are buttery soft and temperature regulating. Their fall collection joggers are a must have in every kid’s closet. is They partnered with Hava to introduce the first Diwali Pajamas to the world.
Little Muffet is an online store dedicated to all you lovely kids and mothers who throw the house upside down, trying to find the best attire for every occasion. The store carries a wide range of ethnic clothing for new borns to 15+ and even moms.
Flower Rangoli is the perfect way to decorate your home on Diwali
Kid’s crafts , activities , toys and more
Kulture Khazana thoughtfully created Rangoli Mandala puzzle. That is a blend of fun and focus, family time and independent play, cultural story and game.
Let Ombox captivate all of your senses for your favorite Indian festival. The Diwali box includes beautiful clay divas with hand-pressed flowers, an assortment of rangoli powders with a chic wooden stencil (that doubles as a coaster!) and more! It also includes the beautifully illustrated Indus magazine explaining the stories of Diwali.
Home made Diwali Coloring Card Prinatble -There is no precious gift than something handmade, right? I loved the art work by Pavni Kapoor from PKK DESIGNS and she was so kind to custom make a Diwali Rangoli design card for my readers. Vir loved coloring it and adding some jewels and stickers to bling it up. You can download it HERE.
Desi Chaat-1500 words that will keep the party going. This is THE party game for Desis! If you need a game during get-togethers, potlucks, Diwali parties and more that allows EVERYONE from the family.
Picture it- white sand beaches that are baby soft to the touch, fresh seafood straight from the source and more kid-friendly entertainment than you thought one beach town could handle. Excited? Us too.
This is what we found when we travelled to Panama City Beach, Florida.
No matter your budget, there are plenty of things to do whether you crave lazy beach days with the kids, nature reserves, sunset cruises or shop-til-you-drop mornings.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the best things to do in PCB with kids.
PCB BEACHES
Any town with the name “beach” in it pretty much demands that you check out the waterfront. Beaches are free and one of our favorite things to do with kids. With 27 miles of sandy beaches and nearly 100 access points, PCB offers endless opportunities for affordable family-fun experiences.
Go for a swim or snorkel to discover an abundance of underwater wildlife or hop on a fishing trip. You can also search for dolphins on a sunset cruise, try out parasailing or jet skiing like we did. There are loads of water-based activities in Panama City Beach to fill your days that go beyond splashing in the waves and building sand castles (although we love doing that too).
SHELL ISLAND
Truly, one of the top attractions in Panama City Beach is Shell Island. We got to experience Florida in its most natural element along this seven-mile barrier island between St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
My favorite moment? When my 5-year-old son got to see indigenous seashells, like sand dollars, moon snails, conch shells, pin shells, periwinkles, whelk and olive shells, in their natural habitat. He loved that there was no limit to the number of these one-of-a-kind souvenirs he could take home, as long as there were no creatures living in them.
You can rent a pontoon boat, jet skis, private boats or even take the Shell Island Shuttle to get out to the island for a few hours or even a full day of fun.
SEA DRAGON PIRATE CRUISE
Sightseeing while pretending to be pirates on a life-size ship is a dream come true for many kids and even adults. My son couldn’t get enough of singing pirate songs, partaking in pretend sword fights, cleaning the deck, and even looking for sunken treasure during our two-hour Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise.
SHIPWRECK ISLAND WATERPARK
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is filled with fun, and not just for kids. All ages, even parents and grandparents, will have something to do here.
Jump waves in the 500,000-gallon wave pool or float down the 660-foot lazy river. From a kiddy area to exhilarating slides, Shipwreck Island has activities and water fun for visitors of all ages.
RACE CITY AMUSEMENT PARK
Race City Amusement Park is definitely home to some of the most exhilarating Panama City Beach attractions for kids.The PCB 500 is the city’s fastest, steepest and tallest go-kart track. It’s a must-do activity for speed lovers.
For the little ones in your group, there is a smaller go-kart course that they can conquer. My son was able to take his first spin on the Little Speedy track and cannot stop talking about it.
And don’t worry, if go-karts aren’t your speed, there are also roller coasters, bumper boats, an arcade, and many more of your favorite amusement park rides and activities at Race City.
COCONUT CREEK FAMILY FUN PARK
Mini-golf is one of those family-friendly activities that everyone, no matter how young or old, can enjoy together. You could easily spend an entire day at the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park– Laguna Beach conquering their 18-hole mini golf course. The tropical theme plays perfectly into a beach vacation.
Got older kids? They will love getting lost in the giant maze next to the golf course.
With the unlimited games package, you can play mini-golf and wander the maze over and over again. We spent several hours here in the evening after a long day in the sun swimming at the beach.
PIER PARK
Pier Park offers visitors an endless array of food options, entertainment and shopping.We found it to be the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs and explore locally-owned boutiques.
It’s also an easy spot to grab a meal, enjoy ice cream or even pick up a pineapple-flavored drink to cool down. As a family traveling together, I loved that after lunch my son could enjoy a train ride with his daddy, while I snuck off to do some more shopping.
SKYWHEEL PANAMA CITY BEACH
Don’t be confused by the name– SkyWheel Panama City Beach is an entertainment complex packed with family fun. Soar over the city to enjoy unforgettable panoramic views of Panama City Beach in the fully-enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas.
SkyWheel’s close proximity to Pier Park provides a sightseeing experience for families with babies and toddlers up to tweens and teens.
After travelling to over 8 countries and taking several long haul flights with my son when he was baby to now when he is a kindergartner, I have come across several brands and products that I have loved and hated. We parents on our travel come across so many hiccups like a frantic airport terminal, rogue luggage carts, judgmental passengers and thousands other possible hiccups that can make daily parenting battles a bit more strenuous? So being prepared with the right travel gear and travelling light has become my mantra for traveling!
The key to successfully flying with kids boils down to three things:
Getting to the airport early, planning, and packing light and the right gear. And extra snacks always help.
Below is a list of items I recommend for travelling with toddlers.
1.) JetKids BedBox
I highly recommend this JetKids Bedbox to all parents who are traveling with their kids in flights especially on long haul flights. We got this for our 23 hour journey to India in 2019 and I knew that it would simplify traveling for me and my son. Vir has been using it for more than 2 years now. Its an investment and has saved us with the long walks, flight delay related tantrums and exhaustion etc. while traveling.
This suitcase comes with adjustable strap, two sheets of decorative stickers and a mattress with seat extension.
Although Vir was only 3 and his feet weren’t touching the floor then, he comfortably sat on it while I pulled the jet-box around the airport. The mattress is convenient to extend the seat in the flight and turn it into a bed. It is great for keeping little children’s feet up and also gives space to stretch especially on long flights. Now Vir’s feet cannot be straight like the below pics as he is much taller.
Also I recommend getting an economy plus or the front row seats for more leg room if your are traveling coach. The jetbox also had ample of storage space to hold some snacks, books, iPad and headphones . When my son didn’t feel like sitting on it while we were waking around the airport, he enjoyed pulling it . We also used the JetKids Bedbox in a train chair car from Kota to Delhi which was a 7 hours journey! And I seriously felt I hit the jackpot as my son slept comfortably on it. Also there was way more leg space than in a flight.
2. Ride Safer Travel Vest- ((Updated 8/14/2021) I was introduced to this vest by my friend Pattie and after researching and trying this myself on our recent trip to Hawaii in April 2021 and Panama City Beach in May,2021 I had to add this to my list of travel must have for parents. We love it and also now have been using it regularly.
With RideSafer you won’t need to haul that heavy car seat through airport security or while you’re rushing through the terminal to make it to your gate on time.. We have a large carseat for our 5 year old which we love however it is not ideal for air travel, Uber, cabs, etc.
Lightweight and compact, the RideSafer® Travel Vest easily stows away in your luggage or even on your child’s backpack. It is simple to pull out and use SAFELY once you arrive at your destination!
As a FMVSS 213 certified child restraint, RideSaferis a legalchild restraint when used according to manufacturer’s instructions. We loved keeping in our carryon and having available as soon as we reached the destination without the hassle of carrying a bulky car seat. Note- Technically the RideSafer is rated starting at 3 years old and 30 pounds.
Note, it has few more steps to get the child in the vest than a typical car seat. So it can take a few minutes to tie it correctly. I like to offer my son a neck pillow on long rides. You can learn more here.
3.A Busy Bag
In my previous post I shared a lot of ideas for toys and activities you need to have ready in case your in flight entertainment is not going as you preferred. I added below items on my list. With growing kids, we need activities that keeps them interested and occupied.
Water Wow color book – If you don’t already know about it, the Water Wow! is pretty much the greatest coloring book ever invented. I love that there is no hassle of taking markers, paints, or crayons. I bought 2 new books for Vir to keep him busy!
Play dough with new shapes and cutters.
New books -We love reading and so I got some new Pete the Cat books for my son. For older kids I recommend some cultural books that can educate them more about the destination. Please send me recommendations if you have any for India.
4. Fold–able earphones
We have the J Buddies folding headphones that are east to pack in a bag and not bulky. Also they aren’t too expensive so I am not worried about misplacing them.
5.Tablet
We can’t leave without one anywhere. And the tablet or ipad is absolutely a must when locked in an aircraft. I took it out only when Vir was done with everything else or when I needed to catch a nap for atleast 1 hour. We took the youtube subscription where you can download the videos in offline mode. I also downloaded his favorite Nat Geo animal documentary series and many games. I highly recommend having a variety of age appropriate games to keep them busy. And one tip, definitely download some new games and videos that you think the kids will enjoy.
6. Fold-able potty seat
We are still working on potty training so I made sure we had a convenient potty seat that I can carry with me anywhere. Thanks to my cousin I was introduced to this easy to carry potty seat that came with liners and a carry bag. And yes it was so convenient than buying a potty seat in India and carrying it within the cities I was going too.
7.Hand sanitizer and wipes + ( Masks ) 2021 update
We cant do without wipes, but we carried a big and small pack for lots of cleaning. The hand sanitizer is very important on travels. I didn’t want Vir to be sick for any reason and was almost sanitizing hands almost every few hours in flight and outdoors.
8. Adjustable face mask lanyards for kids
The lanyards are comfortable and easy to adjust when needed. The variety of colors is great too. We have lost several masks on our travel and so has our son. These lanyards are great to keep the mask safe and we are using them everywhere especially at school now.
9.Blanket and sleeping toy
I definitely recommend carrying your child’s favorite blanket and plush toy. Its is especially helpful in a long flight and also when you are sleeping in new places and beds. My son slept comfortably with his Pooh everywhere and I carried it with me on flight and in train too.
10. Collapsible bottle
One of my favorite gift items and must have item for people on the go. This collapsible bottle from Hydaway is truly the best. It is ultra portable, easy to pack , non toxic and leak proof. This is one of the portable bottles that have a spout , so my son was able to sip easily. I carry it with me everywhere, and the best part is that there is no need to carry any plastic bottles that take space in a backpack or bag.
11.Insulated food jar and water bottle.
This jar has saved us so many times. If your baby or toddler is eating solids but is picky, likes warm snacks, or is just not into eating restaurant food yet (and you aren’t too keen on always giving them jars of pre-packaged food), I would bring along one of these Thermos insulated jars. and bottles too
12. Kid’s Travel Neck Pillow
We got this neck pillow last year on our road trip from Houston to Breckenridge, Colorado. This neck pillow was the perfect accessory we needed for the journey and is now a must have on all our trips.. The surface of the cloth is like a honeycomb, which is more breathable, dry. Not easy to deformation, no pilling, 100% washable.
Wow! Kauai lived up to our Hawaiian dreams with its lush mountains, dramatic sea cliffs, plunging waterfalls, and stunning beaches. Finally, after 14 months our family took our first flight post our vaccination to the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii. This place is extremely kid friendly and there are so many activities you can do with your kids. Traveling with a kid looks a lot different at age 4. Vir was very excited, comfortable and cooperative on the journey. He wore masks for almost 14 hours non stop one way from the airports , to flights to shuttles to car rental service.
My idea for travel for this family vacation was a combination of relaxation and adventure for total 10 days while being completely logged out of office mails and calls. Kauai checked off every box and that is how we new it was the place to be. We chose the island of Kauai in Hawaii over other islands ( have also visited Big Island in 2010 for our honeymoon) because of its far more relaxed, natural environment. Here is a video on our hikes.
Sailing to Napali coast, hiking in multi-colored canyons and along coastal trails, frequent sightings of whales, dolphins, and snorkeling with turtles (and not forgetting the wild chickens that roam the island) was just what we needed for our souls. We found a real sense of solitude here due to its great outdoors and lack of major developments. You can reconnect with nature, lots of local culture and explore uncluttered sites.
It was such a refreshing and rejuvenating trip and a perfect birthday gift for me.
Note on April 5, 2021 Kauai rejoined Hawaii’s Pre-Travel Testing program which allows visitors to avoid a 10-day quarantine by taking a test before arrival. Visitors from the mainland US (and now Canada, Japan and Korea) will be able to avoid the mandatory 10-day quarantine by providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the final leg of departure. The test must be taken with one of these trusted testing partners.
Note: Only kids under 5 don’t need the test. So Vir didn’t have the RT PCR test.
The situation is constantly changing so check the County of Kauai website for the latest news.
Currently, proof of vaccination is not a recognized exemption from quarantine or pre-travel testing, but the state government is looking into it and it is possible that vaccine passports may be used by the summer.
We had to fill in the Safe Travels travel and health form online and upload negative test results before boarding our flight to Hawaii. Everyone will have their temperature taken on arrival.
NOTE : Once screened at airport you will need an updated QR code to get to your car rental and to also enter your condo/ vacation rental. Make sure you have it updated right at airport, as several people at the car rental didn’t have the QR updated and had to go all the way back to the airport to get it checked.
Note wearing a mask is mandatory in Hawaii in indoor public places and outdoors when social distancing isn’t possible. Please travel responsibly.
Different islands have their own rules in addition to the pre-travel test so please check accordingly.
For in Island travel you will need a rental car. Most of the car rentals are at the Lihue airport only. There are also island taxis available, but I do not recommend relying on them. The island is not huge—you can drive from one side to the other in a few hours—but there is plenty to keep you occupied. We rented a Jeep for off roading experience.
Also, if you plan to book any tours, I recommend booking them in advance as due to new health protocols on the island lots of tour companies are running on limited capacity and get filled very quick or still not operational.
Our Stay in Kauai.
We split our stay on the island and lived in Poipu on the south shore and Princeville on the north shore to avoid long drives. This was a great decision.
Sunset views at Poipu from our airbnb condo
Things to do in South of Kauai.
Poipu Beaches
I chose the South side for first half of the trip as it is sunnier and drier most of the year. The ocean is calm and was swimmable. There was easy access to beaches from our condo. Plus, there is a wide range of accommodation including some of the best hotels in Kauai (resorts and condos). Also, lots of restaurants and cafés to get good food.
We loved our stay in Poipu, our son had such a great time on the beach. The beaches have areas that are perfect for kids and has no waves.
We also saw monk seals soaking the sun.
Kids beach at Poipu
Monk seals at Poipu Beach
I had an amazing time snorkeling here. The reefs are very close to the beach, so you do not have to swim too far or get a boat to get to snorkeling spots. The best place to snorkel in Kauai.
The Mahaulepu Heritage Trail at Shipwreck beach is a great hike to explore the otherwise inaccessible coastline. Strong shore break can make this beach a dangerous spot to swim. Best for beachcombing and sunsets.
Go to Port Allen for sailing tours. We did the 4-hour Sunset Napali coast catamaran tour from Captain Andy’s. The sailing experience was not great for us as we three had sea sickness all the time. Yet we some how managed to see a pod of dolphins close to the boat and watch a mama and baby whale breaching. The Napali coast is seriously stunning, and I think it is a must do!
I recommend sitting in the front of the boat and having some Dramamine before and on the boat. (I learned my lesson the hard way).
If you have kids younger than 4 I won’t recommend it, our son is 4 and he threw up a lot and slept 80 percent of the time.
Catamaran boat tour to Napali Coast.
Makauwahi Cave Reserve trail A beautiful hike along a well-marked trailed with stunning ocean views (and access) leads to this ancient cave holding many fossils and delightful history. You do have to crawl through a narrow entry at the base of a sink hole to enter this magical place. I highly recommend this and recommend taking the long route and not short one. There is also a farm right next to the cave where you can go and see the male and female turtles. We had a great experience here.
Tortoise farm near Makauwahi Cave Reserve trail
Glass Beach is not the most spectacular on Kauai but is closer to Port Allen and you can see it on the way. It’s too rocky for swimming and small in size. Right behind you is an oil storage facility that provides a not so pleasing industrial backdrop. We couldn’t find enough glass here so I recommend to skip unless you have time to just have a look.
Glass Beach in Kauai.
From Poipu we also drove to the West Side of the island and explored:
Waimea Canyon State Park. The area is remote and less developed. You can stop at different viewpoints to enjoy the beautiful canyon scenery. Traveling across the Waimea Canyon will take you approximately two hours if you spend some time at each stop. If you are planning to travel through the canyon without breaks, you will finish the journey in an hour. There are several lookouts dotted across the rim of the canyon, providing you with beautiful views throughout the hike.
Lookout point at Waimea Canyon State Park
The lookout above Kalalau Valley on the Na Pali Coast, provides one of the most fantastic views on the island and considered by many to be a must see. At 4,000 feet above sea level, the Kalalau Lookout is the highest elevation you will reach in Kauai by road alone. The air is much cooler at this level and it’s a good idea to bring a coat or sweatshirt. Kalalau Valley is part of the Na Pali Coast and there are no roads to it. The closest you can get to it by car is this overlook. The valley itself is two miles wide and one the widest on Kauai’s west side.
The lookout above Kalalau Valley on the Na Pali Coast
Pihea & Alakai Swamp Trail – The start of the Pihea Trail skirts the back of Kalalau Valley offering views into the valley that are incredible. The trail dives into the Alakai Swamp, and eventually intersects the Alakai Swamp Trail.
After 4 days of living in Poipu we moved to the most stunning part of the island the north shore in Hanalei, Princeville.
The North Shore is the most beautiful part of the island and one of the best places to stay in Kauai. We loved the mountain scenery, beaches, and cool town of Hanalei. This was by our favorite place to stay at any destination ever! (Ok close match to Santorini, Greece)
Anini Beach at Northshore of Kauai
Things to do near in North of Kauai, Hanalei.
Princeville is just stunning. We loved to walk to the Sunset look out point from our cottage on the lush green trails with the backdrop of the Makai golf course and stunning mountains. There is also a beach access, but parking is very tricky as there is no street parking and extremely limited public parking available to go to the beach.
We timed our trips to Hanalei almost daily and visited when the roads were open. In March 2021 there was a landslide which has led to limited road access to Hanalei (single lane at certain times of day). To visit Hanalei from Princeville we kept checking the latest news on the Hawaii Department of Transportation
Hanalei Beach and Hanalei Pier are one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset and enjoy the beach. You can rent SUP boards and kayaks too there. We visited this place thrice on our trip
Hanalei Pier
Limahuli Garden and Preserve– We explored this preserve and enjoyed the self-guided tour on one of our last days in Kauai. A bit off the beaten path, well, nearly the end of the line, by road, this was a great place for a leisurely walk into native and evasive plants found on Kauai.
Limahuli Garden and Preserve
Tunnels Beach It was my favorite beach. The snorkeling is incredible – the reef is home to a multitude of beautiful fish, and there are almost always sea turtles! The mountains make for a gorgeous backdrop as well for family pictures. The parking can get tricky, so your best bet is to park at the public side and walk to Tunnels beach.
Anini Beach is a great for simply relaxing with a book, fishing from shore or paddle boarding above the lively reef and perfect for kids. The deeper and clearer water can be enticing, and I swam right close to few turtles here and got some great shots on my Go pro. The Beach Park has multiple campsites with permits, shade trees, picnic tables, pavilions, restrooms and showers. We went here thrice on our trip
Snorkeling with turtles at Anini beach
As we spent almost 7 days at Princeville, we drove to the East side to explore, shop, and eat.
Kauai Hindu Monastery and the Rudraksha Grove –We were overwhelmed with emotions upon seeing the beauty of this Hindu monastery in Kauai. Beautiful outdoor monastery and new temple being built near Wailua River Falls. Statues and grounds are amazing. Make sure you get a reservation if you want to visit the inside of the temples. The Rudraksha grove is very close to the temple and a must visit. We spent over an hour here mesmerized by color and beauty of the holy grove. You should not miss going here.
Rudraksha grove in Kauai near the Kauai Hindu Monastery
The Wailua falls can be seen from a viewpoint and cannot be hiked so these 2 locations can be done on same day.
Kauai Plantation Railway in Lihue– We wanted to do the railway tour. Unfortunately, it was closed. Seemed great for kids. You can check them out and call and book in advance.
Luau Feast -A trip to Hawaii would not be complete without taking part in a traditional luau (feast). This luau experience at Kilohana Plantation on Kauai includes the convenience of round-trip hotel transport (if option selected), a lei greeting and champagne on arrival, and a 4-course dinner of local specialties. Unfortunately, all Luau on Kauai, were closed during our visit. You can check ahead of time if you travel.
Local Farmer’s Markets are also great places to go to see the local cuisines, art and fruits. I recommend checking online while or before travelling when and where are the farmer’s market in the are you stay or close by. We visited to one in Hanalei.
In my next blog post I will be sharing our favorite places to eat, and things I packed for our 10-day trip.
Note: Hawaii is not cheap or budget friendly, you will have to decide what to prioritize: ocean views, beach access, fantastic pool, kitchen, onsite restaurants, access to sights or whatever is best for your family. I believe on the East Side, you’ll get the best value for money, but you won’t have the views of the North Shore or as easy access to sights as in the South.
You might also consider splitting your time between two areas to avoid long day trips as we did.
If you plan anytime to travel to Kauai, I wish you have a wonderful time. Do not forget to be updated on local island travel guidelines. You can ask me a question in comments below or DM me on my Instagram and I will reply you as soon as I can.
Like many South Asian parents’ preservation of culture is imperative for me and family too. It is of utmost importance we pass on our cultural values to our children. And so, just like every year we are very excited to celebrate The Festival of Colors- Holi with our almost 5-year-old son.
Holi teaches our kids about unity as a family. I believe it is the perfect outward expressions of infusing hope and optimism into our homes. As Vir is growing older he is understanding and remembering the significance of each of our festivals even more. My mom has been a special influence on Vir for past few months as she has been visiting us from India. He is so lucky to celebrate Diwali in November 2020 and now Holi in March 2021 with his Nani.
Last year I shared a blog post How to Celebrate Holi in Your Child’s Classroom. Similarly, this year too Vir will be presenting to his class all about Holi. We will be doing the same this year as well. I always prepare Vir for a short presentation that he gives to his class. He did one on Diwali too.
To kickstart the arrival of spring we plan to decorate our home for a fresh feel. Some simple changes I am doing:
Giving the living room a bright new makeover, with bright and colorful cushions.
Adding fresh flowers to the center, side, and dining table to welcome spring and light some scented candles.
Changing from whites to colorful bed sheets with vibrant pillows and cushions in tandem with the colorfulness of the whole ambiance.
Using Vir’s art to decorate the space especially his Art wall in the room.
On the day of Holi I plan to decorate the dining table and kitchen island with Holi colors in small pots and colorful décor pieces from All Things Artistic (they have some really beautiful pieces of decor items and more), also fresh flowers and of course some homemade delicacies like thandai, shakar parre and gujiyas, savory items and more!
7 DIY activities we are working on to celebrate Holi
1.Last year we made this Easy DIY Holi T shirt. It was a hit and we love how you can make this a family activity every year and wear to school.
2.Making a card for any occasion is an essential part of celebrating any festival. This year Vir made this Paint Splatter card. You need water colors a paint brush and to splatter just use a comb and rub the painted brush .
3.Planting seeds for spring flowers – Not only is its super fun to plant your own seeds and watch them grow, but it provides all kinds of learning opportunities. Besides learning about plants, children also gain knowledge in using various scientific skills like making observations and predictions. Planting seeds also teaches children about responsibility as they learn to care for their plants daily.
4.I recently came across a design and illustration shop called Intrikate Ink https://www.intrikateink.com/. that creates original and customized coloring books, tattoos and even merchandize for adults and kids. This gorgeous Mickey Mouse Mandala coloring page caught my eye and I reached out to the creator Surabhi on her Instagram page to help me share her beautiful work with my son and my readers. This was such successful activity for me and Vir as we both participate and collaboratively completed it. I am framing this one.
Download the Free Mickey Mandala Page here by Intrikate Ink
5. Get the kids in the kitchen and make some desserts. I recently made these delicious and healthy version of Gujiyas with my mom. They were perfect and I can indulge without worrying about too many calories. To see the video and healthy recipe you can check my Instagram post.
6. Rangoli Floor Puzzle from Kulture Khazana has been a such a fantastic way to engage Vir and teach him the importance of it for our festivals. I love through these fun activities our kids can learn the importance of these elements in our culture.
7. Reading Lets’ Celebrate Holi by Ajanta Chakraborty is a great way to learn all about this famous Indian festival of colors including the story behind Holi, the colorful Holi markets, the incredible fun of playing Holi, the delicious Holi food and drinks and even about some unique ways of celebrating throughout the country. We will also be reading this book in Vir’s class. There is also a fun activity book that
Stocking on items to play Holi with family and our friends in pandemic pod.
We started to use the Holi powder to play with our 4 year old since last year only. When he was a toddler, we used flower petals and used these edible homemade paints made with just 2 ingredients to make celebrate the festival with our baby.
Also I recently got these 100 water ballonspacket to prepare for water fight.
And this water blaster . As Holi is incomplete without that splash of water!
You can also use colored bath drops in the mini pool and bath tub to create the colored water effect.
We are very excited to celebrate Holi this year and it’s even more special as my mom is visiting us. Vir is so lucky to have his grandparent, his Nani on this joyous occasion.
I wish you and your family a fresh start and a bright and cheerful 2021. Happy Holi.
We have the 
We are still working on potty training so I made sure we had a convenient potty seat that I can carry with me anywhere. Thanks to my cousin I was introduced to this 
One of my favorite gift items and must have item for people on the go. This 
This jar has saved us so many times. If your baby or toddler is eating solids but is picky, likes warm snacks, or is just not into eating restaurant food yet (and you aren’t too keen on always giving them jars of pre-packaged food), I would bring along one of these 
![Let's Celebrate Holi! (Maya & Neel's India Adventure Series, Book 3) by [Ajanta Chakraborty, Vivek Kumar, Janelle Diller]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518bDoLCiFL.jpg)
The Snazzy Mom Blog by Arushi Garg 