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  1. Charlie

    I’m sorry – I’m a big fan of yours, but these baby product posts feel so insincere. I honestly don’t see how you can ‘recommend’ baby products that you have never used. It just feels like a massive grab with affiliate links. I would really welcome your opinion on products if I had any faith that you had tried and tested them. You’ve just listed a roundup of well known (and very expensive) baby products and don’t even appear to have done much research behind them. Examples: 1) You’ll probably find an equal number of babies hate the MamaRoo as love it and you have to be careful as they are unsafe for sleep… 2) The Baby Brezza has known issues with incorrectly measuring powder that, if parents aren’t aware of, can pose a serious health risk with babies not getting enough formula. I really wish you had saved these posts for after you had time to use and review. Disappointing 🙁

    • The Blonde Abroad

      Hi Charlie!

      I appreciate your input. These are things on my own baby registry and I’m investing in buying them before trying them. I thoroughly researched every single item and put this list together as a resource. It’s every individual’s responsibility to do the same for their child regardless of who recommends it. It serves as a resource, not a guidebook. Even if I used them first, some moms and babies will not like every single item.

      A lot of these items, like the Baby Brezza and Mamaroo, I’ve received as hand-me-downs and do in fact have them and have used them—just not with my own child yet (my experience is when babysitting for friend’s kids). I have countless friends who swear by both. I assure you these aren’t blind recommendations. Again, every single baby item is hit or miss whether it’s a bottle or pacifier. You really don’t know what they will like until they’re here and I’m planning to be prepared.

  2. Jessica

    Great picks! I have a five month old and the owlet is the only reason that we’ve had the peace of mind to sleep the last few months! The mamaRoo has been a favorite too 😉

    • The Blonde Abroad

      Hi Jessica! Glad to hear it! I’m looking forward to using it on our little one 🙂

Instagram

I found foodie paradise… and it’s in New England 🦞🍩🍺
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More specifically, Portland, Maine!

Last fall I took a roundtrip around New England for some leaf peeping, fall frolicking, and most importantly, for all of the eats. And while there are a LOT of incredible places to eat around New England, it’s Portland that has some of the absolute best foods.

From sweet potato donuts to fries made in duck fat to some of the best oysters I’ve ever had, this place is literally heaven.

Some of our fav spots:
@holydonutmaine 
@eventideoysterco 
@duckfatmaine 
@highrollerlobsterco 
@twelvemaine 
@_rose_foods_ 
@allagashbrewing 
@js_oyster 

If you want even MORE of the best local food spots around all of New England, I’ve compiled an extensive guide.

Let me know if you want the MAP and I’ll be sure to send it your way!
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#newengland #portlandmaine #visitmaine #foodie
These might just be the best travel bags ever ✨ 
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Ollie and I recently traveled to Washington and brought the @noreceptionclub travel bags along. And I have to say, these bags have completely changed how I pack with a toddler. Traveling with a little one means not only making sure you have every snack, every toy, and every detail covered — but also making sure you have it all within reach. And if it can look good too? All the better. 

We brought with us:

• The Getaway Bag, which works as a diaper bag when your kids are extra little (and as a family travel backpack for bigger kids), includes customizable compartments, an insulated lunch bag and even stroller clips!
• The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel with a cubby system and dividers that you can pull out and hang in hotel closets for optimal convenience. It even has backpack straps and a luggage pass-through for other carrying options!
• The Sidekick V2 has its own compartment in the Getaway Bag and is great for small day trips and hands-free storage. The mesh pockets hold smaller items while the magnetic flap in the back makes it easy to grab baby wipes fast!
• The Dopp Kit, made with parents in mind, keeps personal care essentials organized and accessible.
•The Sliders Complete Set with clear windows and smart compartments making it easy to see and grab everything you need!

Pack smarter for family adventures and get your hands on the @noreceptionclub bag that speaks to you! Use BLONDEABROAD20 for $20 off purchases of $150 or more
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#noreceptionclub #familytravel #travelwithkids #noreceptionclubpartner #travelbags #travelpacking
#EGAmbassador Wondering where to plan next year’s adventures? 🗺️ 
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If you’re looking for a different kind of vacation destination, one that’s not all over your feed or overrun with tourists, then @expedia’s got you covered!

Expedia just launched Unpack ’26, their definitive guide to emerging travel trends for the year ahead, powered by first-party data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, and enriched by global insights, Unpack is designed to help travelers explore more consciously and creatively.

Some of these were a HUGE surprise, but I wasn’t shocked to see The Cotswolds made the cut! I traveled there last fall and fell in LOVE! So much so that I’m planning a month-long stay with Ollie so he can enjoy all of the cute lambs and cozy cottages too!

The Cotswolds are a region in the UK compromising of over 100 villages and 300 towns! There’s so much to be discovered here, but these are the 7 villages you have to visit if you’re planning a trip to The Cotswolds this fall and beyond:

•Castle Combe
•Bourton-on-the-Water
•The Slaughters
•Stowe-on-the-Wold
•Broadway
•Snowshill
•Bibury

For more amazing, best-kept travel secrets, check out @expedia’s Unpack ‘26 list (in my stories) and hurry to book your travels before these less-explored gems become part of the beaten path!

Have you been to The Cotswolds? Which were your favorite villages?
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#UnpackTravelTrends #autumn #TheCotswolds
Raise your hand if Autumn is your favorite 🤚
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I don’t know what it is about the magic of Fall foliage, but the whimsy of apple picking and leaf peeping is just too strong to resist!

If you find yourself wanting a similar adventure, I have something just for you: My New England Map & Autumn Travel Guide 🍂

Last year, I did a ton of research in anticipation of my dream road trip across this area for the best of the best when it comes to fall foliage, farms, orchards, scenic drives, tasty eateries, cozy inns and picturesque towns. And I want to pass that knowledge onto you!

Let me know below if you’re interested with ‘MAP’ and I’ll make sure to send it your way 🍁
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#fallfoliage #newengland #autumn
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