Archives for December 2013

Globetrotting Toys: …

December 18, 2013 By admin

It’s a plane, its a submarine and everything in between! If you’re looking for a fun building toy that will get your budding pilots’s imagination flowing, the Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys is sure to please.

My daughter and I tested it out and we had so much fun coming up with different configurations for the interchangeable pieces. It surprised me that her favorite part was the working drill (complete with interchangeable bits) but that just proves that girly girls can handle power tools. Just check out my preschooler concentrating on that drill in princess fairy garb of course. Focus, focus, focus…

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

First we made the plane…

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Then the submarine…

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Then we started to get a little crazy…

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

And before we knew it the princesses were safely tucked inside for a fun-filled air and sea adventure!

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

Globetrotting Toys: Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane from B. toys review

I’ve written about how much I love B. toys in the past and this one does not disappoint in quality or function. The pieces are large enough for small hands to easily handle (but not too small that you will be injured by stepping on one) and the parts really do move, open and spin. I love that this toy is unisex, compatible with the other B. toys Build-a-ma-jig sets and basically throws any building rules right out the window.

I think this would be a great holiday gift for all families with kids (best for ages 3-8). I also think this would be a great choice for all those class birthday parties. Teaching kids that creative masterpieces have no limits is really the best present you can give or get. B. toys can be found at all Target stores, online and at specialty toy shops throughout the United States and Canada. To find a store near you visit the B. Toy store locator.

I was not compensated for this post but I did receive the Build-a-ma-jigs Submaplane for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Put a necklace on it! Super …

December 16, 2013 By admin

Want to show your state (or country) pride with a beautiful necklace? These gorgeous necklaces for travel lovers are sure to please!

Globetrotting Mommy - Necklaces for Travel Lovers

Globetrotting Mommy – Necklaces for Travel Lovers

Want to keep it domestic? Take your pick of states in sterling silver or gold and add in diamonds (one or pave outline) as desired. You can also add a Big Apple charm to show your NYC pride or bi-coastal status.

Globetrotting Mommy - Necklaces for Travel Lovers

Globetrotting Mommy – Necklaces for Travel Lovers

Looking to go overseas? Globetrotting gals can also pick from the world collection which features several countries including the United States, England, France, Italy, Japan, Africa and Australia. Looking for another locale, just say the word and Maya Brenner Designs will whip up a custom piece.

Globetrotting Mommy - Necklaces for Travel Lovers

Globetrotting Mommy – Necklaces for Travel Lovers

Select a chain size and you’re off. These are a great holiday gift idea for any lady in your life.

Bon voyage.

50 Shades of blue. Best diaper …

December 12, 2013 By admin

Toting a tot to the beach this holiday season? I’m not, so I’ll live vicariously through you. If you want your diaper bag to match the tropical blue waves, here are my best diaper bag picks in shades of dazzling blue, aqua and turquoise..

Skip Hop teamed up with Jonathan Adler to make this gorgeous and groovy Skip Hop Syrie Light and Luxe Diaper Bag. Lightweight and laminated, this is perfect for a beach getaway.

Globetrotting Mommy - Best Diaper Bags for Beach Vacations

Globetrotting Mommy – Best Diaper Bags for Beach Vacations

If you’re looking for a sophisticated day-to-night diaper bag, the Marie Antoinette tote in sapphire from timi & leslie is sure to please.

Globetrotting Mommy - Best Diaper Bags for Beach Vacations

Globetrotting Mommy – Best Diaper Bags for Beach Vacations

The San Ysidro Hobo Diaper Bag in popsicle blue is a great option that really looks nothing like a diaper bag!

Globetrotting Mommy - Best Diaper Bags for Beach Vacations

Globetrotting Mommy – Best Diaper Bags for Beach Vacations

This cobalt Bleecker Tote from Deux Lux bags is not officially a diaper bag but throw in a changing pad and you’re good to go. The roomy tote is made of animal-friendly synthetics making it a great option for the beach.

Globetrotting Mommy - Best Diaper Bags for Beach Vacations

Globetrotting Mommy – Best Diaper Bags for Beach Vacations

Diaper bags also make great baby shower presents and I think these would be fun picks for moms expecting a baby boy.

Bon voyage!

Fun Food Friday: Around the …

December 6, 2013 By admin

Love to travel? Love Trader Joe’s? Love chocolate? If you said yes to any of those, you’re going to adore the adorable and delicious Chocolate Passport from Trader Joe’s.

Globetrotting Mommy Fun Food Friday: Around the world with Trader Joe's Chocolate Passport

Globetrotting Mommy Fun Food Friday: Around the world with Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport

This tiny little gift set packs a big punch of exotic flavors into eight colorfully wrapped chocolate bars. Unlike traditional chocolates, these are made from cocoa beans sourced from a single plantation or region. Cool, right?

Globetrotting Mommy Fun Food Friday: Around the world with Trader Joe's Chocolate Passport

Globetrotting Mommy Fun Food Friday: Around the world with Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport

Check them out…

Peru: 60% Cacao Dark Chocolate. Well-rounded with subtle Jasmin notes and a clean finish. Ideal pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ecuador: 66% Cacao Dark Chocolate. Deep chocolate aroma with floral and fruit notes. Ideal pairing: Mocha.

Venezuela: 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate. Unique, mild taste with hints of floral and dried grasses. Ideal pairing: Earl Grey tea.

Ghana: 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate. Peppery notes and spicy aromas with a bitter dark chocolate bite. Ideal pairings: Unsweetened Cappuccino.

Dominican Republic: 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate. Slightly nutty notes and a sharp finish. Ideal pairing: Syrah.

Papua New Guinea: 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate. Marked fruity taste with a touch of spice. Ideal pairing: Merlot.

São Tomé: 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate. Intense cocoa flavor with an exciting bitterness. Ideal pairing: Dry roasted almonds.

Tanzania: 73% Cacao Dark Chocolate. Subtle fruitiness with a fine hint of vanilla. Ideal pairing: Jasmin tea.

Globetrotting Mommy Fun Food Friday: Around the world with Trader Joe's Chocolate Passport

Globetrotting Mommy Fun Food Friday: Around the world with Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport

At just $10, this set would be a yummy holiday gift idea for a coworker, teacher, mail carrier, babysitter, secret Santa or anyone with a sweet tooth. For a bigger gift idea, add it to a gift basket filled with the wines, teas and snack pairing ideas.

Look online to find the closest Trader Joe’s store in your area.

Have a great weekend!

What does the fox say? Foxy …

December 4, 2013 By admin

Does your kid dance around singing Ylvis’s What does the fox say? all the time or does it just seem that way? Did you know that the now famous comedy duo hails from Norway like Anna and Elsa? In case you can’t get that song out of your head, here are some cute and foxy gift ideas you may want to check out just in time for the holidays…

The book is coming out next week! No lie, the What Does the Fox Say? book, is available for pre-order.

Globetrotting Mommy - What does the fox say?

Globetrotting Mommy – What does the fox say?

I love this cute fox pillow handmade in New York.

Globetrotting Mommy - What does the fox say?

Globetrotting Mommy – What does the fox say?

Shopping for a foxy lady, look no further than this Wildfox Couture Fox Trot sweater.

Globetrotting Mommy - What does the fox say?

Globetrotting Mommy – What does the fox say?

I’m a big fan of 3 Sprouts storage bins and the fox version will work for boys or girls. These are adorable in a nursery or playroom and make a great baby shower gift too.

Globetrotting Mommy - What does the fox say?

Globetrotting Mommy – What does the fox say?

This handmade Mr. Fox rag doll from Etsy is made to order all the way from Portugal. Choose the bow tie version if you’re shopping for a fancy pants kid.

Globetrotting Mommy - What does the fox say?

Globetrotting Mommy – What does the fox say?

Here’s hoping you don’t have that tune stuck in your head the whole day…

Discover Norway, the …

December 3, 2013 By admin

Did you see Disney’s Frozen movie over Thanksgiving weekend? Us too! Did you just love it? Us too!

Globetrotting Mommy - Discover Norway, the inspiration for Disney's Frozen movie

Globetrotting Mommy – Discover Norway, the inspiration for Disney’s Frozen movie

If you were impressed by the movie’s animated version of Norway’s majestic wintery landscape and traditional folk costumes why not check out the real thing?

If you’re the type who wants someone to plan all your vacation details check out Adventures by Disney’s Norway Family Vacation. The 8-day/7-night getaway includes visits to Bergen (the inspiration for Anna and Elsa’s kingdom of Arendelle), Flåm, Geiranger and Oslo. You’ll enjoy fun-filled family activities like river rafting and boating adventures on the fjord, trout fishing, a private Glacier Safari (hello Seven Sisters Waterfall!), visits to cultural attractions (UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Stave Churches and more), folk dancing, culinary activities (cheese-making, yum…), one-of-a-kind meals (dinner in a museum!) and other adventures. Recommended for families with kids age six and up.

If you’re the plan-it-yourself traveler, check out Visit Norway where you can book Norwegian flights (nonstop from New York, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando Los Angeles and San Francisco) and arrange activities like riding a reindeer sled (just like Sven), Fjord excursions, Oslo tours and other activities where you just might catch the area’s famed northern lights, officially known as Aurora Borealis.

I’m adding Norway to my travel bucket list right now…

Bon voyage.