Globetrotting Mommy

All things family, fun or just plain fabulous!

Archives for May 2014

Top 10 Family Friendly Things …

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Following up on the Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth post, here are Globetrotting Mommy’s Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

1) Visit Hersheypark.  No visit to Hershey is complete without a trip to this famed amusement park. More than 65 kiddie rides, amazing roller coasters and water park attractions await visitors of all ages.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

2) Take a Hershey Trolly Works Tour – All aboard for a historic journey through the town built on chocolate. This 60-minute trolly tour is great for kids of all ages. You’ll visit Milton Hershey’s childhood home, the acclaimed Milton Hershey School, downtown Hershey and other sights while enjoying chocolate samples. This is a great end of day activity. Don’t forget to look for the Hershey Kiss shaped street lamps.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

3) Shop till you drop. Kids love to shop and boys and girls of all ages will find a wide array of gifts, stuffed characters, t-shirts and customized chocolate goodies. I found chocolates I never even knew existed at Chocolate World like Reese’s White Peanut Butter Cups for my white chocolate loving husband. And, how cute is Miss G’s little Hershey’s Kiss necklace?

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

4) Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour Ride at Chocolate World – This free ride is a great introduction to chocolate making. Guests follow cocoa beans on a journey from the tropical rainforest to Hershey, Pennsylvania complete with singing cows, automated candy making machines and chocolate scents wafting through the air.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

5) Try the Children’s Scavenger Hunt at Hershey Gardens. Located at The Hershey Hotel, Hershey Gardens is a scenic respite featuring 23-acres of gardens (think roses, signature trees, butterflies and more). The hands-on Children’s Garden offers a Children’s Scavenger Hunt that will keep little ones busy and entertained.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

6) Hershey’s Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction at Chocolate World – Gear up and get ready to custom design your own chocolate bar. Select a chocolate base, ingredients and toppings and watch as your customized bar travels down the conveyer belt. Once complete, you get to design your own graphics for the gift box. So. Much. Fun!

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

7) Visit Zoo America – If you are visiting Hersheypark, your ticket includes free admission to Zoo America.  The 11-acre walk-thru zoo is adjacent to Hersheypark and features more than 200 animals from five regions of North America.

8) Take photos with the giant Hershey candy characters. This is THE place to get adorable family photos with you and and a giant Hershey Bar, Reeses Peanut Butter Cup and Hershey Kiss so don’t forget your cameras. The characters can be found around Hersheypark (including a Character breakfast) and some hotels like The Hershey Hotel and Hershey Lodge schedule character appearances on site.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

9) Visit The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience – This museum has several interactive exhibits that explain how Milton Hershey built his famed empire. Along the way, guests can view antiques, vintage advertisements, testimonials and more. Kids will especially enjoy the chance to make their own personalized newspaper pages and create candy in the museum’s Chocolate Lab.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

10) Save room for dessert.  Vacations are made for special treats and a trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania means lots of opportunities to indulge that sweet tooth. You and your kids will love trying specialty cookies and cupcakes available all over town, ice cream specialties, S’mores, chocolate infused meals, chocolate butter and of course chocolate martinis for the grown ups. Yum.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

Read on for one last post on family friendly tips for visiting Hersheypark.

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Spotlight on Hershey, …

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Love chocolate, amusement parks and historic towns?  This post is for you.  If you’re looking for a family friendly getaway with activities and amenities sure to please chocoholics and adventure seekers alike, you’ll love a summer getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania, The Sweetest Place on Earth.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

I recently took a multi-generational road trip to Hershey with my 4-year old daughter, my mom and sister and it was a perfect spot for a girl’s getaway.  I visited Hershey years ago (before marriage, before kid) and had the most relaxing, pampering stay at The Hotel Hershey where I enjoyed chocolate-themed spa treatments, gigantic chocolate covered strawberries, fancy dinners with late night chocolate martinis and a carefree day of roller-coaster rides at Hersheypark. Fast forward to 2014, add a kid into the mix and this trip was a little different.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

We decided to stay at Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey’s sister property, which offers all the Hershey Resorts VIP Perks at a more affordable price point.  The staff was great and gave us a warm welcome complete with Hershey bars as our luggage was whisked up to our room in the Kisses Tower. Our room was spacious with two queen beds, ample closet space, a large bathroom with plenty of counter space and all the necessary in-room amenities (WiFi, refrigerator, coffee maker, safe, hair dryer, etc). Best of all, the beds were super comfortable, the towels were fluffy and everything was spotless. Oh and the bath lotions and potions were chocolate scented and turndown service included Hershey Kisses. Yum.

The Hershey Lodge really caters to families and my favorite kid perk was the “kids’ check-in” where kids signed in to register for their stay, entered guessing game contests to win prizes and left with a selection of kid-friendly goodies and of course chocolates. Check the schedule of events for complimentary activities like character greetings in the lobby (so much fun and no lines), family bingo, daily crafts, pool games and safari searches. Families can buy make-your-own S’mores kits at the Cocoa Beanery for a fun after-dinner activity.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

Hershey Lodge amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Fitness Center for guests 16 and up (my sister checked it out every morning), golfing at the Hershey Country Club and access to The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, just five minutes away. Complimentary shuttle service is available to nearby attractions so you really don’t need to drive anywhere but if you do, parking is easy and plentiful.

For dining, there are more than a dozen restaurants at Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey and downtown Hershey. Most mornings we were eager to explore so we just grabbed a quick and simple breakfast at the Cocoa Beanery (think bagels, muffins, oatmeal, cereal, coffees, etc.) but more elaborate breakfast can be found (with or without chocolate chips) at Lebbie Lebkicher’s or Hershey Grill in the Hershey Lodge. My mom and daughter loved the Hershey Grill so much we ended up eating there every night which wouldn’t have been my choice but when you’re on a multi-generational trip, you’ve got to pick your battles. It was nice how the waitstaff recognized us visit after visit and went out of their way to meet our special requests (no pineapple in the fruit cup…vanilla ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, a cherry AND candle to celebrate the big 4.5…more coloring pages, please). The food was innovative and tasty (perhaps the best sweet potato fries I’ve ever had) plus every meal started with bread and chocolate butter, yes…chocolate butter.  Mmmm.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

If you stay at the Hershey Lodge, be sure to visit The Hotel Hershey for a memorable meal (I recommend the Fish and Chips at Harvest), pampering spa treatment or walk around the grounds which feature some beautiful photo ops.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

All Hershey Lodge and Hershey Hotel guests enjoy free admission to Hershey Gardens, a 23-acre garden featuring 11 distinct theme gardens as well as the Children’s Garden so be sure to stop by for a visit. For a $10 fee, kids can participate in a scavenger hunt around the Children’s Garden which is great for kids of all ages.  This is a nice option for the end of a busy day since kids can run around the interactive exhibits and adults can sit back and relax.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

Summer is a perfect time to visit and now through July (blackout dates apply), Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey have a Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free promotion that includes deluxe accommodations, admission to Hersheypark (one day) for the entire family, free breakfast for kids 17 and under, plus admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience. This is a great deal considering these perks are worth approximately $350.

Later this week, I’ll write about family-friendly attractions in the Hershey, Pennsylvania area as well as family friendly tips for visiting Hersheypark.

Bon voyage…

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The Cutest Bookends for Little …

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Story time is a favorite for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for a fun gift for literary loving jet setters, look no further than these airplane bookends from Maple Landmark.  They’re made from locally sourced Vermont maple and pine and painted with non-toxic finishes.  The wheels, propellers and figures are fixed so these are completely baby-proof.

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Globetrotting Mommy: The Cutest Bookends for Little Jet Setters

I think they’d be a nice addition to any baby nursery or playroom.  Pair it with some favorite books and I think this would be a great baby shower gift or birthday present for any globetrotting kid.

 

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Fun Food Friday: Winter …

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If you’re looking for something festive (and free) to do in NYC this weekend, I’ve got a fun suggestion. Winter WONKAland has popped up in the Meatpacking district to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and its like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

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Fun Food Friday: Winter WONKAland Invades NYC to Launch Peel-a-Pop Frozen Treats

Think Disney’s Frozen meets sugary, snow-dusted candies, cotton candy trees, gigantic lollypops and more. As you make your way through the sugary, wintery maze, you’ll find interactive displays that tell stories from the movie, a photo-booth and lots of fun photo-op spots. At the end, guests can try Wonka’s new Peel-a-Pop frozen treats and meet real live Oompa Loompas! Yes, they let them out of the factory but just till Saturday.

We went to the grand opening party yesterday and it was a really fun time.

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Fun Food Friday: Winter WONKA-land Invades NYC to Launch Peel-a-Pop Frozen Treats

Where:  22 Little West 12th Street. Its right by the High Line so grab lunch at Bubby’s or Chelsea Market and make a fun day of it.

When: March 16-17 from 10:30 am – 6 pm.

Have a great weekend!

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I was not compensated for this post but we did receive a gift bag, breakfast and some really fun treats.  All opinions are my own.

Talking Family Travel with …

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When celebrity mom Brooke Burke-Charvet invited me to hear her favorite family travel tips, I said “Sure, I’ll be right over!”  Ok so maybe it was Embassy Suites Hotels who invited me and maybe we met at Dylan’s Candy Bar and maybe there were some other writers there…but still…I got to hear Brooke’s best family travel tips and I’m going to share them with you lucky readers!

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Talking Family Travel with Brooke Burke-Charvet and Embassy Suites Hotels

The first time I stayed in a hotel with my daughter the staff set up a crib that looked like a death trap next to our bed and nobody got any sleep. It was pretty much an exhausting disaster that made me want to wait a long, long time to do it again. The second time we stayed in a hotel was a few months later for my college reunion and the group hotel block was at an Embassy Suites Hotel. I threw the pack and play in with the luggage and hoped for the best.

It was a completely different experience having a real bedroom so my daughter could go to bed early and a separate room for the grown ups to spread out.  More space, more privacy, more sleep…a suite hotel is a win-win all around for families. Brooke moderated the Embassy Suites’ “Pretty Great Family Debate” event with her children and shared her favorite family travel tips below. I really love her idea to let each family member “own a day” of the trip. It sounds fun and means less planning for me so I’m definitely going to try that next time. Which is your favorite?

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Embassy Suites Hotels – Brooke Burke-Charvet’s Family Travel Tips

Want to try Embassy Suites’ pretty great family-friendly offerings for yourself?  Just post a photo of you and your kids enjoying a vacation in the #PrettyGreat Photo Contest on Instagram now through June 26.

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I was not compensated for this post but I did receive a gift bag and my daughter got to make some really fun treats.  All opinions are my own.

Globetrotter Dining with …

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If you’ve got a globetrotting tot, check out these adorable Disney It’s a Small World meal sets.  Each three-part set includes a cup, bowl and plate that stack together to form a cute boy or girl from around the world. How cute would these be for your next play date?

Disney It’s a Small World India Girl Meal Set:

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

Disney’s It’s a Small World England Boy Meal Set:

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

Disney’s It’s a Small World American Boy Meal Set:

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

Disney’s It’s a Small World France Boy Meal Set:

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

These would make a great birthday or baby shower gift.  They’re so cute I think they’d be fun to include as decoration in a baby nursery or playroom.

Bon appetit!

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Momtrends Trendy Travel Event …

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Spring has sprung (finally!) and summer is around the corner.  Before you plan that summer getaway, check out my report from the Momtrends Trendy Travel Event for the latest must haves in fashion, beauty, kids gear and more.

Moms are always in need of a little pampering so I was pretty excited that the event was held at Butterfly Studio Salon. My stylist Danielle gave me a very glam wavy summer beach style by twisting my hair around a curling iron in pieces rather than rolling sections. How cute do we look? Oh and thanks for being so petite Danielle, I even look like a tall super model next to you!

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

Once the mom bloggers were all dolled up, Butterfly Studio owner Kattia demonstrated some easy summer styles and shared a photo collage with some super chic ponytails.  I’ve been trying these on my daughter all week and the upside-down pony has been the fave to date.

Next up was Luxury Travel Mom Kim-Marie Evans who shared travel trends and tips for memorable family vacations.

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

She recommended moms stop trying to plan every little detail and hand over the planning to travel agents and tour operators who can book special offerings and help with hard-to-plan trips.  Traveling with a group is a great idea since you have other adults (and kids) to interact with and you can relax because someone else is handling the planning. She also suggested looking on VRBO for apartment rentals so you can experience your destination like a local. And if you really want to experience something different, she suggested trying out websites that connect you with locals offering up home cooked meals in their homes so travelers can enjoy an authentic travel experience.

Next we learned about the latest on-the-go gear with Britax. Whether you are traveling by car, air, train or foot, Britax has an array of gear and accessories to get you there safely and stylishly. If you’ve got little kids, the Britax Travel Cart puts a car seat on wheels and eliminates your need for a stroller in the airport. So smart! They also have an array of items to protect your car on those long car trips like Kick Mats and waterproof liners for carseats and strollers because accidents happen at home and away…

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

We got a sneak peek at the new BOB Revolution Pro jogging stroller which offers an adjustable handle and oversized wheels for rough terrain (think sand or snow). The 2-step fold and travel bag make it a great choice for moms who love to jog on vacation.

My daughter adores her pink Trunki suitcase, so I was excited to see Trunki’s new waterproof swim bags, PaddlePaks, designed to look like creatures from the sea.

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

The colorful backpacks (Pinch the Lobster, Inky the Octopus, Spike the Blow Fish, oh my) feature adjustable straps, a hook and a secret pocket on the tail fin. They are perfectly sized for little ones and my daughter has already packed hers with toys for the beach.

Speaking of the beach, Miraclesuit was next showing us their latest trends in swimwear and accessories (think sheer fabrics, rhinestones and fun prints).

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

Miraclesuit empowers women to feel good and look fabulous no matter your body type and we got to see a mini-fashion show with real moms who all looked amazing! I took home the stylish Net Work Jena suit, a chic off the shoulder suit with strategically placed mesh netting. Oh and yes, these suits make you look 10 pounds thinner without hitting the gym. Win, win!

Last but not least, summer calls for ice cream so Adirondack Creamery was on hand so we could sample their all natural, farm fresh flavors. Their ice cream is made with simple ingredients (no colors, additives, or preservatives) including hormone-free milk from the farms of the Hudson Valley. I especially loved the exotic Kulfi-Pistachio Cardamom and Caramel Apple. Lucky for me, I’ll be sampling some more flavors because I won the raffle prize for six pints!  Be on the lookout for your ice cream tasting party invitation…

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

Thanks again to Momtrends for a fabulous night.  Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms.

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I was not compensated for this post but I did receive a gift bag.  All opinions are my own.

Spotlight on Photography: …

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If you follow me around on Instagram, you know I like to take pictures and you also know I went to some really fun NYC events last week. You can imagine how excited I was when Kristin from My Strange Family invited me to meet photographer Ali Smith, author of the Award-Winning book Momma Love; How the Mother Half Lives and hear her tips for taking better photos of kids. I can’t think of many things more challenging than taking photos of kids who never sit still so I’m sharing her tips in hopes that we will all get better at capturing those Kodak moments at home and away.

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Globetrotting Mommy Spotlight on Photography: Tips from the Experts with Ali Smith

1.  Ban the word “cheese” from your photographic life.
You know that strained “picture face” that happens when kids (and grown ups) say “cheese?” Ali suggests thinking of something else to get people smiling. She told us about a woman who says  “1,2,3, FART.”  I’m saving that one but I did say “1,2,3, ELSA” to my daughter and her pals and that got them laughing.

2.  Don’t get married to one result.
You know how you have the perfect photo in your head that you’re trying to get?  Well, it turns out that’s a no-no for capturing those true moments. You’ll get much better photos if you can go with the flow even if that means your kids aren’t wearing the outfits you picked out.  Also, don’t be afraid to capture some of their strange or unconventional expressions.

3.  Look for the light.
This is a “rule” that is definitely meant to be broken. Maybe you want a little “motion blur” or a dim shot of a sleeping child. Look for areas in a room with natural light or a well lit outside space if you’re trying to capture a moving kid, especially on your camera phone.

4.  Change your perspective
Getting down on your child’s level or taking pictures at unexpected angles are great ideas to try. Children don’t need to be looking at the camera to get good results. For a different perspective, shoot with a “shallow depth of field” by controlling the aperture/F-stop “open up” to a low F-Stop.  This will give you those cool photos where the subject is in focus and the background is blurry. If you’re using a camera phone, try the BlurFX app to get this look.

5.  Distract your subject.
Ask them about something they are interested in or point out flowers, airplanes, etc.  What you want to capture is their reactions and the in between moments when you’re most likely to show who they really are.

6.  Don’t let other parents interfere unless it’s REALLY helping
Sometimes parents jumping around like apes behind you is great, like when you’re taking photos of babies. But if adults are over directing the children to “behave,” “listen” or “smile,” try to discourage that. Also, if you’re shooting family photos, tell the adults to always look at the camera so that when the kids are ready, the grown-ups will be too.

7.  Show the child the photo
Today’s kids are used to seeing their photos on the camera screen so let them take a peek.  If they like what they see, they’ll want to take more photos.

I hope these tips will help you capture some amazing photos of your kids. If you still need a Mother’s Day gift idea, Ali’s book is full of amazing photos and stories of motherhood making it a great gift for any mom.

Ali was nice enough to take some photos of the bloggers (and kids) at the event too.  Here’s my favorite shot she took of me.

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Globetrotting Mommy Spotlight on Photography: Tips for taking better photos of kids

Thanks again to Kristin, a great hostess who thought of everything including Sensible Sitters and Ella’s Kitchen snacks so the kiddies were in good hands.  What are your favorite photography tips?

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Top five Vacation or …

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Looking to do something fun for Mother’s Day weekend at home or away?  Act fast and book one of these five options.

For moms who love music:

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Globetrotting Mommy Mother’s Day Ideas: Tunes with Tina at Langham Place, Fifth Avenue

Mother’s Day Brunch is always a win but Tunes with Tina at NYC’s Langham Place, Fifth Avenue is a family friendly sing-along brunch that ensures mom will enjoy a civilized meal while the kiddies are entertained.  Families can join in as Tina deVaron sings a mix of pop hits, Disney Classics and other family favorites.  Chef David Vandenabeele’s menu features Belgian Waffles, Breakfast Pizzas, Quiches, Breakfast Sandwiches, Scotch Egg and more as well as a selection of desserts and sweets. So basically, mom can enjoy yummy brunch and a mimosa or two while the kiddies sing Let it Go to their heart’s delight.  That’s a win-win in my book. Be sure to bring your video camera because Measure Lounge is a much better backdrop than your toy-filled living room.

If you’re looking for a family getaway filled with fun adventures and dancing, famed kids musician Moey is welcoming fans with a Mother’s Day Getaway Package at Vermont’s Wilberton Inn.  The package includes a Saturday Night Family Disco Party, Farm Fresh Mother’s Day Brunch and a Mother’s Day Moey Concert.  The inn features a mix of bed-and-breakfast rooms as well as cottages and a 14-bedroom mansion making this a great pick for family reunions.  Rates start at $150 per night for Mother’s Day weekend so pack your princess dresses and boas and head on over.

For moms who love pampering:

Mom can retreat to the beach for some well-deserved R&R with the Girlfriend Getaway Package at the Grand Lucayan on Grand Bahama Island.  The getaway includes a two-night stay in an Ocean View Room, daily breakfast at Willy Broadleaf, manicures and pedicures at the Senses Spa and poolside cocktails at Hammerheads Bar.  I can’t think of a more relaxing way to spend Mother’s Day. Can you? Rates start at $211 per night (mention code GIRLS).

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Globetrotting Mommy Mother’s Day Ideas: theBalm Mom travel package at Stanford Court

Stanford Court in San Francisco is offering theBalm Mom travel package where moms will enjoy a visit to theBalm Cosmetics’ new flagship store located in the hip Mission District.  Moms will be greeted with a glass of champagne before they enjoy a deluxe makeover complete with a recorded take-home iPad tutorial video demonstrating the step-by-step makeup application process.  Moms will also receive eyebrow waxes and select products from theBalm’s cosmetic line, including customized 9-well eye shadow palettes from the “Eye Shadow Bar” and more.  Aside from the pampering, guests will enjoy overnight accommodations at Stanford Court, complimentary breakfast for two at Aurea Lounge and town car transportation to and from the store.  This sounds like a great mother/daughter getaway to me.

For moms who love getting crafty:

Make Meaning is one of my favorite spots to get crafty in NYC because they offer up so many different types of projects (soaps, ceramics, cookies, etc.).  For Mother’s Day, four of their stores (Upper East and Upper West in NYC and Legacy Place Scottsdale Quarter in Arizona and Thousand Oaks in California) will be featuring Tea-Tin & Cookie Decorating sessions for kids of all ages.  For just $35, moms and kids can personalize tea tins and decorate cookies with step-by-step personalized instruction.  Once completed, you’ll select three teas for the tin making it a great gift for any mom or grandma.

If you still need a Mother’s Day present, check out my Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

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Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with …

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Looking for some fun ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with kids?  Here are some fun ideas whether you’re planning a big fiesta or a little play date.

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Globetrotting Mommy: Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Kids

Set the mood with some cute decorations like the rainbow donkey piñata, fun fake moustaches and the sombrero centerpiece pictured above from Birthday Express Fiesta Collection.

Serve kid friendly snacks like chips and salsa, quesadillas and mini tacos. Have some fun margaritas for grown-ups and fruit smoothies for the kiddies.  Last but not least, don’t forget about dessert.  These rainbow pinata cookies are so cute and not that impossible to make.

Cinco de Mayo, Playdates, Fiesta, Globetrotting Mommy

Globetrotting Mommy: Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Kids

Ole!

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