Archives for August 2014

Personalized Kids Picks for …

August 28, 2014 By admin

Does anyone else have a kid starting Kindergarden next week (OMG!)? I want to make sure that my daughter has an easy time keeping track of all her things in elementary school so I’ve rounded up some of my favorite personalized kids picks for back-to school.

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Personalized Kids Picks for Back-to-School and Traveling

Step one…label anything and everything with personalized Mabel’s Labels! These are essential for back-to-school and traveling. When we accidentally left my daughter’s jacket on a tram in Stuart, Florida, I was able to track it down because it was labeled. True story. We’ve been using these sturdy and stylish Mabel’s Labels for the past three years and they really are indestructible. For Pre-K we had girly pink and purple cupcakes from the Ultimate Back-to-School Combo but for K we’re excited to test drive the new Stylish Scholars Combo pack in confetti dreamin’ polka dots. The Skinny-Minis are perfect for lunch containers, water bottles and gadgets, the Tag Mates work nicely on clothes and the waterproof Round Labels are great for shoes and towels. The set also includes two Teeny Tags that can attach to zippers. Thanks Mabel’s Labels for keeping our goods safe!

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Personalized Kids Picks for Back-to-School and Traveling

Step two…get a personalized backpack and lunchbox. Since there will be a lot more students and fewer teachers in my daughter’s class this year, I thought a personalized backpack and lunchbox would make things a little easier for everyone. Since she’s just turning five, many of the regular sized backpacks were just too big and many of the small backpacks were too small. After some trials and tribulations, we agreed that a 15″ backpack would be just right and I was very happy when I found the rugged yet cute backpacks from Garnet Hill Kids. Their Backpack Jr. is the perfect size with two large compartments, a built in organizer, padded straps, loops for a lunch box and more. Best of all, it came with a free matching lunch pack (through September 9). Win win! I had both monogrammed and got a matching pencil case too since the lunch pack was free.

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Personalized Kids Picks for Back-to-School and Traveling

Step three…add in some personalized school supplies like notebooks and pencils. Frecklebox has some fun personalized notebooks with glossy laminated covers. These work great for travel journals too. Paperwink has the most adorable collection of personalized pencils I’ve ever seen. Traditionalists can choose their child’s name on their favorite color pencil (in 11 color options) but I love the cute “It’s a great day to be (your name here),” “Hooray for (your name here),” and “See (your name here ) write” options. Or create your own personalization up to 32 characters and spaces. They make personalized teacher pencils too which are great for holiday gifts. Save 20% off Paperwink through the end of August with the discount code “SCHOOLED.”

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Globetrotting Mommy: Personalized Picks for Back-to-School and Traveling

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Globetrotting Mommy: Personalized Picks for Back-to-School and Traveling

Step four…add in a personalized smock for art class. At my daughter’s pre-K, smocks were provided but for her Kindergarden class its BYO. At home she’s fine in an apron or old T-shirt because I control the paint pouring but for school I wanted a waterproof smock with long sleeves that would also be long enough to protect her dresses. I didn’t realize what a tall order that was but once again, Etsy saved the day. I ordered this adorable Extra Long Kids Art Smock with long sleeves in primary chevron from Ladybuglayne with monograming. There are so many cute styles and patterns for babies and children (up to age 9) and best of all, the cotton laminate will be a breeze to clean.

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Personalized Kids Picks for Back-to-School and Traveling

Personalized items make great presents for kids of all ages. What are your favorite personalized items for back-to-school?

I was not compensated for this post but I did receive Mabel’s Labels for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

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Little Elliot, Big City …

August 26, 2014 By admin

My daughter loves books and I’m always looking for new tales that amuse her and don’t bore me. Since we live in New York City, she especially loves books that feature Manhattan as the backdrop. Little Elliot, Big City, the newest kids book set in The Big Apple, debuts today and we were excited to get a sneak peek!

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Great Books for Globetrotting Tots: Little Elliot, Big City Review

This cute tale is short and sweet with pretty illustrations and an easy to follow story line. Basically, little Elliot the elephant is having a challenging time in the city until he befriends a mouse. Working together, Elliot and the mouse make a great team and become good friends. Its just the right kind of story for the preschool/elementary set who are learning about teamwork and sharing.

We read it on a trip to grandma’s house and my daughter loved pointing out how Elliot was riding the subway like we do and how he was passing the Flatiron building near our apartment. She also liked the other New York landmarks and the old school cars.

Little Elliot, Big City is the first in a three book series by Mike Curato. This is a great addition to my favorite New York City themed books for kids and I think it would make a great gift for any globetrotting babe.

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Spotlight on NYC: Victorian …

August 21, 2014 By admin

One of my favorite spots to disappear in the summer is Central Park. The big boulders, lakes and miles of grass quickly make me forget I’m dead smack in the middle of an urban jungle. After I became a mom, I quickly found out that Central Park is also home to Victorian Gardens, a mini-amusement park (with stellar views!) that is just perfect for the mini-set.

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Spotlight on NYC: Victorian Gardens Amusement Park in Central Park

Victorian Gardens is located at Wollman Rink which is an ice skating rink in the winter. Leave it to the Donald to turn any bit of real estate into a money making enterprise. There is a nice selection of children’s rides (bumper boats, swings, airplanes, roller coaster, train, etc.) and none are too scary so even the littlest kids will be entertained.

Spotlight on NYC: Victorian Gardens Amusement Park in Central Park

This was my daughter’s third summer visiting and she was especially excited to be tall enough (42 inches) for every single ride! The rides are just perfect for the 2-5 age range but younger kids will be fine riding with parents. Its a very manageable spot with little kids since the rides are all contained in a small area (think ice rink) and the lines are never too long. Pack a lunch and grab a picnic bench or buy food at the concessions stand when you get hungry.

Spotlight on NYC: Victorian Gardens Amusement Park in Central Park

It’s a little pricey for what it is (pay-as-you-go starting at $7 or unlimited wristband options starting at $21) but since you don’t have to drive hours to get there, I think its worth paying up. Kids under 36 inches are free so bring along the little siblings. After a couple of hours, you’ll be ready to go home but don’t say I didn’t warn you if your kids want to stay and climb the nearby boulders for another hour…

If you’ll be near Central Park, check it out before they close on September 7.

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Top 10 Must-Haves for a Beach …

August 19, 2014 By admin

We’re heading off on a tropical vacation later this month and I can’t wait. There’s a spa for me, shaded cabanas for my husband, a kids zone for my daughter and a white sand beach for all of us. If you haven’t had your fill of fun in the sun this summer, today I’m sharing my top 10 must haves for a beach getaway with kids…

1) Sunscreen is a must for grown-ups and kids and The Honest Co. makes a great family friendly version. If you’ve got a girly girl in your group, Glitter Tots’ Sparkle Screen is my daughter’s favorite. When she asks for more “skin glitter,” I’m always happy to oblige.

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Top 10 Must-Haves for a Beach Getaway with Kids

2) On those days when its chilly coming out of the ocean or pool, I recommend hooded towels for kids. Some of my favorites are from The Company Store, Pottery Barn Kids and Carters.

3) A cute bathing suit is a must have. For moms, Miraclesuit makes some a stylish options that don’t scream “mom.” For fathers and sons who want to be matchy matchy, I am loving the Tom & Teddy line.

Top 10 Must-Haves for a Beach Getaway with Kids

4) Hats and sunglasses for the whole family are a must. Flap Happy offers a great hat selection for babies and toddlers and I highly recommend their swim hat and floppy hats with the chin tie. Target also has a great selection of sun hats for the whole family.

5) Beach toys can be as simple as a plastic container or as complex as a fancy kite. You can’t go wrong with Melissa & Doug products and the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Speck Seahorse Sand Ice Cream Set and Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set are always popular with my daughter and her friends.

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Top 10 Must-Haves for a Beach Getaway with Kids

6) For those who haven’t fully mastered the art of swimming, bring along some accessories. For toddlers, I recommend taking along a Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jacket Vest (one of the few coast guard approved devices) while a backpack type floatation device like the Water Gear Back Float 4-Color Split Back Float is better for new swimmers who want to do more than just doggie paddle. Kickboards are also fun..

7) You’ll need some cute beach bags to carry all your stuff. For kids, I adore the Trunki PaddlePak waterproof backpacks that come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are the perfect size and kids will love the secret compartments and extras like a special tag to hang sunglasses. I also love this Stephen Joseph Mermaid Beach Tote above because the back is made of mesh so the sand stays at the beach. It comes with beach toys and is also available in a cute Shark version.

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Top 10 Must-Haves for a Beach Getaway with Kids

8) Picnics at the beach are great family fun but you want to be careful your food stays nice and cool. I took a PackIt Freezable Picnic Bag to the beach on a super hot day and it did not disappoint. You freeze it overnight and stays cool for up to 10 hours. The Picnic Bag is a great size for a small family but you could also use it for baby bottles/food, drinks and anything else you want to keep cool. They also make lunch bags, shopping bags, wine bags and more which are great for summer or if you live in a warm climate.

9) Cover ups are a must for the whole family. I love the cool cotton kurtas and dresses for kids and adults from Roberta Roller Rabbit. Rash guards are also great for keeping active kids protected when they’re swimming and building sand castles.

10) Nobody wants to bring sand home so don’t forget this trick… Put some baby powder in an old sock and the sand will magically disappear when you wipe the sock across your skin. You’re welcome.

I hope you enjoy your last few trips to the beach…

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Staycation Ideas 101: DIY Salt …

August 14, 2014 By admin

Remember when I was home day after day mending my broken foot aka taking a NYC summer staycation? Well, Morton Salt sent me a care package full of goodies to cheer me up and suggested I throw a playdate party to celebrate the Morton Salt Girl’s 100th birthday! She’s looking pretty good for 100, right?

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Staycation Ideas 101: DIY Salt Dough with Morton Salt

As I soaked my recuperating foot in Morton Epson salt baths (Eucalyptus and Lavender, yum) I decided that throwing a little DIY Salt Dough party for my daughter and her pal would be a win win. The kids could get crafty, the moms could chat and the mess would be minimal.

I made the dough in advance to keep things easy. Kids plus flour is a dangerous combination in my book but if you’re feeling daring, this is a pretty easy recipe for little hands…

SUPER EASY SALT DOUGH

1 cup of Morton Salt
2 cups of flour
3/4 cup of water

Mix the salt and flour together in a large bowl.
Gradually stir in the water and mix until it forms dough.
Knead the dough and add more flour if it sticks to your hands.
Roll out the dough and separate into individual pieces.
Use cookie cutters or create your own designs.
Bake in oven at 250 degrees for about two hours depending on size.

The girls got right to work with their designs…

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Staycation Ideas 101: DIY Salt Dough with Morton Salt

They added in some stones and played while they baked. When they were cool, they added on finishing touches with markers but you could also use paint or glitter glue.

Staycation Ideas 101: DIY Salt Dough with Morton Salt

This is a great project for a rainy day or staycation. I’m sure you already have the supplies so give it a try.

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Globetrotting Mommy Fave: …

August 11, 2014 By admin

Looking for a cute and artsy way to remember your summer vacations without having to hire a photographer and buy matchy matchy outfits for everyone? I’m loving these customizable wooden peg doll vacation portraits from Etsy’s Bazar Rosa shop!

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Globetrotting Mommy Fave: Modern Family Vacation Portraits

These adorable portraits are completely customizable. You can send the artist a photo from your family vacation as a guide or just write out details for each doll like hair details, eye color, clothing choices, and accessories like glasses, freckles, etc. You can also include a family pet! Here are some more vacation inspired options to get your creative juices going…

Globetrotting Mommy Fave: Modern Family Vacation Portraits

If you’re feeling crafty, you could definitely try to DIY your own versions. If not, click here to see more. I think these would be a great family gift for any globetrotting family.

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Back-To-School Giveaway …

August 7, 2014 By admin

I’m super excited to join some of my favorite bloggers for a Back-to-School Giveaway! If you’ve got kids you’re definitely going to want to enter.

It’s time to get ready to head back to school and a group of us got together to share some of our favorite products that make that first day a little easier for both parents and students.

Read on and enter below to win everything on the list…

Now to introduce you to the awesome bloggers hosting this giveaway! Stop by and visit them to say thanks! Destiny of Suburban Wife, City Life, Courtney & Julie of The Chirping Moms, Lyla of Globetrotting Mommy, Kris of My Strange Family, Elizabeth of MommieDe, Esti of Primetime Parenting, Lynda of Main Street Mama and Jessica of Peekababy.

Here’s a breakdown and brief description of the amazing giveaway items…

$50 Stride Rite Gift Card

“A century of quality crafted footwear, designed specifically for kids.” Nothing says Back to School like a new pair of shoes and Stride Rite knows what little feet need.

$100 RUUM Gift Card

American’s Kids Ware ranging from birth to size 14Y this company will have you wishing picture day was everyday. The clothes are casual and stylish with quality at it’s finest.

Mabel’s Labels – choice of Stylish Scholars Combo or Ultimate Back to School Combo

A waterproof, dishwasher safe and microwave safe set of labels to put on anything you don’t want to risk losing. Their slogan is “Labels for the stuff kids lose.” To read a full review please visit Suburban Wife, City Life.

Vamousse – bottle of Lice Prevention and Lice Treatment

No one likes to talk about these unwanted visitors, but it’s best to be prepared and Vamousse helps to take care of both. These products are non-toxic and pesticide free. Killing the lice in as little at 15 minutes. A great secret weapon to have on hand.

BubbleBum – an inflatable car booster seat

This booster seat is the perfect item to have on hand when your child is going to someone else’s house after school or you’re picking up another child for a play-date after school. It meets all US safety testing standards and is appropriate for ages 4-11. To read a full review please visit Globetrotting Mommy.

Spbang – three reusable snack bags

This mom invented, made in the USA, lead free, phthalate free, bpa free and food safe bags are going to make packing lunches so easy. To read a full review please visit MommieDE.

Little MissMatched – backpack of your choice

A new backpack is much more than a place to hold your school supplies, but an expression of your child. These super fun bubble backpacks are not only stylish, but also so roomy!

Peppercorn Kids – $25 Gift Card

Whether you wear a uniform or everyday clothes allowing your child to accessorize shows their personality and fashion sense. Adorable hats, ties and bow ties for the little man of the house or a fun hair accessory or necklace for the little lady.

Skip-Hop – choice of zoo backpack and insulated lunch bag

Skip-Hop has been creating these adorable animal backpacks for years, and they have some new animals they’ve added to the family. Watching as your little one walks into the classroom is a little easier when they are wearing something so cute and functional. The insulated lunch bag is easy to wipe clean and perfect for on the go.

Sneakz Organic – case (12) of Chocolate Milkshake

If you have a picky eater, who loves to drink chocolate milk then you are set! Sneakz Organic combines 4 veggies into a delicious chocolate milkshake making you feel like a sneaky parent!

HABA USA – choice of Wildlife Mini Backpack

Perfect backpack for both school and exploring. A roomy inside with adjustable straps and chest strap there’s no worry for your little one sliding this off before getting to class.

Wall Pops – Learn to Write Chalkboard

You always say don’t write on the wall, but with this we encourage your child to! Wall Pops are easily repositionable and removable.

Raffi – Love Bug CD

Raffi has long been a passionate advocate for children and a sustainable world for today’s youth. ‘Love Bug’ resounds with Child Honouring principles and affirms Raffi’s place as the legendary children’s artist we all know him to be.

We are so grateful to all of the sponsors who are helping to support this giveaway with over $450 worth of products. This giveaway will run till Friday, August 15th at 11:59pm.

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Best Booster Car Seat for …

August 5, 2014 By admin

After years of dealing with baby and toddler car seats, I’m thrilled to report that my daughter now meets the requirements to travel in a booster car seat. If you’re looking for the best booster car seat for traveling, look no further than the BubbleBum inflatable booster car seat for kids ages four-11.

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Best booster car seat for traveling: Globetrotting Mommy BubbleBum Review

I recently got to test drive the award-winning BubbleBum booster seat and my daughter and I were really happy with its performance. First off, its so small and light which makes it easy to throw in your bag for taxi rides and perfect for taking on vacations. You simply unroll, blow it up in seconds (don’t worry, there’s an easy valve), place it on the seat, buckle your child in with the car seat belt and then slip the car seat belt straps through the red restraints on both sides. If your child is young, there is one more restraint that keeps the shoulder strap in place (its that red shoulder level loop pictured below). Seriously fast and easy and very comfortable according to my little passenger. Can you imagine never again having to contort your body as you reach though disgusting taxi and car rental seats searching for the LATCH bars while ruining your manicure? You’re welcome!

Best booster car seat for traveling: Globetrotting Mommy BubbleBum Review

We tried it in taxis, in friend’s cars and even when we went to test drive a car this past weekend. We’ll continue to use a permanent car seat in our car but I know the BubbleBum going to get a lot of mileage on vacations, in rental cars and when my daughter’s friends come along on weekend outings.

It exceeds US and European requirements, comes in four color options (black, purple, neon pink and neon yellow) and retails for just $29.99. In addition to traveling and taxi rides, I think it would be very handy for carpooling, babysitter and grandparent’s cars and fitting three car seats in a row.

Last but not least, there’s a BubbleBum app that features fun kids games (perfect for road trips) and checklists for parents! Win, win.

Bon voyage…

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