Globetrotting Mommy

From Family Adventures to Girlfriend Getaways

Back-to-School Must Haves for …

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Depending on where you live, kids go back-to-school sometime between now and early September. I love stocking up on back-to-school supplies and I especially love when my daughter can use these items on our travels.

Here are my favorite Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away…

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Mabel’s Labels

Personalized Labels – If you didn’t already order these for summer camp, now is the time to stock up. I pretty much label everything my daughter takes to school (and on trips) like food and drink containers, school supplies, shoes, coats, hats, etc. Mabel’s Labels are the only ones that survive my super hot dishwasher so they’re my top pick. The Stylish Scholars Combo in the quatrefoil pattern was my opportunity to update some of our old kiddie styles with a more sophisticated look for first grade.

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Portable Snacks

Easy to Serve Snacks – For lunch boxes and road trips, easy to serve snacks are a must have. Depending on the ages and taste preferences of your kids, I recommend squeezy fruit pouches like GoGo Squeez, individually wrapped multi-grain snacks from Ella’s Kitchen and dried fruit like Crispy Fruit from Crispy Green for exotic palates and Earth’s Best freeze dried fruit snacks for toddlers. I also keep snack bars, fruit leathers and nuts on hand at home and away.

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Colored Pencils

Non-Messy School Supplies – I love stocking up on school supplies knowing that the non-messy items will be great to also use on car or plane trips. This year my daughter is really into writing and coloring and I found the most gorgeous colored pencil sets from eeBoo featuring metallic, watercolor and fluorescent pencils. These are so nicely packaged (and affordable) you’ll want to get a set for everyone you know. Just add the Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book for older kids (and adults!) and you’ve got a great gift idea.

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Activity Books

Educational Activity Books – As an after school surprise, I like to leave an activity book out with scissors, markers and glue. When we travel, I like to just bring along activity books that include stickers like the new Lonely Planet Kids series that includes Adventures in Famous Places, Adventures in Noisy Places, Adventures in Smelly Places and other fun titles. These are a great way to teach elementary age school kids about history and geography while holding their interest with funny facts.

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – backpack

Sturdy and Stylish Backpack – Backpacks are a must for school and traveling. Last year my daughter got a Backpack Jr. from Garnet Hill Kids and this year she has a more fashion forward Kayla backpack from Matilda Jane Clothing.  I’ve previously written about the coolest backpacks for back to school if you need more inspiration. Be sure kids can open and close buckles and zippers on their own before school starts.

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – tablets

Kid Friendly Tablets – Older kids bring their tablets to school but kids of all ages use them when traveling. My daughter loves the LeapPad3 when we travel by car and I love that she can use it without needing help so I can focus on driving. For plane rides and long trips, I’ll bring out our latest addition, the Amazon Fire HD 6 kids edition which comes in its own kid-proof case and is great for watching movies and shows, taking photos and videos and playing apps.

What are your favorite back-to-school must haves?

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I received some of these items for review but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 …

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Mother’s day is coming up (May 10 in the United States) so don’t wait till the last minute to get your mom (wife or grandma) a great Mother’s Day present.  Of course the best gifts are handmade so have your kiddo make a card or candy necklace to go along with one of these picks from my 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Globetrotting Mommy’s 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide:

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

1) I Just Want to Pee Alone – This hysterical book is my go-to gift for new moms. I may or may not have read most of it hiding in my bathroom…There have since been two more versions but the original is my fave.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

2) I’m a Cool Mom Sweatshirt – For the mom who wants to be cute and comfy, I think this Etsy sweatshirt is super fun.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

3) Cartography USA Tray – For the foodie moms, this ceramic tray featuring a USA map is a fun idea. Serve up some cheese and crackers and teach your kids a little geography at the same time.  Win, win!

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

4) Deckopedia’s 50 Road Trip Games: Inside this cute box are 50 cards featuring so many fun games, you won’t hear “I’m bored” ever again!  I’ve had these in my bag for the last month and they have saved me from meltdowns on road trips, at the doctor’s office, in restaurants and many other places kids tend to get bored. The games range from toddler to teen making it a great option for moms with kids of any age.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

5) Lush Cosmetics’ Flowers for Mom – Since relaxation time for mom is always a nice treat, this fun filled, yummy smelling assortment of bath treats from Lush Cosmetics is sure to please. I love that it comes in a cute floral scarf with a gift tag made of flower seeds to plant at home.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

6) Your Child’s Artwork and Handwriting Necklace – This Etsy store turns cute kiddie doodles and signatures into necklaces (or earrings, brooches, bracelets and key chains). If you’ve got an artsy kid, this is a great option that moms (or grandmas) would definitely love.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

7) Fashionable (and slimming!) swimwear from Miraclesuit and Magicsuit. Summer is coming and odds are your mom needs a new bathing suit and cover up. Splurge on some fabulous swimwear for her and she will be ready for St. Tropez or the kiddie pool. I got to test drive a Miraclesuit and coverup in Miami last week (thanks Momtrends!) and they were comfy, chic and oh so flattering.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

8) Kings Road Redux Mugs – If your mom is dreaming of a trip to London, she’ll love these adorable mugs. Pair them with this Tea from Around The World Set and three months of pastries and you’re good to go.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

9) Mommy and Me Photo Shoot – Since its important that Mom Stays in the Picture, I think a Mommy and Me Photo Shoot would make an awesome Mother’s Day gift.  Hire a professional or hand dad the good camera and head to the park. Here’s a tip I just learned from my daughter’s kindergarten teacher that works wonders for a natural smile…have kids say “Macaroni and Cheese.”

Happy Mother’s Day!!!!!!

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Travel Inspired Decor for …

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If you’re decorating a nursery or kids room this spring, here are five of my favorite travel inspired decor finds.

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How fun is this iron Pottery Barn Kids USA Shelf for a kids room or playroom?

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Decorating Finds for Travel Inspired Nurseries and Kids Rooms

I love seeing globes in kids rooms and this Land of Nod Chalk Around the World Globe (in gold, red or blue) is a great way for kids to draw continents or write to-do notes.

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Decorating Finds for Travel Inspired Nurseries and Kids Rooms

These airplane shaped Can’t Miss Wall Hooks are a fun way to help kids hang their coats and backpacks.

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Decorating Finds for Travel Inspired Nurseries and Kids Rooms

I just ordered this fun “Oh the places you’ll go!” print for my daughter’s room. I’m loving pink and gold for a girly girls room.

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Decorating Finds for Travel Inspired Nurseries and Kids Rooms

These giant floor pillows from Etsy come in different sizes and configurations featuring spots all over the world.  I think this North America bean bag pillow would be super fun in a playroom or nursery.

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Decorating Finds, Travel Inspired Nurseries, Kids Room, Kids Decor, Globetrotting Mommy

For more inspiration, check out my Fun Nursery and Kids Room Ideas board on Pinterest.

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Spotlight on London: …

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Do you remember loving the story about Paddington the bear who travels from Peru to London with a suitcase full of orange marmalade?  Me too.  I got to see the movie preview last week (oh and I met Nicole Kidman too!) and I just loved it.  Read on for my Paddington Movie Review.

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Spotlight on London: Paddington Movie Review with Nicole Kidman

I’ve seen quite a few kid-friendly movies in the last few years and for the most part, my daughter enjoys them way more than I do. I headed off to the Paddington movie preview excited to meet Nicole Kidman (the movie’s villain) but I really didn’t expect much from the movie.  It turns out, I loved meeting Nicole and I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved the movie.

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Spotlight on London: Paddington Movie Review with Nicole Kidman

Before the movie, Nicole Kidman won me over by sharing stories about her kids favorite night time books (Goodnight Moon, Paddington Bear, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and food preferences (pasta with cheese or butter – never sauce). Stars, they’re just like us!

Paddington is an adorable, funny movie that kids of all ages and parents will enjoy.

The movie follows the tale from Michael Bond’s book – Paddington leaves his jungle home in Peru with a note around his neck and looks to find a home in London. The movie offers a nice introduction to sights and attractions in London and the cast: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Nicole Kidman, Peter Capaldi and Ben Whishaw (Paddington’s voice) do a great job. The computer-generated imagery and animatronics are amazing at making Paddington come to life on the big screen.

The entertaining moments start when the Brown family finds the bear alone at Paddington Station and take him home. From there, problems ensue and the laughs continue as Paddington wins over his new hosts. Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins are perfectly cast as Mr. and Mrs. Brown and the dry British humor, hysterical flashbacks and musical interludes keep adults entertained while silly bear antics keep the kiddies laughing.

I won’t spill the beans but Nicole Kidman plays the devious and entertaining villain – kids might find her scary but you can assure them there is a happy ending.

I highly recommend Paddington for all ages, opening in theaters on January 16, 2015.

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I was invited to the movie screening by The Moms. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Wowza Wednesday Holiday …

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It’s Giveaway Time, and Suburban Wife, City Life, Globetrotting Mommy, MommaLew, and Tastefully Childish have teamed up with some favorite brands to bring a giveaway like no other. It’s so good we’re calling it the #WowzaGiveaway!

What’s better is we’ve broken it down into 5 different prize packs so we’ll have lucky 5 winners! So scroll down to check out the prize packs and enter today!

 

Strolling Stylishly Prize:

High fashion meets high function in the Affinity Stroller by Britax. This refined, innovative design combines exceptional comfort and durability. Mix and match frame and Color Pack help create a stroller that is both elegant and enviable. Add the Cozy Toes to keep your little one warm and you’re set! Winner gets to pick frame and Color Pack! For a closer look check out Suburban Wife, City Life’s thoughts at the Britax Affinity Launch Here

 

Wake me up Prize:

Say Hello to the Keurig 2.0 K550 Brewing System. The first system that features revolutionary Keurig 2.0 Brewing Technology which is designed to “read” the lid of each K-Cup or K-Carafe pack to brew the perfect beverage every time. The K550 brewer allows you to brew a 4-cup carafe with the same ease and convenience of brewing a single-serve cup – all at the touch of a button. It’s so smart, and so simple! Check out Momma Lews thoughts here.

Cuddle Up Prize:

When it comes to decorating for the holiday Teleflora puts thought into each item they create. This is not only a beautiful arrangement, but you’ll be able to store your treats year after year in this adorable cookie jar. Decorating for the holidays is easy and festive with Teleflora and since they use local florists it will be hand delivered and smelling wonderful in no time. For some Teleflora Holiday Decorating Tips check out Suburban Wife, City Life.

2 jars Original Peanut Butter, 2 jars Peanut Butter & Chocolate.

Getting your peanut butter fix just became a whole lot easier. Just add boiling water to make Peanut Hottie at home, work, on the go, anywhere and everywhere. Available in Original Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter & Chocolate flavors it should be on everyone’s Wal-Mart shopping list.

We’ll Always Have Paris is a delightful mother-daughter travel memoir by Jennifer Coburn. Jennifer processes her dad’s death while navigating her way through motherhood and around Europe with her daughter for eight summers. Their adventures are full of colorful locals, visits to familiar tourist sights and many unexpected moments. See Globetrotting Mommy’s review here.

This Christmas is a three-novella collection by Jane Green, Liz Ireland, and Jennifer Coburn

 

Mom & Me Prize:

Help meet the unique needs of families worldwide and receive this
gorgeous draped beaded necklace. This necklace is handmade by an artisan
in Bali who helps children get the education she never received
herself. 

A NYC centric curated children’s boutique specializing in the most thoughtful, unique gifts for those looking to set themselves apart from giving the typical presents to kids. You’ll find the perfect “it” gift that includes a dash of nostalgia and a taste of your own personal past brought to life with the collection of kid tees, toys, music, books and more.

Lightweight, durable and soft, the quilted Cary Love Tote is not only the perfect diaper bag, but it is also an easy everyday tote overall. For each Carry Love Tote Diaper bag sold, 5% proceeds will be donated to Every Mother Counts. Check out Globetrotting Mommy’s thoughts here.

Time for Fun Prize:

This will be a hit with any junior fashionista on your holiday list. The kit contains an array of art supplies and fashion template so kids can create their own designs. From there, the designs come alive on the virtual runway thanks to a coordinating app. So much fun for kids and adults too! See what Globetrotting Mommy thinks about it Here!

More than just a watch, VTech’s Kidizoom Smartwatch lets young photographers take photos and videos. Plus, play mini learning games and tell time for learning fun on the go!
Wowza, right! We’re so excited about all the items available and hope you are too. So click on the rafflecopter below and start entering! Open to US entries only. Must be 18 or older to enter. Items can not be guaranteed in time for the holiday.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Globetrotting Mommy’s …

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Holiday shopping is in full swing. If you’re not done yet, check out my holiday gift guide for all the kids and parents on your list! Stay tuned for upcoming gift guides for the rest of the family and my picks for the best holiday toys.

Globetrotting Mommy’s 2104 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids and Parents

FOR THE KIDDOS:

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Globetrotting Mommy’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

For babes who have it all, the personalized books from I See Me are a great idea.  For babies, I especially love the durable board books and the personalized My Very Own Name book which comes with a stuffed lamb.

If you’re planning any road trips with little kids, the Curious George Complete Adventures Deluxe Book and CD Gift Set will keep them mesmerized for hours. 

I love coin collecting and I just stocked up on the State Series Quarters Collector Map and National Park Quarter Archive Map for my daughter.  These work for kids of all ages and I love that the insides feature large maps of the US making it a great way to teach geography too.

Big kids who love to text will love RUUM’s texting gloves in solids and stripes. These stylish and warm gloves are labeled for kids 8-14 but they fit me fine so you might want a pair for yourself too since they’re just $4.75…

FOR PARENTS:

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Globetrotting Mommy’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

For globetrotting moms dreaming of a winter getaway, the next best thing is a gift from Fake Bake. Book her an airbrush tanning appointment at a local salon or give her some self tanning lotions. The perfect way to beat those winter blues.

For new moms, these Tobago Scarves are oversized infinity scarfs (perfect for nursing) inspired by the colors and sights from the Caribbean island of Tobago. They’re super lightweight, easy to wash and pretty so can use them for years to come.

For dads, Lands’ End offers a great selection of cozy flannel pajamas in an array colorful plaids.  Since not all guys like PJ tops, I love that the pants and shirts are sold separately.

For the dad who wants to plan his next road trip, The New York Times 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada is a great pick.

Have a great weekend!

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Some samples received, however all opinions are my own.  Special thanks to Momtrends for hosting me at their holiday event.

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NYC Inspired Holiday Gift …

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Who wouldn’t love a little piece of the Big Apple under their Christmas tree or Chanukah bush this year? Here are my favorite NYC Inspired Holiday Gift Ideas…

This is New York by Miroslav Sasek.  I had this on my bookshelf when I was a kid and its still one of my favorites today.  This classic storybook shows many details of city life with cartoon characters and colorful illustrations.  It works in a children’s bedroom or on a coffee table.

I don’t know one single kid who isn’t obsessed with the NYC Subway system. My Subway Ride by Paul DuBois Jacobs is colorful portrayal of the sounds and sights of the NYC subways.  Girls and boys will be equally amused by this one.


Eloise is a classic NYC character. For girls who love, love, love Eloise, this Ultimate Edition treasury is sure to please. This is a great choice for young travelers since it features Eloise in Moscow and Eloise in Paris as well as Eloise at Christmastime and the original Eloise story and scrapbook.

Maya Brenner’s Big Apple Charm is a great pick for girls of all ages.

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New York City Inspired Gift Ideas

How fun is this New York State baking dish by Corbe?  I would definitely be serving an apple crisp in this one.

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New York City Inspired Holiday Gift Ideas

Umbrellas are a necessity at home and away. I’m just loving this Cityscape Clear Umbrella from Felix Rey to add a little sunshine to a rainy day.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Holiday gifts for women

For the guy who has everything, these vintage NYC subway token cufflinks are sure to please.

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New York City Inspired Holiday Gift Ideas

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Personalized Kids Picks for …

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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

Personalized pencils, back-to-school, kids travel, personalized gifts for kids

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?

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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 …

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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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Global Inspired Gift Idea for …

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Tired of giving the same old baby gifts all the time? If you’re looking for a fun, globally inspired gift idea for babies born in 2014, you’ll want to check out Jade Stars: The Great Race book and gifts.

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Global Inspired Gift Idea for Babies born in 2014: Jade Stars: The Great Race

We’ve all heard that this is the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese Zodiac, but do you know the story of how these zodiacs came to be? This colorful book features modern cartoon illustrations of the 12 Chinese Zodiacs making it a great learning tool to teach young children about the various animals as well as colors.

My daughter and I had the chance to review this book firsthand. As the story unfolds, we learn that the Jade Emperor has organized a Great Race and all his favorite animals must compete against each other to earn their place in the lunar calendar.   Its a cute tale that teaches kids about personality traits, strengths and weaknesses as well as working as partners. My four-year old daughter picked up on the lessons about teamwork and I learned a story I never knew before.

Since books are a great baby gift, I think this would be a fun unisex baby shower or baby gift for any globetrotting baby born in 2014.  The books are sold individually along with matching plush animals and other gifts. The Year of the Horse Plush Limited edition is the first to be released. Cute, right?

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Global Inspired Gift Idea for Babies born in 2014: Jade Stars: The Great Race

Check out the entire collection at Mini Magellan.

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