Design Archives - Globetrotting Mommy

What’s better than …

August 10, 2020 By admin

Looking to kick up your correspondence a notch? Personalized stationery is step one and custom-designed address stamps are step two. Show off your home town pride with these customized state-shaped address stamps from Paper Pastries.

Globetrotting Mommy, Personalized Stationery, Address Stamps, Personalized, great gift, travel lover

Globetrotting Mommy – Personalized Stationery – State Shaped Return Address Stamps

Just select your state and Paper Pastries will design the return address stamp with hand lettering (script of print) making it one of a kind! I think these are a must-have for holiday cards and birthday invitations and they would also be a great gift for any globetrotting family. And, if you’re the crafty type, check out their fabulous selection of stamps and ink pads.

Great Gifts for Travelers

December 16, 2019 By admin

If you’re looking for gift ideas for the globetrotter in your life, you’ll love this post. My holiday gift guide is full of great gifts for travelers to enjoy at home and away…

TRAVEL MUST-HAVES:

Digital Luggage Scale – My number one travel accessory is this easy-to-use luggage scale. Stop guessing if your bag is under 50 pounds and say goodbye to extra baggage charges.

Packing Cubes – I am a huge fan of packing cubes, especially for families since each person can choose their color. Just group items or outfits in cubes and packing will be a breeze.

Hanging Toiletry Bag – I keep my toiletry bag packed so I can just grab and go. Zippered compartments are perfect for travel accessories and the hanging design keeps bathroom clutter to a minimum.

Travel Jewelry Organizer – Keep your jewels safe and never lose an earring again with these colorful jewelry boxes. The small size and compartments make this a great option for quick trips. And remember, never ever check your jewels in luggage!

Reusable Shopping Bags – These are so useful for shopping at home and away. They also double as road-trip snack bags, beach totes and laundry bags. Choose from solids, prints and metallic options – an easy gift for travelers.

Travel Adaptor – A must for every globetrotter. Keep your favorite electronics charged wherever you go. Pick a different color for everyone in your family.

Travel Sized Laundry Bag – For the traveler who has everything, this world map laundry bag is a fun gift. I love that it folds into a tiny travel pouch with a carabineer.

TRAVEL INSPIRED GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS:

Gifts for Travelers - Travel Inspired Gifts

Show Tickets and Personalized Shirt – For the Broadway fan on your list, a pair of tickets to an upcoming show and a personalized shirt to wear make a great gift. I used my Cricut Explore Air™ 2 machine to personalize a “So Fetch” shirt for a Mean Girls lover in sparkly pink.

Scratch Your Travels USA Map – Travelers will love highlighting their US adventures as they scratch off each state they visit. Add a frame and you’ve got a great family gift.

Travel Scarf – A travel scarf is always a good idea and this infinity version with a secret hidden zipper pocket is a great gift for travelers all ages. Choose from solids and patterns.

50 States, 5,000 Ideas – This comprehensive National Geographic book is full of sightseeing ideas in every state. A great gift option for families.

FOR TRAVEL LOVING FOODIES:

Bokksu – For the adventurous eater on your list, a Bokksu box filled with Japanese snacks and teas is sure to please. A great option for travel-loving families who like to try new foods. Choose from monthly subscriptions in two different sizes.

Custom Etched Map Glassware – For the coffee or hot cocoa drinker, wine aficionado and spirits lover on your list, I love Well Told Designs glassware etched with a favorite city, college town, airport, island, marathon route and more. Choose from pints, rocks, wine, mugs, mason jars, champagne flutes, etc. and you’ve got a great gift for everyone on your list.

Sitka Salmon Shares – For seafood lovers, gift a box of seasonal wild-caught seafood – straight from Southeast Alaska and the North Pacific! Sitka Salmon Shares, a community-supported fishery, supports sustainable fisheries and delivers the freshest catches from boat to doorstep. Use code SITKA25 to receive $25 off any 2020 Premium Sitka Seafood Share.

Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport – Every holiday season Trader Joe’s brings out their cult favorites and their Chocolate Passport is a great option for every traveler on your list. Perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, etc.

BEST FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR TRAVELING:

Tenzi – I’m a huge fan of easy-to-pack family games and Tenzi is one of my favorites. This multi-dice game is easy to learn and fast to play. There are several variations which help keep boredom at bay. Add in the 77 Ways to Play The Add-on Card Set and you’re guaranteed hours of good fun.

Playing Cards – An oldie but goodie, playing cards are easy to bring along on any trip making them great gifts for travelers. From Go Fish and War to Canasta and Rummy, everyone on the trip will find something to play. Other options include Solitare and building card houses.

Match-O-Rama – From the makers of Telestrations, Match-O-Rama is a great game choice for multi-generational family trips. The better you know the players, the easier you can predict how others will answer. Or maybe not? Easy to learn, fast to play and sure to keep the whole family entertained.

Kodak Premium Puzzles – Puzzles are a great activity to bring along on a vacation. Choose from easy to hard (depending on the ages and patience levels) and the whole family can enjoy. Kodak has a lot of travel-themed options (Boston, Italy, Greece, US National Parks and more) perfect for travel-loving families.

Need more gifts for travelers and everyone else on your list? Check out my 2020 Tween and Teen Gift Guide and Great Gifts for Teens and Tweens from 2019 .

I received some of these items for review purposes but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Summer Shoes Kids Will Love …

May 8, 2019 By admin

Summer travels call for shoes kids will love wearing. So toss out those old smelly school sneakers and stock up on some cute and comfy summer shoes.

Summer Shoes Kids Will Love Wearing

For girls who love glitter:

My daughter loves dresses and I usually cringe when she pairs them with sneakers but no more! These rose gold Champion Glitter Keds for Kate Spade are the perfect dressy sneaker that works on the playground and at a fancy dinner. Best of all, they come with two sets of laces (regular and satin ribbon) so you can easily dress them up or down.

For girls who love rainbows:

Rainbows are so fun for girls of all ages and these adorable blue metallic platform espadrilles from Target’s Cat & Jack feature an elastic rainbow strap so they will match everything in her closet.

For sporty kids:

We are huge fan of Stride Rite’s made2play Phibian waterproof sneaker sandals and their new lighted version marks my daughter’s fourth pair! The easy-to-clean exterior, comfortable interior and velcro closure make them an easy option for every day. These sneakers are lightweight and can go from sidewalk to sprinkler park.

Kids will love wearing Salt Water Sandals all summer long.

For kids who like classics:

Salt Water Sandals come in so many unisex styles (and colors) its no wonder they’ve got a cult following among kids and moms. For summer sightseeing trips or walks at home, these classic strappy sandals are a great option that can easily go from day to night. The chunky sole options are nice for younger kids and the strap and buckle closure means little fingers can’t easily take these off. These sandals are waterproof and easy to clean making them a great option for beach vacations and amusement park trips.

For trendsetters:

I’m a big fan of Birkenstocks for their ease and comfort so this year I bought my daughter matching metallic silver Gizah sandals. I love how sturdy they are compared to flip-flops. And, most importantly, the slip-on style means my daughter can get out the door quickly.

What shoes do your kids love to wear when traveling? Tell me below in the comments.

Some of these shoes were gifted for review purposes and this post contains some affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Stay Safe On The Go with …

March 15, 2017 By admin

When traveling with children, bringing along a scooter is a great idea for kids who are too big for strollers but too young to walk for miles without complaining. I’ve written about scooters before but today I’m talking about helmets and protective gear.

NYC kids start riding scooters as toddlers and quickly get accustomed to wearing helmets without complaining. At the ripe age of seven, my daughter has gone through a handful of helmets which she has outgrown literally and figuratively. You see, if another kid in my daughter’s school wears something my daughter owns, she no longer wants to wear it. While I appreciate her need for originality, this has become an issue. When I heard about Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear – customizable helmets and pads – I knew it would be a great fit for her (no pun intended).

Get crafty and stay safe with Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear.

The helmets come in an assortment of solid colors and dry erase markers and stencils are included so kids can start being creative right out of the box! My daughter had a friend over when the items arrived and they couldn’t wait to start decorating the helmet and pads…

Customizing the Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear with markers and stencils

The dry erase markers and stencils were easy to use and best of all, any mistakes could quickly be wiped off. If you’ve got a kid whose interests change frequently, this is a great item as they can doodle hearts and butterflies one day and draw skulls the next. The Wipeout Website features some easy-to-follow design tutorials or kids can run wild with their own ideas.

The helmets are made of ABS hard-shell construction with EPS liners for durability and they are certified for safety protection for biking, skateboarding, roller-skating and scooter riding. There are three sizes available which fit kids ages 3-14. A snow version is also available with ear flaps and a goggle clip for sledding and snow sports.

The Wipeout Dry Erase Protective 3-Pack includes kneepads, wrist guards, elbow pads and two dry erase markers. Pads come in black, teal, neon pink or zest.

We took to the park for a test drive and my daughter commented on how comfortable everything felt and loved that she could take the knee pads on and off by herself. I loved that too!

Stay Safe On The Go with Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear.

If you’re in the market for new safety gear, I highly recommend these. They would also be a great birthday or holiday gift for any kid on your list.

For more information, watch this video or check out the Wipeout links below:

Follow Wipeout online via these Social Links:

Wipeout Website: http://iwipeout.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iwipeout

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/iwipeout/

Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/IwipeOut

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_fPeHJ5EocBnE3N_QyXXMg/videos

What designs would your kids draw on a helmet? Tell me below in the comments.

This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Wipeout Dry Erase Productive Gear. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Staycation Family Fun at …

March 7, 2017 By admin

It isn’t every day I get to really play tourist in my own city so when Conrad New York invited my family for a downtown staycation, I jumped at the chance. If you are looking for a family friendly all-suite hotel in the heart of NYC’s new downtown, Conrad New York is a fantastic choice.

Conrad New York is a great choice for families visiting New York City.

Many tourists think they need to stay near Times Square but I like to recommend families stay in more residential areas to get a better feel for the “real” New York while avoiding the craziness of midtown. Located just steps away from Brookfield Place, and nearby the Freedom Tower and 9/11 memorial, Westfield World Trade Center shopping center (aka the Oculus) and historic Battery Park, Conrad New York was an ideal home base for our two-day trip.

We live nearby so we arrived by taxi and quickly checked in. The 15-story lobby is just stunning and the signature 10-story custom artwork, Sol Lewitt’s Loopy Doopy, really mesmerized us all as the colors changed when the lights shifted.

Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

The hotel features a sleek modern design with stylish decor, a grand marble staircase and awesome Hudson River views – I particularly loved the open air spaces that allow guests to take in the art and views from every floor. Just the place to stay inspired…

We settled into our suite (one of 463) which was stylishly decorated with modern art and a soothing color palate. My daughter had her own sleeping area in the living area while my husband and I claimed the master bedroom. In addition to the comfortable beds (and plush feather pillows!), there were closets upon closets, an incredibly spacious bathroom, a separate oversized walk-in rainfall shower, a desk area and chairs for relaxing.

Our stylish suite at Conrad New York. Staycation family fun at Conrad New York.

My daughter immediately fell in love with Hudson, a stuffed bull mascot who was awaiting her arrival.

Our first stop was a visit to The Rink at Brookfield Place where we were greeted by Former U. S. Olympic ice skaters Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov who manage the rink.

Staycation, New York with kids, Former U. S. Olympic ice skaters Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov at The Rink at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad, New York

Former U. S. Olympic ice skaters Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov at The Rink at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

My daughter and I enjoyed some time together on the ice and then she had a private lesson. The rink isn’t too large making it easy to keep track of your kids and balancing props for young children are available. Talk about a rink with a view. Such a gorgeous backdrop, right? If you’re lucky, you might catch an Ice Skate with Olympic Greats performance.

Skating at The Rink at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

Conrad New York offers hotel packages that include ice skating lessons here – definitely a unique perk for an NYC hotel. The ice rink is housed outside Brookfield Place all winter but during the other seasons, you can often find cool art exhibits and other fun pop-up events.

We went back to our room and were quickly greeted with a fresh fruit plate and drinks. I have no idea how the hotel staff read our minds but we were hungry and thirsty so this hit the spot.

Post ice skating snack at Conrad New York.

The weather was gorgeous so we decided to explore outside after a quick pit stop at the hotel’s gift shop. I usually expect touristy things from a hotel shop but this one was nicely curated with specialty NYC themed books (for adults and kids), toys and other trendy items. The friendly guy working there started talking photography with my husband so my daughter and I could happily browse.

Be sure to check out the great gift shop at Conrad New York.

For lunch, we stopped at Hudson Eats, the family friendly food hall upstairs at Brookfield Place, which features a variety of upscale quick serve restaurants and a huge seating area with waterfront views. From sushi, bagels, pizza and sandwiches to salads, tacos, burgers and cupcakes, everyone in the family can find something to eat. I almost always order a Num Pang sandwich while my daughter and husband usually grab a burger, grilled cheese, pizza or sushi.

Downtown NYC has a lot of sights that most tourists never see. I highly suggest the walk from Brookfield Place to Battery Park which is along the Battery Park City Esplanade. There are no cars along the paved promenade making it very easy to roam with kids and you will spot interesting sights (Statue of Liberty!), lookout points, grassy spots and great playgrounds along the way…

Battery Park City Esplanade is a favorite spot for families to explore. Staycation Fun at Conrad New York.

Battery Park is full of adventures for tourists and locals alike and if you have an afternoon or full day, I highly recommend you visit the Statue of Liberty, ride the gorgeous Seaglass Carousel or take a sail aboard the Staten Island Ferry.

We stopped by the Cool Globes art exhibit just at the top of Battery Park to check out the amazing oversized globes on display.

Checking out the Cool Globes. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York.

Then we headed back home to the hotel with a stop at the West Thames Park. Love these stunning Freedom Tower views.

Downtown New York City has a variety of playgrounds. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York.

After a quick change, we headed back over to Brookfield Place for dinner. There are always fun art exhibits going on in the gorgeous palm tree filled glass atrium and we got to see the famed Luminaries display which features hundred of changing lights that coordinate to holiday songs. If you are in the area over the winter holidays, be sure to check it out.

Luminaries at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad, New York

We had a delicious dinner at Beaubourg in Le District and we were so happy we could just walk home after our long day. If you love French cuisine, Le District is a gourmand’s haven filled with restaurants and shops selling everything from meats and veggies to pastries and French candy.

Le District in Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

I really love having a suite when we travel since my daughter usually goes to bed around 8 pm and I like to stay up later. It was so nice that our Conrad New York suite allowed my daughter to fall asleep while my husband could stay up late without having to be quiet or keep the room dark.

My daughter loved having her own space at Conrad New York.

After a great night’s sleep, my daughter and I enjoyed lounging around reading while my husband checked out the in-room Nespresso coffee machine. We had a nice relaxing morning and headed to our 10 am brunch reservation at Atrio in the hotel’s lobby. Of course, our new pal Hudson joined us.

Young travelers receive a stuffed Conrad bull at Conrad, New York.

Young travelers receive a stuffed “Hudson the bull” at Conrad New York.

We chose the breakfast buffet which was loaded with pastries, bagels, and yogurt parfaits along with eggs, bacon, potatoes and other breakfast items. The restaurant features river views behind sparkly “curtains” that mesmerized my daughter and Hudson. In addition to weekend brunch, Atrio also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and features an Instagram-worthy wall of wine.

Atrio at the Conrad New York features a stylish dining room with river views.

We spent the rest of our day checking out the nearby attractions like the Regal Battery Park movie theater (which you can enter from the hotel!), department stores (hi Saks), restaurants (including Danny Meyer signature spots) and the shiny new Oculus which houses some amazing retailers, eateries and the newest Eataly (think everything yummy from Italy under one roof).

After thoroughly exhausting ourselves in a good way, we headed back to Conrad New York to grab our bags and say goodbye.

Thanks for a great staycation at Conrad, New York

If you want a pampering family friendly hotel stay with a great location to explore downtown, NYC, I highly recommend Conrad New York.

Have you ever stayed downtown? Tell me your favorite attractions in the comments below.

A very special thanks to Conrad New York for providing accommodations, breakfast and skating lessons. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Vacation or Staycation: The …

June 28, 2016 By admin

If there’s one thing my daughter outgrows more than anything else, it would be shoes. If your kids need some new summer shoes, here are my suggestions for the Best Summer Shoes for Kids at home and away….

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Keen Kids UNEEK shoes are fashionable yet sturdy.

UNEEK by Keen Kids

Looking for some stylish shoes for your mini fashionista? These open air sneakers are sure to please. UNEEK shoes feature a rubber base with a body of colorful interlocking cords so they support like a sneaker but feel like a sandal. I love that they are super lightweight, easy to clean and look as cute with dresses as they do with shorts. The adjustable side tab and easy to tighten cord closure make these a great pick for kids of all ages. Amusement parks, bike riding and long camp days? These are the perfect choice. Just throw them in the sink with soapy water to clean and they look brand new! They are available in little and big kid sizes as well as a grown up version which I’ve been sporting this summer (so comfy!).

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Stride Rite Phibians are great for water play.

Made2Play Phibian Sneaker Sandal by Stride Rite

If you’ve got kids who are always in the water (intentional or not) these Phibian sneaker sandals are a really great option for summer travels. Phibians feature a breathable sandal-like upper and an extra-grippy, non-slip bottom making them a sturdy option for active children. The velcro closure makes them easy for children of all ages and the stylish color pairings and super hero styles will definitely please young girls and boys. They go right in the washing machine or sink when dirty and they are quick to air dry making them a great option for camp or away. If your kids like to play in the rain, sprinkler park or mud or if your summer travels include a water park, these are a great choice.

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Salt Water Sandals are perfect for city or beach vacations.

Salt Water Sandals

For summer sightseeing trips or walks at home, these classic strappy sandals are a great option that can easily go from day to night. I love the bright colors and chunky sole options for younger kids and the strap and buckle closure which means little fingers can’t easily take these off. Of course, the flip side to that means you will be helping your kids get these on and off… I love that these sandals are waterproof and easy to clean making them a great option for beach vacations. They are also available in adult sizes so they whole family can coordinate. Yes, I have a pair of these too…

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Shoes for Kids. Butler Overboots are perfect for rainy weather.

Butler Overboots

These adorable light-weight rubber boots easily slip over shoes making them a perfect choice for traveling. Nothing spoils a vacation more than getting caught in a rainstorm (hello wet shoes and socks!) so wearing these galoshes will keep everyone happy. They are easy for kids to put on and take off (think velcro closure and accordion-style opening) and families will save a lot of time not having to stop and switch back and forth from shoes to traditional rain boots. I especially love the bring colors that will definitely cheer up the most dreary day especially when kids are allowed to puddle jump. If your vacation forecast looks iffy, be sure to take these along.

What shoes do your kids love to wear when traveling? Tell me below in the comments.

Some of these shoes were gifted for review purposes. This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Toys That Travel: Crayola …

November 24, 2015 By admin

Home or away for the upcoming holidays? Crayola’s Cling Creator will keep kids busy as they create their own holiday inspired window decorations perfect for decorating houses, hotel rooms and more. Read on for my Crayola Cling Creator review and enter to win one of your own along with a $50 gift card!