Just for Fun Archives - Page 16 of 17

Checking out Disney’s …

October 30, 2013 By admin

On a recent trip to the Disney store (proceed with caution!) I spotted the cutest collection of internationally dressed dolls. If you’re drawn to vibrant colors and lots of cuteness, you’re going to love Disney’s “It’s a Small World Collection,” seven new dolls inspired by the original Fantasyland attraction and one of the best-known Disney tunes. I can remember “It’s a Small World” being one of my favorite Walt Disney World rides when I was young and that song brings those memories right back.

Globetrotting Mommy – It’s a Small World Collection

The 16″ dolls feature traditional folk costumes, shoes and hairstyles and they are just adorable. Each of the seven dolls (Hawaii, Holland, Kenya, Japan, France, India and England) sings in her native language and English. Best of all, the recordings are made by children from around the world for authenticity. I love how kids can learn about other cultures, fashions, languages and traditions through play and these dolls are great starters for all sorts of inspiring conversations.

Globetrotting Mommy – Disney Small World Dolls

Not into dolls? The youngest globetrotting boys and girls will enjoy the “It’s a Small World” Storybook and CD set.

Globetrotting Mommy – It’s a Small World Storybook and CD Set

These would be great birthday, holiday or baby shower gifts. I also love the idea of using the dolls as part of your nursery or playroom decor.

Day Trip: Pumpkin Picking on …

October 24, 2013 By admin

Pumpkin picking on Long Island is one of my favorite fall traditions. If you’re looking for a great day trip from NYC this weekend head over to Fink’s Country Farm on Eastern Long Island. It’s not too far from the Riverhead outlets so if you’re feeling ambitious you might come home with pumpkins and a few new outfits!

Globetrotting Mommy – Pumpkin Picking on Long Island

You’ll want to get there as early as you can (they open at 9 am) to avoid crowds and get the best photo ops and pumpkins. The $13 admission price includes unlimited access to the Fall Festival weekend activities including Hay Rides, 7-Acre Corn Maze, Pig Races, Animal Farm, Barnyard Bouncer, Corn Crib, Live Music and more. Additional attractions are available for an extra charge including Pony Rides, Face Painting, Fall Photos, U-Pick Pumpkins on the vine, Kiddie Train, Corn Cannon and Pumpkin Slingshot. There are plenty of picnic tables and the food stand serves soups, sandwiches, hot dogs, roasted corn on the cob (delish!) and beverages (get the hot apple cider). The food line was really long the day we went so be prepared to wait or pack a picnic and snacks. Bathrooms are plentiful but they are port-a-potties (I know, I know) and there is an area for diaper changing.

If you’ve got older kids, you might want to bring a flashlight and check out the Spookie Maze from 7:30 – 10 pm on October 26th. And if you visit on Sunday, October 27th there will be trick-or-treating.

There was so much to do and see my daughter was running around checking everything out for hours. She’s a pro at pony rides by now and she enjoyed her first pig race and corn crib. The Animal Farm was pretty extensive and there were plenty of feeding and petting opportunities. The staff was friendly and I loved that it wasn’t as commercial or expensive as many other pumpkin patches on Long Island (you know who you are). We left with three big pumpkins and a bunch of gourds for $12 which I thought was a real bargain when you consider one pumpkin at the Union Square Farmer’s Market is $10+ dollars.

You can also buy Halloween decorations, plants, pies (freshly baked by Mrs. Fink), vegetables, cider and other fall favorites at the farm stand.

There were so many great spots for pictures so bring your camera. Here are some of my favorite photos from our visit…

Globetrotting Mommy – Pumpkin Picking on Long Island

Still not ready for Halloween, check out my post on Halloween costumes and Halloween gift ideas.

It’s cool to be kind! …

October 18, 2013 By admin

Lisa at Happy Joyful Day is featuring a 31 Acts of Kindness project on her fabulous blog this month and I’m thrilled to be today’s guest poster. Go check out my story about a cool travel inspired way to be kind. I’ll give you a little hint…

Have a great weekend!!! I’ll be celebrating my daughter’s 4th birthday at her Princess and Pirates Spa Salon Karaoke birthday party. Say that three times fast…

xoxo

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Get crafty at home or away …

October 17, 2013 By admin

If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids busy crafting without having to spend hours on Pinterest researching project ideas (as fun as that is…) and way too much money in Michaels (thats fun too…), Kiwi Crate might change your life.

Globetrotting Mommy – Kiwi Crate

Just imagine, a box arrives at your door with a fun-filled Martha Stewart like project (and all the necessary supplies) and you just sit back and watch the excitement. If you’ve got little ones, you’ll need to supervise a bit but if your kids are old enough to read the directions, you could probably get a good hour to so to do something fun like fold the laundry.

My daughter and I tested out one of the Kiwi Travel Crates and it was a big kit. The travel kits come in smaller boxes and feature a single project that can easily be done on the go (like in a car, plane, train) or in a hotel. Check her out making a Kalidescope.

The kit included everything to make and decorate the project as well as an instruction pamphlet with additional suggestions and ideas. My daughter is turning four and was definitely able to do it all by herself but I did have to guide her through the simple steps.

Kiwi Crates are available in an array of offerings like monthly subscriptions, Single Crates, Travel Crates and Mini Crates as well as special holiday offerings and party favors. The Travel Crate is just the thing to pull out midway through a flight or train ride. Here’s hoping you won’t have to hear, “Are we there yet?????”

Note: I was provided with the Kiwi Travel Crate for this review but all opinions are my own.

Great gift ideas for Halloween …

October 15, 2013 By admin

Here in the United States, Halloween is one of the biggest holidays around but did you know that a number of countries around the world also welcome the winter season with parties, costumes and sweet treats?

In Mexico, they celebrate El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with festivities and parades. In Spain, they eat “Bones of the Holy” pastries. In Holland, they celebrate Saint Martin’s Day by singing songs and eating sweets or tangerines.

If you’re looking for some non-candy Halloween gifts for kids, here are some of my favorite ideas:

How cute are these Trumpette Ghost Socks?

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Gift Ideas

These limited edition Halloween pacifiers from MAM come in a reusable case that can be used in the microwave to sterilize pacifiers. So smart.

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Gift Ideas

Kids of all ages will love these Uglydoll Universal Monsters available individually or in this adorably spooky set featuring Dracula, Frankenstein, The Bride, The Wolfman, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Mummy.

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween gift ideas

Girly girls will want to get their nails into the holiday season and this little ghouls piggy paint set is sure to please with glow-in-the-dark white, orange and black polishes.

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Gift Ideas

Books are always a great gift idea and this Creepy Carrots tale is a fall favorite in my house.

How about a gift kids and parents will love? Everyone loves Charlie Brown and this classic It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown DVD will keep the whole family entertained.

Happy Halloween season, wherever you’ll be celebrating!!

Top 5 Halloween costumes for …

October 10, 2013 By admin

Here in New York, the leaves are changing…the air is getting crisp…the farmer’s markets are full of pumpkins and gourds…and Halloween is coming!

I searched Pinterest high and low and here are my top five Halloween costumes for Globetrotting Kids…

1) This Baby Pilot DIY costume is just perfect for the under-one jet set.

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Costumes

2) How cute is this DIY Mini Eiffel Tower?

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Costumes

3) I just love these little DIY Pan Am Stewardess Costumes.

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Costumes

4) Do your kids love the Disney movie Planes? How about making this DIY Dusty Costume. Perfect for boys or girls.

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Costumes

5) No time to be crafty? This Ride in an Airplane Costume is great for kids of all ages.

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Costume

What are your kids going to be this year?

Dreaming of a safari themed …

October 7, 2013 By admin

Did you honeymoon in South Africa? Are you a huge fan of bold Chevron and stripes? Do you just love the idea of a safari theme for your new baby? If so, you will adore these safari themed baby nursery prints from Etsy’s SweetLittleBarn shop (discount code below)!

These 8×10 prints, available in single or coordinating groups, feature designs that are cute but not too cutesy which is usually the case with a lot of animal-themed nursery decor. I love the range of colors – from baby pinks and blues to bold yellows and grays – and styles.

These are my favorites:

Globetrotting Mommy – Safari themed baby nursery

Ready to order? Enter “globalbaby” at checkout for a 15% discount. They are also waiving the $20 dollar customization fee for Globetrotting Mommy readers so you can have the artwork of your dreams created from scratch for free!

Want more baby nursery inspiration? Check out my Fun nursery and kids room ideas Pinterest board.

Get around town fast! Best …

October 1, 2013 By admin

Have your kids tired of riding in their stroller? Are you happy because you hate pushing that thing around town? Yes and yes…move over stroller, its time to check out the best scooters for kids.

Living in NYC, the early morning school commute options involve buses, subways, taxis, scooters or good old fashioned walking. The pre-school set seems to be the biggest fans of scooters and my daughter insists on riding hers most days. I like to indulge her because she thinks she’s getting a special treat but the reality is kids on scooters move fast and that is a win-win for moms hoping to make it anyplace on time.

Most scooters come apart making them a great option for taking on a trip near or far. Just don’t forget to pack your helmet.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best scooters for kids

Little kids: The Micro Mini leads the pack with NYC kids. The three-wheel design, easy steering and user friendly brake make this a perfect choice for beginners. It comes in a whole slew of rainbow colors and its super lightweight. Grab some stickers and plaster your name on it and there will be no fights in the playground. Recommended for ages 3-5 but my almost 4-year old daughter has been using this since she was 2.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best scooters for kids

Big kids: The Maxi Micro (recommended for ages 5-12) features three-wheels and a choice of two steering options (Pilot stick or traditional TBar). The quality is great and adjustable steering stick means it will grow with your child. Available in rainbow or metallic options.

Globetrotting Mommy – Best scooters for kids

Great nursery finds: travel …

September 30, 2013 By admin

When I say Skittles do you think candies in a rainbow of colors or a bowling-type game???? They’re both right answers but today I’m talking about the old European lawn game which inspired ten-pin bowling, candlepin bowling in the US and five-pin bowling in Canada.

I love the idea of incorporating toys into a nursery’s decor and these cheerful Skittles sets will add just the right splash of color and fun.

These sailor skittles would be a great addition to a nautical themed nursery or a Mediterranean inspired room.

Globetrotting Mommy – sailor skittles

This set of Penguin Skittles from Muji is adorable for a zoo inspired nursery or Antarctica themed room.

Globetrotting Mommy – Penguin Skittles

This rare mini French Clowns Skittles set dates back to the 1930s and would add a vintage feel to any primary colored nursery or playroom.

Globetrotting Mommy – Mini French Clown Skittles

This adorable Soldier Skittle Set from MiniStyle is perfect for a Royal baby themed nursery or a great way to add a pop of color into any room.

Globetrotting Mommy – Soldier Skittles

These would also make nice birthday or baby shower gifts!

Plane Snacks: Decorate your …

September 16, 2013 By admin

You know how kids can gobble up an entire bag of goldfish in about 30 seconds? Here’s a great idea for plane snacks that will satisfy hunger pangs and keep kids occupied for a few minutes.

Globetrotting Mommy – Eleni’s Color Me On the Go Cookie Tin

Eleni’s Color Me! On the Go Cookie Gift Tin is a fun, mess-free activity that will satisfy your entire family. The rectangle gift tin includes eight frosted sugar cookies and a 5-pack of Eleni’s edible ink markers. If you’re visiting friends, you might want to bring along two kits along and make one set as a gift.

If you’re looking for other design options, check out the entire Eleni’s Color Me collection which includes Barnyard, Birthday, Dinosaurs, Dogs, Fashionista, Hearts & Flowers, Safari and School themes.

What are your go-to plane snacks?