Globetrotting Mommy

From Family Adventures to Girlfriend Getaways

Toys That Travel: Crayola …

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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!

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway, Toy Review, Crayola, DIY, Crafts, Kids

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

As you know, we’re big fans of STEM inspired toys so I was excited to see that Crayola’s Cling Creator combines creativity with science lab techniques. My daughter got right to work setting up all the tubes, molds and instruments in the caddy which was perfect for keeping things organized.

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Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

The kit contains everything you need to make colorful cling creations that stick to (and easily peel off from) windows, mirrors and other flat, smooth surfaces. You can use the molds or create new designs by making molds with the included clay. You can even add your own glitter to the designs if you’re feeling festive.

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Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

The label says ages 8+ but my six-year old daughter was able follow the directions with some guidance. I mentally prepared for a mess but I was happily surprised to see how easy she was able to squeeze the correct ratio of color and firming solution into the labeled mixing pots and mix them in the kid-friendly mixing chamber.

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Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

We were hoping to make some fall-inspired designs to bring along on a road-trip to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving but had some challenges perfecting our leaf and pumpkin molds out of the clay. I would definitely recommend younger kids stick with the enclosed molds, especially since the gel sets rather quickly. Also, if you are planning to mix colors, start with just a few drops of the dark color and add the lighter color until you get the shade you want.

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Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

After 15 minutes, the gel solidifies and your window clings are ready to go. Volia!

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Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

We ended up with an assortment of fun, colorful designs…

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway, Toy Review, Crayola, DIY, Crafts, Kids

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

The kit makes approximately 20 clings and refill packs are sold separately. If you and your kids love DIY crafty projects, the Crayola Cling Creator will make a great addition to your craft closet.

Ready to win a Crayola Cling Creator and a $50 gift card?

To enter please leave a blog post comment – Who do you know who would love this toy?

For additional entries, please leave separate comments for each of these four options:

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This giveaway is open to US residents and will run until midnight EST Friday December 4, 2015.

If you’re looking for a Crayola inspired road trip, check out my review of the Crayola Experience in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Congratulations to Heather Johnson!!

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I was not compensated for this post but the Crayola Cling Creator, gift card, information and additional gift pack have been provided by Crayola. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Visiting Beaches Turks & …

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If you’re looking for a Caribbean getaway sure to please beach loving parents and Sesame Street® loving kids, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa has the perfect answer. A visit to Beaches Turks & Caicos with kids offers parents the chance to relax while the kids are entertained all day (and night) long. I recently returned from this all-inclusive getaway and today I’m sharing my Top 10 Sesame Street® Experiences at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

Visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos with Kids: Top 10 Sesame Street Experiences.

Visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos with Kids: Top 10 Sesame Street Experiences.

1 – Sign up for Camp Sesame – If you’ve got a toddler, you’ll want to enroll them in Camp Sesame. Each day’s complimentary offerings include typical camp activities like sand castle building, playground time and swim games but the biggest draw are the Sesame Street® character lead events like dance parties with Zoe and story time with Elmo. Aside from a friendly staff, Camp Sesame features a fenced-in play area with a beachy sand section, a shallow pool with pool toys and mini-beach chairs.

Visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos with Kids: Top 10 Sesame Street Experiences. Enjoy a nightly Sesame Street character show at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

Enjoy a nightly Sesame Street character show at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

2 – Check out the Stage Show – Every night, the Sesame Street® characters put on an interactive, family friendly outdoor stage show featuring kid-friendly dances and songs. Depending on your crew’s dining schedule, this makes a great before or after-dinner activity.

Visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos with Kids: Top 10 Sesame Street Experiences. The Sesame Street character breakfast is great fun for the whole family.

The Sesame Street character breakfast at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa is great fun for the whole family.

3 – Have Breakfast with the Sesame Street® Characters. This is an additional charge ($12 per adult and $16 per child) but I promise it will be one of the highlights of your vacation. Kids and adults will enjoy the funny interactions, hugs and kisses as every character comes by to say hello. If you’ve got young dancers, the conga line group finale will be a huge hit.

Visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos with Kids: Top 10 Sesame Street Experiences

Kids can learn to draw Sesame Street characters at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa’s interactive workshops.

4 – Sesame Street® Artist Workshops – Kids of all ages will want to check out these occasional workshops let by Sesame Street® artists, Louis Henry Mitchell and Barry Goldberg. Through drawing and sidewalk chalk sketches, this workshop introduces drawing fundamentals and techniques with fun, educational sessions.

Visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos with Kids: Top 10 Sesame Street Experiences. Kids can bake cookies with Cookie Monster at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

Kids can bake cookies with Cookie Monster at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

5 – Bake Cookies with Cookie Monster – My daughter had so much fun rolling out cookies with Cookie Monster and laughing as he jiggled his big blue belly. This free activity is a must-do if you’ve got a little foodie.

6 – Arrange for a Sesame Street® Photo Shoot – If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind memento from your trip, an All-Access Photo Session offers a family friendly photo shoot with all your Sesame Street® friends. The 15-minute session costs $50 and includes one 8×10 photo.

7 – Get tucked into bed by your favorite character. The signature Night Night, Sleep Tight with Sesame Street® tuck-in program lets your child’s favorite character (and a staff member) visit your room to read a bedtime story and tuck your child into bed. Pricing starts at $85 for one child.

Visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos with Kids: Top 10 Sesame Street Experiences. You'll find the Sesame Street characters strolling around at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

You’ll find the Sesame Street characters strolling around at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

8 – Catch the characters strolling around the resort. Be sure to check the daily schedule to see where and when the character walkabouts are taking place. In addition, we caught some of the characters heading to and from events and they were always happy to say hi and give my daughter a hug or high-five.

Visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos with Kids: Top 10 Sesame Street Experiences. Kids can celebrate Elmo's birthday at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

Kids can celebrate Elmo’s birthday at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

9 – Attend Elmo’s Birthday Party! He might just be three-and-a-half years old but this furry red toddler celebrates weekly at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. Grab your kids and come wish Elmo a happy birthday (party favors and cake included!).

Visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos with Kids: Top 10 Sesame Street Experiences. Don't miss the Sesame Street® Carnival Celebration Parade at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

Don’t miss the Sesame Street® Carnival Celebration Parade at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.

10 – Don’t miss the Sesame Street® Carnival Celebration Parade – This weekly parade features all of the Sesame Street® characters in carnival attire, Junkanoo dancers, festive music and more. Line up along the parade route or follow the dancers as they head to the Italian Village for the grand finale and dancing from the balcony.

Have you visited Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Village & Spa with young children? What was your favorite memory or what are you looking forward to most?

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Note:  I attended the Beaches Resorts Social Media on the Sand Conference and part of my stay at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa was subsidized. All the opinions, photos and experiences I’ve described are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Bratz Dolls Encourage Girls to …

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One of the best times of my life was spent studying abroad in Rome during my junior year of college. I have such great memories of visiting the famed sights, eating tons of gelato (pizza too!) and living among the locals.  When I heard that Bratz was reintroducing a new doll collection featuring a group of five study abroad characters, I couldn’t wait to check them out with my daughter.

Bratz Dolls Encourage Girls to Travel the Globe with New Study Abroad Collection

Bratz Dolls Encourage Girls to Travel the Globe with New Study Abroad Collection

When I took Raya, the study abroad Mexico doll, out of her box, my five-year old daughter was immediately drawn to all her fun accessories. Raya comes with two trendy outfits that can be mixed and matched, jewelry, hair accessories, a tote bag, cactus and piñata key ring along with a roller board suitcase with stickers for kids to decorate.

Bratz Dolls Encourage Girls to Travel the Globe with New Study Abroad Collection

Bratz Dolls Encourage Girls to Travel the Globe with New Study Abroad Collection

Bratz Dolls Encourage Girls to Travel the Globe with New Study Abroad Collection

Bratz Dolls Encourage Girls to Travel the Globe with New Study Abroad Collection

Dolls have come a long way since I was a kid and I loved all the attention to details on the outfits as well as the great hair that doesn’t immediately get knotty. I also loved that these dolls will expose young girls to different cultures through play. I also hope these dolls will encourage young women to study overseas as study abroad is on the decline.

The Bratz Study Abroad collection features Raya and the following dolls (pictured above) who all come with two outfits, jewelry and suitcases:

Cloe is just back from China with a teapot and teacup, a ying yang purse, a fortune cookie key ring.

Jade came back from studying in Russia with nesting dolls and a fabergé egg key ring.

Sasha returned from Britain with Union Jack purse, teacup and scones and a bunny bodyguard key ring.

Yasmin is back from Brazil with colorful sunglasses and a pineapple key ring.

In addition to the new Study Abroad dolls, Bratz revamped their entire line with a new look and feel that embodies the interests, passions and personalities of the modern day girl. The core collections are available now at Target, Toys”R”Us and Walmart stores nationwide.

I think these would make a great back-to-school gift for any globetrotting girl.

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting …

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Summer is fiiiinnaaallly here and that means time for some fun in the sun!  Splish Splash water park, one of the best NYC area water parks, is celebrating 25 years of fun so we hit the road to check it out.  Here are my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island:

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

1) Lather on the sunscreen at home so you and your kids can jump right on to the rides and slides when you arrive. There are many shaded areas for sitting and strolling but most of the pools are slides are in the direct sun. Be sure to bring along sunscreen so you can reapply throughout the day.

2) Aim to arrive around opening time since you’ll get the best parking spots and the park will be empty. We got there around 10:20 am and found a great parking spot right near the entrance. We headed to the kiddie areas first and there were plenty of chairs and no lines. The parking lot area is huge so I’m guessing the crowds get much larger as the summer heats up.

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

3) Grab a map and make a plan. If you’re with older kids (48” and up), you’ll want to start with the more adventurous rides like Cliff Rider and Tunnel of Terror.  If you’re with toddlers, start at the Octopus Pool and slides. If you’re with young kids (under 48”), start with Pirate’s Cove and the kiddie slides. The water attractions are spread out over 90 acres but things are really much closer than they seem on the map. Once you get your bearings, there are plenty of large maps along the way so you won’t need to carry around a soggy map.

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

4) Grab a locker or have someone to help carry your camera, sunscreen and cover ups/towels while you are on the rides. There are plenty of lockers (starting at $14) and there are also a lot of free open cubbies where you can store your towels and shoes throughout the park.

5) Travel light but don’t forget family friendly summer essentials.  If you’re going on rides, you really just need a comfortable bathing suit or rash guard and a light cover-up or sarong. Water shoes (the stretchy tight types – not crocs or flip flops) and sun hats are a great idea for kids. Some kids prefer wearing goggles in the water so if its your child’s first water park visit, bring a pair along just in case. If you have a waterproof phone or camera, you might want to bring that along too. Skip the heavy towels and bring a lightweight quick dry beach towel.

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

6) If you’ll be splitting up kids and parents, plan to meet up for some family time. The wave pools, lazy river and Mammoth River raft ride are great for the whole family. If you’ve got teens, older family members or kids who nap, you may want to consider renting a cabana for the day so older kids can run around freely and check back throughout the day. If you’re with babies and toddlers, you’ll want to claim your seats or cabana around the Octopus pool (think water swings on tentacles!) and kiddie slides.

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

7) Plan to splurge on calories and sweet treats. I think most families who visit amusement parks are looking for some variation of chicken, hamburgers, fried treats and french fries at lunchtime and that is exactly what you’ll find here. Ice cream at a water park is a natural fit and you’ll find lots of sweet frosty options including Dole soft serve. If you’re hoping to eat healthy fare, you’ll want to store your lunch in a car cooler and get your hand stamped to re-enter the park.

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

8) Get wet!  One of my 5-year old daughter’s favorite spots was Monsoon Lagoon which featured water slides and climbing ropes.  It was a little hidden away so be sure to check it out. In addition to all the kid areas, the lazy river and wave pools were big hits. The open tunnel rides like Dinosaur Falls were also fun for us. There were plenty of attractions for her height and she also loved watching the ones she wasn’t tall enough to ride like Shotgun Falls.

9) Relax. All in all, it was a very fun filled and somewhat relaxing day. My daughter is a good swimmer and the kids water play and slide areas are surrounded by shallow water so I felt very safe letting her play while I watched from the sidelines. Each ride and pool area features multiple lifeguards who carry flotation devices (even in the kiddie pools). The lifeguards kept a close watch on all the kids as they went down the slides and exited the pool which was impressive. In addition, the grounds were very well kept and the staff members were quite friendly.

10) Tickets at the entrance gate cost $41.99 for general admission and $31.99 for kids (under 48″) and seniors. Save $7 on general admission and $4 on kids and seniors by using this Splish Splash coupon code.

Splish Splash is located in Calverton, Long Island about 90 minutes (without traffic) from NYC. If you’re heading to the Hamptons, this is a great pitstop along the way. If you want to make a weekend of it, there is plenty of family fun on Long Island’s East End.

What’s your favorite water park?

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Special thanks to Splish Splash for inviting us to visit.  As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

A Backpack Diaper Bag That …

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If you think its tough carrying around everything a baby needs on vacation in one diaper bag, try carrying around everything you and a five-year old need in one bag! This is the typical stuff I carry for a trip uptown to visit a museum…

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Backpack diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Yes, please…

Depending on our daily agenda, my bag choices vary but after breaking my wrist as I was adjusting a shoulder tote on the subway this spring (note to self: always hold on when the train is moving…), I decided it was time for a safer, hands-free option…

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Backpack diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Yes, please…

Enter TWELVElittle’s new Allure backpack in sapphire blue, a backpack diaper bag that looks nothing like a diaper bag. This stylish backpack (yes, I really do mean that) is a great option for those days when you need to carry along a bunch of stuff but want your hands free to open doors, hold kids hands, carry coffee and do a million other things moms do all day long. I loaded it up and took it for a test drive on a New England road trip last weekend and it was a lifesaver.

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Backpack diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Yes, please…

We spent a day at Six Flags New England amusement park and it was so nice having everything I needed safely on my back without having to worry about anything falling out as I strapped my daughter into the rides, etc. The water resistant nylon exterior made it perfect for wearing on the water flume rides as I was happy to have a safe spot to keep my camera dry. In addition, the padded shoulder straps were much more comfortable than my usual bags which tend to dig into my shoulders when overloaded.  Overall, slung over one shoulder or two, wearing a backpack made it so much easier to move around and chase after my daughter.  Win, win!

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Backpack diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Yes, please…

I also wore it sightseeing around Boston and it was so nice having snacks and drinks so easily accessible that my daughter could get them (and put them back) by herself. Boston is a walking city like New York and I really appreciated having my hands free to take photos and navigate along the way.

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Backpack diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Yes, please…

Now that my stroller days are gone, I am always lugging around snacks, drinks, sweaters, sunglasses and sundries at home and away. I loved the Allure backpack’s many inside and outside pockets including two insulated drink pockets (perfect for baby bottles or water), a zippered pocket on the top flap (great for sunglasses or phone) and last but not least, a secret waterproof pocket on the bottom (ideal for messy wet stuff, bathing suits or an emergency outfit). I’m always that mom with the extra wipes, band aids, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, phone chargers, etc. (especially when I travel) and there were plenty of inside sections for all my goods. I also kept my valuable items safely zipped inside so there were no worries of being pick pocketed. And since it really is a diaper bag, lets not forget to mention the folding changing pad.

Sapphire blue is one of my favorite colors and I really liked the way the bag added a splash of color to my outfits.  I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received from moms, non-moms and complete strangers. When I admitted to some close friends that it was really a diaper bag, they couldn’t believe it.

If you’re in the market for an easy to carry diaper bag that will last the test of time, the TWELVElittle Allure backpack is a great choice. Check out TWELVElittle’s website for more details and other styles.

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I was not compensated for this post but I did receive a bag for review. As always, all opinions are mine. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Fancy Treats in NYC: Afternoon …

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Most little girls love to host tea parties so you can imagine my daughter’s excited face when I told her we would be celebrating her fifth birthday with afternoon tea at The Plaza Hotel. Most of her teatime knowledge comes from Fancy Nancy (Pinkies up!) which meant she immediately started planning her “fancy” tea party outfit.

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Fancy Treats in NYC: Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel

I thought about bringing along one of my daughter’s friends but then decided on the safer and saner option of bringing along one of my friends! The three of us arrived at The Plaza Hotel and settled into our cozy table at The Palm Court restaurant. After a warm welcome and extended conversations about the newly spruced up space and gigantic palm trees, we peeked at the menus.

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Fancy Treats in NYC: Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel

The Palm Court offers a choice of three afternoon tea selections: The New Yorker (featuring bagels & lox and New York Style Cheesecake), the Champagne Tea (hello lobster roll and bubbly) and the Eloise Tea (classic favorites and lots of pink, pink, pink). Naturally, we all decided on the Eloise Tea…

My daughter debated between the strawberry lemonade and vanilla iced tea for a moment and eventually settled on the tea which was poured over frozen tea cubes (super fancy, right?). The grown-ups ordered the Tropical Garden tea which went nicely with the palm trees.

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Fancy Treats in NYC: Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel

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Fancy Treats in NYC: Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel

Tea at the Plaza is as much a performance as it is a meal. The waitstaff team, always in sync, arrived with silver tiered trays filled with finger sandwiches and more. Our eyes widened… There were classics like egg salad on white bread and cucumber and cream cheese on rye, hearty turkey and Prosciutto options, and last but certainly not least, organic PB&J.

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Fancy Treats in NYC: Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel

Miss G tried everything and it was clear that the PB&J was the winner. Luckily, the waiter noticed and brought her out some more which she immediately finished off…

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Fancy Treats in NYC: Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel

Next, we moved on to the scones which were served with double Devonshire cream, lemon curd and preserves. These were a hit with everyone and went perfectly with the grown up tea. They were so good, I didn’t even manage to take a photo…

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Fancy Treats in NYC: Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel

Just as our bellies were getting full, it was time for the grand finale – an impressive assortment of pastries, tarts, cupcakes and pink cotton candy served lollipop style on top of a pretzel rod. The cotton candy stole the show — so simple, yet so chic when delivered in silver cups. Everything was as delicious as it looked and we took what we couldn’t finish home for later.

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Fancy Treats in NYC: Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel

This is definitely a once in while splurge that is perfect for a big birthday or celebration. Its also a fun treat for New Yorkers planning a staycation with or without kids. Don’t forget to visit the Eloise store downstairs afterwards…

Details: $55 per adult and $39 for kids under 12. ($60-$105 per person for the other teas)

What’s your favorite spot for afternoon tea?

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips …

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Its no secret that my daughter and I love a fun amusement park. With trips to Victorian Gardens, Adventureland, Hershey Park, and Sesame Place under her belt, I knew she would love a visit to nearby Coney Island. I had not been to the famed boardwalk town since pre-Hurricane Sandy so I was equally excited for our staycation day trip. Read on for my Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island.

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island

1 – Plan time for rides. I’m sure its no surprise that rides top my list of tips for visiting Coney Island. Kids of all ages will have hours of fun with a choice of several options including Luna Park, Deno’s WonderWheel Amusement Park, the B&B Carousell and the famed Cyclone. I found these smaller parks very managable, since the rides were very close together and it was pretty easy to navigate. If you want a ride that swings, speeds, bumps, spins upside down or just swivels, you’ll find it here. And, if you’re traveling with toddlers, there are quite a few slower kiddie rides. I love that you can purchase rides with several options ranging from a la carte to all-you-can-ride wristbands, and I also appreciate that non-riders can enter the amusement parks for free.

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island

2 – Save room for food. Coney Island is home to famed Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and they never disappoint. If you’re looking for something indoors, try Applebee’s or the new Wahlburgers (yes, Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg own this burger hotspot). There are plenty of boardwalk restaurants, bars and snack shops (think funnel cakes, ice cream and everything fried, oh my…) and specialty stores like Piece of Velvet (cupcakes and cakes) and IT’SUGAR (a candy lovers delight). And, Coney Smorgasburg launched last weekend…so there is no shortage of good eats.

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island

3 – Find the perfect activity for each kid. Coney Island really has something for everyone. If you’ve got baseball fans, check out a Brooklyn Cyclones game, some of which feature fireworks and character meetings. There are old school arcade games (yes, Zoltar!), amusement park games, circus shows and kids and adults will love a detour to the nearby New York Aquarium.

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island

4 – Pack your beach gear. Coney Island boasts nearly three miles of family friendly beach. Bring a cooler and chairs and stay for the day or just take a quick dip and get back on the rides.  With courts for beach volleyball, handball, and basketball as well as playgrounds, the beach and boardwalk offer up hours of entertainment for families. Don’t forget the sunscreen and other family friendly beach essentials.

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Summer Family Fun: Top 5 Tips for Visiting Coney Island

5 – Check out the special events schedule before you visit. From the famous Mermaid Parade and Luna Park’s SuperHero Day to circus performances, fireworks and karaoke, Coney Island’s summer schedule is packed with fun for the whole family.

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Special thanks to the Alliance for Coney Island for inviting us to participate in Coney Island Family Blogger Day.  All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

New York Baby Show – My …

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I attended the 2015 New York Baby Show this past weekend and I’m here to share my favorite picks for on-the-go babies and toddlers. If you haven’t been to this family-friendly event, its a great opportunity for expecting and new parents to test out baby products, attend seminars, ask the experts some questions and win prizes.

Here’s a recap of my favorite finds for strolling, snacking, sleeping and skincare…

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New York Baby Show – My favorite picks for on the go babies and toddlers…

Strolling – Umbrella strollers are a must for traveling but they inevitably fall over when you’ve got a bag on the handlebars and the passenger gets out. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had this happen to me! I loved learning about two new inventions to prevent this age old problem. Hatch Things SureShop bags are lightweight clip on bags that attach to one handlebar and the stroller’s side. Use one or two to stow up to 10 pounds of baby supplies, groceries and anything else (on each side) while keeping your stroller put. They also work on suitcases and bicycles making them a great accessory for traveling. Another option to solve this problem is to strap Buggy Balance weights above the front wheels. The three-pound weights add just enough heft to balance 15 pounds of bags yet still allow the stroller to fold and function.

New York Baby Show, Snacks for kids, snacks for babies, family travel, Plum Organics, Happy Family, ZoLi, green sprouts, Keekaroo

New York Baby Show – My favorite picks for on the go babies and toddlers…

Snacking – Some of my favorite snack brands including Plum Organics and Happy Family were on hand sampling new squeezy pouch flavors and individually wrapped snack products that are perfect for travel. I loved the colorful ZoLi On The Go containers that hold formula (with a pour lid!) and snacks. I’m a big fan of reusable snack bags and the green sprouts snack bags come in perfect sizes and adorable styles. And, if you’re looking for a travel friendly booster seat, the Keekaroo Cafe Booster is a comfortable and easy to clean option that will also be handy for baseball games or Disney On Ice shows.

New York Baby Show, Baby Home, Side Rail, Toddler Bed, Sleep Sack, Nested Bean

New York Baby Show – My favorite picks for on the go babies and toddlers…

Sleeping – Sleeping while on vacation can be tough for kids of all ages.  For babies, I was impressed with the weighted Nested Bean Zen Swaddle (and new sleep sack) that mimics a human touch. If you’re traveling with toddlers or bigger kids, I loved the portable Baby Home Side guard rail (available in a variety of colors with or without a rechargeable nightlight!). Whether you’re staying in a hotel or grandma’s house, this is a great way to ensure a good night’s sleep for everyone.

New York Baby Show, Babyganics, sunscreen, travel, Shoosha Baby, Diaper Cream

New York Baby Show – My favorite picks for on the go babies and toddlers…

Skincare – Moms and kids need a lot of skin products but I love using multi-purpose balms when possible. Organic Shoosha Baby Diaper Butter with cocoa and coconut can also be be used as a moisturizer, lip balm, and sunburn cream making it a great pick for traveling. If you’re looking for baby friendly sunscreen, check out Babyganics sun care line which features creams (including single use tubes), sprays and easy to travel with sunscreen sticks.

New York Baby Show, Momtrends, Blogger Lounge, GlamSquad

New York Baby Show – Momtrends Blogger Lounge (photo credit Momtrends)

All that walking around makes a girl tired so I was especially thankful that Momtrends hosted a comfy lounge area where bloggers could kick back and relax with lunch and pampering salon services from GlamSquad. If you’ve never heard of GlamSquad, they bring the pampering (nails, make up and hair) to you at home or away (think NYC, Miami and Los Angeles) in an easy to use app. See how glam we look!?!

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I received a media pass and gift bag. As usual, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

The Perfect Accessory for …

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My daughter loves jewelry as much as the next girl but most of her treasured baubles fall into two categories – easy to break or too fancy for school. When we recently discovered the CHARM IT! collection of super adorable charms, bracelets and necklaces, we were both thrilled.

CHARM IT!, CHARM IT! Giveaway, Girls, Gift, Jewelry, Charm bracelet, great gift, kids

The Perfect Accessory for Globetrotting Girls: CHARM IT! + Giveaway

In addition to being affordable at $5-6 a piece, the charms are rugged enough to wear every day but also dressy enough to wear for special occasions. Best of all, the charms are so cute and on trend with a fun mix of colorful pieces (some with glitter and acrylic stones) that connect to the bracelets and necklaces with easy to open clasps. Best of all, mini fashion designers can personalize their own necklaces and bracelets with hundreds of charms inspired by fashion, food, travel, animals, hobbies, sports, characters and more.

Since charm bracelets (and necklaces) are a great souvenir to remember favorite vacations, I asked my daughter to pick her favorite travel inspired charms and she chose a Yellow Taxi, Palm Tree, Pink Eiffel Tower, Pink Camera and the Love to Travel Suitcase.  I surprised her with it on our recent trip to Miami and she attached the charms to the necklace with a bit of help. Look how cute it turned out…

CHARM IT!, CHARM IT! Giveaway, Girls, Gift, Jewelry, Charm bracelet, great gift, kids

The Perfect Accessory for Globetrotting Girls: CHARM IT! + Giveaway

I think CHARM IT! bracelets and necklaces are a great gift to remember a trip, celebrate a birthday or commemorate a special occasion. The charms can also be used as a reward for kids or to celebrate something special in their lives (lost tooth, good test score, first concert, etc.). If you’re looking for a personalized children’s gift that won’t break the bank, CHARM IT! bracelets and necklaces will not disappoint.

CHARM IT!, CHARM IT! Giveaway, Girls, Gift, Jewelry, Charm bracelet, great gift, kids

The Perfect Accessory for Globetrotting Girls: CHARM IT! + Giveaway

Do you have a mini-globetrotter?  Enter to win the adorable CHARM IT! LOVE TO TRAVEL GIFT SET featuring an adjustable 7.5 inch bracelet, three glitzy charms and a rainbow keepsake box.

CHARM IT!, CHARM IT! Giveaway, Girls, Gift, Jewelry, Charm bracelet, great gift, kids

The Perfect Accessory for Globetrotting Girls: CHARM IT! + Giveaway

For additional entries, please leave separate comments for each of these four options:

  1. Like Globetrotting Mommy on Facebook
  2. Follow Globetrotting Mommy on Instagram
  3. Like TravelMommy on Twitter
  4. Subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy

This giveaway is open to US residents and will run until midnight EST Friday May 29, 2015.

Good luck!
Congratulations to Marilyn Nawara!

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I was not compensated for this post but we did receive a necklace for review purposes. All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on Disney Live! …

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If you’ve got little Disney fans in your house, Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales is just the ticket for a fun time.  My daughter and I got to check out this fun show in NYC over Spring Break and here are my top 10 reasons you’ll love it…

Disney Live!, Three Classic Fairy Tales, Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Disney, play for kids, children's entertainment, Disney Show

Spotlight on Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales

1 – The three plays – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast – are short and sweet which is great for kiddie attention spans. This show is ideal for new theater patrons and the intermission in the middle of the second act provides a nice break for questions, snacks and potty breaks.

2 – It is a great option for families with boys and girls since the plays are geared toward everyone.

Disney Live!, Three Classic Fairy Tales, Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Disney, play for kids, children's entertainment, Disney Show

Spotlight on Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales

3 – The characters get interactive so kids aren’t forced to sit quietly. This is key for little kids and when Snow White asks the crowd “Should I eat the apple,?” everyone is excited to shout “No!!”.

4 – Prices start at just $15 making this an affordable family outing.

Disney Live!, Three Classic Fairy Tales, Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Disney, play for kids, children's entertainment, Disney Show

Spotlight on Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales

5 – Three Classic Fairy Tales means three classic fairy tales.  Everything about this show is traditional Disney from Cinderella’s fairy godmother singing Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, to the dancing candelabra and utensils dancing around to Be Our Guest and Seven Dwarfs singing Heigh Ho. I think this is a nice touch for small kids just learning these stories and characters.

6 – Since the audience is 50 percent children, chances are really good your kids will be able to see the stage, especially with younger kids sitting on parents’ laps.

Disney Live!, Three Classic Fairy Tales, Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Disney, play for kids, children's entertainment, Disney Show

Spotlight on Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales

7 – Classic Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy interact with the characters and audience throughout the show.

8 – Kids and adults will delight as the characters dance around in colorful costumes.  Although the actors are lip-syncing, there is a lot of singing throughout the plays which helps keep the attention of smaller guests.

9 – Disney productions are known for their special effects and this show does not disappoint.  The show’s special effects are magical – think glittery sparks and smoke – without being noisy or scary which is great for little kids.

Disney Live!, Three Classic Fairy Tales, Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Disney, play for kids, children's entertainment, Disney Show

Spotlight on Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales

10 – There are some frightening witches and scary moments but they are brief and not really too scary.  By the time my daughter turned around and said she was scared, the scene was over.

The show is playing across the United States until January 2016. For more information about Disney Live!, visit their website.

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We were invited to Disney Live 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!

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