Globetrotting Mommy

From Family Adventures to Girlfriend Getaways

  • Home
  • About
  • Destinations
  • Girlfriend Getaways
  • Travel Blog
  • Contact
  • Just for Kids

10 Awesome Things to do in New …

March 15, 2019 By admin

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw a peek into our whirlwind NOLA trip. I was pleasantly surprised at how much my daughter enjoyed The Big Easy so today I’m sharing some of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids.

With old-school southern charm, a melting pot of people and cultures, history galore, an amazing food scene and attractions for every traveler, New Orleans is a great pick for a family-friendly getaway.

10 Awesome Things to do in New Orleans With Kids

Mardi Gras World is one of the top things to do in New Orleans with kids.

1) Check Out Mardi Gras World

The next best thing to watching a Mardi Gras parade in person (yes, there are child-friendly versions) is checking out the floats up-close and seeing how they’re made. A visit to Mardi Gras World starts out with an informational video (and King Cake tasting) and ends with an elaborate behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll see artists painting and designing their creations.

There are plenty of photo-ops and costumes to try on so make sure you’ve got a full battery. The complimentary shuttle makes this a super easy option for families visiting New Orleans with kids.

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is the perfect option for a rainy or super hot day in New Orleans with kids.

2) Go Under the Sea at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

Aquariums are always an awesome option for family trips and New Orleans’ Audubon Aquarium of the Americas will not disappoint. Kids will love seeing penguins, sea otters, sharks, rays, turtles, birds and more in larger than life exhibits with touch tanks and hands-on displays. Note: The nearby Audubon Zoo is one of the best zoos in America.

Shoppers and foodies will find plenty to love in New Orlean’s French Market.

3) Shop Till You Drop at the French Market

From custom art and jewelry to foodie faves and snacks galore, the French Market has something for visitors of all ages.

This is the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs, watch a cooking demo and have a quick bite before exploring the French Quarter.

4) Make Time for Beignets

NOLA is known for their powered sugar covered French donuts and you can’t visit New Orleans with kids without stopping at one of their two famed eateries: Cafe du Monde (my husband’s pick) and Cafe Beignet (my daughter and I loved these). Pair them with chicory coffee or chocolate milk and you’ll be energized all day. Go early in the morning to avoid long waits or later in the day for an afternoon snack.

5) Play at the Louisiana Children’s Museum

Located in the heart of the warehouse district, the interactive Louisiana Children’s Museum is a must if you’re traveling with the elementary and younger set. The museum features several hands-on exhibits, reading nooks and art areas. Don’t miss the imaginative play spaces like the bubble area, eye doctor space, grocery store and play cafe.

6) Ride the Streetcar

New Orleans is a very easy city to navigate by foot but make sure to save a trip or two for the city’s historic Streetcars. The St. Charles streetcar, the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, goes past gorgeous live oak trees and dozens of antebellum mansions, historic monuments, Loyola and Tulane universities, and shops. Rides are just $1.25 per trip or $3 for unlimited rides all day making this a great way to get around New Orleans with kids.

7) Listen to Some Jazz

The Big Easy is known for their Jazz scene and little music lovers will enjoy taking in live music. Local musicans play on street corners, restaurants and bars. I recommend taking in a Jazz brunch or going to a concert at Preservation Hall, an all ages, non-smoking venue with shows starting at 5pm. Book reservations in advance.

8) Go Back in Time at The World War II Museum

For history loving families (best for kids 6+), The National World War II Museum is a must see. Give yourselves a full day here and plan to arrive in the early morning if possible. Younger kids will enjoy seeing the massive planes and visual displays (old fashioned kitchens and living rooms), while older kids will appreciate the interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and short films about America’s contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. This museum is huge (AND expanding) and busy so get tickets to any special activities or events.

9) Explore the French Quarter

New Orlean’s French Quarter is famous for good reason. One look at the gorgeous architecture (colorful facades, rustic shutters and cast-iron balconies), horse-drawn carriages and performer filled squares and you’ll be lost in time. There are shops, art galleries, cafes, and street musicians at every turn. Yes, Bourbon Street has a lot of bars, but wander around Royal Street and the surrounding streets and be sure and check out the local artists and street performers in Jackson Square.

10) Play All Day at City Park

An awesome family-friendly destination is City Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the United States and a great spot in New Orleans with kids. It features a small amusement park, storybook-themed playground, lake with paddle boat rentals, mini golf, botanical garden, cafes and more. If you want to take in some nature and tire your littles out, this is the place to go.

Planning to visit New Orleans with kids? Be sure to check out my picks for the most family-friendly New Orleans restaurants before you go.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

1 CommentFiled Under: architecture, Around the World, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Just for Dads, Just for Kids, Just for Moms, Museums, New Orleans, Shopping, Summer Travel, Teen Travel, Travel, Travel Tips, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Beignets, Cafe Du Monde, City Park, Family Travel, French Market, Louisiana, Mardi Gras World, New Orleans, NOLA, Streetcar, Travel, USA, Where to go, World War II Museum

Must Have Back To School …

August 6, 2018 By admin

September is fast approaching and that means shopping for back to school supplies. Today I’m sharing my favorite back to school supplies, clothes, snack picks and more ideas for September and beyond.

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes, Snacks and More...

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes, Snacks and More…

Back to School Supplies

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes and Snacks

My daughter’s school sends a list of class supplies but luckily she can choose her own binders and folders. Since she’s into rainbows, she is super excited about the new Avery® and Amy Tangerine® Collection. Kids can choose from file folders and binders in rainbow patterns, black and white designs and other fun options.

Labeling school items is a must for kids of all ages and Mabel’s Labels are our go-to for fashionable and durable labels. Their latest designs include some of my daughter’s favorites like Hello Kitty, unicorns, rainbows, mermaids and emojis. I recommend the Ultimate Back to School Pack for every kid in your family (10% with the coupon code MOMTRENDS10).

If you are always printing out homework, travel itineraries and photos like me, you’ll be excited to hear about the new Epson ET-2750 wireless printer. This cartridge-free printer comes with a two-year supply of ink so kids can print away while saving money and the environment.  Win-win!

In the “hope you’ll never need this” school supply category, pesticide-free lice ridding products are a mom’s best friend. Vamousse’s 15-minute mousse treatment and shampoos will rid you and your family of any unwanted houseguests.

Back to School Clothes

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes, Snacks and More...

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes, Snacks and More…

New clothes are a must for the new school year and Tea Collection has launched a line inspired by the good old United States. The colorful clothes feature unique designs and high-quality fabrics that are comfortable and easy to wash. New this year, tween sizing goes up to 16. My daughter is excited to wear this cute chambray jumper, ruffled top and leggings inspired by New England.

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes and Snacks

For kids who like to share their creativity and inspirational messages with the world, this Chalk of the Town t-shirt (chalk markers included) will be a hit for back to school. My daughter loves to design different shirts to match her outfits. Moms will love how easily the chalkboard erases with water.

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes and Snacks

My daughter and her friends love to design their own T-shirts and I love to see their creative juices flowing. Buy some plain t-shirts, fabric markers and fabric paint and you have an easy after-school craft play date.

Check out my favorite summer and fall shoes for kids.

Back to School Snacks

School snacks are getting easier than ever with individually packed offerings in a variety of healthy treats.

Stonyfield Organic yogurt and smoothies come in a variety of packages making them easy options for lunch boxes and after-school snacks. Their new Snack Packs, Yogurt and Graham Crackers and Yogurt and Pretzels are a healthy option in convenient travel packs.

GoGo Squeez has been in my pantry since my daughter was a toddler. The portable, non-messy and deliciously flavored applesauce squeezies are perfect for school lunch, snacks and travel. Their newest offering, GoGo Squeez Blastz, is geared toward older kids with more “sophisticated” palates and comes in bold, mixed fruit flavors and larger serving sizes.

Larabars are a good all natural snack for the whole family and these mini versions are perfect for a sweet lunchbox treat. I also love that they don’t get crushed when they’ve been in my bag for a day or two.

Back to School Backpacks

A new backpack is a great way to get kids excited about back to school. Now that my daughter is entering fourth grade, she has very specific likes and dislikes.  Here are some of my favorite picks for 2018.

For girls who like to change their looks around, these reversible Chooze backpacks featuring fun patterns and designs are sure to please.

Justice is always a hit with girls and their back-to-school backpacks have something for everyone.  From flipping sequins, personalized styles, unicorns and ombre styles, girls will have a tough time picking just one.I also love this lightweight backpack covered in cactus and succulents.

Don’t forget to stock up on hanging squishies, keychains, toys and hand sanitizers. The more, the merrier!

News You Can Use For Parents

As we all know, today’s technology can feel a bit unsafe for kids and parents too. I attended a Back To School event hosted by Facebook and learned about their newly launched Digital Literacy Library and new Messenger Kids features and parental controls. While my daughter isn’t using Messenger Kids or Facebook yet, the Digital Literacy Library is full of information about online safety, privacy, sharing tips and other topics that I can start talking about now. Kids need to learn how to safely navigate with today’s tech and this is a great starting point for tweens and teens.

In addition, parents need to set good digital examples for children. This fall, several new tools that track time on various apps will certainly help everyone track their online time.

Are you ready for back to school?

signature

We were gifted some of these items from for review purposes. I attended the #MomTrendsSchool event and received a goody bag. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Filed Under: Cool for School, crafty, DIY, Fashion, Food and Drink, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Luggage and Bags, Products I love, reviews, Shopping Tagged With: Amy Tangerine, Avery, back-to-school, Chalkboard shirt, Chooze, Epson printer, Facebook, girls backpacks, girls clothes, gogo Blastz, Justice, Larabar, Mabel's Labels, school snacks, School Supplies, Stonyfield Organic, tea collection, Vamousse

Back-To-School Must Haves for …

June 26, 2018 By admin

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx on behalf of Justice

It’s crazy hard to believe but my not-so-little globetrotter is headed to fourth grade this fall. With every back-to-school season, we’ve faced decisions about clothing, school supplies and accessories and each year, her opinions become more and more important.

While I sometimes have to veto her decisions (think poor quality, obscene pricing, and plain ugliness), this year I’m thrilled with her back-to-school picks from Justice.

Back to school, backpacks for girls, tween clothing, girls clothing, flip sequin backpack, flip sequin lunchbox, cool lunchbox

Back-to-School Must Haves for Tweens

Justice has all the fashionable girls clothing that tweens want and affordable pricing and positive messaging that moms’ love. Shopping for clothing for girls can lead to meltdowns but Justice really understands their mini-customers, with so many options for girls to piece together outfits that reflect their individuality and fit their busy lifestyles, all with an extra dose of fun.

Backpacks for Girls

The most important back-to-school item is a great backpack and my daughter is super excited to start using this shimmery pink flip sequin initial backpack for fourth grade.

Back-To-School Must Haves for Tweens, Justice, backpacks for girls, girls clothing

Flipping sequins are her current love, the large G makes her feel like it was made especially for her and the pink, aqua, purple (flipping to pink and silver) shades will easily match her entire wardrobe. Since we walk to school, I’m always concerned about her backpack being heavy so I was happy to see the padded back straps.

Back-To-School Must Haves for Tweens, Justice, backpacks for girls, girls clothing

The elasticized side pocket for water bottles is a must-have as well as the spacious interior for books and lunch box. There are also roomy pockets for school supplies and random items like slime and hair clips. She brings a backpack on our travels too so it needs to be sturdy and this one passes the test with solid zippers and strong seams. Oh, and according to my daughter, the pink pompom keychain is awesome.

Stylish Accessories to Keep Girls Organized

My daughter starts the year organized but by winter, her room, backpack and school folders are a mess. We’ve talked about a plan to stay better organized this year since fourth grade is the real deal and these three accessories will be a big help.

Back-To-School Must Haves for Tweens, Justice, backpacks for girls, girls clothing, flip sequins

A matching lunchbox is a chic pick for tweens and this flipping sequin number is sure to please girls and parents alike. My daughter loves the flip sequins and initial design while I love that the interior is easy to wash. Win-win.

Back-To-School Must Haves for Tweens, Justice, backpacks for girls, girls clothing, flip sequins

Pens, pencils, highlighters, rulers and protractors need to stay safe and this clear pencil case with floating sequins offers these items a pretty home. Gotta love the FEARLESS messaging on this too.

Back-To-School Must Haves for Tweens, Justice, backpacks for girls, girls clothing, flip sequins

This matching sequin initial wristlet is perfect for bake-sale money and other small items.

Back-To-School-Fashion

Back-To-School Must Haves for Tweens, Justice, backpacks for girls, girls clothing, flip sequins

Girls can never have enough cute tops and nothing is more comfy for kids and easy to wash for moms as a t-shirt. This colorful girls top features metallic accents, cute summer graphics and funny captions. She styled it with comfy pink shorts trimmed with pom poms and pink heart shades. I love that the sizing is true with a little extra length which is nice because my daughter and her classmates are often sitting on the floor.

Back-To-School Must Haves for Tweens, Justice, backpacks for girls, girls clothing, flip sequins

How fun do these items look together?

Back-To-School Must Haves for Tweens, Justice, backpacks for girls, girls clothing, flip sequins

Just head to Justice for all your back-to-school shopping, throw everything in your backpack and you’re off to fourth grade…

Which is your favorite item?  Tell me below in the comments.

signature

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Justice through BabbleBoxx. All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

1 CommentFiled Under: Cool for School, Fashion, Great Gifts, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Luggage and Bags, Products I love, reviews, Shopping, Summer Travel, Teen Travel, United States Tagged With: back-to-school, backpacks, flip sequins, girls backpacks, Girls clothing, Justice, lunch box, NYC kids, Tween fashion, wristlet

Introducing WellieWishers™ …

April 17, 2018 By admin

My daughter and I love visiting NYC’s glamorous American Girl Place in Rockefeller Center so when they invited us to an exclusive WellieWishers™ from American Girl footwear launch, I knew we’d be in for a fun afternoon.

New WellieWishers™ from American Girl Shoes…

We loved the flower headbands and pink carpet photo-op as we made our way into the American Girl cafe.

American Girl, Wellie Wishers, Discount

Excited for the launch for WellieWishers™ from American Girl Shoes

There were lots of “ooohs” and “aahhs” from the girls (and moms too) as we saw the WellieWishers™ dolls on display with their coordinating shoes. The shoes are not sold in the American Girl store but can be purchased at KidsShoes.com and Nordstrom (coupon below!). Such a pretty display, right?

American Girl, Dolls, Wellie Wishers, Discount

In case you don’t already know, there are five characters in American Girl’s WellieWishers™ line including Willa, Kendall, Ashlyn, Emerson and Camille. As with all American Girl dolls, these little ladies have their own individual personalities and I love that the character shoe pairings reflect each of the doll’s styles. The shoe details include butterflies, flowers, seashells, glitter and more while the styles range from sandals and slides to sneakers and hi-tops. Check out some of the cuteness…

My daughter received a Willa doll and two pairs of WellieWishers™ shoes – a pair of silver butterfly sandals and a pair of pink slides with coordinating velcro patches. So exciting!

We all enjoyed tasty treats including the cafe’s signature tea sandwiches as we caught up with friends.

American Girl, Doll, Wellie Wishers, Shoes, Discount

Showing off the new WellieWishers™ from American Girl Shoes

WellieWishers™ from American Girl shoes are exclusive to KidsShoes.com and Nordstrom. The sizes vary from toddler to big girls (up to size 3) and styles are a great mix of dressy and casual. Check them out and save 20% off the WellieWishers™ from American Girl collection at www.KidsShoes.com with code: AG-LYL123.

Haven’t been to the American Girl Place yet? Read on for Five Cool Things to Check Out at NYC’s New American Girl Place.

Happy shoe shopping!

Pin for later:

Introducing WellieWishers™ from American Girl Shoes, NYC, Kids Shoes

Introducing WellieWishers™ from American Girl Shoes

signature

We were invited to the launch event and gifted a doll and shoes but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

1 CommentFiled Under: American Girl, American Girl Cafe, Doll, Dolls, Fashion, Footwear, Just for Fun, Just for Girls, Kids Shoes, New York, New York City, Shoes, Shopping, United States Tagged With: American Girl, Footwear, Girls Shoes, KidsShoes.com, Nordstrom, Sandals, shoes, Wellie Wishers

Top 5 Picks From Big City Moms …

June 15, 2017 By admin

The Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower is one of the best events for new and expecting parents to get the scoop on the newest baby products, services, and parenting trends. At the recent NYC baby shower event, I got to check out the latest and greatest baby products and today I’m sharing my favorites.

Top 5 Picks for Globetrotting Moms From Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower

Top 5 Picks for Globetrotting Moms From Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower

1) NYC streets are hard on baby strollers and if you ever have a stroller emergency, you’ll be happy to hear about Tot Squad. Whether your stroller was injured by airplane employees, or by being bumped down a zillion subway steps, Tot Squad will pick it up and fix it quickly as they stock most of the of popular stroller parts. They also offer non-toxic cleaning services.

Life Ice is a healthy frozen treat for kids of all ages.

Life Ice is a healthy frozen treat for kids of all ages.

2) For parents looking for a healthy alternative to ice cream cones, Life Ice is a frozen source for healthy living. Packaged in plastic cubettes, these icy treats (in fruits, greens and chocolate flavors) are easy to bring along on a vacation or playdate. Just pop in the freezer and your treats are ready to serve. I love that they’re all-natural and just the perfect size for teething babies.

Stylish yet practical, HAPP diaper bags are stain and water resistant making them perfect for travel.

Stylish yet practical, HAPP diaper bags are stain and water resistant making them perfect for travel.

3) Lightweight diaper bags are a must for globetrotting moms and when they have lots of compartments, hidden storage sections and a memory foam changing pad, all the better. The new line of HAPP diaper bags are stylish, affordable and easy to clean making them a great choice for any new mom. I love the tote, backpack and hobo styling and neutral colors.

The Inglesina Zippy Light stroller stands when folded making it easy to store in NYC apartments.

The Inglesina Zippy Light stroller stands when folded making it easy to store in NYC apartments.

4) Folding strollers are a must for city moms and the Inglesina Zippy Light stroller can go from newborns to toddler and beyond (up to 55 pounds!). The Zippy Light stroller has a fully reclining backrest, adjustable footrest, extending shade and comes in an assortment of classic colors. I love that it easily folds with one hand and stands when folded. If you’ve ever tried to search for your metro card while holding a baby and stroller you’ll love this feature.

SENA aire's playard is great for travel.

Nuna’s SENA aire’s playard is great for travel.

5) If you’re in the market for a travel play yard and bassinet that looks good and is super easy to use, Nuna’s SENA aire is a great choice. The all mesh design makes for a light design that easily folds with one hand. I love that it comes with an organic sheet and travel case so you’ll be ready to go. Available in regular or mini.

Have you tried any of these items from the Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower? Tell me your favorite in the comments below.

signature

I was invited to the Biggest Baby Shower Event as a media guest but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

1 CommentFiled Under: Airplane, baby nursery, baby shower, Diaper bag, Don't travel without, Electronics and Gadgets, Events, Fashion, Great Gifts, Just for Moms, Luggage and Bags, New York, Nursery and playroom, Products I love, Shopping, Strollers, Travel Tagged With: baby shower, Big City Moms, diaper bag, Inglesina, Nuna, playard, stroller, travel stroller

Top Tips for Visiting American …

March 28, 2017 By admin

It’s always a fun time when my daughter and I can join our friends for a joint Mommy and Me date at one of our favorite city hotspots like American Girl Place. If you’ve got an American Girl doll fan at home, you’ll need these tips for visiting American Girl Place in New York City.

Top Tips for Visiting American Girl Place in NYC

Top Tips for Visiting American Girl Place in NYC

Top Tips for Visiting American Girl Place in NYC

1) Maintain your sanity by visiting off-peak. Weekends and holidays are busiest so if you can’t visit on a weekday, try to go early in the day to avoid the crowds.

Is your American Girl Doll sick or injured? Bring her into the hospital. Tips for Visiting American Girl Place in NYC

Is your American Girl Doll sick or injured? Bring her into the hospital. Tips for Visiting American Girl Place in NYC.

2) Bring a doll! Dolls can enjoy meals (in their own seats) and pampering spa and salon services and hospital visits so bring them along.

3) Decide on spending beforehand. Is this a special birthday splurge trip or a regular visit? Agree in advance on what you’re planning to buy or how much money kids are allowed to spend to avoid meltdowns.

You'll need plenty of time to take it all in at American Girl Place. Tips for Visiting American Girl Doll Place.

You’ll need plenty of time to take it all in at American Girl Place.

4) If you’re visiting for the first time, expect to be overwhelmed and plan to spend at least an hour. The store is huge with multiple floors of dolls, clothing, books and toys, as well as a doll hospital, doll hair salon, t-shirt design store, sweet shop, restaurant and play areas.

Gabriela McBride, the 2017 American Girl Doll of the Year loves art, dance and poetry. Tips for Visiting American Girl Place in NYC.

Gabriela McBride, the 2017 American Girl Doll of the Year loves art, dance and poetry.

5) Check out the American Girl Doll of the Year! We’re huge fans of these annual additions (like Grace and Lea) and and my daughter brought along Gabriela McBride, the 2017 American Girl Doll on our recent visit. The New York City store features a special section dedicated to the annual doll as well as specialty items (like cafe drinks and salon services) toys and clothes. I especially love the display cases featuring past American Girl Dolls of the Year.

The American Girl Doll Hair Salon is adorable. Tips for Visiting American Girl Place in NYC. Dolls

The American Girl Doll Hair Salon is adorable. Tips for Visiting American Girl Place in NYC.

6) Pamper your doll at the American Girl Hair Salon. Dolls can get in on some pampering fun with hairstyling, ear piercing, and spa services.

The BeForever American Girl Dolls are a great way to get girls interested in history.

The BeForever American Girl Dolls are a great way to get girls interested in history.

7) Take in some history as you explore the BeForever dolls. These classic young ladies represent the past with historic outfits and stories from their times.

For a special treat, enjoy a meal at the American Girl Cafe.

For a special treat, enjoy a meal at the American Girl Cafe.

8) Have a meal at the American Girl Cafe. Make reservations in advance for the cafe’s popular offerings (brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner) and enjoy a fun-filled meal in a fancy but not formal setting.  We went for an early dinner and the girls loved having their dolls sit alongside them in special chairs with their own mini plates and cups. The menu featured a variety of fun (and relatively healthy) options for adults and kids and the girls loved the adorable cinnamon rolls, fruit kebobs and flower pot dessert. There were birthday cakes and singing all around making it even more festive and definitely a great spot for a celebration.

Have you visited American Girl Place? Who is your favorite doll?

signature

Thanks to American Girl for providing us with the 2017 American Girl Doll of the Year. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

1 CommentFiled Under: Just for Fun, Just for Girls, New York, playtime, Shopping, Toys, Travel, United States, Where To Go Tagged With: American Girl, American Girl Cafe, American Girl Place, Doll of the Year, dolls, Mommy and Me, New York City, shopping in nyc

My Favorite Back-to-School …

August 2, 2016 By admin

Tis the season for back-to-school shopping so I’m here to share some of my favorite picks. These items are perfect for back-to-school supplies but can also be used on while vacationing (win, win) so be sure to stock up.

My Favorite Back-to-School Supplies for Globetrotting Kids

My Favorite Back-to-School Supplies for Globetrotting Kids

DIY Patch Designs – Kids love to personalize their items and when I saw these colorful stick-on-patches from Easy Peasy Patches, I knew my daughter would love them. Kids can use them on clothes, hats, backpacks, school supplies, water bottles, lockers and really anything they want to customize since they are dishwasher and washing machine safe. They come in various shapes and designs and you can even go old school and use them to cover ripped knees.

Keep Valuables Safe at School – As kids start to bring more valuable items to school like phones and tablets, its always a good idea to keep them safe while unattended. Master Lock has some easy-to-use and affordable options for kids of all ages. Younger kids will love these colorful combination locks for backpacks while older kids can use a portable laptop safe on travels or in their dorms. These items are also handy when traveling or visiting water parks.

My Favorite Back-to-School Supplies for Globetrotting Kids - Back-to-School Snack Ideas

My Favorite Back-to-School Supplies for Globetrotting Kids – Back-to-School Snack Ideas

Tasty Snacks – For weekday lunch boxes or a road trip snack stash, tasty snacks are a must-have. I hate sticky fingers so I try to serve snacks that are as mess-free as possible like pretzels, snack bars, nuts, fruit (dried or whole), etc. Individually wrapped snacks and pouches are especially great for travel and classroom snacks – try brands like Ella’s Kitchen, GoGo Squeez and Earth’s Best (their new frozen fruit cups thaw in lunch boxes!) for young kids. Some of my go-to ideas for healthy options include Good Health Snacks (think veggie straws, pretzels and chips), fruit-kebabs (made with straws not skewers), yogurt and most anything from Trader Joe’s snack aisle (especially seaweed, tortilla chips, crackers, nuts and dried fruit). For more substantial snacks (think after school or traveling), protein bars like Cliff, Luna or Luckybars (especially created for picky eaters) and New Zealand Jerky are all easy-to-pack options.

Personalized labels are great for back-to-school and traveling. Globetrotting Mommy

Personalized labels are great for back-to-school supplies and traveling.

Must Have Labels – Between classes, pick-ups, after-school activities, field trips and vacations, kids have a lot of opportunities to lose their belongings. If you don’t have any more camp labels left, now is the time to stock up for fall. I love Mabel’s Labels because they are indestructible, stylish and super easy to use. This year they’ve got some new designs like zombies and emojis plus a customizable keepsake school memory book.

Bento style lunch boxes are great for school and travel. Bentology, back-to-school, nalgene, globetrotting mommy

Bento style lunch boxes are great for school and travel.

Bento Style Lunch Boxes – Kids are very particular about their meals and if you’ve got a picky eater, a Bento Box lunch with separated compartments is sure to please. I love the adorable Bentology Bento Lunch Kit that come with an insulated bag, large outer container, five bento box containers and a fork and spoon set. The slim exterior bag has pockets and a secret side bottle holder. Since my daughter complained last year because her water was inside her lunch box (making it hard to get out for snack time…) this will be a sure winner. A nice option for traveling or larger lunches is the Lunchbox Buddy from Nalgene featuring a soft Neoprene sleeve that folds around the hard case lunch box. An ice pack can be used to create separate sized compartments for food items and drinks making it very versatile. Best of all, the box top doubles as a plate so kids have a clean place to eat. I like that both of these options feature plastic outer containers which are easy to clean and quick to dry for every day use.

Leak Proof Water Bottles – School kids need water all the time (think school, activities, field trips, etc.) and one big requirement for me is a leak-proof bottle because there is nothing worse than cleaning out a soggy backpack or purse. Some of my favorites include Contigo’s Addison, Nalgene’s On The Fly, and the rectangular Drink in the Box.

Yoobi's colorful back-to-school supplies are perfect for home, school and travels. Globetrotting Mommy, Back-to-school

Yoobi’s colorful back-to-school supplies are perfect for home, school and travels.

Fun School Supplies – My daughter’s school sends around a list of back-to-school supplies every student needs to bring in on the first day for the class to share throughout the year. When they don’t specify a brand, I love sending in colorful supplies like Yoobi. With every purchase, Yoobi donates school supplies to a local U.S. classroom in need, which is really a win. The playful designs and awesome accessories are so fun and I especially love Yoobi x i am OTHER journals (presented by Pharrell Williams) which are the perfect size for school or vacation.

WallPops Maps are a favporite for Back-to-School shopping.

WallPops Maps are a favporite for Back-to-School shopping.

Removable Wall Decor – Since kids love maps, I recently added this dry erase Wallpops! Kids USA Map to my daughter’s room. She loves to point out the fun places she’s visited like Charleston, Disney World, Boston, etc. and its a great way for her to learn the states (and Capitals). I also love these dry erase calendar message boards and this cute notepad calendar which are great for students of all ages, especially teens heading off to college.

Have you done your back-to-school shopping yet? I’m starting mine this week…

signature

I received some of these items as samples from Blogger Bash, Momtrends and KidzVuz events. This post contains a few 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!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

1 CommentFiled Under: Cool for School, Decor, Don't travel without, Food and Drink, Just for Boys, Just for Girls, Just for Kids, Maps, Packing, Products I love, Shopping, Travel Tagged With: back-to-school, journal, labels, locker, lunchbox, map, school, School Supplies, snacks, supplies, water bottle

Vacation or Staycation: The …

July 12, 2016 By admin

If you’ve got a picky little fashionista in your house, read on for my picks for the Best Summer Clothes for Girls at home and on vacation.

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls.

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls.

When my daughter turned three, she started to choose her own outfits, shoes and accessories. Some matched and others didn’t but I loved seeing her creative juices flow as she would carefully coordinate each item. Over the last few years, I noticed that some items were worn over and over while others were just taken out on occasion or never at all. She’s gone through a dress phase, legging moment and gym look but the one consistent factor in her outfits is always comfort.

If you’re looking for some comfortable yet stylish (and affordable), summer clothes for girls, here are some of our favorites…

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls. Stock up on summer favorites with kidpik Basics. Fashion, girls clothes, Summer, mini fashionista, globetrotting mommy

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls. Stock up on summer favorites with kidpik Basics.

Stock up on summer favorites with kidpik Basics

You know when you find something you really love and buy it in every color? Kidpik has simplified shopping with a new kidpik Basics website that sorts items by color and styles. We went to check out the colorful styles at the NYC launch party and they were so cute and stylish. Is your daughter just into purple this summer? Just click on purple and she can easily pick out her summer favorites. Did your daughter fall in love with an item in her kidpik subcription box? Here’s your chance to order more of that same item in a selection of colors. I love that the styles range from casual to dressy so you can mix and match the pieces and create several different looks. With prices starting at $6.50, you can buy an entire summer wardrobe and still have money left for a summer getaway.  Win, win!

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls. Stock up on casual and cute summer dresses from H&M. Kids Fashion, Globetrotting Mommy

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls. Stock up on casual and cute summer dresses from H&M.

Casual and cute summer dresses from H&M

Every NYC girl I know has a few of these cotton dresses in her closet. At just $5 each, you can let your daughter choose her favorite patterns without breaking the bank or worrying about getting messy. From classic patterns to quirky designs (shop in store for the best selections), these sleeveless jersey dresses are just perfect at home and on vacation. Dress them up with strappy sandals or down with flip flops and you’re ready for any amusement park, museum visit, alfresco lunch, summer BBQ or other adventure.

 Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls. Sporty styles from Old Navy are great for home and away. Kids Fashion, Clothes for Girls, Travel, Staycation, Fashion

Vacation or Staycation: The Best Summer Clothes for Girls. Sporty styles from Old Navy are great for home and away.

Sporty styles from Old Navy Active

If you haven’t already heard, kids of all ages are jumping on the “athleisure” bandwagon. These comfy gym inspired outfits are perfect choices for summer camp, yoga classes, sightseeing and beach walks. A lot of stores offer this type of clothing but I really love the affordable and colorful options from Old Navy Active. These styles are perfect for travel when kids want to be comfortable on a long plane or car ride and the matchy-matchy looks are super easy for kids to coordinate when packing on their own.

If you’re still looking for summer shoes, be sure to check out my choices for Best Summer Shoes for Kids story.

What are your favorite summer styles for girls?  Tell me below in the comments.

signature

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

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

1 CommentFiled Under: Fashion, Just for Girls, Products I love, Shopping, Summer Travel Tagged With: Best Summer Clothes, comfortable clothes, dresses, fashion, girls, H&M, kidpik, Kids Fashion, Old Navy

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, Best Shoes for Kids,

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. Stride Rite, Water Shoes for kids, best Kids sneakers

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. Kids Shoes, Travel, Family Travel, Sandals, Salt Water Sandals

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, Kids Shoes, Best Shoes for Kids.

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.

 

signature

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!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

3 CommentsFiled Under: Cool for School, Design, Don't travel without, Fashion, Just for Boys, Just for Girls, playtime, Products I love, reviews, Shoes, Shopping, Summer Travel, Travel Tagged With: Butler Overboots, Footwear, Keen, Kids Fashion, Phibian, Salt Water, Sandals, shoes, Sneakers, Staycation, Stride Rite, summer travel, Travel, UNEEK

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes …

April 20, 2016 By admin

Do you have a picky little fashionista in your house? If so, this post about the new Kidpik subscription box is for you! Living in NYC, families get so many things delivered in a box (from groceries to shoes) because online shopping is typically easier, faster and much less complicated than venturing out to a store with kids in tow. When I heard that a new subscription clothing box was launching for girls (size 4-14!) just in time for our spring and summer travels, I immediately wanted in.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

My 6-year old has become super opinionated about her clothes and preferences seem to change on a weekly basis so we were both super excited to sign up for a Kidpik subscription box. The site was very easy to navigate and my daughter loved being able to select her own preferences. Kids plug in details about their location, clothing likes and dislikes, favorite patterns and colors.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

This was my daughter’s first time setting up an account for a website and she felt so grown up getting to make her own password and select her fashion preferences. It was so fun watching her carefully make her selections even though some made me cringe (imagine lime, pink and mint tie-dye maxi skirts!). Kids can specify if they don’t wear specific items, select details like skirt lengths and vote on how much sparkle they like or don’t like. The final step was selecting favorite outfits from a selection of photos and choosing favorite places to shop.

The custom styled boxes typically include five to seven items like tops, bottoms, dresses, layering pieces, shoes and accessories that make multiple mix and match outfits. Shipping and returns are free so there really isn’t much to risk. You can also exchange sizes and return or donate items you don’t love which is a nice perk.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas, Kids Fashion,

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

The box arrived and it was a hit! Girls fashion has sure come a long way since the Garanimals I used to wear. The items included two fun sparkly t-shirts, a stylish top featuring a colorful pineapple, a black and white striped maxi skirt, yellow skinny jeans, a white jean jacket, adorable mary-jane sneakers (in a nice travel tote), iron on patches and a glittery headband. Everything was super cute, age-appropriate, high-quality and most important…comfortable.

We have trips to Florida and the Caribbean coming up so I know this white jean jacket and the white sneakers will get a lot of wear.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas, Kids Fashion

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

Initially, my daughter was not thrilled with the yellow jeans because she thought all jeans were blue but once she tried them on she changed her mind.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

The items are meant to be mixed and matched together but they will also coordinate nicely with items you already own.

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas, Kids Fashion

New Kidpik Subscription Boxes for Globetrotting Fashionistas

Here’s the best part…if you keep all items, the discounted price is approximately $75 per box or $12.50 per item!  Fun fashion styles, high quality goods and affordable pricing means we will be back for another box.

Watch this video below to see the live unboxing.

30% Off Your Purchase + Free Shipping and Styling When You Sign Up for kidpik!

Have you ever tried a subscription box service? Tell me in the comments below.

signature

Thanks to Kidpik for providing me with the subscription box to review. As always, all opinions are my own (or in this case, my daughter’s). If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

5 CommentsFiled Under: Fashion, Just for Girls, Products I love, reviews, Shopping Tagged With: fashion, girls, Girls clothing, kids, subscription box

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Hi, I’m Lyla! I’ve been globetrotting with my husband, daughter, extended family, and girlfriends for years. I share travel tips, destination guides, and adventures that inspire women 40+ to explore the world. Globetrotting Mommy — and beyond!

Subscribe & Follow

Subscribe to blog via Email

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Grab a Button!

Globetrotting Mommy

Globetrotting Mommy’s Gift Guide

https://www.amazon.com/shop/globetrottingmommy

Archives

  • January 2026
  • November 2022
  • January 2022
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • October 2012

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Girls’ Weekend in Charleston
  • Girlfriend Getaway to Guatemala
  • Great Holiday Gifts For Little Kids
  • The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Tweens and Teens
  • 5 Awesome Things to do in NYC with Kids

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Recent Comments

  • Shannon Riggle on Somebody Come and Play! Checking out the Sesame Street Exhibit at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in Lincoln Center
  • 7 Tips for Surviving Lines at Disney with Little Kids – Bambini Travel on 11 Best Things to do at Disney World
  • Sakuya on Globetrotting Mommy’s Holiday Gift Guide – Best Toys for Kids
  • Frank Carnevalino on How to Win Hamilton Lottery Tickets
  • Sarah Samith on The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Tweens and Teens

Copyright © 2026 Globetrotting Mommy · Design By: Creative Kristi Designs · Log in