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Road Trips With Kids – 6 …

November 18, 2016 By admin

‘Tis the season for holiday road trips so today I’m sharing some of my favorite must haves for road trips with kids.

Road Trips With Kids – 6 Must Haves

I’m hungry…

No matter how long or short the ride, you know kids will want a drink or snack within 30 minutes of leaving home. Be sure to pack everything in spill-proof containers like Drink in the Box and Snack in the Box or prepare to spend some time with your trusty dustbuster. For snacks, squeezy pouches and individually wrapped snack bars are great options along with fresh fruit and non-crumbly snacks like nuts and cheese sticks.

Road tripping with kids - be sure to bring entertainment for the whole gang. Family Travel. Globetrotting Mommy

Road trips with kids – be sure to bring entertainment for the whole gang.

I’m bored…

Do you hate hearing this as much as I do? Prepare for trips by bringing along age appropriate entertainment for kids (and grown ups too). For tiny tots, audible CDs like Curious George and soft toys are great. For small kids, hand held toys like this adorable Rubik’s Junior Bear are great options. For school age children, I recommend Mad Libs, Highlights Magazines or other activity books, large print books, tablets like the Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet which comes in its own kid-proof case and gaming devices like the Nintendo 3DS which will keep kids quietly entertained for hours! It is always fun to play family friendly games along the way so bring along some cards and travel friendly games to play in the back seat like Hangman and Twizmo! Words.

I made a mess…

Wipes and ziplocs are a parent’s best friends so bring lots and lots. Be sure to pack some extra outfits and if your kids get carsick, be sure they have a few bags or a sturdy container nearby.

Roadtripping with kids. The mifold Grab and Go will easily let you fit three kids along in the backseat.

Road trips with kids. The mifold Grab and Go will easily let you fit three kids along in the backseat.

I want my friends to come…

Road tripping with friends? I just tested out the new mifold Grab and Go Booster Seat and I was amazed how easy it was to use. Simply place it on the seat, adjust the sides according to the child’s size (age 4 to 12), slide the seatbelt strap thru the base and over the lap and secure the shoulder strap at the child’s shoulder. Sounds involved but it takes less than a minute. Best of all, it folds in half making it super easy to throw in a tote for taxi rides, carpools or traveling.

I have to go to the bathroom…

Even though my daughter has been potty trained for years, I still keep a 2-in-1 Potette Plus portable potty in my car (along with the insert bags and the aforementioned wipes). You never know how long it can be to the next rest stop so better safe than sorry.

Road trips with Kids – Be sure to bring along some favorite tunes.

I don’t like that song…

I’m not sure what’s more tolerable, listening to kids’ whining or kids’ music. I know my daughter is definitely happy when her favorite tunes are playing in the car so I highly recommend bringing along some kid-friendly music. For tots, this means Elmo (sorry!) and Laurie Berkner types. For older kids, you can’t go wrong with some Kidz Bop (33 albums can’t be wrong), Space Pop Girls or soundtracks to their favorite movies or shows.

I received some of these items for review purposes but 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!

Spotlight on Ireland: The …

March 17, 2016 By admin

In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, I’m talking about The Irish Fairy Door, one of Ireland’s most family friendly traditions that just recently launched here in America. Read on to learn more and find out how you can win your very own.

Spotlight on Ireland: The Irish Fairy Door and Giveaway

I am always intrigued by cultural traditions around the world so when The Irish Fairy Door Company invited me to their New York City launch party I quickly said, “Yes.” As we munched on Irish fare, I learned that Irish Fairy Doors are all the rage with kids in Ireland and England where they encourage kids to let their imaginations run wild as they leave notes and pictures for each other and decorate their surroundings.

Spotlight on Ireland: The Irish Fairy Door and Giveaway

Each Irish Fairy Door set contains a beautifully crafted wooden door (in varying colors and styles), a Fairy Welcome Guide, a Family/Fairy Lease Agreement, a fairy notepad, a tiny glass bottle with a key and a special code to register your fairy’s name online. The welcome guide explains how everything works. You basically decide on a spot for the door, choose your fairy name and sign the lease agreement. This humorous agreement gives kids a nice sense of easy-to-handle responsibility (who is in charge of food, laundry, decor, etc.) as it outlines who is responsible for what. Since my daughter has been asking for a pet, I couldn’t wait to see how she would handle her fairy responsibilities…

Spotlight on Ireland: The Irish Fairy Door and Giveaway

I positioned the door in her bedroom and waited for her to notice after school. It looked cute but I couldn’t help but wonder, would my city savvy six-year old actually believe in magical fairies. Well, she noticed it right away and started shooting off questions about fairies… We read the book together, decided on a name (Lola) and signed the contract. She went right to work drawing pictures and writing to Lola so yes, she really did believe. That night, the key disappeared and Lola arrived. Lola responded to my daughter’s note and even left some fairy dust…

Spotlight on Ireland: The Irish Fairy Door and Giveaway

I love anything that encourages free thinking and creativity but when it also encourages my daughter to practice her handwriting, I’m really sold. If you’re looking for a fun surprise for any girl or boy, this would make a great gift.

In celebration of their US launch, The Irish Fairy Door Company has partnered with The Starlight Children’s Foundation by donating Irish Fairy Doors to Starlight community partners.

Ready to win? The Irish Fairy Door Company is partnering with Globetrotting Mommy and one lucky reader will win their very own Irish Fairy Door!

To enter please leave a blog post comment below – Which door is your favorite?

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This giveaway ends at midnight EST on Friday, April 1.

Thanks to the Irish Fairy Door Company for inviting me to the NYC launch party and providing me with product to review. As always, all opinions are mine. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on Brazil: Meet Lea, …

March 8, 2016 By admin

American Girl is one of my favorite companies because they inspire girls to follow their dreams and explore the world. The 2015 American Girl doll, Grace Thomas, helped me teach my daughter about Paris and this year’s Lea Clark™, the 2016 Girl of the Year, has arrived to help us explore Brazil. Known for its spectacular beaches, lush rainforests, rich culture and exotic cuisine, Brazil is big news this year as host of the summer Olympics.

Spotlight on Brazil: Meet Lea, the 2016 American Girl Doll of the Year

Lea is an exotic beauty with olive skin, golden brown hair and hazel eyes. She comes dressed in a colorful Brazilian festival outfit with adorable strappy sandals and fun accessories including a messenger bag and a pretend compass necklace.

Spotlight on Brazil: Meet Lea, the 2016 American Girl Doll of the Year

In Lea’s signature book, Lea Dives In, she shares stories about her hobbies (including photography, hiking and travel) and inspires girls to get out and explore. Lea is a big animal lover so my daughter was drawn to her right away.

As we read about the Amazon rainforest, it was a great opportunity to pull out the map and talk about the region’s ecosystems and wildlife. We had just received a Little Passports subscription box featuring Brazil so that really helped tie it all together.

Spotlight on Brazil: Meet Lea, the 2016 American Girl Doll of the Year

Like other American Girls of the Year, Lea has a wide array of fun accessories (think swim, kayak, hiking, photography) and outfits that are sold separately. I’m secretly lusting after this Rainforest House…

Spotlight on Brazil: Meet Lea, the 2016 American Girl Doll of the Year

I love that she encourages young girls to see the world but I also love that she encourages girls to help protect animals with the Wild at Art program, a year-long fund-raising campaign in support of World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Which American Girl doll is your favorite?

Special thanks to American Girl for a providing us with Lea. As always, all opinions are my own.

If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Globetrotting Mommy’s …

December 21, 2015 By admin

Family friendly activities, vacations and books are great holiday gifts but there is nothing like watching a kid open up the most wanted toy on their wish list. Today I’m sharing my Best Toys for Kids Holiday Gift Guide.

Globetrotting Mommy’s Holiday Gift Guide – Best Toys for Kids

Best Toys for Kids – Holiday Gift Guide

1 – Shopkins anything! – I can’t write a 2015 holiday gift guide without including Shopkins since my daughter and all her friends are soooo obsessed with these little guys and their many cute playsets. If you can get your hands on Target’s Exclusive Shopkins Mystery Edition this holiday season, you’re golden.

2 – My First Weaving Loom – The crafty kids on your list will love this kid-friendly loom. My perfectionist daughter needed a bit of assistance to keep the rows even but the results were impresive. I love that it includes instructions and measured out chenille yarn to complete three projects (headband, scarf and purse). Once you master those, you can create your own projects with the sturdy wood loom and crafting tools.

3 – Monopoly Junior – This mini-me version of the classic board game is a great gift for boys and girls. In addition to the traditional version, there are also themed games including the ever-popular Frozen.

4 – Barbie Pop-Up Camper – My daughter got this as a birthday present and it was an immediate hit. Barbie is really traveling in style these days with roof-top dining, chandelier lighting, pull-out swimming pool with slide, fire pit, bathroom and more. Girls will love taking their Barbies “glamping” as they play for hours. Make sure to leave yourselves some time to put together the pieces and attach the zillions of stickers.

5 – Sara Sleepover Doll – Every little girl I know can’t wait to host or attend her first sleepover. Let your little one take this adorable plush Sara Sleepover Doll for a test-drive and you won’t have to worry about anyone going home in the middle of the night. Sara comes with comfy detachable bunny slippers and a cute teddy bear that can be stored in a velcro pocket which makes her a perfect pal to bring along on real sleepovers, vacations and summer camp.

6 – ZOOB Z-Strutz Scorpion Driller – If you’ve got a little builder, this ZOOB kit will be a hit. Kids can build a Scorpion Driller, Tunnel Driller, Vertical Driller or a Mine Cart with the enclosed pieces or make their own creations. I love how the pieces move after you put them together so kids can let their imaginations run wild.

7 – Beanie Boos – These ever popular collectibles come in a wide array of characters and sizes. I love that they are small enough to not over clutter a bedroom and they are also great for bringing on vacations. The tiny versions clip onto backpacks so your kids won’t lose them.

8 – Vicks Sweetdreams Cool Mist Humidifier (in pink or blue) – A humidifier isn’t exactly a toy but when it can project fun images onto ceilings, I think that changes everything. You can choose from starry night, sea and safari themes (each theme features three images) which can be projected with or without the humidifier running. If you’re looking for a way to combat winter dryness and keep your babes soothed as they fall asleep, this is sure to please.

9 – Scientific Explorer Tasty Science Kit – Young experimenters will love this STEM culinary science kit. The kid includes materials to make ten tasty projects including fizzy drinks, rock candy, and other sweet treats. I love that it teaches kids about flavors, taste buds and sensory cues with a little chemistry thrown in for good measure.

10 – Project Mc² Dolls – This new doll line from MGA Entertainment is all about teaching girls that Smart Is The New Cool. Each of the four adorable doll sets include a real science experiment, fun accessories and stand. We tried the volcano experiment with the Adrienne Attoms doll and it was a big hit. Click here to see…

What toys are on your kids’ wish list? Tell me below in the comments.

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

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for …

December 10, 2015 By admin

If you’re looking for some holiday gift ideas the whole family can enjoy, today is your lucky day. Below I’ve rounded up some fun family gift ideas for globetrotting families to enjoy at home and away…

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families

The Gift of Membership – If you’re looking for a gift that keeps on giving, a family membership to a favorite museum, amusement park, zoo or other cultural attraction is an awesome gift. Some museum memberships include reciprocal benefits where you can receive complimentary admission to hundreds of museums across the United States. Check out the North American Reciprocal Museum Association and the Association of Science-Technology Center’s Travel Passport Program for more details.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families

Go See a Show – Save a date and take the whole clan to see their favorite artists perform on stage. From Frozen on Ice, Peppa Pig LIVE! and the Big Apple Circus to Sesame Street and Yo Gabba Gabba shows and musical concerts, there are dozens of family favorite events going on this winter. My top picks for families include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes, Blue Man Group, Aladdin and The Lion King.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families – A Duck Tour around Boston makes a great holiday gift.

Take the Family Sightseeing – A staycation or vacation makes a great holiday gift. Give your family the gift of go with a Go City Card valid for tourist attractions in 11 cities across the US or book a family fun sightseeing tour like The Ride in New York City, a Boston Duck Tour or a Carriage Ride around Charleston.

Family Friendly Travel Books – From travel inspired coffee table classics like Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel and Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places to trip planning guides and Lonely Planet Kids Activity Books, books are a great family gift idea.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families

Culinary Gifts for All – Foodies of all ages will appreciate culinary gifts that offer tasty treats from near and far. Some ideas include the Peninsula Grill Ultimate Coconut Cake® from Charleston, South Carolina, Tessemae’s Chesapeake Mayo from Maryland, Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport, The Everyday Eatalian gift box featuring products from Italy, a Great Lakes Food Club membership from Michigan or a Try The World foodie gift box subscription.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families

Must Have Family Friendly Travel Accessories – I’m always bringing home leftovers from holiday celebrations and Igloo has a great selection of chic insulated totes (Trend, Maxcold and Stowe) that make nice holiday gifts for everyone on your list. I especially love that these bags fold up for storage and are leak-resistant making them great picks for road trips and plane rides. For junior travelers, the adorable bag tags and travel journals from Mudpuppy are sure to please. Other ideas for family friendly travel accessories include selfie sticks (I know, I know) and gift cards to make photo books showcasing your travels.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families – Family friendly games are sure to please.

On The Go Games – Family friendly games are great to bring to holiday get togethers and the classics from Hasbro (think Twister, Operation, Jenga and my all-time favorite Monopoly) are perfect options. I also love travel friendly family games like Melissa & Doug Travel Hangman, Spot It, eeBoo’s Color Go Fish Cards which are great for little hands.

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

Toys That Travel: Crayola …

November 24, 2015 By admin

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