Globetrotting Mommy

From Family Adventures to Girlfriend Getaways

Mother’s Day Gift Guide …

By

Mother’s day is coming up (May 11 in the United States) so don’t wait till the last minute to get your mom (or wife) a great Mother’s Day present.  Of course the best gifts are handmade so have your kiddo make a card or necklace to go along with one of these picks from my Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

Mother's Day Gift Guide, Globetrotting Mommy, Gifts for Moms, Mother's Day, Gift guide

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

For the spa loving mom:

Globetrotting Mommy, Spa Finder, Teleflora, Mother's Day Gift Guide, Mother's Day Flowers, Mother's Day Spa Treatments, Mothers Day Gift Guide 2014

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

Teleflora and SpaFinder Wellness have teamed up to offer beautiful mother’s day floral gift combos that include a SpaFinder gift card ($25, $50 or $100) so mom can choose from an array of spa services, beauty treatments or other premier wellness offerings available at any SpaFinder partner location worldwide.  Such a perfect choice for the mom who loves flowers and pampering spa treatments.

For the mom who loves pictures:

Mother's Day Gift Guide, Globetrotting Mommy, Gifts for Moms, Mother's Day Gifts

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

I know they’re time consuming to make but there are few gifts moms enjoy more than a custom-made photo book.  Grab your computer and design your own keepsake photo book of your last family vacation or photos of you and your mom. I guarantee she’ll love it.  Shutterfly has a great selection of travel themed styles including more than 30 designs.

For the mom who loves to travel with her daughter:

Mother's Day Gift Guide, Globetrotting Mommy, Gifts for Mom

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

I just finished reading We’ll Always Have Paris: A Mother/Daughter Memoir, a great memoir about a mom who travels around Europe each summer with her daughter.   If you’ve ever taken a getaway with your mom, you’ll both love reading this book. Read Jennifer Coburn’s guest post here.

For the jewelry loving mom:

Mother's Day Gift Guide, Gifts for Mom, Globetrotting Mommy

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

These little mother and daughter necklaces are so adorable.  There are also cute mother and son necklace and key chain combos because boys like presents too.

For the mom who loves to explore the world:

Mother's Day Gift Guide, Globetrotting Mommy, Vintage Postcards

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

These Cavallini Vintage Maps Postcards feature 18 assorted vintage map postcards packaged in a cute tin.

For the mom who loves her kitchen:

Mother's Day Gift Guide, Globetrotting Mommy, Gifts for Mom

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

This Bloom Flower Utensil Set is super cute and useful.

For the mom who adores bath time:
Mother's Day Gift Guide, Globetrotting Mommy, Gifts for Mom

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

From the majestic pine covered cliffs of the En-Vau Calanque to a swim in the azure sea below, few afternoons can rival a day spent in the Calanques. Hook mom up with this Calanques Marine Sur La Route Soap and a glass of perfectly chilled white from Chateau de Fontcreuse and she’ll be in heaven.  Just make sure to leave her alone for an hour or two.

 

For the mom who dreams of a Paris getaway:

Globetrotting Mommy, Mother's Day, Gift Guide, Gifts for mom

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

Why not surprise your mom with tickets for a Parisian spring getaway! Not in the cards this year, these adorable Paris themed cookies may be the next best thing to springtime in Paris.

For the Jet Setter mom:

Jonathan Adler and Tumi have teamed up to offer an array of fun and stylish luggage.  I think any jet setting mom would love this Super Leger International Wheeled Satchel.

Mother's Day Gift Guide, Globetrotting Mommy, Great Gifts for Moms

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

Bon voyage!

signature

Picture Perfect Personalized …

By

Personalized baby quilts make awesome baby gifts and I’m loving these handmade map quilts by artist Emily Fischer.  They’re available in a choice of 11 US cities as well as Paris and you can have up to three locations (birth hospital, home, favorite park, landmarks, etc.) hand embroidered on the map as well as the baby’s name and birthday.

Personalized Baby Quilts, Map Quilt, Baby Quilt, Baby Gifts, Globetrotting Mommy, Personalized baby gifts

Picture Perfect Personalized Baby Quilts for Globetrotting Babes

The hand-knotted quilts are made of natural cotton and 100%cotton batting.  Cotton loops are stitched to the binding so it can double as a wall hanging when the child is older.

I think these would be a very special keepsake for a baby’s nursery and an amazing baby shower gift (they can send a gift card and parents can have the personalization done once the child is born).

signature

Best Baby Present under $20 …

By

If you’ve got a new babe in your life, I’ve got a suggestion for the best baby present under $20!  Little Sapling Toys wooden teethers are great for babies to chew and grasp and I’m loving their states collection featuring handcrafted teethers in the shapes of almost all 50 states!  They are a total score at $12 each and a gift for the environment too as Little Sapling Toys plants a tree through Trees for the Future for every toy sold!  Win, win.
Best Baby Present, Baby present under $20, Under $20 baby gift, Globetrotting Mommy

Globetrotting Mommy: Best Baby Present under $20 for Globetrotting Babes

Made from Hard Rock Maple, a non-splintering wood, these teethers are naturally anti-bacterial, non-allergenic, and non-toxic. 
They vary in size but most are about 3″x3″ and they are all sanded satin smooth with no exterior finish.  Choose the state where the babe was born or the hometown or college states of the child’s parents.  Best of all, they can be engraved with the baby’s name so you never have to worry about walking off with the wrong toy at a play date.

 

Safe for all ages, the wooden teether arrives ready for gifting in a cotton drawstring carrying pouch with a tag that includes the wood used, a bit about Little Sapling Toys’ family business and care instructions.

They’d be a great baby shower gift and fun to use to decorate a baby’s nursery too.

signature

Family Fun Magazine Announces …

By

Wondering where to plan that family vacation now that spring has finally sprung?  FamilyFun magazine asked families to rank the best family travel destinations for their annual travel awards and the 60 winners have just been announced.

Family Fun Magazine, Travel Awards, Family Travel, Travel, Globetrotting Mommy,

Globetrotting Mommy: Family Fun Magazine Announces Travel Awards Winners

From Florida amusement parks, Midwest zoos and New York museums, family friendly locations across the country were selected as the top spots by region.  The list of regional winners is below.  I’ve been to all spots in the Northeast and some in every other region except the Midwest.  Looks like I’ve got some exploring to do.

Family Fun Magazine, Travel Awards, Family Travel, Travel, Globetrotting Mommy,

Globetrotting Mommy: Family Fun Magazine Announces Travel Awards Winners

 

Top Destinations by Region

Northeast

1. The Strong, NY

2. Hershey Park, PA

3. Bronx Zoo, NY

4. Acadia National Park, ME

5. New York, NY

West

1. Disneyland Park, CA

2. Disney California Adventure

3. Yellowstone National Park, WY, MT, & ID

4. Yosemite National Park, CA

5. Sea World, San Diego, CA

South

1. Magic Kingdom Park, FL

2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure, FL

3. Orlando, FL

4. Universal Studios Florida

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, FL

Midwest

1. Cedar Point Amusement Park, OH

2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD

3. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, NE

4. Toledo Zoo, OH

5. Brookfield Zoo, IL

What area do you think is the “Most Fun Region” for family getaways?  Visit facebook.com/FamilyFun to cast your vote.

signature

Family Friendly Spring Break …

By

Its not too late to escape for a family friendly spring break getaway. Here are my top five picks for Easter vacations the whole family will love.

Spring Break, Family Easter Getaways, Travel, Easter, Spring Break

Easter activities await families at Waldorf Astoria’s Boca Raton Resort

1) Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Easter themed fun in Florida awaits with the Mad Hatter’s Silly Spring Party with bounce houses, carnival games, “Bunny Hop” sack races, face painting, balloon artists and live music.  Guests will also enjoy a 10,000 Easter egg hunt on the resorts golf course, Easter Bunny appearances and an extensive Easter Bunny Brunch Buffet.

2) El Capitan Canyon – This luxury camping resort is nestled in the Santa Ynex Valley in Santa Barbara, California where native Californian Jackrabbit or Cottontail Hare are often spotted. Families can enjoy a special Easter brunch buffet featuring El Capitan’s very own Easter Bunny, a 3,000 egg hunt for kids and a wine tasting event for parents.

3) El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village – Located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, these luxe Waldorf Astoria Resorts are featuring an array of Easter events for kids of all ages.  Activities include photo ops with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, egg decorating, multiple egg hunts (think underwater, traditional or in the dark), face painting, Easter themed spa treatments (Honey Bunny spa facials and My Chick-A-Dee reflexology foot massages!) and more.  Parents can enjoy an aged rum tour, mojito and ceviche making classes and a wines around the world tasting.

4) Grand Lucayan – This Grand Bahama Island hotspot is offering a slew of Easter activities and meals as well as Spring Fever rates starting at $125 per night.  Kids can enjoy Easter egg hunts, sand castle building, scavenger hunts, movie nights and family relay races while parents receive discounted spa services and golf fees.

5) Harbor View Hotel – Martha’s Vineyard is gorgeous in springtime and Harbor View Hotel is offering Easter activities including Sunday brunch at the hotel’s signature Water Street restaurant and an Easter egg hunt on Lighthouse Beach and Harbor View’s grounds.  Special 50 percent off rates are available for the cottage suites.  Call the hotel directly at (800) 225-6005 to book.

Have a great weekend…

signature

Globetrotting Spring Fashion …

By

I love finding unique fashion accessories for my daughter and when they’re inspired by different cultures and affordable, that’s even better.  When I spotted the colorful Peppercorn Kids booth at the recent ENK Children’s Club, I had to take a peek.

Spring fashion, accessories, boho chic, california girl, Peppercorn kids, kids fashion, Globetrotting Mommy, kids accessories

Globetrotting Spring Fashion Accessories: Boho Chic meets California Girl at Peppercorn Kids

The girls accessories were so cute and on trend with a fun mix of colorful beaded rope bracelets, beaded cloth covered necklaces and globally inspired headbands, scarfs and head wraps.  I especially loved the adorable hand painted Babushka baby doll necklace on an adjustable suede cord.  How cute does miss G look wearing it?

Spring Fashion, Accessories, Boho Chic, California Girl, Peppercorn Kids, Kids Fashion, Globetrotting Mommy

Globetrotting Spring Fashion Accessories: Boho Chic meets California Girl at Peppercorn Kids

Little girls will adore the cute patchwork animal purses and backpack charms and glittery belts.

If you’re looking for some unique children’s accessories that won’t break the bank, Peppercorn Kids will not disappoint.

signature

I was not compensated for this post but I did receive a necklace for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Spotlight on the Wild Wild …

By

Move over Mary Jane socks, the hot new fashion must have for baby girls is cowgirl boot tights from Bootzies.

Cowboy boots, baby, tights, Bootzies, kids fashion, baby accessories, fashion must have

Spotlight on the Wild Wild West: Fashion must have accessory for Baby Girls

These one-of-a-kind tights feature white or pastel cotton legs and an adorable cowboy boot design available in multiple colors and patterns.  They are available in sizes 0-6 months, 6-18 months which is exactly when those chubby baby legs are at their cutest and 2-4 years.

Cowboy boots, tights, baby fashion, kids fashion, wild west, fashion must have

Spotlight on the Wild Wild West: Fashion must have for Baby Girls

cowboy boots

I think the red and brown would be the cutest with a little denim dress but the animal print styles are great for those fashion forward babes. They’re a nice compliment to the western-inspired fall fashions I’ve been seeing on the runways.  They’re a great baby shower gift too.

Bon voyage…

signature

Spotlight on NYC: Tours for …

By

New York City kids are exposed to a lot of amazing cultural experiences and its great how many of the top NYC museums cater to their tiniest visitors.  If you’ve got a 4-year old, you’ve got to check out the Museum of Modern Art’s (MOMA) complimentary Tours for 4’s weekend family gallery talks.

MOMA, NYC, Art Museum, Tours for 4s, Globetrotting Mommy

Globetrotting Mommy: Spotlight on NYC: Tours for 4s at MOMA

Tickets are distributed at 10 am on a first-come, first-served basis so arrive on time.  Participants are given tokens to check coats in lockers which is a nice touch.  We visited in February for the Breaking the Mold: Materials and Techniques gallery talk and our group had about 10 kids and their parents.  Our tour guide Shannon reviewed the rules for visiting the museum and we were on our way.  We stopped at a few exhibits and the kids were asked for their thoughts along the way as the guide explained about the artwork and artists like Isa Genzken.  My daughter’s favorite part was the age appropriate art projects they got to do on the floor involving designs and textures.  The tour lasts about an hour and then you are free to explore on your own.  Be sure to check out the Moma Art Lab where you can play, read, experiment and create your own stop-animation movies.

MOMA, NYC, Art Museum, Tours for 4s, Globetrotting Mommy

Globetrotting Mommy: Spotlight on NYC: Tours for 4s at MOMA

Upcoming weekend themes for the Tours for 4s program include:

March – Shape Shifting

April – Faces and Figures:  People and Portraits

May – From Furry to Feathered:  Animals in Art

If your kids are older, check out the MOMA’s A Closer Look for Kids and Tours for Tweens programs.

If you’ll be visiting NYC with kids this spring or summer, these programs would be a nice addition to your itinerary.  The MOMA is centrally located near a lot of family friendly attractions and kid-friendly stores including Central Park, Rockefeller Center, FAO Schwartz, LEGO Store, American Girl Store and the Eloise Shop at the Plaza.

signature

Fun Food Friday: Celebrate …

By

Irish Coffee is one of Irelands most famous drinks and one of the best Irish Coffee spots in the US is San Francisco’s famed Buena Vista.  According to the bar’s history, in the early 1950’s, the combined efforts of the former owner, a travel writer and the mayor of San Francisco, a dairy owner, resulted in the successful re-creation of the Irish original.

Irish Coffee, St. Patrick's Day, San Francisco, Buena Vista

Fun Food Friday: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with San Francisco’s Buena Vista Irish Coffee

(photo credit)

If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by.  If not, why not recreate the famous recipe at home.

Irish Coffee

• Fill a glass with very hot water to preheat, then empty.

• Fill three-quarters of the glass with hot coffee and drop in 2 sugar cubes.

• Stir until sugar is dissolved.

• Add a jigger of Irish Whiskey (1.5 oz.)

• Top with a collar of 2 oz. whipped heavy cream by pouring it over the back of a spoon.

• Enjoy while piping hot

Have a great weekend!

signature

Spotlight on New Orleans: …

By

Looking for a kid-friendly activity to celebrates Marti Gras at home? Fat Tuesday is tomorrow and while my daughter is too young to enjoy the debauchery of Marti Gras in New Orleans, she’s just the right age for making beaded necklaces out of candy! Here’s a tutorial to make your own New Orleans inspired candy necklace to get you in the celebratory mood.

Globetrotting Mommy, Candy Necklace, New Orleans, Marti Gras, Travel, DIY, DIY Jewelry, Jewelry, Kids Crafts, Kids Birthday, Party Favor Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Grab some string or ribbon, scissors and edible treats with holes in the center to string and you’re good to go. Twizzlers, Life Savers, gummy circles, Cheerios and Fruit Loops are ideal for this project. Kids can design a pattern, create monotone creations or just pick and choose as they go. This is a great project for kids of all ages but younger kids might need some help with stringing.

Globetrotting Mommy, Candy Necklace, New Orleans, Marti Gras, Travel, DIY, DIY Jewelry, Jewelry, Kids Crafts, Kids Birthday, Party Favor Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Cut the string and tie a candy at one end with a knot. Add candy and cereal until you’ve perfected the design and length. Knot the ends and slip it over your heads.

Globetrotting Mommy, Candy Necklace, New Orleans, Marti Gras, Travel, DIY, DIY Jewelry, Jewelry, Kids Crafts, Kids Birthday, Party Favor Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Globetrotting Mommy - Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Globetrotting Mommy, Candy Necklace, New Orleans, Marti Gras, Travel, DIY, DIY Jewelry, Jewelry, Kids Crafts, Kids Birthday, Party Favor Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Globetrotting Mommy, Candy Necklace, New Orleans, Marti Gras, Travel, DIY, DIY Jewelry, Jewelry, Kids Crafts, Kids Birthday, Party Favor Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Globetrotting Mommy, Candy Necklace, New Orleans, Marti Gras, Travel, DIY, DIY Jewelry, Jewelry, Kids Crafts, Kids Birthday, Party Favor Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Globetrotting Mommy, Candy Necklace, New Orleans, Marti Gras, Travel, DIY, DIY Jewelry, Jewelry, Kids Crafts, Kids Birthday, Party Favor Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Globetrotting Mommy, Candy Necklace, New Orleans, Marti Gras, Travel, DIY, DIY Jewelry, Jewelry, Kids Crafts, Kids Birthday, Party Favor Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

This would be a fun birthday party activity especially if you color coordinated the candy to match your theme.

Traveling to Nola? Check out my favorite New Orleans restaurants for families.

Recent Posts

Meta

Recent Comments