Tag Archives: Momtrends

Momtrends Travel Event

29 Apr
Picture 4

Image from Momtrends

Although the weather is warming up a little, it’s still not that warm and my winter coat is still hanging, just in case. All I can think about is a beach, warm weather, and a nice relaxing time with my family. And after this never-ending winter, I think a vacation to a beach next winter will have to be planned. The other week I attended the Momtrends Travel event at Polarn O Pyret TriBeca.  Homeaway Vacation Rentals, TravelSort, and Polarn O Pyret  gave lots of great tips for traveling whether going away for a long weekend or a week that I will put to use when we go on our beach vacation this summer and when planning future vacations.  Below are some of the tips and suggestions that were given to help plan a budget friendly vacation.

20130429-215506.jpgHomeaway Vacation Rentals offer over 500,000 properties in 170 countries around the world. Representatives were there to discuss tips for deciding where to go and where to stay. Tips included:

  • Reclaiming your destination: Include your children in the planning process in deciding where to go.
  • Reclaiming your budget: Staying in a rental property can save you money because they have multiple bedrooms and can easily be shared. You also have a kitchen so you will not need to order room service or eat out as much. They have pet friendly properties so you won’t have to pay a sitter.

TravelSort shared tips and tricks for getting the best airfare and making the most of your points. To get the best value, book about a year in advance.  Use business cards to gain points.  The more you spend the more points you get.

Polarn O Pyret, the number 1 children’s brand in Sweden, shared packing tips for kids.

  • Making a list is important so you don’t forget anything. Before you start, check the weather and think about the attire for your destination.
  • Be prepared and pack extra clothes for accidents and a jacket or fleece if it gets cold at night.
  • Check to see if a washer/ dryer or laundry service is available where you are staying, if so you may not need to bring as much.
  • Make sure to bring sunscreen especially when traveling to foreign countries because it is very expensive.

Where will you be heading on your next vacation?

Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a gift bag for attending the event.

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Pantene PRO-V Expert Collection (GIVEAWAY)

25 Jan

Picture 7

20130123-131111.jpgLast week I attended an event with Momtrends and Pantene to celebrate the Pantene PRO-V Expert Collection. The event took place at the gorgeous MPE Penthouse. The space offered stunning views of Manhattan while attendees mingled, sipped cocktails and ate passed hors’ dourves by a blazing fire. Dr. Jeni Thomas, P&G’s Senior Scientist, was in attendance to speak about the hair aging process and the Expert Collection. She was available for questions and answers after. Below is information you may find helpful that I learned from the event:

  • The Expert Collection is more complex to address the issues of aging hair. There is more proof behind the research than with Pantene’s base collection. It was created to help hair look up to ten years younger, add bounce, and a thickening agency is used to aid the loss of thickness in hair diameter.
  • Hair ages intrinsically, starting as early as 30′s, where biological changes impact scalp oils. It also changes extrinsically, similar to UV exposure for skin.
  • The Age Defy products fight the 7 signs of aging: Breakage, Split Ends, Frizz, Unruly Grays, Lackluster Color, Thin Look, and Dryness.
  • How to prevent gray hair? Gray hair is all about biology. Blame your mother! ;) Environmental factors and smoking may also contribute to early gray hair.
  • Women with curly hair may notice that their hair is drier because the oils from the scalp have difficulty traveling down the curvy strands. Advanced Keratin Repair products are helpful to moisturize curly hair. Try the 60 Second Therapy and the Split End Fuser.

After we learned about the collection, attendees were able to get their hair done by stylists using Pantene products. There were three styles to choose from and I chose “Beach Waves” because I thought I could recreate it at home if freelance stylist, Owen, explained how he created the look. Seems a little harder than I anticipated but one tip he gave was wrap the hair around the curling iron and don’t use the clamp.

IMG_5131I am constantly on the search for hair products to keep my hair looking shiny and healthy. My hair is thick, frizzy, and has a lot of split ends. To get it straight, I have to blow dry and straighten my hair. Most products I have found that my stylist uses are at least $20 a bottle, if not more, and I get home and don’t love them. For participating in the event, I received products from the Expert Collection to test out. Right now I am using the Advanced Keratin Repair line and love it. Not only does it smell amazing, it leaves my hair looking shiny and smooth.  It is also a lot less than the products I had purchased before. My mom was visiting recently and found that it was nourishing to her aging, color treated hair.  She was also pleased by the smoothness and shine (pictured on right).

ageless beauty collectionEnter to win the Ageless Beauty Collection (pictured to the right) by:

The more times you enter, the more chances you have to win.   Giveaway ends on Friday, February 1st at 12 p.m.  Please leave a comment for every entry!

Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received products and a gift for attending the event. All opinions expressed are my own.  Any information posted was from the event.  Some photos are from Momtrends and Pantene.

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Holiday Entertaining Event With Momtrends

15 Dec

20121214-171038.jpgI don’t entertain very often. In fact hardly ever. I love the thought of having a great party but I never know where to begin when it comes to picking a theme, how to decorate or what and how much to serve. I need someone to do it for me because I have a hard time making decisions (Thank goodness for my mom and the wedding planner when I got married). My family will be coming up Christmas Day and my husband and I will be in charge of organizing decor and food! Thank goodness for the Momtrends Holiday Entertaining event I went to at The New Traditionalists gorgeous showroom!  It was so beautiful I want to redecorate my apartment with all their custom-made furniture!

20121214-171029.jpgAt the event, Elizabeth Mascali and Dawn Sandomeno of Partybluprints spoke about how to plan a party. Tips shared- find your inspiration, choose a color, keep it simple, keep in mind the vibe and don’t forget about decorating the space (chandeliers) above the table. In the image to the right, you will see an all white table set up with the Heavens as their inspiration. To get the heavenly look angel wings were added to all the glasses.  A little sparkle on the place card frames and snowflakes dangling in the chandelier above added a beautiful touch when it caught the light.  For the kids, use a mitten for utensils and use some of your favorite decorations for the table.   If you need help for your next event check out their book Plan to Party, which shares everything you need to know for entertaining from start to finish with menu ideas and grocery lists included! I may have to throw a party soon!

Picture 2With keeping it simple in mind, I was very excited to meet Loren from Sweet Loren’s. I have a holiday party this weekend I offered to bring dessert to but don’t have much time to bake. I will definitely be running to Whole Foods to get the delicious ready bake brownies and one of the cookies. There are so many yummy cookie choices; bold espresso chunk, chewy oatmeal cranberry and heavenly chocolate chunk. There is also a nutty peanut butter oatmeal cookie that was amazing but will not be baking at home because of my daughters allergy. Note that the dough is made in a faculty that contains nuts. And even though cleaned, not recommended for children with allergies (more for me). To add festive flare, Loren suggested adding sprinkles.
20121214-171102.jpgIf you don’t entertain much like myself and love going to parties, Momtrends showcased great gifts for the hostess which included rewined candles, a Dabney Lee monogrammed bottle cover and serving tray, as well as a Gaiam recycled paper frame. My favorite of the night to give as a gift or add a little fun after dinner is the game Typecrush. I became addicted after the event and it is a must for after my Christmas Day dinner.

Thank you to Momtrends and all who sponsored the event.  To see the Momtrends recap and a list of all the sponsors, click here!

Happy Entertaining or Party Going this Holiday Season!

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Girls, Get Ready to Sparkle With The Children’s Place Holiday 2012 Collection

7 Aug

Last week I attended the Momtrends preview of The Children’s Place 2012 Holiday Collection, expected to hit stores in September.  Attendees ate hors d’oeuvres, sipped on champagne, wine, or sparkling water while mingling with fellow bloggers. and learning about the fashion trends for the 2012 Holiday season.  The event got me very excited for the Holidays, even though it is August, it got me thinking about everything I love about the holidays: friends, family, parties, food, drinks and decorating cookies with the girls( I received beautifully decorated snow flake cookies for attending).

As I was putting my pictures together for this post, I realized I only took pictures of the girls collection which is full of sparkles and sequins.  My girls love to pick out their own outfits and when we shop the highlight is trying on clothes in the dressing room while putting together outfits in their very own “fashion show”.  I already know they are going to LOVE this collection and I found a few pieces I want to add to their closet. My youngest likes to look at pictures on my phone and she came across the pictures of the hats and boots and told me she wanted the pink as well as the purse, bracelets, and necklaces.

Every year I wait to the last minute for the girls Holidays.  Thank you Momtrends and The Children’s Place for giving me a head start in picking out their Holiday outfit.  Can’t wait for the collection to hit stores so I can start shopping!

Disclaimer:  I received a bag for attending the event.  This did not impact my opinions. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Braving The Streets of NYC In A Miraclesuit {Review and Giveaway}

23 Jun

Hosted by MomTrends, Miraclesuit and Wilhelmina model Roshumba Willliams

Image from MomTrends

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from MomTrends looking for mom bloggers to volunteer to wear Miraclesuits® during their event withMiraclesuits®.   I was hesitant because the e-mail said there was a possible appearance on the TODAY show. I was with my mom when I got the e-mail, told her about it and she told me I should do it.  I impulsively replied back that I would, not knowing all the details. I am usually pretty shy and it takes a glass of wine or two for me to come out of my shell, so this was a BIG challenge for me.  Once I started finding out more and more details I had thought about backing out but decided I needed that challenge.  I can now say I braved NYC on a SWELTERING HOT day in a Miraclesuit® with Wilhelmina model Roshumba Williams and eighteen other women to celebrate the first day of summer.

Prior to the event I went into the Miraclesuit® office to try on different suits to find one that fit me best for the big day.  Miraclesuit®  designer swimwear will make you Look 10 Lbs Lighter in 10 Seconds, the time it takes to slip one on. Miraclesuit® swimsuits are constructed from a proprietary blend of control fabric called Miratex. This fabric slims and slenderizes without relying on constrictive control panels or inner linings. The high concentration of Lycra spandex means that Miraclesuit’s keep their shape… and yours.(from Miraclesuit.com) I don’t usually wear a one piece and I usually do strapless but I loved the suit I ended up with.  It was comfortable and slimming, sometimes one pieces aren’t very flattering but this suit was.  I even loved the low V neck line.  I felt great in it and will definitely be wearing it again poolside with my two girls.

Sonatina Swimwear $142, similar to the style I was wearing.

At the TODAY show. Image from Miraclesuit

The Miraclesuit Celebrates Summer Event took place on Thursday, June 20 in NYC.  On the morning of the event all the women in swimsuits, myself included, met at Rockefeller center in our heels and suits.  We walked around Rockefeller Center wishing everyone a happy first day of summer and passed out flyers about the promo for free shipping all day.  After we headed into the NBC store to be in the audience of the questions asked during the panel of “Guys Tell All” (click and watch video to see if you can find Miraclesuit® women) during Kathie Lee and Hoda on the TODAY show.  After taking over Rockefeller Center we joined Roshumba Williams and fellow bloggers on a NYC double-decker sightseeing bus and made stops around Manhattan handing out Miraclesuit Giveaway Bags. In about 100 bags there were “golden tickets”, redeemable for a FREE Miraclesuit® valued at $150.  Despite the heat, everyone was energetic and pumped to celebrate the start of “summer in the city”.

Giveaway Bags- Image from MomTrends

If you didn’t  make it to one of the stops, you still have the chance to win a Miraclesuit® for a “sexy summer”.  Miraclesuit® is providing me with a swimsuit to give to ONE reader/ follower.  All entries must be recieved before 6pm on Tuesday, June 26th. To enter:

Leave me a comment telling me your favorite Miraclesuit® style (comment for every entry you do)
“Like” Miraclesuit on facebook

“Follow” Miraclesuit on twitter

“Like” Tastefully Childish on facebook

“Follow” @TastefulyChldsh on twitter

Disclaimer: I received compensation and a swimsuit for myself and for a giveaway for participating in the event.  They did not alter my opinions.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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MomTrends at Exhale Spa Meatpacking

24 Apr

Image from exhalespa.com

Last week I attended the MomTrends Living in Style Event at Exhale Spa Meatpacking.  The morning started with a choice of a spa treatment: a polish change with Scotch Naturals, a massage, a skin consultation, or ear seeds from Exhale Spa.  I decided to try the ear seeds since I had never heard about them before.  Ear seeds are an acupuncture therapy in which a hard seed(s) are taped to different pressure points in your ear to help relieve stress.  Seeds can last up to 2 weeks, mine is still there a week later.  I am not sure if it is helping me relieve stress though.  I only had one seed placed in and with both girls going through difficult stages in the toddler years, I think I may have needed a few more put in.  Not sure if I would go back for more seeds but I would love to go back to try other acupuncture therapies or the acupuncture massage.

Ear Seed

After therapies, delicious wraps were provided by The Fresh Diet and dessert from Keep It Sweet. While eating I listened to presentations from sponsors: Stokke, Belabumbum, Exhale Spa, and Jill Vegas and was able to check out their products.  Did you know that parents send their kids to college with their STOKKE Trip Trap Highchair to be used as their desk chair?  Such a great idea that I will do with my girls.  I have so many friends who are new moms and have needed ideas for a gift.  I love Belabumbum’s adorable mom and baby sets, my favorite is the Starlit set.  Jill Vegas inspired me to redecorate my apartment during her presentation.  She showed different ways to add bright colors like peony pink and blue lapis into the home without going over the top.  I may need to sign up for Jill’s six-week online speed decorating class that starts in June.  Other sponsors included: FunBites, Method, Scotch Naturals, and Karin Von Voigtlander Photography.

STOKKE Trip Trap

Mom and Baby Sets: The perfect shower or Mother's Day gift for a new or expecting mom.

Peony Pink! Image from MomTrends.

After the presentations, I took a Core Fusion Classwith Anna G which was ridiculously hard but an excellent workout.  The class focused on all areas: arms, legs, glutes, and abs and included stretching between sets. My core has never been the same since becoming a mom but I think with a few more classes I can get relatively close to where I was before. I was very sore for a few days after but it reminded me that I need to take time out of my day to get back into shape.

Image from MomTrends

To read more about the event, see the MomTrends recap.

Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a generous gift bag with products from the sponsors.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to MomTrends and the sponsors for putting together a wonderful event!

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Spring Cleaning for the Ralph Lauren Kids Spring Collection

29 Mar

Let the Spring cleaning begin!

Maddie has been on Spring Break for the past week and a half.  Last week we went down to Virginia to visit my parents. Last minute I decided to leave the girls down there for the weekend so that I could do Spring Cleaning because it is impossible to get any cleaning done with the girls around.  I spent almost an entire day going through the girls closet and drawers, getting rid of Fall/ Winter clothes and Spring/Summer clothes they have outgrown to make room for new clothes.  It felt so good to purge and surprisingly I got a lot more accomplished then I thought I would.

Image from MomTrends

Right before we left for Virginia, Maddie and I attended the MomTrends RL Gang: Class of 2012 Meet and Greet Party at Bloomingdales on 59th.  It was a fun afternoon with a balloon artist, RL Gang coloring book tables, and a book to make a Flipping Fun eBook.  We snacked on yummy cupcakes and sipped on water and juice boxes while members of the RL Gang: Class of 2012 were interviewed and their video featuring the Spring line previewed on a large screen.

Members of the RL Gang: Class of 2012. Image from MomTrends.

After the event, Maddie and I had some quality time to shop.  Maddie picked out her favorite Ralph Lauren pieces while we got advice from stylists available to those who attended the event.  Now that the girls have room in their closest I will definitely be going back for more of the Spring collection because it is ADORABLE.  I want it all for the girls. :)

Image from MomTrends.

To find out more about the event see the MomTrends post.

Check out Maddie’s Flipping Fun eBook.

More images from the event below:

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post.  I received a gift bag for attending the event.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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Fancy Restaurant and socialsklz:)

10 Feb

Image from socialsklz.com

All dressed up and setting the table.

“Fancy restaurant” started last summer while we were visiting my brother-in-laws at the beach.  Maddie got upset that everyone went out and we stayed back because going out to eat with two toddlers is extremely difficult.  In order to cheer up Maddie, my husband told her they were going to play “Fancy Restaurant” and allowed her to stay up a little later.  Her eyes lit up.  The two of them set up a table with a towel as the table-cloth, he grabbed a pen and paper to take orders, filled a pitcher with water, threw a hand towel over his arm and set the table with plates and utensils.  Maddie sat down.  He left the room and then re-entered with “Hello, Welcome to Maddie’s Fancy Restaurant! May I take your order?  What would you like to eat this evening?  We have some specials you might like (he listed some  of her favorite snack foods)”.  When Maddie would get up or scream for something else she wanted he would remind her that she was being inappropriate by saying “Excuse me Ma’am, this is a fancy restaurant and we would appreciate it if you could stay at your table and use a lower voice”.  Maddie would quickly go back to her table.  Pela is still a little young to fully understand but she loves to play too.  I never thought about it being part of learning social skills or practicing before going to dinner at a restaurant.

Waiting for dinner.

We were playing “Fancy Restaurant” a couple of weeks ago and think about socialsklz:-) founder Faye Rogaski.  Faye spoke at a MomTrends event in November about teaching social skills to children.  I recently reached out to her because I wanted to get some tips on teaching diningsklz:-) to young children, especially since we have weddings and other special dinners coming up.  Today is my Dad’s birthday and we will be going out to dinner at a nice restaurant to celebrate.  We have been playing “Fancy Restaurant” and working on what Faye suggested to prepare for the night out.  See below for what Faye had to say about teaching diningsklz:-).

Mealtime etiquette can be a daunting endeavor for parents,particularly when eating out with others.
First and foremost, start your dining lessons in the comfort of your own home,without the pressure (on you or your child) of being out.

Plan for a “dinner party” or as Jennifer likes to call it at her home a “Fancy Restaurant” night. A dinner party or evening dining out requires preparation and doing so in advance sets you and your child(ren) up for success:

1/ teach your child how to invite people and put together invitations
2/ discuss a healthy well-balanced meal and the menu for the evening
3/ enjoy setting the table with a proper place setting at each seat and placecards
4/ go over mealtime do’s and don’ts (no need to use the word “behavior” kids cringe when they hear it)
Including where the napkin goes, how to sit, using utensils, talking without food in his/her mouth, excusing
Him/herself from the table, etc…
Before you do this part of the lesson put together a list of the most important things to you at the table.
And based on your child’s age, go over more or less specifics.
5/ explain what a “toast” is and show your child(ren) what a toast looks like and how we make eye contact when tapping glasses.
6/show children where utensils go when in resting position and in finished position.

What's wrong with this picture?

7/ discuss what happens during a dinner-conversation and enjoyment!
8/ demonstrate where the napkin goes at the end of the meal
9/ share with children what they should do if they don’t like a food on their plate.
10/ and finally share the importance of a thank you to the “host” or to the person paying for the meal

For assistance or mealtime etiquette queries, email Faye Rogaski, founder  socialsklz:-) tools to thrive in the modern world: faye@socialsklz.com. socialsklz:-) offers modern day social interaction and communication skills workshops throughout NYC (Upper East/West, Columbus Circle, Tribeca, Brooklyn) that include diningsklz:-) lessons.

Time for a "fancy" dessert!

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J&R Jr. Opens Downtown

9 Feb

My husband and I moved downtown when I was pregnant with Maddie.  At that time I wasn’t thinking about trecking up to BuyBuyBaby in chelsea to test out strollers a hundred times before deciding on the right one.  On the way home from the hospital I even had my husband drop me off and drive around while I grabbed last minute essentials.  When I needed a birthday present for Maddie’s friends it waz easy to strap one in the bjorn and go up to Toys r Us.  Once Pela came, forget it, there was no way I was taking two on the subway.  I needed a babysitter or a place convienent to throw both girls in the stroller and walk too.    If you live downtown there are very few children stores for everything you need, until J&R Jr. opened it’s doors.

Last weekend I was invited to a blogging event at J&R Jr. sponsered by KidzVuz, MomTrends, and Macaroni Kid to kickoff the opening and to show off what their store will offer.  J&R Jr. offers baby gear, feeding essentials, electronics, clothing, toys, arts and crafts, and so much more from your favorite brands.   Some brands you will find include Melissa and Doug, ALEX, Lazoo, RoudySprout, Quinny, Apple, Saftey 1st, and Oxo.  It gets better, there is an area for classes and will offer developmental classes from MoonSoup.

Bloggers and their families also got a sneak-peak of the grand opening festivities which will take place February 11&12. Children experienced A Princess Visit, a magic show by Amazing Max and a demonstration from MoonSoup.  They were also able to explore interactive areas for IPADS, musical instruments, playstation, and even made a flowers in the ALEX section. There will be more during the two-day opening (click link to find out the schedule of performances). You and your family should celebrate the grand opening this weekend with J&R Jr., especially if you live downtown.  If you can’t attend or don’t live in the area, make sure you check out their online store or stop by another day.

A magical princess visit!

To see more images check out J&R Jr. on Facebook and look at the album 2-5 Media Day.

Disclaimer: I received a large gift bag, a gift card, and an HP printer for attending the event.  They did not impact my opinions.  All opinions exressed are my own.  I am so excited there is finally a children’s store with everything a short stroll away.  

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Crazy About Coffee: Kicking off 2012 with International Delight’s Iced Coffee

3 Jan Picture 1

Last month I attended an event hosted by MomTrends and MomGenerations at Hair Rules Salon  to try out International Delight’s  iced coffee which will hit shelves this month.  It was a wonderful morning of pampering: massages, manicures,  and blow outs while sipping  International Delight’s  new vanilla iced coffee from an ice luge.  The Iced Coffee  was a little sweeter then I am used to but it was still delightfully delicious, I couldn’t help but go back for more.

Iced Coffee Ice Luge

Loved the blow out from Hair Rules Salon and I.D.'s Iced Coffee! Thank you MomTrends for the image and a great event!

I was never much of a coffee drinker until I endured the sleepless nights and the early rising parenthood brings you.  When I had Maddie I drank a few cups a week and once Pela joined the family, I started drinking at least one cup a day.  Most mornings I am rushing out the door to get the girls to class or school and don’t have time to make a cup of coffee, so I end up going to a local coffee shop and spend almost $6 on a latte.  Luckily,  International Delight’s Iced Coffee will be hitting Food Emporium’s shelf this month.  It is so convenient, all you need is ice and a cup, pour, and go.  Not to mention the suggested retail price is $3.99 per half-gallon.  Even if you aren’t a huge coffee drinker this is a SWEET treat worth trying.  It’s like dessert for breakfast.  Over the holidays I brought the half-gallon I received at the event and it was gone the next day.  My family LOVED it and went back for seconds both days they had it.  We are looking forward to trying the other flavors: Original and Mocha.

Creamers attendee's could try!

I was also able to take home International Delight’s Cold Stone Creamery Sweet Cream.  I have yet to try it but the girls LOVE hot chocolate and I plan on adding it to theirs in the morning.  Check out other International Delight creamers, to add to your child’s hot chocolate.

To find out more about the event, check out the MomTrends Newsletter.  Also, make sure you check out International Delight on Facebook to find other products to help you jump start your day!

Disclaimer: I received services from Hair Rules Salon and a gift bag with products for attending the event.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

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