Thank you for all of your support! Wishing you and your family Joy, Love and lots of Laughter in 2014! Happy New Year!
Archive | December, 2013
Decking the Halls with PEEPS (last minute craft ideas for christmas)
23 Dec
I still can’t believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve. The seasons and years fly by. Since there is no school tomorrow and the weather isn’t supposed to be good, crafts are always great for killing time. Back in the fall I attended a PEEPS event. I discovered many great recipes but I was most impressed by their passion to bring families together by using PEEPS for crafting.
We recently came up with our own activity that would be perfect for any age. It’s easy to make and makes a great centerpiece for Christmas Eve and/ or Christmas Day dinner. All you need is a poinsettia, peppermint, glue (fabric glue, craft glue, or glue gun) and your favorite Holiday PEEPS, available at your local drug store while out doing last-minute shopping. Let your child glue on their choice in PEEPS. Teach them about patterns or let their imaginations run free! If you use a glue gun, your child will need help so they don’t burn themselves. (see below image for more craft ideas from a PEEPS SneakPeep Event)
PEEPS Snowman:
PEEPS Garland:
PEEPS Wreath:
Happy Last Minute Crafting to Deck the Halls and don’t forget to SNEAK A PEEP! Learn how to cook with PEEPS by clicking the link.
Disclaimer: I received samples used for our craft and attending this event. This did not alter my opinions or my ideas.
Snow Days, Sick Days, Holidays: Getting Cozy With Fruit of the Loom!
20 Dec
Fruit of the Loom, a brand we all know . I remember when I was younger, the first pair of underwear I had were a pair of Fruit of the Looms. It’s hard to forget the Fruit Logo. It’s been a while since I’ve worn Fruit of the Loom but I was recently reconnected last month at the Holiday Event with MomTrends.
Fruit of the Loom Santa at the Momtrends Holiday Event
Shortly after receiving a zip Fruit of the Loom hoodie and a couple of long sleeved shirts for the girls, we all got sick with pink eye an a virus. When I’m sick and taking care of two sick girls the last thing I do is put on jeans or get dressed up. Dressing comfortable is a must. The girls slipped into their Fruit of the Loom long sleeve tees and I threw on the zip hoodie with leggings and we spent the day on the couch reading books, watching movies, and taking it easy.
L to R: Hanging out in Fruit of the Loom, Wearing Fruit of the Loom to Santa, Reading on the couch, Practicing Yoga
Our cozy and comfortable Fruit of the Loom pieces:
FRUIT OF THE LOOM BEST COLLECTION™ MEN’S FLEECE FULL ZIP HOOD in Charcoal Heather: Since it is a men’s sweatshirt I ordered a small. It was still a little big but I love my sweatshirts loose. Great to wear over gym clothes on cold days. Soft, comfortable, affordable, $12.99, and cute.
FRUIT OF THE LOOM BEST COLLECTION BOYS’ LONG SLEEVE CREW TEE Dakota Slate Heather, Heather Grey and Navy: Intended for boys but my girls love them. It’s a little big but comfortable and perfect to wear with leggings. My oldest loves to wear her shirt to Yoga Club at school and over her dance uniform with her dance sweats. Because they are affordable, $4.97, they would be prefect to use for designing your own shirt with iron on patches.
With the start of Winter and more snow days in the future as well as the upcoming Holiday break, I know there will be many days we’ll stay inside and relax! I’m looking forward to cozying up in our Fruit of the Loom playing games, doing crafts, reading our favorite stories, and watching movies together!
Find a store for last-minute gifts or stocking stuffers!
About:
Fruit of the Loom was born in 1851 and became a registered trademark in 1871. Over 160 years later they are known colorful T-shirts and underwear are known by consumers in all corners of the globe and our name is synonymous with providing quality, value and style. They offer underwear and casual wear for Men, Women, Girls and Boys (lick links to see products and shop).
Check out The Fruit Story, visit the Fruit of the Loom website, follow on twitter and like on Facebook for updates and more information!
Disclaimer: I received samples for attending the event and for the purpose of this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Information in italics is from Fruit of the Loom. Images of the logo the hoodie and tee are from Fruit of the Loom
Our #Holiday #Reading Guide
19 Dec
Winter is for Snow by Robert Neubecker, Photo Credit Barnes and Noble
Dream Snow by Eric Carle, Photo Credit Barnes and Noble
Santa is Coming to New York by Steve Smallman (Author) , Robert Dunn (Illustrator), Photo Credit Amazon
Sofia the First Holiday in Enchancia by Cathy Hapka, Photo Credit Amazon
Snowmen on Christmas by Caralyn Buehner, Mark Buehner (Illustrator), Photo Credit Barnes and Noble
Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup, Matt Tavares (Illustrator), Photo Credit Barnes and Noble
Heart of a Snowman by Mary Kuryla (Author) , Eugene Yelchin (Illustrator), Photo Credit Amazon
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, Photo Credit Amazon
Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post! All images are from Barnes and Noble or Amazon!
Harvard Sweet Boutique: Tasty Treats for the Holiday Season!
18 DecImage from Harvard Sweet Boutique
The Holidays are a busy time of year. There are so many gatherings, I never know what to bring. I recently discovered Harvard Sweet Boutique, an online gourmet baking company based out of Harvard, MA. Baked goods are made-to-order, baked in small batches, and baked from scratch using all natural ingredients. They are then beautifully packaged in a unique gift box!
Build Your Own Gift at Harvard Sweet Boutique for a friend, a grandparent, a teacher, a co-worker, an employee, or the host/hostess at your next Holiday or New Years Eve gathering! Choose between cookies, brownies, toffee, truffles and other Harvard Sweets flavors and treats! Try one flavor or combine a little of everything! Gluten-Free and Low-Carb options are available to meet your dietary needs, however, all products are made in a facility with NUTS so are not recommend for anyone with NUT allergies.
I received a sample of gluten-free treats I shared with friends! They were DELICIOUS. The box featured a sample of a chocolate toffee cookie, a chocolate dipped peanut butter chocolate chip cookie, a double chocolate chip cookie, a mint brownie, a vanilla sea salt caramel brownie and milk chocolate almond toffee. Each treat was individually packaged inside the gift box. Have one to satisfy your sweet tooth or display them all at once for guests to enjoy. I cut up the samples so everyone could try a little of everything. The only one missing was the double chocolate chip because my husband had snuck into the box before I got to it! All of the desserts were very tasty and rich in flavor. The favorite among the group was the Mint Brownie.
In addition to being a great Holiday gift, Harvard Sweet Boutique is perfect for any occasion! Use their boxes and treats as centerpieces for a baby shower, a bridal shower, a wedding, or a birthday party! Favor boxes are also avaiable!
Images from Harvard Sweet Boutique
For more information visit www.HarvardSweetBoutique.com, facebook, or follow on twitter!
Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. Information in italics is from Harvard Sweet Boutique! I received a sample for review.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas
17 Dec
The World of Eric Carle Chunky Colored Pencils and Starter Stencil Set: Perfect for little ones who love art. Draw shapes from the beloved book The Hungry Caterpillar!
Snowman Nail Polish: For the girly girls! Adorable! Available at Rite Aid
Holiday Peeps: Definitely try the Chocolate Mouse Reindeer, the chocolate dipped peppermint peeps, and the Gingerbread men! YUM.
Mr Frost Melting Snowman by Two’s Company: Contains all the materials to make a snowman. Once he’s built, watch him melt!
Super Duper Reindeer Pooper: Add a little humor to your stocking. My girls saw this at a store last year and couldn’t stop laughing. I went to go back and buy it but it was sold out. Can’t wait to give it to them this year.
Brush Pets: Make dental care fun. Brush Pets, from the makers of Pillow Pets, are the perfect stuffer to encourage good dental habits, especially after all the candy canes and desserts from the Holidays
Cake That Individual Serve Cake From Old World Gourmet: Easy for kids to mix together and make for a delicious treat after school. Just add milk (let your child measure it out) and microwave for about 90 seconds. We love the Cinnamon Caramel!
Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. I received samples of Cake That, The World of Eric Carle, and Brush Pets but they did not alter my opinions!
An Ultimate Night Out with Mommybites (Recap)!
15 Dec
Last Tuesday, I joined other parents and Mommybites for an Ultimate Night Out at the New Yorker Hotel. The night began with a comedy show with Lisa Blythe Perlman and Carolyn Castiglia. After the show, moms, dads, and friends gathered for drinks, appetizers, and tasty desserts. In addition to mingling, parents shopped and learned about new products and services available. Parents left with a generous gift bag filled with products from sponsors and some walked away with raffle prizes from strollers to a round of golf.
Highlighted Companies/ Sponsors included:
NYKC has six locations around New York City. They have opened locations on Long Island and their first overseas center in Beijing, China. The Children Enrichment center offers a preschool program (3 hours for 2,3, or 5 days a week) as well as creative and innovative kids classes, day camps, birthday celebrations, and special events! Daily open plays in the indoor gym are perfect for cold winter days or when there is bad weather. Afterschool programs are available with a walk over option from local schools by a NYKC staff member.
We have been a New York Kids Club family since my oldest took her first class at 6 months. Both girls have attended the preschool program which has been fantastic. NYKC offers fun drop off events on Fridays and during the weekend, if you need to run errands or you and your spouse want to grab a bite to eat or have a little time together. Both of my girls started attending the themed Pajama Parties (Fridays 6-8) at 2 1/2 and always have fun. The coaches are always energetic, fun, and the girls talk about them for days after.
For more information visit www.nykidsclub.com and while you are there check out their blog.
My husband loves to play golf any chance he gets. Living in the city, I never thought about joining a country club because I didn’t want to spend hours in the car just for an afternoon at the pool while my husband golfs. Inwood Country Club is a private, member owned country club Located 20 miles outside of Manhattan on the South Shore of Long Island. It sounds and looks like a great little escape from the city. Memberships include access to:
- The Golf Club
- The Tennis Club: Tennis members have the use of the Inwood Beach Club, the newly renovated state of the art Heath Club and limited use of the historic Inwood golf course. All levels welcome, clinics are available for beginners!
- The Health Club: Newly renovated, state-of-the-art Health Club, with equipment ranging from free weights to the most sophisticated Cybex machines, also provides access to personal trainers, yoga classes, a masseuse, barber shop, steam room, and sauna.
- The Beach Club, located a few minutes from the main clubhouse, transportation runs to and from the main club house. Play a round of golf, then head to beach to let the kids build sand castles.
- The Clubhouse
- The Guest Suites: Suites are located on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the club house and are available for seasonal rentals.
The club is family friendly offering programs and clinics for children while parents play a round of golf, a game of tennis, or head to the Atlantic Beach Club. The Country Club is also available for events. Contact Inwood Country Club for membership details, prices, and more information on programs and clinics available.
Image from Inwoodcc.org
When it’s time to transition your child to solids, Ella’s Kitchen offers a variety of organic baby food options from new eaters (4 months) to toddlers (10 months and up) with lots of great flavors. Their meals and snacks are broken down into 3 stages, which go from smooth purees to more texture as the child gets older and learn to chew. The stages are:
- Ella’s 1 baby food for 4+ months and 6+ months: Ella’s 1 Baby Cereal, First Tastes, Fruit + Baby Rice, Baby Brekkie, Ella’s 1 Baby Food, Smoothie Fruits
- Ella’s 2 baby food for 7+ months: Ella’s 2 Baby Cereal, Puffits, Ella’s 2 Meals, Yum Yummy Baby Cookies, Smoothie Fruits
- Ella’s 3 toddler food for 10+ months:
Ella’s also offers a selection of food for special diets which include gluten-free, lactose free, and vegetarian options. Ella’s Kitchen is also free of peanuts and soy! Their meals are perfect for on-the-go eating. My girls love Ella’s Kitchen! They still snack on Smoothie Fruits and Puffits. Some flavors I would have been interested to try when my girls were younger are the Ella’s 1 Blueberry Pear Baby Brekkie, Ella’s 2 Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Ella’s 3 Thai Curry Vegetables. For more information visit Ella’s Kitchen.com and be sure to check out Stuff for the Senses. Available at Whole Foods.
When the weather is bad or I am with my girls, getting a taxi is challenging. They are either full or the taxi’s don’t want to stop because I have the girls. GetTaxi, which began in Europe, recently launched in New York City. GetTaxi is an on-demand taxi service. Simply download the app for iphone or android, then make your reservation. A “G-Car” will pick you up and take you to your destination (watch it in action). The app allows customers to know their drivers information as well as their license plates after the reservation is made. When booked in advanced you are able to request car seats for your little ones, an option that is great to have especially when traveling longer distances to the airports. Because they just launched, a 2 hour advanced reservation is required. At peak times, a maximum surcharge of $5 will be added to your fare. At all times there is a standard rate (see sample below). No more waiting, searching for an open taxi, or paying ridiculous prices during peak times! Looking forward to giving it a try! Check out this video
Image from GetTaxi
It was a wonderful night out with friends! It was so nice to meet so many wonderful vendors and sponsors! Looking forward to the next Ultimate Night Out with Mommybites!
Mommybites connects moms and moms-to-be with parenting resources, education, and support. Visit Mommybites.com for more information, resources for parents, and details about upcoming events.
Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post. All information about sponsors/ vendors came from their websites, handouts or speaking with them at the event.
Ultimate Registry Giveaway
12 DecIn the spirit of giving this Holiday Season, I’ve joined together with Stroller in The City, Casey Leigh, Marino Bambinos, Lunch Pails & Lipstick, Lillies & Leon, and Tastefully Childish to offer one lucky parent a fabulous Ultimate Registry Giveaway!
We’re excited to be collaborating with favorite brands that you can find across all of our blogs. We’ve handpicked products that we love and would want for our own families. One lucky winner will take home ALL of the following items:
Lily Jade – Diaper Bag // Bellini – $150 Gift Basket // Freshly Picked Moccasins (winner choses color & size) // UPPAbaby – Mesa Infant Car Seat // Joovy – Scooter Stroller // 4 Moms – Breeze // STOKKE – Tripp Trapp // Orbit– Bassinet Cradle G2 // 7 A.M. Enfant – Warm Muffs // Aden + Anais – New Beginnings Gift Set // Ergo Baby – Original Collection Baby Carrier in Night Sky
TO ENTER: Simply enter the rafflecopter below. This contest is open to US only and will run until 12/19 midnight. Please note that all entry methods are verified. A winner will be selected in one week. Best of luck and Happy Holidays!!
CLICK TO ENTER the Rafflecopter giveaway
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Tastefully Childish 