Archive | May, 2015

New York Baby Show and Momtrends Blogger Lounge

21 May
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Image from Momtrends

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When I found out I was pregnant I was pregnant with my first child, I was overwhelmed by the amount of baby products. I was later surprised to learn of all the other wonderful products out there I had never heard of.  Over the weekend, I attended the New York Baby Show for the first time. The New York Baby Show, sponsored by Canon, was a two-day event that connects families with the latest products and services.

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Image from momtrends

The morning began with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Erica Hill and Sheinelle Jones from the Today Show.  Brands in attendance included Quinny, Maxi-Cosi,Britax, Safety 1st, Hansel & Gretel diaper bags, Skip Hop, Primary kids clothing line, Pottery Barn Kids, Love to Dream, and many more.   I was excited to discover a breastfeeding app. showing locations near by where you can breastfeed, definitely something I wish was around when I was breastfeeding. I also found Music to Your Home, a NYC based company providing in-home music lessons. (MORE BELOW PHOTOS)

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Throughout the day, seminars were held for parents to learn more about shopping for a new baby, breastfeeding along with the challenges and solutions, and buying a car seat and installing it safely.   These were just a few topics discussed that I would have greatly benefited from as a first time mom.  Another great aspect was the stroller test-driving track, allowing you to get a feel for the strollers on the market and decide which would best fit your family.

At the event, I was also invited to attend the Momtrends Blogger Lounge.  The lounge gave bloggers the opportunity to connect and share their favorites from the show room.  In addition bloggers were introduced to sponsors including GlamSquad, Mabels Labels, The Nanny League, NetNet, New York Family, Hatch Thing, Happy Family, and EssentiaPhWater.  Lunch was provided and attendees had the opportunity to get glammed with hair styles, make-up, and nails by GLAMSQUAD.  Thank you to everyone for a wonderful day!

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Image from mom trends

Learn more about the New York Baby Show, Canon and Momtrends by clicking the links.

Disclaimer:  I was compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own.

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Get Caught Reading: Personalized Books Engage Young Readers (plus Discount Code)

19 May

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Did you know May is National Get Caught Reading Month?  In a digital age where kids are often seen holding iPads or their parent’s smart phone, it’s exciting when kids want to read and are engaged in their books.  I love seeing when my girls pick up a book and read.  Not because I made them or because it was homework but because they love what they are reading. Personalized books are a great way to engage kids and encourage them to “get caught reading”.

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I See Me offers personalized books for kids.  Include your child’s birthdate, gender, hair color, skin color, add a photo of your child, create a message/ dedication to them, choose your child’s favorite color, as well as add the name of their best friend and/ or sibling(s).  Each story will be unique and fun for your child to read.  They are able to relate and will want to read it over and over again.  The books make a wonderful gift for new babies or birthdays.

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My oldest received her first I See Me, My Very Own Fairy Tale  book as a gift when she was born, almost 7 years ago.   When  she was a toddler, I read it to her and she couldn’t believe that the story was about her.  She recognized her name.  Now that she is reading, she loves to go back and read her “very own fairy tale”.

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My youngest, 5, just received her first I See Me book.  She loves when I snuggle in bed with her and read at night.  I chose Sweet Dreams, Fairy for her first book.  The first time I read it to her she leaped out of bed surprised and excited that there were fairies named after her best friend and sister.  She loves it so much, I catch her “reading” all the time-not just at bed time.  She reads it to her dolls and our most recent visitor, my brother’s French Bulldog.  It’s a sweet story with beautiful illustrations.

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I See Me offers personalized products for everyone and every occasion.  In addition to books they offer personalized lunchboxes, puzzles, placemats, coloring books, stickers and growth charts.

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For more information visit: http://www.iseeme.com/. You can also find I See Me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of Sweet Dreams Fairy to personalize for my daughter.  This did not alter my opinion.  All opinions and images are my own.

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Travel Trends & Tips

14 May

With a little over a month of school left and Spring classes coming to an end, it marks one of our favorite times of year…SUMMER.  During the summer we plan lots of fun adventures and spend a lot of time exploring the South.  We hit the beaches, go to the parks, check out museums and take day trips. We also like to take time to explore the parks of NYC before we head back to school.

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Recently, I attended a Travel Event hosted by Momtrends.  The showcased many great tips and products for upcoming adventures near or far.

Adventure:

Eric Messinger from New York Family, reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be to an exotic place or for an extended period.  It could be an adventure somewhere local or a short drive away.  There are two new indoor water parks opening in the Poconos; Camelback’s Aquatopia and Kalahari Resorts.  One our our favorite local adventures is a simple walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (see an old post here).  Every time, regardless of how many times we do it, the girls ask if we are still in NY and there is always something new to discover.

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Picnics On the Beach or In The Park:

During the Spring and Summer months, we love to picnic.  When we are down south we head to the beach and when back in NYC we check out a new park.  Momtrends introduced me to Bark Thins; delicious non-gmo& fair-trade chocolate covered pretzels.  Unfortunately, my nut allergy daughter can’t have them but they are a great snack for mom and dad or to share with friends.  Xo, G wine  by Giuliana Rancic is perfect for your next picnic. It has a lid to make carrying it around easier.  If you don’t finish your glass, you can easily cover it and bring it home.

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Bugs can be a problem for my youngest daughter.  She is always getting bit by something and the bites always swell and get really red.  Since we spend so much time outdoors, I always have to carry bug repellent.  Guardian’s DEET- free will be my go-to this summer.

Image from Momtrends

Image from Momtrends

Fashion:

Miraclesuit is one of my favorite bathing suit companies, especially since I’ve become a mom and my body isn’t the same as it once was.  Not only are the suits gorgeous, they make you feel good about being in one.  There are so many wonderful styles of suits and cover ups for this Summer at the pool or beach.  Fashion Tip: The Suba Suit is in.

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Over packing is something I’m very good at.  Yamis & Dawni is such a wonderful concept. Eight pieces creates over 50 different styles.  Add some accessories and you are set to go.  Not to mention, it feels like it would be very comfortable to go from all day traveling to dinner at night.

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Beauty:

Glam Squad, an on-demand beauty service with the use of an App,  provided beauty tips and shared which beauty products to keep handy when traveling, especially after a long flight.

  1. Eyeliner: Apply on inner rim and over bottom lid.  When you close your eyes it will transfer to the upper lid.
  2. Cream Blush: This can be used for a nude lip as well.
  3. Dry Shampoo: Eliminates oils from hair.
  4. Texturizing Spray with a hold

For more information about the night, see the Momtrends write-up here.  Happy Traveling and I hope these tips and trends are as helpful for you as they were for me.

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