Disclaimer: The post was sponsored by Trackeroo but all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post also includes affiliate links - you won't pay more but we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

I'm gonna just go ahead and start this post with a few well known facts about AirPods:

1. They're amazing.
2. They're expensive.
3. They're way too easy to lose.

If you don't want to lose your AirPods, then you need to get yourself a Trackeroo (read on to learn about them and don't forget you can win 2 in my $420 value jackpot giveaway running through January 13)!

​What the heck is a Trackeroo, you ask?? Well, ha, I will tell you, because they sponsored this post, but y'all know me and I'm no sell out - I only promote what I truly love and guys, I love me some Trackeroo!! Watch my quick demo and review here:

Trackeroo is a little silicone case that fits your AirPods case perfectly. It has a charging spot so you can still charge right in the case. It also has a handy carabiner and "contact if found" tag. But here's where it is truly awesome - it has a slot for a tracking tile!! YES!! Just sync it with your phone and you no longer have to worry about misplacing your AirPods at home, in your car, or out and about.

You can now track your AirPods from your phone, using a locator map and you can make your tracking tile ring if you know it's nearby but can't quite find it. You can also double tap the tracking tile to make your phone ring, even if on silent! We all know the struggle of losing your phone at home and not having anyone else around with a phone to call it for you. Struggle no more - your Trackeroo tracking tile will save the day!

The silicone case fits nice and snug so you don't have to worry about your AirPods case or the tracking tile falling out, and it comes in a number of colors to choose from, including black, pink, blue, green, red, and my personal favorite, glow in the dark!! Prices for the Trackeroo range from $7 - 15, and the tracking device is an extra $20 or so. You can buy the tiles in bulk to save a bit - I plan on taping one to each of our remotes so we never lose one of those again (have you heard the story of how we lost a remote for 6+ months because one of the kids zippered it inside one of our couch cushions and forgot?!?! TRUE STORY!!!).

You can read more about Trackeroo on their website, and buy them on Amazon (affiliate links):

• Trackeroo AirPods Case
• Tracking Tile​​
• AirPods
• Knock-Off AirPods

You can also enter to win 2 of these Trackeroos (with tracking tiles) in my $420 value jackpot giveaway here (ending January 13)!!

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored and provided by Jonathan Taylor of Northwestern Mutual NYC Midtown, as part of an advertising partnership with Bay Ridge Families' Ba(b)y Ridge MamaCon.

​We live in financially uncertain times.  Maybe you are young and have a growing family, are a soon-to-be-retiree, or are an aspiring business owner, and your financial future concerns you.  Bonds, stocks, ETFs, whole-life insurance, term-life insurance, mutual funds, IRAs - the list of confusing financial terms that need to be navigated is daunting.  With different advice coming from all over, how does one correctly navigate it all in such confusing and unstable times?

This is when you can use some well-thought-out planning and direction that will help assure and solidify your financial future.  “I understand the community’s specific financial needs,” says Jonathan Taylor of the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company.  “My associates and I live that life and we can help our clients plan for those periods in their lives when they will need money, and use it both thoughtfully and wisely,” Jonathan says.

Jonathan Taylor is a Financial Advisor who says that he decided to join the team at Northwestern Mutual after studying their history and very successful track record in preparing their clientele for the challenges of the future. 

For his part, Jonathan Taylor is a bright and articulate young man.  Young Mr. Taylor is highly thought of in the community and is very much in demand to be consulted with by many young growing families, soon-to-be retirees, and business owners who are concerned about planning and securing their economic future.

“I often explain to people the power of small increments that are set aside consistently over time,” Jonathan Taylor says.  “It is the power of compound interest and consistency that drive a financial plan and can help secure substantial savings and wealth.”  He stresses the fact that even if one has a financial plan in place, circumstances change – a new child, new job, major expense, etc. – and the plan must adapt to the new circumstances.  Therefore, he strongly suggests reviewing it on an annual or semi-annual basis. 

One of the issues that Jonathan is focused on, of course, is the matter of his clients owning ample life insurance.  “The loss of a member of our community is always a tragedy,” he says.  “But life insurance can greatly alleviate the financial burden created by such a tragedy.  While one would hope that it would never be necessary, life insurance is something everyone should have.”

Jonathan feels that this simple matter needs more emphasis in communities and schools; unfortunately, each time a tragedy occurs a promise is made to pursue this avenue and then it is just as quickly forgotten.

In response to this need, Jonathan has developed different programs where individuals, families, businesses, and other institutions have created life and disability insurance programs for their members.  Inexpensive plans are set up for the various members of the groups and can assist them in starting their financial planning journey.

Through a network of specialists, another prime focus of Jonathan’s practice is holistic financial planning.  While understanding the anxiety that can accompany long term planning, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of maintaining a long-term strategy.  He also stresses the fact that “money under the mattress” isn’t necessarily a viable solution.  “Inflation and rising costs diminish the purchasing power of money,” he notes.  “A sound investment plan can combat this problem.”

Jonathan concludes: “I’m excited to educate and assist our community in this important need.  A financial plan can easily be implemented if given the proper thought and time.” 
​
Jonathan can be contacted through his website, by e-mail at Jon.E.Taylor@nm.com, or by his cell number at 347-723-7428.  Consultations are free and can be arranged at the client’s location and time of convenience.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored and provided by Vicky Simegiatos Dance Company.

We always want to broaden our children’s horizons and expose them to all of the great culture that New York City has to offer.  Here are ten reasons why your family will love the Vicky Simegiatos Dance Company’s presentation of The Nutcracker (ticket information at bottom of post).

1.    The ballet opens with a lavish Christmas party full of boys and girls (played by your Bay Ridge neighbors), complete with toys and gifts, mischief and sibling rivalry.  And a mysterious magical guest.

2.    Your children will recognize many of the melodies.  Music from the beautiful Tchaikovsky score has permeated pop culture.

3.    You can introduce your children to the ballet without paying Lincoln Center prices or stressing that they won’t be able to sit still for a full length performance.  The Nutcracker ballet is fun, fast paced and exciting. 

4.    There’s an epic battle scene, in which mice, soldiers, the Mouse King and the Nutcracker fight it out to save the ballet’s heroine, Clara.

5.    The Dance of the Snowflakes and the Waltz of the Flowers are among the most beautiful dances in all of ballet.  The Dance of the Snowflakes is breathtaking, performed as snow swirls down on the dancers who make up the corps de ballet - all Bay Ridge students.  Waltz of the Flowers is enchanting, full of dazzling pink costumes which capture the beauty of spring time.  Your children will be mesmerized.

6.    The role of the Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by international ballet star Maria Kowroski, principal dancer from New York City Ballet.  Your children will have the rare opportunity of seeing her perform in this intimate setting.

7.    An afternoon or evening spent at the theater is the perfect way to take a break from all of the holiday preparations and festivities.  You can just sit back and let the magic of the ballet sweep over you.  The Historic St. George Theater is an ornate jewel, just intimate enough to give the audience a special experience with the performance.  It’s located just a short drive from Bay Ridge.

8.    Here’s what Alastair Macaulay, legendary dance critic of The New York Times, has said about our Nutcracker:

•     “Impressive young ballerina technicians”
•     “These children were already good professionals.”
•     “The levels of technique and theatrical production are remarkably high.”
•     “This will remain one of my favorite “Nutcracker” memories.”​

9.    Ballet is not just for girls. Male pro athletes train in ballet to become more agile and to get more height and hang time to their jumps.  Our boys are great dancers too!  Your boys are going to want to watch them work.

10.    It’s not unusual to see children leap to their feet during intermission, swept up by the magic, acting out the dances that they just saw.  Who knows?  Before the night is through, you just may find that your young son or daughter sees themselves as a budding ballet dancer too.  You’ll leave the St. George Theatre singing the melodies, and they’ll stay with you throughout the Christmas season.

Did you see The Nutcracker when you were a kid?  What were your favorite memories?

The Vicky Simegiatos Dance Company presents The Nutcracker at the Historic St. George Theater on December 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Tickets are going fast!

• Location: The Historic St. George Theatre - 35 Hyatt Street - Staten Island - 2 blocks from the Ferry
• Tickets from $19 (VIP Tickets $50 and $35) 

​​Tickets available at:

• The Vicky Simegiatos Performing Arts Center (7110 Third Avenue - 2nd Floor Office - Mondays through Saturdays - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; TEL: 718.690.0944)
• Historic St. George Theatre Box Office - 718.442.2900
• Ticketmaster​ (via VSPAC website)

For further information, visit our website (includes a Groupon Deal), call 917.860.4025 or 718.612.9475, email vsdc@ipvstudio.com, or download our PDF flyer:

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Vianetic, but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased. Additionally, this post includes some affiliate links - we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

Of course The Vianetic aka the BEST DIAPER BAG EVER launched after my families' diapering days were over, but that doesn't mean I can't review it for you guys, and of course keep it for my own personal use, because this thing goes way beyond managing diapers!! We're actually giving away one Vianetic diaper bag in my $560 value jackpot Baby Goodies Giveaway, so don't forget to enter to win by November 26!

For the best introduction to this diaper bag, you'll need to watch my Vianetic demo video. As I walk you through each of the 21+ features of this bag, you'll be able to truly appreciate just how amazing it is!! So watch it here and then keep reading for more detailed photos and info:

Unbelievable Storage & Organization:
The biggest thing that sets Vianetic apart from the crowd is its organizational capabilities. It's not your average backpack that opens from the top into a cavernous mess. Oh no. The front panel pulls completely open (via pull tab magnet, no less) to give you a beautifully organized (with velcro  panels or fully inclosed zippered container) view of your contents.

Attached (but removable) to this front panel is your easy to wipe clean diaper changing pad. So you could sit the backpack in your SUV's trunk or a park bench, open it up and change your baby right there without taking anything apart.

It also has a separate compartment on the bottom of the backpack (pictured top right in below image), and another in the back, meant for your laptop (pictured below on bottom right).

Multiple Carrying Options:
While it serves most obviously as a backpack to be carried, well, on your back, it also has a really nifty ability to quickly convert to be carried or stowed in other ways.  The straps are detachable so you can use as a standard 2 strap backpack or a cross body bag. The chest clips on each strap actually move up and down the strap, and have magnetic quick release buttons. These allow you to quickly hang or release it from the back of a stroller or the car's headrest, for example! Don't forget, it also has the luggage passthrough section on the back!

21+ Features:
Some of these have been mentioned above, but let's just go ahead and list some of the very cool and unique features you'll find on or in your Vianetic:

• Thermal Pack - this is a separate bag that comes inside your Vianetic bag. It says it can hold 3 baby bottles or ice pack and several food containers. AND a full sized bottle of wine. Yep! See me prove it in my YouTube Demo!
• Detachable diaper changing pad (can be used without detaching it; easy to clean)
• Sun glass holders on each strap
• Laptop compartment in back (large 20L holds up to 15", smaller 16L  holds up to 13")
• External USB plug
• Wet/Dry compartment
• Rain cover
• Side pockets for water bottle or other items, can be tucked in or out of the way when not in use
• Standing feet - stands nicely on its own
• Hidden passport pocket
• Keyring / Side access
  
• Lots of back & strap padding
  
• tons of extra pockets and compartments in every nook and cranny!

So what do you think!? Pretty amazing diaper bag, am I right!? But it'll serve you beyond that - use it for a travel bag, a work bag, or just your daily bag for getting around town!!

Don't forget, you can win one in my $560 value Baby Goodies Giveaway running through November 26!

Enter to win here!!

If you don't win, don't fret - they'll be having some great Black Friday deals and other deals as well. Right now I'm seeing a code for $40 off the Mini on their website! 

Don't miss our reviews of the must haves for getting around with babies through big kid:

• Wonderfold Wagon
• Evenflo Pivot Xpand Single to Double Stroller

We're back with another great group giveaway for families!! This one is featuring some of the best Holiday (or birthday) Gifts this year for babies, big kids, and adults - welcome to our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway!! One lucky winner will receive the entire jackpot, valued at $450!! Read on for more info about each prize, and enter to win in the Rafflecopter app at the bottom. Good luck and Happy Holidays to all!!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by the giveaway brands, and includes affiliate links - you won't pay more but we'll earn a small commission from purchases made.

THE PRIZES!!!

SHINESTY THEMED OUTFIT
Shinesty has some of the boldest themed clothing you will ever see. You'll be able to dress up in suits, jumpsuits, dresses, bathing suits and pajamas in honor of Christmas, Hannukah, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, you name it! They have TONS of options for men and women, and have a small selection of family coordinating items (even including items for your fur babies), which is where my true heart lies. Did you see our unboxing and hilarious "fashion show" in our coordinating snowflake outfits last year?! If you loved that, just you wait, we'll be doing it again in a new family set very soon - stay tuned for that!! Our grand prize winner will receive 1 Shinesty Christmas Themed Suit, Dress, or Pajama, in their choice of size (child or adult) and style, pending availability.

• Shop all Shinesty items here (affiliate link)

LOVE TO DREAM SWADDLE or SLEEP SUIT
​With 3 stages of swaddles and sleep suits, Love to Dream will help your baby sleep sounder from birth through 2 years of age! Their Stage 1: SWADDLE UP™ is a multi-award winning hip-healthy breakout-proof zip-up swaddle that allows your baby to sleep in a more natural ARMS UP™ position, and comes in 3 sizes for babies 5 - 19 pounds. Their Stage 2: Transitional products come in SWADDLE UP™ 50/50 Transition Bag or SWADDLE UP™ Transition 5-in-1 suit, good for babies 3 - 12 months of age. Their Stage 3: Independent Sleep items include short sleeve, long sleeve, and sleeveless legged LOVE TO DREAM SLEEP SUIT™ in sizes 6-12 months and 12-24 months, good for sleep or on the go. These sleep suits allow children more mobility and easier transition between car, crib & stroller than traditional sleep sacks, feature 2-in-1 feet so they can be used uncovered or covered with grip pads, and come in 3 different TOGs (weights/warmth): 0.2, 1.0 and 2.5. Our grand prize winner will receive 1 Love to Dream product, in their size and style of choice, a $29.99 - $59.99 value!

• Shop on lovetodream.com or ​Amazon (affiliate link).

ONECKLACKE PERSONALIZED JEWELRY
If you're looking for a unique piece of jewelry, you can't go wrong with oNecklace, with TONS of necklaces, bracelets, and rings in sterling silver, 24k gold plating, and rose gold plating. All items can be personalized, and I'm especially in love with their line for mothers (you can see the tri-color heart necklace here I got with my 3 children's names on it), but they also have collections for kids, couples, men, and more. Our grand prize winner will receive a $50 gift card to oNecklace, which is enough for many items, or can be used toward a larger ticket item (or items).

SIMPLAY3 CARRY & GO TRACK TABLE
A national parenting product award winner, the Carry & Go Track Table by Simplay3  flips for double sided fun - race track on one side and train tracks on the other, with fun decals included! Recommended for ages 3+, it weighs just 6.5 pounds and is made of durable plastic with an easy carry side handle. Made in the USA and compact for easy storage, this portable toy will bring endless fun for boys and girls alike! Our grand prize winner will receive 1, a $39.99 value. The Carry & Go Track Table is a part of the Carry & Go line that includes the Carry & Go Garage, Carry & Go Farm, and the Carry & Go Castle. One of Simplay3's bestselling gifts is the Young Explorers Adventure Climber,  an indoor or outdoor playset that is easy to maneuver through doorways and is also a Parent's Choice Award winner. 

• Shop Simply3 toys on Amazon (affiliate link).

Build A Bot
With the STEM learning toy Build A Bot by Relevant Play, children ages 4+ can build and personalize their very own pet robot! Our grand prize winner will receive a Build A Bot of their choice (Unicorn, Kitten, or Dalmation), which comes with over 20 pieces and stickers. Each pet makes fun sounds and moves when you clap, and you can even come up with a unique hybrid pet as parts are interchangeable with other Build A Bot pets!

• Buy on Amazon (affiliate link), $29.99

TREEMENDOUS ORNAMENT DECORATOR
From the makers of The EggMazing Easter Egg Decorator (if you missed our demo, check it out here!!), comes The Treemendous - a fun and crafty machine allowing you to easily decorate your own incredibly unique (Christmas tree or other) ornaments!! Simply snap their plastic ornaments into the machine, pop in 4 AA batteries, switch it on and hold the marker down as the ornament spins underneath! So satisfying, and they come out beautifully, no art skills required! Trust me, even our 4 year olds' turned out brilliantly! Our grand prize winner will receive one Treemendous Ornament Decorator. Be sure to check out our demo video below to see how fun and easy it is!

• Shop for EggMazing and Treemendous on Amazon (affiliate link), $29.99 

MINI ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD
When your tot has outgrown their 4-keyed toddler "piano" but isn't quite ready for the real deal, the BigFun Electronic Mini Keyboard by M Sanmersen is the perfect next step!! Featuring 37 mini keys, 4 percussion, 11 Demos, 8 Rhythms, and 4 animal sounds, kids will have a blast not just playing around but actually learning to play piano! It runs on AA batteries or USB cord (cord included, plug and batteries not), is lightweight and only 17" wide, so it's very portable - great for at home or even in the car or stroller wagon! Recommended for ages 3+, our grand prize winner will receive 1!

• Buy on Amazon (affiliate link), $28.99

PLUS-PLUS HOLIDAY PLAYSET BUNDLE
If you've got children ages 5 - 12 who are into building and constructing, then they will love Plus-Plus! Just one simple shape brings you endless possibilities and hours of fun - creating colorful flat mosaics or extravagant 3D structures!! A perfect STEM toy to develop fine motor skills, focus and patience - as well as design, imagination and creativity! Plus-Plus has open ended sets as well as themed ones, like the Apollo 11 Edition we unboxed and demo'd on YouTube a few months ago (watch it here)! Our grand prize winner will receive Plus-Plus Holiday Playset Bundle, which includes 1 North Pole Baseplate Builder, 1 Elf Tube, and 1 Christmas Tree Tube.

• Shop for Plus-Plus items on their website or Amazon (affiliate link), $24.99

GAMES BY BICYCLE SHUFFLE GRAND PRIX
Shuffle Grand Prix is a Racing Card Game where "drivers" battle in a fast-paced, strategic challenge to out-distance the competition, for 2-4 players for ages 13+, brought to you by Games by Bicycle. With just the right amount of strategy, intense graphics and action to amuse and engage, Shuffle Grand Prix is a family-friendly game that appeals to the competitive side of us all. It’s also a great gateway into light strategy games! Our grand prize winner will receive 1 Shuffle Grand Prix Set.

• Buy on Games by Bicycle's website and Amazon (affiliate link), $24.99

OLLYBALL
Invented by parents in need of a ball their kids could play with in the house without breaking everything, Ollyball was voted "Rookie of the Year" in The Toy Association's 2019 Toy of the Year Awards! Designed for full-speed, full-force indoor play, Ollyball weighs less than an ounce and absorbs shock through a patented KrunchCOR® construction, and you can even color it in with crayons and markers! Our grand prize winner will receive one Ollyball.

• Buy on ​Amazon (affiliate link), $14.99

MAD MATTR QUANTUM PACK
A super soft, non-toxic, gluten/casein/wheat-free building compound for ages 3+, Mad Mattr by Relevant Play easily molds and shapes into endless creations, inspiring open-ended play. "Shape it, build it, stretch it, watch it flow!" Easy to clean up and never dries out, it's great for developing fine motor skills and is wonderful for sensory play! Our grand prize winner will receive one 10oz resealable pack of Mad Mattr Jewel Tone Quantum Pack in their choice of color (Rocket Red, Green Dream, Blue Wonder, Purple Paradise, or Flamingo Pink), a $12.99 value.

• Shop all Mad Mattr compounds and accessories (like brick maker and unicorn mold) on Amazon (affiliate link).

HOYLE GAMES
Our grand prize winner will receive 2 great games from Hoyle!

Seal Squad™ helps kids learn to work together and overcome obstacles while using simple strategy and decision-making skills. For 2-4 players ages 6-8, it contains 1 game mat, 56 mini cards, 2 dice, and 5 chips.

• Buy on their website or Amazon (affiliate link), $5.99

Great at teaching kids ages 4-6 how to add and subtract by fives and tens, Piggy Bank is easy to learn and lots of fun! It comes with 18 cards, 18 coins, and 1 instruction sheet. It's a Mom's Choice Awards Gold Recipient and Creative Child Seal of Excellence Award Winner!!

• ​Buy on their website or Amazon (affiliate link), $5.99

COILZ CUP
A brand new tactile collectible and game, Coilz by Relevant Play is definitely an out of the box kind of game! Our grand prize winner will receive one Coilz Cup, which includes 6 collectible Coilz, a bocce ball, distance marker, two friction pads, and two backboards - with instructions and a collector’s card. For ages 5+, you and your children can enjoy more than 10 challenging Coilz games with the Coilz Cup, a $9.99 value.

• Shop for Coilz toys on Amazon (affiliate link).

LISTEN. LOVE. REPEAT. BY AGAIN AGAIN
Listen. Love. Repeat is the debut family album by Again Again, a duo of LA-based musicians and moms on a quest to blend fun with cultural consciousness for kids! Just released on October 18, it's a lively listen packed with progressive life lessons for today's kids. Our grand prize winner will receive their choice of CD or digital download.

• Buy on Amazon (affiliate link).

So there you have it - what an amazing prize pack, am I right!? Something for every member of your family, and maybe even a few gifts to pass on to friends and relatives!! Enter to win in the Rafflecopter app below - remember, you only need to comment (and click in the app that you did so) to enter the giveaway, BUT each additional action you take will earn you more chances to win, and some actions can be done daily!! Giveaway open to US residents ages 18+. Good luck!!

As a mommy blogger in South Brooklyn with 3 small kids and an often traveling husband, attending influencer events is a rarity for me, but one I always move mountains to attend is MomTrends' Moms' Night Out aka #MTNightOut! This was their 4th one and I'm excited to share with you what a fun night we had learning about the latest from Parents Magazine, Clorox, and Dove - basically, brands every mom needs in her life! Read on to see the unique activities they had us doing (spoiler: I made a snow globe, and my own perfume!?!? what!!!)

This blog post is sponsored by MomTrends, Parents Magazine, Clorox and Dove and contains affiliate links - we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking some links.

BABY DOVE
Jump in a blow up bathtub fully dressed!? Sure, why not - anything for the Gram, am I right!? But first, I got to play with WikkiStix, which we always bring for our kids to play with when we go out to eat; and also make GREAT non-candy Halloween or Birthday Party Goodie Bag treats FYI. Used the WikkiStix to decorate my very own bath caddy, which included Baby Dove Tip to Toe Babywash (affiliate link), of course!

​Did you know babies are born with a living protective layer of microflora on their skin, known as their microbiome? Unique to each baby, the microbiome works to maintain skin’s health while also helping with skin’s natural protection and nourishment. Baby Dove is uniquely made with prebiotic moisture and 100% skin-natural nutrients to gently nourish your baby’s delicate microbiome! A moisturizing, hypoallergenic baby wash made free from dyes, parabens, phthalates, & sulfates, this one by Dove is a great tear-free baby body wash and shampoo that’s suitable for newborns through big kids!

CLOROX® DISINFECTING WIPES

We've been big fans of Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes for years now - they always save my sanity, helping me quickly disinfect countertops after cooking, and of course everything from door knobs to light switches to remote controls when someone has anything from the common cold to strep throat! In our small Brooklyn home, the kitchen table is where we spend a good part of our family life - eating meals, doing homework, and of course, arts and crafts galore! There's nothing like cleaning it down with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, knowing it's free of food, glitter, glue, and germs, and ready for us to start a new project! I also distributed plenty of tubs to my 3 kids' teachers with their back to school supplies! They kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, and remove common allergens around your home - if you ask me, you can never have enough Clorox Wipes!

​At Moms' Night Out, Clorox helped me keep it clean while constructing my very first ever DIY Snow Globe!!! We picked out cute little creatures, glued them onto the base, waited for them to dry, then added glycerin and glittery snow and water to the globe, and secured it all together. Et voila - wintery wonderland of my very own!! With a Christmas Baby, my mind is all aflutter of how fun it'd be to do Snow Globes as an activity (and take home prize instead of traditional goodie bag) at his next birthday party!!

PARENTS MAGAZINE

Whether you subscribe to their magazine or just catch their articles online, Parents Magazine is a great source for all things pregnancy, birth, babies, and parenting! At Moms' Night Out, we got to meet their brand new Editor in Chief, as well as the editors of their Food department and Parents Latina!  We got to take part in 2 fun activities related to recent features in their magazine. We got to create our own scents with Julianne of Alchemologie (above), who ​teaches workshops in natural perfume blending, and provides perfume consultations, private classes, and fragrance parties at her shop, at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and at your choice of venue. It was a truly unique experience, and a bit overwhelming, since I don't wear perfume or know the first thing about the mixing of scents! Basically, we had to choose 2 from each of the 3 groupings she had, and I ended up choosing: Labdanum, Peru Balsam, Damask Rose, Jasmine, Rosewood, and Grapefruit. I named it US Japan Fam, of course, and it came out smelling quite lovely!

We also had the chance to create some adorable and yummy snacks that were featured in the magazine's Halloween edition, you can see a full list of their Spooky Halloween Snacks and Treats here - be sure to tag us on social (@usjapanfam) if you make some!!!

Such a fun night, and so happy to share it with all of you!! Let me know what you thought, or share your favorite goodie bag or party food ideas below!!

Celebrating its first anniversary and heaps of success here in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, Cheesecake Diva is offering some new and exciting menu items and services we are thrilled to spread the word about!!

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Cheesecake Diva, but all thoughts and opinions are our own - completely honest and unbiased.

Before we get to the new stuff, we have to first touch on their (delicious!!) staple, and namesake - the cheesecakes!! Serving up a huge list of flavors in single serving ($4.25), 6" round (from $16), 10" round (from $38), mini pack of 12 ($12.95), and mini pack of 24 ($22.95) - stop by for a spontaneous sweet treat or order online for a birthday or office party (they can deliver!). They even cater events and offer wholesale to restaurants and hotels - call (718) 333-5087 for more info!!

And then there is the Egg Waffle Ice Cream which is huge enough to share, or those with the greatest of ambitions could tackle it solo! Not your average waffle cone, this puffed up egg waffle is a Hong Kong treat that is incredibly hard to find here in NYC. You choose vanilla or chocolate flavored egg waffle, add ice cream and your choice of toppings ($9)!

And now, to the new featured treats!! Cheesecake Diva is the FIRST in NYC to be offering a, wait for it, CHEESECAKE POPSICLE!!! It's basically a semi-frozen slice of cheesecake, on a stick, with your choice of toppings. And simply put, it's amazing!!!! It's worth ever cent of its $6.50 price tag (more for extra toppings). Thankfully this is not seasonal offering, it'll be here year-round!

They've also got Golden Honey Toast with Ice Cream, Bubble Tea, Infused Ice Tea, Diva Latte, Matcha...

For those seeking a taste of Japan in Bay Ridge, they've got a full line of Pocky Sticks and freshly made Takoyaki (octopus balls).

They are also now proudly serving Grumpy Coffee, which is Kosher certified, brewed in Brooklyn, and woman-owned! 

As Cheesecake Diva enters their second year here in Bay Ridge, let's show them our support through our wallets and stomachs, shall we!? Located at 7309 3rd Ave, head on over to celebrate surviving the back to school hustle, a long work week, end of exams, birthdays, or just another day on this planet! Or give them a call to cater your next party, PTA meeting, baby shower, etc! 

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by DiscountGlasses.com, however all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased. This post also contains affiliate links, meaning you won't pay more but we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

The way kids (and adults!) lose and break their glasses, we just can't afford to be paying top dollar for designer frames at a local boutique again and again, am I right?! Thank goodness for DiscountGlasses.com, who has hundreds of stylish prescription glasses (and sunglasses with or without prescription) for kids and adults, starting at just $39.95! They've generously included a $100 credit to their website for the winner of our $400 value Back to School Giveaway (enter to win here by 8/29/19). Check out this fun unboxing video by my 3 year old and myself, and then keep reading for more!

Their website features a virtual try-on app that is quick and easy to use, and allows you to see what you look like in most frames! If you create an account, it'll save your image so you can quickly use the try-on app every time you are shopping for new glasses or sunglasses. They also include very specific dimensions for each frame, including lens diameter, bridge width, and temple length, so if you go to a local shop and find the measurements that fit you best, it'll be quite easy to find the perfect glasses online moving forward. If you don't want to visit an eyewear store in person, no worries, discountglasses.com has a 365 free return period, so it's basically risk free! They don't take insurance but check with your health/eye insurance provider - you should be able to print off the detailed receipt and submit it for reimbursement.

With such fabulous prices and style options, you can "go crazy" with several designs and not feel a bit guilty! A sensible pair, a funky pair, one for work, one for nights out with the girls, see where I'm going? And for the kids, you can keep a backup pair at home, in the car, in the backpack, at grandma's house, etc.

We've already ordered several times from DiscountGlasses.com and have had great success with every frame so far! For myself, I got the Rampage R 195 plastic frame black glasses and the Prive Revaux The Hepburn sunglasses ($29.95, pictured above - bottom left). For my daughter Mia, we got her first prescription glasses, Miraflex New Baby 1 ($100 - pictured above - bottom left), which are great first glasses for toddlers as they're hinge-free, but she refused to wear them unfortunately). We got non-prescription sunglasses for all 3 kids as well Picklez Roxy Black with orange lenses ($34.95 - pictured above - top left) for Kenzo and Picklez Bruno ($34.95) and ​Picklez Penny ($39.95), both in hot pink, for Emi and Mia (pictured above - top right).

This time around, Mia and I got some new frames. Since we got thick plastic frames last time, I thought we'd try something new with thin and super lightweight metal frames! For myself, I got the Lunettos Harley in Matte Black/Tortoise, base price $39.95 and added the Transistions lens package for an additional $79.95, which includes UV-protective, scratch-resistant Transition polycarbonate prescription lenses, and I also added the $20 anti-reflective coating, for a total of $134.94.

Mia picked out the Picklez Daisy in Red/Turquoise for $39.95, which includes lightweight polycarbonate prescription lenses with UV-protective and scratch-resistant lenses. I'll admit I'm a wee bit jealous of her fun frames, the sides especially are just so adorable!! But the true question is... will she wear them!?!?!

So what do you think? Have you ever bought glasses online? Willing to give it a try next time? Don't forget, you can win $100 credit to DiscountGlasses.com in my $400 value jackpot Back to School Giveaway here (enter by 8/29/19, US residents 18+ only).

Sometimes accidental, sometimes part of a tantrum or burst of energy, there's no denying that little kids are prone to messes. But I'm here to share with you a very easy way to cut down on snack time messes, with the help of Munchie Mug, who sponsored this blog post and is part of our huge $400 value jackpot Back to School Giveaway (enter to win here!!).

Munchie Mug snack cups are proudly made in America with FDA food-grade compliant materials, and the plastic parts are #5 recyclable! They are BPA / Phthalate / PVC free and top rack dishwasher safe. They come in 16oz and 12oz (both with 4" diameter), with 2 types of tops. They're really durable too. We got our first 3 two years ago. 2 got lost along the way but 1 is still going strong, and we just added 3 new ones to our arsenal! I simply cannot sing their praises highly enough. We went through a half dozen or so type of snack cups and Munchie Mug is hands down THE BEST!!

The stay-fresh lid will seal it up for snacking later, but the main lid is where the magic is, folks. It's made of overlapping fabric (food grade polypropylene/spandex blend fabric) that makes it spill-proof and SHAKE-PROOF!! Be sure to watch our demo video (with a fun blind-folded game at the end) to see it in action - shake it as hard as you can, upside down, throw it across the room, this baby is NOT going to spill a single snack!! Do note, it's not mischief-proof - my littles eventually learned they can squeeze the fabric open to dump snacks out. But kids will be kids. At least there will be no ACCIDENTAL spills. The fabric also makes them super soft and great for sensitive little hands. Got eczema or sensory issues? No problem!!

The tops come in a rainbow of colors to choose from, and the base cups come in a couple of cute designs, including ABC, 123, and clear, and are recommended for ages 10 months and up. The lids also feature a little cutout that make them easy for little hands to hold onto, easy for a caregiver to carry several at a time (i can hang onto 3+ per hand!), and you can thread a sippy cup leash to attach it securely to a stroller or car seat.

You can buy these for about $18 a piece on their website or Amazon (affiliate link) and don't forget, theres's 1 in our $400 value jackpot Back to School Giveaway!! Open to US residents ages 18 and over, enter to win here by August 29, 2019!! 

Still on the fence about signing your city kids up for summer camp, or wondering if your progeny might be ready for sleep-away camp? Then you're in luck, because today's post is sponsored by Trail Blazers, an overnight camp located on 1,000 beautifully forested acres in Montague, NJ - just 2 hours from NYC with busing available from Brooklyn! One of the nation's oldest summer camps (open since 1887 - now in its 133'rd season!!) and accredited by the American Camp Association, sessions have already commenced, but it's not too late! Keep reading for more info and sign up ASAP!

Trail Blazers has an adventure for every camper - grades K - 12, of every background and all levels of experience. We're talking ​Farmstead, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, and Biking programs, and a Leaders-In-Training program for teens.

With 14 campsites and a private 55 acre lake, Trail Blazers offers campers a unique and immersive experience in nature. We're talking canvas teepees and tents (with beds), non-flushing latrines (running water & hot showers available), and a completely electronics-free zone (yep - no phones, internet, or video games!!).

Campers live in a smallcamp group, with just 7-9 campers and group leaders who come from all over the world. This allows each group to schedule days tailored to their to their individual interests. They believe children learn best through experience, so your child will learn hands-on skills, how to take charge, and how to share their skills and talents with others. While having the summer of their lives, campers will learn how to develop care and respect for themselves, their friends, our community, and the environment.

​FEES:
In order to make summer camp available to all children interested in Trail Blazers, they offer a 5-level tier system based on family income. Additional scholarship funding is available for some programs to families for whom Tier 1 (lowest) pricing is still out of reach.

PROGRAMS OFFERED:

• Outdoor Adventure: classic 2-week long overnight camp program culminating in a 1-4 night hike, for boys and girls entering grades 2-10. Fee: $400 - $1,600.
• Mini Camp: 1 week of overnight adventure, designed specifically for children who have previously been to Trail Blazers' Brooklyn Day Camp. Co-ed (separate sleeping accommodations only), for boys and girls entering grades K-2. Fee: $200 - $750.
• Canoeing Intensive: 2-week long overnight program for students entering grades 7-10. ​Boys and girls sessions held separately. Fee: $500 - $1,700.
• Biking Intensive: 2-week long overnight program for students entering grades 7-10. ​Boys and girls sessions held separately. Fee: $500 - $1,700.
• Rock Climbing Camp: 2-week long overnight camp, for boys and girls entering grades 3-5. Co-ed (separate sleeping accommodations only). Fee: $600 - $1,800.
• Farmstead Camp: Partnership with an organic farm. Boys and girls entering grades 3-5 will be caring for animals, harvesting and cooking their own food, and stomping in the beautiful creek! 2-week long overnight program; Co-ed (separate sleeping accommodations only). Fee: $800 - $2,500.
• Leaders-in-Training: 4-week long co-ed overnight program (separate sleeping accommodations only). Students entering grades 10-12 will focus on leadership, personal growth, community service, environmental stewardship activities, and the love of outdoors. Fee: $800 - $2,000.

Sounds amazing, right!? Don't miss the chance for your child to have an amazing, adventurous summer with Trail Blazers! Head on over to their website NOW for more information or to schedule a tour! Besides their overnight camp in NJ, they also have a Brooklyn Day Camp (with drop-off locations in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Crown Heights, and Park Slope) for campers entering Pre-K through 10 years of age, from $55 - $125 per day.

MORE POSTS YOU MAY LIKE:

• Bay Ridge Families' Summer Bucket List
• Family Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from NYC
• 2019 Summer Camp Guide for Bay Ridge Brooklyn & Beyond