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

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Hilary Abbot Communications on behalf of pediped, but all thoughts and opinions are my own and unbiased. This post also contains affiliate links - you won't pay more but this blog will earn a small commission from any sales made.

Summer is coming (or already here!) and your kids are in need of some quality, comfortable, and adorable water-safe summer shoes!! We've been huge fans of pediped for many years now, and are thrilled to be working with them on yet another review and giveaway! Keep reading and enter to win a pair of shoes and a purse strap at the bottom of this post!

FLEX® RIVER MARY JANE SANDALS:
How excited are my girls about their new pediped summer shoes!! They're happy because they're super cute, comfy, great for the splash pad and the playground, and easy for them to put on by themselves, and mama's happy because they're water-safe, machine-washable, very flexible, vegan, and have a quick-dry EVA footbed! 

Available in sizes 20 - 36 (US 5 - 4.5Y), in colors purple, pink, and navy, you can grab a pair for $42.50 - $50 on pediped.com or Amazon (affiliate link).

​FLEX® RENEGADE WATER-SAFE SNEAKERS:
My son already had a pair of hand-me-down fisherman style sandals, so I searched for another style of water-safe shoes and found the awesome Renegade design by pediped! Featuring clarino and mesh upper, breathable neoprene liner, and a quick-dry EVA foot bed - these are a great way to let your child play and run in the water, but keep their feet safe (completely protected from the sun, too - less sunblock FTW)! My 6 year old hasn't learned to tie laces yet, so he's happy these have stretchy faux laces and an easy velcro strap! And I'm happy that they're machine washable, because shoes worn frequently in summer without socks can get a bit funky, and I right?

Available in sizes 22 - 31 (US 6 - 13.5) in navy/lime, pink, and purple you can buy these for $57 on pediped.com or Amazon (affiliate link).

Pediped has a few other great water-safe children's summer shoes, including the Flex design we got and reviewed last year, as well as crib shoes, sneakers, dress shoes, boots, and more (and to really go back in time, check out our old reviews of the Norm loafers, Orion Sneakers, and Natasha Dress Shoes and Max Sneakers)! Head to their website to shop all of their options!

But wait, pediped is more than just award winning shoes that promote healthy foot development!! They've also got some fun accessories, including pedipals shoe charms, pedipets pet collars and leashes (with designs that match some of their shoes!), and purse straps!

The pediped purse straps will attach to many kinds of purses (with a metal clasp on each end of the leather 40" lacquer coated strap), and comes in two designs - silver and white floral. It's long and intended for a mom to use and coordinate with her toddler's shoes (Flex® Jake White Floral, Originals® Jake White Floral, Flex® Barbara White Floral, or Originals® Louisa White Floral), so it was a bit too long for my 3 year olds to use but was fine for my 6 year old ​(see above). You could get creative and attach it to other things as well such as a teddy bare, water bottle, you name it!

THE GIVEAWAY!!!
OK, the moment you've all been waiting for!! Enter in the rafflecopter app below for your chance to win ONE PAIR of "adventure" water-safe shoes (you chose style, size, and gender) and ONE PURSE STRAP!! Open to US residents age 18 or over, the giveaway will end at 11:59PM EST on Thursday, June 13. The more actions you take in the app, the more chances to win you will accrue! Some options include daily points!

With NYC banning styrofoam and plastic bags, and the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change's recent special report, the time is now to step up and do our part to, for lack of a better phrase, reduce - reuse - recycle. I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on the topic, and I'll admit to often making choices based more on convenience and budget than sustainability and carbon footprint. But I need to do better, and thankfully such is the growing mindset out there!

There are simple choices we can all make, that are healthier for us and the planet, and sometimes even for our wallets! And the impact, when we all make these choices, can really add up! Reducing our usage of plastics and single-use items is one of those choices we all need to be focusing on, and I'm happy to share with you why and how silicone can help you do this!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Hilary Abbot Communications on behalf of GoSili, but all thoughts and opinions are my own and unbiased. This post also contains affiliate links - you won't pay more but this blog will earn a small commission from any sales made.

Why Silicone?
According to GoSili, silicone is:

• non-toxic:  free of BPA, BPS, phthlalate, PVC, lead, and petroleum products
• sustainable: 100% plastic free and recyclable at specific facilities (you can ship your products back to GoSili to recycle them for you)
• practical: pretty much indestructible! Also sterilizable, boilable, freezable, microwaveable, unbreakable, dishwasher-safe

Ditch the Disposables!!
All those single-use snack bags, beverage containers, straws, and lunch and grocery bags add up to a LOT of waste. Some of them may end up being recycled, but most end up in a landfill or even worse, in the ocean. Did you know there are amazing reusable products out there for just about everything? Glass, stainless steel, bamboo, and silicone are just a few of the more eco-friendly sustainable materials to choose from, and below are a few of our favorite silicone products that can replace common plastics and disposables you're used to using.

Silicone Straws
Plastic straws - why oh why are these still being distributed!? According to GoSili, 500 million plastic straws are thrown away every day in the US!! No more, we say!! But that doesn't mean you have to give up straws completely!  These Reusable Silicone Straws by GoSili come in pretty colors, are easy to use and clean, and they fold up nicely, too! Get 1 in a travel case for $2.50 - 2.99 or a 6-pack for $6.95 on Amazon (affiliate link). While you're at it, grab some silicone straw tops (affiliate link) to make any glass, mug, or cup spill proof!

Silicone Coffee Cups / Travel Mugs
Sure, walking into the coffee shop and grabbing a to-go cup is easy. Too easy. According to GoSili, 100 billion disposable cups go to land fills each year. Stop the insanity! Bring your own cup, and do it in style! These Reusable 16oz Silicone Coffee Cups / Travel Mugs by GoSili are brilliant - the entire cup and lid are made of silicone, and include an internal stainless steel ring so they won't collapse under your grasp! Amazing, right!? Grab them for $14.95 on Amazon (affiliate link), they're also available in 8oz! Do note they're not spill proof as there is no plug for the little sippy hole. Hey GoSili, there's your next product to work on - the coffee cup plug!

Silicone Sippy Cups for Kids
​Want to have a laugh at your toddlers, big kids, or even your spouse trying to figure out how to drink from a cup? Get them a ​12oz Silicone OH! Cup "Drink From Anywhere" Cup by GoSili! At first glance, you can't figure out how to take a sip - there are no holes! But there are actually teeny slits across the entire top ring of the lid (see my image below), hence the "drink from anywhere" part of its name! So, when you tip it back and suck, out comes your drink! But when you flip it over, no spills! It's amazing!! Once you explain it to your kids, they'll pick it up no problem, but first be sure to get their no-explanation first attempt on video!

Some of these products might be tough to find at local retailers, but you can grab them on Amazon here (affiliate links):

So, what do you think!? Are you already using some of these silicone products? Have others you love? Any tips for reducing, reusing, recycling!? Shopping at zero waste bulk stores yet? Leave a comment below!!

Girl moms and mini fashionistas, this one is for you!! We recently did a review of kidpik basics (budget-friendly and super cute a la carte girls' clothing), and now we're back with a (sponsored) unboxing and review of kidpik subscription box! Keep reading and don't miss our fun unboxing and fashion show video embedded at the bottom of the post!!!

There is no stylist fee, no subscription fee, no shipping or return fee. Basically, there's no risk when ordering your kidpik subscription box!!! You take the stylist quiz (see some of the questions in the carousel below), select the sizes and frequency to receive your box (every 4, 6, or 12 weeks) and bam, your girl's box is on the way!

Available for girls ages 3-12 years (sizes 4-16), each box includes 7 items (clothing, accessories, and shoes, or you can select not to include shoes), with an average cost of $13.50 per item or $95 per box. You only pay for the items you don't send back within a week, but if you keep ALL the items, you get a 30% off "keep all" discount! And because each box is personally stylized for your girl's preferences, it's quite likely you'll want to keep them all! We sure did! But just in case, they include a pre-paid return envelope, to make returns super easy.

One thing I find very unique about this particular subscription box is that it's not a mish mosh of brands. Every item is kidpik brand - high quality, super cute, and not available in stores! Knowing every item was hand picked by a stylist for your daughter feels pretty special, too! Fast forward a few years, I can totally see my girls signing up, taking the stylist quiz, and handling all of this for themselves (with minimal supervision)! Such a fun system for your lil' fashionistas - no driver's license necessary! HA!

So what are you waiting for?! Go ahead and sign up for your no risk box of girl's clothing here!! And get 40% off your whole box + free shipping with code USJF40, valid 5/31/19 thru 6/13/19

Disclaimer: This blog post is sponsored by oNecklace, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links - you don't pay more but we will earn a small commission for purchases made.

Mother's Day is coming up and we all have different feelings about this day. For many, it's a day to reflect on all that the mother does for the family. To spoil her, or at least to take a moment to say "Thank you and I love you!" But we have to remember for some, it's not all rainbows and butterflies. Some women are struggling to become mothers, some are grieving the loss of our own mothers, some have a tense relationship with their mother / mother-in law / baby mama or even their own children! No matter the case, we can all agree that without mothers, none of us would be here. So, commemorate the day how you best you choose, and if that means gifting yourself or a mother with something lovely, unique, and treasurable, then this is the post for you! I bring you my unique Mother's Day Gift Guide!

Personalized Jewelry

I have been wanting this myself for ages, and just hadn't made the splurge or hinted at it to my partner in crime, oops! But I got a beautiful personalized piece of mothers' jewelry thanks to oNecklace who provided me with this gorgeous Three Tone Ring Engraved Mother Necklace, currently 40% off, selling for just $47.95!! Beyond having your children's names engraved (smallest ring is 24K gold plated, next is rose gold, and largest ring is 925 sterling silver), you can also customize the clasp (lobster or spring-ring clasps) and chain length (with 14 - 22" available). oNecklace has TONS of other designs available - mother jewelry, and non-mother necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, for kids and adults. oNecklace has been around since 2012 and has been featured in British Vogue and on Pretty Little Liars and The Talk, they offer free shipping and have a 90-day return policy, so what do you have to lose!? Check 'em out!

Mugs, Tumblers, & Glasses

Whether she's a wine lover, coffee addict, tea enthusiast, fitness freak, or just your average Jane struggling to stay hydrated, you can't go wrong with a fun or stylish beverage container. Pick out one with a silly catch phrase, an inspirational quote, or even some photos of your kids - the sky's the limit! I'm loving the motherhood line of glasses by Pearhead, featuring wine glasses (affiliate link) and ceramic coffee mugs (affiliate link).

Subscription Box

Nothing says love like a box of goodies delivered right to their doorstep! Thankfully there are a bazillion subscription boxes out there to choose from!! Got a fitness or yoga lover? Check out my review (and $10 off coupon) for Yoga Club!! For regular clothing (men, women, and kids) try Stitch Fix (affiliate link).

Intangible Services

Sometimes the most thoughtful gifts don't come in packages with pretty bows on top. What about booking her a day at the spa, or that cut and color she's had on the back burner for months (or years) because she just hasn't had the child-free time to "pamper" herself on such a "luxury"!? Heck, you can even book a sitter for her to have some free time - check out Chime by Sitter City, you'll even get $25 off your first booking with my affiliate link!

Professional Photography

When's the last time your family had a professional photoshoot? Book one to commemorate Mother's Day this year, or every year! Or, just for the mama, how about a Boudoir Shoot? It's certainly not for everyone, but would be an experience she'll never forget (and probably some photos she and her partner will appreciate having decades down the road!). If you don't know of a great local photographer, hey, there's an app for that, with plenty of "on-demand" photography booking options these days. With Shoott in NYC, for example, you book on demand (or ahead) and get a free on location 30 minute photo shoot and only pay for the photos you keep (each is $15 or less)!! Some others include PhotoSesh, Snappr, and Snapped.

Other Ideas:

Support your mama friends by shopping through them!! Here are a few great Mother's Day gift ideas from my mom friends:

• Pampered Chef - Now, don't be a rookie and get her a blender or a "necessity" that shouldn't count as a "gift"... how about a Wine Tumblers & Bag, Premium Cocktail Set, or Cold Brew Pitcher!
• Rodan + Fields - Help mom age backwards. Give the gift of youth this Mother's Day with R+F's Redefine or Reverse regimens and show mom the love she deserves! 
• Burst Toothbrush - again, maybe not a great gift for others but who says you can't treat yourself to healthier (and prettier) teeth and gums? This sonic toothbrush has been rocking the dental world and is recommended by thousands of dentists and hygienists!
• Kigurumi Oneise Costumes - have an anime / kawaii / Japan loving mom friend? Or want to buy a cute cuddly costume / pajamas to match your kids!? Go get you some Kigurumi hooded onesies!!
• YoRo Naturals - struggle with your eczema prone skin, or know another mother who does? Check out this amazing Organic Manuka Honey Soothing Skin Cream (affiliate link) or their skin healing zinc & tencl infused fabric RemedyWear (affiliate link)!
• Apparel by Brooklyn BoyMom - With logos like "comin' in hot" and "it's all grace" - these are fun, cute, and inspiring!
• Get style help online, over the phone, or in person (at the shop in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn) at mama run Ogo New York - only a $30 commitment which will go toward purchases made!
• Kannaway - Give mom the gift of all natural hemp-infused skin care products, in addition to a full line of natural hemp products including CBD supplements.

If all else fails and you're still at a complete loss for the perfect Mother's Day Gift, check out Amazon's exhaustive list of Mother's Day Gifts (affiliate list), with tons of categories and options!!

Watch a Video!