Just read some sad news. The amazing Big Apple Circus may be closing due to a lack of funds. If you also love the Big Apple Circus please consider donating to help them stay open!
The Big Apple Circus founders Paul Binder and Michael Christensen will make a special appearance on Sunday, June 12th, at 3pm appealing to the audience for its support and to thank them for their loyalty over the last 38 years.
The Big Apple Circus Is A Non-Profit
A nonprofit organization, The Big Apple Circus also serves children in hospitals, seniors and others with special needs. It recently announced that a $2 million deficit has left it in critical condition and in danger of having to close the Circus for good after this final show of its season.
The circus brings such joy to so many people. No matter your age it is always a good time. My favorite circus memories come from being a kid and enjoying it and being a mom. One time a camel ate popcorn right out of the bag of our seat neighbor!
Help Up Save The Circus
Without the Big Apple Circus where can we see all the fun acts? Help us save the circus.
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It’s 2016 New York Baby Show time! One of the reasons I like the The New York Baby Show so much is that they always draw a great combination of vendors – both large and small scale to their event. This year didn’t disappoint. I was happy to walk the floor and see some new and innovative products as well as some of my favorites. As a mom pregnant with my third child it is nice to see there are still maternity or baby products that can be created to fill a need. I present to you my findings!
One of my favorite companies at the show was Little Partners. Completely new to me they offer only a few products and all brilliant. What started with their Learning Tower twenty years ago – a great product that allows your child to stand (safely contained) in a raised step stool in the kitchen promoting interactive play and learning while you cook, has expanded to include three other equally smart products.
First, and launched in late 2015, the 8lb Little Partners Phoenix Baby GoTo is a raised infant car seat station which converts to a high chair (100lb limit) and collapses like a beach chair into a bag with a strap. I think this product is ingenious. When I saw it I immediately thought this was the perfect thing to bring to the beach. Since you don’t want your infant carrier sitting in the sand it would be perfect. Much like an umbrella stroller, this should be in every new mom’s trunk.
Second, and launched in April of 2016, is their height adjustable Tri-Side Art Easel. This triple sided easel (art supplies included) allows three kids to create masterpieces at the same time using different mediums.
Third, was their “smart” Bassinet including a reclining canopy, electronic mobile, extra deep sleeping area, port to play your own music, large storage basket, room thermometer/humidity device, music, a light, vibration, and a nursing timer (2, 3, or 4 hours). It even comes with two sheets! They literally thought of everything. They can even monogram it with your child’s initials.
The next item I lusted after was the Cozy Bump Maternity Pillow. Unlike other maternity pillows that are a bit confusing to use this one was simple. Think of an inflatable raft with a hole in the middle for your belly. Absolute bliss! Launched in April of 2016, the Cozy Bump Maternity Pillow offers a comfortable and safe position to lay in for as long as you’d like – and at nine months pregnant that would be all day for me. It was designed by a husband (with a fitness background) and wife (who is a nurse) team to relieve lower back pain. What’s even cooler is it collapses into an included backpack the size of a newspaper!
As a person who muttered “no stroller impresses me anymore” walking into the show, I stand corrected. Check out the gb Pockit Stroller. Launched in the US in the spring of 2016, this Guinness Book of World’s Records holder for the smallest stroller in the world weighs in at only nine pounds. It is also able to hold your child from six months to fifty five pounds, and it was a breeze to push. I was amazed. In addition, there is a rectangle sunshade and the entire stroller material is machine washable.
The gb Pockit Stroller fits underneath an airplane seat & I think even better – would fit in your suitcase or trunk taking up the same room as a large text book. In fact at a folded dimension of 11.8’x13.8’x7″ – it could even fit in your handbag! My favorite part was the handles and buttons you use to collapse the gb Pockit Stroller look like Atari handsets.
Comfort Stations For Parent Breaks
Besides great products, The New York Baby Show had several comfort stations set up for families. I was so happy to see my friends from the New York City Dads Group there with one of the biggest and most well attended rest stations. Started in November of 2008 by two stay at home dads – Lance Somerfeld and Matt Schneider, the New York City Dads Group has grown to a community of over fifteen hundred active dads who meet up in Manhattan regularly. In fact, their model has been so well received that in only a few years they’ve expanded into twenty one cities with over six thousand active members. Amazing!
I can personally speak to the New York City Dads Group successful meetups from when we lived in Manhattan and my husband was a stay at home dad for a short stint. He loved knowing there was a community of fun, well educated Dads that he could hang out with on a weekday. Kudos to the New York City Dads Group for creating and sustaining a welcoming & social place for dads to connect. But beware – the Dad jokes are pretty strong – just look at these (hilarious) BabyNes onesies they were giving out…
As my delivery time is coming close and my excitement level is rising to once again nurse, I was happy to see my friends from Evenflo Feeding and their amazing breast pump. Along the same lines, I was also so happy to see my friends from Moms Pump Here – a GPS like app for the nearest place to nurse (brilliant!).
2016 New York Baby Show Top Pick: The New York Milk Bank
Going along with nursing, I was excited to learn New York is getting our own Milk Bank! Check out their site for more information.
2016 New York Baby Show Top Pick:
I was also happy to see Kiddylicious and their fruit crispies that were a HUGE hit with my son last year and of course my favorite kids label company – Mabel’s Labels.
Thank you Momtrends for having me in your Blogging Lounge! I’m always happy to hang out with you awesome ladies. You continue to bring amazing products into my world and I thank you for it.
The show was a great success. Can’t wait to see what new products will come out next year! What were some of the products you loved at the show?
Thanks for visiting The Mint Chip Mama! If you liked what you read, there’s so much more to see! Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon, TikTok, YouTube, and subscribe below! Looking for a gift? Check out my Amazon Store, where there are unique, fun, quirky, and practical suggestions for everyone!
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There are only a few books that have left a big impression on my life. For example, The Red Tent is one and Our Town is another. However, the book that is and has been my favorite story of all time is Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit.
So much so that since AOL’s incarnation in the 90s my email address has been two of the book’s pivotal characters and I refuse to let it go twenty five years. I guess in a sense – to me, my email address will live forever…
Tuck Everlasting on Broadway!
That is to say, when I saw that Tuck Everlasting was coming to Broadway I had to see it as soon as humanly possible. Especially because I was nine months pregnant and about to go back into the world or newborns and nursing.
I’ve seen many Broadway shows in my day and few have given me chills like a true Broadway musical (think the first time you saw Les Misérables). But those chills were there for Tuck Everlasting and I’m pretty sure I was smiling the whole time in awe with my twelve year old self sitting with me.
Above all with beloved books – what’s in your imagination is often different from what’s on the screen or stage. I had not read the book in quite some time and debated looking through it before the show but then purposefully stopped myself so I could see the show through fresh eyes. While I definitely think there were a few creative freedoms taken I will say it was pretty spot on which made me happy. I’m pretty comfortable saying the show – which had one of the most beautiful sets I’ve seen – had my imagination’s full approval. From the tree that converted into a stair case to the incredibly elaborate carnival scene – it was just simply impressive.
The Dancing Was A New Character
Then there was the dancing – which was unexpected and beautiful and felt like a character in itself. It was ethereal. Towards the end, the dancing was used as the storyteller like in a ballet. I loved how they summed up the plot this way. As a fan of the story I was really impressed at how they portrayed time’s evolution.
Photo by Joan Marcus
This Story Has Been Special To Me For Decades
I’m not quite sure why this story has resonated with me for close to three decades. Maybe it is because I was a similar age to Winnie – the central character – at the time I first read it, maybe it was the frog – since I always liked frogs, or maybe it was just an easy going yet very deep story a child could cling to without realizing the multiple deep layers present. I have read the book many times over the years and find myself drawn to different parts each time. It is truly a classic and one that if you have never read should be picked up.
Photo by Joan Marcus
Tuck Everlasting Is Still On Top Lists
It makes me happy that this book, published in 1975, and ranked number 16 among the “Top 100 Chapter Books” of all time in 2012, still resonates with young readers. I wonder what it’s like to be in sixth grade in 2016 vs. 1989. I wonder if teachers now draw parallels to the book’s eternal theme and how something like cyber-bullying lasts forever… who knows. For now, I just want to enjoy the experience of seeing my favorite book made into a play and think about what it will mean to me to discuss it with my six year old daughter one day.
Photo by Joan Marcus
Tuck Everlasting on Broadway in 2016
Tuck Everlasting, a family friendly musical, opened at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 26th, 2016 and runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes including one intermission. The play is brought to life with world-class artistry and powerful storytelling in a sweeping production featuring a book by Tony Award® nominee Claudia Shear (Dirty Blonde) & Tim Federle (Better Nate Than Ever), music by Chris Miller (The Burnt Part Boys), lyrics by Nathan Tysen (The Burnt Part Boys), and direction and choreography by Tony Award® winner Casey Nicholaw (Something Rotten!, Aladdin, The Book of Mormon). Check out the New York Times’ review or a video preview.
Photo by Joan Marcus
“Where There’s Water There’s Opportunity”
I think one of the reasons I keep coming back to this story is because it’s an interesting concept – living forever. Is it something you would want? It never seems to be a good thing to the character in the story, right? But none of them ever chose it, it just happened by chance. It makes you think – if you could freeze a time in your life and live in it forever – would you do it? And if so, at what age?
What is the perfect age for you to be forever? Deep stuff. Comment below – tell me!
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
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Feeling Nostalgic?
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Walking the floor of an event like the Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower Ever (which took place in Manhattan on Tuesday, May 10th, 2016) as a first time mom can be overwhelming. As a third time mom it is more like looking for a needle in a hay stack. What I mean by this is I wanted to see what “wowed” me. That is – what was new & innovative? What stopped me in my tracks & is a game changer the third time around.
Things That “Wow”ed Me At The Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower
I present to you these findings! I promise they will not disappoint.
Deepy Deepy
One of the coolest products at the show was the very simple yet ingenious dishwasher safe and BPA free Deepy Deepy pacifier bracelet (launched in April 2016). As an avid “stick the paci in my bra so I know where it is” mom I thought this was brilliant! Deepy Deepy was created after a new Dad witnessed his baby fall asleep, the pacifier fall out, and he was just sitting there not knowing a clean, safe place to store it. His invention – the Deepy Deepy lets you know the paci’s 20, 24/7.
NoseFrida
With a nod to TMI – I stopped in my tracks at the Nosefrida Fridet MomWasher. Sadly I had forgotten the need for that glorious little postpartum squeeze bottle aka every new mom’s BFF. The NoseFrida’s version added the smarts one finds in a bidet. If you know me you’ll know they had me at bidet. Available on Amazon as the Fridet MomWasher or as its cooler twin sister product (with a purple bottle!) the Fridet ButtWasher.
My NoseFrida friends also wowed me with their wearable, flat IThermonitor. This innovative product attaches to both your poor little sicky and your phone, constantly monitoring your child’s temperature while charting it on the accompanying app. Even better it sends you reminders for the next medicine dose.
Project Nursery
As a suburban mom always walking around my house or in my backyard I loved the new (world’s first!) mini video key chain monitor – part of Project Nursery’s new baby monitor. Love that I could carry it waiting for the bus or standing by the swing set.
Hello Peanut
For those of you concerned with allergies I loved Hello, Peanut (launched in March of 2016). The concept is simple – you purchase a seven-day individually prepackaged kit where you slowly introduce your child to peanuts via a powder. After the seven days you switch over to their individually prepackaged maintenance packets. Using this program desensitizes your child towards peanuts with the hopes it will hedge off an allergic reaction. Developed by Dr. David Erstein, an allergist, and based off findings in the EAT (Enquiries About Tolerance) studies, this product is the first of its kind.
Honorable mention:
Fresh Wave
The entire Fresh Wave line and that their packaging was mint green! I look forward to de-stinking my son’s diaper pail with their satchel.
Little Remedies
All of the products by Little Remedies – especially their New Parent Survival Kit, Sore Throat Honey Pops (genius!), and their brand new Probiotics Plus Electrolytes packets.
Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna was one of those game changing items. As a tuna fanatic who has curtailed her consumption the last 37 weeks, trying this low mercury, hand cut and slow cooked tuna steak in water was a real “catch”. After trying at least five samples – to make sure it was as delicious – I could confirm it was.
Precocious Cargo
I would be remiss to skip the one item that made me laugh as I pulled it out of the huge gift bag. The Precious Cargo “Yay Boobies” onesie. This is guaranteed to be a well-worn shirt in my baby’s rotation. The best was my six-year old’s reaction telling me it was inappropriate to wear in public. Ha!
Repeat Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower”Wow”ers
As always, it is great to see some of my favorite brands at an event like this – I feel I need to share these three tried and true products that I could not have survived the last six years without:
The entire line of BabyGanics baby, child, and household products. I love their sunscreen, Foaming Dish and Bottle Soap, but most of all their Baby Shampoo and Body Wash. I’m so happy this brand carries every product I need saving me the time of reading labels.
Glamourmom Tanks– the nursing tank tops I’ve been obsessed with since 2010. I’ve told everyone who will listen to get one in advance and bring it to the hospital. When you don’t know which way is up and everyone visiting wants a picture with you, this tank will help you nurse and look cute at the same time. What more does a new mom need?
Finally the beloved NoseFrida SnotSucker. As a new parent you say “ew”. As a seasoned parent you say “yes”! Don’t ask, just add it to your registry. After your baby’s first cold send me an email to say thank you.
Hopefully you too will find some of these items revolutionary! Let me know what you think and what products YOU found this time around that were game changers.
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Pregnancy is an interesting time in one’s life. It is a finite, life changing experience that may come to you never, once or multiple times. It is a social, bonding time for women and also a time when you sit in awe of your body and what it can do. For me I likened it to my freshman year of college when everyone wanted to make friends with a cohort.
Pregnant in Manhattan
When I found out I was pregnant with my first child – a daughter – I was living on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. If you are familiar with Manhattan then you will know you can find anything and everything there. So I looked and found a vibrant, generous, friendly community for new and expectant moms under the umbrella of Big City Moms.
Big City Moms
From their informative monthly Expecting Events, to their Biggest Baby Shower, to their Family Wellness Solutions Support Groups, to their Save-A-Tot CPR & Nanny Safety Classes this non-stop activity laden community was the place for me. I made tons of friends immediately and went home with a big bag of swag each event.
Honestly, I think my experience as a first time pregnant mom would have been very different without Big City Moms. Even as I went through my second pregnancy I was excited to attend these events since new products came out and new friends were to be made. Now, at 36 weeks pregnant with my third and living on Long Island I could not imagine missing their bi-annual anchor event, the Biggest Baby Shower.
Biggest Baby Shower EVER!
So what exactly is the Biggest Baby Shower? I describe it to the pregnant women I stop on the street (true story) as a mix of an independent and a big box baby Mecca. But instead of just seeing gear and food and diapers and innovative products, you get to meet the company or the person who created it, and they’re ready to answer all of your questions. Think two thousand preggos and new moms waddling through two floors filled with over 140 of the top brands in the industry. From carriers, car seats and strollers to nursery decor and newborn necessities. Plus favorite brands like: 4 Moms, Tula, Britax, Bugaboo, Dr. Smiths, Ergo Baby, Nuna, Huggies, Orbit Baby, Smarty Pants, Gerber BabyNes, BabiesRUs, and many more!
Since new parents are constantly searching for information and education the Biggest Baby Shower (which is now nationwide in Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles) offers lots of seminars – moderated by Carolina Bermudez (WKTU Morning Show Co Host) – and led by Jessica Hartshorn (FitPregnancy and Baby), Deena Blanchard, MD (Board Certified Pediatrician), Adam Cohen (Founder of DaDa Rocks), Donna Ellenbogen (Founder of Family Wellness Solutions), Bobbie Thomas (Style Editor of The Today Show and TV Personality), Tanya Altman (Board Certified Pediatrician), MaryAnn Zoelner and Alicia Ybarbo (Today Show Producers and Authors).
There are also crazy prize giveaways (strollers, high chairs, diaper bags, car seats, etc), snacks, demonstrations, games, mocktails, Mama pampering and of course so much swag (hundreds of dollars in baby essentials) you’ll need to take cab home. Just check out this video for a preview or this blog post on November’s Shower in New York to get sneak peek!
Biggest Baby Shower EVER! As A New Mom
My favorite way to highlight how valuable this event is would be to share a personal story about when I was transitioning my daughter from her infant carrier into her next car seat. After doing my research to figure out the best brand at that time, I actually got to talk to them. The brand representative helped me decide which car seat was right one for me! She simply smiled, pointed to one and said “easy, all of our kids use that one”. Done. It was ordered and on its way within minutes. *Exhale*.
Getting to speak with over a hundred brand representatives in one place at one time who can easily answer your most challenging questions is invaluable for a new or expectant parent. Or any parent really! Attending the Biggest Baby Shower not only gives you the answers but is the answer.
***GIVEAWAY***
Big City Moms is excited as I am for YOU to check out the Biggest Baby Shower so they’ve generously offered to give away one Couples Standard Pass to a lucky Mint Chip Mama reader.
This pass admits 2 people, Includes 1 gift bag, access to seminars, samples, shopping, treats & mocktails. THIS TICKET DOES NOT INCLUDE A BINGO CARD. ($127 value).
To win – comment below – the purchase of what item is causing you the most stress & why?
Winner chosen Monday, May 9th at 5pm.
But wait! Everyone is a winner! Use the Promo Code: Special when you register now to get $15 off!
Tickets start at $65. *Ultimate Tickets holders go home with a BECO Baby Carrier and their choice of a 4Moma Rockaroo, Britax Stroller or a Quinny Stroller.*
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on apodcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest,Amazon,TikTok, andYouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Explore detailed family travel guides and itinerariesfrom destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Icelandand Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
What’s red and full of love and perfect for the week of Valentine’s Day? Why – Elmo and Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” – of course!
Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” offers an up-close, interactive experience where the audience and Sesame Street characters have a dance party in the aisles! The ninety minute show is hosted by two live performers and features all of your favorite Sesame Street characters. But best of all – my kids loved that Elmo, Cookie Monster, Telly, Rosita, and Grover walked up and down the aisles right past them so they could dance with them, not just watch them up on stage.
Sesame Street Live Let’s Dance!
As most of you know regardless of the day it’s always about your kids. So when my family and I were given the opportunity to see Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Valentine’s Day we couldn’t resist! Chocolates shmocklates.
Having an avid Sesame Street fan in our two year old son and a six year old team player (who secretly still loves the show) in our daughter, we couldn’t think of a more fun evening activity. Adding in my husband had Monday off and it’s a match made in heaven. We even found street parking. Doesn’t get much better than that!
It’s A Dream Come True!
If you’ve been following my blog since the Summer you’ll know I’m not only a big fan of Sesame Street but of Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania too. On a cold day in New York it makes me happy to reminisce about our great trip there in June. Remember the sun? So I was excited to visit with our good old friends one more time.
Like television’s Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless tunes and lessons for all ages. The universal appeal of each Broadway-quality musical production continues long after preschool (my Kindergartener loved it!). Adults will appreciate the professional staging, cleverly written script, and recognizable music they can share with their children. With familiar songs like Frank Sinatra’s “I Won’t Dance” lovingly sang by Bert, “Wheels on the Bus” and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” the crowd pleasers kept on coming. Culminating with a Michael Jackson-esque like Thriller choreographed number akin to Flashdance’s Maniac and danced by the great Mr. Barishnacookie. What more do you need?
Feel Good Too!
As much as the four of us enjoyed the show – I love the charitable aspect of the production company as well. For example – in celebration of Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” Elmo and Grover made an appearance at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, January 27. Elmo and Grover danced, took photos and did arts and crafts with some of the patients who were undergoing treatment.
Photo Credit: Charles Manley
Two weeks later, on February 10th, Elmo and Cookie Monster headed uptown to the Children’s Aid Society in East Harlem and led children (aged 3-4) in a Sesame Street themed dance class alongside Molly Jackson, the show’s performance director.
What does all of this mean? Both the kids and you will love the show. Your ticket purchase will go towards helping kids, and everyone will leave happy – even cool six years olds who think they’re just going for their brother. How do I know? Because as we were leaving said six year old exclaimed: “This was awesome! Even for a six year old!” and hasn’t stopped talking about the show since Sunday.
Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” is in New York until February 21st and then they’re off to tour the rest of the country. If you have some flexibility on your dates you can take advantage of their current 25% off by using promotional code: SAVE25.
More On The Mint Chip Mama
Thanks for visiting The Mint Chip Mama! If you liked what you read, there’s so much more to see! Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon, TikTok, YouTube, and subscribe below! Looking for a gift? Check out my Amazon Store, where there are unique, fun, quirky, and practical suggestions for everyone!
You support my blog (and taco habit). With each click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links above I earn the guac. Because just like you, it’s extra.
Find The Mint Chip Mama on Instagram
📍For more family/parenting, travel, lifestyle, food, beauty, and women’s health fun (yes! including perimenopause) follow @themintchipmama.
‘Twas just a fortnight ago I sat on the sea’s edge with my paramour quietly reading. How lovely it was to have no clock, no responsibilities, and no dependents nearby handing me a booger.
To only think about how early one needs to leave to walk down the beach in time for our dinner reservation.
Ahhhhh…
Beauty Can Be Easy
Our little getaway was perfect. We choose Turks & Caicos because we always wanted to go there and because there was an amazing mile redemption promotion going on (let’s be honest here).
We stayed at the beautiful Ocean Club West resort on Grace Bay which was in walking distance to the majority of restaurants and shops in the area. The one day we (rightly so!) ventured out of the area was to dine at the infamous Da Conch Shack. For this we rented a car – surprisingly cheaper and easier than a round trip taxi!
Perfect For Couples Or Families
While I loved our vacation for two – I can certainly see the draw to this island and specifically to this hotel for those traveling with children. The low key resort offered rooms of all sizes with our two bedroom suite being so big I felt bad that it was only us!
My husband and I spoke multiple times about how if our kids were there we could put them to bed at 8pm & still enjoy the room and view with the lights on until our desired bedtime (which was embarrassingly early most nights). Isn’t that all one wants when traveling with children?
There was a fully equipped kitchen ready to go for any meal as well as strainers, etc. available to wash off a quick fruit snack.
The Perfect Resort In Turks And Caicos
Coupled with a gym and full spa – Ocean Club West could not be beat. Funny as it sounds – I appreciated the little details – like the foot shower at the entrance of the beach/resort allowing you to easily clean off your feet vs. doing the “don’t get me wet” hokey pokey one plays with a full outdoor shower. There was a beautiful pool, beautiful fountains, and even little statues here and there a kid would love to “find” on a scavenger hunt throughout the resort.
My Favorite Part Of Turks And Caicos Was The Balcony
But I must say – my absolute favorite part of all – was our huge screened-in balcony. We’d wake and read there, we’d come home and read there. We’d drink coffee and sit there. Any time of day, it was perfect. To me the height of luxury is not the lobby of the resort but the proximity I can sleep to the ocean. If I can hear the waves and nothing else I’m in heaven. This was heaven.
Dining in Turks And Caicos
One of our favorite meals (both for food and view) was at the resort’s Seaside Cafe. Our first night there we just sat and repeated over and over “THIS is what vacation is all about”. The Seaside Cafe should not be missed. No matter where you stay. It is straight and to the point. If you read the restaurant’s name it’s exactly what you get. When I go to the beach I want to eat by the ocean. Simple as that. Keep your fancy inland bistros.
As a guest of Ocean Club West you’re welcome to take advantage of all the amenities of their sister property Ocean Club too – located a nice walking distance down the beach. They welcome guests either by foot or complimentary shuttle. I loved this option as the walk “there” is always more fun than the walk “back”. Plus it’s like getting two resorts for the price of one.
Ocean Club West and Turks and Caicos should be on your short list for your next solo, singles, couples, girls, or family vacation (omg is going back myself an option!!?). I found this resort to be both affordable and reasonably priced in an otherwise expensive area. The resort had every amenity we wanted and the location could not be beat. I would happily recommend it but more importantly I would go back in a heartbeat.
If you do visit, it’s good to secure airport transfers in advance. We used Mr. Virgil’s taxi service roundtrip and were very happy with them. You can reach them at: 649-231-0199 or at hughlou@tciway.tc.
Bon Voyage – or as they say in Turks and Caicos – “have a good trip”. Because they speak English. They also take your good old George Washington’s.
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I love blogging because I get invited to pretty cool events. Ditto on learning about cool new brands. My favorite event of the season is the Momtrends holiday soiree in Manhattan. Attending these events showcase all the great new brands I can feature in my gift guides!
So what’s the inside scoop of the hottest trends for the holiday season? Glad you asked!
First I have to say how happy I was to see Pom Wonderful at the Momtrends Holiday Soiree. There was a time in my life that I would have been hooked up to a pomegranate juice IV (if socially acceptable). Therefore, seeing their curvy bottle made me smile. As with many obsessions I’ve had over the years, tasting it brought back memories from my youth (read: 20s before kids). However, I was more excited to learn about the leaps and bounds the brand has come in the last decade. I even got the eponymous fruit to bring home and attempt to gut. Challenge accepted.
I was super excited to meet the team from Galison Mudpuppy, one of my favorite brands for years. I was excited to see all their high quality offerings including their awesome Double Draw collection. Think Victor Victoria for the erudite coloring enthusiast. But I LOVE the idea of their Make-A-Mask line even more. From puzzles to puppets, the Mudpuppy quality always impresses me. Better yet the Make-A-Mask book occupied my kids for quite some time on our day off today!
Forget Romeo and Juliet – no true love is stronger than between a pair of socks. Who hasn’t wept at the loss of a favorite one by the dreaded dryer monster? If you too think about this you’ll love SockTabs (spoiler alert – they’ll be featured on Shark Tank November 20th!) a quirky gift for the person who has everything.
The holidays and cooking go hand in hand. I highly recommend trying one of Tessemae’s all natural dressings, marinades and spreads. If their delicious taste isn’t enough, know they are made by hunky Maryland lacrosse players. The recipe is their mom’s and the story only gets cuter from there… but the proof is in dressing – which sold out in Whole Foods on their first try in only four days. Add some veggie love to your dinner table with their easy fix – chopped romaine and some lemon garlic Tessemae’s dressing. I kind of need more right now.
If your kids are big online surfers and you’re worried about all the grossness that exists out there, take a look at Net Nanny. Net Nanny is a highly acclaimed, #1-rated parental controls software that protects your family by keeping them safe online. We can look over our kid’s shoulder every time they go on the computer but Net Nanny can.
I was thrilled to meet Bedgear. I was hooked the moment I felt their performance pillows. But the thought of sleeping on one of their performance mattress toppers had me begging for one. My mattress is on its way out yet we can’t decide on a size, so a quick fix like this might be the perfect answer. Please can I have one? Please?
I was so lucky and received a HUGE Igloo Soft Side cooler tote. As the leaves fell off the trees this bag gave me hope that beach weather is right around the corner. Looking at their Party Bar made me long for just one more barbeque, yet the weather is cold and rainy.
What holiday season would be complete without toys? My two favorite Hasbro games regardless of their age are Operation and Jenga. I genuinely enjoy playing both games. Not to mention Jenga offers a University of Michigan version – so cleary it’s the coolest game EVER! My jaw dropped as I approached the booth and every game displayed (classics was the name of their game last night) brought back a memory. Luck took over and I went home with Battleship – a game I’ve wanted for literally 30 years.
Better than toys (sometimes) are really great personalized books. I am obsessed with personalized books. They make great birthday and new baby gifts. They take up less room than toys and can be enjoyed for years. I love I See Me books. My favorite is their My Farm Friends book but this holiday season will be bringing my kids their two new titles: My Very Own Trucks and It’s Fancy to Be Me. Such a nice gift idea.
With the holiday season often comes thoughts of charity. Last night’s event introduced me to Bottomless Closet with the mission to inspire and guide disadvantaged New York City women to enter the workforce and achieve success. If you’re looking to donate lightly used or new work clothing, please consider Bottomless Closet.
I Love Meeting New Brands!
I like looking at things from different angles and finding something new. With that said, the common thread with all of the brands above was they all offered slightly unorthodox (read: creative) gift ideas that would be really useful to your family and friends. I hope you too can “meet” these brands by reading this post and that they find a place under your holiday totem of choice.
Reach Out on Twitter!
Besides the brands above, I was lucky enough to chat with or receive samples from the following companies. Take a look, you too may find a new favorite thing!
More on The Mint Chip Mama: Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
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Feeling Nostalgic?
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We are all blessed. I’m hoping you too have more toys that you know what to do with, more clothes than you have room for and as a holiday or birthday approaches you wonder how you could possibly fit anything else in the space where you live!
In talking to lots of friends – especially as their second child’s milestones approach – the idea of “no gift parties” has come up a lot. Also while the idea of contributing towards one big gift is one most people like, a classy way to ask for it has yet to exist. Then there’s the top shelf gift request – “in lieu of a gift, please donate to X charity in the guest of honor’s name”. I love all of these ideas. Which is why when I heard about ECHOage – I wanted to learn more.
ECHOage
Created to provide the go-to solution for “a better way to celebrate,” ECHOage streamlines party hosting and gift giving, while teaching charitable kindness and generosity. The party host simply chooses an ECHOage online invitation, the desired gift for guests to contribute towards, a charity to support, enters the party details, and hits “send”. Once sent you can effortlessly track and manage RSVPs, notes from guests, and the gift/charitable contributions in real-time.
At the time of RSVPing, your guests can gift any amount – with half going towards the guest of honor’s big ticket item (and honestly they’ll like it better than the clearance item you bought after giving up because nothing magically shouting “Me! Pick me! I am the perfect gift for your child’s friend you never heard of”!) and half going to the charity of your choice.
It’s Even Tax Deductible!
What was that? Did you say donating to a charity? Why yes! For gifts over $30 you get a tax deductible receipt to show Uncle Sam how freaking savvy you are as a gift giver.
So you’re telling me it is a win-win. ECHOage‘s online service makes inviting guests to parties less stressful, gift giving more meaningful, and you save on your taxes? Perfection.
While being charitable is an around-the-year sport, as the holidays approach, think about sending out your party invitations through ECHOage. You can capture the true holiday spirit and teach your kids (and yourself) a lesson about giving back. They’ll get the (enter ridicules thing they HAVE TO HAVE that you refuse to buy here) they want and you’ll know it can fit in your house. Unless it’s one of those giant stuffed animals nobody should own.
ECHOage Heritage
Since its launch in 2008, over 20,000 parties have raised nearly 5 million dollars for charities such as Autism Speaks, CancerFree Kids, Free Arts, Healthy Child Healthy World or one of the other 300+ charities in ECHOage’s roster. More importantly ECHOage celebrates young children as Heroes to “echo” or acknowledge their charitable accomplishments. Take a look at the page. The smiles are pretty big!
Don’t believe me? Check out this article from one of my favorite brands – Mabel’s Label’s – about the “10 Reasons to Host a Birthday Party That Gives to Charity”. They had me at chocolate… Hey – while you’re there, help support my daughter’s school and buy some labels!
Now what will you do with all that newly gained free time you previously wasted buying birthday presents? Feet up. TV on. Lemon drop martini in hand. (Oh is that just my fantasy?)
******Giveaway******
You may know I’m OBSESSED with the newest shoe innovation for the winter – the Stride Rite Snoot. It is the first snow boot that transforms into a sneaker so your child can wear it all day in school! I know. I can’t deal.
Enter to win a pair of Snoots (!) by commenting below with your most clever post-gift opening strategy. Do you have return, regift, reallocate to other holidays piles? Give us the scoop and we’ll give you the Snoot (and PS – there’s a Frozen one! I told you – I can’t deal!)!
Winner chosen Friday, November 6, 2015.
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If you are like me, just the simple mention of Care Bears makes you smile. It brings back memories from my youth where the “care bear stare” could right any wrong. I was so excited when my daughter started getting interested in them as it is much easier to stomach an interest I, myself, share (bear).
Mystery In Care-A-Lot Halloween DVD
Enter the newly released Care Bears: Mystery in Care-A-Lot DVD featuring three mystery themed episodes chock full of friendship and good cheer, and right in time for Halloween. In this delightful collection – that kids and their families will love – the Bears show the power of caring and sharing as they transform bad dreams into sweet ones, solve the mystery of the legendary Scare Bear, and save Care-a-Lot from turning into Grump-a-Lot! This DVD is for you if you agree that this time of year brings a challenge to find sweet, non-scary Halloween entertainment for kids too young to appreciate the scary face from Scream.
This face is scarier than the face from Scream.
While I enjoyed “Nightbears” and “Sleuth of Bears”, my favorite episode by far was “Welcome to Grump-A-Lot”. From the first scene that includes BBQ’d pigs in a blanket to Grumpy bear’s use of solar panels for his tv, this episode had me smiling.
Who among us has not had a day (or decade) where they can identify with grumpy bear? But this episode has a nice twist where after a grumpy storm hits an alternative grumpy universe takes over in Care-A-Lot and reshapes Grumpy bear view of himself.
Much like the movie whose title I can’t think of, after a big storm, Grumpy bear wakes up in an alternate universe where not just him but everyone is grumpy. All his cheerful Care Bear friends harrumph about giving him the grumptastic treatment he usually dishes out. As the episode unfolds he sees from his mistakes and realizes being grumpy all the time isn’t the best option. He sees the light and turns his grump-infested friends back to their smiles one by one. He learns that while we all get frustrated, we must all learn to control our emotions.
Two non-Grumpy Share Bear snugglers
By far my favorite line of the whole episode was “In grump do not wallow & color will follow”. Isn’t that a great line? Thinking broader than Care Bears, no matter how old you are, think for a few moments about this line. It’s really good advice, right? I love having an “AHA!” moment in the last place I would expect (I miss Oprah).
So if you are looking for a new DVD to enjoy with your kids that is non-scary and perfect for the Halloween season, check out Care Bears: Mystery in Care-A-Lot. YOU and your kids will enjoy it. If you’re looking for additional family movies please check out my 80s and 90s family movie lists!
To win comment below with who your favorite Care Bear is and be sure to include what’s on their tummy!
Winners chosen 10/22 – with enough time to get the DVD to you by Halloween night!
But wait! Everyone is a winner today – please enjoy the Care Bear Halloween coloring sheet below!
If you too are a Care Bear fiend, check out a sneak peak of the new Netflix Original Series.
More On The Mint Chip Mama
Thanks for visiting The Mint Chip Mama! If you liked what you read, there’s so much more to see! Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon, TikTok, YouTube, and subscribe below! Looking for a gift? Check out my Amazon Store, where there are unique, fun, quirky, and practical suggestions for everyone!
You support my blog (and taco habit). With each click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links above I earn the guac. Because just like you, it’s extra.
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📍For more family/parenting, travel, lifestyle, food, beauty, and women’s health fun (yes! including perimenopause) follow @themintchipmama.
Walking the floor of an event like the Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower Ever (which took place in Manhattan on Tuesday, May 10th, 2016) as a first time mom can be overwhelming. As a third time mom it is more like looking for a needle in a hay stack. What I mean by this is I wanted to see what “wowed” me. That is – what was new & innovative? What stopped me in my tracks & is a game changer the third time around.
My 
Honorable mention:
Hopefully you too will find some of these items revolutionary! Let me know what you think and what products YOU found this time around that were game changers.
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