Tag: parenting

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The Mint Chip Mama’s 2016 New York Baby Show Top Picks!

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!

2016 New York Baby Show Top Pick: Little Partners

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.

2016 New York Baby Show Top Pick: Cozy Bump Maternity Pillow

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!

2016 New York Baby Show Top Pick: gb Pockit Stroller

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…

2016 New York Baby Show Top Pick: Evenflo Feeding

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

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 Canon for the great picture!
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All Blog Posts Breastfeeding Moms Can Have Fun Too New Baby Products Things We Love

Third Kid’s A Charm! Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower Ever

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.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter

Always a favorite on my tummy for moisturizing – Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Soothing Oil for Dry/Itchy Skin for Women but I learned of their nursing butter which I’m excited to try.

Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna

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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All Blog Posts Family Attractions/Travel From My Heart Moms Can Have Fun Too

Turks and Caicos – The Perfect Getaway!

‘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.

As I opined in my Huffington Post piece last month “Vacation: All We Ever Wanted. Vacation: Miles to Getaway!” it was so nice for the two of us to just get away to the Caribbean for a bit.

To relax.

To stare at the ocean.

Waking up to the sound of waves crashing.

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.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!

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Happy 1st Anniversary Blog! The Blog Is One!

Happy 1st Anniversary Blog!

Happy anniversary to you.

Happy anniversary to you.

Happy 1st anniversary to The Mint Chip Mama!

Happy anniversary to you.

Join us for a piece of our namesake cake!

Baskin Robbins mint chip ice cream with a chocolate cake bottom and crunchies in the middle.

The cake that started it all.

A year ago today you were launched! Happy 1st Anniversary Blog

60 posts & over 1,000 monthly views later here we are!

When I launched this blog I didn’t know where it would end up or if anyone would read it. I am so happy and grateful that so many people enjoy it every day! I love researching all things parenting, travel, and lifestyle for my readers. My favorite part is when you comment that you tried something and love it! I also love helping my readers put together meaningful family experiences. Time is the most important thing we have and we will never get it back. Make each moment count!

This year has been great because of you! Thank you for reading it!

Stay tuned for a big giveaway! Even better there are so many giveaways to come!

What’s been your favorite post this year?

Did you learn anything new?

Did you go to any of the places I mentioned?

I am really so proud to say that I have gotten to this milestone.

I am so happy to write this 1st anniversary blog!

Also don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon, and Tik Tok and email us at themintchipmama@gmail.com with what you want to see next!

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All Blog Posts Family Attractions/Travel

The Mint Chip Mama’s Sesame Place Tips!

If you live on the East Coast, I’m guessing at some point in your life you have been – or are planning to go – to Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA.

Sesame Place Was One of My Favorites As A Kid

Sesame Place was my absolute favorite amusement park as a kid so I could not wait to take my own children. It’s a great park because you have the characters for the little kids and the rides for the big kids. It’s just a happy place to visit and even with going back year after year it just gets better.

Right on the tails of our third trip (last Friday – my strategy is always go on a weekday!) I offer up my tried & true tips.

Planning in advance

If you can’t tell by now, I’m a planner. I highly suggest booking your tickets, meal reservation, and anything else you want (locker, parking, etc) at least 24 hours in advance. The meals lock out that day so be sure to book it in advance. The park is a bit bigger than Adventureland and very manageable in one day.

Weather

Weather is always the wild card. Remember to check the weather in Langhorne, not where you live (duh) because it could be completely different.

Speaking of weather, in the three times we visited we had pouring rain, a hot summer day, and a 70% chance of rain which turned out perfect (woot!). Have no fear, if it does start raining, you can score a Sunny Day ticket to go back!

Our most recent visit was my favorite because the weather was perfect and I could go on the rides (last time I was preggers)! Interestingly enough I learned if you have a little cookie in your monster you can purchase a Single Day Admission Ticket at 50% off the front gate price (the day of your visit at Guest Relations) since your ride options are limited. In other words you can be the designated stuff holder without paying full price!

Arrival

You’ve driven four PAW Patrol’s (the way my family measures time) and you arrive.

I suggest getting there at 9:45am (they open at 10am). Pay your $17 parking fee, drive as far to the right as you can, and park. You will be very close to the park entrance. This is helpful so you can go back and forth to your car if needed (we kept all water ride supplies in there). As you wait for the park to open you can take your obligatory family photo under the “Sesame Place” arch d’triumph.

Also take a moment to enjoy the Hollywood Boulevard-ish Sesame Street character handprints and Edward Scissorhands-Esque foliage characters out front!

As you approach the entrance, there are ticket kiosks to the left but if you printed out your tickets at home (highly recommended) you can proceed to the entry and get scanned through. If you encounter any issues the guest service booth is located right there and the line goes fast.

Ride Strategy

At first glance you will see the biggest attraction, the Vapor Trail roller coaster. Head to that first as it’s popularity comes with a line to match. We did dry rides first, lunch, changed into our suits (secretly digesting along the way. Ah ah ah), water rides, and a final dry ride “spin cycle”.

Character Encounters

There are several ways to meet the Sesame Street characters – around the park (usually with a line), during a character meal, a VIP Meet & Greet, or the parade.

Shouting out a HUGE endorsement to the character meal – Lunch with Elmo & Friends – the highlight of our trip three times in a row. BOOK IT IN ADVANCE. You may be able to get 10% off as a AAA member. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. Worth a try. Kids under 2 eat free but include them in your reservation. They offer breakfast and dinner as well.

Lunch with Elmo & Friends

I love Lunch with Elmo & Friends – it’s a great way to break up your day, refuel, and get some great photos.The characters walk around, sit at your table and pose with you. They also put on a show culminating in a big old dance party. Don’t forget to take home the straw cup they serve your kids. It’s the perfect (free) souvenir!

Water Rides

I haven’t been on legit water rides since college. Know what? I loved them as much as I remembered. The highlight was – while mid-tunnel and sparked by the pin holes in the Sesame Streak – a flash back memory of that very ride as a kid. Suddenly I wasn’t a wife and mother but a teen tour kid enjoying my favorite ride. I had totally forgotten about it. When my daughter asked if we could go on again I said “YES” with the gusto of younger me instead of 37 year old me dodging my husband and 20m old son who desperately wanted to go home.

Most water rides offer single or double tubes. At 43″ my daughter was able to ride alone. Not gonna lie, on our second turn when she asked to go solo I shed a small tear. Sunrise sunset.

As a big amphibious shoe fan I recommend wearing a pair of water shoes, Tevas, or Keens all day. I also like long sleeve rash guards. Also worth mentioning – there are complimentary life vests for babies & kids so no need to bring your own.

One of the coolest rides (and scariest for me because of the size & difficulty keeping an eye on my kid) was The Count’s Splash Castle. It was “awesome” and I’m sure my daughter could have spent another two hours there. I owed her a second dessert for pointing out the giant bucket was about to pour on my head as we exited.

Shows

If your visit coincides with very hot weather or a child too small or afraid of rides, be sure to check out the shows – some offering air conditioning along with entertainment!

Parade

The daily Neighborhood Birthday Party Parade is best seen at the intersection of the black & blue streets near the dry ride entrance. On a busy day it might be worth sending someone to stake out a good spot. Not totally necessary but a nice break from your family the rides. (I won’t tell your husband). People start lining up thirty minutes prior. Be sure to check your map or app for the day’s schedule.

We were lucky enough to attend a VIP Character Meet & Greet (30 minutes before the parade) this time. Afterwards, upon my husband’s suggestion, we sat down on a bench in the shade at the beginning of the route (in front of the lockers). It wasn’t the best viewing point but it was good enough and got us back on the water rides before the lines formed again.

The parade was cute and a good “grand finale”/exit strategy. If you live in the NYC area this strategy could get you home by dinner.

Bye Bye

You made it! If you’re expecting a sleep & transfer situation, I suggest a thorough delousing (think sun + sweat + ice cream in hair) before getting in the car. Bring a wash cloth and pajamas. I also brought a spray bottle filled with Mustela No Rinse Cleanser. Mustela. Spray, wash, pajama, go. They’ll be out before you leave the parking lot.

Bring lounge pants.

Your welcome.

Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!

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Schooooool’s Out for Summer! (Kindergarten Here We Come!)

This is a repost from my June 18, 2015 Huffington Post Parent piece titled: Schooooool’s Out for Summer! (Kindergarten Here We Come!).

Where Does the Time Go?

My daughter – my first born, the child who made me a Mommy – is graduating Pre-K on Friday. I can’t believe the journey – that started with counting the seconds down until the day after Labor Day so I could press redial for two and a half hours just to get a school’s application – is over.

My daughter’s first day of school ever, Manhattan.

Manhattan Pre-School Admissions Process

Preschool – in Manhattan – is a daunting topic. Everything you heard is true. It is cutthroat. You could have the most fantastic kid on Earth who speaks seventeen languages fluently but if their birthday is after February 1st, they are a girl, or siblings took all open spots before they were offered to the world – you’re screwed.

Schools know who they “can” accept before you (not the inner circle) even have a fighting chance. But of course any of these wild cards won’t be shared with you until you win the radio contest and get through to the “DJ”. Forget the begging. No application for you.

Yep, I said application. Along with an application fee, interview, and child observation.

I’m laughing that I drank this Huffington Post Parent.

I Drank The Kool-Aid

We were lucky enough to make the cut and be accepted into one of the best nursery schools in Manhattan (according to the The Manhattan Directory of Private Nursery Schools, 7th Edition, the book everyone says you must get) for a “threes program”. Of course, this was followed by our (somewhat surprising) move to suburbia five months later. So, you know all of that was worth it…

On To The Suburbs And A Total 180 Change

Our suburban school – where I am a proud alum – had a much more reasonable application process. If they had a spot, and your kid had a pulse, acceptance was guaranteed.

So as I sit in my house, after parking my SUV in my driveway, on my daughter’s penultimate day of preschool, I reflect. Crying and singing “Forever Young”. [Please note: both Rod Stewart’s version – which may also make you think of Chances Are – and your prom song fit in perfectly here.]

Did Any Of It Matter?

Did it matter what “philosophy” the school followed?

Do You think the kids played enough?

Can you say the kids learned enough?

Is It possible for your child to recite sonnets in a foreign language?

Were your child’s teachers soft enough or hard enough?

Was the exmissions process up to your standards getting your child one step closer to Harvard?

Has your child’s multicultural experiences aligned with today’s diverse society?

Who the heck knows?

Nope. It Does Not Matter

What I do know is today, the four graduating classes of four and five year old kids did one hell of a chicken dance at the graduation party. They also played a game of red light green light which was second to none.

They are kids!

No matter where one lives, they are little kids.

They like sticks and balls and music when it stops so they have to freeze.

We get so caught up in what we think they need we forget they are happy running in a circle and falling down.

The Kid Is The Important Thing

My daughter is a good kid. She would have been fine no matter what school she attended and what zip code it was in (sadly not 90210). Her thirst for knowledge impresses me every day. What I love about her is she is kind, sensitive, loving, friendly, inclusive, and imaginative. She thinks of her friends if she sees a color they like and could play “family” with them for hours. Her interests include gardening, yoga and swimming. She likes holding her brother’s hand so he feels safe. She likes picking out her Grandma’s favorite flowers meticulously when we are in a rush (*exhale*).

We named a star for her as a graduation present. She is going to think this is the coolest thing in the world because on Friday nights, she likes to lie on a blanket in our backyard and look at the stars. Thank you $5 Groupon.

Houston, we have a problem.

She Is Just Simply, A Kid.

I do not know which school fostered which parts of her. I do know each school had some pretty fantastic attributes – having nothing to do with price, location, or status.

Kindergarten Here We Come

As kindergarten looms, I think of how I’ve grown as a parent too. Now a parent of two. My life has changed so much in the last three years. It makes me sad to think it is the end of knowing her classmates and their parents well. The end of getting an extra hug at the classroom door because she “loves me so much”. The end of my waiting a few seconds too long to watch her go from my sweet girl to one of the kids in the class running around, engrossed in the day’s activity or entering a pretend universe crafted with amazing detail.

Sigh.

Graduation will come and go. Camp will start and kindergarten will be curling its finger. I have no doubt she will do well. I have no doubt she will bounce onto the bus (!) like a little big shot on that first day. For that matter – I have no doubt I will be a sniveling mess once the bus pulls away…

Of course it is emotional. It is emotional for all of us. I realized this morning that today is the day six years ago we found out we were pregnant with this now – almost pre-kindergarten graduate. Six years.

The graduate & her proud Mama, Long Island.

Blink blink.

Slow down time. Slow down.

In other news, oh my gosh! What are we going to do with all the money we’re saving on preschool!? Parrrrtay!

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All Blog Posts Back to School New Baby Products Things We Love

Stride Rite, A Baby’s First Shoes: Shoe’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile

I have two children. A boy kid and a girl kid. Can you guess who has the shoe obsession? If you guessed the boy kid, you are correct. My little Salvatore Ferragamo, even at 18 months,  has got an eye for shoes and accessories like no one else in my family. He insists on wearing shoes whether needed or not.

Welcome, Now Take Your Shoes Off

We are a shoe-taking-off household so there are many shoes at our front door and downstairs by our garage door. If you want to keep my son busy for a good thirty minutes you can let him play in one of these areas. He will put each shoe on and walk around. The smile on his face is so large you kind of just have to sit there and watch. Invite us over, he’ll put on your shoes too! He doesn’t discriminate.  He will also introduce his shoes – and mine – to anyone he sees. Like a dog sniffing your you-know-what to make a new friend? He does this, but by showing you his shoes.

My favorite is when he forces my husband (who he calls “Mommy”) to put on his slippers, which is basically every day. It goes something like this: He finds my husband, points vigorously towards my husband’s feet and shouts “Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!” louder and louder until my husband puts on his slippers. It’s kind of awesome.

My Favorite First Shoes: Stride Rite

When this little shoe tyrant finally started walking, I was so excited to get him into a real pair of shoes. His first shoes! Oh was he excited too. If you’ve been reading my blog I’m sure you know my slight obsession with Stride Rite. It was the only store where I was brought as a child to buy shoes and in turn it is the only store where I will bring my children to buy shoes.

So how does one go about finding the right first shoes? Much like with everything else important I deferred to the experts. I am a firm believe that if you go to a good store with educated sales professionals they can steer you in the right direction and answer any questions you have. Add in the almost century of shoe making experience Stride Rite has and it’s easy! With their First Steps categories (Crib, Cruise & Walk, and Off & Running) you can view all shoes appropriate for your child at whatever level of mobility they are enjoying at that time.

Stride Rite: Consistent First Shoe Experience For Decades

I was surprised to find that things had changed in the five years since I bought my daughter her first shoes. In 2010 we were directed right to the Stride Rite Emilia, the white, bootlike, very supportive shoe that was most likely identical to my first pair in the 70’s. For my son, however, the craftmenship has progressed to make for a much larger selection! We were very excited to pick his first shoes as the Stride Rite SRT Gilmore and the Stride Rite SRT Jasper. While each pair has a few different bells and whistles, they both have Stride Rite’s patented Sensory Response Technology™, rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls, and self-molding footbeds with contoured heel cradle. They are both made with premium leather and available in medium, wide and extra wide widths.

As most of you know once the kid starts walking they don’t stop. They – in fact – get faster! You want your child to be in a supportive shoe that will help them with their footing as well as help their foot develop properly. I like that there is science behind this shoe and someone designed it to not only look cute but as a smart choice for parents. Plus, they are easy to get on and off. Even a five year old can do it!

So in conclusion, happy boy, happy Mommy, well supported feet. Win Win Win!

*GIVEAWAY* Stride Rite has offered to give away this pair of boy’s Stride Rite SRT Gilmore in a 4.5 Wide (both of my kid’s first shoe size) to one lucky reader!

To win – please post in the comment section below:

What’s the cutest walking or shoe related thing your son does?

Winner will be chosen Thursday, May 14th, 2015.

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Brand Heritage: Stride Rite

Here is a little more on Stride Rite because as you know – I LOVE learning about the heritage of brands:

In 1919 Jacob Slosberg and partner Philip Green started the Green Shoe Manufacturing Co. The quality children’s shoe manufacturer, specializing in stitchdown shoes, operates out of a converted stable in Boston, MA. In 1937 the name Stride Rite shoes is applied to every pair.

During World War II, Green Shoe worked with the U.S. Army to develop a nurse’s field boot and produced thousands of pairs of WAC boots.

In 1986 Stride Rite succeeds in banning smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipes from Stride Rite workplaces, a rare effort among corporations of the time.

Stride Rite currently offers 400 different styles. They pride themselves in their sales associates who are trained to get you to find your size and get the right fit. The shoes feature breathable materials like leather; many with anti-stink linings. The soles are sturdy, lightweight and flexible for comfort – giving mom piece of mind. Stride Rite also offers a full line of uniform friendly shoes.

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Hot for Summer – Travel, Chocolate Bark & Portable Wine! Fun with Momtrends 


The Mint Chip Mama learning about summer travel & enjoying the world with Momtrends #MomtrendsTravel!

Travel is my passion. When Momtrends invited me to their Travel Trends 2015 event at We Work I was so excited. It was great learning about products created with the idea of ease – whether you are traveling to the other side of the world for your summer travel or down the street to a restaurant.

The Power of Travel

I loved how Nicole Feliciano opened the night, holding up her (then) baby daughter’s passport & telling us that just having a passport gives us the power of travel. What a true statement. So simple yet so true. It’s kind of sexy to think if a handsome masked stranger rang your bell, swept you off your feet, and whisked you away to JFK – you could get on the plane…

I also loved Nicole’s advice to live smaller so you can travel around the world and to find stuff to do once there that’s out of your comfort zone. Some of my best travel experiences were by chance or something that wouldn’t have happened if I just followed the tour book.

New York Family

We were also lucky to have Eric Messinger from New York Family talk to us about the two new indoor water parks opening in the Poconos, the huge National Park push for the summer (check out #findyourpark), the increasing popularity of multi-generational travel (especially if Grandma & Grandpa foot the bill!), and the growing desire to reconnect with long lost family members.

This is something we are very interested in at my house. My husband has done tons of research on sites like ancestry.com and we love the show Who Do You Think You Are (especially when the celebrity gets to trace their roots back to a cool country they never knew was part of their history). If genealogy interests you too, check out the Global Family Reunion June 6th at the New York Hall of Science.

I also loved hearing that all of us bloggers think parents want to read about parent stuff but they – and let’s be honest, us too – really want to read about travel! Sitting there I smiled at this as I thought of my 20 year old self, Eagle Creek backpack on (which I have continuously used since 1999), Eurailing around Europe. I still want think of myself as that girl, even if I now have bags of kids cereal and wipes in all of my pockets…

Loved getting a little treat from The Container Store! Anything Eagle Creek makes me smile!

Embrace Your Body On Summer Travel

Finally, for the ladies in the house, I loved the idea that we – as moms- need to embrace ourselves and our bodies in bathing suits. Come on, we would all trade magic beans for our idea of perfection. However, if I’ve learned nothing else from having a wonderful man love me (awww), it’s that what’s outside doesn’t really matter.

If my legs aren’t shaved, my C-section scar is showing, my boob stretch marks are glistening in the sun it’s not that important. Keeping my family together, healthy, & smiling is what’s important. I want to teach my daughter THIS. I want to put on a swimsuit, run into the water with her and think I look like Phoebe Cates when I get out. Regardless that I really look like Sloth. Get comfortable with yourself. The cow is bought. It doesn’t matter anymore. Just love yourself & the stripes you’ve earned.

Teach this to your kids.

Here are some fun pictures from the event:

 These salmon bites were amazing!


Beyond delicious chocolate bark by BarkTHINS. My favorite was the Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed with Sea Salt & the Blueberry Quinoa with Agave. 


Thought these were BRILLIANT! Sealed, plastic wine glasses by XO, By G. Perfect for a romantic picnic – by yourself or with another . Think as the sun is setting over (enter your dream destination here).

I’m addicted to these Glamsquad hair ties!


Best part of the night was when MY name was called as the winner of this Melitta travel set! Equally – anything coffee makes me smile!

Thanks for the great swag bag! Photo Credit: Momtrends

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My Daughter’s Fifth Birthday. Forever Young. I Want Her to Be Forever Young.

Wanted to share my Huffington Post piece about the bittersweetness of my beautiful daughter’s fifth birthday. Thank you to everyone who reached out with such wonderful feedback!

Published February 10, 2015.

My Daughter’s Fifth Birthday

One beautiful afternoon in Central Park, my husband and I sat and discussed having a child. Today, that child celebrated her fifth birthday. Though I’m not quite sure how that happened.

The other night, as we sat giggling in her bed discussing how much fun her birthday party was, I realized this is such a big moment.

This is her last year of little girlhood.

This is her last year of pretend.

This is her last year of innocence.

Next year starts kindergarten, riding buses, meeting kids whose parents I won’t know and won’t meet. Of her being on her own.

A Fifth Birthday Is Big Time

I was thinking of last year when she was three, dying to turn four and telling her to enjoy being young. To enjoy being three. Four would come soon enough. Somehow those 365 days were a mere snap. Three to four was a marginal transition. Four to five is huge.

Now, as I sit here thinking of her turning five I think of all the things that begin with school. Real school starting. Five, the age in which you leave your littleness and become simply “a kid.”

Becoming A Real “Kid”

Will she still want to snuggle with me as much as humanly possible?

I hope so.

Will she still look at the world with giant, sweet, innocent, sparkly eyes?

I hope so.

Will she still know there is nothing bad in the world?

I fear not.

Maybe it’s that impending loss of innocence that makes me sad.

What Is To Come?

The first time she will hear a curse word on the bus or learn what flipping her middle finger means.

The first time someone tells her not liking a parent is an option.

The first time — as a girl — someone makes her feel ugly or fat or less than the perfect, sweet, thoughtful, caring little person she is without even trying.

I think about that a lot. How girls — at some point in their lives — are made to feel less than. I’m not sure when that moment comes or how, but I fear it is inevitable. I would LOVE to have one of you respond and tell me that moment never happened to you because, sadly, I feel it is a horribly evil rite of passage.

I Want to Keep Her Innocence

It’s hard enough to be a girl without someone making you feel bad. I don’t want my baby to ever feel bad. I don’t want my baby to ever think she is anything but fantastic. I don’t want her to ever cry because she feels her arms are too hairy or her tush is too big or her hair is too frizzy.


Photo Credit: Blink Photography

I think of all the things adults care about and judge each other on and then I think about it through her eyes and how none of it matters. When do we ruin these children to think these things matter?

I stare at this miracle human being I grew in my belly and want to bottle her happiness, joy and innocence today so I can serve it to her on that day she comes home crying to make her feel better. Because my “Mama-magic” and special hug just won’t cut it anymore.

I think and wonder how do all these kids who I watch make picture upon picture for each other and beg each other for play dates become mean girls.

I’m Not Ready For Mean Girls

Is it jealousy?

Is it boys?

Someone tell me so she doesn’t ever have to feel hurt.

Someone tell me what to buy her so she can slide through school unfazed. Unhazed.

So she doesn’t ever have to feel sadness.

So she doesn’t ever get made fun of because one part of her body pops out one way while another part pops out another. Both completely out of her control and completely confusing to her.

So she doesn’t ever have to do something she doesn’t believe in because someone is pressuring her into it.

So she can remain happy. Every day.

My baby. My beautiful girl. It all starts at five.

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As Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose Said, All You Need Is Just A Little Paaatience

I like to consider myself a mother with a substantial amount of patience for my children. I would even toast myself to say above average. Forget the baby – I don’t need patience for him. He’s easy, he just requires my constant attention and all the nourishment my body can produce.

You know, small stuff.

I’m talking about my daughter. My wonderful, smart, funny, stubborn little girl with a strong personality (which, of course, she did not get from me…).

Photo Credit: Blink Photography

Love And Patience For My Children Are Two Different Things

I love this child beyond imagination, stare at her when she sleeps and watch her watch TV. But let’s be honest here. She’s four. That means many things. One of which is acting crazy every so often. Let’s just say when that happens my deep, vast, crater filled lake of patience for my children evaporates VERY FAST.  And sometimes I yell.

Kids Like To Test Limits Testing MY Patience For My Children

I hate that I yell, I absolutely hate it. It is unacceptable and in fact, worse than how my daughter is behaving at the moment because I am an adult. But it is hard in that moment to remember that I – unlike her – know better.

This topic is in my thoughts a lot and I read about it constantly. I try to learn ways to calm myself down, to increase my patience for my children. Closing my eyes, counting to ten, walking out of the room. All the stuff the experts suggest.

Know what? Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

She is testing my limits. I know this.

Expert Advice

Donna Ellenbogen is a friend and the founder of Family Wellness Solutions, which specializes in addressing the challenges faced by parents and expectant parents. She once shared a phrase that stuck with me. This slightly revised version has become my parenting mantra: “age appropriate yet annoying behavior.”

These five words not only talk me off ledges, but remind me that my four year old is right on target. It is ME who needs to change my behavior and – as Frozen‘s Elsa says – “Let it Go”. I need to figure out how to have patience for my children.

The Orange Rhino Book

Since I am constantly thinking about this topic, I was excited to meet Sheila McCraith and talk to her about her new book “Yell Less, Love More: How the Orange Rhino Mom Stopped Yelling at Her Kids – and How You Can Too”.  I also love her Twitter campaign asking people to use #YellLessLoveMore and post how they help keep it together.

Without fully spoiling her book – which I recommend – she brings up a few points that really resonated with me. This includes the idea of literally tracking your yelling triggers so you can hedge your repeat explosions at the gate (page 43).

The Orange Rhino’s Top Five Ways To Control Yelling

  1. You try and keep your act together in public so you don’t look like a screaming lunatic. Don’t your children deserve that same decorum at home considering they are really the audience who you care about judging you? (Page 17)
  2. It is your children’s job to push you. They are correctly pushing your limits. It is your job to keep your act together. You can only blame yourself for losing it. You can only control yourself and your own behavior. All that right there – it is exhausting. (Page 51)
  3. You feel like crap after yelling at your kids. A feeling that lingers well past their bedtime. Sometimes you yell because you had a bad day having nothing to do with them, resulting in your bad mood taking their joy and smiles away. (Page 77)
  4. It is your job to ask your kid why they are crying or behaving in a way that is driving you nuts. Maybe something is going on. Stop being angry at their behavior and find out why they are exhibiting the behavior. (Page 101)
  5. Think about your yelling like this – when someone yells at you, do you want to do what they are asking? Nope! So why would your kids want to listen to you if you are screaming at them?

What Is An Orange Rhino Mom? Does It With Patience For My Children?

My favorite quote from the book is: “Being an Orange Rhino isn’t about perfection; it’s about yelling less and loving more, one moment at a time, so that there are more loving moments in a child’s life than angry moments, so that the scale is tipped heavily toward love.” (Page 183)

Since writing the first part of this post I have adapted some new techniques in my own behavior, inspired by Sheila’s book with the hopes of increasing my patience with my children.

My Four Point System Of Stopping Bad Behavior

My daughter and I now have a four point system of how I tell her to stop a bad behavior. Four because she’s four (as she would say).

Here it is:

  1. First I ask calmly
  2. Then a little less calm
  3. Then stern with a warning that the next time I will yell
  4. Then I yell (if necessary)

I am OK with this yelling because I give her fair warning to change her behavior. I also think it is OK to occasionally yell or get upset with your children – after giving them warnings and making it very clear why you are upset – because you need to teach them they can’t do exactly what they want all the time.

Photo Credit: Blink Photography

Four Year Old Kids Can’t Control Themselves

The other thing I found that helps – in the case of a full blown tantrum – is the knowledge that she genuinely can’t control herself and feels scared and out of control while it is happening. Meaning: once the crazy comes out it is hard for her to reel it back.

Knowing and accepting this concept has helped me tremendously. It has enabled me to help her through outburst calmly (ME calmly) until it passes and we can move on. It also cuts the tantrum time immensely. She and I developed this technique together post-tantrum when I was trying to understand what was going on in her head.

The Wallenstein Technique (Patent-Pending)

  1. Tantrum comes.
  2. I let her revel in it for a minute and get it out.
  3. I ask if she is out of control. 99.9% of the time she has said “yes”.
  4. I sit on the floor, put her in my lap, hold her tight, and tell her I love her over and over while petting her head until she calms down – usually in less than a minute.

As I say to her, even when she’s 73, she’ll always be my baby.

Know what? It’s worked every time.

Know what else? I am her Mommy and my job is to get her through scary situations that she can’t control. When she told me a tantrum was scary and it was scary that she couldn’t control herself – it stopped me in my tracks and made me realize she needed my help, not my impatience or loud voice.

Know what else? If her answer is “no”, I have a big bottle of vodka in my cabinet….

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