front row fashion, thanks to target (& a giveaway!)

In yet another example of how much fun it is to be a blogger's kid, Millie, at age 3, attended her first fashion show a couple weeks ago (I saw my first at age 30!). Target opened up Petite Parade Kids Fashion Week, now in its third year, and Millie and I were lucky enough to have a front row seat for the show.

Held at Industria Studios in the West Village, the little gal and I headed downtown for a fun day of miniature fashion and style. Target didn't disappoint, and started off a weekend of shows with a vibrant set, hopscotch runway (so cute!) and an appearance by Bullseye the dog. And I haven't even mentioned the clothes yet!

Take a look at the photos below and you'll see what I mean... Target showcased a spring and summer line of adorable yet fashion-forward looks for kids, from toddlers to teenagers. The brand that's synonymous with affordability is just as comfortable hitting the runway. And I have to admit, there were a few outfits that I wish were available in my size! 

And there's more fun news: Target is giving Baby Meets City readers a chance to update their spring wardrobe with a $50 gift card! See Rafflecopter at the end of the post (all you need to do is leave a blog post comment!), and I'll announce a winner in 2 weeks (April 5th).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Target provided me with compensation for attending the show, but all opinions expressed herein are my own.

stepping up my diaper bag game (& a giveaway!)

My first diaper bag, given to me as a baby shower gift, has been a dependable and trusty sidekick for the last 3+ years. Ol' faithful does, however, scream DIAPER BAG, which is sometimes not really the look I'm going for, even with the kiddos along. Therefore, at this time, I'd like to bid a fond farewell to my bulky mom bag -- it was nice knowing ya.

Enter 7A.M. Enfant's Barcelona non-diaper diaper bag. I looooove this bag... let me count the ways for you:

1.  This NDDB (non-diaper diaper bag) has all the quintessential diaper bag essentials without screaming harried-mother-of-two as I'm walking down the street. First and foremost, there are tons of pockets and compartments both outside and inside to store various essentials, some with zippers, some without. It includes a matching changing pad in addition to a bottle storage container (also great for carrying cold snacks around).

2. The Barcelona is roomy and holds everything I need for the girls, yet fits under my arm with ease (I've been wearing it as a purse when I'm without them and no one is the wiser!) I can also wear it as a cross-body bag, which is great if we're out for a quick walk and I have one girl holding each hand. And what's probably my favorite part -- the Barcelona comes with 2 velcro attachments and clips so you can attach to your stroller frame (see photo below). There's nothing better than being hands-free when you're hauling a stroller down a flight of subway stairs.

3. The fabric is easy cleanable. I've tested this out already, and while I'd like to blame it on the munchkins, unfortunately it was me who spilled coffee all over the back of it. However, with water and a paper towel I was able to get it back to its non-stained self quickly. 

So here's the fun part. 7A.M. Enfant would like to give one lucky Baby Meets City reader their own Barcelona bag! See easy instructions via Rafflecopter below. I'll pick a winner in 2 weeks (April 4th). A truly fab NDDB awaits you.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I was given a 7A.M. Enfant Barcelona bag for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

momtrends night out with stokke

Momtrends is not only a one-stop resource for hip moms, but founder Nicole Feliciano also knows how to throw a pretty fun party. Combining partnerships with some of the best children's brands out there, a fab location, yummy food and cocktails and a roomful of parenting influencers is a recipe for success, no question about it.

The Glasshouses, a breathtaking space on the Hudson River, was the perfect backdrop for last month's party highlighting Stokke, the Scandinavian company famous for their innovative line of children's products. Stokke believes that it is in the child's best interest to be as close as possible to his or her parents, and to be placed in an environment of safety and security. That motto is evident in everything they produce, from strollers to their famous Tripp Trapp chair.

Almost makes me want one more...

During the evening, I got a chance to check out their latest stroller creations -- the Scoot and Crusi, in addition to the well-known Stokke Xplory. Offering smart solutions and the clean, refined aesthetic they've become known for, Stokke isn't afraid to set the bar high. These strollers are synonymous with quality and style, and I left the party considering a 3rd child as a result (only half kidding).

As much as I love connecting online, I always welcome the chance to see my blogging buddies "in real life," too. I am consistently inspired and motivated by this community, and I'm thankful that Momtrends can bring us all together under one roof.

Till next time!





Disclaimer: I was given a Stokke gift bag upon leaving, but all opinions expressed, as always, are my own.

can you see your shadow?

There's an innovative piece of theater for the 2-5 year old set happening on Saturdays this month on the Lower East Side. The Trusty Sidekick Theater Company presents "Shadow Play," which is back after a sold-out run last year. Performed at the University Settlement on Eldridge Street, the play centers around a boy and his shadow... and a whole lot more!

When you enter the theater, children are encouraged to sit in front and there are seats for parents in the back. I wasn't sure what to think at first, as the only items on stage were rather dull cardboard boxes in odd shapes and sizes. As the show began, the main character (and the only one aside from his shadow), Flash, picks up this box and that one, stacking and sorting them around, only to create a sofa, TV, lamp, telescope, etc... and before our eyes the stage changes from a bunch of boxes to Flash's home. Really neat! As the play progresses, Flash encounters his shadow and the adventure begins, complete with a trip to the moon.

With animation, live action and lots of laughs, everyone will enjoy "Shadow Play," not just your little ones. Afterwards, kids are encouraged to get up and dance and go find their own shadow. Millie was about the 3rd kid who got up and started dancing (which I kind of love about her). Next up for the Trusty Sidekick is a production of "Off the Map," about a subway car that makes an unexpected detour. Sounds like a ride for the whole family!

If you're looking for a way to introduce your child to the world of theater, this is a great way to do it. And with a running time of about 30 minutes, your child doesn't have a chance to get antsy, either. Believe me when I say I know how important that is!

Click here to purchase tickets for "Shadow Play."




Disclaimer: I was provided with tickets to attend "Shadow Play." All opinions expressed herein are my own.

A little of this, that & the other with shine

My little artiste

Millie was invited to attend a pop-up class with Shine recently, and we were only too excited to participate. Founded by Aaron Goldschmidt in 2004, Shine is all about creative enrichment programs for children (ages 6 months to 12 years old). Completely customizable, Shine will tailor a class to fit the interests of the child (private is an option) or group of children. While a variety of art, music, science and nature-based activities are available, if your child is obsessed with dinosaurs (like mine!), Shine will create an entire program around prehistoric creatures. I honestly don't know of any other area class that does that, and I love this feature.

Shine is currently offering pop-up classes at Freshmade NYC, which offers cooking classes, catering and events/birthday parties for children. In a gorgeous studio space in Nolita, Freshmade was the perfect setting. We attended Shine's "Little Luminaries" class and had such a fun time! That week's theme was shapes, and Millie completed several art projects, from watercolors to painting with stamps, got active with yoga and a couple games and the session ended with story time.

Aaron led the class himself and shared the works of the Russian painter Vasily Kandinsky, who enjoyed a shape or two in his work. I love that Aaron chose this example for the kids, and it left me with visions of taking Millie to art museums when she's a bit older. Can't wait! Aaron was also quite good at keeping the class moving from one project to the next, which is so important when dealing with the short attention span of toddlers.

I also love that Shine is mobile. If you live in Upstate (!) Manhattan like myself, sometimes a schlep downtown with the kids isn't the most appealing idea. Shine's instructors will come anywhere, even to your doorstep. Yet another reason that NYC is the convenience capital of the world, right?

I encourage you to check out Shine's offerings for your child!

Demonstrating the work of Kandinsky

Disclaimer: Shine provided Millie with a free session so that we could try out a class firsthand. All opinions expressed herein are my own.