Still Shopping? Check out some of our favorite things...

Okay! It's crunch time for all you Christmas shoppers, and if you're anything like me, stress shopping is your jam (I'm not proud of it, but at age 40... it is what it is). Now that we've got that out of the way, I wanted to pass along some really cool gifted items that I've received throughout the year. Gifted, yes, but I'm only recommending the items I've received that we genuinely love and use. Life is too short to BS, my friends.

Smart Sketcher
Little artists will love the Smart Sketcher - my girls have had a lot of fun learning how to draw all sorts of designs that are projected from the Smart Sketcher on to the page below. Not only that, use the Smart Sketcher app and you can trace photos from your personal collection! Littles learning their alphabet and numbers can practice those, too, and additional designs are available. Such a neat device for learning the fundamentals of drawing and expressing your creativity.

Lil Gadgets Headphones
Millie has developed a budding interest in music this year, and we've loaded up the girls' iPad (a hand-me-down from us) with tons of music as a result. We're fully taking credit for the fact that she's into the Beatles now. :) She's been listening to a lot of tunes on her new headphones from Lil Gadgets. They're soft, comfortable and adjustable as she grows - and a great price point, too!

Kidbox
The premise of Kidbox is simple. Either you or your child (depending on their age and interest in fashion) take a style quiz that determines what kid of clothes you like most. Kidbox will then send you 6-7 items handpicked by their stylists based on your quiz answers (an average of $15 per item). Only keep and pay for what you want, send back the rest free of charge! And the best part? For every box purchased, Kidbox will make a donation to the charity of your choice. Fashion AND philanthropy: I like it!

Keepsake
The Keepsake app allows you to frame your photos straight from your phone or via their website. We had one made recently and it turned out SO well! Frames are constructed in the USA, and the quality was beautifully done. So many frame designs to choose from, too. We all have so many photos sitting on our phones... it was so simple and fun to put one up on the wall!

Harry Potter Tri-Wizard Maze and Harry Potter Magical Beasts Game
If you follow my blog or social feeds, you know my kids are obsessed with Harry Potter. These games, created by Pressman Toys, are RIGHT up their alley! While the Maze game is for ages 5 and up and the Magical Beasts game is for ages 8 and up, it's safe to say the world of J.K. Rowling will continue to be alive and well at our house. Can't wait to play with them!

Plan Ahead: Free Arts NYC Benefit on September 30!

We all know there are a million ways to give back and support organizations that are dedicated to investing in the needs of under-served children. But if I may, I'd like to introduce one more. Free Arts NYC empowers NYC youth, many of whom are living in shelters, through art and mentoring programs that develop their creativity, confidence and skills to succeed. The organization has positively impacted over 32,000 children and families and will only continue, thanks in part to community support like Kidsfest 2018, which takes place on Sunday, September 30th from 10-2pm at Sotheby's.

Hosted by the hilarious and lovely Jill Kargman (who else is bummed that Odd Mom Out won't be coming back for a 4th season?!), event proceeds will benefit the amazing work of Free Arts NYC. It promises to be a super fun event for the whole family, and an awesome way to give back at the same time.

If setting your kids loose in an incredible venue, surrounded by Pony Cycle pony rides, Big Apple Circus entertainment, face painting, hair braiding, screen printing, art activities run by local artists and museums (the list goes ON and ON) sounds the least bit appealing - well, you've come to the right place.

Ticket info can be found HERE and we'll see you on Sunday, September 30th. Here's to making sure the arts are available to EVERY child in NYC.

Looking forward! 🎨🎨

A 20th Anniversary Celebration: The Teletubbies take NYC!

Of the many things that make me feel old these days, hearing that the Teletubbies were celebrating the 20th anniversary of their show was certainly one of them! Launched in 1997, the Teletubbies quickly became a global phenomenon as they promoted sharing, caring and learning with laughter. The show has aired in more than 125 territories and across 45 languages, and was, most notably, the first TV character brand specifically geared towards children as young as 6 months to aid in learning and development.

To mark the occasion, a few blogger friends and I had a chance to celebrate with the Teletubbies during 2 days of adventures here in NYC. On a dreary Monday morning, we caravanned with the Teletubbies around the city as they visited 4 iconic NYC locations (Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Flatiron Building, Times Square and Central Park). Without a doubt, the cuddly quartet perked up a gloomy day with their trademarked Big Hugs as people passed by. Take a peek at some of the photos I took along the way:

I have to say, it was really amusing to see how many people got SO excited about seeing the Teletubbies -- and not just children! Many adults came up to give them a hug and said how seeing them really brought back so many happy memories. We met one family visiting from England in Central Park, and I honestly think the mother was the most excited of all of them! Really cute.

Luckily for everyone, the celebration wasn't over! The very next day, the Teletubbies celebrated with all their friends at a very special anniversary party at Chelsea Piers, complete with a preview of the all-new Teletubbies series' 2nd season on Nick Jr. In addition to yummy eats, guests were treated to face painting, video games, arts-n-crafts and bubble magic. Such a fun afternoon!

Come along as I share some photos from the party, which was attended by tons of Teletubbies fans, young and old alike.

As mentioned, for those reminiscing about the Teletubbies or looking to introduce the four lovable characters to their children, there's exciting news: they're coming back for a new season beginning May 30th on Nick Jr! Here's to nostalgia, introducing classic TV to a new audience and Big Hugs, Teletubbies-style. Happy 20th Anniversary!



Disclosure: I was compensated for event attendance & promotion on blog + social media. All opinions are my own.