Skincare for the Time-Starved with #CVSLoveYourSkin

A few months ago, I participated in a series of videos for CVS Pharmacy's "Love Your Skin" campaign. It was such a fun day! Felicia (This That Beauty), Amber (Rouge18), Evann Clingan and I discussed a wide array of skincare tips and tricks with Dr. Mona Gohara, who's an Associate Clinical Professor at the Yale School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology.

My video, "Skincare for the Time-Starved," began airing this week and could not be more appropriate. I really have a difficult time prioritizing myself, even for something as relatively simple as skincare, despite knowing how important it is (I can feel you nodding your heads, moms). Yet Dr. Gohara pointed out some easy tips that even I can squeeze into my busy routine: keeping cleansing wipes handy, moisturizing in the morning and evening, and absolutely not forgetting to apply SPF during the day (bonus if it's already in your moisturizer!)

After watching the video, you'll find a $1 off coupon to use at CVS on any two Simple®, Dove or Vaseline products -- woohoo! Interested in learning more? There's a #CVSLoveYourSkin Twitter party happening tonight, 11/15, at 8pm EST. You'll learn additional skincare tips and be entered for a chance to win a bunch of fun prizes! Follow @CVS_Extra and #CVSLoveYourSkin for more information.

I was thrilled to have this opportunity with CVS, especially weighing in from the "mom" perspective. And I will say this -- I've been so much better about remembering to moisturize since being a part of this discussion. Here's to taking care of our skin, ladies!





Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Mirum Shopper. Thanks for supporting Baby Meets City!

Odd Squad: Live! is Headed to NYC 10/29-10/30

NYC parents: if you have an Odd Squad fan in your home, I've got exciting news to share. On October 29th-30th, the Emmy Award-winning series is headed to The Skirball Center at NYU for live performances as part of their Big Red Chair Family Series.

Thanks to an interactive show format, kids will have a chance to solve an odd mystery with brand new agents Owen & Ophelia with help from Ms. O back at headquarters. Putting their STEM skills to the test, the audience will help the coolest kid agents around decipher clues to stop villains like Father Time & Lady Terrible. Here's a special message from Ms. O:

          

We've decided to surprise the little gals with our tickets on the day before, partially to reduce the amount of squealing over the next couple of weeks, and also because, WHAT A FUN SURPRISE! Odd Squad is one of their favorite shows, and to be honest, it's one I watch with them and actually enjoy. I love the educational aspect (each episode contains a math lesson aimed at kids ages 4-8), but also, it's FUNNY. And quirky. And from all the parents out there, let me just say thanks to the amazing team of writers at Odd Squad who realize that parents might want to be entertained, too.

Hope to see you there! Also, come early. There will be educational activities for an hour pre-show which will include a spy-related craft & imaginative STEM education worksheets.






Disclosure: I was provided with tickets in exchange for promotion of this production. All opinions are my own.

Screen Time: Precious Cargo, the Hilarious New Web Series

There's a large contingent of NYC families who find themselves planning their children's futures while they're still in the womb -- which exclusive preschool they'll attend, and once born, they're eyeing up fancy private schools; even the ivy leagues! Nursery University was a fascinating documentary on the subject. I can't say I fall into this category myself (sighs of relief at my kids' amazing public school), but living in the city, I'm certainly not immune to the crazy that takes over a certain demographic once they've produced a little one.

Precious Cargo, a new web series on Vimeo, takes a hilarious look at those parents pushing their kids into the big leagues of NYC private schools from a unique perspective: the tutors they've hired to achieve that goal. Played by Lauren Singerman & Sasha Kaye (both former tutors themselves), the series explores the differences between New Yorkers who have it all and those just struggling to get by.

Lauren explains,“Our experience as tutors seemed a perfect jumping-off point into a fictionalized world that we could use to tell that story.”

With a new episode airing each week, it's definitely worth a look. I'm loving the fresh and quirky cast of characters (including the child actors, who are surprisingly good), and I'm rooting for Lisa to find her way. If I had to describe it in terms of film & tv, I'd say The Nanny Diaries meets Odd Mom Out?

Check out the trailer here, and turn into Vimeo each week to catch the complete series!

PRECIOUS CARGO Web Series Trailer from Precious Cargo on Vimeo.

Movie Review: Flying High with Eddie the Eagle

There’s just something about a movie where the underdog accomplishes something amazing against all odds. You find yourself rooting for them along the way, anguished by their every set-back and completely inspired by the time the credits roll. Such is the case with the upcoming new film, “Eddie the Eagle,” about real-life British ski jumper Eddie Edwards.

Despite early childhood health challenges, financial status & an untraditional athletic “look,” Eddie (played by Taron Egerton) dreams of becoming an Olympian. Behind his thick glasses and bushy mustache, there is a crazy amount of determination brewing. This internal motivation is impressive; after being kicked off the British downhill ski-team, he takes up ski jumping when he discovers Britain hasn’t had representation in the sport since 1929.

With no prior training, and facing opposition from everyone around him (except his mother, whose devotion brought tears to my eyes), Eddie sets out for Germany to learn how to ski jump. There he meets Bronson Peary, played by the always-gorgeous Hugh Jackman, a one-time ski jumping champion in need of a little inspiration himself. Their relationship was fun to watch, and by the end of the film, you could tell that they’d both learned a great deal from each other.

By the skin of his teeth, Eddie qualifies for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. During competition, Eddie beats his personal best jump (though still not good enough to medal), then goes for the 90-meter jump which he’d never tried before. All because he wasn’t afraid to give up and give in to everyone who said he didn’t have what it took. As a result, the Olympic crowds fall in love with him and his enthusiasm for the sport. I wasn’t familiar with Eddie Edwards before, but I’m so happy to now have a sense of this man’s story. Determination is a powerful asset. I really enjoyed this “feel good” film and have a feeling you will, too.

           



Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Eddie The Eagle through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Eddie The Eagle, all opinions are my own.

Making Memories with Real Times

This post is sponsored by RealTimes. Thanks for supporting Baby Meets City.

It seems like there are a million photo apps available these days, and I've found it overwhelming to find the best option for sharing memories with friends & family -- especially one that includes a video component. In short, I want my ideal app to be easy to use, full of features but not overwhelming, & have the ability to make the final product look amazing & professional. That's not asking for too much, right?! :) And with a husband who happens to be a television editor, the bar is set pretty high.

I was recently introduced to RealTimes, & I like what I'm seeing thus far. Have you heard of it? The Real Time Video Collage Maker is available on iTunes & Google Play, & combines all of my qualifications listed above. It even makes videos automatically as I take photos & videos on my phone! But I'm getting ahead of myself...

After downloading the RealTimes app, I got acquainted with its features. Once I'd given it access to my photos, you can easily select which "scene" (photo) you'd like to include in your "story" (mini film). Easy enough. You can re-order photos by dragging them with your finger, and there are all sorts of cool Instagram-like effects you can use, not to mention adding titles, stickers, frames, etc. Combining photo & video really takes your story to the next level, too, along with music that you can pick off the site, your own music or you can even record voice narration. Fun!

I made our first official RealTimes video of a fun day with friends in our neighborhood. First, we went to a Columbia University (vs. Harvard) football game, & then we hung out in our local park. Husband has been working a ton lately, so it was great that he got to have a special day with his daughters, which is what I chose to highlight in the video. Interspersed with photos of the game there's video of him throwing leaves with the girls, swinging them at the park, and a field goal at the game.

See below... so FUN (& easy)!

          

To see another video, I love the example used on the RealTimes YouTube page, which lays out what a simple program this is with such memorable results.

Also wanted to highlight the RealTimes Family Plan features, which offers a lot of bang for your buck:

• 4 RealTimes accounts for the prices of one unlimited subscription plan ($9.99/month)
• With the Family Acount, one person will receive the billing and is able to invite up to 3 sub-accounts
• The Family Account is a great value for families. You are getting 4 unlimited RealTimes accounts to share with your loved ones for the price of one.
• Family will not only get unlimited storage space, but also have all the other great features that the unlimited account offers:
• Unlimited lengths on RealTimes Stories
• All music tracks
• All filters/effects for videos

Now that I'm all set up, I look forward to making more videos for friends & family!

Disclosure: I was compensated as part of this campaign. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ice Cream, You Scream... & Fun Music for Kids, too! #Giveaway

Earlier this summer, the girls & I were introduced to The Pop Ups, a Grammy-nominated children's musical duo based in Brooklyn. Now, every time I'm at my computer (and I'm only slightly exaggerating here), they ask to watch their videos. Led by Jason Rabinowitz & Jacob Stein, The Pops Ups are all about catchy tunes & clever, fun videos. And needless to say, their creative collaborations are a welcome break from Old MacDonald.

I may or may not dance along to The Robot Dance on a regular basis... but let's keep that between us, shall we? Here'a a cute video of Millie dancing along to The Pop Ups at a recent concert along the Hudson River in Tribeca.

Now, moving on to another of our favorite things: ICE CREAM! The Pop Ups have teamed up with Ample Hills Creamery to spread the love about their sweet treats & new cook book! The creamery, which originated in Brooklyn, now has locations in Queens & Manhattan, too. See addresses & more info here, and by all means, get yourself to one of their shops for something cold & delicious STAT.

Flipping through the pages of this cookbook, I am so excited to bust out our ice cream maker! And you can be, too. Here's why: I'm helping spread the word about this collaboration with The Pop Ups & Ample Hills Creamery through a giveaway!

2 lucky winners -- that's right, TWO -- are going to win a copy of this cookbook in addition to a Pop Ups t-shirt & tote bag. Woohoo! Check out the Rafflecopter giveaway below, and while you're at it, find a few tunes for your kid (& you!) to listen to on The Pop Ups' YouTube page (and hey, might as well subscribe while you're there!). I'll pick a winner on Friday, August 28th. Still plenty of time to celebrate the dog days of summer...

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our 15 Minutes of Fame with Darley Newman of "Darley's Travels"

In late May, you may remember I mentioned a quick trip the girls & I made down to the eastern shores of Maryland with one of my nearest & dearest, Darley Newman. She was filming the new season of her AOL series, "Travels with Darley," and invited us to come along for the ride. Naturally, we jumped at the chance. We love Auntie Darley to bits, and Ocean City (one of the shoot locations), is Millie's favorite place to date... in her wide experience of almost 6 years on this planet.

But I digress. It was an amazing few days, and the girls got to take part in so many fun activities: glass blowing in Berlin, MD (America's "Coolest Small Town"), amusement park rides on the boardwalk in Ocean City and horse viewing & beach time at Assateague Island. We ate ice cream at Chesapeake Bay Farms, which might be my favorite place to date... and I've been around a lot longer than Millie. While the girls didn't really take much notice of all the cameras & equipment, I found the whole process fascinating. And seeing the newly released final product was pretty entertaining for all of us. That said, enjoy a few photos below, AND check out a few videos of our trip on Darley's AOL channel.

5 Reasons to Take an RV Vacation
Unusual Cow to Cone Ice Cream Farm
Top Things to Do in America's Coolest Small Town

Have You Visited The Mother 'Hood Yet? #SisterhoodUnite



Hi Friends! While we stockpile groceries and brace for winter storm Juno around here, I'd like to help spread the word about Similac's new program, The Sisterhood of Motherhood. Have you seen the "The Mother 'Hood" video yet? Hilarious & heartwarming, I was surprised that I could laugh so hard & be so moved simultaneously. 

 

The Sisterhood of Motherhood was created in an effort to combat all the judgment that often comes with our parenting decisions. And parent or not, you've no doubt heard about them in the headlines, on the playground & most likely from your own mother! Breastfeeding vs formula; Free range vs attachment parenting; Disposable vs cloth diapers... the list goes on & on. I'll be sharing my personal views on the topic soon, but in the meantime, take a look at Similac's creation.

 

And remember, we're all in this together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure: I've partnered with Similac for The Sisterhood of Motherhood Program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. All opinions expressed are my own. Similac believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Similac’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.


A New Tradition: Christmas Tea at The Peninsula

There really is no place like NYC at Christmas. And while sometimes it pains me that my babies are growing up (!!), I also love that we're to the point of making memories with them around the holidays. We kicked off the season with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and spent this past weekend checking out the sights on Fifth Avenue (with a gazillion other people). And even though I've lived here for over 14 years, the buzz of excitement in the air this time of year still gets me. Considering the look on their faces, I'm pretty sure the little gals could feel it, too.

After meeting up with a good friend, we first checked out Saks Fifth Avenue's gorgeous window display (the "Enchanted Experience" theme was kind of perfect considering my company). Apparently there's a team of people that spend all year working on these displays for the holidays, and it really shows. Just beautiful, with such an obvious attention to detail. Check out the video at the end of this post - the light & music that Saks is putting on each night on the store's facade is pretty magical!

Afterwards, we headed to The Peninsula Hotel for afternoon tea. One of NYC's oldest and grandest hotels, the setting couldn't have been more perfect for celebrating a festive day with the gals. Their decorations were so beautiful, and the tea itself (located in The Gotham Lounge) was really lovely. 

While the girls dined on mini cupcakes, cookies, petite sandwiches, fruit and veggies, my friend and I shared some lovely little bites ourselves. And while the girls opted for water, my friend and I dined on champagne and Mandarin Lotus tea. Divine! As a special momento, adults go home with a gorgeous glass Peninsula Hotel ornament.

So how cute are these snowmen? The Peninsula has a fun charitable campaign happening now through December 31st. Pop into their lobby and take a photo with their snowmen display, then post it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with hashtag #SnowPage. The Peninsula will make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for every photo tagged!

I have to take a moment to share Pippa & Julie with you, too, as they're behind these perfect tea party dresses. I knew right off the bat that they would be a hit for two reasons: the pockets, and of course, their "twirl-ability." Those bows are a pretty nice addition, too! Such gorgeous designs on this site, and really precious every-day outfits as well.

Afterwards, we headed home via the tree at Rockefeller Center and took in the ice skaters below... the perfect winter scene, wouldn't you say? 

 

'Tis the season to be merry!

Have you seen the music & light show at @saks yet? Pretty fun! We just happened to catch it as we were walking by the other night. #nyc #nycchristmas

A video posted by Ellen Schmidt (@babymeetscity) on Dec 12, 2014 at 7:12am PST

Disclosure: While our tea at The Peninsula Hotel was complimentary, all opinions expressed herein are my own.

mom + social + mother's day

Happy Mother's Day! I hope each of you mamas out there had a special day with your family (or perhaps at a spa by yourself!)

This week, I attended Mom+Social, a day-long event focused on the intersection of motherhood and social media, technology and philanthropy. Sponsored by The UN Foundation, Johnson and Johnson, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Baby Center and The Huffington Post, the gathering concluded Global Mom Relay, a 60-day online conversation connecting online moms and experts to share their personal experiences and causes they are passionate about.



To say I was moved by the day's panels is an understatement, and I wanted to share a few of the highlights with you:

Christy Turlington Burns spoke about Every Mother Counts, the campaign she founded to end preventable deaths caused by pregnancy and childbirth around the world. As an advocate for global maternal health, Christy also made a documentary film called "No Woman, No Cry," which captures what is a profound issue for women around the world, even right here in the United States (Every Mother Counts has just given a grant to a midwife in Florida). I actually stepped out of the conference midday so I could attend a conference call with Christy and Culture Mom Media, where she was kind enough to speak to a group of bloggers about her work with Every Mother Counts.

I was inspired by the stories of Fortunata Kasege, an HIV positive mother who told her story on behalf of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and Ines Renique, of Girl Up, a campaign which "unites girls to change the world." I can't wait to hear more from non-profits like Games for Change (a Facebook game for charity) and Charity Miles, an app which makes raising money as easy as using your own two feet. Jennifer Lopez (THAT Jennifer Lopez), and her sister, Lynda, spoke about the work of the Lopez Family Foundation, which provides telemedicine services in developing countries.

Lastly, the words of Robbie Parker, who lost his daughter, Emilie, in the Newtown, CT school shooting brought us all to our knees. Amidst unspeakable tragedy, he made a plea for all of us to be continually inspired by our children and to live in the moment. You can find out more about supporting the arts from the fund they began in her honor, the Emilie Parker Art Connection.

I urge you to check out the list of speakers from Mom+Social (too many amazing ones to recount!) and if a particular cause speaks to you, get involved! Blogging provides a unique forum for spreading awareness, and I am so honored to be able to share my insights with you here.  

another first: sledding (w/ video by & starring my 3 yr old)

A couple weeks ago, Husband took Millie to visit his family in Wisconsin. She loved EVERYTHING about the trip, from the airplane ride and undivided attention from Daddy and grandparents, to the snow on the ground... everywhere. This was her first true experience with the fluffy stuff (NYC really didn't get much of a winter last year, and believe me, I'm not complaining!) and she simply had a blast. 

Example A would be Millie's first time sledding. While she wasn't crazy about it the first 2 runs down the hill, something about "third time's a charm" really clicked with her, and afterwards she loved every minute of it - even the walk UP the hill!

Witness the sheer joy of a child sledding -- her laugh puts a smile on my face every time I watch this video. And a special shout out goes to the awesome daddy who trudged up the hill with her more times than he can count... 



I'm so glad Husband and his family got to have this special time with her, and I have to admit I enjoyed the one on one time with Vivian, too. Her personality, which ranges from silly to pensive in a moment's notice, is quickly emerging, and I love watching Vivi develop into her own little person. We all had a really fun weekend in our own way!



Oh yeah. Bathtime is crazy fun at our house...

preparing the perfect nursery

I had the pleasure of participating in another Momversation video last month on preparing the perfect nursery. I wanted to offer a few additional thoughts on the subject, and I welcome any other suggestions you might have, too. My girls' room (part nursery/part toddler destruction zone) is an ongoing project, but I've had so much fun picking out the color scheme, Big Girl Bed quilt and bedding, etc. thus far. I have storage issues galore, but I'm saving that for another post coming up.

Anyway, we touch on it in the video, but I really don't feel like you have to go overboard with your baby's nursery. Generally, I feel like less is more, and I think that translates to interior decorating, too. As I mention in the video, I put my old dresser in the baby's room, and it's worked out really well.  I painted it over and we have changing pad on top, with room for diaper caddy and a few other misc. items.

I love the idea of putting a few sentimental items in the room as well. In our first nursery, I had my silver baby cup sitting on a bookshelf alongside a pair of Husband's baby shoes that his mother had dipped in copper. Pretty neat. The walls were painted a light yellow (we kept the first little gal's sex a surprise), but with an added bonus: my dear friend from childhood, a very talented artist and mama to three little gals, flew up to NYC and painted a gorgeous mural on the wall of a tree and a few birds. Perfectly lovely, and it made a tiny room (and former "office/junk storage/man cave") a really special place to be.

Well, that and the cute little baby living there. :)

Our first nursery:

newmomversation: travelling with your infant

This week, I participated in another Momversation video about travel with babies (agh!).  I'm excited to share it with you (though note to self: I will not be shooting the next one at 10:30pm - I think the long day I'd had leading up to that moment showed on my face). Nevertheless, the topic is a good one.  Does the idea of travelling with an infant scare you?  While it's certainly a bit overwhelming to think about (at least it was for me), as I mention in the video, I don't think it's impossible.

Of course, by infant I'm really talking about a child under a year old, as anyone knows with toddlers it's a whole other ball game (if you're feeling brave you can read my nightmare story here) and a separate topic entirely.

Here's the thing with infants: they really will be sleeping or feeding for the majority of the flight.  I can remember being worried about the pressure on Baby S' little ears, but as long as I was nursing or bottle feeding her going up and down, I didn't notice any issues. Having your diaper bag packed with all the essentials will aid peace of mind, and bringing a Boppy or travel pillow of some sort (if you have the room) will make you and baby more comfortable.  As baby becomes more aware of his/her surroundings, bringing a few toys/books/DVD player are a must, and as mentioned in the video, a brand new toy is a good thing to bring out if tears are on the horizon.

We all know flying is a hassle these days (with or without a Little One in tow), but I also believe it is the most convenient way of travel -- at least for my family. Hopping in a car has its advantages, of course, but if your families are scattered throughout the South and Midwest like ours are (and time is usually of the essence), there's really no other way to go.

Good luck, and check out Momversation for more videos from moms with an opinion on all manner of subjects!

a new conversation

Some fun news... I'm very excited to be a new contributor on Momversation!  In their own words, Momversation "takes the pulse of women on the web."  All panelists are moms themselves, and each video shares their thoughts and personal stories on any manner of subjects, from "Would You Let Your Kids Into Showbiz?" to "Bullycide: How Can We Keep Our Children Safe?"  I am truly excited to be in the company of some amazing blogging superstars like Rebecca Woolf and Alice Bradley (to name a few... you can find the full list of truly awesome peeps here).

Recently, Momversation decided to expand to newbie moms like myself with New Momversation.  Click below to see me discussing the biggest challenges of life with a newborn (AGH!) along with Jill Samonian of The Fab Mom and Stacee Bucciarelli of Medieval Mom.

Oh, and ignore the bad lighting and lack of enough makeup.  What can I say, I'm a newbie.