Playtime for Kids at Heart!

I had my first taste of Playtime New York’s International Trade Show dedicated to the universes of children and junior.

It was basically a well pulled together trade show featuring children collections for fall/winter  2012/2013.

The designers come from all parts of the world.   A few brands I stopped by included Woollyboo based in New Jersey, Neve/Hawk in South Carolina, Lila in Spain, Trommpo in Uruguay, Christopher Fischer in New York, Caramel Baby & Child in London and more!

I was drawn to the husband & wife duo at Neve/Hawk, named after their two children; their line is simple and functional.  All clothing is reversible, soft and fun! The pieces are designed to be versatile, layered and matched.  For instance I saw this great green skirt, and it was so soft, like sweat pants, but the way they cut it and added pleats makes it looks like an outfit your child could wear to a fancy birthday party.  All clothing is made in the USA & better yet proceeds go to Fight for Creativity a benefit giving back to keeping arts in public schools.

Check out these innovative designed cakes made of knitted yarn. This is what I walked by as I went from vendor to vendor…reminded me of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory!

-LB

Why pay a membership for a sitter service?

We often get asked, "Why should I pay a membership fee to hire a sitter" and the answer is simple...

Mom and dad's are very busy and juggling family, work, and life can be such a daily challenge. Add in trying to find trustworthy sitters through one's personal network, then screening those prospective sitters and the process can be daunting.

Joining an elite company such as Lucky Lil' Darlings (LLD) enables you to take the trouble, and hard work out of the mix.  First and foremost, LLD is a trusted company that hand selects each sitter. In addition to finding top-notch sitters, we conduct extensive screening, ensuring a properly background checked and college educated sitter.  In addition, we have also perfected the LLD sitter match. We are experts at finding the right sitter for your kids and ensure a fun, reliable addition to your family, making the process secure and painless. 

Having a reliable person you can speak with about your individual family needs also really takes the pressure off. Sometimes you need to discuss options for your child-sitting needs. Whether you need a weekly sitter for date night, a holiday sitter for your next family vacation or just an extra set of hands on the weekends, LLD's personal service really helps configure the best solution for your family. We have loads of experienced sitters for all occasions: parties, vacations, corporate events etc, and we've seen it all. The level of experience we provide is hard to match, and as an LLD member you can tap into our information anytime, with a quick call or email.

Another great benefit is being able to book sitters last minute. Even if your "regular" nanny/sitter is booked, LLD has an extensive database of amazing, available sitters, and can accommodate last minute requests: what's better than that!? 

Here are some of the highlights to being an LLD member:

--LLD’s sitters are the best in the business and become true, long term role models for your children.

--LLD provides a loyal and genuine local community for elite, urban families. Our families are friends, we have great local events that enable fun family networking, hearing about amazing local deals and being plugged in to a wonderful group of mom and dad's that like you are looking to engage.

--LLD’s Secure Screening Process is extensive, organized, and thorough to always ensure your Lil’ Darlings are always in the best of hands.

--LLD’s core mission is to provide the utmost highest quality of family care solutions in a convenient & efficient manner.  We have the reputation in the business for finding the best childcare providers for your family. 

--LLD’s comprehensive suite of family care offerings reduces daily stress for busy, modern families. You tell us what you need and we do all the work!

-LB

Plan your child’s birthday party with Blast Events!

Annie Steinberg–Joachim has been in the events industry for 10+ years. She has built her reputation on being an upbeat event planner who is extremely detail oriented. 

What sparked Blast Events? 

Blast Events NYC was sparked by the birthday of my nephews Jackson and Truman. They are the most fun little guys in the world. I was in event planning for 10 years and feeling like I needed a change, once the boys were born I realized I could still do event planning, but for children. After my sister in law let me plan a few of their birthday parties and all the moms started to inquire about my services, I had the confidence to start Blast Events NYC.

Tell us a bit about the events that you work on? 

We work on all types of events, they just have to be about children. We do baby showers, a briss, a baby naming, birthday parties and everything in between. My favorite is a birthday party. When you see a child walk in to their own party and they light up, it's such a good feeling. We work on events of all sizes, we've done events in a Manhattan apartment and events located in Cipriani - so really no job too big, no job too small - when your job doesn't feel like work you just go with the flow and enjoy! 

What is your favorite project thus far? 

Well this is my favorite question, thus far.. I love the parties we produce, they are all special to me, but my favorite project was a 1st birthday for a child named Jacob. The theme was a safari and it was held in their beautiful Chelsea apartment. I would say it was my favorite because the family was lovely to work with. His mommy was very involved in the planning process, but was very gentle and welcoming to our suggestions. It was the perfect balance of an involved mom but one who wasn't a control freak. When you hire a party planner you have to know that they are the expert, not you! This mom welcomed our suggestions and still gave her opinion, it was just perfect. Once we arrived at the party her guest treated us like guest. The entire party, family and friends were by far the nicest people we have ever worked with. We made them a beautiful photo album of pictures from the day to say thank you. My wish is that we will be able to work with them on more events in the future. 

 For more info on blast events click here!

Bring Back Family Dinners!

By Allison Brooks

This is the 21st Century! Home of the overworked, underpaid, tired and in dire need of "me" time. Parents, children, husbands, wives and extended family are become isolated from each other, due to disparate schedules, after school activities, work and a myriad of other reasons. These days, people go to the nearest drive thru and eat on the run, order takeout and plop down on the counter, or use convenience and processed foods to prepare some semblance of a meal.

Family dynamics may have changed in the past 50 years, but the inherent desire to hold the family together still remains important. Circumstances might indicate that the concept of family is disintegrating and that may be the case for some people. The simple fact is that we are human and we need each other. A way that we can keep our family units strong and together is to sit together and to eat together. We need to nourish not only our bodies, but also our minds, spirits and souls.

Research has shown that families that make the time to have dinner together are happier, stronger and better prepared to negotiate life's difficulties. Eating together is a mutually beneficial experience for adults and children. Sitting and enjoying a meal together promotes open communication, better appetites and a more positive outlook on life. This is why many RD’s and nurses recommend a family meal at least once a day. Not only in the home but facilities like nursing homes and cancer facilities ask families to visit to have a meal together. Since the idea of a short life-expectancy can make one feel isolated, a family meal makes them feel closer and more at peace.

If you have not engaged in this practice, there is no better time than now. Getting everyone together to eat without distractions is going to take inner strength and resilience, but once you overcome the objections and excuses, your loved ones will start coming around. In fact, your family might even look forward to the family meal time.

There are both extrinsic and intrinsic benefits for eating together. Decide today that you will make the time and a lovingly prepared meal for your family. Everyone will thank you.

What is your sitter back-up plan?

What is your babysitter back-up plan?

Kids are sick and home from school.

Nanny or regular sitter is sick.

Grandparents, friends are at work…

Ugh.

It is important for every family to have a go-to sitter service, group or person that you can rely on for those last minute curve balls.  Check out this article on Daily Worth. They recommend strategizing, network and budgeting. I agree, be sure to have at least two go-to sitters or agencies on speed dial in case the need arises, where you can call one of them and pretty much be guaranteed a sitter for the next day.

Last Thursday I was at dinner around 10pm when I received the frantic message, OUR NANNY IS SICK…HELP! Luckily we had a sitter at her place at 8:30am the next day. But to alleviate stress be prepared with your back-up!

-LB

Downtown Parents: Your Winter Woes have been Solved!

Prior to the Super bowl this Sunday, I enjoyed the launch of 40-year old family run business J&R’s new baby…you guessed it J&R Jr. 

Kid zone at J & R

Thank goodness, a solution for downtown parents on where to take their tikes during those long winter weekends in NYC!

Father of two Jason Friedman, and son of J&R founder Joe wanted to develop a family hot spot that offers parents and particular new and expectant moms and dads a mix of excellent products and expert service.  Major brands that you can find in the store include: Quinny, Melissa & Doug, my personal new favorite LAZOO, Leapfrog & more!

A few of our LLD kiddies about to watch the Princess show!

 Thanks to Dada Rocks for inviting LLD to be a part of the event!

Check out New York Family’s interview with Jason here.

For more information on J&R Jr. click here

-LB

New Way to Bring Balance to Your Family

Della Clark, former Division I NCAA All-American, uses the power of sports to empower children and teach them lifelong values. 

I recently sat down with Della, who is also a certified Reiki Practitioner. Reiki is the Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that allows one to manifest a life of happiness, harmony and health. 

Her number one goal no matter who she works with is to help them create a life overflowing with happiness, health and harmony. The former All-American uses the power of sports and Reiki to empower children. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing that works with the body, emotions, mind and spirit. Through speaking with Della one can really see her passion for helping others and the positive effects Reiki has had on the families she has worked with.  Each family is creating a healthier, more organized and calm household for their children.

Through Della's many years in competitive sports she truly learned of the power athletics has to contribute to a well balanced life. "Participation in sports transcends cultures, background and situations to teach us healthy competition, equality and sportsmanship," said Della. 

Della helps families create opportunities to involve their children in sports and teach them lifelong lessons. 

For more info contact Della at del.clark864@gmail.com

Reliable Childcare Makes for a Well Balanced Family

Childcare is an investment. I realize that on every level and I’m not yet a mother.  It is timely. It is a financial commitment. Click here to read Denise Schipani’s post on Daily Worth, she spent over $80,000 on childcare while her children were growing up and she says it was worth every penny. Finally, it is an emotional commitment. But in the end, done right, it makes for a happier, healthier and better balanced family.

The trick is finding the best childcare that works for your family.  And how may one go around doing that? Click here for my tips, as featured on The Healthy Elements Blog, on finding reliable childcare for you!

-LB

Check out what I heard from Daily Candy Kids!  The ibaby Video Monitor for iphones and ipads! 

Big brother is watching. So is the babysitter on her iPad, dad on his iPhone, and mom on her office computer.

As many as four people at once can keep an eye on your prize with the iBaby Monitor — the only mobile video monitor with two-way audio that we have spied on the market.

High-tech doesn’t mean complicated. Just download the app to your iPhone, iPad, or computer; plug the monitor into your network to register; and install the camera in the room. Our favorite perk is that you can control the camera lens with just a swipe of your finger. So if your little Houdini disappears from view, drag your finger across the screen to find him.

Alerts are issued when baby lets out a cry or makes a move. Two-way audio capabilities let you give a comforting “shhhh” from anywhere you have a connection. Plus, infrared night vision allows you to spy on baby in the middle of the night. You can even take pictures of tushy-up sleeping using your device’s camera.

Available online at store.apple.com, $200. For more information, go to ibabylabs.com.

Looking for a fun activity this Sunday?

Check out the New Amsterdam Market in lower Manhattan this Sunday between 11am and 4pm. New Amsterdam Market will be hosting a family friendly activity open to the public where parents and their children are invited to make a one-of-kind, miniature book made out of recycled materials. Families can then document their experience at the market through a variety of artistic mediums.  Also be sure to check out their selection of holiday pre-orders if you are still looking for that last minute gift idea! For more information visit http://www.newamsterdammarket.org/events.html

What is Sage Spoonfuls?

LLD is proud to introduce our families to our new friend Sage Spoonfuls founder Liza Huber. You may know the busy mother of three from the NBC daytime drama Passions. She also had the honor of being Miss Golden Globe in the year 2000. Her mother is Emmy-Award winning Susan Lucci of "All My Children". I invite you to get to know Liza-she’s great!

Liza and her family

It is always so interesting to hear everyone’s story on how they got started. What inspired you?

My children were, and continue to be, my inspiration for Sage Spoonfuls.  I first had the idea 5 years ago when my oldest was born and I started making his baby food.  There were no products on the market that made it easy for moms.  Then, when my second son came 2 months early and spent 6 weeks in the NICU, I knew I wouldn’t go back to work in the traditional sense for a while so I could be home with him.  That was when I decided to pursue and develop my idea for Sage Spoonfuls, because I could work from home.  When I was pregnant with our third baby, our daughter Hayden, I was on bed rest for the second half of my pregnancy.  That is when I finished my book and pulled it all together.  Royce was the initial inspiration, Brendan was the decision to pursue it and Hayden was the catalyst to get it all pulled together! 

What is your favorite simple recipe that you recommend to busy moms?

As a mom, my motto is “Sanity lies in preparation”.  That is the idea behind Sage Spoonfuls.  All baby food recipes are simple, but the key to making it easy is by preparing the foods in bulk and storing in Sage Spoonfuls jars in the freezer.  This way, you always have a stock of fresh, delicious and healthy baby food available.  All you need is 1 hour every 2 weeks, minimal effort for maximum benefit!

Tell us about your book!

I had so much fun writing my book and I am really excited about the finished product.  Sage Spoonfuls – Simple Recipes, Healthy Meals, Happy Babies is full of recipes, information and ideas from one busy, on-the-go mom to another!  My book includes everything you need to know about introducing and feeding your baby solids, including bonus family favorite recipes the entire family, babies and toddlers included, can enjoy together!  Moms will also find the most up-to-date information on food allergies, nutrition, foods to avoid, infant CPR, organics, finger foods, and much more!  There is even a journal section after each age group to keep track of your baby’s favorite foods.  My book is pediatrician recommended and filled with delicious, simple recipes and hundreds of yummy combinations to fit every baby’s needs.   Plus, it is full of fun commentary and beautiful photos to keep you excited about giving your baby the healthiest start to life!

If moms are looking for a last minute gift for their parent friends, what do you recommend?

Sage Spoonfuls of course! Click here to shop now!

Are you missing the great outdoors?

Lucky Lil' Darlings is! It's fall and the leaves are changing everywhere, the air is crisp and brisk, and the days are getting shorter. We can't wait to make all of those adorable Jack-O-Lanterns! Who can forget the days of apple picking, hay rides, and visiting pumpkin patches. Being in the city, we miss some of these unforgettable fall experiences. Lindsay, LLD's lovely President, knows exactly what this feels like after growing up in Ohio where an apple picking orchard was right around the corner and there were cornfields galore where farmers made cornfield mazes for all the families around.


The other day Lindsay stumbled upon the Something Creative Daily blog, which made her realize how much she missed the country and fresh air. This mom, her husband and her son decided to go apple picking at the Tenure Orchards outside of Princeton, NJ. Their experiences sounds amazing! The farm has family fun weekends with pumpkin picking, pony rides, country food, and of course, apple picking in their orchards. It sounds like a great place to spend the afternoon with the kids while fall is still in full swing. Take a trip out to Princeton, just over an hour outside the city, and escape the busyness of the city. We know we sure will be!

Make sure you visit the Tenure Orchards website and see everything they have for families on the weekends. Also visit our Facebook and Twitter for updates on LLD!

Hey Dads! Check this out!

Hey all you hard working Dads out there. Did you know the “stress about balancing careers and caregiving is no longer just a woman’s issue”? An article in today’s New York Post discusses the growing stress being placed on the working Dads of today. Brad Harrington, the director of Boston College’s Center for Work and Family, is a working father himself and explains in the article that Dads are increasingly dealing with the same work vs. family conflict as Moms have been for the past couple decades. Harrington also helped write a report about this subject entitled “The New Dad: Caring, Committed and Conflicted”. Based on a survey of nearly 1,000 working Dads, the report paints the picture of how modern Dads are struggling to be both hands-on fathers and the hard working breadwinners. The article also touches upon issues such as work flexibility programs and how Dads are less likely to participate because of perceived expectations of their companies and management, and how many employers may have a way too outdated perception of what today’s working Dads are like.

Who knew that Dads were just as stressed about balancing work and family as Moms are! To read more visit: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/jobs/male_call_or5IMz3zJeHKu7svlocWNN#.Tgjj0wlqIf4.email.

We’ll we are here to support you Dads! Keep on being the best Dads you can be, and when you need help, just give us a holler!