Stumped on what to get for the perfect birthday present??

Now that you have your shower gifting complete time to get that unique birthday gift that everyone talks about!

Lets say you have a birthday party for 3 yr old boy, where should you start?

Start with a Splendid brand pull over hoodie striped in blue perfect for spring break and the beach. This vacation must have is both soft and comfy, click here for more info.

Pair it with khaki shorts, jeans or my favorite navy cargo pants. Check out the cargo pants here, they go with almost anything and are comfy enough to play around in.

Go with Melissa & Doug's Band in a Box. It comes fully equipped with 5 different instruments where your child can pretend to host a concert, throw a performance for the family, have a playdate or start a band. Perfect for kids 3+ yrs.

Budget total $140

Bundle NYC down in Soho is both fresh and welcoming!

All items can be purchased at Bundle NYC, the quaint boutique downtown. Need more convincing? Ask Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba, Alicia keys or Pink who are all recent shoppers.

Get Your Must Have Baby Shower Gift!

Behind on your shopping for your line-up of baby showers this spring?

Here is our LLD Approved top pick for your next " its a girl" baby shower!

Angel Dear gowns are quick and easy for a diaper change, good for girls and boys and best yet it covers the entire leg so your lil' one doesn't get cold.  The ensemble  comes with lil' cap too. Pick between the adorable  birdie print in pink, owls in white & grey or elephants  in blue.

Since spring break is around the corner don't forget to include a Jack Webster Passport Holder for those kiddies that already love to travel.

And to complete the gift go with the Little Giraffe muslin swaddling blanket set, a Rachel Zoe favorite. This breathable blanket offers sun protection and shade while you swaddle your baby to help them sleep, like they are back in the whom.

Budget total: Only $103!

LLD Founder Lindsay Bell & Bundle Owner Allison O'Neill

 
All items can be purchased at Bundle NYC, the quaint boutique downtown. Need more convincing? Ask Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba, Alicia keys or Pink who are all recent shoppers.

Happy gifting!

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

BabbaBox's are way cool

Last week we highlighted a few great gifts for 2 year olds. This week, we found a unique gift for the 3-6 year old in your life!

Have you heard of the BabbaBox?

I learned about it in one of babybites recent newsletters. The BabbaBox is a topic-based activity box for kids delivered to doorsteps filled with activities, knowledge, and experiences that encompass all the ways kids love to learn!

A subscription box is delivered monthly with ALL the physical materials plus know-how content to really engage with your kids. Each month features a new theme-based box perfect for 3 – 6 year olds, right?  And better yet everything in the box is gender neutral.

So what's Inside the BabbaBox? Four major components are included to inspire your child: Create. Explore. Story tell and Connect.

If your order is placed before the 15th of the month, your first BabbaBox gift will arrive between the 15th & the 20th of the same month. If your order is placed after the 15th, your first BabbaBox gift will arrive around the 15th of the following month. Your BabbaBox gift will arrive around the 15th of each month after that (up to 3 months total). For more info click here

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!

Interview with LauraNLove's Laura Neill

1. What made you start LauraNLove? It's my true passion. I often catch myself on the subway looking at everyone and thinking...."that looks great, but I would have put a belt with it." or, "i love her red lips but she needs to do a natural eye so she doesn't overwhelm."

This parlayed into friends and co-workers asking me my advice on outfits for specials occasions, dates, and of course makeup. I was know to do makeup sessions for all the gals at the office during lunch for their big night out.

2. How did you get into loving products as much as you do? I've loved all things girly since I can remember. My mom used to catch me in my room changing outfits over and over again. I love to experiment with new, fun looks. Fashion, makeup, etc. I begged my mom for a "makeover" when I turned 13. That is what ALL the girls in my hometown did for their "teen" birthday"

3. What is your daily make-up/skin-care routine? Cleanse, tone, moisturize! Wash my face in the shower (and exfoliate 1x per week), apply a toner on a cotton ball (very crucial in new york with that dirt flying around the streets) and most importantly moisturize!! Always make sure your moisturizer has SPF in it and if it doesn't I like to add Neutrogena Dry Touch sunblock under my makeup.


4. What is your advice to moms on the go who don't have a lot of time to shop, but want to find the best make-up/skin-care products? There are many makeup lines out there that package their "best of" for women on the go....I like Scott Barnes Golden Goddess and Smoky Nights. It gives you colors that are universally flattering on everyone and it can be thrown in a gym bag!

5. I love your post on falling down. Why do you love falling? Because each time I fall, I am that much closer to success

6. What is the one product you can't live without and recommend to moms? 10 Years Younger Spray!!! It is a makeup setting spray that keeps your makeup on but ALSO prevents lines and creases on your face....making you look youthful

Visit www.lauranlove.com to check out what Laura LOVES today!