LLD introduces Wellyfish!

A friend of mine called on me last night to introduce me to Wellyfish, the best in wellness deals in NYC & Los Angeles.


They are introducing A Midwife’s Gift pregnancy packs for each trimester.

Wellyfish, the new, trendy conscious deal site, has partnered with Shop Vital Child, creator of the meticulously designed A Midwife's Gift pregnancy baskets, for its exclusive launch. Devoted to the optimal health of pregnant women and their babies, these one-of-a-kind baskets are up to 32% off for 3 days only at wellyfish.com. 

There are three different basket options for each trimester to choose from, (Princess, Queen, & Goddess), and all include a generous array of cutting edge, safe, and effective natural health supplements. Supporting women from pregnancy to labor to post-childbirth... all in one beautiful basket! 

And here is a sneak peek of what is included inside each pack!

Ginger Honey Tonic
Heather's Tummy Organic Fennel Tea Bags

Perfect Prenatal
Algal Oil Omega 3 EPA/DHA

Decadently Healthy Raw Chocolates

Organic Raspberry Tea
Dr. Ohira's Probiotics
Oh baby!™ belly butter
Bone Strength Take Care (Calcium)
The Ultimate Pregnancy Journal
Organic Hemp Seed (Protein/Omega 3's)
Max B-ND (B-Complex)
Ina Mae Gaskin Guide To Child birth
Vitamineral Green Version 5
Quinton Hypertonic

Ola Loa Sport Drink & much more!

For more information visit Wellyfish.

STRUT! The fashionable mom show!

Mother of three, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, is the Director of Fashion at the Lincoln Center in NYC as well as the liaison between countless parties involved in fashion week. Stephanie believes that mothers can not only be fashionable, but they can also gain strength from mixing style and raising children while working! You really can have it all! Stephanie ensures readers that her family always comes first, and her lil' ones are constantly in her office. In fact, at this weeks fashion week Stephanie's daughter was taken through the Barbie dream closet... what little girl wouldn't dream of that!

Stephanie believes in empowering moms for all their hard work, which is why she loved the idea of a mom fashion show at fashion week! In collaboration with The Moms, Mom-entum, Big Fuel and Getting Gorgeous, Stephanie was vital in the development of "Strut: The Fashionable Mom Show". Why not bring couture to moms everywhere! The event featured over 20 moms wearing designer and non-designer clothing friendly for all shapes and sizes. Here's a picture from MSNBC of the moms workin' it!

In the article focusing on Stephanie in ibtimes.com she says, "I didn't just love the concept" of a mom show, it resonated with her personality with her extremely busy schedule as founding director of fashion at Lincoln Center she constantly struggles with balancing work and family. Stephanie pulls off both, and proves it is possible to have it all! To watch a video about the mom-friendly fashion show visit the website here.

Beyond Teaching is Beyond Amazing: Interview with Dimity Kirwan

I had the pleasure of sitting down at Peacefood Café yesterday with Dimity Kirwan, the CEO of Beyond Teaching a super savvy, fast-growing online community of teachers seeking extra work as tutors and caregivers.

Dimity connects teachers with parents who are looking for skilled and knowledgeable individuals to work with their children. Sound familiar to LLD?

Beyond Teaching believes that providing children with ongoing learning experiences is essential. Dimity and I understand that parents often struggle to find top quality childcare and tutors. LLD & Beyond Teaching are proud to collaborate in developing a solution for busy moms throughout the tri-state area by providing the best local tutors and caregivers. During the interview I had the opportunity to ask Dimity several questions about herself and Beyond Teaching.

Tell us about your story?

I’m from Wilton, CT, which is in Fairfield County. I have a twin sister, a younger brother and sister, and 3 much younger half sisters, for whom I often babysat and nannied. I went to Tulane University, in New Orleans. When I graduated, I joined Teach for America and completed a masters of education, specializing in Childhood 1-6, from Pace University whil

e teaching in Harlem.

What led you to start Beyond Teaching ?

Throughout my first three years of teaching, I supplemented my income through babysitting and tutoring, but connecting with families was always tough. I loved working with kids one on one and wished that I had more opportunities to do so, as did my fellow teacher friends. I thought it would be such a great business to connect these wonderful families I was meeting with great sitters/tutors.

What is the coolest thing that has happened to you this far?

My grant to start Beyond Teaching from the Jones New Yo

rk Empowerment Fund and meeting Dee Dee Meyers! I heard about this grant offer through Ladies Who Launch, applied, and received the grant in September 2010. All the recipients were featured in an ad campaign that ran in Elle & Real Simple Magazine.

So what is your goal with Beyond Teaching ?

On a larger scale, I'm hoping to empower teachers to utilize their skills beyond the classroom and to be compensated accordingly. I would love to do this full-time as I love being able to connect families and students with quality tutors.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Generally, playing outdoors with my siblings. Our house was in the middle of the woods, and we created a fantasyland out of nature! My love for nature has continued - when I'm not teaching or working on Beyond Teaching , I'm an avid rock climber and yogi!

So how do tutors get involved in Beyond Teaching ?

It's easy - take 10 minutes to visit our website www.gobeyondteaching.com and register for free.

Thanks to Dimity for all the great insight! That's all for now, make sure to keep following LLD!

-LB

Eating Healthy

This week we really wanted to look into the phenomenon that has been sweeping the nation. Eating Healthy! We interviewed one of our favorite mothers of four who also happens to be a health consultant know as Nutrimommy by her dedicated followers on her blog. See what Anne has to say about eating healthy!

LLD: We love how creative you are in making fruits and vegetables into tasty treats that your four children love, and are extremely healthy. Can you give our moms out there some tips on making healthy, easy-to-make snacks for the little ones? Or even, what is one of your favorite healthy snacks to make for your kids?

Anne: Focus on vegetables as snacks. One of our favorites is the peanut butter cucumber caterpillar, but even plain cut carrots, celery and pepper to dip in hummus or black bean spread is simple, easy and tasty.

LLD: More often than we like, we’re learning about new foods or ingredients that could cause health problems. We all want to keep our families healthy, but when does it stop! In your opinion, what are the most important things to avoid in a healthy diet?

Anne: Avoid anything processed. By eliminating processed foods, you will avoid all preservatives, coloring and artificial sweeteners without having to ciphon through lists of which are or are not especially hazardous. They are all bad and none stand up to completely fresh foods with a few packaged but not processed items, like puffed corn thins, rice cakes or a very plain chip.

LLD: Many parents think that it would be very hard to follow a primarily vegan diet with growing children that are already picky eaters. You say so honestly in your blog that life does get in the way sometimes, and you can’t always avoid animal products or milk or butter. Do you have some advice for parents that want to try a more vegetarian or vegan diet but aren’t sure how to bring their kids on board?

Anne: Mostly, make it delicious and involve children in the shopping and cooking processes. My children love to chop, grind and blend so they are more amenable to the end result. They are also really involved in which farms we buy food from and they have developed a general understanding of what grows when and where. And, do not forget to make the food visually appealing. After all, first impressions matter.

LLD: We were fascinated by your blog from May 1st of this year about genetically modified corn. With the recent health revolution sweeping the nation, more people are concerned about what is going into their food. For those of you that don’t know, agribusiness today is inserting a BT toxin, or synthetic bug spray, into corn so that it has its own bug repellent. But what happens once you eat this corn with the bug spray in it? No one knows! The FDA is not researching or testing the effects of these genetically modified substitutes, but there are many claims that this is harmful to the human body, and additionally to the environment. Could you comment on the suspected health problems associated with genetically modified foods, and how important it is to find natural fruits and vegetables to feed your family?

Anne: While the claims against genetically modified foods include many illnesses from cancer and superviruses to infertility, the risk of fatal food allergies is one of the most studies and flagrant examples of the downside of GMOs. Bringing cod fish genes into potatoes or brazil nut into soy has clearly caused death and a rash of odd soy allergies heretofore unseen. http://www.nutrimommy.com/search/label/GM%20foods

LLD: When shopping for organic foods, it can get overwhelming visiting a Whole Foods where there are aisles and aisles of various brands and “all-natural” claims on packaging. How do you know where to start and when is it worth paying the extra couple dollars for the organic label?

Anne: Sometimes the organic label is meaningless. At your local farm stand you can always ask about growing practices and you will find many fruits and vegetables are unsprayed, sprayed with only organic products or very lightly sprayed unlike large agribusiness produce. In the packaged food realm, it is best to lean organic whenever possible, for snacks and crackers, and be especially diligent when the product has corn or soy. There is a whole profitable and growing market of organic junk food which should be avoided based on fat, salt and sugar content regardless of the source of the food. It is preferable to aim for sprouted nuts or raw snacks like kale chips rather than oily chips and floury crackers regardless of the organic label.

Thanks for all the great advice Anne! Check our her blog at http://www.nutrimommy.com/.

Don't forget to follow us on twitter @LuckyLilDarling and "Like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LuckyLilDarlings

Keep your skin safe this summer!

With summer in full swing, we really need to make sure we’re keeping our skin, and more importantly, the kids’, safe from the harsh rays of the sun while we’re out and about at the beach, park, or playing outside on the jungle gym. While reading through the Big City Moms Parenting Center, we stumbled across a really interesting article by a skin care expert. Take a couple minutes to read through the facts and advice that we think is so so important this time of year!

Did you know the skin of a newborn baby can be five times thinner than an adult’s? We had no idea! Because the skin is still developing at this stage in a baby’s life, it is not able to produce enough melanin (or our natural form of sun protection), and therefore is much more susceptible to sun damage. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents try to keep children younger than 6 months out of the sun completely. If you don’t have some article of clothing to cover as much of the skin as possible, parents can apply small amounts of sun screen to the face and other areas of the body. These days, companies have even created clothing that has built in UV protection! My Swim Baby has a ton of cute UV Protection Clothing on their website. We love this iPlay Tie Rash Guard & Swim Diaper! Visit My Baby Swim at www.myswimbaby.com!

Now when it comes time to pick a sunscreen, there are several things to keep in mind. First, you should decide if you want to go with the more typical, chemical sunscreens, or something more natural. With natural sunscreens, you’re keeping the chemicals to a minimum and still keeping your kids’ skin safe. Mineral-based sunscreens are a little different than chemical ones because the sunscreen creates a reflective layer on the surface of the skin, whereas with chemical sunscreens the ingredients work within the cells to prevent sun damage. After picking which type of sunscreen is for you and the kids make sure you select a product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The U.S. FDA does not require sunscreens to guard against UVA rays! Crazy, we know. Most experts suggest picking a sunscreen with an SPF higher than 35, which protects for 97% - 98% of harmful UV rays, but you can always go higher!

If you have a second, visit the Big City Moms website at bigcitymoms.com. You can learn about so many great events for families going on in the New York Area. Also, if you want more sun-safe information, the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.aap.org has tons of information!

Don’t forget to “Like” our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LuckyLilDarlings

and

Follow us on Twitter @luckylildarling.

Now, go have some fun in the sun!

We all know that swimsuit season can be one of the most dreaded times of the year… scratch that it IS the most dreaded time of the year. BUT we’ve found some great advice from Bradyley Bayou, fashion designer and author of “The Science of Sexy”. Bayou has dressed a-list celebs like Oprah Winfrey, Eva Longoria, Salma Hayek, Felicity Huffman, Kiera Knightly, and many others! He has great tips for moms of every shape and size on finding the perfect swimsuit for your body type. Check out some of Bayou’s comments on how these sexy celebs have found a swimsuit that works perfectly with their shape.

We think these tips are great! Make sure you “Like” Bradley’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bradley-Bayou/140435025223 and follow him on Twitter @BradleyBayou.

SHORT LEGS OR TORSO: such as Julianne Hough
Choose a suit with a high-cut leg. There are really interesting one-pieces out there now with cut outs—pick one where the leg is exposed as much as possible. Boy-cut shorts are not for you.

STOMACH AREA: KE$HA
Do pick either a high-waisted bikini or a one-piece that will pull you in. Don't pick
a low-rise bikini!

SMALL BUST: just like AnnaLynne McCord
You can go as skimpy as you like up top, but choose suits that have their prints or embellishments on the top rather than the bottom, like ruffles or beading.

BIG BUST: Sophia Vergara
Choose a suit with support—either a bra-shaped or halter top with underwire will work best for you. Choose a darker color on top with a brighter color or print on the bottom. You can choose a bikini or full-piece depending on your midsection, and with either type of suit make sure any embellishments are on the lower half to balance your bustline.

NO WASTE: Sarah Hyland
Choose a one-piece with a V-neck, as plunging as you feel comfortable with a belted waist, preferably in a contrasting or bright color.

LONG BODY example: Miranda Kerr
Tankinis or a one-piece will work well on you—any top with an empire waistline. If you want to do a two-piece just make sure you minimize the distance between your top and bottom. For example, a shorter tankini is okay if paired with a high-waisted bottom.

While your logged on, make sure you “Like” Lucky L’il Darlings new Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucky-Lil-Darlings/231817833497521 and our Twitter @LuckyLilDarling.

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!

The sweetest event of the year! Dream Water’s “Sweet Dreams” Event

Here’s a great event for you & your kids! This June Dream Water®, created by Dream Products, is partnering with the popular LA based The Bigg Chill Frozen Yogurt Shop to promote an exclusive yogurt selected by you (soon to be Dream Water Facebook fans). For those of you wondering what all the hullabaloo is about, Dream Water is the first water that helps you relax and fall asleep! That’s right, its just water! Great for all you parents who have trouble falling asleep after putting the little ones to bed, Dream Water is all-natural sleep enhancer, has zero calories, and no preservatives! It even comes in fun flavors such as Snoozberry, Lullaby Lemon and Pineapple PM.

So all you frozen yogurt lovers, Dream Water fanatics, and Moms and Dads, grab your kids and visit www.facebook.com/dreamwater to vote for one of three Dream Water inspired flavors: Honey Lavender, Cranberry Hibiscus or White Peach Tea. Voting is super easy! Just “Like” the page then vote on your favorite “Sweet Dreams” Frozen Yogurt. The flavor with the most votes by June 24 at 2:00 p.m. PST/5:00 p.m. EST will be crowned the “Sweet Dreams” flavor and will be created and available at The Bigg Chill June 29 & 30.

For all you LA Lucky L’il Darling families and supporters out there don’t forget to join us for the event at The Bigg Chill where you can taste the winning flavor and win Dream Water prizes. Just to give you an idea, every customer who purchases the new “Sweet Dreams” yogurt in stores will receive a FREE Dream Water 2.5 oz sample. And if you get there early, the first 50 customers in line on June 29th will receive a FREE 6-pack of Dream Water.

Don’t worry all you East-Coasters, there are prizes available for you too! After you visit and “Like” Dream Water on Facebook to vote, you will be automatically entered for a chance to win fun prizes such as t-shirts and 6-packs of Dream Water, OR, the Grand Prize of a FREE 3-month supply of Dream Water.

Remember, vote online at www.facebook.com/dreamwater now through Friday, June 24th. LA locals don’t forget to stop by The Big Chill In-Store event on Wednesday, June 29th and Thursday, June 30th.

And as Dream Water would say, Dream Responsibly!

A Yummy Gift for Dad!

Guess what’s right around the corner? Father’s Day! Have you and the little ones decided what you are getting Dad? Lucky for you Omaha Steaks® has a bundle of gift options perfect for every Dad out there. There are gift cards that he can use to buy whichever oh-so-scrumptious steak he desires, or if know what his favorite is, send him a signature gift-wrapped selection of Omaha Steaks with a personalized greeting.

One of our favorites is The Dad Pack, a gift package complete with top sirloins, burgers, and stuffed baked potatoes. Now doesn’t that make your stomach growl! Another tasty option is The Omaha Surprise, a collection of bacon-wrapped filets, potatoes au gratin, and chocolate lover’s cake. Here's a picture of the package right off of the Omaha website.

Better yet, there are discounts of up to 61% online! Just for you moms out there, Omaha Steak has an offer you can’t refuse. Enjoy 12 Free Omaha Steaks Burgers with any purchase by using THIS link (and this link only): http://www.omahasteaks.com/servlet/OnlineShopping?AID=2640&ITMSUF=NAW&SRC=AE2368. If you want those delectable burgers, you better move fast because this offer ends 6/20/2011 and is only valid through this link.

Keep checking back with Lucky L’il Darlings for more fabulous ideas for Father’s Day and updates. We wish everyone a Happy Father’s Day!

Thanks to everyone for coming!

We hope everyone had an amazing time at the trunk show last month organized by BrightZoo and Modern Mommy! The event was hosted in a beautiful space in downtown New York where parents could take in the beautiful views of NYC while shopping for their little ones. Even better, Lucky L’il Darlings was right there with them! While the parents shopped, we supervised their kids in a conveniently located playroom.

The clothes were the absolute cutest around from such stylish brands as Purebaby, Siaomimi, Serendipity, Three Little Trees, Masala, Soft, Pink Chicken Swimwear, shirin and much, much more. Round of applause for all those trend setter parents that made the trip because a portion of the proceeds are being donated to The Autism Society of America. Shopping and charity, what could be better!

If you missed out, don’t fret! You can check out more of the collection of baby products at MD Moms website. These pediatrician mommy’s have created a whole line of products for babies and kids that are coveted by moms everywhere!

Keep checking back at the Lucky L’il Darlings Blog, Twitter, and Facebook for upcoming events and info for all you loving parents out there!

Nutrimommy hosts NYC Cooking Club Cooking Social

Anne Zimmerman of nutrimommy.com so graciously hosted our New York City Cooking Club (NYCCC), which is a group of 20 Manhattan women interested in social and food (including many Lucky L'il Darlings Babysitters), in her home to teach us the tricks of the trade of organic whole cooking. Six members of NYCCC and Anne's four children got our hands dirty making Basil Nut Dip, Farmer’s Salad, Shitake Mushrooms (amazing), Steamed Spring Rolls, Dipping Sauce for the Spring Rolls, Saffron Rice, Asparagus, Pesto Dip (my absolute favorite) and Peanut Butter Bars.

Our troupe arrived around 7pm and enjoyed the entire prep process, learning how to blend and sauté from Anne herself, sipping vino and talking about the royal wedding.

One of our NYCCC members Laurie said, “Best Cooking Club Ever!! I'm so inspired to buy a food processor and might even have to try being vegan. Anne was amazing!!! The food was incredible."

To book your own cooking social email Anne at:
nutrimommyblog@aol.com

Visit her blog at www.nutrimommy.com
Follow her on Twitter @nutrimommyblog

Photography by Willy in NYC & Brooklyn!

Mother's Day Special 2011
Book Portrait Sessions (Mom & Dad With Kids or Just Kids ...)

http://www.willamain.com/mothersday.html


Contact Willy at willysomma@gmail.com

$250 / 1 hour shoot with CD of images
$500 / 2 hour shoot with CD of images plus (2) 8X10 prints
$750 2 1-hour sessions with CD of images
$1,000 2 2-hour sessions with CD of images plus (2) 8X10 prints

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!