Hello October! Summer ‘19 may be gone but the memories are forever

Summer 2019 is officially over and we’re saying hello to Fall!

Just this week we hit a 90 degree day which had the beach written all over it. Instead of hitting the ocean we chose to get in the feeling of fall and head to a farm in New Jersey for apple picking.

We love the actual shop of Battle view orchards in freehold, NJ. So, it was only fitting to collect as many apples as possible (20 to be exact) then head over to the shop to purchase, pies, apple donuts, apple cider, AND candy apple kits once done in the fields.

With Halloween approaching we plan to head back to one of our favorite farm locations. Maple Leaf 🍁 Farm in Manalapan, NJ or Salem NY Harvest Moon Orchard and Wilkins Fruit & Fir Farm. It’s such a privilege to live in a state that has Farming options for fresh fruit and veggies so close by from upstate New York to our neighbors in New Jersey.

Let us know where you’ll be heading during the harvest season? Pumpkins 🎃 or 🍎 Apples or both?

We’re sending Summer off with so much love!

There was less travel to far away destinations but so much love and adventure captured in our CTH (close to home) stay cation destinations.

We’re listing them below and starting with the brand new Lego Land in Goshen, NY

Summer 2020 is going to be “awesome” if you’re a lego fan living close to NY or ready to travel to this new location. It is beyond adventure in the theme park there will also be a resort filled with awesomeness.. I mean is there anything better to look forward to?! Get your passes NOW

~ The Kartrite in Monticello NY

~ The Great Wolf Lodge

~ Martha’s Vineyard

~ Dorney Park

~Hershey Park

Local weekend/Weekday fun included trips to the Zoo, summer camp fun, Partying at Luna Park Coney Island; which will be opening up their halloween 🎃 👻 fun fest “Hello October!”

🏖 Endless beach days

Brigantine NJ

All of the recap has me thinking about planning a new vacay or staycation , how about you?

5 go to’s for reflection and manifesting goals for 2019

Every year at this time I come to the blog to reflect and manifest. This year I’d love to reflect with some key points that I’ve learned as a mom of twin girls and a little boy , as well as a working mom with growing business.

My goal is to share some insight that may help our readers, as well as myself when I look back on it. You see, it isn’t always bad to look back. I once read that we should only look back when viewing in our rear view mirror, but I also think it’s a great learning technique how else can we learn that from our mistakes or blessings.

In my second year as a mom of three I’ve learned how to manage my time a tiny bit better. I’ve learned that I cannot slip on rest and to not go in overdrive. When handling 3 personalities as well as your own well-being its best to have our mental state at rest. If we’re relaxed as parents our children will learn to handle stressful situations better. Learning this KEY POINT here everyday… especially with the current busy schedule within our family (will share more on as we progress) .

Now in our 5th year as TwinDollicious , we’ve added “& Co ” to bring all of our amazing readers, customers and friends into one happy doll face family… as V & K say “hey dolls”!! Our Facebook Group is where we are also planning to bring great conversation about sibling bonded experiences, “how to’s”, answer questions on business, books, manufacturing, communicate 1:1 , as well as offer giveaways and giveback from our “insider box”! All that in 1 breath 😂

On that note our KEY POINT is also based on learning, but as a working mama. When building a business there are so many to do lists and though we’d love to tackle them all we eventually realize that we cannot. Hiring out has been a game changer for the stress of it as well as the great of it. Handing out power to individuals that harvest a talent you may not can be hard, especially when communication is lost. It’s best to stay in communication in order to understand if the individual is on the same page as you are for your business.

With that we’re crossing fingers for a NEW and fun website to come! We’ll keep you posted.

Doing my homework has kept me inline with writing and continuing to bring content to our growing community during the waiting period.

Q1, 2 and even 3 of 2018 was a blessing of growth Q4 has been a bit of a challenge but sometimes we must get over the hurdle in order to launch further.

When I reference homework I’m talking about taking the time to find other like minded individuals that are publicizing their work, sharing insights teaching a community of people that you’re going to love to check in with.

1. My Instagram go to has been MyLeik Teele

2. My podcast go to has been Julie Solomon

3. My online YouTube go to has been Marie Forleo

4. My blog go to has been Paulo Cohelo blog – this great one featuring Susie Moore

5. My current read for all things in life is non other than…. Michelle Obama’s Becoming

Leads me to bring lots of love, light and TwinDollicious insider adventures – because Any 2 can be….

Happy 2019🎊🎉🎊🎉

Happy Birthday V & K!

Photo taken at our favorite family of business mamas – join Hey mama

Our NEW go to brand for home decor and style for the family is at JCPENNEY

Over the weekend a big thing happened at JC Penney and I’m bringing the good to you!

An exclusive brand for JCPenney has been curated into a collection of classic styles to mix and match for the entire family and the home.

This super exciting brand is called Peyton & Parker!

For me as a one stop shopper and style lover this is game changer especially during the holiday season.

Peyton & Parker is the photo ready collection that is perfect for coordinating a style or home decor with perfect mix and match pieces. It’s NOW possible to even bring the photo studio to your home for the holidays for some real life shots…. just the way we love!

I had the privilege of trying out the new brand in a style challenge and couldn’t find a piece I didn’t love; so much so that I did some boys styling and the whole family. This sweater has actually just made my wish list.

The new lifestyle brand is designed entirely by the in-house design team at JCPenney and sold exclusively at their stores and online. It’s truly a moms dream come true.

Peyton & Parker is now available to make instagramable moments real and simple for you and yours.

This post is sponsored by MOMTRENDS

Here are your first healthy, fun and stylish steps to prepping for the holidays from MTNightout3

If you’ve ever looked through the pages of Parents Magazine , Parents Latina, family fun and other amazing editorial magazines that bring you bright photos of products and brands you’re going to love what’s new for the holiday and beyond.

After attending a hosted event for moms curated by our friends at momtrends. I’m sharing how I experienced a list of brands in real life just to bring you a moms influential insight on some goodness you will love!

Now of course if you’re a parent you know that the start of school and change of seasons bring on sicknesses and the FLU. Well BoironUSA introduces us parents to more healthy days and less sick days with their homeopathic medicines. Boiron medicines do not contain any of the ingredients questioned by FDA for use in children under 4. They’re best know for the top selling flu medicine Oscillococcinum and the line of cough and cold relief medicines including chestal and cold calm. *We all know that it’s that time of year.

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When you’re on a roll to happy healthy holidays you want to do it in style this is where JCPenney steps in. They have just launched a new lifestyle brand : Peyton & Parker. You can get your hands on the amazing new brand by shopping the store exclusively or on line Peyton & Parker by JCP

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I’m personally in love with home decor and even enjoy adding the kiddos toys (because it is a part of our lifestyle) into the homes setting, which is why http://www.vtechkids.com/ are our go to for quality, sustainability, fun, learning and style. It is actually the world leader in innovative educational products that enrich your child’s development. We’re especially highlighting the electronic learning products that include baby walk alongs to the KidiZoom Smart watch DX2 for holiday gifting.

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Fun and play is always great but with holiday fun also comes lots of family outings and delicious food. If your babes are eating meals they’re probably exposed to different foods and textures. It’s recommended to introduce them to a probiotic that will reduce fussiness due to occasional digestive upset while developing a healthy digestive and immune system; which is where http://www.culturelle.com/ comes in.

Culturelle is a pediatrician recommended brand based on a 2016 survey among pediatricians recommending a kids probiotic brand. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat , cure or prevent any disease, but contain safe and gentle ingredients that work naturally with your baby’s body.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug administration.

This post is sponsored by MOMTRENDS

Back to school preparation and style needs

Are you and your kiddos ready to begin the back to school hustle?

We’re holding on to the last bits of summer but are in no way in denial that school will begin very shortly.

There are so many school supply lists with must haves and trends that begin to surface in retailers starting July that we may get a bit confused. It’s always best to abide by the school supply lists (so that’s an easy task conquered) but how do we prepare and make back to school exciting.

I attended a few events in Mid summer to learn about new trends and products that may excite me and the girls for back to school.

– At the mom trends event I discovered this adorable lunch bag and pencil case that would be trendy for the girls… since Unicorns rule their universe right now.

Unicorns for them and Mabel’s Labels for me (kind of) . On my to do list from teachers and to create an easy morning for us Labels are a must on most of their books and supplies.

They loved the Unicorn style and ran with the theme! ✅

Speaking of labels: Epson ecotank printing has an amazing new device that makes it easier to print out your magnificently designed labels. This eliminates the hours of perfect handwriting, with less stress on whether or not you’re running low on ink – let’s just print it!

I couldn’t do a Back to school preparation list without including Vamousse. If you’re not familiar with this brand; you’re welcome for the introduction. Lice is a very scary thing. It’s overwhelming and includes lots of work. We were faced with a scare in Kindergarten. The letter comes home from school that there is a case of love in the class and then the show begins. Before learning about Vamousse, my immediate reaction was to take them to the doctors office.

I couldn’t imagine where I would start. So each year I’ve prepped with rosemary shampoo and peppermint oil, hairspray etc. – I mean have you seen the hair on them x’s 2…. no thank you!

The Vamousse brand not only contains shampoo, conditioner but household products if an outbreak was to occur. They are now our go to for back to school prepping.

Back to school style includes accessories, and necessities! Many teens,tweens or younger children whom parents work late have to use cellphones. It isn’t a must have but if your child does have a device chances are their friends and others will know that they have one. We thought that it would be a great safety feature to collaborate with a company and make finger slider phone holders that are flat and less visible when in their pockets or bags. (One less reason for bullying) Cell phone Finger holders

-The sturdy hold unlike the other distracting holders allows for your other fingers to type or grip the phone better, avoiding chances of falling to the ground.

To piggy back off of the cellphone subject and the many ways that families become busier during he school year; sportsmanship for girls is always a great idea. Now is the time to figure out what extracurricular activities are of interest to them. We love the message thatAthleta girl is spreading and believe whole heartedly that team work will keep the grades up!

Style style and more style!

When choosing a back pack for school durability is first on the list. Yet, once again unicorn🦄 lifestyle has to be in close proximity in order for the girls to get excited about packing those bags with books. We loved the Lands End personalized feature with monogramming and patches. The color Teal won and so did the 🌈 rainbow.

Though their school supply list only includes plain color folders… we couldn’t resist this collaboration with Avery and Amy Tangerine. These special folders were so exciting to them that they’ve decided to use them as their personal journal folders. They plan to carry their lunch books and clean sheets of paper with them to write during lunch… I mean don’t all third graders … ugh 3rd grade 😭

More than likely we will be TwinDollicious-ly twinning in style this year (Shopping haul video to come, you’ll have to watch to see) so thanks to Keds and Rifle Paper co for designing these amazing sneakers. Their new print designs include florals, decor and animals for adults to toddlers just in time for Back to school !

KEDS and RIfle Paper co 💕💕

Disclaimer: This blog post is of personal opinion and review, based on use of products sponsored by the brands.

Summer Fun at Liberty Science Center

When you think of summer activities do you ever think of indoor activities? Well, we have an awesome indoor activity for you to consider.

The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ is a 300,000 square foot space located in Liberty State Park. There are so many reasons to visit this space and the surrounding areas but we’re going to share with you the reason why we love Liberty Science Center.

We attended the Summer time fun at Liberty science center with our friends at Mom trends to experience the FOUR great, Amazing exhibits and more. We couldn’t wait to share them with you – along with the opportunity to win 2 tickets of your own to experience it for yourselves !

This summer at Liberty Science Center there is a dinosaur experience, a scientific experience based on the human body called “Grossology”, Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium in a giant dome theater, and an Arthurs world interactive exhibit.

With all of that excitement….where do you start?

We began our experience at Jack Horner’s Dino Dig; where all of the kiddos were able to use their imaginations and the tools that paleontologists use to dig through 35 tons of sand to find fossils.

Next, we made our way over to the brand new Grossology exhibit.  LSC takes you on a fun and interactive experience within this exhibit. There is a slide through the tummy that is hard to resist as well as the belly pumping soda can which lets you know how much liquid enters the belly and the process of a belch. Our littles Bash had the best time learning about snot…yes snot.

The second new exhibit that you would not want to miss is “Arthur’s world”, itself.  This exhibit includes an interactive play stage for singing and dancing as well as some of his favorite places such as a camping site, Arthurs home, school setting and library.

We saved the 4th exhibit for last because it is the 4th largest Planetarium in the western hemisphere.

We are so happy that it has made its home at the NYC-NJ Metropolitan area!

The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium is constructed of a dome shape at about 89 feet. This is where you will be able to experience shows and siting like the Orion Nebula – the night sky.

There are different show experiences throughout the day. However our top showing was Sesame Street! The planetarium is there for all age viewings, even 2 year olds will remain engaged when Big Bird is talking with friends, singing and dancing on the moving dome screen.

General admission is 22.75 for adults, 18.75 for children ages 2-12 and exhibits Arthur’s world and Dino Dig are included.

Enter to win our giveaway by commenting below and linking it HERE

“Where can you find the latest baby gear and toys”…you asked?

In other breaking news Toys r us and Babies r us are here no more… but when Sweet Suite and Baby Palooza NYC come to town your prayers are answered and there is hope again!

There is always so much anticipation as to what brands will be in attendance at the mornings event of Baby palooza NYC.  The amazing team pulls together great brands, new and old to create a space that showcases all of the goodness the brands have to offer.

This year I attended with Bash in tow (fast asleep) OMG! We worked the floor visiting our favorite brands, while getting to learn about new start up brands and products.

You may have read about Babobotanicals   here before.  However their new skin care, tinted line for moms is one to enjoy.  Where else can you enjoy an online shopping experience for you and your little baby at the same time? Find them at #babolove for awesome promos and product updates via facebook.

Next, B.Box the go to brand for feeding your babes from 6 mos…to 7 Years.  The new double servings container is perfect for kids on the go.  With summer camp well underway we couldn’t have asked for a better find when it comes to packing up snacks and lunch.

DEAR MOM , well what can I say? A four pack of a delectable wine beverage found at your local grocers and here for you to enjoy.

We’re always looking for something to include for mom 🙂 The 3rd mom treasure found at Baby palooza NYC was Armitron ..one watch many faces; it so hard to choose a favorite.

Lets talk about Thule; the company known for urban explorers and outdoor adventures. We love a great adventure and having our little Bash to tag along requires a durable vehicle for him.  With Thule’s luxury line of luggage, ride alongs, and now carriage system the little’s are sure to be anticipating just as much of the adventure as the older siblings and parents.

This fun fueled pack day did not end at baby Palooza!

Yes, there was more to discover in one day. Sweet Suite took place just hours later in a perfect location by the piers in NYC. The anticipation of Suite Sweet is based on the entry way and showcase displays of brands.

This year guests were greeted by a balloon maze watch here !

Upon entering the show floor, V & K were excited to see all of their favorite brands. Yes, the girls attended a toy insider event and were able to work and play!

Their top 5 favorites included

1. Roblox
2. Orbeez
3. Boxy girls
4. Nickelodeon

5. Cra Z art

However the showcase floor is so big, it can be hard to cover the entire event ins few hours, so the amazing team of toy insiders send along a swag box for some at home fun.

We found an extensive amount of amazing toys to share for all toy lovers…. starting with Plushee lovers

💕 Jigglydoos – which can now be found at Walmart!

2. Getting creative with these toys for Stem and science play

3. V & K’s kind of science mixed with beauty include tons of this…

💕 Shimmer and sparkle scented bath bombs

4. Kind bag Fun is all the craze and will continue with these fun new toys! Have you heard of the Party pop teenies ?!

5. Outdoor play products just in time for summer vacations. How about floating on a flamingo floatie… I mean that is seriously the life that any 7 year old would want to live ; isnt it?

Music and wonder for the imagination thanks to Microphone

For those moments when it’s time to unplug; turn to highlights activity books, crayons fun and mini game boards for siblings to learn and play together.

We won’t forget the smallest of the bunch. The little learners who enjoy light and sensory based stimulation to grow.

Cool off at these Summer Pop ups

How amazing is the craze of pop up shops?!

Doesn’t it seem like everyone is sharing their photos in these perfectly curated locations? Pop up shops are so popular right now and we are enjoying the amazing talents of designers who create the space as well as the brands they’re dedicated to.

Since summer is the most motivating season to get out and enjoy the weather we visited 2 pop ups that will only be in NYC for the summer.

One is the museum of ice cream’s Pint Shop.

There are walls covered in photo opportunities and skateboards to purchase ( amongst other things) . The girls and Bash couldn’t get enough of the boards; but unfortunately Mr B couldn’t ride so he wasn’t too happy.

However ice cream to the rescue!

Yes there are refrigerators with stacks of frozen one of a kind delectable ice creams for you to purchase. The 7 amazing flavors make it hard to chose but we were strategic and narrowed it down to 2 of our favorites.

Can you guess by this photo ? And the other was chocolate chunk (how can you resist) besides we had to make Bash happy too! “Choco-wit” is his favorite!

After choosing our ice cream, we took advantage of the photo opportunities and went with the Banana setting. Hey ,girls like to chat; even if its with a banana in the ear.

We then headed over to the new pier 17 waterfront location at the south street seaport NYC.

On opening weekend of this pop up music, family fun and food location The amazing artist Geronimo created an installation of colorful balloons along the deck. The ambiance was very close to Ibiza or European waterfront (as close as I’ll be again for the next 8-10years) with music, happy children and adults mingling together on a summer day and night.

– It was an inspiration of color, art, and love! Everyone danced, and enjoyed the opportunity to take photos sharing the new Pier 17 location.

🎼 We highly recommend these locations for an easy summer day in the city !

For More photos and stories

Travel to the island we love most

After many years of traveling to the East to visit that amazing little Island for opening season called Martha’s Vineyard .. it never gets old. Every time I return, I tell myself that the children will always love it here as much as I do and will continue to come when they have their own families one day.

There is always an inspirational moment and something new to discover when visiting.

I found the best work space to sit and get work done in the early mornings or during afternoon naps.

Every town from Edgartown, to Vineyard haven to oaks bluff, back to the cliffs are phenomenal day or night.

The weather was completely perfect this trip so we made time for the beach and pool.

However the topper was the visit to the airport and the farm. The sweet farm in Edgartown was very interactive. The children were able to experience life on the farm as little “barnyard buddies” .

Nancy’s was our dinning of choice on National Lobster day and almost every night we found ourselves at the Back Door donuts for a snack.

The snacking is A OK when you’re walking through town or riding your bikes…. we were happier with riding the flying horses and catching the rings. In which K was the lucky winner of the brass ring 3 Times!

Epic for anyone whose ever had a ride on the flying horses!

We even squeezed in movie time to watch the Incredibles at the original Strand Theatre.

On our very last day we made a stop at the little free library to drop off a book – our new story that I began writing on our last trip to the Vineyard Here

Summer camp here we come

Pop sugar: the new playground event for all pop culture lovers

I can’t believe that it’s been over a week since we’ve walked the pop sugar playground floors. The 2 full days of pop sugar culture was amazing.

For me it brought the Pop Sugar brand to life! There was a complete umbrella of amazing talent who make our lives in beauty, fashion, lifestyle and social so much more reachable. The roster of talent included musicians, comedians (women), actresses and boss women in business. Gracing the floors of pop sugar meant that all of this experience was tangible.

V & K, my twin doll sidekicks attended and were ecstatic. We learned How to properly slide down into a ball pit and spin the wheel of luck sponsored by Kohl’s .

They were super lucky and made a double win!!

I walked away from the 2 day event with insights on growth in pop culture, what’s trending as well as a huge amount of inspiration.

My favorite part about attending empowering events such as this, is the meeting of the awesome new brands, creative people behind them and the take away experience that can be used within my own business and lifestyle.

Here are a few links to new brands that we’ve come to know and love ❤️

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UR Bath ad Body co

SkinInc

100% Pure