kids – TwinDollicious

Hello 2019 the transition is real

This is our first post for 2019 so Happy New Year to everyone!

This year I did not intend on making any resolutions but if you read our previous post you may know that I do believe in reflection to learn and manifest better for the years to come.

As fun changes are well underway in how we interact on our Site and Social we continue to strive in building this TwinDollicious & co community with products and brands that excite us all.

The new year has brought about a stage of limbo . I say this from a personal standpoint, yet I am sharing 1 takeaway from this moment for any mommas and their babies who may (or may not be for the baby) be ready to stop nursing and move on to the next stage of your bonding experience as a parent.

(Call him Warrior of the mustard seeds)

Trying Almond Milk in the nipple replicated designed bottle: Tommee Tippee

After a complete 7 days of walking around smelling like mustard seed; which I found in our cupboard and decided to put on . I can say that it has been a struggle. This idea of applying something to my little ones supply of comfort and nutrition began to cross my mind a few months ago, but I told myself it wasn’t time. Now as we all know it’s never a perfect time to do anything… well sometimes. However I tried the method of comparing my experience with the twins to mentally compare and prep myself on those terms. You see nursing twins for 2 + years seemed hard , but all children nurse differently. I remember the girls weening easily, then understanding that leche (milk) was going to be done so. However with Bash, the mention of “no more leche” seemed to make him want more. The increase of feedings became harder during the day. There were times when he was so tired and insisted on feeding while I was driving, just to fall asleep which may have led us to this very moment.

(Current Tired mama moment)

At this very moment I believe that I may have slept a total of 18 hours in 7 days. Though he’d rather not have mustard seeds in his mouth, he is having a problem with regulating himself. When tired during the day, he moans or becomes cranky if I am around. When he is with his sitter he is able to catch up on his sleep. Otherwise he is up at all hours of the night, with loads of energy until he knocks himself out because he cannot find the comfort again.

Why do we as humans seek comfort in things? It’s a question I’ve been asking myself as I try to find a way to help this transition become manageable. Does comfort make us complacent? Does it stop us from growing and move out of that stage of limbo?

It’s Q1 of a new year and with the spontaneous decision to be done with nursing I’m open to more spontaneity of crushing goals, & embracing things that I hadn’t plan to tackle yet. – I CHALLENGE you to try it too!

🔑: Though it may be hard try to always smile through those challenges.

As a mom I’m here mentally and physically to help with his transition as well as my own. He is my last little baby and the thought of this change makes it all real. The comfort he seeks I plan to embrace the best way I know….. right now it’s with lots of hugs and kisses

We hosted a Beech Nut Naturals baby foodie party

It’s time for holidays and one of our favorites is peeking through the window. That would be Thanksgiving of course !

It’s the holiday where I get to cook all of my favorite meals for the family; from the elders down to the babies.

I learned about Beech-Nut Naturals line of baby food purees inspired by homemade just in time. The line of jar purees was created with input from moms and dads to share how Beech Nut ® Naturals ™ ‘s company from Upstate New York message is real food for babies™!

I wanted to host some of my favorite moms and babies to a casual get together in order to share how feeding your family the best possible food can be introduced at an early stage, as well as using the delicious ingredients made with real fruits and vegetables that we would use at home to create deliciousness for us adults as well.

As a #Beechnutpartner #realfoodforbabies #mommies parties host; I created this delicious purée dip that included real strawberries, fresh blueberries and whipped cream cheese, served with crackers for the moms while the babies feasted on their favorite Beech Nut Naturals fruits and vegetables.

The cutest honey pot jar with the rich green top can be found in your local grocery store for the babies to enjoy, just like these Little’s.

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

Why we choose Thule as our top recommended stroller

If you’ve ever looked around while driving on a road trip and noticed the top rack of other cars they’re probably loaded with Thule. Yes, the sleek carrier atop filled with all you will probably need on your trips.

Thule has been around since 1942, when created in Sweden. Due to the brand being a top rated product for safely transporting anything you care for safely why not move into the baby sector and transport the number one thing (person) in our lives …. the children.

We chose Thule Brand as the stroller for our little Bash as soon as he began walking. It was time for him to have a little more independence, with safety and comfort being the first priorities.

I was totally impressed by the hardware structure and easy collapsible features. We currently have the http://www.thule.com/en-us/strollers/strollers (Urban glide) which is super lightweight, casual and durable for walks.

The NEW Thule sleek is the first four wheel flexible stroller which allows configuration……. single and doublesssss yes twins can ride in Thule as well! There are so many features for moms and dads to enjoy as well as having their sweet little baby ride in style.

These opinions are of my own experience as a mom of a Thule rider.

See below 🙂

#thulecitytosummit

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

Roblox
Orbeez
Boxy girls
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

Books Books and more Books at BEA & BookCon

NYC Book Expo and Book Con has become one big playground for literary lovers, publishers and creators during this amazing event.

Over the years these two amazing events have joined in to offer a full display of authors, books, opportunities to connect readers libraries and literary enthusiast over the course of 5 days. We were so excited to spend the weekend touring the floors at the NYC Javits Center. V & K were so excited to explore the children’s books section of scholastic as well as checking out the new “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” . While I was happy to have them lead the way and chaperone.

Walking into the center was very exciting their faces were highlighted when noticing the huge image of our friend (in our minds) Jim Patterson. Whom introduced his new book collaboration with Bill Clinton “The President is missing”. Which has just been added to my must read pile right after MICHELLE OBAMA’s published story, “Becoming”.

I’m always inspired by the book expo because of my background in publishing and writing. I love to attend to refresh my visions and connections with all of the great people working the floor. There is always something new to discover in this creative space. Quirk Books a publishing and creative group of leaders in the literary world set a very open and inviting setting to allow you to learn more about what they offer their readers and authors. The nostalgic animation to the new sense of fun and pops of color was noticed in their array of publishing.

V & K’s highlights included Harry Potter’s portion of the Expo ; I mean don’t we all!