Travel

MyMediMates: A Cool Way to Safeguard Kids Who Suffer from Food Allergies

July 1, 2014

There are nearly 6 million young children in the United States living with food allergies.

Unfortunately, my daughter is one of them. She suffers from soy, egg and peanut allergies. It breaks my heart that she’s never had the pleasure of eating one of my special mug-made omelets or indulging in a chocolate cake on her birthday. While I know that she can’t have those things amongst other foods, many will not always be aware.

Now that she’s starting preschool soon and participating in more social activities outside of the home, I have to ensure that individuals are alerted of her potentially life-threatening allergies. That’s why MyMediMates’ wristbands are a must for moms and parents like me.

MyMediMates are available here, $7

Founded by a mom, these brightly colored, adjustable wristbands serve as a creative and effective safeguard against accidental food consumption or any other health related issues including: diabetes, autism, asthma, etc.. Plus, the cartoon characters found on each band make it fun for kids to wear.

If your child suffers from any kind of food allergy or health issue and spends time at daycare, camp, school or even attends sleepovers, these wristbands are a smart buy!

Does your child suffer from a food allergy?

Category: Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Review: Evenflo Classic Glass Feeding Bottle Featuring Proflow

April 14, 2014

I must admit, I hardly use bottles to feed my 6 1/2 month-old-son.

Yep, I’m one of those moms who breastfeeds on demand all day, everyday. It’s easy for me and my son loves the comfort and nourishment that it provides. However, when my outfit or a particular public location or outing isn’t conducive to breastfeeding, Evenflo’s new bottle line with Proflow vented nipples has been my substitute.

Evenflo Classic + Vented Bottles with Proflow Vented Nipples (trio of 8 oz) available exclusively at Babies R Us, $9.99

I prefer the classic glass option because it cuts down on germs and mold that can creep in with plastic ones. Plus, with the Proflow innovation, the vented nipples direct those dreaded air bubbles straight into the bottle instead of my son’s stomach, reducing gassy fussiness.

Being a second-time mom, I’ve never found a bottle and nipple that my children actually like as much as the “real thing.” My firstborn used bottles a lot more frequently than my son, so I’ve tried a wide variety. The classic glass ProFlow doesn’t leak either, which is a true bonus. And, since we moms are always short on time, the one-piece nipple eliminates extra dish duty.

If you’re on the hunt for a good glass bottle, give the new Evenflo ones with Proflow nipples a go!

Do you prefer glass or plastic bottles?

Category: Baby, Health, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 2 Comments

Cool Spring Styles for Kids at The Children’s Place

April 9, 2014

When it comes to buying clothes for my kids, The Children’s Place is my go-to store.

Ever since Ava was a newborn, I’ve been shopping at the kid-centric store. They have fashionable clothes that are comfortable and affordable. Usually when you find kids’ clothing that isn’t overly expensive, the quality is usually compromised. Luckily, that is not the case at The Children’s Place.

Ava visiting The Children’s Place located in Union Square (NYC).

From seasonal dresses to fun graphic tees to girly accessories, Ava always enjoys a visit to TCP. The fact that there’s one only 3 blocks away from our apartment makes it even easier and convenient to stop by and browse the latest styles. In fact, we’ve been to the store three times in the last two weeks!

Now that I have a 6-month-old son, I’ve been hitting up the boys’ side of the store and have been equally impressed. The items aren’t overrun with licensed characters, which is a nod to its design aesthetic. The clothes are on-trend and practical.

It’s hard to believe that TCP wasn’t established until 1989 (when I was 9-years-old). I don’t remember ever shopping there as a child, but if I had, I probably would’ve been one of the best-dressed kids on the block!

Check out some of my favorite looks for spring:

Watercolor Floral Jacket available here, $27

Icon Sweatshirt available here, $9.50

Floral Jeggings available here, $12

Smile Rainbow Bag available here, $6

Plaid Shirt available here, $12

Full-Zip Hoodie available here, $10

Camo Knit Cargo Pants available here, $6

Boys Camera Graphic Tee available here, $6

*Disclosure: I received compensation in the form of a gift card for this post.

Do you shop at The Children’s Place? If not, where do you like to shop for kids’ clothes?

Category: Baby, Style, Travel & Lifestyle | 1 Comment

Brown Baby ‘Boy’ Gumbo Is Here!

October 8, 2013

If you’ve been wondering why I haven’t updated my blog in over a week, it’s been for a very good reason—the birth of my son!

Ava now has a baby brother who will surely become her partner in crime. Since he came into the world 10 days ago, I’ve already had my fair share of emotional mommy meltdowns and unwarranted anxiety, but those feelings pale in comparison to the love and adoration I have for my baby boy!

For the next few weeks, my posts will probably be sporadic since I’m still navigating the world of mommy-hood part two!

Here’s a pick of my pride and joy:

Category: Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix, Health, Misc., Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 9 Comments

GIVEAWAY: Grace Hightower De Niro & Coffee of Rwanda Gift Set

September 27, 2013

In case you didn’t know, today is National Coffee Day!

Although I’m not a ‘cup of joe’ drinker, Grace Hightower De Niro is making me reconsider. Wife of the legendary actor, Robert De Niro, Grace is the woman behind the newly launched Grace Hightower De Niro & Coffee of Rwanda.

Inspired by the spirit of Rwandans, De Niro decided to create this line of fair trade coffees to celebrate, support and give back to the coffee farmers and citizens of the African country. Through direct sourcing, ethical practices and environmental stewardship, her commitment to the betterment of the hardworking farmers and their surrounding communities allows them to create a sustainable business that can be passed from one generation to the next.

Through Grace’s dedication, she helps make it possible for their products to be enjoyed and shared with people from all over the world. Available in four unique blends ranging from citrusy medium light roasts to deep espresso roasts, Coffees of Rwanda will surely satisfy the cravings of any coffee consumer!

Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda available here and at specialty stores including Whole Foods, $12.50 each

As a celebration of her journey to Rwanda, check out this video titled, “LOVE!”

**GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will win a Coffees of Rwanda gift set, a $25 value! Simply leave a comment sharing your favorite coffee flavor! The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, Sept. 30.

Also, in honor of National Coffee Day, Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda will have a GH&COR food truck driving around NYC giving out free coffee on Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 28th from 8 AM to 5 PM! Be sure to follow @coffeeofgrace on Twitter and on Facebook.com/CoffeeOfGrace for updates, etc.

Category: Gumbo Mix, Health, Misc., Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 4 Comments

3 Sunscreen Tips That You Need to Know Now

July 29, 2013

If you’re still planning that summer getaway, don’t leave home without a few sun protection essentials from my friends at Aveeno.

Since becoming an Aveeno Brand Ambassador, I’ve tested and tried several options from the skincare brand. When my daughter was a baby I used, Baby Natural Protection Face Stick w/Broad Spectrum 50 SPF, which was super easy to apply and worked marvelously. My husband and I currently use the new Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. I’m a stickler for smelly sunscreens and this one is nearly fragrance-free, which is a major plus.

Aveeno Active Naturals Protect + Hydrate SPF 30 Lotion available here, $10.99

Also, with skin cancers on the rise, we need to make sure that we take the proper precautions to prevent the deadly disease. Dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie shared three highly-overlooked skincare tips that we all need to know while having fun in the sun:

1. Remember to use sunscreen on ears, posterier neck, and the tops of feet because they are the most overlooked places for sun protection.

2. Use a hypoallergenic, non-comedegenic sunscreen underneath your eyes consistently and do not rub your eyes. This alone will decrease dark circles.

3. Don’t forget your scalp! “I am seeing more scalp skin cancers, many of which can be avoided. Protect your scalp from the sun by applying a spray sunscreen like Aveeno’s Hydrosport Wet Skin Spray Sunscreen w/Broad Spectrum 30 to your hair, on your part.

Do you apply sunscreen everyday?

Category: Beauty, Health, Sunscreen, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Black History Month: Disney Junior to Air ‘We Are Doc McStuffins’

February 1, 2013

While I try to monitor the amount of television my toddler watches, there’s one show that always gets the green-light in our house—Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins.”

This entertaining and educational cartoon debuted last March and features an adorable young African-American girl named “Doc,” who aspires to be a doctor like her mom. In the series, “Doc,” diagnoses and “finds cures” for her “ailing” toys.

The animated show helps to diminish toddlers’ fears associated with visiting doctors for routine check-ups, while teaching them the importance of being active and healthy. Plus, it promotes positive images for all children, especially those of color.

Disney Junior's "Doc McStuffins," airs weekdays at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins,” airs weekdays at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

In honor of Black History Month, Disney Junior is debuting “We Are Doc McStuffins” interstitials that will feature three real-life African-American physicians sharing what their jobs entail, and saluting their heroes. They will begin airing today on Disney Junior (10:25 am and 4:25 pm EST ) followed by a brand new Valentine’s Day episode of “Doc Mcstuffins.” The short segments will run through spring.

Dr. Aletha Maybank, Queen Majesty Ruffin Photo Courtesy: Disney Junior

The interstitials feature three of the founding members of the “We Are Doc McStuffins” movement – Dr. Myiesha Taylor, an emergency doctor based in Dallas; Dr. Aletha Maybank, a pediatrician in New York City; and Dr. Naeemah Ghafur, a family doctor in Los Angeles who provides specialized care for the underserved, including the elderly and patients with high-risk illnesses.

Ava with her favorite toy, “Doc McStuffins.” She sleeps with her every night!

Watch a sneak peek:

If you haven’t seen “Doc McStuffins,” definitely check it out! I enjoy watching it with my daughter because it’s an awesome animated show that encourages children to aspire to greatness!

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 2 Comments