Jessica Laird

Latest posts by Jessica Laird

A Stroller for Every NYC Lifestyle: Walk-ups, Budget, Doubles

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Tue, 05/09/2017 - 4:30pm

After three trips to Buy Buy Baby, six separate email chains with your sister-in-law, and a plea to your local parents group, you still can't decide which stroller to buy. From one-handed folds to fixed wheels and car seat adapters, it can feel as if you need an engineering degree to understand the endless options, and then a panel of experts to pick the right model.

Here's the thing: Whether planning for your first baby or adding another little one to your crew, the key to finding the perfect fit for your growing family is to focus on your lifestyle. So, forget about the stroller your best friend swears by or the new release you just read about in that parenting magazine and start thinking about things like the size of your NYC apartment and the number of stairs you climb in a day. From there, read on to find recommendations based on your everyday needs.

Girls Rock All Summer Long at this Music and Arts Camp

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 05/01/2017 - 4:00pm

Girls get the chance to strum, pound, rip, and even scream if they want, thanks to the music and arts programs at Girls Rock Santa Barbara. The local organization, which is one of many international sisters to the original Portland-based Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls, is dedicated to empowering young women through music education, creative expression, and performance. With an emphasis on promoting self-confidence and acceptance, the group encourages collaboration and builds a comfortable space where all girls can feel free to express themselves. And the organization's sleep away camp program in Ojai, California is certainly no exception, offering girls a summer of music making and boundary breaking!

This Program Meets Kids at Eye Level to Help Learning Take Off

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 04/27/2017 - 1:07pm

We love the philosophy behind Eye Level: that successful learning happens at the eye level of the child. The example of an elementary school teacher who kneels down in front of paintings at a gallery the day before bringing his students to an exhibit, to make sure he sees the work the way they will, is the type of engaged teaching we all want for our children. Maybe that's why more than two and a half million children have participated in Eye Level's individualized supplemental math and English program across the globe. With thirty locations in New Jersey, more local families are discovering the confidence and self-directed learning habits that Eye Level programs can provide.

The Beauty Box Busy Moms Didn't Know They Needed

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Wed, 04/19/2017 - 1:00pm

At-home delivery is a total game-changer for busy moms. From school supplies to groceries, if it arrives at the front door with no kid schlepping required, it's a win for parents everywhere, right? But FabFitFun is the subscription box you didn't know you needed on your doorstep (and it's way more exciting than number two pencils and skim milk).

Every three months, FabFitFun drops off a haul of full-size fashion, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle products, like date night-worthy eye shadow palettes, healthy energy-fueling snacks, and travel mugs because... coffee. And since it's so hard for moms to find time to shop, deal hunt, and most importantly, take care of them themselves, this membership is an easy, affordable, and seriously fun way to treat yourself. You're always busy buying thoughtful gifts for just about everyone else, so isn't it about time you put yourself at the top of the list with a one-time membership that'll have you feeling like it's your birthday four more times a year? I think so!

This season's spring box doesn't disappoint, but it looks like it'll sell out fast -- especially since each box always has a value over $200 but only costs $49.99! Watch our unboxing video or read on to see what mom-approved items are in this season's stash, then use the code "POPPINS" to get $10 off your first box at fabfitfun.com.

Project Scientist Summer Camp Was Made for STEM-Loving Girls

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 03/27/2017 - 10:37pm

There's lots of talk about encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers, but one mom is on a mission to show them how it's done.

No stranger to gender stereotyping as she pursued a STEM major in college, Sandy Marshall saw the need for a full-time STEM camp that supports girls, busts gender stereotypes, and surrounds campers with the female role models she didn't have—and needed! The working mother of two science-savvy daughters founded Project Scientist, for girls ages four to twelve, in 2011 with locations in North Carolina and California. Project Scientist isn't just STEM activities and labs; campers have the opportunity to meet a female STEM professional every day and take weekly field trips to STEM companies—so girls see careers in STEM in real life.

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale Coming to Glen Mills

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 03/16/2017 - 2:00pm

“Solving growth spurts. Saving budgets.” Um, you can say that again!

Head to upcoming Just Between Friends’ award-winning children’s and maternity consignment sale in Glen Mills and your wallet will definitely thank you. Stocked with 160,000 new and gently-loved items, shoppers can expect to find tons of toys, books, shoes, games, baby gear, outdoor equipment, clothes (baby to teen!), and more at 50-90% off retail prices. Considering how quickly our little ones grow and how badly we want to give ‘em the best of the best, this much-loved sale is a budget-watching mama’s dream come true. Oh, and if you’re looking to make a little cash you can register to consign at the event too. Out with the old, in with the new-to-you.

Gotham Market: Families Flock to New Food Hall in Brooklyn

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 03/02/2017 - 4:10pm

Calling all Brooklyn foodie families: Just when you thought the Kings County culinary scene couldn’t get better, a new food hall has opened in Fort Greene—and it’s totally kid-friendly.

8 New Summer Camps for NYC Kids in 2017

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 02/16/2017 - 12:50pm

Does the summer camp search already have you stressed? While there’s no need to panic just yet, it’s definitely the right time to start your search, as New York City’s most popular picks start to fill up with repeat customers and parents eager to catch those early-bird specials.

If you’re looking to narrow down your search a bit, take a peek at these eight summer camps that are featuring new programming or locations—or that are just plain new in 2017. You can’t go wrong with one of these fresh and exciting offerings.

Looking for even more ideas? Take a look at our Summer Camp Guide or browse our d irectory, and don't forget about those ongoing camp open houses.

Latest posts by Jessica Laird

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