Things for Families to do in NYC

A number of friends have inquired about my family’s trip to New York City. We went from dancing in car seats to dancing on airplanes, dancing on subway trains, dancing in taxis and ultimately… stepping here there and everywhere NYC style.  My sister and brother-in-law lived in Manhattan for a number of years allowing us to visit a number of cool places… All with an NYC-transplant as our tour guide. While there, I decided to take note and write down a list of go-to places. Here’s a mom’s perspective. Yep! All kid friendly. Happy travels!

The List

Brooklyn Bridge – walk accross

Shark Boat

Empire State Building

Parks – EVERYWHERE

Museum of Natural History

Chinatown

Time Square

Doughnut Planet

Central Park 

Governors Island is a very cool place and it’s free. 

The SUBWAY – don’t rent a car

World Trade Center Memorial

The Breakdown

The day that we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge we ended up walking 11 miles! There’s an area on top only for foot traffic which gives an amazing perspective.

The Shark Boat actually goes on the body of water and takes you past all of the important landmarks like the Statue of Liberty – giving a cool perspective. There’s usually a Groupon for discounted tickets. ​

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The Empire State Building has two options for ticket prices. I recommend purchasing the ticket for the MAIN DECK which is on the 86th floor. It is the one that has open air rather than windows. Feeling the breeze through your hair 86 stories high is spectacular.. No need to pay more to go any higher… if you go higher you’re looking out through windows and do not get the same effect. 

If the kids are going, many of the PARKS have water features which are pretty cool. Make sure you always have a bathing suit packed.

We had a lot of fun at the Museum of Natural History. (That’s where they have all of the dinosaur bones.) They have a price posted her ticket but are willing to take a lesser amount as a “donation” which is a nice perk. 

Chinatown is filled with decadent foods and fun little places to shop. It’s really fascinating to see the difference between all of the boroughs and areas throughout this amazing city. 

You can find a number of fun places to eat in Time Square. It’s worth it to go in the early evening so you can see all of the flashing lights. The last time we went it was super crowded, but the kids were intrigued. 

New York City is known for its number of delicious foods. I highly recommend visiting Doughnut Planet. They have the best donut I have ever eaten. Try a few. 

Governors Island was once a full-service military base for the US Army and Coast Guard. You take a ferry from the mainland across to the island, it’s free. Once there you can explore a number of military ruins… a citadel, view artifacts- like cannons, lounge in hammocks on a gorgeous greenbelt and see a clear view of the city. There are often little snack shops set up in the picnic area. 

The Subway is fun! I can take you to wherever you need to go. Make sure to get a map. Some stations have cool break dancers to watch. 

The World Trade Center Memorial is a somber place. Beautiful yet heartbreakingly sad. Seeing so many names on the memorial is an eye-opening experience. 

Enjoy NYC!

❤️ Jen

San Diego County Fair Fun

Now that summer is off to a running start, I’d like to suggest taking your kids to the San Diego County Fair. If your kids are like my CarseatDancers, they ask, “Where are we going today?” every stinkin’ morning. 

We’d never been to the fair before and I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. It took a good 30 minutes to park but made up for it by providing a people mover tram to the enterance. They were pretty efficient and had plenty of employees. TIP: Do not wash your car prior to going. 

We quickly walked up to the ticket stalls and were whisked through quickly. It helped that we found an opportunity to get the kid’s FREE admission through their summer reading program. 

Yes, read 10 books and come to the Fair free!Kids up to age 12 can get a free day at the San Diego County Fair if they read 10 age-appropriate books and have that verified by their teacher or librarian.

I even found a GROUPON for discounted adult tickets! 

Pig races. 

Carnival rides. 

Carnival games. 

Carnival prizes. 

Decadent foods. ​

​Wrangling wooden cattle + petting horses. 

+ Live music. 🎶

We wandered for hours and truly enjoyed ourselves. Bring sun screen. Drink water. Completely in awe over the sights, the sounds, the smells… 🐷👏🏻🎡🎢🎠💰🎉👧🏼🐵👱🏼‍♀️🦁🍡🍦🐂🐎🎶

Go!

Happy summer! 

xoox ❤️ Jen

Summer in Saltwater Sandals

Summer in Saltwater Sandals

As a mommy of southern California girls I am always on the lookout for the best summer shoes… with the hope of avoiding burnt feet. 

This summer we took a family vacation to New York City. I wanted to get my girls a couple of pairs of durable shoes that could withstand getting wet and wouldn’t cause blisters… 

AND looked nothing like Crocs. Sorry. Not sorry. 😁
I picked up a pair of name-brand tennis shoes, figuring we would do a ton of walking, and a pair of Saltwater Sandals from my favorite children’s boutique: Kissui – Redlands, CA, recommended by a fellow mommy on the go. 

I presented my girls with their new sandals upon arriving to NYC. (I got my 3-yer-old niece a pair too.💕) Thrilled! They immediately put them on and we headed to a park. They ran, jumped, climbed, played hard… didn’t complain once about their feet. We walked a total of 8 miles on our first day there!

Each morning, I would announce that it was, “Time to get our shoes on.” And both girls obliged by strapping on their Saltwater Sandals. By the fourth day I was recommending switching to their name brand tennis shoes, to give the sandals a break, and my six-year-old responded with tears! “But Mommy, I just love these.” — Holding up her sandals. 

I chose not to argue & allowed her to wear what was most comfortable. After two weeks in New York City, wearing the same pair of sandals, I was happy to see that they were still firmly intact, not rusted or discolored after the numerous times playing in water & in the city heat. My girls had NOT complained of one blister or one sore foot for that matter. I am so impressed by these sandals. Honestly, they wore them EVERY DAY of our trip!


I recommend that everyone go out and buy a pair of Saltwater Sandals! The sizes range from the tiniest baby foot all the way up to Adult. Yes, ADULT! Both of my girls have told me that they would love, “These same sandals in other colors…” 

🔹They run big so I would suggest going down a size. 

🔹PRODUCT INFORMATION:

* Water-friendly leather upper since 1940!

* Breathable leather lining and footbed.

* Ankle strap with buckle closure ensures a secure fit.

* Hand stitched construction.

* Brass buckles won’t rust if you get them wet.

* Vulcanized rubber outsole.

* Measurements:

    * Weight: 6 oz

My CarseatDancers are always DANCING in Car Seats … from now on, I would be surprised if they weren’t also dancing in Saltwater Sandals.

 
❤️ Jen
Just so you know, I was not paid for this post. I was not given any sandals for free. Although, I’d LOVE some. I am writing this purely on factual occurrences that I HAD to share. 😍You’re welcome! 😉 I have never been more impressed by a shoe! 

2015 // New Year // New Resolutions

Just before the new year I read something about “investing in yourself.” I took this mantra to heart when coming up with my New Year’s resolutions.
Laugh More
Not that I don’t. Laugh, that is. LOL! I just felt like I could spend less time being frustrated with the normal “mom life” things & “busy teacher” things and laugh, more.
Hike
I am literally surrounded by breathtaking valley and mountain views {in every direction} with room to roam. I rarely take advantage of going outside to exercise, for FREE! This year, I vow to take regular hikes with my family. I’m a tad sore from yesterday’s hike… but I feel fantastic!
Organize
I started with my closet, then my daughters’. We’ve already given away the bags of goods. 😊 Next, the girls’ toys. We will donate what’s purged. This works perfectly just after Christmas. I even think they’ve forgotten about some of their “old toys.” Out with the old & in with the new. They are totally fighting over, I mean loving Addison’s Merida Archery Set.
I was laughing {more} when Delaney, 5, asked, “Mommy, who’s A-N-D-Y & why did they write on Jessie‘s boot?!”

Conquer A Fear
Not sure what this is yet. All I know is that it will have NOTHING to do with snakes or skydiving! Really.

Take An Important Risk
So, I purchased all of the necessary materials to get my real estate license. Why not? I’ll certainly let you know how that risk goes come summer. {I’m excited but need time to focus on this venture.} Heck! People have always told me that I can sell anything. Did you know that I once sold the shirt off my back?

Cheers to 2015 & your Resolutions!
Remember: “Invest in yourself.”
❤️ Jen

St. Patrick’s Shenanigans // 2014

Searching the World over for four-leaf clovers. {Well, not exactly. But, the hunt did last approximately one hour though.} No such luck, so we settled for three-leafers. 💚

The girls and I are oh so lucky because their daddy is so patient. Addison decided that if she watered the plants some four leaf clovers might grow. They ended up watering themselves. Such a great day!
Cheers to the Irish & Luck!
💚🍀, Jen

Blueberry Muffins // Failure

We made {just-add-water to the box mix} Blueberry Muffins…

Problem: I think the can of blueberries had fermented. OOPS!
I don’t know what I was thinking.
The final product tasted like MOONSHINE!
Delaney 4: “Mommy, vis is bisssGUSTING!”
#foodFAIL

Does anyone have a recipe that they love and are willing to share?
Like, one from scratch… with fresh blueberries.
Please post your link here.

Cheers to successful baking!
❤ Jen

Fieldtrip // Legoland, CA

Our adorable carseat dancers got to spend a fun-filled day at Legoland with Mema & Papa today.
Thrilled.

Stoked.

Me = Grateful!

Thank you!
❤

Paper Airplanes

Singin’ in the Rain & 5 Indoor Activities // Rainy Day

My 5-year-old, Addison is enjoying the rain. Singing. Splashing. Simply thrilled. ❤

Apposed to getting wet?
Take the fun inside.

Here are 5 rainy day activities:
1. Build a fort.
2. Finger Paint
3. Bake
4. Play a game: My girls are addicted to Halloween BINGO.
5. Pass out the musical instruments & put on a family parade.

Cheers to Rainy Days!

xoox, Jen