Stokke Strolls with Style into Spring

As the monochromatic shades of winter are starting to transition to a more vibrant color palette, baby and kid gear on the shelves and showroom floors are looking brighter and bolder. One of my all-time favorite baby brands, Stokke, per usual, is a leader when it comes to baby gear fashion and design.

 

The other week, Momtrends and Stokke hosted a blogger and editor event in NYC to showcase strollers that have a bit of Spring in their stroll. Nicole, the preeminent trend-spotter for all things fashionable for mom and kids, underscored the importance of researching and reviewing baby gear responsibly. As bloggers and editors, we get to see, and sometimes, experience the latest and greatest in gear.

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At this Spring event, we had the chance to check out fabulous new fashions for the Xplory, Stokke’s signature stroller.

 

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From softer pastels, polka dots to modern prints, Stokke’s fabrics for Spring and Summer are fresh and fashion-forward. I especially love the cool colors in the summer kit. My favorite Stokke Stroller, the Crusi, was out on display at the event as well. As a fan of this stroller’s open basket and ability to add a second seat, Crusi looked beautiful all decked out in the lighter palette. 

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The Scoot, known for its smaller stature and ability to collapse easily, looked chic in the pink and complementary polka dots.

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As a parent and consumer, well-designed and durable products have the most value in my home, especially when it comes to big ticket items such as furniture and strollers. Before my oldest was born, we invested in a Stokke Sleepi and have been super fans of the brand ever since. For more information about Stokke strollers and their latest fabrics, check them out online.

All photos are courtesy of Momtrends. A big thank you to Stokke, Nicole and the Momtrends team for having me at yet another beautiful event. 

Full disclosure: I received a generous gift bag for attending this event. However, all opinions on NKT are my own.

Join Macy’s and Radio Disney for a Back to School Event at Bridgewater Commons

As we transition from these lazy days of summer, we’re starting to gear up for Back to School!  And because we’re all about the Next Kid Thing, we’re zeroing in on the latest and greatest for BTS gear.  Some of my personal favorite trends for kids this fall include bright neon accents, fun embellishments, quirky graphic tees and bold denim.

 

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Want to check out the latest trends for the kids while having some fun?  Be sure to stop into Macy’s at Bridgewater Commons for their Back to School event. Radio Disney will be onhand to help shoppers rock out, and there will be plenty of crafts, games and prizes!  My friend, Hilary of A Fancy Girl Must, will be tweeting and Instagramming Live for NKT, so be sure to say hello!  Follow or hang with us on social media by using #MacysBTS. 

The event starts at noon at the Bridgewater Commons Macy’s, up on the 3rd floor in the Kid’s Department.  We’ll see you on Saturday at Macy’s!

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In the meantime, check out Macy’s Back to School Shopping Guide to scope out some looks for the kids.  

 

Not in the NJ area, be sure to check out the other events going on in other towns.

 

Macy’s Citrus Park

Tampa, FL

Children’s Department, 2nd Floor

August 9th, 1PM

 

Macy’s West County 

St. Louis, MO

Kids Department, 3rd Floor 

August 16th, 2PM

 

Macy’s Woodfield

Schaumburg, IL

Kids Department, Lower Level

August 16th, 2PM

 

Macy’s Northlake

Charlotte, NC

Children’s Department, 2nd Floor

August 16th, 2PM

 

Macy’s Great Lakes

Mentor, OH

Kids Department, Lower Level

August 23rd, 2PM

 

Macy’s Arden Fair

Sacramento, CA

Kids Department, Lower Level

August 23rd, 1PM

 

Macy’s Sherman Oaks 

Sherman Oaks, CA

Kids Department, Level 1

August 23rd, 2PM

 

Macy’s Park Meadows 

Littleton, CO

Kids Department, Level 3

August 23rd, 2PM

 

Macy’s Robinson Town Centre 

Pittsburgh, PA

Kids Department, 2nd Floor

August 23rd, 1PM

 

Macy’s Downtown Brooklyn

Brooklyn, NY

Kids Department, 4th Floor

August 23rd, 2PM

 

Macy’s Clackamas

Portland, OR

Kids Department, Lower Level

August 30th, 1PM

 

Macy’s Walden Galleria

Cheektowanga, NY (Buffalo)

Lower Level

September 6th, 2PM


Macy’s South Shore Plaza

Braintree, MA 

Kids Department, 2nd Floor

September 13th, 2PM

 

 

Full Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society, who have provided me with compensation for this post. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.



NKT Does BlogHer in NYC

I just spent four unforgettable days taking in the events and sessions surrounding the 2010 BlogHer conference that was held in NYC.  And guys, I had the time of my life.

I connected with so many fabulous people, many of whom do what I “do,” but in a different niche, in a different area… I’ve been truly inspired by so many women, in a myriad of ways.

Jen wishing Dora a happy birthday at the Nick Jr. booth at BlogHer

One of the many takeaways from BlogHer 2010 was a renewed perspective of the relationships I have with brands.  Afterall, without brands and relationships, The Next Kid Thing wouldn’t be the blog that it is.

At the BlogHer sessions, at private events, in the expo or at parties, I met some of the many pr reps I’ve worked with over the years.  And in some cases, I hugged and caught up with other pr reps and company reps that I already know and love. You all know who you are.  And to the people who approached me and introduced yourselves, thank you.  If you’re in the business of connecting with people, it just goes to show you how important an updated profile pic is on Twitter. Read More

The Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic

This Saturday, I’m so honored to be a co-hosting a fun, family friendly event at Randall’s Island in NYC.

As the big, official kick-off to the 2010 Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnics, together with a fabulous group of NYC/NJ and PA bloggers, we will be picnicking, enjoying giant puzzles, mechanical bull rides, activities for kids and family, music and checking out the Hebrew National AirStream bus where hot dogs, fruit and drinks will be served up.

Updated:  
I just got word that Cheryl Hines will be our celebrity co-host!  Cheryl plays Cheryl David on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, but if your little one is a fan of Jack’s Big Music Show, they might know her as Sudsy Bubblestein.  Together with Hines, we’ll be working together on a service project. Our service project is in support of the Magic Summer Lunch Box and The Food Bank For New York City.

 

Hot dogs, mechanical bulls, a celebrity, service projects and family fun—what more could you want?

Won’t you join us?

Read More

The ‘Boom Boom Room’ Makes its Way to NYC

The Boom Boom Room, the luxe gifting suite for celebrity moms in Hollywood, made its way to NYC yesterday to showcase some of the most innovative baby and toddler gear.  The Baby Issue highlighted over 45 baby & toddler products for media, bloggers and celebrities to take it all in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Baby Issue event was hosted by Jayneoni Moore, who made the lavish Baby & Toddler Boom Boom Room Gifting Suites the go-to spot for celebrity moms to check out the latest and greatest in gear.  I was excited to attend the Baby Issue Event to learn and network with some of the brands that I already feature on The Next Kid Thing.  There were several brands that I can’t wait to introduce to you as well. Here’s just a few of the brands that were at The Baby Issue Event Yesterday:

Stokke, Teutonia strollers, Umi Shoes, Shutterfly, Skip Hop, Fisher Price, Plum Organics, Scholastic, Mustela, Happy Heinys, Nourish,  nursing clothing line Larrivo, Organic Kidz, Loved Baby, Goodnight Light, Aprica, Origany,  Dapple, Organic Kidz, Mabel’s Labels, Zoli Baby

And in case you missed it, I posted a few more sneak peek pictures over on the NKT fanpage.

 

The Baby Issue event got me thinking, too… With all the events that I’ve been attending (which is good!), but have been falling WAY behind on updating posts (not so good), I almost overlooked The Next Kid Thing’s 1st birthday! Those that know me well, probably know that I’m not big on over the top parties for first birthdays, but I wanted to do something special to mark our big 1-year celebration next week.  I have a few things lined up and will make an announcement to share with you tomorrow!

Toe Tapping Goodness: Putumayo Kids Jazz Playground Concert Tour

Jazz will endure just as long people hear it through their feet instead of their brains, said John Philip Sousa, the musician who put marching band on the map.

…if only he could see and hear all the tiny little feet tapping and dancing to the rich, vibrant beats at the Putumayo Kids Jazz Playground Concert last Saturday.

 

a glimpse of the Putumayo Kids Jazz Playground cd's kid-friendly booklet

Read More

It’s Time to Play!

Yesterday, I had the unique opportunity to attend the Time to Play holiday showcase, an event that highlighted some of the latest innovative and noteworthy toys.  In good company with many influential bloggers and online media representatives, I was fortunate to meet and connect with a lot of toy publicists and execs to hear all about the latest and greatest goodies for kids.  Quite simply, it was toy heaven.  Can this really be considered work?

I seriously can’t wait to talk about my finds and share all about some of the products that will definitely be creating lots of buzz.  But for now, check out Time to Play’s picks for the top must-have toys for this holiday season!

Time to Play Must Have toys

Stay tuned for more!

Spotted: Chalk Cloth Placemat

At an event yesterday, I spotted a display with some super cool eating and entertaining ideas for kids. One of them, the Flower Power Chalk Cloth Placemat from Chicks & Chickadees, I thought, would be perfect for families that are always on the go like us.
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The placemat, which is chalk cloth oilcloth on one side and laminated cotton on the other side, can be easily folded and rolled to shove into a diaper bag or stroller. In addition to using at home or in restaurants, I think this would be perfect to have onhand for the bus, trains and in a few weeks for us, the airplane. The Chalk Cloth Placemat is a fun, reusable alternative to coloring books/crayons and the plastic and throw away placemats for kids.
The 12 X 17 in. Chalk Cloth placemat from Chicks & Chickadees is the same size as a standard placemat and comes in designs for kids of all ages. My only complaint though: I’d love to see more gender-neutral designs!