Feeling good about my shoes

August 23, 2011 By 2 Comments

I used to the be the type of girl who wore heels and stilettos. No more. My footwear choices these days usually consist of flats, flats, and more flats. (Essentially whatever can get me from point A to B in comfort, while still looking stylish).

I’ve been a fan of TOMS for a while now. Not only are they cute, these shoes are comfortable to boot. An added bonus is the way a purchase of TOMS makes you feel. Founder Blake Mycoskie created his company with the intention of giving to children in developing countries. To date, over one million children around the world have received shoes because of TOMS. This is the One for One promise; with every pair of shoes purchased, a pair is given to a child in need.

TOMS Eyewear was launched this summer, also with the One for One promise. For each pair of sunglasses purchased through this line, someone in need will receive medical treatment, sight saving surgery, or prescription glasses. What better way to outfit your face than by helping someone in need.

A few weeks ago Peanut and I were invited to a “Style Your Sole” event hosted by Momma’s Gone City. With a bevy of amazing bloggers, we were given the opportunity to decorate our own pair of TOMS. Peanut loved jazzing up her shoes and I was thrilled to support the One for One mission.

(Created with some help from mommy!)

with Suzanne Chan of Mom Confessionals

We’re planning on investing on a few more pairs of TOMS for the fall season. You can check out all the new styles at toms.com.

Photos courtesy Momma’s Gone City.

(I was not compensated for this post. Peanut and I did receive a pair of Toms to decorate for the event.)

Filed Under: Events, My New York City, Reviews

Skin care with Bionee

August 13, 2011 By 3 Comments

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for products that are natural, gentle, and good for the environment. A few months ago I was invited to a tea party in honor of a new skin care company directly specifically towards moms; Bionee. Held at Alice’s Tea Cup, a glorious tea room on the Upper West Side, this event provided an introduction to some of the products Bionee offers.

Eva Asmar, Bionee’s founder, started developing her line of skin care products while pregnant. Over nine months, she created eight natural products that are “safe, efficient, and indulgent”; everythingnew moms (and women as a whole) are looking for.

The Bionee product line is divided into three categories: pregnancy, motherhood, and baby. I was given the opportunity to test out several products, both at the tea party and beyond. I loved the revitalizing face cream; it was light and comfortable, yet still emollient enough to provide needed moisture. We left with a sample of the nipple cream, which, like all of Bionee’s products, is natural and organic. It can even be consumed (Peanut actually ate – and enjoyed – quite a bit of it).

I loved Bionee’s products and would recommend checking them out, particularly if you’re looking for something that’s natural and gentle. Bionee’s products make you look great, while feeling good about how you’re achieving it.

Filed Under: Events, My New York City, Reviews

This time, a real vacation!

August 10, 2011 By 8 Comments

Having just returned from a vacation trip, I’m more than familiar with the perils of traveling with children. In fact, my entire perspective on travel has changed over the last two years.

While single, my husband and I didn’t really consider the amenities connected to a particular hotel. We generally wanted a luxurious room with easy access to bars, restaurants, and sight-seeing. Oh! How times have changed. These days our biggest concern is whether we have access to a mini-bar fridge (in which to store cheese sticks, obviously).

Two weeks ago I was invited to visit the Marriott Residence Inn, Times Square and see exactly what this brand has to offer for families. Residence Inn recently bestowed Holly Robinson Peete with the very first “Resident Mom” award for her contributions as a wife, mother, philanthropist, and working woman. In addition, the brand is beginning to expand city-specific family package deals (like the “Ultimate Sea World Vacation” in San Antonio, TX) to make travel even more exciting (and effortless).

I love my family, but won’t lie – I was thrilled to escape by myself for an evening. I arrived at the Marriott Residence Inn late Monday afternoon, bags packed and spirits high. After a quick cocktail reception we received a tour of the hotel. Although by myself, I couldn’t help but noticed the conveniences that would fit my family while traveling. Besides being clean, beautiful, and modern, each room has a full sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and flat screen television. A complimentary hot breakfast (offered in every location) is key when traveling with kids, and the fully outfitted laundry room is nothing to balk at. Add to that free wi-fi, and you’re set.

After a restful night, I embarked on a Foods of New York walking food tour of Greenwich Village with Jill from Glamamom and Jessica from Mommas Gone City. It was something I would never have done without a formal invite, but absolutely loved. Our tour guide was knowledgeable not only on the specifics of food, but also the cultural aspects of the neighborhood. As a former history teacher I was in my element. If you are visiting The City (or even live here!), you must take one of these tours!

I had a fabulous time experiencing my city from the perspective of a tourist, and would recommend the Marriott Residence Inn, Times Square, to anyone planning on visiting New York. I myself am looking forward to checking out Residence Inn locations in other fun destinations.

{I was not compensated for this review. I was offered a one night stay at the Marriott Residence Inn, Times Square, along with meal accommodations. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

Filed Under: Events, My New York City, Reviews

Winner of the Robby Wash Ball Giveaway! (Closed)

July 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Congratulations to Katy at Dim Sum Debutante, winner of the Robby Wash Giveaway! Her comment was chosen randomly, using random.org. Thank you to all who entered.
Filed Under: Giveaways, Reviews

Robby Wash Ball – Review and Giveaway

July 21, 2011 By 10 Comments

I do so, so, so much laundry. I’m not sure where it comes from or how it happens, but I’m certain it multiplies. I spend far too much money on detergent; never mind the waste that is created from empty bottles. So when I was recently contacted to review the Robby Wash Ball, I was thrilled. Developed by Oransi (a company that creates practical and effective cleaning products), and recently launched in the United States, the Robby Wash ball is and ultra high efficiency hypoallergenic laundry detergent ball that retails for $32.95 (including refills). It’s basically a ball that is filled with pellets – the pellets do the cleaning.

The Robby Wash Ball has several stated benefits, including all of the following:

  • 10 ounces of Robby Wash ball replaces 75 lbs. of traditional laundry detergent – it’s environmentally friendly.
  • One Robby Wash ball lasts up to 12 months. The ball itself will last 3 years.
  • It is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and safe – commonly used in Europe with baby laundry (as well as adults’ laundry).

I’ve been using the Robby Wash ball for around a week now, and I’m in love. It cleans my clothing almost better than my regular detergent, without any residual smell. It’s tiny, portable, and easy to store (perfect for city dwellers!). There’s no measuring, and no mess. And best of all it’s affordable and good to the environment.

Win it: Here’s your chance to win your very own Robby Wash ball!

To Enter: Follow The Stroller Ballet on Google Reader and leave a comment telling me that you do. If you are already following The Stroller Ballet, simply leave a comment and let me know!

Additional Entries:

  • “Like” The Stroller Ballet on Facebook and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already follow, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)
  • Follow The Stroller Ballet on Twitter and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already follow, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)
  • Subscribe to my RSS feed and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already subscribe, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)

You can tweet about the contest using the following phrase and leave a comment that you did. You can tweet the phrase once per day. Are you consumed by laundry? Enter to win the Robby Wash ball from @StrollerBallet http://bit.ly/p8oBDB #Giveaway

Giveaway ends on Friday, July 29th. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.

{Disclaimer: The Stroller Ballet was not compensated for this post. I did receive a Robby Wash ball for the purposes of review. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Filed Under: Giveaways, Reviews

Britax Frontier Car Seat Review

July 5, 2011 By 7 Comments

When Peanut outgrew her infant car seat, I chose a toddler model without doing much research. In retrospect, it was a mistake. We suffered through a year with the seat (that will remain nameless). I cursed it; my husband cursed it. Peanut may have cursed it (hopefully she doesn’t know those words yet). It was too heavy, too cumbersome, not comfortable for Peanut. So when Britax sent me a Frontier combination Harness-2-Booster seat, I was thrilled.

We’ve been using the Frontier for over a month, now, and are in love. Not only is the Frontier a beautiful shade of pink (it’s the Livia fabric!), it has a plethora of swanky features:

  • It’s comfortable; padded with High Density Comfort Foam to provide an extra layer of cushion for Peanut.
  • The cover is durable and washable (our other seat was not). A huge bonus if you allow any snacks or drinks in the car.
  • The cushioned armrests are secure and comfortable, and there are two cup holders (particularly helpful when storing beverages or “choo choos”).
  • It converts to a booster seat and can be used for children over 100 pounds (this is a seat that will last).

And most importantly, from a safety perspective:

I would highly recommend the Frontier car seat to anyone. It’s a super stylish seat that will grow with your child, at an affordable price point.

{Disclaimer: The Stroller Ballet was not compensated for this post. I did receive a Britax Frontier for the purposes of review. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Filed Under: Reviews

Winner of the Spot the Dot Giveaway! (Closed)

July 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Lauren, winner of the Spot the Dot Giveaway! Her comment was chosen randomly, using random.org. Thank you to all who entered.

Filed Under: Giveaways, Reviews

Winnner of the Britax Baby Carrier Giveaway! (Closed)

June 21, 2011 By 1 Comment

Congratulations to leahsmama, winner of the Britax Baby Carrier Giveaway! Her comment was chosen randomly, using random.org. Thank you to all who entered.

Do you have an ipad? Make sure to enter my Spot the Dot Giveaway! It closes June 29th!

Filed Under: Giveaways, Reviews

Spot the Dot Review and Giveaway (Closed)

June 21, 2011 By 3 Comments

Peanut likes to think of herself as an ipad expert. She knows how to turn it on, unlock it, and access her programs. Needless to say, technology is a huge part of our life. And I’m always on the hunt for new and innovative apps to challenge her learning.

Recently, Ruckus Media Group sent me a copy of their newest app for pre-schoolers: Spot the Dot. Spot the Dot is an app created by New York Times best-selling children’s book author David A Carter. This engaging game invites toddlers to find different colored dots in a variety of landscapes. It’s basically a scavenger hunt through different interactive playspaces.


Peanut absolutely loved this app. Although it took her a few minutes to completely get the hang of it, once she did, she was hooked. Through tapping the screen she was able to navigate a wealth of incredible graphics (simple yet utterly engaging); locating the colored dot in each. In one screen she used her finger to “turn over” red buttons looking for a pink dot; in another, she pieced together bits of a purple dot (like pieces of a pie) to make a complete circle. For each successful find, she’d raise her hands and yell “yeah!” (with glee).


Win it: Here’s your chance to win your very own copy of Spot the Dot!

To Enter: Follow The Stroller Ballet on Google Reader and leave a comment telling me that you do. If you are already following The Stroller Ballet, simply leave a comment and let me know!

Additional Entries:

  • “Like” The Stroller Ballet on Facebook and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already follow, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)
  • “Like” Ruckus Media Group on Facebook and leave a comment here on the blog that you did. (1 entry)
  • Follow Ruckus Media Group on Twitter and leave a comment here on the blog that you did. (1 entry)
  • Follow The Stroller Ballet on Twitter and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already follow, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)
  • Subscribe to my RSS Feed and leave a comment here on the blog that you did (if you already subscribe, leave a comment and let me know). (1 entry)

You can tweet about the contest using the following phrase and leave a comment that you did. You can tweet the phrase once per day. Enter to win the Spot the Dot app. by @RuckusMedia from @thestrollerballet http://bit.ly/kfwuWK #Giveaway

Giveaway ends on Wednesday, June 29th. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.

{Disclaimer: The Stroller Ballet was not compensated for this post. I did receive a copy of Spot the Dot for the purposes of review. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Filed Under: Giveaways, Reviews

Winner of the Shutterfly Giveaway! (Closed)

June 11, 2011 By 1 Comment

Congratulations to Rikki (comment #17), winner of the Shutterfly giveaway! She was chosen randomly, using random.org (I am still figuring out how to insert the widget on my blog!)

Be sure to enter my Britax Baby Carrier giveaway! It closes on June 20th!

Filed Under: Giveaways, Reviews