Get into the full Halloween spirit with this super fun Pumpkin Scented Moon Sand Oobleck DIY! Haven't heard of Oobleck? Well it's all the rage in my house. The kids went from obsessing over slime making to creating Oobleck which is cornstarch and water. It's something they ...read more
Nowadays, Kindergarten is serious biz. It's no longer the half day of play and finger-painting fun that I remember fondly from my childhood. It's intense, it's exhausting, and it's real work. Not to say it isn't still awesomely enjoyable and educational; it's just less about ...read more
I never really loved Halloween… and then I became a mom. Now, I’m obsessed with every pumpkin patch, every not-so-spooky book, every slightly scary movie, every creepy craft, every trick, every treat, and all the adorable costumes I want to force my kids to wear. Yes, October ...read more
Cocktails, friends, makeovers, and foot massages… This scenario adds up to my ideal moms’ night out! Luckily for me, I recently joined Momtrends, Meredith Corporation, and a few fabulous influencers for an evening that included all of the above and so much more. Hosted by the ...read more
When I think of iconic family vacation spots, I think of Woodloch Resort in Hawley, PA. As a kid, my family used to go to this picturesque Poconos destination every year in the winter. I remember the cozy vibe, the warm staff, the lovely accommodations, and the delicious ...read more
Fall has arrived. The kids are back in school, you've returned to a routine, and you're slowly but surely adjusting to the swing of things. The weather is changing, the leaves are falling, and everything and everyone is happily, healthily chugging along... Welllllll, we hate to ...read more
September is Baby Safety Month—and as a blogger and mom, I want to do my part to spread the message about keeping infants rear-facing in car seats until they turn two. That’s right, Mamas, resist temptation and keep those bucket seats backwards for as long as you can... But, ...read more
f Rookie mama mistake… I sent my son into the first day of Kindergarten without properly labeling every single item on his being. Sure, I took a Sharpie to his backpack and notebooks, but I neglected to touch his thermos, his water bottle, his lunchbox, or the very clothes on ...read more
When I was pregnant with both my kids, my favorite thing to do was take long scenic car drives—anywhere and everywhere. I'd recline my passenger seat, turn on the radio, and take in the sights, sounds, and scenery. My husband and I would stop for lunch, take a leisurely stroll ...read more
It has been an epic summer. Labor Day is around the corner, and school starts in less than three weeks. The season of fun and sun and freedom is almost coming to a close. But I’m not ready to throw in the [beach] towel just yet! I want to make the most of every hot, sweaty, ...read more
Hooray for back-to-school season! Some of you are gearing up to send a little to school for the very first time, some are changing schools and some are moving on up. We are enjoying our last official weeks of summer as we prepare for the first days of school. Of course, we have ...read more
We still have nearly two weeks before we head back to school, but the excitement of gathering the gear, school supplies and latest trends has hit us full force. My soon-to-be third grader is all about coordination and personalization. When she discovered that Stuck On You, not ...read more
After school for us can sometimes be a little chaotic. I am sure you know the drill. The kids come barreling through the door demanding a snack because they are starving! There are papers being thrown at you from folders and book bags, everyone is talking to you at once trying to ...read more
Haven't been hitting the beach as much as you'd like this summer?! Well, don't worry, I the perfect DIY craft that will make you feel like you've spent the day with your toes in the sand. With the kids in camp most of the day, we haven't been able to get to the beach as much ...read more
T-minus four weeks until my little guy enters Kindergarten. What?! How?! When?! Wasn’t it JUST the last day of Pre-K, like, a hot minute ago? I might be in denial, but I’m also super excited. I’ve got his outfit picked out, his backpack ready to go, and his custom-made ...read more
I might be dating myself here, but do you remember that show, You Can't Do That on Television? ... "What makes green slime?" I used to love that gimmick as a kid, and for a brief period between 1986 and 1990, it was my personal catchphrase. Who knew that 27 years later, slime ...read more
Summer can be hard in NYC. Parents are constantly seeking ways to keep their kids entertained, engaged, and occupied; and balance physical outdoor activities with relaxing downtime inside. And that's where these amazing playrooms come into play (get it?). They're designed to ...read more
One of my favorite summer pastimes is tie-dying tee shirts! Every summer I gather up the kids and head to the arts-and-crafts store. We fill the bin with armfuls of crafty fun things to do on those long summer days. I pick things I know will keep the kid entertained for a ...read more
Happy Fourth of July extended weekend, besties! It's time to celebrate America with delicious food, great drinks, and fabulous company. We hope you have amazing plans with family and friends—and we want to help you kick off the festivities with the easiest, brightest, yummiest, ...read more
Chalk! Kids young and old love brightening up the sidewalks with this messy and imaginative summer staple, and now you can make it even better with this deliciously exciting DIY craft! Ice cream anyone? When I think of summer-time fun, two things come to mind: the ice-cream ...read more
Moms always get breakfast in bed on Mother's Day, so why not serve donuts to Dad on Father's Day? We thought it was a cute idea, so we made a DIY painted mug to serve Dad his coffee in on Father's Day. Check out this simple tutorial and get our easy donut recipe at the bottom ...read more
Baby fever! It's real, and the snuggle is real! This mama felt the tell-tale uterus pangs after visiting the New York Baby Show earlier this month. I got to browse the aisles, touch, test, feel, and ogle all the latest and greatest products for Baby, and experience firsthand ...read more
I can hardly believe that Pre-K graduation is in four short weeks—just one month to go, and my little guy will officially be Kindergarten bound. (Anybody got a tissue handy?!) Imma be a bit of a mess when I walk him into that big elementary-school classroom for the very time. ...read more
The end of the school year is nearing. Have you been collecting projects and crafts and classroom-created art-work for the past nine months? Whether you're hoarding every precious piece of glitter-littered construction paper or wondering how you're going to continue to inspire ...read more
In the spirit of Mother's Day, I asked my mom to spend an afternoon with me and the kids making our own artisan soaps. Spending time with my mom is the most precious gift of all. My mom is truly my inspiration for so many DIY projects that I do. I grew up doing crafts with ...read more
My son hated school up until midway through the "threes" program. But then, suddenly, it was like a light bulb went on in his little head and he instantly became excited about learning and playing and going to see his teacher. Seemingly out of the blue, preschool became something ...read more
I have always loved celebrating THE one and only most special woman in my life,my mama. Now that I am a mother of three, we spend the day together, using the time to reflect, share funny moments, tear-jerking memories and for me to stock up on some wise advice. I hope all the ...read more
My mom is one of a kind. She’s my best friend. My confidant. My comedic relief. My cook. My (unlicensed) therapist. My shopping partner. My biggest cheerleader. And my go-to babysitter. But that’s not all... My mom is kind and silly and stubborn and supportive. She would ...read more
These days, Mama has no time for herself… and by Mama, I mean moi. Me, myself, and I. Yours Truly. This girl. (Insert hand-raising emoji.) I’m starved for quality me-time—not to mention a facial and a manicure. And as for some fun lighthearted trend-hunting and shopping? Um, ...read more
My little slugger just joined a tee-ball team. Or rather, his eager mom (that'd be me!) and doting dad signed him up, bribed him, dressed him, drove him, and maniacally cheered for him from the bleacher stands... as if he was actually playing a real, competitive game. (Let’s be ...read more
With Earth Day approaching this weekend, actress, mom, and animal lover Kristen Bell has joined forces with Tide purclean and the World Wildlife Fund to help convert as many homes as possible to energy-saving laundry habits. Tide Purclean is a 65% plant-based detergent that has ...read more
My kids love projects. Painting projects, crafting projects, baking projects... you name it, they want to get into it! And that's great—as a work-at-home mom, I'm always looking for activities to keep my kids engaged and entertained and quietly occupied. Of course, sometimes I ...read more
It's officially Spring! So, let's celebrate with this garden-party inspired DIY pail and basket craft. Finally, we can ditch the ski boots for rain boots, because we all know that April showers really do bring May flowers! What better way to get into the spring spirit than ...read more
I had a baby just a little over two years ago… and yet somehow it feels like it’s been forever—especially when I see all the latest and greatest baby gadgets, gizmos, and must-have gear. How have their been so many game-changing product launches in the 28 months since I was ...read more
It's that time of year again: Spring Cleaning. I try to keep up with the basics each week, but I love the feeling of a super-clean house. Throw open the windows, bust out the cleaning supplies, and give your humble abode a good ole deep cleaning. We've even got a printable to ...read more
Trying to spice up your nightly dinner menu? I've been getting spices and recipes delivered monthly to me through an awesome subscription box company called Raw Spice Bar. It's so easy to get in the habit of making the same go-to recipes over and over. I'll be honest, my menu ...read more
Working out is not my strong suit. I've never been an avid exerciser, and though I try to get a little cardio for the sake of my health, body, mind and mental sanity, I prefer to do it solo--on a treadmill or the elliptical--safe from the silent judgment of fellow overzealous ...read more
I just adore Valentine's Day. It's the sweetest holiday now that I have little loves of my own at home. We deck out the house with pink and red decorations, bake yummy treats, create cutesy crafts, and enjoy each other's company. Cuddles and snuggles and chocolate treats—it's a ...read more
We love a good designer collaboration here at The Shopping Mama. Of course, we also adore sweet nursery knick-knacks and fun decor for kiddie rooms! And so, naturally, we are obsessed with the latest exclusive line for Pottery Barn Kids. Late last month the retailer debuted a ...read more
We are so smitten with the newest American Girl doll. Meet Gabriela McBride, 2017 girl of the year! Gabriela is passionate about the the arts, and really finds her voice when she discovers poetry. Gabby has a stutter, and thanks to poetry, she learns to face her fears, overcome ...read more
Kids are often full of imagination and brimming over with creativity! My daughter is always drawing and painting pictures in her sketchbook. Recently, she has gotten inspired to design outfits and had even taken to creating shirts out of paper taped together. When I stumbled upon ...read more
Winter can be dreary and dull, and let's face it kinda depressing. We're fighting the winter blues by stocking our bathrooms with some new winter beauty must-haves to help our routine be on-point this season. The cold weather can take a toll on everything from your skin, hair, ...read more
I have discovered The Zen of Slow Cooking! I've seen lots of posts floating around out there with people sharing their word of the year. That got me thinking, what could my word of the year be? The only word that kept popping in my head was focus. Some days my life feels ...read more
I'm not a breakfast person... Never have been. If I eat a piece of toast or a few bites of a muffin, I consider it a triumph. I'll drink coffee from the moment I wake up until the minute I'm ready for lunch (and, yes, I'm usually ravenous). But food, yeah, it rarely touches my ...read more
When we lived in Germany we went to a lot of festivals. One of our all time favorites was the chocolate festival that was held every winter in Germany. One of the first things we tasted when we arrived at the German Chocolate Festival was a big cup of their steaming hot ...read more
Christmas Eve has always been a bit chaotic for my family. Super-fun and exciting, but crazy, hectic, and crowded nevertheless. We celebrate at my parents' home, and they tend to go big. Lots of food, tons of people, late hours, and amped up volume. It's a blast, but it's the ...read more
Holiday pajamas are my jam... Obviously. But there's another piece of comfy-cozy Christmas clothing that I'm slightly obsessed with—and that's the ugly sweater. In the past few years, this hideously festive holiday tradition has become downright trendy. The sillier, the wackier, ...read more
We're down to the wire. In less than a week, it'll be CHRISTMAS! My kids are beyond excited. One of our favorite family traditions through the holiday season is baking. Lots and lots of baking. We bake for our school, our local military base, our neighbors, our family and ...read more
Whew! We're almost half way through December! The kids have been counting down the days until Christmas for what feels like 100 days already. We've been stringing lights, drinking hot cocoa, and wrapping presents like crazy around here. To help with the gift wrapping, we're ...read more
With holidays right around the corner, you might be like me, and in search of some cute and easy crafts for a bit of a homemade touch. We've got class parties lined up, playdates with neighbors, and, of course, the kids are going to be off for a holiday break soon. Keep them ...read more
