Junior’s Fresh: Food For Your Baby
May 17, 2013Wondering how you can incorporate seasonal fruits and veggies from local markets into your lil’ ones diet? With Junior’s Fresh, you don’t have to wonder or worry! We asked Michelle Hoffmann, the founder of Junior’s Fresh, a few questions about how it works! What is Junior’s Fresh? Junior’s Fresh is dedicated to providing New York Read more (…)
A Trip Down Memory Lane
May 13, 2013Remember when… You sat for hours smiling at your newborn’s face Your house smelled like a combination of diapers and spit up The best conversation you ever had involved cooing It was celebration time when there was pee pee in the potty Tears fell after saying goodbye to your child on the school bus on their Read more (…)
Create, Explore, and Learn with Waverly
May 10, 2013Summer is fast approaching! Do you know how your daughters are going to be spending the summer yet? Well, we think you should check out Waverly, an amazing group of girls in CT and NYC exploring and growing through engaging and fun experiences! Here’s more about Waverly from its founder, Molly: Waverly is a chapter Read more (…)
We Love Spring!
May 8, 2013Spring is finally here! After a very wet and rainy April, Henry and I are super excited for the warmer weather in Chicago. Some of the best things about living in Chicago over the past 11 years are all the outdoor activities you can do. After what seemed like a never-ending winter, Henry, my husband, Read more (…)
Young at Heart
May 6, 2013I left some of my loved ones in New Jersey and hooked up with another loved one, daughter #4 in Philadelphia where she lives, for the ride home. So off we went on the yellow brick road (aka 76) to Ohio. She is getting married soon and wanted to work on some wedding necessities for the Read more (…)
Vintage Furniture for Modern Kids
May 3, 2013Finding the perfect furniture for your lil’ ones’ room can be a challenge. It’s sometimes hard to balance your aesthetic with a kid-friendly feel that your lil’ ones will enjoy. Lora Appleton, curator & co-founder of kinder MODERN, is our go-to for finding functional and playful pieces for lil’ ones that they will love! We asked Lora about what Read more (…)
It “Only” Took Three Months
May 1, 2013Our daughter just turned three months old, and each time she does something spectacular like track an object with her eyes or make a cooing sound or reach for a toy, we write it on her calendar. You know, we’re tracking milestones. Well, this weekend I feel like we reached a milestone as a family. Read more (…)
Epilogue to the Diaper Diaries
April 29, 2013What surprises am I in for? As I pack for the trip back home to Ohio I am anticipating the worst homecoming. In the past, when I’ve left my husband home alone, there have been some unfortunate surprises upon my return. Once when I went to Chicago he set the kitchen on fire damaging the Read more (…)
Do the Monster Boogie!
April 26, 2013Are your lil’ ones afraid of monsters? They won’t be after seeing Wanda’s Monster! Lucky Lil’ Darlings was so excited to attend the opening night of “Wanda’s Monster the Musical” by Making Books Sing in NYC last Friday. A few of our sitters helped the lil’ ones get in the mood before the show by Read more (…)
And Then There Were 4
April 24, 2013I can’t believe my little angels are already 2 months old! It’s been such a whirlwind of love, laughter, and tears. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world. Becoming a mom has already taught me several things, with infinite patience and love topping off the list. I’m still learning and every day brings Read more (…)
Diaper Diaries Week 8: The Final Entry
April 22, 2013This will be the last entry of the Diaper Diaries. I can’t believe that 8 weeks have passed, time flies when you are having fun. Even more so when you are engulfed in sleepless nights, little miracles, a lot of hard but gratifying work and a bunch of crazy love. I leave with mixed emotions. On one hand I’ve been Read more (…)
Pass The Pickles ‘n’ Ice Cream… STAT!
April 19, 2013Lately I can’t seem to escape a pregnant belly – everywhere I look my friends are getting preggers! Cue wicked ‘n’ weird pregnancy cravings like pickles and ice cream. Cravings are our body’s way of telling us to give it more of something – specific nutrients, water, primary food (TLC). Ever wonder what’s behind cravings? Read more (…)
Easter Extravaganza
April 17, 2013We had a great Easter with Avery. Now two years old, this was really the first time she was able to experience some of the things I did with my family growing up. She LOVED the Easter egg hunt with her cousins. While she didn’t exactly find the highest number of eggs, she thoroughly enjoyed Read more (…)
Diaper Diaries Week 7: The Formula Wars
April 15, 2013It was a beautiful Tuesday morning and my daughter and I had just dressed the babies and were headed out the door for a much anticipated day of shopping. Boy did this charming scene change in a hurry. I had just strapped the baby into her car seat when projectile vomit headed in my direction. Read more (…)
How to Get Perfect Party Photos
April 12, 2013We know that party planning is hard work, and you want the perfect pictures to remember all the fun. So, we asked Bethany Kruska, owner of Shutter Happy for some of her tips for creating the perfect photos. Whether you do it yourself or get a professional, these tips are sure to work! As a professional photographer, Read more (…)
A New Kind of Job
April 10, 2013As a new mom (or dad) one of the first big choices you have to make is whether or not you’ll be returning to work after your little one is born. For some this choice is easy, but for others you agonize over the “right” decision. In my case it was easy. I could NOT Read more (…)
Diaper Diaries Week 6
April 8, 2013‘Twas the night before Easter and all through our house Every relative was stirring, hopefully not a mouse The baskets were all hidden around with great care In hopes that the Easter bunny would soon be there The children were nestled all snug in their cribs, others on couches and blow-up beds While visions of breakfast and Read more (…)
Get in Shape, Meet Moms, & Fight Cancer!
April 5, 2013If you’re looking to get in shape, meet other moms, and fight cancer, we’ve got the perfect solution! Moms in Training is a combination of fitness and fundraising to support the fight against cancer. We asked Helena Scott, founder of Moms in Training a few questions about the program and how you can get involved! Read more (…)
They Were Right!
April 3, 2013In my first ten weeks as a mother, I have learned that “they” were right. Who’s they? Everyone who ever repeated the following words of wisdom to me. “Once you see your child’s face, you don’t remember the pain of labor.” I heard this one over and over and I thought, no way is this Read more (…)
Diaper Diaries Week #5
April 1, 2013After 5 weeks, the babies are growing and changing quickly. Fortunately, Grandma is much better now at calling out the correct baby names.Even though the twins are fraternal when they are wrapped up in their blankets with very little face shown it’s a detective’s nightmare to tell them apart. At times my daughter runs errands and Read more (…)
Best Burping Methods
March 29, 2013Dear Ask-A-Sitter, What are the best burping techniques? I have heard so many. I just want to communicate the best one to my sitter when I leave her with my infant. What do you recommend? -Tooty Twins Dear Tooty Twins, Yes that is true, everyone seems to have their own method, which makes sense because Read more (…)
The Art of Juggling
March 27, 2013Sorry I have been M.I.A. as of late; this is my first blog post-pregnancy and life has been a little hectic! I cannot believe how consumed I am with love for these two little beings that I’ve nicknamed “pumpkin” and “angel.” Now I cannot imagine life without them. I’ve titled this blog “The Art of Juggling” Read more (…)
Diaper Diaries Week #4
March 25, 2013Grandma is a little emotional. I thought that I held it together rather well during labor and delivery. My family made fun of me for being a jokester, but being silly is my defense mechanism for nervousness. I think after all that stress, I emotionally crashed. While I was singing Elvis Presley’s “Wisemen” to one of Read more (…)
Scrub-a-Dub-Dub. . . It’s Bath Time!
March 22, 2013Dear Ask-A-Sitter, What are some tips and reminders for bathing infants that you can share with me? Sincerely, Scrub-a-Dub-Dub Dear Scrub-a-Dub-Dub, Bath time with your lil’ one can be a great way to show your lil’ one that getting clean can be fun! But, before you get to the fun splashy toddler age, it’s good Read more (…)
3 Ways To Incorporate Me Time Into Your Schedule
March 21, 2013Let’s face it, finding a little “me time” when you have laundry, dishes, work, after-school activities, and more on your plate every day is next to impossible! So, we asked 24Ours to help us out with a few tips for finding a way to put a little “me time” in the day. “Getting away from Read more (…)
Vacationing with a Toddler
March 20, 2013After a long basketball season as a wife and daughter of a Coach, we decided to take a little vacation to Florida to reconnect as a family. Avery, who just turned 2, is now old enough where we can build excitement. We told her for weeks that we were going to Florida on an airplane Read more (…)
Diaper Diaries Week # 3
March 18, 2013A typical day in paradise begins about 7AM with the squawking that signals feeding time. One baby for me, and one for Mom or Dad. You would think they twins would be ready to eat, but they seem to need coaxing for a few minutes as their flailing hands make bottle entry next to impossible. After Read more (…)
Tips & Tricks for Feisty Lil’ Ones
March 15, 2013Dear Ask-a-Sitter, My pre-k’er NEVER listens! I’m losing my patience & don’t know what to do. Help! -Cousin Kel Dear Cousin Kel, Losing your temper with a child this age never works & chances are you’ve tried the all-understanding patient approach. . . and STILL he/she does not follow your instruction. Here are a few Read more (…)
Simple as ABC, 123!
March 14, 2013Letter and number primers are a necessity in any lil’ ones’ library, and we are in love with author and photographer Deborah Donenfeld’s beautifully photographed Baby ABC and Baby 123, two books that will captivate your lil’ ones. Deborah’s books are unique in that she uses black & white photographs of children and pops of color with Read more (…)
To Swaddle, or Not To Swaddle
March 13, 2013With two new nieces, my mind has been completely taken over by all things BABY. One thing in particular that I have been obsessed with is swaddling. The twins were literally taken from the womb & placed immediately into a swaddle. This simple technique mastered by many hospitals to comfort a newborns is preached to Read more (…)
Diaper Diaries Week # 2
March 11, 2013Oh, those sleepless nights as I sit here writing this with heavy eyelids.My days are filled with diaper changes,every three hours feedings,swaddling, bathing, all those innate behaviors that have come back with a vengeance.The inside of my daughter’s house is a cross between a florist and Babies R Us. I’ve definitely been getting my exercise waiting on Read more (…)
Fussy Baby Means Sleepy Parents
March 8, 2013Dear #AskaLLDSitter, I am a new mom who is trying to get our newborn to sleep. Any tips to help us with our fussy night owl and avoid sleep deprivation? Best, Sleepyhead Dear Sleepyhead, Funny that you should ask that question. I was recently having that same conversation with Winter Parris of Winters Play Place, who helps new Read more (…)
Baby Milestones
March 6, 2013Our little boy is 4 months old already! It is amazing how fast time is going. Everyone told us that the first six weeks were the most exhausting, and in some ways they are, but they are nothing compared to what we’re experiencing now! Our Henry was a great sleeper from the start. He would Read more (…)
The Diaper Diaries: Week One
March 4, 2013My stubborn grandbabies entered the world via C-section despite my daughter’s desire to have a natural delivery. Thirty minutes before the unanticipated surgery I was called to the hospital. So in the cold,30 mph Manhattan winds, one of my daughters and I ran across the Upper East Side to be by another daughter’s side before Read more (…)
Best Baby Shower Themes
March 1, 2013The past few months my mind has been focused on my new nieces! Now that they’re here, I’m spending every spare minute with them, but before they were born I had so much fun throwing showers for my sister and helping her prepare for their arrival. For one of my sister’s showers in Ohio, my Read more (…)
She’s Here!
February 27, 2013For months, I’ve been sharing my pregnancy journey with you….today I am happy to tell you that five weeks ago I had a perfect, gorgeous, amazing baby girl!!! Of course, that’s my completely objective opinion. Right now I’m on maternity leave and enjoying every minute! I don’t care that I usually don’t shower until noon Read more (…)
Worth the Wait
February 25, 2013This past week has been a LOT of waiting, but it was all worth it! Thursday: My husband and I headed for the east coast for the hopeful weekend of babies. We jockied trains and subways and learned what it feels like to be sardines in a can. The night ended with a calming dinner Read more (…)
How to Find a Sitter for your Newborn
February 22, 2013Dear #AskaLLDSitter, As a new mom, I’m wondering what type of questions I should ask my potential new sitter. Do you have any suggestions or a checklist for effective methods of interviewing new sitters to ensure I find the best fit for my family and newborn? What are your top must-ask questions? Best, Question Block Read more (…)
Finding a Way to Deal with Food Allergies
February 21, 2013Do your lil’ ones have food allergies and struggle with how to deal with those allergies? For some lil’ ones it can seem ostracizing and lead to feelings of loneliness, confusion and the idea that being “different” is bad. For one grandmother, food allergies became the motivation to write a special book for her granddaughter. Read more (…)
Priorities
February 20, 2013I have heard many of my friends tell me they are a mom first, wife second. And now that I am a mom, I completely understand that you always have to put your child first…his or her needs always take priority. But I sometimes feel that at the end of a long day, I don’t Read more (…)
Bright Lights, Big City
February 18, 2013I’m Leaving in a Ford 150 All my bags are packed. I’m ready to go I’m sitting here inside my house I hate to wake up to my alarm clock humming But the dawn is breaking, it’s early morn The F150′s waiting. It’s blowing its horn Already I’m so excited I could cry. So kiss me Read more (…)
Share the Love Everyday
February 15, 2013Dear #AskaSitter, Yesterday we celebrated Valentine’s Day and showed our love to families and friends through gifts and cards and kind words, but we would like to start incorporating this love and kindness in our family everyday. What are some suggestions you could make in doing so for our busy family -Love is all Read more (…)
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14, 2013Valentine’s Day is finally here! This is such a fantastic day because it’s all about LOVE! What better way to show you care than with a handmade card or gift for friends and family. We love all the creative cards and crafts we’ve been seeing and have put together a list of some of our Read more (…)
Mommy Dating?
February 12, 2013Being a happily married woman, I didn’t think I’d ever have to start dating again. However, when I found out I was expecting, I knew that I had to get out there and start “dating” more expectant moms or I’d spend a lot of time on my own while my husband went to work. It Read more (…)
Happy Heart Day
February 11, 2013Well, it’s the time of year for love and sending valentines to those special people in your life. Remember the treats I had made last weekend ? I’m in the process of packing up Valentine’s for the five special loves of my life. This year I cut down on sweet treats as my daughters are Read more (…)
Elmo’s Super Heroes Save the Day!
February 8, 2013Sesame Street Live brings an educational adventure to the stage with Elmo’s Super Heroes! Lil’ ones learn how good hygiene, healthy eating, exercise, and a good night’s sleep can turn them into a Super Hero! Shannon, one of LLD’s sitters, took 3-year-old twins to see the show, and she and the boys loved the captivating Read more (…)
Leaving On a Jet Plane
February 7, 2013Dear Ask a Sitter, I am starting to worry because Spring Break is so soon and we are heading off to our family vacation. And I haven’t gotten my sitter prepared for our trip and my brain is fried after figuring everything out regarding the kids, my husband, and the dog! Do you have a Read more (…)
Right Around the Corner
February 5, 2013Mommy hood is right around the corner. I’m almost 36 weeks…and still pregnant! Every day I’m looking for signs of labor; contractions, trickling of water, and some other things that I’ll refrain from mentioning. Not complaining at all, but I always thought that I’d have the babies at 36 weeks, so we will see! Although, Read more (…)
Visiting Friends Never Gets Old… You Do!
February 4, 2013I just got back from a weekend visit with my college roommate. Her invitation sounded great in the midst of a cold January winter. My sister-in-law came too as they had met at my daughter’s wedding and hit it off. We spent the first afternoon baking Valentine treats that she and I send to our Read more (…)
Spring Break is Just Around the Corner!
February 1, 2013Dear Ask a Sitter: I am freaking out because Spring Break is around the corner and we have a family vacation booked. Do I really need a sitter? Won’t that detract from family time? If I do need one, when should I book one? Best, Dying for some fun in the sun Dear Read more (…)
Party Guests Under Five? Five Reasons Why Timing is Everything!
January 31, 2013My name is Dylan Glanzer. I am a creative musical party entertainer whose biggest fans are under 5! As a professional actress and singer with a Masters in Early Childhood Education and 20 years in the party business, I’ve helped thousands of parents plan a flawless party so they can relax and enjoy their child’s Read more (…)
Prenatal Workout Take 2
January 29, 2013We recently did a post on the benefits of exercising while pregnant and we’re back with a few more of the top exercises for pregnant moms from Kendra Fitzgerald, the founder of Barefoot Tiger! Before you start exercising, it’s important to be aware of these exercise tips and reminders to avoid injury as you approach your Read more (…)
Where did all the Christmas go?
January 28, 2013I’m sitting in the family room at the end of January in Christmas treeless room with all the decorations packed away. Just a few weeks ago the house was so lively with the family home. I miss seeing the revolving refrigerator door, hearing the 24 hour humming of the washer and dryer and waiting in the long line Read more (…)
Under the Weather?
January 25, 2013Dear Ask A Sitter, You did an informative post last week on how to prevent our lil’ ones from catching the flu, but I’m wondering what kind of care LLD sitters can provide if my lil’ darling gets sick and I’m away. Yours Truly, Under The Weather Dear Under The Weather, One important thing LLD Read more (…)
Books, books, and more books!
January 24, 2013One of the best parts of babysitting isn’t the fun toys or the television shows or the catchy music. . . it’s the books (though we do like those other things too)! Kids books are AMAZING. From color and number primers to The Berenstein Bears to The Hunger Games series, I find myself wondering why they are called Read more (…)
Where’s the Winter Weather?
January 22, 2013Like all working moms, I am very busy and don’t find much time to watch the news. I have heard buzz about global warming the past few years, but I am the first to admit I don’t know much about it. What I do know is the weather has been much warmer in Chicago this Read more (…)
Showering Wishes for Babies
January 21, 2013Over the holidays we had a shower for my daughter who is expecting twins. I love planning events such as this, but unfortunately cannot so easily pick a convenient date for everyone. Since all the kids live on the east coast, events are planned around vacations and holidays when they all come home to Ohio. Read more (…)
What To Do About This Flu?
January 18, 2013Dear Ask a Sitter, I am so stressed about this flu epidemic. I have young preschool and toddler aged kids. They often get their hands into everything. How can I keep them and myself safe? And what should I tell our sitter about keeping them healthy? Best, Sneezes and Cough Dear Sneezes and Cough, I Read more (…)
LLD Cycles for a Cure
January 17, 2013If you live in the Hamptons, chances are you have seen LLD’s clip about Cycle for Survival that began airing this month on the following days & times: Tuesday at 3pm Thursday at 10:30am Friday at 9pm Saturday at 2pm For those of you who don’t live in the Hampton’s, this video shows the connection between Read more (…)
The Home Stretch!
January 15, 2013So I’ve entered what I’ve dubbed “the home stretch”, if you haven’t guessed it’s the last leg of pregnancy. I’m 32 ½ weeks and going strong…well except for a few things. Forget the 8 hours of sleep a night…I’m lucky if I can sleep 3 solid. As my belly grows, my comfort and sleep decreases. Read more (…)
Live and Learn
January 14, 2013I’m not one for making resolutions. I hope by this time in my life that my life style choices have been good and I just try to live within those boundaries. The most influential choice I have made has been diet changes. Since I’ve retired Dr. Oz has become a trusted family friend. Not that I do Read more (…)
Got a Question? Ask a Sitter!
January 11, 2013Every Friday LLD and Renee Eva Pena are teaming up to answer some of our families’ questions about sitters! These are some common questions that we frequently get regarding expenses, duties, communication, etc. that every family has probably come across at some point. If you have a question… Ask a sitter expert! Question of the Read more (…)
Keeping it Healthy in the New Year
January 10, 2013New York is on high alert for the flu this winter and colds are spreading like wildfire, so LLD put together a list of things to keep in mind when caring for lil’ darlings that are beneficial to both our sitters and our families during this time of year. Sitters, if you are too sick Read more (…)
New Year, Fresh Starts
January 8, 2013Instead of setting a resolution that I will ultimately fail at, I’m focusing my efforts on new beginnings for Henry. He will be three months old at the end of the month and I have read and heard that by that age it is time to start sleep training your baby to sleep in their Read more (…)
Auld Lang Syne
January 7, 2013Now with the New Year celebrations behind me I think about the year ahead, but not without the New Year’s theme song in my head , auld lang syne. Should old aquaintance be forgot? Absolutely not. This makes me reflect on the special people in my life and all the memories we have created. I have been Read more (…)
New Year’s Resolutions for the Family
January 4, 2013With each ball drop we formulate great, forward-thinking New Year’s resolutions- but seldom do we stick to them. Creating New Year’s resolutions as a family incorporates the spirit of team-work and responsibility- encouraging you to stick to your goals. We used our experience and expertise to devise a list of realistic and beneficial family resolutions. Here’s Read more (…)
Can I Exercise While I’m Pregnant?
January 3, 2013A lot of new moms wonder if they should exercise while pregnant and what kind of exercises and stretches are best for the health of both mom and baby. We asked Kendra Fitzgerald, founder of Barefoot Tiger for some prenatal exercise tips and here’s what she suggested! You want the very best for your new Read more (…)
New Year, New Baby!
January 1, 2013Happy New Year!! Like no other year before, my life is about to change in 2013 in ways I can’t even imagine…this month I am having a baby!! How does one prepare for that? Seriously. I was a baby, I have two younger sisters, heck I babysat as a kid in New Mexico but that’s Read more (…)
What to do on New Year’s Eve?
December 31, 2012For years my husband and I opted out of extravagant plans due to finances with five kids under roof. As the kids grew up and started making plans of their own we decided to stay home to transport them to and from their destinations safely. Now with the kids gone we are too tired to bother Read more (…)
10 Must Have Tips For Finding The Right Baby Nurse or Doula
December 28, 2012Finding the right support for your labor and delivery and for the weeks after is critical, whether you are looking for a doula or baby nurse. We asked Melissa Lutzke founder of RateMyBabyNurse and RateMyDoula, baby nurse and doula review sites, for tips on getting started. 5 tips for finding your baby nurse Start your search Read more (…)
LLD Cycles for Cancer Research
December 28, 2012Cycle for Survival is one of the fastest growing fundraising events in the world having raised over $18.4 million dollars for rare cancer research and funded 53 clinical trials and research studies since it was founded in 2007. Jennifer and David Lynn co-founded the indoor team cycling event to raise crucial funds for rare cancer Read more (…)
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
December 25, 2012Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Twas the Night Before Christmas Part 3
December 24, 2012Turning back the hands of time for me during the holidays means special memories of my childhood that have then developed into my children’s memories through traditions and storytelling. I’ve shared with you my mother-in-law’s chocolate pie and I’d like to share one more from my grandmother. As a child, every Christmas Eve I would Read more (…)
Easy Fashion for On-the-Go Moms
December 21, 2012Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. How can busy moms have time to run errands, pick up the kids, do laundry, go to work, and have time to put together a cute outfit? With everything else going on, looking good while running around is probably the last thing on any busy mom’s Read more (…)
Spreading Holiday Cheer with Toys for Tots
December 20, 2012This holiday season Lucky Lil’ Darlings is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Toys for Tots collects toys to give to children in less fortunate circumstances and we are very excited to be volunteering with them this season! We’ve been helping Toys for Tots in some different ways this December: LLd Read more (…)
Twas the Night Before Christmas Part 2
December 17, 2012After the meal and the much anticipated dessert it was time for the kids to exchange gifts, when they were little they would make them or buy them at the school Santa sales. Now, when we sit and watch home movies I do with tears. Not because of the collection of metal cookie plates I’ve Read more (…)
I wish Adam Lanza knew about Transcendental Meditation…
December 14, 2012I am sure you all have read about the awful school shooting in Newtown, CT today. Adam Lanza, a 20 year old man shot his mother, a volunteer at Sandy Hook Elementary School & then proceeded to take his anger out on her students & other children & staff at the school. This young man Read more (…)
Family Concierge Q&A
December 13, 2012We sat down with LLD’s newest member: Addie Graffeo, our Family Concierge Expert to ask her a few questions about what we the Family Concierge does and how LLD can help make your life easier! What are some of the services the Family Concierge will offer and what makes LLD unique? LLD’s Family Concierge offers Read more (…)
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!”
December 11, 2012Wait, where’s the snow? Despite the not so Christmas-like weather in Chicago, the holiday season is upon us and Christmas music is playing non-stop at our house. Christmas is my husband’s favorite time of year and it came as no surprise to me that he wanted to put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving. Read more (…)
Twas the Night Before Christmas Part 1
December 10, 2012When I got married Christmas Eve was celebrated with the in-laws. I would look forward to going to my mother in laws kitchen to see large spreads of delicious food awaiting me. She was a cook by profession. I was preparing food out of boxes at the time. This tradition continued for a few more Read more (…)
Toys for Tots
December 7, 2012LLD is so excited to be a Toys for Tots sponsor this year in all of our cities! Toys for Tots is a great organization run by the US Marine Corps Reserves that collects unopened and unused toys to give to less fortunate children during the holidays. Our Dallas troupe is helping out at the 4th Read more (…)
A Must See: Rockette’s 85th Anniversary Christmas Spectacular
December 6, 2012The Rockettes have always held a special spot in my heart. When I landed my first job out of college with the Radio City Rockettes I was over the moon. My job as coordinator was to manage a troupe of 200 women across the USA with their auditions/interviews, press appearances, shows, etc . Every year Read more (…)
You Always Need Your Parents
December 4, 2012It’s amazing how so much changes and yet everything stays the same. I am a full grown adult, in fact in the prenatal world I am not only an adult, I am an Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) mother to be! Yet, there are still moments when all I want is my Mom (and Dad) and Read more (…)
Here We Go a Tree Pickin’ a Tree Pickin’ We Go
December 3, 2012After Thanksgiving the one thing on all the Bell girls’ minds was getting the Christmas tree. So on the Saturday after Thanksgiving all the girls and I would pile into the Dodge Caravan and off we’d go in pursuit of the perfect tree. Over the years we had visited many tree farms and had our Read more (…)
Yoga: Why It’s Good to Start Young
November 30, 2012We get a lot of questions from families about the best kinds of exercise for kids. We turned to fitness professional Kristin McGee for the right answers and here’s what she had to say: Have you ever noticed how babies can sit straight with seemingly little-to- no effort? Their spines are nice and erect, their Read more (…)
Absolutely Gametastic
November 29, 2012Ever gone to a big event with your kids, hoping to enjoy the speaker, ceremony, or adult company only to find yourself playing mom, taking potty breaks or playing tag instead of getting to enjoy the event you came for? With the LLD Kid Zone, this is no longer an issue! You might be asking Read more (…)
Parenting Through the Holidays
November 27, 2012With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas right around the corner, I’m finding that parenting during this time of the year is not always easy. Although Avery’s first holiday season was last year, she was an infant and could eat and sleep anywhere! Now she is a walking, talking toddler who knows what she wants! So Read more (…)
Wake up Sleepy Heads Get Out of Bed, it’s Black Friday!
November 26, 2012The alarm sounds at the Bell house at 4:30am the day after Thanksgiving, and six sleepy but determined heads roll off their pillows. There may be a slight grumble from the shopping enthusiasts, but they know they have a big day ahead. So 30 minutes of getting ready chaos, including throwing on clothes for comfort and not style and making peanut-butter sandwiches for Read more (…)
Black Friday Deals
November 23, 2012For some people, the day after Thanksgiving is all about sleeping off the turkey and trimmings from the day before, then digging into the leftovers. For others, the Friday after Thanksgiving has a different purpose: Black Friday shopping. Going out into the swarm of people who have been waiting in line for hour and hours Read more (…)
Happy Thanksgiving
November 22, 2012Happy Thanksgiving from LLD! Thanksgiving is such a great time of year because it is all about family, food, traditions and appreciating the great things in life. This year New Yorkers have a lot to be thankful for in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, but some families are still struggling to recover from devastating losses. Read more (…)
Surviving Sandy…While Pregnant
November 20, 2012If you’re from the tri-state area, you know that the last couple of weeks have been very trying. My heart goes out to the families who lost their homes. I was very fortunate and didn’t have any house damage. I was not expecting the storm to be on the magnitude that it was, but luckily Read more (…)
Thanksgiving Delight
November 19, 2012Having seven people in your immediate family is already a full house, add grandparents and three brothers’ families and you have a recipe for disaster. But not at our house. My kids loved the family gatherings and the chaos that came along. As family started arriving the shoe pile grew at the door as did Read more (…)
Kidz Central Station
November 16, 2012Living in NYC is great because there are literally a thousands ways to enrich your lil’ darlings life. However, the downside to this is that busy parents don’t have the time to actually find, research, and compare the hundreds of class providers, classes, and scheduling options NYC has to offer for children. There are so Read more (…)
Ho-Ho-Holiday Family Fun!
November 15, 2012Too cold to go ice skating but want to do something with the family? Need a little holiday cheer? Go see Buddy the Elf! Nothing will put a smile on your face like watching Buddy navigate the Big Apple in the hit Broadway musical: Elf The Musical! Two of LLD’s certified sitters checked out this Read more (…)
A Mother’s Love
November 13, 2012I had no idea how much my mom truly loved me until I gave birth to my son, Henry. A mother’s love for her child is instantaneous and grows more and more each day. I’ll never forget meeting my son for the first time and the sense of amazement I felt that he had finally Read more (…)
TGIF
November 12, 2012With Halloween behind us and the skeletons and pumpkins put away for another year we looked forward to the season ahead. You knew it was November at the Bell house when the kids put on their old gloves to help Dad on Saturdays throwing wood in the basement and then stacking it. You also knew Read more (…)
From Farm to Fifth Ave
November 9, 2012It’s so exciting when your hometown newspaper does an article about you and your growing business! The Chronicle-Telegram in Ohio ran this front page piece about Lindsay Bell, the president of Lucky Lil’ Darlings and her transition from mid-West gal to a business owner in the city. The article focuses on Lindsay’s supportive family background Read more (…)
Sitters Helping Out
November 8, 2012It’s amazing how big cities like NYC can get a small town feel when tragedy strikes with everyone working together to get back on track. LLD is so proud of all our sitters in the area who have been donating their time, money, items, and energy to the relief efforts after Sandy last week and Read more (…)
I’m a Mom Now
November 6, 2012OH MY GOSH baby prep is busy work!! I know, I know, nothing compared to when baby is here. That’s part of my “problem” though, I have all this energy right now….lovely second trimester….and I think I have to do EVERYTHING I ever wanted or needed to do NOW before the baby comes and because Read more (…)
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