Language for Lil’ Ones
July 26, 2014Bon Jour, Hola, Hello! Want the little ones to be asking directions when on vacation? Check out some tips from our friends over at Little Pim on how your baby or toddler can be multilingual in weeks (and why it’s a great idea)! Fun/Cool Facts about Language Acquisition When babies first start to vocalize, Read more (…)
Macy’s Madness
July 22, 2014I love shopping for my granddaughters’ wardrobe. What makes it so much fun besides the cuteness factor is the fact that I can get great bargains on quality clothing if I shop smart! I wait until the end of the season (July for summer) and watch the sales for the additional percent off in addition Read more (…)
5 Best Kept Secret Activities for Families in the Hamptons
June 26, 2014Jennie Magaro of Hamptons Family Concierge The Hamptons are world renowned for the beautiful beaches, celebrities, and gala fundraising events. But what can you do when vacationing in the Hamptons with your kids? As a local mom, and co-founder of Hamptons Family Concierge, I am willing to share a few secret spots that I’m Read more (…)
Summer Pregnancy Tips
May 23, 2014City summers can be rough on everyone when the heat really turns up, especially pregnant women. We’ve compiled some great tips to help you breeze through the summer. Try to avoid being outdoors on hot days; stay inside near an AC unit or fan. Stay hydrated! Sports drinks and juices can help keep your sugar Read more (…)
Another Year, Another Pizza
May 16, 2014The end of another school year is getting closer and closer. Coming from a family where the youngest “lil’ ones” are now in college, I can personally say that the trinkets and projects add up over the years. We all love the cute kiddie paintings and diorama projects (alright maybe just the kids love those..), Read more (…)
Mommy Fitness
April 2, 2014Before I had my daughter, I worked out everyday…sometimes several times a day! Yes, I was working as a fitness professional and working out was my job; but it was also something I just loved. If there was a new class, I wanted to try it; if I had a favorite, I scheduled around it. Read more (…)
April Showers
March 28, 2014April is coming this weekend, and we all know the saying “April showers bring May flowers!” So how do you enjoy the Spring with your lil’ ones? We have a cute craft that will keep your lil’ ones busy and bring in the Spring: flower pots! This is a three-part craft: painting the terracota pots, Read more (…)
Etiquette Academy
March 21, 2014My name is Karen Felix. My daughter, Kailee, and I recently moved from coastal NC due to her acceptance to study in NYC at the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet. We left dad at home, we left Orin at college, and we moved from here… so Kailee could pursue this dream… Allow me to Read more (…)
Spring Break Fun!
March 7, 2014Spring break is a much anticipated time in school…. and can be a stressful week for parents having their kiddies home for an entire week! Especially when it is colder out, it may be hard to find activities to do; Luckily, we have a great idea for each day of break! Day 1) Mini food Read more (…)
From One Mom to Another
March 5, 2014It’s been a little more than a year since my daughter was born and in that short time, I have laughed more, cried more, played more, loved harder, and slept less than I ever have in my life and I am happier, healthier and more fulfilled because of it. I’ll be honest, I was a Read more (…)
Back to School
January 10, 2014Back to school after winter break can be hard for your lil’ ones. We have a few solutions to get them excited to be back in the classroom: Schedule a time when they can bring in their new toy for show and tell if they are younger. Older and younger kids can also bring toys to Read more (…)
Snow Day, Fun Day!
January 3, 2014With all NYC public schools closed along with many major highways and roads in New York, children everywhere are celebrating. Parents, maybe not as much. Snow days mean wet feet and cooped up children… luckily we have some fun ideas to help! Go outside! If you live close to a park, suit up in snow Read more (…)
Resolutions for Lil’ Ones
December 27, 2013Along with the new year comes New Year’s Resolutions. The gyms fill up, the cookie sales decline, and expectations run high. However, these resolutions rarely last more than a month. Resolutions are a great opportunity to turn over a new leaf and create some positive changes in your life and are a good practice for Read more (…)
Put Dry Skin “On a Timeout” this Winter
December 6, 2013Ah, winter! Cue visions of hot chocolate, christmas carols and cozy nights by the fireplace. For many of us, however, the drop in temperatures also signals skin so dry and lips so chapped that we dread wool sweaters, can’t sleep from itching (or from itchy kids not sleeping!) and run at the sight of mistletoe. How to Read more (…)
Capturing Sweet Portraits
November 8, 2013Everyone loves taking pictures of their lil’ ones; after all, they are one of the best ways to capture memories forever. Today, we sat down and talked to professional NYC photographer, Emily Dewan, who shared her tips on making your photos the best they can be. Hold the cheese, please The command “say cheese!” Read more (…)
Just Say No!!!
November 4, 2013I was born in the late 70’s and recall family member’s saying, “Children should be seen and not heard” or “…because I said so” or my all-time favorite, spoken in a whisper through clenched teeth, “When I get you home…” Thirty plus years later, parenting protocol and limit setting has changed drastically. Punitive punishment is Read more (…)
Are You Really Sorry?
November 1, 2013At LLD, our sitters are trained to help children manage inevitable conflicts and unhappiness. However, when children are playing together nicely, sometimes even a small things can become challenging. Dana Rosenbloom, Owner and Therapist at Dana’s Kids, explores how we use “I’m Sorry” in place of fostering meaningful interactions between our children. The Problem: Children Read more (…)
Just a Spoonful of Sugar
September 16, 2013WANTED: LOVING NANNIES! Recipe for your perfect nanny! Lucky Lil’ Darlings has acquired New York Nanny Center (NYNC) and is pleased to be offering the service of nanny placements… now you too can have a Mary Poppins! Ingredients needed: 1 cup of responsibility 3/4 cup each of love and care 2/3 cup intelligence 1/2 cup creativity Read more (…)
Labor Day is Coming
August 29, 2013Labor Day weekend is coming up in just a few days — what better way to celebrate than to take the family on a fun and relaxing picnic!? We have a few easy tips for making picnics (and the set up) hassle free. 1. Pack foods that are no-fuss and don’t need to be refrigerated Read more (…)
Back to School Time
August 27, 2013As I watch one back to school commercial after another, I can’t help but reflect back on my years as a teacher. I have such admiration for teachers as they have a daunting, often thankless job and sometimes end up dealing with bad press: “teachers are paid too much for what they do,” “they have summers Read more (…)
Last minute baby shower ideas
August 23, 2013Planning an end of summer baby shower & need some last minute ideas? Provide onesies for all attendees & encourage them to decorate. You can buy iron-on backed material at Joann Fabrics or some place like that then ask everyone to draw some shape, cut it out and have an ironing board set up to Read more (…)
Wacky Weather
July 26, 2013All these crazy heat waves and cold fronts are a great opportunity to teach the lil’ ones about weather, temperature, and the instruments that measure temperature: (homemade) thermometers! What will you need: Tap water Rubbing Alcohol Clear narrow necked plastic bottle (water bottle will work just fine) Food coloring Clear drinking straw Modeling clay or Read more (…)
Quick Swim Tips for a Safe Summer
June 21, 2013Swimming has always been a popular summer activity. However, it is also a dangerous one. According to Parents Magazine, drownings are still the leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1 to 4, so you can’t be too vigilant when it comes to water safety. There a few recommendations we have to help make 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 (…)
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 (…)
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 (…)
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 (…)
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 (…)
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’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 (…)
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 (…)
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 (…)
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 (…)
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 (…)
Ode to Autumn: Painted Paper Collage project
November 2, 2012I sincerely love this time of year: cozy sweaters, apple cider, and pumpkin picking. Of course, my favorite part of autumn is how the leaves change colors! Here is a project that you can do at home. It is an ode to the beauty of trees. It can be completed in one day with small Read more (…)
DIY Halloween Costumes
October 19, 2012The countdown to Halloween is almost in the single digits! The question of the hour, of course, is do you have your costume ready? And do you have your lil’ darlings’ costumes ready? There are so many adorable costumes available in stores that need little assembly but are creative and cute, but for the families Read more (…)
Everyone’s Favorite Pumpkin Bread
October 15, 2012My children and I were blessed to have the most wonderful great grandmother and grandmother. She loved her family selflessly and brought great joy into all of our lives. After I had my children I had to go back to work, which made me much in the need of babysitters. Of course, my grandmother offered Read more (…)
Oktoberfest at the Bell House
October 8, 2012As soon as the clock strikes 12:01 on October 1st, the Bell house would transform into its own lil’ Oktoberfest. The kids were so excited to decorate for the fall season. Dad’s cornstalks would adorn the mantle dotted with our own pumpkins if we were lucky enough to have a good growing season. They are Read more (…)
Columbus Day Weekend Extravaganza!
October 5, 2012Everyone deserves a day off from work or school every now and then and NO ONE gets more excited about a day off than a kid in school. But is it really a day off for the parents? Nothing gets a kid more excited than a short school week and all that excitement usually translates Read more (…)
Apples, and Pumpkins, and Pies…Oh My!
October 4, 2012Two of my favorite things about fall are pumpkin patches and apple orchards. I grew up in the South so these were staples of my fall childhood and continue to be some of my favorite fall activities. Needless to say, I was worried about what I would do in the fall when I first moved Read more (…)
Expecting Twins? What to read?
October 2, 2012Who has read “A Contented House with Twins?” A few of my mommy friends asked me what my sister is doing to prepare & asked about the books she is reading. I did some digging & found mixed reviews on this one. Now, I have babysat twins on numerous occasions, but I truly do not Read more (…)
The Day I Found Nirvana
October 1, 2012My husband curses the night I discovered HGTV. One summer evening when the kids were all in bed and not a creature was stirring not even a mouse I sat down to do some channel surfing. I love decorating and HGTV’s do it yourself approach was perfect for me. I had a house Read more (…)
Add a Twist to baby gift giving with Makaboo
September 25, 2012I was searching high & low for the perfect gift for my sister when I found out she was having twins. I wanted something unique that would make her life a little easier with two lil’babies to take care of. Then I came across the adorable & durable 3 Sprouts Storage bin. It is the perfect Read more (…)
Can Math be Fun?
September 4, 2012As a tutor, I discovered that most of the elementary and middle school students with whom I worked absolutely hated math. It wasn’t necessarily that they found the subject too difficult, it was more that to these students math was boring and did not provide any room for creative outlet. When there’s no room for Read more (…)
5K Runs Offer Fitness and Fun for the Whole Family!
August 24, 2012It seems that every weekend there are 5K running races taking place all over Los Angeles. Some benefit charity, some boast beautiful scenery, others have costumes and themes. But no matter what the draw, these weekend runs are a great way for families to kick up their heels and sweat together. I’ve been training Read more (…)
Menus Made Easy – Finally!
August 23, 2012Guest post from Parent Maze If you’re anything like us, the takeout menus are right by the phone, you don’t have a lot of time to cook, and the thought of putting together a “menu” just doesn’t fit in your brain. Luckily for us all, there’s an app for that! There’s been a new trend Read more (…)
The Back to School Blues
August 20, 2012Dear Moms, I’m sure right about now your kids are feeling the ‘back to school blues’. As a former teacher, I always felt them too. It was the dreaded 4th of July when the giant pit started growing in my stomach. Fellow teachers out there I am sure you understand. After weeks of looking at Read more (…)
5 Easy Activites to cure “I’m bored…”
August 17, 2012Who’s sick of summer? I know how could we possibly feel this way? But we do… When you feel at a creative loss during these dog days pull out our go-to list of five activities sure to engage, inspire & create laughter. 1. Host a Hoola Hoop & Limbo contest with the Read more (…)
Family Travels gone wrong…it’s all part of the memory
August 16, 2012I spent the weekend with a family that I met nearly six years ago (one of our first LLD families), and we kept getting delayed, canceled, denied…you name it. But it was kinda fun. I have a long history of bad travels. My flights always get canceled or delayed. It’s routine so I’m rarely Read more (…)
Make Travel Easier for the Family with a Routine!
August 14, 2012This July I spent two full weeks in gorgeous Martha’s Vineyard babysitting for a family I’ve known for nearly six years. I cared for two young girls in the small village of Edgartown, MA. Each day was a new adventure, but each was carefully mapped out to make sure we got everything we wanted accomplished. Read more (…)
Garage Sale Entrepreneurs
August 13, 2012I’ve certainly had my share of garage sales. Every summer when the kids were younger I would have them clean out closets and toy boxes in preparation for our annual garage sale. The kids would fill with excitement that they would soon be loading their pockets with layers of garage sale cash. Ha! Best cleaning Read more (…)
LLD Sitters Participate in our Quarterly CPR Training
August 8, 2012We wanted to give a shout out to all our sitters that attended the Lucky Lil’ Darlings quarterly CPR & First Aid Training seminar hosted by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) & sponsored by Pure Yoga NYC. The FDNY has been educating our troupe of sitters & staff for over three years Read more (…)
The Dog Days of August at the Bell House
August 6, 2012The heat plus humidity does not equal a happy Mama Bell. The only thing that made these two components bearable was the backyard pool where the kids would spend hours entertaining themselves . You remember those 4 feet round above ground pools in every midwest backyard? That’s the one. While the kids swam, Read more (…)
Sanity in the City: End of the Summer Treat
July 31, 2012I can’t believe July just flew by and as always it is tough to say goodbye. It has been a joy and an honor to write for Lucky Lil’ Darlings Blog. My best tips for good-byes are preparation and to leave lasting memories. So as the summer comes to a close. I wanted to leave you with a treat Read more (…)
Happy Chaos Friday’s:Top 5 Bedtime Stories
July 27, 2012In our house we are firm believers in routines and our nighttime routine is one of my favorites that I do not like to break. We call it the “3 B’s”…BATH, BOTTLE, and BEDTIME STORY!!!! I started this routine with my daughter when she was very little and it has paid off for a very Read more (…)
I never liked germs…
July 26, 2012As a former 5th grade teacher I was constantly around sneezing & coughing kids. I never had something like CleanWell in my classroom…and I wish I did! How easy would it have been to give each of the kids a squirt of CleanWell’s Instant Foaming Hand Sanitizer after recess or have each student wipe down Read more (…)
Sane in the City: Keep Your Sanity with Kids in Tow!
July 25, 2012As August is around the bend, many families flee the city for the fresh country air or sandy beaches. It can be tough to stay in routine nor keep your little ones from going insane. Here are three tips to stay sane while you travel. 1. Don’t bring the kitchen sink: I know it’s Read more (…)
Bell Family Vacations Take 4: Las Vegas
July 23, 2012One summer I decided to take my girls on vacation with a friend and her son (lucky boy was traveling with 5 girls his age). My friend and I had been working at Continental Airlines as summer ambassadors and had the good fortune of flying for $20 per ticket. It was the best deal ever! Read more (…)
Happy Chaos Friday’s: West Side Green Baby Review
July 21, 2012Hello again everyone, it’s been quite a week. I took the plunge and decided to try out cloth diapers! I used a service called West Side Green Baby that allows you to try it out for the first week for free and then decide if it is for you or not. I think being able Read more (…)
Calling all lemonade lovers who want to give back!
July 20, 2012The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) recently announced the launch of a new program that provides a fun and engaging way for kids, communities and companies to make a stand – a lemonade stand, that will help give the gift of play to disadvantaged children around the country. Now how can parents & kids get Read more (…)
Sane in the City: MORE Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Child Busy this Summer
July 18, 2012Last week, I had the pleasure of sharing some online sources with activities to keep you and your child connect with one another this summer. Today, I would like to share one word that would help you stay sane in this heat. The word is routine. I know it seems counter Read more (…)
Family Vacation: Atlantic City, NJ Take 3
July 16, 2012Let me share a very special anniversary family vacation we took to Atlantic City. We stayed at a Ramada on the boardwalk so we would be close to all the action. I got a decent price on a “luxury suite” that all of us could share (remember I have 7 people in tow). The first Read more (…)
Happy Chaos Friday’s with Kelli
July 14, 2012Well where does the chaos begin…31 years ago when I was born, at least that is what I have been told. I was a little terror. I cried a lot, got into everything, and started arguing at an early age because I knew it all! I guess that is why they say, “What goes around Read more (…)
Dessert Only Cafe!
July 13, 2012It’s after dinner & you need one last activity for the kids to wear them out just a bit more before bedtime. To sleep extra soundly of course. Time to get creative. I always like cooking or baking. It’s educational, interactive & challenges the kids creativity. I was babysitting last night Read more (…)
Sane in the City: Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Child Busy
July 11, 2012If you missed the last few weeks posts from Renee, she is a Parent & Child Educator through and through (7+ years of education/family industry knowledge!) She becomes a sounding board for overwhelmed working parents to help guide them toward creative parenting solutions. Here are her tips to stay sane in the summer… The Read more (…)
Mama Bell Monday: Chapter 2 The Car
July 10, 2012Another memorable travel experience was our trip to Cape Cod, Massachusetts again back in the ole 90’s. We had just bought a new car, a red Dodge Caravan , a definite upgrade from the wood paneled station wagons of the past. Each child had their own suitcase to pack and I took care of Read more (…)
What’s a Pop-up Childcare Center?
July 5, 2012Imagine you are at a wedding, baby shower, blowout birthday party, corporate event or family reunion & there is an area that you can drop off your children when they get bored, fussy or just want to be engaged in something new? Yes I said…Drop. Them. Off. Enter LLD Kid’s Zone our version Read more (…)
It’s so HOT! Part 2: It’s like Walking over Hot Coals Out There
July 3, 2012If you missed last weeks post from Renee, she is a Parent & Child Educator through and through (7+ years of education/family industry knowledge!) She becomes a sounding board for overwhelmed working parents to help guide them toward creative parenting solutions. Here is her take 2 on what she has to say about getting creative Read more (…)
Mama Bell & troupe: Off to DC!
July 2, 2012Happy Monday mamas & beyond! July’s theme will be family vacations. Each Monday will be a new chapter of my family travel experiences that I am happy to share with my readers. Hope you all enjoy them! Every summer I would plan a trip to get my troupe of seven from small town Read more (…)
Hello again. It’s me, Mama Bell
June 25, 2012Where was I? Oh yes, onto kids. Our first daughter was born when I was 27. We were excited and ready to start a family. So ready were we that our second daughter came 12 months later, which was soon followed by my three other daughters. This instant family came within eight years all the Read more (…)
go-to network for recent female grads
June 21, 2012I got a call a few weeks ago from a cheerful woman that works at Her Campus the #1 online community for college women. She just so happens to be BFF with a few of my NYC sitters. Her Campus…what a novel idea. Founded by three students while they were undergraduates at Harvard—Stephanie Read more (…)
5 Must Have Travel Tips
June 19, 2012I attended a travel centric event hosted by MomTrends last week & gathered some great packing tips for the ‘over packer’ & ‘under packer’ to become the ‘just-the-right packer’! Here are a few of my favorite tips from A-Dress the Issue owner Katrina: -make sure that everything you pack works well together and has multiple Read more (…)
Introducing Mama Bell Mondays!
June 18, 2012Anyone that knows my daughter knows she loves her family. And for being 483 miles away from home, I can honestly say I see her more than most of my mom friend’s daughters in the same state. I’ve been around LLD since the beginning & always told my daughter to let me know how I Read more (…)
Who you gonna call? HFC!
June 12, 2012We have exciting news for families traveling to the Hamptons this Summer! There is a new, elite, full service concierge service focused exclusively on families and children – Hamptons Family Concierge (HFC). They want to save you time and guesswork – by coordinating and scheduling all of your children’s activities and services. They guarantee the Read more (…)
College graduates are out & on the prowl for work!
June 8, 2012By the reports on the news it does not look like an easy ride. Our words of wisdom for recent grads is to not get discouraged, but find things that you enjoy doing for the time being that pay the bills & just keep working hard. What is that one thing you love to do Read more (…)
Confessions of a Scary Mommy
June 7, 2012Looking for an honest & irreverent look at motherhood? My friend (who is not yet a mom) recommended that I read Confessions of a Scary Mommy. She said you will just smile & then laugh out loud when you read this stuff… And I did. I chatted it up with the author Jill Smokler and Read more (…)
NEW travel companion to entertain & engage your lil’ one
June 5, 2012Check out LaZoo’s new app Let’s Color, a magical (and educational) new twist on children’s coloring books! It’s great for your car ride out east or for the plane ride cross country. Simply click here & download! Simply color a page, press the GO button, and watch your drawings come to life. A few dots Read more (…)
Get Carried Away by Mama-to-be & Chef Kate Homes!
May 31, 2012I met Kate recently at a local family event & I just loved her story. Here she is to share it with all of you… I started Carried Away Chefs as a personal chef service for busy moms and families after realizing that all my clients’ kitchens had child safety locks on the cabinets… we Read more (…)
5 Important Tips to know when searching for a Chicago Nanny Agency
May 29, 2012Meet Childcare Expert Erin Krex the President of First Class Care, Inc. which was selected as the 2010 APNA Agency of the Year! First Class Care places exceptional nannies, newborn care specialists, housekeepers, house managers, personal chefs & more throughout Illinois. Here is what Erin has to say when finding a nanny agency… When you Read more (…)
Fun in Chicago with Macaroni Kid
May 27, 2012By The Loop Publisher Mom Sara Youngblood, Macaroni Kid Chicago is such a kid-friendly town with all of the wonderful museums, parks, kids-eat-free restaurants and more! But it can also be overwhelming trying to figure out what is going on when. Luckily MacaroniKidChicago is here to help! Listing all of the family-friendly events and activities Read more (…)
Need a Nanny Referral?
May 24, 2012Need a nanny referral-come to us! Over the years we have had many families come to us looking for a trustworthy, loving nanny for their child (ren). As our service only provides on-demand, occasional & temporary sitters we knew we had to find a few hand-selected agencies to refer to our wonderful families. In comes Read more (…)
The Green Ploy
May 22, 2012How do you get your kiddos to eat more greens? Check out my latest article on mommybites The Green Ploy: Broccoli & Your Lil’ One I asked my trusty sitters about the tactics they have used over the years. And they are good. Tell us what you do to get your kids to eat Read more (…)
Turning Home-Made Pictures into Dolls?
May 21, 2012We came across Child’s Own Studio & thought what a cool idea. Making dolls out of home-made pictures. Now you can display your child’s art in a whole new form! We tracked down the founder Wendy Tsao & here is what she said… Tell us your story on how you started Child’s Own Studio? About Read more (…)
Check out BarkBox this weekend!
May 18, 2012“Earlier this week my furry, four-legged friend, Stella, was ‘lucky’ enough to receive a package in the mail from the good people at BarkBox. If you are looking for a great way to indulge your pet, or are looking for the perfect gift for a pet owner, BarkBox offers a monthly delivery of Read more (…)
Traveling to LA with baby? Call LA Bound Babies
May 17, 2012Working out your summer travel plans? On your way to LA? In need of a crib, stroller or car seat for your lil’ one? Don’t bother with the hassle of packing your equipment & those hefty shipping costs. LA Bound Babies is to the rescue. Our new friends & co-founders Francesca Pappagallo and Nicolle Endoso Read more (…)
Best Kids Dance Party Ever = Family Fun Fest!
May 15, 2012PHILLY FAMILY FUN FEST HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL THE FALL DUE TO OTHER FAMILY EVENTS THAT WEEKEND! STAY TUNED FOR A NEW DATE! Summer hasn’t started…yet. What do you have planned to occupy your kids for the next three months? We have one idea for our Philly Mamas & Papas. Answer: Baby Loves Disco’s Family Read more (…)
The Queens Mamas Expo is going to be FAB!
April 30, 2012Grab your kids (ages 0-5)! You’ll never believe what the Queens Mamas Expo this Saturday, May 5th, has to offer! While you learn about new baby products, shop the day away, get tons of free giveaways, and participate in workshops on parenting, your kids will have the opportunity to play with LLD Sitters in our Read more (…)
Book Your Overnight Sitter-It’s Date Night!
April 24, 2012A few of my member moms reached out to me recently asking if I had any date night dinner recommendations & a savvy hotel to suit. Of course I do. What a great idea; a one night couple getaway only a mile or two away from home. No real travel required. Just take a cab Read more (…)
LLD Austin Enjoys Baby Loves Disco & Meets Sunshine Photographers!
April 23, 2012A few of our Austin Sitters kicked off Baby Loves Disco Austin last week. It was the perfect indoor activity on a rainy day. LLD Sitters Mandy & Kelly helped kids create family trees through coloring. Another vendor nearby left early, so LLD jumped in to make sure all the kids were covered at the Read more (…)
Meet VMV: They are Skingenious
April 19, 2012Here’s a social media success story. I have been looking for a boutique skincare brand to align with LLD. Low and behold I reach out to a mother of two on Twitter, her posts are always chipper, hilarious and their brand focus surrounds the family. Love it. After a month of learning about their products Read more (…)
Celebrate Spa Week!
April 16, 2012It’s Spa Week! Live a Healthier, Happier, Better Life! I kicked off my celebration last week with a facial at VMV Hypoallergenics. Their shop makes you feel like you are beachside in the Hamptons. Check out their unique brand of hypoallergenic skincare, cosmeceuticals and make-up for women, men and children. It’s worth it, I promise! Read more (…)
The Best Hair Stylist in town!
April 12, 2012For nearly all my years in NYC I have been going to one hair stylist. Ilda. She is the hair stylist to many of my Radio City friends, The Rockettes themselves & staff. The mother of two recently added private consultations to her list of services to tailor to the hectic lives of city moms. Read more (…)
Lesson from the Playground
April 6, 2012I decided to mix up my normal routine of writing in a local coffee shop, and instead took to the park. There I started to observe childcare providers and their interactions with children. Honestly, I want to make this a regular job, it is so interesting people watching! I learned new techniques, ran into a Read more (…)
How do I know which doctor is BEST for my child?
March 1, 2012Parents often question which doctor they should choose to help manage their child’s Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and an interesting and often mis-diagnosed disorder called PANDAS (a disorder where children develop sudden onset OCD behaviors and tics from STREP). They have been trying to cope by reading books, online blogs, and getting advice from their friends Read more (…)
Bedtime Routine Tips from the Experts!
January 10, 2012Big City Moms always supporting LLD, invited us to their Sleep Experts Lunch to speak about the importance of communicating bedtime routines to your sitter. Here are a few important tips! 1. Give your sitter a tour of your home. Show your sitter the kids rooms, point out dangerous areas you want the kids to Read more (…)
How young is too young for a babysitter?
October 26, 2011As the oldest of five girls, yes five! I have spent much of my life as a mother’s helper for my own mom. That background and experience is without a doubt what led me to run Lucky Lil’ Darlings (LLD). My mother always believed (and I now agree) that a 12 year-old is too young Read more (…)
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