Category Archives: Video

Mommy 101, Video

Virtual Birthday Party

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This year we had to adjust the birthday party to fit the times aka Coronavirus social distancing and living life on Zoom! My older son turned 8, and since his favorite pastime during the stay at home orders has been playing Roblox with his friends online, it made perfect sense to center the celebration on his favorite game.

I actually did an interview for work with Roblox and so I got some tips about hosting a virtual shin dig on their platform, things like signing up for a private VIP server and carry out that theme for the online party.

If you’re a parent to an elementary aged or middle school aged child, chances are you know all about Roblox. For those of you who are unfamiliar, the best way for me to explain it is that it’s the YouTube of online games. Just like how YouTube is a world filled with millions of user-generated videos, Roblox is filled with countless user generated games, and in my son’s case, his favorite is called Jailbreak.

Once the theme was in place, I created an invite to let all our friends know to save the date. Then, I doubled checked on securing the private VIP server, so that for the “party,” he would be able to play with just his friends. The other thing the kids love to do is also be on some type of video chat while they play the game so they can keep talking and find each other and strategize, while they play. So, I decided to use Google Meet (no time limit), as the link where we would gather to say hello and have cake. Then, I sent out his username for Roblox, asked the guests who would participate for their usernames and also sent the link to the private server!

One thing I wish I would’ve thought more out prior to the virtual party, was some group activities we could’ve done before he blew out his candles. We have now attended a few other birthdays online and the kids love some organized activities like scavenger hunts, trivia and games like pictionary or bingo! Also, if all your guests live nearby, you could put together goodie bags and distribute with “materials” for the virtual call – like balloons + decor, game pieces and cupcakes, etc… so everyone has what they need ready to go. One family dropped off a personal pizza for my son to enjoy for a virtual party! However, I do believe I scored by collecting short video greetings from our family and friends to edit together and show during the call.

All in all, it turned out great. Do be sure to decorate at home, it adds to the atmosphere and makes it more festive. I grabbed so items from the dollar store and it made for a great birthday backdrop. When it came to party time, he was all smiles and it was very heartwarming to see the greta turnout. It was super chaotic with all those kids on the virtual call, but it was all love, and I think it bothers me as an adult more than it does the kids…they are so unbothered! Hopefully next year we can get back to “normal” gatherings.

Product & Gear, Video

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea

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I had the opportunity to interview Meena Harris on my show today! She is the founder and CEO of Phenomenal Woman, a female-powered lifestyle brand that brings awareness to social causes, and the author of Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea.

She is a Harvard Law graduate, entrepreneur and mom, who is now adding the title of Children’s Book author to her resume. I previewed her new book Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea and read it to my 6-year old, and he was into it!

The book has great illustrations and the story is based on a true story of Meena’s mother, Maya, and aunt, Kamala (i.e. US Senator Kamala Harris). In the story, two sisters turned the unused courtyard in their apartment building into an area for kids to play.

Another thing I love about this book, is it highlights not only two female main characters, but also diversity. I know with my kids, it’s important for them to be able to relate to what they see and read in books, not only just their interests, but also people of color and from backgrounds/cultures similar to their own.

Meena was a great interview and had lots of insightful ideas and information when it comes to social causes and equality. One of the key points that really stood out to me is this fact:

In 2018, fewer than a third of all U.S. children’s books featured a person of color as a main character.

Click here to learn more about Phenomenal Woman and be sure to check out her new book children’s Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea.

Gift Guide, Product & Gear, Video

2020 Mother’s Day Gifts

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I love the creativity, hilarity and light-heartedness being spawned by the pandemic…and Mother’s Day is not immune! Typically our kids would still be in school and their ever so thoughtful teachers usually assign and create a craft for the kids to bring home to Mom, but not this year.

In all seriousness, I am the type who really isn’t expecting or needing a material gift, but I also won’t lie, it is nice to get a little something (from Baby Daddy *hint hint*) to let me know that I am thought of and appreciated. So, just in case you need some gift ideas for the Mom’s in your life, I did a product roundup for my show, to jump start those thoughtful gift-giving wheels to spoil your Mama with something sweet!

Every time I select items for these roundups, I try to pick things that speak to me personally, or gifts I would love to give. I hope this provides some insight into what may make a good gift, and I wish you the best in gifting the Moms in your life. Happy Mother’s Day!

  • Olive & Cocoa
  • Sea Star Beachwear
  • Aubert & Amandine
  • Balsam Hill
  • Mineral Fusion
  • Sugarwish
  • Freshly
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Here’s the rundown of featured products:

Mommy 101, News, Parenting 101, Video

Distance Learning during Coronavirus

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I don’t know about everyone else, but this distance learning is not easy! It was one thing to help my kids with their nightly homework assignments and try to figure out how to do “common core,” but managing their assignments, tempering emotions (theirs and mine), plus keeping them focused and on track for school, is tough to say the least!

A lot of us have questions about online learning, especially as we all learn as we go. I know one of my concerns has been making sure they stay on target as far as meeting education standards for their grade level and also keeping them sharp and prepared, as they will transition to the next grade level (hopefully this fall), without ever having gone back to the teacher they abruptly left.

At any rate, it is challenging and we could all use some support, reassurance and insight on how to not only get through this period, but also what it may look like when we come out o the other side, as well as why it’s important to embrace the digital tools available to us and spin our perspectives to the positive.

I spoke with the CEO and Co-Founder of Study.com, Adrian Ridner and he offered some tips, advice and guidance on distance learning and what we can do to help our kids as they do school from home. A few of his key points included managing expectations for ourselves and the kids, viewing this “screen time,” as a benefit where we can connect and access the resources we need and he doesn’t believe online learning will replace our traditional learning institutions.

Food, Parenting 101, Video

Coronavirus Cabin Fever

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We’re at the end of week 4, sheltering in place is feeling a bit more normal. I go from my daytime yoga pants to my night time sweats. The kids have asked to stop going places, because well, we can’t! I’ve had to make sure I get in my steps and take laps around the neighborhood for fresh air, or even just hop in the car for a drive…just to get away. Everyday is a new challenge and while we try to adjust, so do the kids. But is anyone feeling coronavirus cabin fever?

I spoke to parenting expert and author Donna Bozzo, and she have some sound advice and ideas for how to handle being hunkered down during coronavirus. In the video there are a few takeaways, like cook a family meal and re-create a restaurant experience with the kids, or repurposing household items to create finger puppets with the younger babes, and helping the older kids become a bit more domesticated with a good old-fashioned sewing lesson.

And with Easter on the horizon, and many of our normal traditional on hold this year, she suggest spinning the egg hunt into a treasure hunt adventure.

For more advice and ideas from Donna, check out her books What the Fun and Fidget Busters.

Parenting 101, Video

Sidewalk Chalk Art Mosaic

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I’ve been taking my queue from social media and other photos I’ve seen posted by my fellow Mommy friends, as far as activities and things to do with the kids while we shelter in place. An easy, yet fun and creative project is to make your own mosaic with sidewalk chalk! I have also seen this done on windows too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-aeyZYju7i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

It’s a pretty simple activity for any age, toddlers on up…and the only supplies you need are tape – we used blue painters tape, and the chalk! I purchased the $1 chalk tubs at Target and found the tape there as too, but I’m sure you can find these items at the dollar stores or other arts and crafts and school supply aisles! You can use your imagination to lay it out however you please. We decided to create a star. The first thing I did was lay out the outline of a star, then I criss-crossed the tape to create smaller shapes within out star for several spaces to create our mosaic.

Another nice thing about this project is you can do it as a family, or the kids can divide up the spaces that need to be filled in or they can even do it solo.

I really enjoyed seeing my boys take some time to plot out what colors they would use, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. I encouraged them to use all the colors and make it their own.

Plus, after being home for a few weeks, it was nice to enjoy the fresh air and just be…let those creative juices flow!

Perhaps the most satisfying part of the project…pulling up the tape and seeing the big reveal!