Top 10 Picks from The 35th Annual Biggest Baby Shower in NYC #BiggestBabyshower

The "Itch", baby fever, whatever you want to call it - I'm suffering from a bad case of it and have been dreaming about having baby #3 for a few months now. For the last 2 or 3 years, so had the hubby but I think that shipped has sailed as he keeps telling me to look for a cute dog! Clearly we aren't on the same page now, but that didn't stop me from wanting to check out the trendiest and most popular must haves and essentials for baby and expecting parents at the 35th annual Biggest Baby Shower at the Metropolitan Pavilion earlier this month here in NYC.

Beginners Ride in Comfort & with Confidence Using the Schwinn SmartStart Bike #Schwinnsmartstart #ad

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Lunchbox but all opinions are 100% my own. 

There are so many momentous firsts to experience as a child, from learning how to tie their shoes, to their very first spin on the carousel to the very first time they learn how to ride a bike. As parents we always want our kids to experience and learn the things we never had the opportunity to, and for me those two top things are to swim and to learn how to pedal their own bike. I've nearly reached my mid 30's and embarrassingly I can't ride a bike for my life and I promised myself that my kids would learn all those childhood milestones just like their dad had. Like with learning anything new, our goal was to teach him good bike safety and ensure that he was having fun while learning. We really wanted him to enjoy his first experience and believed the features of the Schwinn  SmartStart bike would make him feel comfortable and confident!

It's Never to Early! Learn How to Tackle College Costs with a NY 529 Direct College Savings Plan #AD

With just one more class to complete to have finished my Masters Degree in Elementary Education, looking back I realize the cost of higher education can certainly be costly.  Fortunately I stayed within the 5 boroughs of NYC,  received my bachelors in Forensic Psychology and worked on my Masters without the need for any student loans. The hubby and I want our boys to dream big and convey to them that we will support them in whatever field they chose to study as they continue to discover who they are and what interests them most. College isn't necessarily for everyone but should my boys plan to attend a university we'd like to be as financially prepared as possible. Last weekend a few eager parenting influencers headed aboard the Intrepid to learn all about the NY 529 Direct College Savings Plan with Momtrends.

Povi: An Emotional Intelligence Promoting Toy that Connects Parents and Children #Sponsored

Raising kids in such a technology driven world these days is truly tough and as parents we sometimes loose sight of the quality time we actually spend with our kids and it can definitely become difficult to stay in touch with our children's emotional needs because we are juggling so much and may miss certain cues that something maybe troubling them at home, in the classroom or the playground. How often do you sit down with your children to chat about how they are feeling or how their day was? Was it conversation where they responded with more than "my day was good" ? The hubby and I have always tried our best to make sure our kids always feel comfortable enough to tell us whatever was on their mind, it's important for us that they feel safe enough to express themselves, whether it's something good or bad. 

3 Reasons Why The New York Baby Show is a Must to Attend for New Parents and Best in Show

From the very first moment you find out your expecting there are so many new feelings and questions about what's needed for the baby on the way.  I couldn't think of a better way to learn about the latest and most innovative to the trusted and well-known products, and to have all your questions answered by leaders in the parenting industry then by attending the New York Baby Show, hosted by New York Family Magazine. Over the course of two days parents and parents-to-be, family members and friends head to Pier 92 where they had the opportunity to meet 140+ brands that introduced them to essentials to make life easier during feedings, playtime, bedtime, traveling and every precious moment in between.

Let Mom Indulge in a NEW way to Spend Breakfast in Bed with DavidsTea #Giveaway

There's nothing like the gift of being able to turn off your alarms the night before and to indulge in sleeping in until at least 9am & what mom doesn't love waking up to breakfast in bed made with love by the littles on the morning of Mother's Day? I think It's one of the sweetest gestures right along with handmade cards with their feet and hand-prints on them! 

To celebrate Mom's, DavidsTea has created a collection of gifts inspired by the ultimate Mother's Day Treat. 

Tips for Preparing for Mosquito Season with Orkin and a Bug Catching Giveway #LearnwithOrkin

With temperatures finally starting to heat up, before you know it Summer will be right around the corner which means more time can be spent with your favorite people outdoors. We gladly welcome the evenings where the sun stays up so long the kids are in denial about it being bedtime at 8pm because it's still daylight out. Aren't you looking forward to longer days in the park, enjoying the feeling of sand between your toes at the local beach and trips to explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens and wildlife at the zoo? One thing I AM NOT looking forward to are those pesky mosquitoes! Thanks to the experts at Orkin I'm learning how to keep those nuisances and other pests that surface out of our house.