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Featured NYC

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts from Downtown

If there is anything that this pandemic has taught us, it’s to reach out to those we love, more often.

Human life does not exist without Mother. This year let’s make sure that we pay extra special attention to our mothers and grandmothers.

Whether you buy something already gift-wrapped from her special shop, and have it sent directly to her, or opt for a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or take the time to thoughtfully purchase a present yourself, our editors have found Mother’s Day ideas that are bound to show her how important she is, even if you can’t be there to celebrate in person.

 

LINNEA candles offer three distinctive collections designed to invoke precious memories and transport you to faraway places. Our editors cannot get enough of Linnea scented candles. While each collection (Classic, Spring, and Herbal) has an assortment to choose from, we picked these three as perfect gifts for Mother’s Day.

Wood House (Classic Collection): Create a customized sensorial experience that suits your mood with  The Classic Collection or enjoy each fragrance on its own. Mom will enjoy the warm and woodsy scents of Wood House, a blend of bergamot, violet, and sandalwood.

Freesia (Season Collection): Highlight the Spring season and Mother’s Day with thoughtful blends to stir and awaken the senses. Freesia’s aroma of Anjou pear, freesia, and vetiver is like a subtle spring breeze.

White Sage  (Herbal Collection):  Our favorite scent for spring, clean and fresh. Inspired by rich soil between our fingers, the Herbal Collection is a homage to Mother Nature herself.  Inspired by sage smudge sticks and culinary herb gardens, White Sage features notes of Petitgrain, white sage, cardamon cedar, and black pepper.

 

 

Harbour Island Gingham Long-Sleeve One-Piece Suit, this irresistible, comfortable, and eye-catching. Seriously, it’s about time we see a suit that looks this glamorous and fits like a glove. Tommy Bahama’s apparel and beach gear collections offer built-in sun protection using fabrics with 30-50 UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), mom will love this feature. Women’s sportswear and most beach gear feature UPF30 while women’s swimwear features UPF50, which blocks 98% of the sun’s rays. This is the perfect gift for Mom, she will have everyone asking where she purchased this elegant swimsuit.

 

 

 

 

“Every time I wear the jacket I’m stopped and ask where I got it from.” This is the jacket to have in your wardrobe this season. While shopping for Mom, be sure to order this comfortable, Harbour Island Gingham Long-Sleeve Rash Guard. Our team is in love with all of Tommy Bahama’s 2021 beautifully bright, seasonal colors, just the perfect fit and Mom will ready for anything.

 

 

Pre Mother’s day purchase, order today, so that Mom is ready for anything, with this Linen-Blend Off-The-Shoulder Classic style meets comfort, Mom will thank you for sure, this year you hit the mark!

 

 

 

One of our best finds in 2020 STAX. We love this brand of activewear, it is the most comfortable brand, ever. You do not feel poured into them, never uncomfortable and they look FAB! This fashion-focused, figure-flattering premium sports-luxe activewear for both performance and lifestyle, created by Founder and Creative Director Don Robertson alongside Co-Owner and Brand Manager Matilda Murray. Prioritizing high quality whilst demonstrating luxury at affordable prices, STAX. blends a perfect mix of both fitness and fashion, dressing every person at every size, STAX.

 

Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face

 

 

 

 

TOUAREG DRESS 2CM PINK DEGRADED STRIPE 

Launched in 2013 by New York fashion photographer Randall Bachner, Marrakshi Life embraces comfort and craftsmanship. Taking key style elements from the traditional Moroccan wardrobe, an in-house team of local artisans helps create original, contemporary, and wearable design pieces. Randall describes his atelier in Marrakech as a community rather than a factory. He uses sustainable, low-impact production methods with garments, mom will be proud to wear.

 

 

 

Swimming is my go-to sport, you have likely seen grandmothers enjoying water aerobics in a Florida gated community and laughed silently as they attempted to exercise “elder style.” This is probably what you picture if someone says, “water workout.”

Not so fast…Fluid Running is a serious aquatic high-tech workout developed by certified trainer Jennifer Conroyd after she was injured and needed to rehab to run a marathon. Fluid running workout uses a flotation belt and Bluetooth, with a pair of waterproof headphones that connect with the Fluid Running app. Listening to music-backed workouts. You will enjoy, beginner to extremely advanced workouts led by Jennifer. Don’t worry about your phone’s safety as it will stay dry in your bag. Remember, these workouts are performed in deep water such as a pool, lake, or bay. Swimming and water exercise are some of the best and safest ways to stay in shape. Give the gift of health to Mom this Mother’s Day!

 

 

Do your feet hurt at the end of each day? Many of us spend most of the day on our feet.  We can definitely appreciate this new dpl® Slipper Foot Pain Light Therapy. FDA-approved OTC device eases foot pain while finally relaxing around the house. Medically proven to relax muscles and relieve muscle pain. Now this is a gift for mom!

 

 

No more running to the store to get your mom’s favorite carbonated beverage. Drinkmate,  carbonated beverages, not only cut back on trips to the store but also on plastic, and aluminum waste. Can you say recycle? Drinkmate, soda maker with a patented Fizz Infuser can carbonate virtually any beverage. The perfect gift for the carbonated mother!

 

To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.

 

 

The FDA cleared SONIQUÉ MINI is a facial cleansing breakthrough that combines the soothing, restorative treatment of red, infrared red and amber LED light therapy trusted and recommended by skin care professionals, making it the ultimate skincare cleanser. Red infrared light therapy stimulates natural collagen and elastin for the reversal of fine lines and wrinkles. Improves skin’s overall texture. Sonic vibrations will massage the skin and open pores for a deeper cleanse and the waterproof design makes it easy to incorporate into mom’s daily routine.

 

 

 

Bushwick Kitchen’s gift sets Threes Knees Spicy Trio including their best-selling Spicy Honey, Gochujang Sriracha, and Spicy Maple, will have mom saying thank you for this Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

 

 

Seeds of Wellness SOW® is truly a delicious line of chia-based products that help to incorporate the nutritional properties of seeds in various types of preparations. Trust us, we were leery at first but then once sampling these delicious chia milk and pasts, we were blown away. Easy, delicious, and healthy. SOW’s methodology “from the field to your plate” they are sure to control the entire process, from the chia to the plant and how it’s cleaned, and processed. Even how their products are packaged and distributed. The benefits of SOW products they are ideal to help your Mom balance both her’s and your daily diet. Give Mom a healthy choice, this Mothers Day!

 

Motherhood is the exquisite inconvenience of being another person’s everything

 

Virginskin anti-aging cream 

One of our all-time favorites has been rebranded and back out for consumers. Dr. Lefkovits created Virginskin through his deep knowledge of botanical actives and their benefits in treating skin. By working with multiple botanicals over time, he developed a cream that not only soothed post-treatment, but could also firm, plump, and smooth the skin to the highest standards that he and his patients demanded. His formula was a breakthrough and essential to the skin health of his patients, who loved the new glow in their skin. Today, Dr. Lefkovits’ legacy is carried on proudly and passionately by his daughter-in-law Andrea Lefkovits. Natural ingredients such as acacia flower extract, Centella Asiatica, jojoba, Mimosa Tenuiflora bark extract, Sheabutter, and Squalane, Virginskin is a nourishing cream that feels luxuriously smoothing. 

 

 

 

ReGen De Peau Platinum is an innovative, natural skincare backed by science that disrupts the way you age with powerful treatments of healing, lifting, and wrinkle reduction. One product… One application… One minute. Two times daily! It is made up of four-ingredient complexes, MDI complex, UGL Complex, BMPX Complex, and the organic Japanese Blue Lotus flower extract, known to be a miraculous turnaround in anti-aging. Apply a dime-size portion directly onto your skin, each to the forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck with a firm tapping motion to expedite penetration and energy into the outer layer of your skin. Mom will experience a cooling, tingling sensation for a few seconds. Give mom the gift of anti-aging.

 

Everything I am, you helped me to be

 

 

 

When you think of Ladurée, you think delicious macarons, pastries, and oh their delicious Club Ladurée, think again!

La DoubleJ and the Parisian la Maison Ladurée are excited to announce an exclusive collaboration launching in time for Mother’s Day. The 12-piece collection brings the Milanese lifestyle brand’s happy maximalist homeware together with Ladurée’s delectable sweets.

Reinforcing La DoubleJ’s commitment to celebrating women and wellness, the collaboration draws upon the deeply personal and spiritual practice of the brand’s founder, J.J. Martin, and dives into themes of motherhood, fertility, and the spiritual concept of the sacred feminine. This is realized through the Tree Of Life print, a verdant La DoubleJ artwork, designed in-house in honor of the ancient Tree Of Life archetype, a symbol of fertility, renewal, life cycles, and all types of motherhood for everyone.

Framed by the soft pink and pistachio green shades of Ladurée’s world-renowned macarons, the collaboration ranges from La DoubleJ’s first-ever Teapot, an exclusive design crafted in fine porcelain by Italian manufacturers Ancap, to cotton twill Aprons and a new porcelain Goodie Jar, perfectly shaped to stash macarons. Sets of seven and 13 macarons will be housed in La DoubleJ printed confection boxes, available exclusively at Ladurée stores. This is calling your mother’s name this Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

Downtown is crazy about their afternoon tea. Perfect timing for This Ultimate Gift Set with the ultimate tea experience for two. Featuring a Tea Tasting Assortment Tea Chest of 20 blends, forty signature silken pyramid infusers in all, is our most expansive selection of premium gourmet teas. Also includes are two signature Café Cup presentations: two lidded porcelain Café Cups, two bamboo oval serving trays, two orchid white Tea Trays, and two porcelain Sugar & Creamer Set. This gift set is presented in a keepsake slate grey gift box with elegant gold foil Tea Forté lettering, with your Moms name on it!

 

 

 

 

The perfect introduction to the Tea Forté experience. Beautifully packaged and always appreciated, this curated tea collection is a most welcome presentation of the world’s most extraordinary teas. The Tea Tasting Assortment Presentation Box contains 20 pyramid infusers, two each of the following 10 blends: African Solstice (herbal tea), Black Currant (black tea), Chamomile Citron (herbal tea), Earl Grey (black tea), Ginger Lemongrass (herbal tea), Green Mango Peach (green tea), Jasmine Green (green tea), Raspberry Nectar (herbal tea), White Ambrosia (white tea), and White Ginger Pear (white tea). The open lid reveals a detailed tasting menu.

 

 

 

Give Mom a chance to relax, restore and revitalize her mind and body with this wellness-focused tea collection, inspired by the elegance and holistic knowledge of fine luxury spas. Organic green tea blends and herbal tisanes come together to support a glowing complexion, enlivened spirit, fortified defenses, calm state of mind, and purified sense of tranquility. The Wellbeing Presentation Box contains 20 pyramid infusers, four each of the following blends: Defense (green tea), Invigorate (green tea), Purify (herbal tea), Radiance (herbal tea), and Serenity (herbal tea). The open lid reveals a detailed tasting menu. All teas in this collection are USDA Organic and Kosher Certified.

 

 

Take Mom out for a delicious meal at one of our new favorites Charlie Palmer New York City

 

 

 

Charlie Palmer Collective grew out of Aureole, American cuisine pioneer Charlie Palmer’s landmark restaurant. For 30 years it has been one of New York City’s most celebrated restaurants, garnering 13 Michelin stars and two James Beard awards. Traveling, no problem you can find coast-to-coast locations by Charlie Palmer award-winning restaurants and luxurious boutique hotels in beautiful significant historical locations and each designed with distinctive personalities to provide unique experiences. If you have not been to Charlie Palmer’s it’s time, take mom out for Mother’s Day this year!

 

There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood

 

 

 

 

 

You might just want to give Mom a break from grocery shopping. You can find everything you want and more at Eataly Downtown. Think about it, fresh Italian cheese, pasta, fruit, meats, seafood all delivered right to your door. Want to make mom dinner but you’re still learning, no problem, contact Eataly they will provide you with just the right supplies to make a delicious home-cooked meal. Or order in, Eataly will be sure to deliver the same quality meals from their chefs. Here we chose bundles, we like to stock our pantry so that we are ready for one or more guests. Now that’s Italian!

 

Help Mom’s cravings with Chocolate Lover, combat stress with Golden Mellow, and help her sneak in a full serving of veggies with Super Green. These delicious healthy choices include a full serving of our best-selling superfood mixes, absolutely no fillers or additives, and 100% organic ingredients. Now you can take the power of superfoods anywhere with Super Bars and we at Downtown do just that!

 

 

Book Mom the perfect getaway, she does everything for you, now it’s time to pamper her. Whisk Mom off to the heart of Ibiza, to this luxury boutique hotel Cas Gasi offering exclusive accommodation in Ibiza to those looking for a peaceful haven within easy reach of the island’s delights.

 

 

Our bags are packed for this beautifully restored country home is set on four hectares of the picturesque Mediterranean landscape of pine forests, orange and olive groves, almond, fig, and carob trees plus organic vegetable plots. A relaxing hideaway in pure surroundings. I don’t know about you but my bags are packed just in case my daughter decides to give me this much-needed vaca for Mother’s Day!

 

 

 

 

Making memories, just got fun! Polaroid unveils the newest, and the tiniest member to join their family. The Polaroid Go camera. Just 4.1 inches long, 3.3 inches wide, and 2.4 inches tall, the Polaroid Go is the smallest analog instant camera in the world. Polaroid’s greatest, and most exciting new launch in decades. Designed as a wearable creative companion, the pocket-sized Go camera leans on Polaroid’s iconic heritage of design while simultaneously creating a new format of instant cameras for a new generation. Features include a newly developed selfie mirror, self-timer, long-lasting battery, dynamic flash, double exposure, and travel-friendly accessories – making it easier for anyone to capture memories wherever creativity takes them. Accompanying, their launch is the Go film, reimagining Polaroid’s classic square format in the smallest analog film the brand has ever produced. Give mom this new polaroid and watch the magic happen, on film!

 

 

 

We believe! The dpl® Joint Wrap Pain Relief Light Therapy is the most versatile joint pain relief device that’s both medically proven and clinically tested. Unlike a heating pad, infrared light therapy works below the skin’s surface-reaching deep tissues. stimulating cells and increasing circulation to target pain at the source. Powerful pain relief LED lights using IR (infrared) and red wavelengths, the dpl] Joint Wrap Therapy promotes circulation, accelerates healing,  and reduces inflammation. Used by professionals, athletes, and physicians, it benefits pain resulting from arthritis, joint injury, tendinitis, muscle pain, and more. Plus, it’s a safe, natural solution for all skin types with no side effects. Mom will thank you for this new device this Mother’s Day!

 

The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation

 

 

 

One of our team’s favorite sweets! A limited release 16 piece Mother’s Day collection is a flavorful display of your love and gratitude for everything mothers do. Beautifully handcrafted and infused with layers of delicate flavors, this collection displays admiration for the most important woman in your life, your Mom. Enrobed in buttery white chocolate, our Lemon curd apricot truffle is a blend of intense citrus balanced with the golden sweet flavor of apricot at the center. This Raspberry rose petal truffle is infused with aromatic notes of rose petals and sweetened with raspberries that gently unfold onto your palate, all wrapped in creamy milk chocolate. A decadent box filled with florals, fruit, and intricate flavors, this special collection recognizes all the care and dedication mothers put forth for their families every day. Trust us our entire office can attest to these delectable bites, we cannot get enough and neither will you mom this Mother’s Day!

 

 

 

Together with the master gardeners at the New York Botanical Garden and renowned perfumer Laurent Le Guernec, Caswell-Massey’s NYBG Living Florals Collection brings the experience of the garden to your home and is the ideal Mother’s Day gift. Available in three single-note fragrances Lilac, Gardenia, and Honeysuckle, plus two premium rose fragrances—Beatrix Rose and RÒS—and two orchid fragrances—Orchid and VIC—that represent the complexities found in the garden’s most prized florals. Give a gift that gives back to mom, this Mother’s Day, because a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these products will support the New York Botanical Garden’s work in plant research and conservation, horticulture, and education. What could be better than giving and then your gift, giving?

 

 

For the sensitive tummy mother, we have a new brand just for you. These did not last long in our office. Raised Gluten Free is a women-owned business bringing to market the ultimate comfort food for those with food allergies. Sweet and savory pies, and yes we sampled almost all of them! Made in small batches at a dedicated, certified gluten-free bakery in Northern California, the plant-based offerings are not just gluten-free, not just vegan, they’re both and more. The artisan products deliver indulgence that’s also free of dairy, eggs, and peanuts, Kosher Pareve, and Non-GMO Project Verified.

 

 

 

Eataly has unique gifts for Mom. Calvisius begins within the small town of Calvisano, situated between Venezia and Milano. There, you will find Agroittica Lombarda, the most prolific caviar farm in the world, producing 25 tons of eggs per year. This project of farming endangered fish in freshwater began in collaboration with the University of California: Davis and a Pacific species of White Sturgeon. This four-pack of caviar comprises Royal, Classic, Tradition, and Siberian caviar, all sourced according to sustainable methods from the Caspian Sea to the Pacific Coast.

 

 

 

Mom will be in savory bliss with this ultimate turkey burger from Pederson Farms. Seriously it’s delicious and with zero sugar, nitrite-free, uncured pork bacon making this the best turkey burger she will ever taste. These ultimate burgers are freezer to grill ready. It’s your turn to make mom dinner, easy to make but not to forget.

 

 

 

 

“Being a mother is the greatest gift, yet it is sometimes the most under-appreciated role. It’s hard to find that balance between supporting and defending without overstepping that fine line. Every mother thinks they got it wrong at one time or another, but the truth is, no matter what mistakes we may make, we still get it right. We bring life into this world, and the lives we give will go on to become extraordinary individuals. They will remember who taught them to tie their shoelaces, button their shirts, and comb their hair. We glow with pride and smile when we witness our children living their lives, because hopefully, we have given them the tools to succeed.” Grace A. Capobianco

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Categories
Featured Lifestyle Living

Tons of Gifts Perfect for Mom This Mother’s Day

We found all the gifts your mom actually wants this year! Some of them are so great, you might need one for yourself, too.

Every Mother Counts Mother’s Day Collection

Every Mother Counts, the organization founded by Christy Turlington Burns that works to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for every woman, has an amazing limited edition Mother’s Day Orange Rose collection. All of the brands involved are donating some or all of the proceeds from the sales of the item to EMC. Some of our favorite items in the collection are the Citizens of Humanity x Anthropologie Every Mother Counts Tee, Baked by Mellissa Dulce de Leche set, Onia floral one piece swimsuit, and Stephanie Freid-Perenchio rose necklace.

Buddy Facial at Haven Spa

Think of this as an upgrade to your regular mani/pedi date with your mom. In the Buddy Facial, we have a room that is fit for two to get facials together side by side! Skip the boring 20 minute silent peel and have some quality time with mom while your skin marinates to perfection. You’ll be served champagne or a fruity cocktail (non-alcoholic options available, too) for before or after your facial date. During the Buddy Facial, your esthetician will chat with you to create a personalized facial that exfoliates, hydrates, cleans pores, promotes lymphatic drainage, stimulates circulation, brightens, nourishes, and boosts cell turnover. 250 Mercer Street.

Clase Azul Tequila

Yeah, Mom wants to spend time with you, but if you’re over 21 she probably wants to spend time with you and tequila. Clase Azul is made the old fashioned way, without technological advancements, and comes in a beautiful handcrafted bottle she will be proud to display on any shelf. claseazul.com

Dreamwell x Cosabella Gift Set

Treat Mom to Sagely Naturals Dreamwell Body Oil which is packed with the soothing blend of Roman Chamomile, Evening Primrose, and CBD oil. This special gift pack includes one of Cosabella’s luxurious, 100% prima cotton robes. $99.

Ettitude Sheets

Surprising Mom with breakfast in bed is so last year. We’ve moved on to surprising Mom with the softest, most luxurious sheets the night before Mother’s Day so she can wake up feeling refreshed and cozy. Ettitude makes all of their products with Bamboo lyocell fabric, which not only feels silky and amazing but is also sustainable, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and temperature regulating. From $138.

Funk Strike Tie Dye Boxing Gloves

These brightly colored, tie dye boxing gloves are sure to make Mom stand out in a crowd. These are perfect for any fitness enthusiast or a mom who is looking to get into boxing classes but needs that extra push. $49.48.

Joanna Vargas Glow Getter Set

Celebrity facials Joanna Vargas has curated a set of her favorite glow-inducing products for a naturally radiant, youthful complexion. The kit includes Glow To Go Mask Set, Super Nova Serum, Daily Hydrating Cream, and Cloud Bar. $443.65.

OUAI Easy Hair Kit

Give Mom the gift of good hair. This limited-edition kit contains brand favorites like Air Dry Foam, Rose Hair & Body Oil and Wave Spray. $25.

Mom on the Go FasciaBlaster Kit

Give Mom this special kit from Ashley Black featuring a face kit, mini FasciaBlaster, backpack, t-shirt, and book so she can start her journey to feeling great from the inside out. $99.

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé Venus Et Fleur Gift Set

This impressive gift set features the beautiful, long-lasting Venus Et Fleur Eternity Roses and the elegant, floral Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé your mom will love. Dazzle your mom with this luxury acrylic home decor that can be used as storage after you finish your bottle of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé. The set is now available on Drinks & Co with 2 day shipping for all you last minute gift givers! $600.

Categories
Living Travel

15 Items to Bring With You On Vacation – To Help Your Baby Feel At Home

 

When it comes to embarking on that trip or vacation, travel with baby making them comfortable and at home is all you want to make them feel. Babies and kids, in general, can take some considerable time to adjust to new locations. The task falls on you to bring with you accessories that will make your baby most comfortable and most important of all, make her feel like she is at home. This task can prove to be quite daunting and may even brew unwarranted stress which is all but what we want.

But not to worry I got your back on this.

Travel with Baby
15 items when traveling with baby

In this article, I will take you through the items you should most definitely bring with you as you travel with baby. This will help you get that well-deserved break from your daily routine. The vacation will remain to be much fun for you and your baby just as it should be.

 

Here is what you should carry:

 

Baby travel accessories

1. Car seat

 

travel with baby
15 items when traveling with the baby

This has to be the one most vital accessory that you cannot leave out from your packing list. A travel car seat will help strap in your baby on the car seat, bus, train or even plane that is if you have paid for the seat. It is a good security measure and can interestingly double up as an extra seat for your baby once, you arrive at your desired destination. 

 

2. Push Chair

 

A pushchair is a great addition to what you should bring as you travel with a baby. Choosing an all-terrain push-chair would be a good fit especially if you are not very sure of your destination’s terrain. This will help you get out the most of great outdoors in your destination without any upset whatsoever.

 

3. Baby carrier

travel with baby
15 items when traveling with the baby

A baby carrier is an exceptional choice especially if your vacation will involve outdoor activities such as hiking in the mountains or in the woods. Go for carriers that can cope with any weather thrown at them. Baby carriers can also come in handy when in busy terminals, airports or crowded cities.

 

4. Backpack

 Backpacks serve as a perfect carrier to keep all day stuff in. Backpacks are less bulky as compared to baby bags and several come with large compartments that suit storage of nappies and baby wipes. It can also hold toys and extra spare clothes.

 

5. Special blanket

travel with baby
15 items when traveling with a baby

The baby will be settled and be comfortable as you travel with a baby, if they can smell the home scent, so make sure to throw in that special blanket that smells of home, on your packing list. The blanket will provide good comfort, warmth, and shade

6. Stroller

travel with baby
15 items when traveling with a baby

A stroller will help you travel with your toddler in great style and can be your best friend as you take the vacation. Take time to invest in a good quality stroller, if you do not own one already.

 

Food and drink supplies

 

7. Bottled Milk

travel with baby
15 items when traveling with baby

Bringing breast milk or formula with you for the vacation is a great idea and you should make sure to carry plenty. Babies will not mind drinking from the bottle as you travel with baby especially in planes. You can also throw in a manual breast pump, the reason being that they do not attract a lot of attention and are easier to carry

 

8. Snacks

travel with baby
15 items when traveling with baby

As you travel bring with you plenty of snacks. Consider bringing with you easily clean up snacks such as apples, rice cakes, fruit bars. Bring with you more than you may think you need.

Clothing

 

9. Hats

 Pack some wide-brimmed hat for your baby to keep off the menacing sun from your baby’s face and neck.

 

10. Warm clothes

 

If you are traveling to a chilly destination bring warm clothes with you just to keep your baby warm and comfy. Carrying warm clothes even in relatively warm destinations is a great idea as the weather can drastically change for the worse and it is good to be prepared at all times. 

 

Bed and bath supplies

 

11. Bath toys

travel with baby
15 items when traveling with baby

  Bringing bath toys can be a great way to distract your baby as you bath him in a new environment and believe me, it will be considerably easier to clean your baby.

12. Bath plug

 Bath plugs are a creative way of turning a basin into a bathtub. Go for universal bath plugs 

 

Other baby accessories

13. Pacifiers

 

In case you are traveling by train or by air, pacifiers will be a great accessory to keep your baby calm and placid and can even give you the added benefit of putting the baby to sleep. 

14. Sunscreen

travel with baby
15 items when traveling with baby

 

 Carry with you an effective sunscreen for your baby. In Case your baby is less than six months, do not attempt to put her out in the sun.

15. A Video Monitor 

travel with baby
15 items when traveling with baby

All the best as you go for the vacation with your young one!

 

travel with baby
15 items when traveling with baby

Sophia Nguyen is the founder of “Healthy Baby Happy Earth” website. She is a blogger, and she loves writing about babies and helping the parents by providing only the most useful information.  Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram

 

 

Categories
Featured

Mother Daughter Month – May

The mother-daughter connection is one of the most complicated and special relationships you will ever have. This powerful bond ebbs and flows over a lifetime. Whether you’ve been in school for the year or you want to play catch up, take the month of May for your Mother-Daughter time.

As Mother’s do it all and never complain, they would never ask for your time. Make the first move, plan a few days during the month of May, to celebrate her, your mother. Our editors have even done the legwork for you, here are a few suggested, pampering locations for you and Mom!

 

 

Take Mother for a day at the luxurious Four Seasons Spa Downtown. Enjoy a day of downtown with your favorite Mother with a delicious lunch and pampering. Only steps from the vibrant streets of Lower Manhattan, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown blends high-technology treatments with luxurious, natural products designed to indulge the body and the mind.

HERBAL VITALITY

Healing herbs and warm poultice clear the mind of negativity and naturally detoxify the body. A true holistic journey to tranquil peace.
80 MINUTES
$340

SLEEP SERENITY

Long rhythmic strokes to ease the mind for deep relaxation, restful sleep, and jet lag recovery.
50 – 100 MINUTES
$220 – 405

 

Four Seasons Downtown NYC

 

Another one of our favorite places is Haven Spa, we call it our little oasis in the bustling city. Haven, a serene day spa on Mercer Street where affordable and easily accessible solace can be found, offers peaceful pampering and top-notch service in an environment that encourages relaxation and comfort. Haven’s guests are encouraged to lounge on comfy couches and enjoy the stress-free and hospitable environment at their leisure.

Spend the day with Mom, choose her favorite restaurant, book in at one of our favorite spas, if you’re coming home from a long year away at School, there’s a lot of catching up to do.

Take a relaxing day together at Haven Spa, this will surely give you and Mom time to plan your long summer days.

 

rawpixel.com

SOPHIA & DOROTHY – 2 1/2 hours @ EVE SALON

Indulge yourself and that special woman in your life – your mom! Enjoy an Escape facial, an Essential pedicure, and an Essential Manicure.
$260

Mommy & Me – 3 hours @ HAVEN SPA

A special package for a special woman. Treat your mom to a half day of much-deserved relaxation and pampering – and join her! Includes 45-minute Swedish massage*, an Escape facial therapy, a European pedicure, and European manicure. Please let us know if you would like the massage booked together (in the same room).
$480

Remember, we’re celebrating Mother’s Day not just today, but all month long. Plan the month of May, to enjoy some bonding time with a few mother-daughter spa days.

Categories
Featured

Day 2 Of The 12 Days Of Christmas

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… two turtle doves and a partridge in a Pear Tree.

Or, how about a fresh cup of coffee brewed in this beautiful French press from BodumOn day two of the 12 days of Christmas, wake up to this splendid copper French press, an ideal present for the coffee lover – or to give your kitchen countertop a pop of copper. “Chambord” copper 34-ounce French Press, $50, by Bodum, available at crateandbarrel.com.

 

The signature dome-topped Bodum French press boasts a beautiful copper-plated finish in this classic plunger-style brewing method, revered for producing fresh coffee with rich, full-bodied character. Bodum took over a small clarinet factory in Normandy in 1982, not to make musical instruments, but to maufacture their relatively unknown Chambord coffee maker. Combining the skills of local craftsmen with modern production, the French press became accessible and affordable to the legions of fans who love the taste of the coffee brewed in this unique style. Tested best by the American Culinary Institute, this classic, beautiful and simple design is recognized worldwide as one of the best ways to brew coffee in just four minutes. It has a 34-ounce capacity, and is outfitted with a patented safety lid.

 

You might also wake up to this splendid copper Dualit toaster by “Chambord” — the perfect gift for toast lovers, or if you’re craving a delicious Tartine’s this holiday season – it’s the perfect accessory for any kitchen countertop for $259.99 – $339.00. Classic design meets on-trend copper, designed for heavy-duty use and assembled by hand since 1945, the manually operated toasters will last a lifetime. A switch controls browning, and defrost and bagel functions are included.

Categories
Health Living

Didi Wong on living life to the fullest as a wellness coach, entrepreneur, yogi & mother of four

Didi Wong
Didi Wong

Beyond being a renowned Integrative Wellness & Life Coach, Didi Wong is a writer, yogi, and entrepreneur. In spite of her busy professional schedule, she is known to still make time to eat healthily, exercise, and live life to the fullest. All of this while being a married mother of four. In turn, when conducting Q&A with Didi for Downtown, I could not help but feel motivated to not just do some planning for 2017 but to start getting those plans in action ASAP.

Didi can be visited online at www.didiwong.com, where she has been known to answer reader questions. She can be followed directly on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Meanwhile, her yoga-inspired lifestyle brand Chakras by didi maintains a home at www.chakrasbydidi.com.

You are known to have roots in New York. Where did you grow up?

Didi Wong: From the age of nine to 18, I grew up in both Hong Kong, a very metropolitan city, and the south of England, the countryside. I was sent to an all-girls boarding school called Sibton Park, and then at 12, I was accepted to a “royal” secondary school called Benenden, where alumni such as HRH Princess Anne and Hollywood star Rachel Weisz both went. Every Easter, Summer and Christmas, I would fly back to Hong Kong to spend a month or two with my parents and sisters. So if you were to add up the months of the year, it means that I spent four months out of each year in Hong Kong and eight months of the year in Kent, the countryside of the U.K. with the goats, sheep, horses, and cows!

Do you still have family based out in New York?

DW: Yes, my husband’s family is based in New York. Some live in the city, some live on Long Island. I am blessed to have a great relationship with all my in-laws.

What led you to leave New York and move out west?

DW: My husband Michael Duvert is an actor and had just finished his gig on Broadway — Tony Award-winning Best Play Of The Year, Take Me Out, in 2003 — and was blessed enough to book a pilot in Los Angeles. At that time, I was also in the acting business and had just booked a co-starring role opposite James Gandolfini in The Sopranos. So when his agent requested for him to move out west, I decided it was a good opportunity for us to take that leap of faith and move here. Fast forward 10+ years, and here we are!

Is there anything you miss about living in New York?

DW: Oh, how I miss New York City. There are so many things I miss about living in New York. First off, New Yorkers are one of a kind, in a good way! The city is full of energy, filled with languages from all over the world. I miss the theater, the live music, and the restaurants. I miss the daily walking, the subway — seeing the mixture of different types of people — the hustle, the convenience, the warm Nuts 4 Nuts stands with my favorite honey-roasted almonds, and my favorite part of the city: SoHo. I spent my most memorable years on the streets of Spring, Prince and West Broadway. The smallest apartment I ever lived in was on West Broadway with rats and roaches as my guests, yet it was such a great time of my life.

Do you have a favorite restaurant downtown?

DW: New York City changes by the minute, so I am sure there are many amazing restaurants that have opened since I left in 2006. But I am a classic girl, also a Francophile at heart, so Balthazar is still one of my favorites.

When was the last time you visited Lower Manhattan, and what do you think about the new World Trade and that Lower Manhattan has become the place to live, now being called a dining and shopping destination?

DW: I visited Lower Manhattan this past June and took a whole day to walk around the new World Trade shopping mall area and scanned through all the names engraved by the waterfalls. The mall was only opened for use to walk to the subway station and the shops weren’t even opened yet.

I had visited the 9/11 Museum back in August 2014 and was so fascinated by the artifacts and stories that I learned but didn’t get to finish reading, so I went back with my husband this past June and really spent time re-reading and re-watching all the displays and videos. I was living on West Broadway on 9/11, and I witnessed the terrorist attacks with my own eyes. It means a lot to me to see every item treasured for the museum, and I am so glad to have visited it again. The most intense part of the whole museum to me was the voicemails left by those whose lives were lost on that tragic day. I stood there listening to every message, and it brought tears to my eyes and gave me chills, as I imagine those moments when it was really happening.

It is incredible that they have managed to gather all these for the museum. The area is now so peaceful, and I think it is wonderful that it is now being called a dining and shopping destination.

Your bio notes that you are a mother of four and a business owner, yet still find time to eat healthily, exercise and live life to the fullest. To you, what exactly is living life to the fullest?

DW: Living life to the fullest means you feel completely satisfied with all aspects of your life. It also means finding balance in your life as well as achieving goals that you have had since you were a child.

For me, if I have to break it down, it means fulfilling my duty as a mother — dropping and picking up my children from school most of the time, volunteering at their schools, being present when spending time with them, socializing with the parents of their friends, talking to my children about life or being silly, playing with them and doing the general household responsibilities…

It means continuing to realize my own dreams — keeping my own identity as a woman and an entrepreneur, satisfying my own standards with my beauty and fitness regimen, continuing to be a student of life and letting life take its course…Keeping up with my relationships, making time for my husband and being present during those times, as well as keeping in touch with my friends and family inside and outside the country.

Did you have an awakening with regards to being productive and fulfilled?

DW: It’s not a myth when people say as you grow older, you gain wisdom. I think towards my mid-30s, I became more and more ambitious and confident in what I have to offer the world. My “awakening” was when I woke up one very early morning in July 2008, after having completed a five-day intensive yoga conference in Hong Kong, I had a calling in my dream and woke up with my first downward facing dog tank top in my mind. From that moment, I was on a journey to change my life. And now, eight years later, I have and continue to do so.

To stay productive, do you rely on any tools or apps? Are you big on scheduling and calendar management?

DW: This question made me smile…I smile because it is the one thing that I MUST do in order to keep my life in order. I am, by no means, one who writes every single little action down to the tee on my phone calendar. That would take too much time. But I do choose to prioritize and put down the important actions that I need to take including work meetings, coaching sessions with my clients if my children have anything special going on at school, my workout sessions as well as social gatherings. I am traditional in the sense that I still love to put pen to paper though I have evolved and started to use my “Reminders” icon as well as a color to coordinate on my calendar.

You specialize in helping pregnant women and new moms. What inspired to you to pursue that path? Was there a particular person or event?

DW: I naturally have a soft spot for women who are about to have babies or have just become a new mom. This is because, during that time of my life, I felt that I really needed support and that I was about to embark on a brand new chapter of my life and it was scary and exciting at the same time. It requires a lot of efforts in the physical and emotional preparation. This period of time generally brings about a positive outcome and I like to stay in the positive. I always think about how the Maternity Ward is the happiest section in the hospital. No matter what the situation is, bringing a newborn into the world is a miracle. What inspired me was simply my own journey having carried a boy, a girl, and twins. With my educational achievements in the Integrative Wellness and Life Coaching, I feel confident and knowledgeable in specializing in this demographic.

As a mother of four, did it get easier for you to become a mother with each child? Or is having four children that much more work?

DW: This is such a great question. The answer is definitely not black and white. I never found being a mother difficult because I did my work in preparing for motherhood, meaning that I was prepared to do whatever it takes to be a mother. Even with the waking up every three hours to feed or dealing with a baby who is sick, I found beauty in all the challenges that I had to face. I was pretty confident in knowing that I can follow my gut and when I feel something wasn’t right, I would act upon it. It was my maternal instincts.

With the three-year gap between my first and my second, having Joliette as a second child was easy. I knew exactly what I needed to do, I knew what it took to be a mother through every baby is different. There were still new things I had to learn like when she would only breastfeed for a few minutes at a time compared to Jean-Pierre, who was a great eater. These were simple aspects to overcome. I remember thinking that I was already ready for a third baby when Joliette was only three months because she was such a good baby. But the true big challenge came when two suddenly became four. Most people who know me, know that I almost never complain but having four children is no joke and not for the weary!

In the past year, life has been tremendously-overwhelming. With my career really taking shape and the need to be the best mother and wife I can possibly be and to spend the quality time that I used to have with my first born with my three other children, I had to rapidly change my expectations of myself. I am constantly grateful for the fact that I had identical twins and bask in the knowledge that this is so rare and I am so blessed. But it doesn’t take away the fact that my workload almost quadrupled in a matter of months. I still try to balance all aspects of my life and think I have done a good job but there are definitely days when my husband and I just look at each other and laugh and that look communicates everything that we know we have and have to do. We ask ourselves “Did we get punk’d?” often. With all the things I have to do, I concentrate on the positives and on the goodness and really try my best not to be in the victim’s seat. It is not easy but easy would be boring!

Didi Wong
Didi Wong

What specifically inspired you to get into yoga?

DW: To be honest, I didn’t think about it much when I stepped into my first class. It was a mere curiosity and spontaneous move! The first style that I tried was Bikram Yoga and it suited me because I loved the heat. I had a two-week trial pass and within the first week, I went four times and saw the results in my body, my mind and my intake of water! I liked who I was when I walked out of class and saw the subtleties of patience and kindness I started to develop.

What do you think is the best way for someone who doesn’t practice yoga to start doing it?

DW: Not to think about it too much and just go attend a class without expectations. Understand that you will not see results with taking only one class. Yoga teaches you patience. As with anything that has longevity, it takes time and practice. You are working from the inside out, so it is not something you can see right away. But trust in the process.

What is your favorite benefit of doing yoga?

DW: The Mental. I like the person I am when I do more yoga. I am more patient. I am more tolerant of the daily happenings that could be perceived as negative but I perceive them as positive, I am generally a kinder person and a person who appreciates and am more grateful for life.

Didi Wong in action
Didi Wong in action

Work-wise, what’s coming up for you in the near future? I understand you’ll be back in New York this Spring?

DW: 2017 is going to be a powerful and fruitful work year for me as I started an extremely promising new business with my business partner Stephanie in the world of Special Events. Social Spotlight Events aims to bring social media influencers and brands together to create profitable partnerships while shining light on a cause.

Our first event is in February. We are so pumped. As a life coach, I have also acquired quite a few new clients and working towards helping them to achieve their best life. Yes, I will be flying to New York City in the spring — I am so excited to meet my amazing publicist as well as do some new meet and greets with editors of magazines. Chakras by didi will continue its daily functions and launch some new collections. Jan. 28 begins the year of the Monkey. For the Dragons, like myself, it is supposed to be a big prosperous year! Let’s hope that is true!

When you have a free moment, how do you like to spend your free time?

DW: It is very rare now to have a free moment! So the things that I like to do during those times may sound mundane and boring. But I love to just read my magazines (Psychology Today, Travel and Leisure, US Weekly, Vogue), watch episodes of my favorite TV shows (Homeland, Bloodline, The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills), record my singing on my singing app, browse through Facebook to scan through what my friends are up to, spontaneously call to book a massage, go for a foot massage, go eat whatever I am craving that moment, light a candle, put on some Deva Premal and do some journaling, plan a date night with my husband, go to a kickboxing class, research my next vacation with or without kids, play the piano or do some online shopping. Perhaps this answer is for the question, “What would you do, if you had as much free time as you’d like?”

Finally, Didi, any last words for the kids?

DW: Be kind, be grateful and be yourself.