If it’s your first time exploring New York, one of the easiest ways to get familiar with the iconic landmarks of the city is to take a guided tour and that’s where CitySights NY can help.

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Last week I had the opportunity to hop on the CitySights NY Twilight Cruise (90-minutes) and took in the sights of New York.  Even though I grew up in NY (Brooklyn to be exact!) going on the CitySights tour was a huge treat and is indeed now one of my favorite things to do. View Post

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With the school year coming to a close for summer break, routines and structures will soon be coming to a close and its indeed oh so bittersweet.  Which means we are now ready for some freedom..freedom to party with friends at BBQS, visiting local carnivals, exploring beaches and playing in the park, way beyond bedtime.

One of our best summer experiences to date, is when we visited our cousins in Florida. The kids (and even I) had experienced a few firsts when we had visited, which made it that much more memorable. While the boys were excited about their first airplane ride the hubby and I had both hands on deck while we experienced our first in traveling with two toddler boys. Thank goodness for kid-friendly onboard options and for planning ahead (sunscreen, check – bathing suits, check).

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It was a wonderful week in Florida with the family. Making tons of memories.  Isn’t that what Summer is all about?  Making memories??!!

As all moms know, planning ahead is key! This definitely applies with sunscreen. Before heading to your family outing, consider how long you will be outside and how many times everyone will need to reapply – remember to bring sunscreen for ALL outdoor activities, hikes, bike rides, swimming or even just a meal out in the backyard.

My absolute favorite sunscreen is Banana Boat®. Your kids may or may not enjoy the application process of sunscreen, but keep reminding them that they are protecting their body’s largest organ – their skin! Banana Boat® Sunscreen offers clinically proven, broad UV coverage to keep you safe.

Be sure to apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to you and your kids’ entire bodies 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

And if your little ones are still resisting sunscreen..make up lyrics (try the “Happy Birthday” theme) to your own melody to sing while applying sunscreen. It keeps them engaged and makes it feel like less of a chore.

sunscreen for family

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So whatever your summer adventures maybe..from the the beach, a picnic, a road trip, camping – the destinations are endless and be sure to carry the #1 protectant for your family – Banana Boat® Sunscreen.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Banana Boat® . The opinions and text are all mine.

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After you shaked and boogied with these DIY maracas aka shakers, you must enjoy some delicious Sombrero Cookies – another super easy and inexpensive project to do with your little ones!

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Last week, I attended the Kate Spade flagship boutique located on 789 Madison Avenue to view their Spring collection, I also had the opportunity to meet with fellow bloggers while sipping on champagne and mini cupcakes (delish!)..what an awesome way to kick off the spring season!!

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photos by Jonathan Castellanos 

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The 100th day of school finally arrived and the kids couldn’t be happier with the fun activities that were waiting for them when they entered through the decorative 100 day sign.

 

Throughout the week the students created a 100 day quilt with 100 water colored pieces. B’s is #66.  

100th day crafts

Related Post: 100th Day Of School DIY Project

Looking for some great classroom activities? Try these.  

100 Fruit Loops Necklace: 

100 fruit loop necklace

What You Need:

  • Box of “Froot Loops” or other similar rainbow-colored “o” cereal
  • Length of clean string, about 24″
  • Scotch tape

What You Do:

  1. To prepare for this activity start by cutting a small length (about ½”) of scotch tape. Wrap it tightly around one end of the string to form a firm end, sort of like a shoelace tip. This helps little hands get strings through the holes in the cereal.
  2. Help your child tie a firm knot about 2″ from the other end of the string.
  3. Pour out a large bowl of the cereal, and explain to him that he’ll be making a necklace using exactly 100 of these o’s. Here’s the catch: in keeping with primary math standards, you’ll be doing this a special way, counting by tens.
  4. Have him start with ten o’s of one color, and string them on.
  5. He’ll then move on to 10 pieces of a different color, and so on up to 100, until he completes a full rainbow necklace.
  6. These necklaces usually look great and are lots of fun to make. But before you tie it off and place it on his neck, take a minute to savor some important learning. Stretch the string lengthwise on a table, and invite him to join you in counting off by tens!
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And to end the day, I made these little 100 day smart cookies for each kid to take home…

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As for me….I am ready for a nap…it was a fun day for all and I wouldn’t have had it any other way!

I’d also love to hear how you spent your 100 Day! I am always looking for new ideas to try out!

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