24Oct

Guest Post: The Velveteen Rabbit Review

velveteenrabbit

Guest writer Liat Ginsberg is a mother and former journalist for the Israeli newspaper, Maariv. She taught at the Film and Media Department at Hunter College. Our society is consumed with look, beauty, celebrity and money. Parents are constantly struggling to teach kids that life is more than external beauty. The Velveteen Rabbit, now playing at the Linda Gross Theater in Manhattan, is a play that demonstrates to kids through a rabbit and a skin horse some very important lessons. The musical, which is directed by Anya Saffir and adapted from the book Read More

14Oct

Where You’ll Find Me

where you'll find me

My international travels came to a crashing halt about six months ago, but they resume tomorrow as I head to Ireland with Insight Vacations. My physical therapy and healing process continues, but I'm really looking forward to going abroad. Meanwhile, I leave my kids in good hands while I'm away and carry their support with me as I embark on an adventure with other travel writers from around the world. I also just came back from the Society of American Travel Writers Association's conference in Las Vegas, where I spent five days networking and being Read More

09Oct

Giveaway: The New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show (Family Pack)

nybg

I've done this giveaway several years in a row, and I'm happy to be doing it again. The New York Botanical Garden’s annual Holiday Train Show is a part of our annual ritual of living in the NYC metropolitan area and it's back this year with additions to this NYC seasonal tradition, which will open to the public on Saturday, November 21, 2015, and run through Monday, January 18, 2016. The new Holiday Train Show enhances the visitor experience with three components, in addition to the ever-popular miniature wonderland  including a short film screening Read More

05Oct

My Thoughts on Motherhood & Travel

motherhoodtravel

When my first child was born, I was working in a job that involved quite a bit of travel, for long stretches at a time. The thought of leaving her for long stretches was mind-boggling. From breastfeeding to missing the small moments, I wondered how I would manage. I lasted about a year, and then I decided to go contract. I had been working in travel publishing and truly lived and breathed travel. My second child came within a year and then I was home with two babies whose lives depended on me. It was wonderful but a challenge, and a bit of a shock, Read More

02Oct

Discover the World with the New Findery Windows App

windows available now copy

I love Findery, a social network for travelers. If you love to travel and haven't used it yet, you must. It's the most personal, intimate way of sharing info and images about your travels with others. Download the app, set up an account and start sharing (and while you're there, check me out). The interaction is instantaneous. I also love that I can access it everywhere and can get tips from experts who are people like me who love to travel and want to share their favorite tips and experiences, and great photos. And now I'm excited that they've now Read More

22Sep

My Fave Dumplings in NYC + 2015 Chef One NYC Dumpling Festival

dumplingfest

We are big dumpling fans in my house. Steamed or lightly fried, you name it. Filled with vegies, meat, fish, potatoes, sweets or plain. Sweet, savory. In soups, in stew, with gravy. We just love them. I was inspired to write this post because the NYC Dumpling Festival 2015 is headed our way. The Dumping Festival will be held on the First Ever National Dumpling Day, which is very exciting. If you're looking for a good batch of dumplings in New York City, we've done the research. Here are three dumpling spots we love: Mandoo Bar (2 West 32nd Read More

09Sep

Our Family Vacation on Carnival Cruise Line

cruisepic

As a former anti-cruise goer, I am happy to report that the last (and first!) cruise my family took was a great success. We enjoyed seeing different parts of the world, the variety of entertainment and daily activities, the international staff and the fact that everyone found something to do. Our days were full of sunshine, sitting by the pool, riding the waterslide and spending quality time together. There was also plenty for my special needs child to appreciate. My cynicism was squashed and it was decided that cruises for us a family work. So this Read More

04Sep

My SPG Moment at the U.S. Open

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Last night was one of the those quintessential, out-of-this-world NYC nights. I was invited by Starwood Preferred Guest the (Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, St Regis, W, etc. chain), who partnered with USTA to provide us with VIP access to watch matches from the SPG Luxury Suite at center court of the U.S. Open. If you read this blog often, you know this "mom not ready to give up hot dogs" loves special moments. I live for new experiences, and SPG Moments is all about the once in a lifetime moments. From VIP hospitality that includes backstage meet and Read More

03Sep

A Trip to Houston with the Kids

houston

We recently spent a quick few days in Houston, Texas, before boarding a ship in nearby Galveston. It was our first time to this sprawling city, and when I say, "sprawling," I mean it. Houston is a BIG city - the sixth largest in the country, spreading over 8,788 square miles.  We had a car, which was necessary, to get around. Despite Houston being known as a popular U.S. city, I had no idea it had so much to offer tourists - from museums to restaurants to its proximity to the port, it has a lot to offer families on vacation. Unfortunately, I wasn't in Read More

02Sep

A Family-Friendly Visit to Hip Austin

livelovepaddle

I'll say it upfront. I'll just get it out there before you go on so you know how I feel about Austin. I love this Texan city. On our recent visit, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd been itching to attend SXSW, an annual Austin trade show, as a marketer for the past 10 years and have ogled at the photos of colleagues and friends year after year, leaving a sense of curiosity and wander for what all the hype was all about. Would it truly be the land of the hipsters, as I envisioned it, and how would that go down with my kids? Well, fortunately enough, it Read More