Guilt: Working Women
July 11, 2014Over the past month I have met a number of different women, all with fascinating backgrounds, for coffee to talk business, share ideas, seek mentorship, triumphs and struggles. Despite the different stages in life each are in (20s, 30s, 40s & 50s) there seems to be the general over harking struggle with guilt. I don’t have enough time for my friends, Read more (…)
Half Birthdays, First Birthdays, and Fun with Grandparents
July 9, 2014Exactly one year ago this week, my little family and I moved from New York City to the Washington, DC area. It seems like just last week and forever ago all at once. In that time, my baby girl has celebrated her half birthday, eaten solid food, gone swimming, stood up, walked, talked, signed, cut Read more (…)
Baby Proofing: The Vicious Cycle
July 2, 2014I’ve finally figured out the ultimate baby-proofing technique: full body armor, equipped with helmets and kneepads. Kidding (sort of). Baby-proofing is extremely tricky. Once you think you have it figured out, those little explorers beat the system again and again. The climbing is the worst. What are you supposed to do? Remove all of your Read more (…)
Be Mini Couture Special Promotion
June 13, 2014We sat down and interviewed Heidi Lieske, CEO of Be Mini Couture and learned all about this lil’ fashion site. Luckily for BFC members, Be Mini Couture is running a special for $25 off your order using our exclusive discount code (keep reading to see it!). What is Be Mini Couture? Be Mini Couture is the Read more (…)
How Will We See Our Photographs in 100 Years?
April 25, 2014With digital it easy to forget that having photographs in frames and on our walls and tabletops has a powerful effect. We see and remember the beauty and joy of our lives. We also forget that the most secure way to have heirlooms is through prints. Whether a print is from a digital image or from film, Read more (…)
Spring Newsletter
April 16, 2014Spring is here! We have selected a few fun tips, tricks, reminders, and insider info from our latest newsletter! If you don’t subscribe to our monthly newsletter yet, click here to get the full scoop. Happy Easter & Passover from everyone here at LLD Wishing you and your family a great holiday! Let us all hope Read more (…)
The Winter Blues
February 25, 2014Living in the polar region of northeast Ohio I have developed a severe case of the winter blues. I’ve cleaned every nook and cranny, in, out and under the refrigerator, paint touchups and shopped till I dropped (or ran out of money– whichever came first). So, what to do next? Last shopping trip at Home Goods, Read more (…)
“It’s Amazing You All Survived”
November 6, 2013For me, my mother is and always has been a wealth of information on a variety of topics; since having my first child, she now more than ever is my first call for just about anything. However, it is clear that quite a bit has changed since the day I was just a wee one. Tomorrow is Read more (…)
Flu for Two
October 30, 2013Nothing is more heartbreaking than a sick baby. I’ve had to deal with two this past week, luckily for me, not at the same time. My husband came home one night from work not feeling well and proceeded to get up in the middle of the night with a violent flu (which what we originally Read more (…)
You’ve Never Heard of a Cornbox?!
October 23, 2013Fall is a great time of year. The trees are beautiful, the temperature is just right, and there are a lot of great outdoor activities to do. Having a child who is old enough to participate in the activities, is awesome. There are so many things that the city and surrounding areas have to offer Read more (…)
Murky Waters
October 21, 2013As a woman who has nannied professionally for years and also has an educational background in Social Work and Early Childhood Development, I have worked with children, families, and caregivers in a variety of ways. I am privy to the nanny’s perspective, the family’s perspective and what my own experiences have taught me. So, what Read more (…)
Mama Bell Is Back For Her Last!
October 14, 2013Recently while visiting my daughter in NYC, I had the opportunity to meet and have dinner with her boyfriend’s father, who was visiting his son from Texas. Visiting may be the wrong verb, as we were both in the city for the same reason: to help our children with their prospective business start-ups. We sat Read more (…)
A Lil’ Thank You from our Leader…
October 11, 2013I’m not yet a mama, I’m what I like to call a mama in the making. Like all LLD sitters, I care for the children around me like they were my own until my own moment of glory happens! Since working on LLD full time, I have not had as much time to babysit like Read more (…)
First Edition of the Modern Mary Poppins Chronicles!
October 9, 2013We are very excited to introduce Ali Sheppard, MSW. She is joining the Lucky Lil’ Darlings team as our Nanny Placement Coordinator. Ali has worked with and assisted hundreds of families over the last 15 years in NYC, North Carolina, and all over! She has an extensive background in Early Childhood Development, Sociology, Psychology and Contemporary Parenting. She Read more (…)
Global Sitters come to NYC
October 7, 2013Two of LLD’s current sitters were Au Pairs in Germany for the same family of four kids, one year after the other. The best souvenir they brought home- was one of the lil’ blondies for a week! The girls each interviewed with LLD to be sitters soon after their German babies flew back home, and Read more (…)
Introducing Georgia!
October 4, 2013This Friday, we’d like to introduce you to a great kid, baby, & family photographer: Georgia Glennon! Georgia has a degree in photography and worked behind the camera in NYC for years before moving down to Sayulita, Mexico for a change of scenery. Georgia now regularly schedules photo shoots for families traveling to her beautiful city, Read more (…)
So Easy a Caveman Could Do It?
September 27, 2013I recently had my daughters one month doctors appointment. During this visit the pediatrician said something that has stuck with me, which I have passed along to other moms. When asking how everything was going (e.g., breastfeeding, etc). she shared with me that when she was going through it all with her little ones her Read more (…)
Fall Favorites from LLD
September 25, 2013With the cold weather fast approaching, we thought we’d share some awesome fall favorites of our staff here at LLD today including food, activities, and more! We love these activities for families to do together and remember fondly taking part with our own families growing up! How many have you done with your lil’ darlings? Read more (…)
Shopaholics 101
September 23, 2013My husband dropped me off on Saturday at a friend’s house, just like my dad used to do in high school, before continuing on to a nearby bachelor party for our son-in-law. Meanwhile, we had hours of fun filled shopping planned for the day: places I wanted to go, places she wanted to go and places Read more (…)
Why Hire a Nanny?
September 20, 2013With our nanny week coming to a close, we thought we’d share why you should get a nanny for your family: Highly educated nannies have knowledge to draw off of and are often great built in tutors for your children Nannies help take a load off of working parents. They can help complete homework, tidy up, and Read more (…)
Who Run the World? Baby Girls
September 18, 2013For the eight months my daughter has been on this planet, I have spent 7.5 of them making sure she’s not disturbing someone. You see, she is FULL of personality and lets her feelings be known regularly and with energy. She has a little cousin (born just three months after her) who is quite mellow Read more (…)
Happy nanny, happy Henry
September 11, 2013In a 48 hour window of time I went from stay-at-home mom back to teaching! An opportunity came up that I couldn’t refuse. I was super excited to be returning to teaching and getting back into the working world. However, my bubble quickly burst when I realized I had to find child care for my Read more (…)
The Bell Family Nanny
September 9, 2013When I went back to work after having my last baby there was a big problem. I had five kids, one going to part time kindergarten, and no babysitter or nanny. So I enlisted the help of a newspaper, friends and family to help with the search. Unfortunately, I did not find anyone I felt Read more (…)
Back to School Time
August 27, 2013As I watch one back to school commercial after another, I can’t help but reflect back on my years as a teacher. I have such admiration for teachers as they have a daunting, often thankless job and sometimes end up dealing with bad press: “teachers are paid too much for what they do,” “they have summers Read more (…)
Attack of the Growing Babies
August 7, 2013Being a newbie mommy, I find myself constantly adapting to my babies’ ever-changing ways. This (and the lack of sleep) have been the most challenging part of mommy-hood thus far. I was starting to get used to the girls sleeping a good 6-7 hours a night, now they’re up every 4 hours again frantically searching Read more (…)
Shower, Shower
August 5, 2013It was a showery baby shower in Toledo, Ohio this past Saturday afternoon. I drove through what seemed like a monsoon with a friend only to arrive and have to carry myself and gifts through the rain. Practically felt a few sprinkles inside as I looked up through the ceiling windows… there was quite a storm Read more (…)
Party on Pier 57
August 2, 2013Join LLD and Baby Loves Disco Wednesday, August 14th at the coolest new space in Chelsea: The Marina at Pier 57. Pier 57 is located on the West side at 15th street and is part of the Hudson River Park system. The newly renovated space, decorated with shipping containers and chalk, features delicious kid-friendly food Read more (…)
Vacation Crashers
July 29, 2013My husband and I are referring to ourselves as “vacation crashers” as we just left one daughter’s family in Cape Cod and are about to join another in DC. We are accompanying her to the Chesapeake Bay Hilton resort for a business retreat. As teachers we surely never had such an opportunity before. The resort was Read more (…)
Wacky Weather
July 26, 2013All these crazy heat waves and cold fronts are a great opportunity to teach the lil’ ones about weather, temperature, and the instruments that measure temperature: (homemade) thermometers! What will you need: Tap water Rubbing Alcohol Clear narrow necked plastic bottle (water bottle will work just fine) Food coloring Clear drinking straw Modeling clay or Read more (…)
Beat the Heat
July 19, 2013Summer weather is finally here and boy is it hot! When it’s too hot for a pool or beach day, sitting in the nice AC is a great way to keep your lil’ ones cool and safe from the heat and sun. But, your lil’ ones are sure to get antsy being cooped up indoors, Read more (…)
Tips for Nanny Contracts
July 12, 2013It’s almost time to think about back-to-school arrangements. Pick-ups, drop offs, snack time, extra laundry, playdates, and of course organizing childcare! Having a nanny can be a vital part of many family’s daily routine, but sometimes negotiating the ins and outs of a nanny’s responsibilities can be difficult at the beginning of a new relationship. Read more (…)
The Waiting Game
July 10, 2013Meet our newest Sitter2Mom blogger, Samantha! Samantha is a former LLD sitter, event planner, and elementary school teacher. She and her husband live in New York and are expecting their first child in August! With 4 1/2 weeks to go until our due date, I am finding myself torn between wanting to do 10 million Read more (…)
Garage Sale: The Results
May 29, 2013The extra set of hands I hoped for were selflessly there so we unpacked my junk, I mean treasure quickly. As garage sales go I think we had a diamond in the rough. We were ready for garage sale mania. That evening we decided to walk the neighborhood and take a peak at the competition and I Read more (…)
Diaper Diaries Week 7: The Formula Wars
April 15, 2013It was a beautiful Tuesday morning and my daughter and I had just dressed the babies and were headed out the door for a much anticipated day of shopping. Boy did this charming scene change in a hurry. I had just strapped the baby into her car seat when projectile vomit headed in my direction. Read more (…)
Prenatal Workout Take 2
January 29, 2013We recently did a post on the benefits of exercising while pregnant and we’re back with a few more of the top exercises for pregnant moms from Kendra Fitzgerald, the founder of Barefoot Tiger! Before you start exercising, it’s important to be aware of these exercise tips and reminders to avoid injury as you approach your Read more (…)
LLD Cycles for a Cure
January 17, 2013If you live in the Hamptons, chances are you have seen LLD’s clip about Cycle for Survival that began airing this month on the following days & times: Tuesday at 3pm Thursday at 10:30am Friday at 9pm Saturday at 2pm For those of you who don’t live in the Hampton’s, this video shows the connection between Read more (…)
What to do on New Year’s Eve?
December 31, 2012For years my husband and I opted out of extravagant plans due to finances with five kids under roof. As the kids grew up and started making plans of their own we decided to stay home to transport them to and from their destinations safely. Now with the kids gone we are too tired to bother Read more (…)
A Doggy Delight
September 27, 2012We all know that lil’ darlings come in all different shapes, sizes, personalities, and…breeds. Yup, that’s right, four-legged friends hold a special place in LLD’s heart and we are determined to find you the best resources for all the lil’ darlings in your life! We were so excited to be able to go to a Read more (…)
Delicious and Nutritious?
August 28, 2012If your children are anything like I was growing up, hearing the word “healthy” made me instantly rebel and refuse to eat what was handed to me by my parents. To my young ears healthy meant inedible, yucky, and boring. I wanted the sweet and salty of unhealthy food and the fun shapes and sizes Read more (…)
Our Sitters & their Mamas!
May 10, 2012In appreciation of the #1 woman in our lives this Mother’s Day we are highlighting our hardworking sitters & their mamas. Hear what some of our sitters have to say about their favorite person: My mom has given me everything, and I try all the time to give just as much back-Laura W. & her Read more (…)
Moms-are you in need of some TIME to yourself?
May 8, 2012We have the solution. Forward this post to your mother, father, sister, brother, friend…anyone looking to treat you this Mother’s Day. We are offering pre-paid babysitting gift certificates. No fuss, just purchase via credit card & mention next time you want to book a sitter. As always we can customize to your liking. So if Read more (…)
Giveaway for LLD Blog Readers!
May 3, 2012We have talked about BuggyLOVE before. And we are again because we like them… A lot. Especially with all the summer travel you have planned with your trusty stroller, you’ll need an easy-to-pack kit to keep your ride safe & clean! No more worries about the dirt and grime that accumulates on a daily basis on your Maclaren. Read more (…)
Amtrak Trains Rolling Into a City Near You!
May 2, 2012Do your kids have a passion for trains? We sure do! We can’t wait to stop by the Amtrak National Train Day on Saturday, May 12. All across the nation trains will pull into stations and kids can fulfill their craving for trains as they drool over model trains and walk around the historical and Read more (…)
Deliciously Delightful Cakes from Cake Alchemy
April 26, 2012Yummmm cake. Not just any kind of cake. Cake Alchemy a pastry chef, now a cake tailor, I met with the owner & creative mastermind Lauri Ditunno who has honed her skills to inspire beauty & fashion through cake. “Becoming a pastry chef, my vision is to use my creative prowess to provide clients with Read more (…)
LLD Austin Enjoys Baby Loves Disco & Meets Sunshine Photographers!
April 23, 2012A few of our Austin Sitters kicked off Baby Loves Disco Austin last week. It was the perfect indoor activity on a rainy day. LLD Sitters Mandy & Kelly helped kids create family trees through coloring. Another vendor nearby left early, so LLD jumped in to make sure all the kids were covered at the Read more (…)
Moms In Training to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
April 20, 2012As a first-time mom, I was in love with my new lil’ man, but I certainly was not prepared for how he would REALLY change my life. I just assumed that after giving birth, I’d be back on my feet and racing around Central Park in no time—I was mistaken. My strict workout regimen was Read more (…)
Safe and Effective Skincare for the whole family!!
April 5, 2012Are you looking for the perfect skincare that works for you, your hubby or wife, kids and more? VMV Hypoallergenics is “a hypoallergenic, cosmeceutical doctor brand with oodles of products” as their website reads. They make products that are safe for every part of the skin and help with every sort of problem from diaper Read more (…)
LLD’s New Favorite Bakery!
April 3, 2012Hey Moms! Looking for a nut-free bakery for your lil’ one? Try Elenis’s NY & show off your colored Easter eggs or Passover cookies however you wish – they’ll be too pretty to hide. And get this…It’s edible & a kid’s activity! Purchase 20 hand-iced sugar cookies and 15-pack edible ink markers and make an Read more (…)
Grab your baskets, It’s time for Easter Egg Hunts!
April 2, 2012Spring has sprung and Easter is right around the corner… You know what that means! Easter Egg Hunts!! This Saturday, April 7th, The Conran Shop at 888 Broadway, New York is hosting their very own in-store, Spring Egg Hunt. The lil’ ones will be able to search high and low throughout the store for the Read more (…)
Flying with Kids? Call Nanny in the Clouds!
March 30, 2012I fly all the time. Too much actually. And I don’t like it. The one thing that keeps me calm on a flight is kids. Then Nanny in the Clouds was introduced to me. Matching parents with nannies that are already on the flight. The mom gets an extra pair of hands & the nanny Read more (…)
Lucky Lil’ Blog is Here!
March 29, 2012We are so excited to introduce you to our newly launched Lucky Lil’ Blog your HQ for all that is hip & happening in our LLD coverage areas as well as cool announcements on our approved products, reviews on posh new hotels & resorts, intros on our stellar sitters, awesome people we think you should Read more (…)
LLD’s Take on Role Models
March 27, 2012As soon as you think about your lil’ one growing up, who can help but think about who is going to be their role model. Who is going to help them grow up to be the best that they can be! First and foremost of course the family! You know, moms, dads, brothers and sisters, Read more (…)
Need a Date Day/Night? LLD can Help!
March 26, 2012Longing to finally get out of your apartment? You have been busy keeping your children’s social calendar in line, but forgot yourself? LLD sitters travel with our families making for a more balanced family vacation. It’s spring and it’s time to break away during the day during your vacation, for your spa appointment, that lunch Read more (…)
LLD and Cut the Clutter have something for YOU!
March 22, 2012It’s spring cleaning time! LLD knows organizing is something that usually gets put on busy moms’ back burners, but what if we gave you a GREAT reason to make it a priority? We’re teaming up with our friends at Cut The Clutter (CTC) to offer Manhattan families the Organized Family Spring Cleaning Package! If you Read more (…)
Moms! Stay fit with Stroller Strides
March 21, 2012Vika Osipenko, mother of one beautiful lil’ girl, is the UWS’scontact for Stroller Strides, the country’s largest (and growing) strollerfitness program for moms. Stroller Strides has everything from prenatal classes calledFit4Baby and mommy classes after the lil’ ones are born called Body Back. Whata great way to stay fit throughout and after your pregnancy! And Read more (…)
LLD at Baby Loves Disco
March 20, 2012Last weekend LLD was lucky enough to meet so many kids and families at the Baby Loves Disco in Philadelphia at the Shampoo Lounge & New York City at Le Poisson Rouge. We had two lovely sitters, Brittany B and Kate T, who helped out with our interactive table that had fun activities to do Read more (…)
LLD Weekend Pick-My Gym UWS!
March 16, 2012Looking for just the rightindoor gym for your children? Here are 5 reasons to go with My Gym on the UWS! The energetic group at My Gym! 1. All of theirteachers have “My Gym DNA” which is a unique blend of energy, love of children,creativity and physical fitness. 2. All programming isintention based. Children have fun while Read more (…)
Our Sitters take on Star Wars!
March 15, 2012This past Monday four of our LLD sitters including myself, Kristy K, JenniferS and Laura W wrangled nearly 50 children at Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Times Square as their parents enjoyed apresentation hosted by our friends at MomtrendsNYC & Sunstar G.U.M for the launch of the new Star Warstoothbrushes. Laura, Lindsay, Kristy & Read more (…)
Playtime for Kids at Heart!
March 13, 2012I had my first taste of Playtime New York’s International TradeShow dedicated to the universes of children and junior. It was basically a well pulled together trade show featuringchildren collections for fall/winter 2012/2013. The designers come from all parts of the world. A few brands I stopped by included Woollyboo based in New Jersey, Neve/Hawk in Read more (…)
What’s your Spring Work-out Plan? Give Figure 4 a try!
March 12, 2012After our CPR Training taught by none another thenLieutenant Betty from FDNY, we love her spunk, LLD enjoyed a new kind of workout hosted by Pure Yoga West. Pure Yoga, which Access Hollywood calls the placewhere you can “be fit like Jennifer Aniston”, hosted LLD for our first Figure 4 experience! Createdby professional ballet dancer Read more (…)
Recycle Your Kid’s Clothes without Leaving Your House + Get Cash Back
March 10, 2012What’s on your spring cleaning agenda? Like most moms, we are sure you want toorganize the kid’s closets. Whether you take on the duty solo or call someonelike our friends at Cut the Clutter,be sure to have an organization plan. One step of that plan is where to toss out your unwanted clothes. Check out this Read more (…)
Today’s Kind of Babysitter
March 8, 2012Lana Del Rey still babysits. She may be an up and coming music star according to TheHuffington Post, but the buzzed about singer’s other job when she’s at homeis none other than babysitting! Lana Del Rey She’s not the only one. LLD’s troupe of over 100 professional sitters includemedical students from Johns Hopkins, advertising & Read more (…)
Weddings This Spring with Lydia Ross
March 6, 2012LLD knows we’re all hoping for spring to… well “SPRING” into action. February is over and it’s almost time for spring break. What’s on the calendar for spring you ask?? Well we heard weddings weddings and more weddings! For the inside scoop on what to expect this spring, expert Lydia Ross spoke with us about Read more (…)
eco-friendly baby shower & birthday party invitations
March 5, 2012Since we are on the topic of baby showers and birthday parties,when you are ready to be the hostess, where do you start? The invitations of course! I came across PaperCulture from one of my LLD member moms. Paper Culture is a modern eco-friendly stationary company that brings a uniquetwist to boring stuff that reads like Read more (…)
Things to do this weekend in PHILLY!
March 2, 2012Philly has SO much to offer for local families … Here what one of our wonderful sitters Brittany B rates as her top 3 rated family friendly places: Please Touch Museum- it’s a museum for kids! They offer so much for all ages of children to do. A great event for families and kids or Read more (…)
LLD introduces Wellyfish!
February 29, 2012A friend of mine called on me last night to introduce me to Wellyfish, the best in wellness deals in NYC & Los Angeles.They are introducing A Midwife’s Gift pregnancy packs for each trimester. Wellyfish, the new, trendy conscious deal site, has partnered with Shop Vital Child, creator of the meticulously designed A Midwife’s Gift pregnancy baskets, for its exclusive launch. Devoted Read more (…)
Stumped on what to get for the perfect birthday present??
February 28, 2012Nowthat you have your shower gifting complete time to get that unique birthdaygift that everyone talks about! Lets say you have a birthday party for 3 yr old boy, where should you start? Start with a Splendid brand pull over hoodie striped in blue perfect for springbreak and the beach. This vacation must have is Read more (…)
Get Your Must Have Baby Shower Gift!
February 27, 2012Behind on your shopping for your line-up of baby showers this spring? Here is our LLD Approved top pick for your next ” its a girl” baby shower! Angel Dear gowns are quick and easy for a diaper change, good for girls and boys and best yet it covers the entire leg so your lil’ Read more (…)
Windy City Families what are your plans for the weekend?
February 24, 2012One of our Chicagositters did some digging, and here is what she found going on in Chicago forthe weekend: There are always greatactivities for kids/families at the touristy-type locations such as The Shedd Aquarium, AdlerPlanetarium, Museum ofScience and Industry, ChicagoChildren’s Museum, and the Field Museumof Natural History! Try visiting the InternationalKennel Club Dog Show happening Read more (…)
Why pay a membership for a sitter service?
February 23, 2012We often get asked, “Why should I pay a membership fee to hire asitter” and the answer is simple… Mom and dad’s are very busy and juggling family, work, and life can be such adaily challenge. Add in trying to find trustworthy sitters through one’spersonal network, then screening those prospective sitters and the process canbe Read more (…)
Ahhh Another Travel Necessity!
February 21, 2012Spring break is around the corner and that meansit’s time for us to compile our favorite list of travel activities to inspire,educate and distract your children. Here is our first! I was introduced to Lazoo at the J&RJr. store launch a few weeks back. Iwas immediately drawn to the bright colors inspired by the brand’s Read more (…)
STRUT! The fashionable mom show!
February 20, 2012Mother of three, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, is the Director of Fashion at the Lincoln Center in NYC as well as the liaison between countless parties involved in fashion week. Stephanie believes that mothers can not only be fashionable, but they can also gain strength from mixing style and raising children while working! You really can have it all! Stephanie Read more (…)
Here’s to all our Atlanta Families!
February 17, 2012Here we come! LLD has reached yet another big east coast city: Atlanta. We’ve already rounded up some of the best sitters in town and are ready to help with everyone’s lil’ ones down south. If you’re stumped about something to do for the weekend in the city, one of our newest sitters Courtney Kligman Read more (…)
Plan your child’s birthday party with Blast Events!
February 16, 2012Annie Steinberg–Joachim has been in the events industry for 10+ years. She has built her reputation on being an upbeat event planner who is extremely detail oriented. What sparked Blast Events? Blast Events NYC was sparked by the birthday of my nephews Jackson and Truman. They are the most fun little guys in the world. Read more (…)
Feel the LOVE at Cycle for Survival
February 14, 2012For Valentine’s Day this year I wanted to highlight a causethat always makes me smile. You can literally feel the love at the annualevents hosted in Equinox gyms across theUS. That event is MemorialSloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Cycle for Survival, the indoor cyclingfundraiser raising awareness for rare cancers. LLD was there happy to supportthe very important Read more (…)
A Valentine’s Celebration
February 13, 2012Today the Tottenville Library on Staten Island had a Valentine’s Day Celebration for lil’ ones of all ages. Toddlers of three and pre-teens of twelve were welcomed into the library to celebrate all the love that Valentine’s Day brings. With a library filled with stories of love, where better to spend the afternoon! Some of Read more (…)
LLD is Opening in AUSTIN! Meet our City Coordinator!
February 10, 2012Meet our City Coordinator in Austin: Mandy Takacs. Lindsay (our founder) & Mandy met in college through their sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma. Mandy grew up 20 miles away from Lindsay outside of Cleveland, Ohio (but we had no idea at the time!) She was was a cheerleader and a Girl Scout growing up and has always adored Read more (…)
Bring Back Family Dinners!
February 9, 2012By AllisonBrooks This is the 21st Century! Home ofthe overworked, underpaid, tired and in dire need of “me” time.Parents, children, husbands, wives and extended family are become isolated fromeach other, due to disparate schedules, after school activities, work and amyriad of other reasons. These days, people go to the nearest drive thru andeat on the Read more (…)
What is your sitter back-up plan?
February 7, 2012What is your babysitter back-up plan? Kids are sick and home from school. Nanny or regular sitter is sick. Grandparents, friends are at work… Ugh. It is important for every family to have a go-to sitter service,group or person that you can rely on for those last minute curve balls. Check out this article on Read more (…)
Lil’ tips from a LA LLD Sitter
February 3, 2012Los Angeles is a great place to spend quality time with your family especially outdoors. Meet our Los Angeles City Coordinator Paige Williams on what she tries to take full advantage of in LA with the lil’ ones: The Grove - An outdoor mall with lots of things to do! Check online for weekly kid friendly activities hosted Read more (…)
In a time crunch? We can help!
February 2, 2012Did anyone see the recent article in “The Wall Street Journal” Is a Babysitter the Answer? Click here to read. Basically this mother has managed without a sitter for years, but for the first time in her life the kid’s schedules are too hectic and she is in need of an extra pair of hands. She Read more (…)
Valentine’s Day Packages!
January 31, 2012Hey Dads! Lost at where to start for Valentine’s Day but want to give your partner the perfect gift? Looking for something different this year? How about one of our LLD customized packages? We will help guide you towards the perfect Valentine’s gift specialized to your partner’s favorite places, products and more! And the BEST Read more (…)
New Way to Bring Balance to Your Family
January 30, 2012Della Clark,former Division I NCAA All-American, uses the power of sports to empowerchildren and teach them lifelong values. I recently sat down with Della, who is also a certified Reiki Practitioner.Reiki is the Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that allowsone to manifest a life of happiness, harmony and health. Her number one goal Read more (…)
Weekend Ideas for NY, CT, and LA LLD Families
January 27, 2012Want to mix up your weekend routine a little? With Januarycoming to a close, LLD has found some exciting events to kick off February andkeep your lil’ ones entertained for the whole weekend! First, for all you New Yorkers out there, it is an absoluteMUST to stop by some of these kid-friendly Chinese New Year Read more (…)
Reliable Childcare Makes for a Well Balanced Family
January 26, 2012Childcare is an investment. I realize that on every level andI’m not yet a mother. It is timely. Itis a financial commitment. Click hereto read Denise Schipani’s post on Daily Worth, she spent over $80,000 onchildcare while her children were growing up and she says it was worth everypenny. Finally, it is an emotional commitment. Read more (…)
Snack time made Fun!
January 24, 2012Once again it is snack time and I have just returned from thegrocery store with a hungry, fussy three year old. I have just started to unload the car full of groceries and out ofthe corner of her eye she spots the bight colored FunBites. I explained to her that they arefor making food fun Read more (…)
5 signs of a great sitter
January 23, 2012When do you know you found a top-notch sitter? Here are my 5signs of a great sitter! Sheasks questions! Your sitter is through, savvy & smart. You know you found agem if she asks you for the 411 before she starts babysitting. Does your lil’one have allergies? Can you give me a tour of your Read more (…)
Weekend Must Do’s for Your Lil’ Ones
January 20, 2012Meetour new LLD sitter Amie Valpone, HHC, AADP who is a Manhattan based PersonalChef, Culinary Nutritionist, Whole Living Expert, Professional Recipe Developerand Food Writer specializing in simple Gluten-Free ‘Clean’ recipes for the home. Amie is the author of the blog, The Healthy Apple andthe Publisher and Marketing Director of theonline gluten-free magazine, Easy Eats. She workshands-on with families as a Personal Chef and HealthyFamily Pantry Read more (…)
5 Tips for Balancing Hormones Naturally
January 18, 2012Nicole Jardim is acertified women’s holistic health coach specializing in the treatment ofhormonal imbalances that cause conditions like PMS, fibroids, infertility andendometriosis. 1. Avoid caffeine(coffee, soda and other “energy” drinks): Caffeine increases estrogenlevels. Studies have shown that drinking just two cups of coffee a day boostslevels of estradiol, a natural estrogen. Every woman has anatural, Read more (…)
Checkout what I heard from Daily Candy Kids!
January 17, 2012Checkout what I heard from Daily Candy Kids! The ibaby Video Monitor for iphones andipads! Bigbrother is watching. So is the babysitter on her iPad, dad on his iPhone, andmom on her office computer. Asmany as four people at once can keep an eye on your prize with the iBabyMonitor — the only mobile video Read more (…)
New Family Friendly Center in Westchester!
January 14, 2012Looking for anew family friendly day activity? How about Westchester’s Ridge Hill center? Ichecked it out today and despite the chilly temps, it was perfect to walkaround and get some fresh air. They just newly opened, so only a few stores areup and running, but it was enough for me; GAP, Old Navy, H&M, Orvis,Desigual, Read more (…)
Dana’s Kids gives advice about New Years Resolutions
January 12, 2012Resolutions forthe New Year are often made and easily forgotten. When we set manageable goals, we’re more likely to stickwith our resolutions. Check outour friends at Dana’s Kids they believethat empowered parents create happy families. With that in mind, check out founder of Dana’s Kids DanaRosenbloom’s top 3 realisticparenting tips for starting the year off Read more (…)
I’m obsessed with CleanWell wipes
January 10, 2012It’scold season. Gross I know. LLD families know better and are prepared. A commonhousehold item my sitters and I have spotted recently is CleanWell’s To-GoDisinfectant Spray. It cleans, disinfects & deodorizes + kills influenzavirus including H1N1. Nice. Thisno fuss spray can be easily packed into your purse or diaper bag. Quickly cleanthe kid’s toys at Read more (…)
We LOVE BuggyLOVE!
January 6, 2012Hey LLD check out what our new pal Kristy McLellan founderof BuggyLOVE has to say about what to do in NYC this weekend! It’s 27 degrees inNYC and we have an active 3 yr old. Since it’s warming up to a balmy 48 degreeson Sat, I decided to concoct a plan so my husband can Read more (…)
Emergency Mani/Pedi?? Nail Taxi NYC to the rescue!
January 5, 2012Have you ever been stuck in the office and really need that manicure? Nail Taxi can come to your rescue! Since 2005, Nail Taxi has been serving women by visiting them at their homes, in the hospital, at their office, and even at or before their weekend parties and providing them with top-notch manis and pedis. Read more (…)
Kids + Relaxation=The Beloved
January 4, 2012Confusedon matching kids + relaxation? The cureis TheBeloved in Playa Mujeres, Mexico. This placeis parent’s paradise meets kids playground. I have been to many family resortsin my years of babysitting and The Beloved joins the big leagues in my holidayhandbook. As you know I’m not yet a mommy, but many of you parents can relateon Read more (…)
Pure Yoga is the ticket to prolong your paradise vacation
January 3, 2012Happy New Year LLD! I hope that you are off to a relaxing andoptimistic start to 2012! I began my New Year in Mexico on the tropical island of Playa Mujeres. More to come on my experience in a bit. But I didn’t want my trip to end, so I decided to go to the Read more (…)
Do you need to Cut the Clutter in your house?
December 30, 2011Do you throw everything to the floor in your closet when you are scampering for an outfit? Is your office a dangerous war zone littered with piles of paper about to collapse everywhere you move? Cut the Clutter can help you! Founded in 2008 by a Long Island native, Natalie Schrier, Cut the Clutter can Read more (…)
Want to ring in the New Years before bedtime?
December 28, 2011Happy holidays & almost new year LLD! If you’re in NYC for New Years- Ring in the New Year Before Bedtime with this cool event we found from a recent Diva Moms newsletter!New Years Eve Family Parties!Balloons, Face Painting and More! Saturday, December 31st 2pm-6pm Atlantic Grill East SideBill’s Bar & Burger Rockefeller CenterBills’s Bar and Read more (…)
Pure Yoga East Hosts LLD for CPR & Fire Safety Training
December 5, 2011Thanks to all of our LLD sitters who attended our Annual Fire Department of NewYork (FDNY) CPR & Fire Safety Training hosted this year by PureYoga East! It was fun to meet new local families outside of Pure Yogaprior to our training-thank goodness it was warm! Mackie, Bridget &Jennifer all stick out as stellar salesladies! Read more (…)
LLD Approved Holiday Card Recommendations!
December 3, 2011The window may have already passed toorder holiday cards, but I am behind, hopefully a few of you can relate! I came across these fun holiday cardrecommendations from a StrollerTraffic newsletter that I really liked. Can’t wait to see all the holidaycards from our LLD families! Neon. Neon colors aregoing to be hot this year. Hand-writtennoteon Read more (…)
The Soft Serve Fruit Co. has some sweet treats for LLD
December 1, 2011I had the pleasure tomeet with former Assistant NYC District Attorney, do-it-all mother ofthree young children and sweet tooth crackerjack, Chloe Epstein who justhappens to be one of the three master minds behind The Soft Serve Fruit Co.Obviously I fell in love right away. First her business revolves around thefamily. Second she serves healthy, delicious Read more (…)
A HEALTHY HOLIDAY & WHAT TO BUY ORGANIC – by Rebecca Kittle
November 29, 2011The Holidays are in full swing. Thanksgiving has come and gone and December’s heavy event calendar is around the corner: office parties, family gatherings, neighborhood bashes…and the food frenzy. Is it impossible to be healthy? Creating a nutrient rich diet is harder than you think especially on the go. Studies have proven that because of the Read more (…)
One Ohio Mom’s Quest for Babysitting
November 26, 2011Beforehaving a family I thought I didn’t have enough time to do get things done;laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning… boy was I wrong! Now being a wife, mother of two youngchildren, and working full time as a teacher outside of Cleveland, Ohio I’m notsure there is any time for any of those things, especially a night Read more (…)
Happy Thanksgiving! LLD has some super steals for you!
November 24, 2011Happy Thanksgiving to allour LLD families! I hope everyone is having a relaxing night with the familywhile filling themselves with scrumptious turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.I’m about to dive into a freshly baked pumpkin pie with some pecan ice cream onthe side. Yum! After you’ve stuffed yourself to the brim and curled up on thecouch Read more (…)
Holiday Kick-off with the Rockettes & MomTrends
November 21, 2011Last week was my official kick-offto the holiday season. As I sit here listening to Bing Crosby on Pandora, I amstill thinking of the new video game number in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. I see theRockettes perform every year, and every time it gets better, and I always leavethe show amazed. Nothing makes me Read more (…)
Who’s Your Doula?
November 18, 2011Have you ever thought that healthcare has become a little less personal than it has been in the past? Maybe moms want and need a more dedicated, personal, and continuous helper? Well Lindsay O’Brien is a birth doula in the New York area and she does just that. If you don’t know what a doula Read more (…)
The Polka Dot Pear! The cutest clothes out there!
November 17, 2011This week LLD had the chance to talk to a crafty mom who started her own online business using Etsy. If you didn’t already know, Etsy is an online marketplace where small businesses that sell handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. It’s unique because sellers build a great sense of community and give each other helpful Read more (…)
Woodloch Resort, The Perfect Escape
November 16, 2011Remember Charlie the lil’ boy in The Santa Claus when he was whisked off to the North Pole by Santa ‘his dad’ and that look on his face when he entered Santa’s workshop? That is how I felt when I went to Woodloch Resort last week. It is rare, as an adult in the big Read more (…)
Date Night Sitter Check List
November 15, 2011Never leave home without it! Here are a few of my recommendations I have learned along the way: 1. Give your sitter a tour. Show your sitter the kids rooms, point out dangerous areas you want the kids to stay away from and give specific instructions on how things work; baby monitor, TV, security system, Read more (…)