Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Momtrends, a terrific blogging network based in New York that brings together a number of like-minded moms for partnership and blogging opportunities. It has introduced me to many, wonderful new friends in the area as well as trusted brands. They do a wonderful job ensuring that any partnership or event is one that is beneficial for not only the brands but also busy moms. Their annual event, Mom’s Night Out, has quickly become a night I look forward to each year. The event is an interactive and enjoyable way for a number of local mom bloggers to learn about the latest and greatest from brands while relaxing and enjoying a glass of wine, pampering and time to catch up with other like-minded women from the brands, Momtrends, Parents Magazine and fellow influencers.

This year’s event, which was once again hosted by Momtrends and Parents Magazine, took place in the gorgeous Meredith Headquarters in Manhattan’s Financial District, just a quick subway ride from Brooklyn. As soon as I walked through the door, I knew it was going to be a fun evening. I was offered wine and appetizers, while some one else invited me to come over and enjoy a hand massage.

Each of the sponsoring brands, feature an activity that attendees can enjoy, while having the opportunity to interact with and learn more about the products.  This year there were four brand partners, some of which are already household favorites and others that I only discovered during the event: Boiron USA, Culturelle, JCPenney’s Peyton & Parker Collection, and VTech.

After enjoying a glass of wine, I headed directly over to the VTech area, where I was able to enjoy a ten minute hand massage before learning more about their most popular toys for children Katie’s age.  This came at a perfect time as just last week Bo and I started to realize that Katie has outgrown a number of her toys. After we spent an hour sorting through her play areas, we realized that she could benefit from some toys that are more appropriate for 18 months to 2 years old. Katie has a number of VTech toys including an activity cube and this adorable elephant, but after interacting with their play area, I’m excited to add some of their holiday wish list favorites to Katie’s Christmas list including the sports center, 100 Words Book and Cutie Paws Puppy Stroller! Their Holiday Gift Guide is full of fun learning toys that kids and parents alike will love!

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to talk with a brand specialist as I find children’s toys to be overwhelming. It’s so hard to figure out which toys are actually appropriate and properly stimulating for each age. If you have kids, do you have any tips for finding the best toys at each stage? 

My eye was immediately drawn to the cozy holiday decor from the Peyton & Parker™ collection, exclusively at JCPenney.  This brand’s collection, which was designed entirely by their in-house design team at JCPenney,  launched last week exclusively in JCPenney stores and on their website. It is filled with cozy mix & match clothes and decor for the holiday season. The tablescape was a mix of plaid and rustic details while the clothing included more traditional stripes and plaids with some sparkly, fun pops of color. We had the opportunity to explore the clothing range while planning a “picture perfect wardrobe” for our family. I put together a Mommy & Me look that included a striped turtleneck and plaid vest for mom and a cute plaid dress and furry vest for the daughter. These affordable pieces would be perfect for our upcoming holiday photo shoot, yet versatile enough to wear throughout the winter months.

 

My next stop was the delicious Boiron Smoothie Bar, where I was treated to a gorgeous green smoothie, packed with immunity boosting foods! In case you’re not familiar with Boiron USA, they are a company that specializes in homeopathic medicines, providing family-friendly products that work without causing drowsiness or drug interaction. In fact, we’ve loved using their products with Katie as many of them are able to be used for children as young as six months old. They are best known for their top-selling flu medicine Oscillococcinum. Their baby & children’s line features Children’s Coldcalm Liquid Doses (multi-symptom cold relief for children 6 months and up) and Children’s Chestal Honey Syrup (relieves all types of coughs).

Last but not least I had the opportunity to pack a diaper bag with all the must-have essentials, thanks to Culturelle® Baby Probiotics.  I packed one of their co-ed style diaper bags with diapers, wipes, diaper cream, snacks, blankets and, of course, Culturelle® Baby Probiotics.  This bag will be the perfect gift for our friends who just recently announced that they are expecting their first child.  Did you know that Culturelle has a baby line?  The #1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand†, Culturelle Baby Probiotics is a line of probioitic products created to help build a strong foundation for baby’s healthy growth and development. When I shared images of the brand on Instagram Stories, many of you said that your family loves Culturelle and believe it’s been a key factor in keeping your kids healthy!

Thank you so much MomTrends and Parents Magazine for such a wonderful night!

 

Disclaimer: While this is a sponsored post in partnership with Momtrends, all thoughts and opinions are my own.  Some of the photos in this post are courtesy of https://suzannecohenphotography.com/

† Based on a 2016 survey among pediatricians recommending a kids probiotic brand

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease