DISCLOSURE: I was compensated with tickets for Diggerland USA for this post, but the opinions are all mine. Know that Spotofteadesigns.com only promotes products which have been personally tested and destinations I have personally traveled. To learn more, please review my disclosure policy here. As a parent in New Jersey, I find it important to share local destinations and activities tailored towards kids, no matter what gender. I had been eyeing Diggerland USA, a construction themed amusement park in West Berlin, NJ since it’s opening but was waiting for the right time and ages to attend with my two girls. We recently found that sweet spot of great weather and ages and got to explore this 21 acre park because girls like construction too! That's right! My girls do plenty of typically "girly" themed things but I don't want to ever pigeon hole them in those situations, activities or toys. I'm perfectly happy to see them play with trucks or want to dig in the sandbox or kick around a soccer ball. While they don't know the name of every construction vehicle (ok they call them all "construction truck") they get just as excited as any boy when seeing something cool going down the road. Diggerland USA is a construction ... Continue Reading...
How this mom of 2 trained for a 10 mile race
DISCLOSURE: Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, which come at no cost to you. Know that I only promote products I personally use and stand behind. To learn more about my affiliates, please review my disclosure policy here. Every day is a good time to talk about fitness goals! While I’ve done lots of physically fit sports and activities as a kid and into my early adulthood, after motherhood was a different story. My body, eating habits and mindset changed after kids and it took a lot to get motivated to get back in shape. However, last summer I got my act together and by fall I completed a 10 MILE race with 3.5 months of training. To clarify, before kids I completed the 5.4 mile leg of a marathon relay and solo 10k race, with both distances challenging me at the time. But I am NOT a long distance runner. Once I turned 35, I created a 40 before Forty list which included the task to “complete a physical challenge.” Last July I signed myself, and somehow convinced a friend, to sign up for a 10 mile race just 3.5 months away. Race day I was nervous but felt confident I could handle it based on my training and even the 7 mile practice run we did the week before. I completed all 10 miles with only walk ... Continue Reading...
7 Stages to Attending a Classmate Birthday Party As a Parent
DISCLOSURE: Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, which come at no cost to you. Know that I only promote products I personally use and stand behind. To learn more about my affiliates, please review my disclosure policy here. At a certain point, the classmate birthday party season begins. For us, it seemed the preschool year was the one where almost everyone was inviting the whole class to their birthday party. They are usually held at the local inflatable party zone, indoor water park or a occasional brave souls have hosted them at home. Your child is excited and you want to nurture that social aspect of life where they want to attend parties so you happily RSVP yes. The following post is written as a tongue and cheek parent prospective of the 7 stages to attending a classmate birthday party. I'll just put it out there as I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels this way, but these parties are awkward for parents. It's rare that fellow parents know each other so as the kids all go out and play, and you are left feeling like a 7th grade dance awkwardly trying to find your place. But that's not where the first stage starts. It starts at the cubby at school or mailbox at home with the receiving of the ... Continue Reading...