Family Fun with the Harlem Globetrotters Tour

I received complimentary tickets in exchange for the following post about our family experience seeing the Harlem Globetrotters.

“Let’s do something fun today.” We’re four days into winter break and I’ve already heard that question at least a dozen times. When I first heard that the Harlem Globetrotters were coming to town over break, I knew it would silence their cries for “something fun.” I was in.

It silenced the question that day. The kids woke up and couldn’t wait to get to the arena to watch the game at 1 pm. My son loves sports and my daughter loves live events/shows, so going to see the Globetrotters was a total family win (and agreeable event!).

While I remember seeing this famous team perform years ago when I was a kid, I saw it differently this time around as a parent. It was the perfect mix of entertainment, comedy and sports. They played four 10-minute quarters with sporadic breaks for dancing, comedy bits and audience involvement.

The players (including a female Harlem Globetrotter, which made my daughter SO happy) flew through the air while dunking, dribbled and danced, and even stood atop the hoop during the two hour show. It was a “fun” family afternoon full of giggles, laughter, and way too much popcorn!

About the Harlem Globetrotters 2017-2018 Tour

With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister, Ace Jackson and Hoops Green – the Harlem Globetrotters’ show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Their 2018 World Tour will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.

SAVE 25% for ALL Harlem Globetrotters Games with promo code FUNFAM

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My Favorite Holiday Looks from Misook + Exclusive Coupon

The following post is sponsored by Misook, who has graciously offered my readers an exclusive 25% off their next order with code MSK8891 on misook.com. Valid now through December, 31, 2017.

I totally get it — ugly sweaters are all the rage. I love them and they are a ton of fun. But honestly, sometimes I just don’t want to wear a sewn on doll and string of lights on my chest to a holiday gathering (although, it was pretty creative, am I right?!). I want to get dressed up and go all out. I want to look elegant.

I was recently introduced to Misook, a women’s clothing brand that exudes sophistication through timeless pieces. Created in 1985, Misook Doolittle began her line in her New York home, hand-knitting one-of-a-kind pieces. She quickly garnered attention from women worldwide for her signature machine-washable “silky knit,” still infused in her collections today.

When it comes to selecting that elegant look for the holidays, Misook has you covered. I’ve hand-selected my top five pieces that would make any ugly Christmas sweater want to hide beneath the bowl of cereal the Elf on the Shelf knocked over.

Misook Timeless Basics

Casual elegance is all about simplicity, and Misook has some beautiful timeless basics in this year’s winter collection. One of my favorites is a sleeveless sheath dress that can be dressed up with bold accessories for a night out. While this dress is available in black, red, navy or white, the winter white is my pick for the holidays. Try adding a red infinity scarf to this white dress for a pop of color along with crystal embellished pumps.

Another great staple for your holiday wardrobe is an effortless black tank. Pair it with winter white crop pants and add bold red chandelier earrings to make a statement when you walk into the party!

Misook Elegant Jackets

Let’s get this straight right now – blazers are not just for work. Blazers are seriously my all time favorite article of clothing. I probably have 20+ blazers draped in my closet right now, so I can assure you I’ve found alternate occasions to wear them other than to the office.

Like this molten gold jacket – the gold is subtle so that you can wear it all year round. Its tailored fit can go from the office party Friday night when paired with black pants to weekend errands with a loose tee shirt and distressed denim boyfriend jeans. Out of office tip: Cuff the blazer for a more casual look.

If you are looking for something that screams bling and elegance, this sequin and sheer jacket it a sure show-stopper, as is this sequin jacket in champagne (I mean, who doesn’t want to wear champagne?!). Both are so bold that heads will turn when walking into a holiday party in either of these festive jackets. Make this jacket the statement piece and pair with black and neutral colors, or go bold and pair with red or royal blue and make a total statement!

Whatever the elegant occasion, Misook has some great options. As a special offer just for my readers, take 25% off your next order with code MSK8891 on misook.com. Hurry – offer expires December, 31, 2017.

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Our Annual Santa Visit, this Year to “Place Her Order”

This post about our annual Santa visit is sponsored by Gymboree.

“Do you want to go see Santa tonight,” I asked her. Greeted with eyes of wonder, “Yes!” she cheered. “Let’s go see him so I can place my order.” Not exactly the thought-process I was thinking, but makes sense in the eyes of a 5-year-old who has seen Santa for the past few years with the sole purpose to ask him for what she wants for Christmas. “Honey, it’s not Burger King,” my husband chimed in.

Since she was a mere 4 months old, we’ve been taking Bear to see Santa at the same mall (yes somehow, every year, Santa looks different…). It’s become one of our holiday traditions, nestled between cutting down the Christmas tree and singing along to Joy to the World at the annual Christmas concert at grandma’s church.

This year, we bundled up and headed to the mall after work on Thursday. Bear grabbed her penguin purse and slipped on her new silver shoes and penguin ring. Little Man wanted to match his sister, so he threw on his penguin sweater.

When they got to the front of the line, Santa greeted them by commenting on the penguins. “Wow – look at the dinosaur on your shirt,” exclaimed Santa. “Nooooo!” responded Little Man. “It’s a peg-win!” Santa joked the entire visit, saying he thought it was all different animals and the kids giggled with joy.

“What do you want for Christmas?” Santa asked. “WellieWisher boots to match my Willa,” Bear smiled. “I want a green racetrack and a grey racetrack and a black racetrack and lots of cars,” shouted Little Man at warp speed, channeling Ralphie in A Christmas Story when he asked for his Red Rider BB Gun.

“Be good and Merry Christmas,” cheered Santa as we said goodbye.

We walked by a beautful tree display on our way out. I pulled out my camera to snap our a Christmas card picture (last minute mom moment for the win!).

A quick upload that night when we got home and my cards were ordered. I didn’t even stress about them this year. One night and I crossed two to-dos off my list – Santa visit ✔️ and cards ✔️ – boom.

All the holiday looks in this post are from Gymboree (aren’t they adorable?!). Looking for outfits for those special holiday moments? Check out Gymboree’s collection for Holiday 2017. Gymboree provides quality, coordinated looks for every occasion that my family has loved for the past 5 years since becoming a mom!

What are your family’s holiday traditions? Let me know in the comments!

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2017 Holiday Gift Guide (For Her, Him & Tots)

Finding that perfect gift for the gal, guy or little one in your life (who has everything), can be a serious challenge. Whether it’s for your mom, dad, toddler, kiddo, sister, brother, BFF, wife, husband, or another special person in your life, I’ve compiled a list of items perfect for her, for him and for tots this holiday.

Products in the 2017 Spit Up is the New Black Holiday Gift Guide consists of items personally purchased, gifts received from friends/family and samples received for review. This post contains affiliate links.

The 2017 Holiday Gift Guide will be updated throughout the holiday season, so check back for more gift ideas throughout the season!

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for Her

Thirty-One Gifts Savvy Sleeve Perfect for the working gal, the Savvy Sleeve, which comes in a choice of three colors, gives your gal pal a stylish way to transport her laptop (up to 15″) to and from the office. And on those days she doesn’t take her laptop home, this sleeve can second as a pouch for a notebook or magazine. Add embroidery for a personal touch! (not included) Price: $35 Buy It	BrightEndeavors Soy Candles First included in the 2016 Holiday Gift Guide, BrightEndeavors Soy Candles have become one of my favorite candles! This year, they introduced the Almond Berry Galette scent. Their mission is close to my heart – to support young moms and their children – and with every purchase, you are helping to open doors for these ladies in Chicago. Price: $7.99 – 24.99 Buy It
Centime Engraved Handwriting Bangle If you are looking for a unique gift for your wife or BFF, look no further. Recruit your/her little one to write a sweet message for her, then turn it into jewelry! Handwriting jewelry from Centime turns a moment into a memory. The Engraved Handwriting Bangle can be personalized on both sides and can be ordered to size. Price: $68 – $78 Buy It	Fiesta Feet Unicorn Her feet will want to dance when she slips on Fiesta Feet! I love the Unicorn style since it is so colorful and makes me smile every time I slip them on. If she is a half size, order a size down (they run big). Handmade in Mexico, each purchase will help Casa Kamami in Guadalajara, Mexico, a foster home for abused girls.  Price: $70 Buy It
Trinket Tray Girls just wanna have fun be CEO. For your career driven pal, this trinket tray will remind her everyday that she can take on the day like a boss! At just 2 1/2″ in diameter, she can place a pair of earring studs in this mini tray after a long day of work. Price: $10 Buy It	ThriftStyle: The Ultimate Bargain Shopper’s Guide to Smart Fashion Know someone who love to thrift? This guide is a must for her or any thrift store fanatic! Written by Allison Engel,‎ Reise Moore and Margaret Engel, they share how fashionistas can cultivate a statement wardrobe with upcycled pieces, without breaking the bank. Price: $15.99 Buy It
Thirty-One Gifts Just Write Bracelet Have an inside joke, or just want to share with her how much she means to you? The Just Write Bracelet includes any message or saying, up to 16 characters in length. Made of dark brown leather with an adjustable metal clasp, the message will appear as a foil-stamp in metallic silver. Personalization is included.  Price: $35 Buy It	Thirty-One Gifts Charm Bracelet Create the arm candy trifecta with charm jewelry from Thirty-One Gifts. The personalized version I created represents my story of motherhood and includes a Birthstone Dot Charm, two Wax Seal Charms, Love Keepsake Charm and Believe Cross Keepsake Charm, all on the Cherish Bracelet in gold tone. You can personalize it however you’d like, just for the woman in your life! Price: $98 (as shown)

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for Him

Thirty-One Pillow Prints Six years ago, we lost our tree on the freeway. Yep, it fell off the roof of our car. Thirty-One Gifts recently released Statement Canvas Pillow Covers and this holiday season, they have adorable holiday prints that can be customized with a family name or saying. Includes personalized 24″x 24″ canvas pillow cover and pillow insert. Price: $45 Buy It	Personal Hero Intention Candles Looking for a personal gift that celebrates his love and shows appreciation? Intention Candles from Personal Hero celebrate the everyday people that are making a difference. These candles are a perfect way to remind him how much he means to you and that he is your everyday hero (plus they make the house smell great too!). Price: $14 – $38 Shop Now
Quarterly Spice Subscription For the foodie who has everything, gift six freshly ground, seasonal spices each quarter with RawSpiceBar. Each package includes high quality, unique spices, transparently sourced from around the world along with recipe ideas. Price: $52 for 6 month subscription Buy It	Thirty-One Gifts Hang-It Pocket Organizer The ultimate command center, the Hang-It Pocket Organizer features five pockets and four loops for an easy way to hang on the wall or the back of a door (add four Command hooks for easy hanging). My husband loves how this organizer has turned our piles of mail and field trip forms into an organized area. Price: $35 (embroidery additional) Buy It
Thirty-One Gifts Close to Home Tray For the guy who loves to host dinner parties, holiday events, or family gatherings, the 20″ x 7.25″ Close to Home Tray from Thirty-One Gifts is made of sturdy mango wood and features iron handles for easy transport. Add his initials or a loving message (personalization included) to add a personal touch. Also a great host or hostess gift when paired with a prepared dish! Price: $58 Buy It	A Taste of Latin America Cookbook With recipes from Latin America as well as background and customs of each country featured, A Taste of Latin America by Patricia Cartin is perfect for the foodie who loves to learn about cultural influence on cuisine. Learn how to make meals from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico & Venezuela. Price: $19.99 Buy It

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for Tots

My Studio Girl Travel Buddies A fun way to learn about sewing, the My Studio Travel Buddies craft set includes easy-to-follow instructions, pre-cut felt pieces, child-safe needle and thread, and even a cute tin suitcase. Comes in multiple animal options (bunny pictured). For ages 8+. Price: $12.24 Buy It	Counting Things Children’s Book With fun learning flaps and cute illustrations, Counting Things by Anna Kovecses is an adorable board book about a little mouse. Little hands can open and close the lift-flaps on every page, making learning to count easy and fun! Opposite Things by Anna Kovecses also available. Price: $8.99 each Buy It
Thirty-One Gifts Lunch Break Thermal This thermal with handle straps can go from holding baby bottles on-the-go to holding juice boxes and school lunches. Available in siz different patterns, the Lunch Break Thermal is a practical gift for a new mom or school-age child who loves to carry his or her lunch to school in style. Price: $25 Buy It	Hot Wheels Roto Revolution Track Set The Hot Wheels Roto Revolution challenges kids to use strategy to skillfully launch their Hot Wheels cars into the rotating set. Set includes loops, 2 launchers and 2 Hot Wheels cars. For ages 5+. Price: $47.99 Buy It
WellieWishers Peek-A-Boo Wellies & Socks With five pairs of mid-calf socks to choose from (all included) and a pair of clear wellie boots to show them off, kiddos can match the looks of all the WellieWishers characters for garden-exploring, puddle-stomping fun! Boots available in sizes 8/9 – 1/2. Price: $46 for complete set Buy It	GOLME PRO Pop Up Soccer Goal Simply twist PRO Pop Up open for an instant soccer game in the backyard, at the park or beach. Great for kiddos just learning the game or those looking to practice off the field. Includes two goals, multi-grip stakes and a carry bag.  Price: $39.99 Buy It

What are you hoping to find under the tree?

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Princess Party Crown Craft with Oriental Trading Company

I partnered with Oriental Trading Company for this post and received samples at no cost. This post contains affiliate links.

FIVE. That is how old my little Bear is now. With each passing year, I scratch my head, asking myself, where did time go? My sweet little baby is now a kindergartner who loves dance, dolls and princesses. When I asked her why type of birthday party she’d like this year, she said Frozen, but we already checked off that box last year when Elsa came to visit, so for number 5, I asked myself how we could top that. Yep – ALL Disney Princesses.

No, no, no. Belle, Aurora, and Cinderella didn’t come to her party this year (I think my mom group thought I was crazy for inviting Elsa last year), but we went with the full princess theme — the girls dressed up as their favorite princess (of course Bear was Belle – click here for her costume that was incredibly reasonably priced!), we played princess games (Rapunzel’s “tangled” hair wrap with yellow crepe paper), and made princess crowns.

I found this awesome foam princess crown kit from Oriental Trading Company that was easy-peasy (planning a birthday party is stressful enough, so anything that can simplify the party details gets a high-five in my book).

I added some Disney Princess stickers and markers to little pails that I had on hand (originally from Bear’s nursery) and set up decorating stations at the tables. The girls (and little brother) had a blast decorating their own crown with stickers and their own names.

After craft time was over, we had snacks and a decadent princess cake. I also picked up some cookies from my favorite local bakery. The party decorations and tableware also came from Oriental Trading Company (they have a great princess selection!).

Bear had a dream-come-true fifth birthday with her family and friends. I love seeing her smile — she gets so excited when she’s with her little friends. Until next year…

Looking for more birthday party ideas?

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