4 Fab Finds Every Mom Needs To Know About This Holiday Season

parents magazine editor, parents brands, momtrends event, stylishlystella, jcpenneyOne of the main reasons I love blogging is that it keeps me in touch with the latest and greatest while being able to network with others and make new blogging friends.  So when MomTrends invited me to their Mom’s Night Out with Parents Magazine at Meredith Publications, of course, I said YES!  We had a terrific time mingling with one another and getting to know the brands.  Here’s the lineup and list of brands that you should know too!

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1. JCPenney

We all grew up knowing JCPenney and many of us have nostalgic memories of the store/brand.  Did you know though that they’ve recently launched a new lifestyle brand called Peyton & Parker?  It is exclusive to JCPenney and designed by their in-house team.

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At the event we were able to see, touch and even try on their classic looks, perfect for the whole family.

Think holiday photos, people, you’re gonna want to stock up on holiday plaid, sparkle and red and green colors!  Plus this is the time to think about refreshing your home decor!  They have everything you need to update your mantle or table’s look with Christmas decor.  See below for a setup so beautiful it will have you aching to move on from Halloween and hop, skip, and jump towards the holidays!  Shop all these affordable finds through Peyton and Parker here.  You can also follow them on IG, Twitter and FB @JCPenney

2. Boiron  

Being happy and healthy is top of mind for all of us moms so we were happy to hear about the #1 pediatrician recommended, homeopathic medicine brand!  Best known for their top-selling flu medicine, Oscillococcinum and their line of cough and cold relief medicines including Chestal and ColdCalm, their products work without causing drowsiness.  And we can all appreciate that!

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You can also feel safe giving this to your family knowing you don’t have to worry about unsafe drug interactions.   I’ve already tried ColdCalm which is good for babies as young as 6 months old, and am excited to try their honey syrup for coughs.  Never worry about overdosing!  Visit boironusa.com for more information and/or follow them on social media @BoironUSA.

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What a fun event activation they had!! Their healthy smoothie bar was AH-mazing and included, edible flowers and all the yummiest fruits and toppings!

3.  Culturelle  

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Do you take probiotics?  I recently learned about the importance of them for your gut health and digestion.  So I was happy to find Culturelle at the event given they are the #1 pediatrician recommended kids’ probiotic brand.  (Based on a 2016 survey among pediatricians recommending a kids probiotic brand).  I trust them to be safe and gentle, helping build a strong foundation for a child’s growth and development. They work naturally with your baby’s booty, oops I mean body.  Ok I mean both. lol  *Note these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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At the event, we were challenged to pack a new diaper bag with all the essentials.  Oh boy did this bring back memories! Because although I’ve passed this diaper stage in motherhood, I still semi-freak out making sure my mommy bag is packed with everything Juliet might need on any given day.  My bag (featured above on the left) included their Grow and Thrive which promotes a healthy digestive and immune system, packed with vitamin D for strong bones (along with hand sanitizer, a first aid kit, snacks, wipes and WINE).  Yes, I tried to pack the red wine.  Two in fact.  Cuz you know, the struggle is real! haha  You can follow Culturelle on FB, IG and Twitter.

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4.  VTech Toys

I LOVE a toy that can teach.  And I’m always looking for opportunities to have my child learn something new and believe that kids can learn so much through play.  VTech believes this too with their “play to learn and learn to grow” motto.  And with tech-y toys topping every expert’s must-buy list they are a brand you need to follow.  Their innovative, educational products are enriching, fun and high quality!  I don’t know about you but this unicorn (above) seemed to be calling my name.  “Starshine the Bright Lights Unicorn” is her name!  They said it was for ages 1.5 and above …that includes me, doesn’t it??

Check out their handy holiday gift guide that lets you search the site by age, price range and character theme.  And find them on social media @VTechToys.  Thanks to them, we all received mommy massages.  Wouldn’t it be nice if all playrooms included a massage chair and masseuse?? One can dream can’t they?

Speaking of toys and since we are approaching Halloween, click here for toy-inspired DIY costume ideas!

And that’s the full recap!!  Thank you MomTrends and Parents Magazine for organizing and inviting!  It was a fun, fabulous and festive soiree!momtrends, momtrends events, nyc influencers




This was a sponsored post but as always all opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

 

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Plan Your Next Getaway To Manchester, VT But Don’t Do It Without Reading This First!

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Fashion. Food. Friends. Fall Foliage and tons of Fun.  That pretty much describes the incredible girls’ getaway I just experienced in lovely Manchester, VT!  I had never been to Vermont in the fall nor have I been away from my family or my daughter for more than 24 hours so this 3-day trip was filled with excitement and anticipation.  And it was extra indulgent because thanks to Manchester Designer outlets sponsoring us style bloggers, it involved a shopping spree at their glorious outlets!

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They had me at shopping spree.  (Or was it hello?! )  Just about a 3.5 hour drive from Manhattan, suddenly our concrete jungle views were replaced with breathtaking, fall foliage (and without an angry NY-er in sight!)  Think mountains sprinkled with fiery vibrant colors, darling apple trees, picturesque river views, pretty pumpkin patches and PEACE.

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Photo credit: Getty Images

What a getaway! Every New Yorker NEEEEEDS this!  It was amazing to let go of the chaos, hustle and bustle of Manhattan and the responsibilities of motherhood.  Oops did I say that last part out loud??  Ehem, lets suffice it to say that this mommy really enjoyed the rest and relaxation.  What a memorable way to soak in all the fall feels this season!

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Read on for all my tips on where to stay, what to do, what to eat, and who to bring.  Oh wait, you can’t borrow my friends..sorry to say you will be hard-pressed to find travel partners as fun and fabulous as these… (pictured below are Suzanne from Gotham Love and Nicole from Mom Trends)

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Where to Stay

There are lots of places to witness the pinnacle of fall foliage ranging from AirBnBs (which is what we opted for), to beds and breakfasts, to your classic hotels. Next time I come back (and I do plan to return!), I’ll make sure to stay at Wilburton Inn  where we enjoyed breakfast with a view.

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This elegant hilltop estate, noted as one of the top 8 mansion hotels by CNN, offers such fun themed events (and you know how much I love a theme party!!!)  Murder mystery weekend, anyone?  Doggie slumber party and canine costume ball?  They have it ALL!
257 Wilburton Drive. Manchester, VT. 802.362.2500

What to do

1. Manchester Designer Outlets.  With ZERO sales tax on apparel and footwear on top of the already spectacular sales in Manchester, VT, you should know this will not be your average shopping trip!  Expect heart-pounding deals that will make you want to shout from the rooftops.

Can you believe I bought a glam velvet tee AND a pair of tights for just $5.40?  OMG YES!

Combine the unbelievable deals with the fact that the sales staff are so friendly, and helpful (no Pretty Woman shopping experience at any of the 40 stores here!) and you’ll never want to shop NY retail again!  Here we are racing to some of our favorite stores: Kate Spade, JCrew, Ann Taylor, and Eileen Fisher.

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Click here for the Mom Trends video recap of our shopping adventures!  And see the Marimekko tunic top that I paired with my Ann Taylor skirt (both purchased at the outlets) below!

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Did you know that Manchester Designer Outlets had the nation’s only Marimekko outlet?

2. Equinox Valley Nursery. We fulfilled ALL our fall fantasies by stopping by this one, family-owned, nursery and pumpkin patch.  Trust me, THIS is where you go to check off your fall bucketlist.  Hay ride? check.  Fresh apple-cider doughnuts? check. Corn maze? check.  Pumpkin patch? check.  Barn, scarecrows and endless flower selection? Check check and check!

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Wanna give everyone a major case of FOMO?  Go here and take lots of pics. Your people will love and hate you for it.  We Instagram-ed the HECK out of every corner and view because it was just that beautiful!

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See my saved videos for more autumn eye candy in my Instagram highlight reel here.

3. Biking.  Grab your favorite people and hop on a bike.   Manchester has everything for the leisurely riders who want simply to enjoy the view to something special for thrill-seekers who want to race down a mountain!  Click here for more!

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For more ideas on fun activities in and around the Manchester, VT area, click here.

What to eat

Ever go on a trip and totally luck out with being able to feast on the most flavorful foods?  I felt this way thanks to those who organized this trip and their on point recommendations!  Lucky for you, I’m passing them all on!  Unlucky for me, my waistline now needs a workout!  Here’s where to stop for a bite in Manchester, VT:

1. Seasons: Irresistible American food in the coziest of atmospheres that will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.  Imagine enjoying a seasonal cocktail by their open fire pit here!
4566 Main St.  (802) 362-7272

2. Copper Grouse Located within the beautiful Taconic hotel, the breakfast menu had something for everybody with “inventive takes on tavern fare.”  Avocado toast was a huge hit as was the steel-cut oatmeal and fruit (shown below)!
3835 Main St.  (802) 362-0176

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3. Depot 62: I’m a NY-er so when I say the pizza here is good, BELIEVE ME.  That mushroom pizza was so freakin’ mouthwatering that I don’t even want to think of it as I write this at 1am in the morning lest I start salivating, break down and start scavenging through my fridge.  Wood-fire oven.  Enough said. Plus you’ll enjoy the funky home decor and exotic rugs since this is part eclectic furniture store.
515 Depot St. (802) 366-8181

4. Barrows House: Southern Vermont Hotel & Inn: This warm and welcoming venue was a wonderful dinner find.  Everyone couldn’t stop raving about how delicious their food was!  Plus, they specialize in special events (weddings included), are known for their outdoor dining and seem to have a happening bar too!
3156 VT-30, Dorset, VT 05251 (802) 867-4455

THANKS

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Thanks to the wonderful company I had and that goes not just for the fabulous fashionistas that were participating in the incredible shopping getaway with me.  I’m speaking of the entire crew from Mom Trends, Gale Branding, and Manchester Designer Outlets.  Everyone was SUCH a delight to not only work with but simply BE with and that MADE the trip.  What an honor it was to be chosen to participate in this memorable opportunity.

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, as I further showcase all my stylish finds, steals and deals from Manchester Designer Outlets!

Tell me in the comments below, what things are on YOUR must see and do checklist every fall!

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15
Comments
  1. Suzanne Cohen says:
    October 24, 2018 at 6:35 pm

    Wow! What an excellent re cap! This review makes me want to visit all over again. I can’t wait to return to Manchester, VT!

    1. Stylishly Stella says:
      October 25, 2018 at 11:34 am

      I’m already thinking, I should bring my parents here next fall since they have expressed missing the change of fall leaves while living in California. That was so fun!

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