-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

You’ve made it through the Thanksgiving madness and now it’s time to gear up for more holiday travel fun. Joy to the world, as they say! If you’re feeling like the trek to Grandma’s involves a bit more over the (Hudson) river, and less through the bucolic woods, then adopt some of these strategies to stay sane as you get from Point A to Point B (and beyond) this merry season…

ALLOW EXTRA TIME

Okay, this sounds so basic and really you do mean to leave earlier when heading for the airport, train, or even the Holland Tunnel. And yet, time always seems to slip away and you inevitably find yourself in bumper to bumper traffic trying to cross the George Washington Bridge at rush hour. Eliminate the added stress of potentially missing a flight (you can get stuck for days at peak holiday times) by building in an extra hour – on top of the 1 1/2 – 2 hours required by the TSA. Who cares if you hang out in the food court, read your weight in magazines, or allow your child to play endless games on an iPad? It’s one day so just go with it and remember your travel mantra: the journey is half the fun. Riiiight….

USE SECONDARY AIRPORTS

It might seem counterintuitive to drive further to fly from a smaller airport but this often means both a time and cost savings. For New Yorkers living on the west side, Newark Liberty beats JFK any day of the week. Westchester County Airport and Newburgh Airport both offer JetBlue flights to popular sun and ski destinations, and at peak holiday times, this can be a less nerve-shattering environment than say, La Guardia Airport.

FLIGHT PLANS

Avoid an airport meltdown (yours) by insuring a few things before you hit the airport. Confirm your seats the week before you fly because you never want to be in an oversold situation and lose unconfirmed seats. You can also jostle for the best seating for families by speaking with a live agent. Don’t let said agent convince you that bulkheads are best for baby – the opposite is true as you’ll have to part with your carry-ons, toys, and snacks for some period of time which adds to the stress. Always check in the day before departure and monitor your flights via Flight Update (available on iTunes) which allows you to follow over 1400 airlines, around the globe, in real time. Weather delays, gate information, and baggage carousel numbers will help speed your arrival on the other end.

MURPHY’S LAW: ANYTHING THAT CAN GO WRONG, WILL GO WRONG

If you go at with this approach, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when your travel plans go smoothly. If bad weather crops up, or you lose a passport, it’s just better to have contingency plans in place. I always write everything down – contact numbers, flight info, passport numbers – because if you’ve ever had your PDA battery go out on you, you’ve felt utterly disconnected and will never let it happen again. Ditto on copies of passports and other important tickets – they are much easier to replace if they are lost or stolen if you have all of the issue numbers, Visa info, and so forth. Have maps in addition to GPS systems in the event of road closures. And always have the airline numbers pre-programmed into your phone in the event that you need to rebook quickly or find alternate airports. If you are stuck on a tarmac and they cancel your flight, there will be bedlam at the ticket counter, so you’re better served by calling the airline as quickly as possible for alternate arrangements.

*Note: As part of the Murphy’s Law scenario, be prepared for the sudden onset of Strep throat, fever, upset stomach or all of the above. If at all possible, travel with a dry powder supply of antibiotics to be made liquid in an emergency, Children’s Tylenol (or similar), chewable antacids, Benadryl, Band-Aids and Bacitracin disinfectant. All of this will fit in a handy Ziploc and won’t slow you down at security.

PACK LIGHT… BUT NOT TOO LIGHT

Best case scenario you are headed someplace with a washer/dryer. If so, pack lightly as kids will wear the same two outfits – quite happily – for days on end. If you are headed on a lengthier journey, however, or one that involves a lot of gear – skiing, for example – then consider shipping it all ahead. FedEx Ground is relatively affordable and services such as Luggage Forward and the Luggage Club specialize in sending bags of all sizes, skis, and unwieldy golf clubs in advance of your arrival. Trust me when I say this is some of the best money you will ever spend and you’ll be thanking your lucky stars when you skip the baggage carousel after 6+ hours in transit.

MAKE THE CARRY ON COUNT

This is the key piece for any successful plane, train, or car ride. Pick your pouch – I find waterproof nylon varieties or LL Bean Boat Bags with zippers work well as everything stays in its place – and fill it with entertaining essentials. These may include (but are certainly not limited to) an iPad or similar electronic device that is fully charged. In addition, bring the power cord in the event that you get re-routed or delayed. Include several plastic grocery bags (these work well for everything from garbage to throw up) and can be filled and tossed throughout the journey, thereby lightening your load. Great snacks are key, and I opt for a mix of healthy, non-sticky ones – Graham Crackers, fruit flats or roll-ups, pita sandwiches that won’t get soggy, as well as apples and carrots that won’t get squashed. Avoid berries, exploding juice boxes, and anything with what I refer to as “Cheeto dust” – fake orange powder that gets all over fingers and clothes. For a fun snack treat, I opt for M&Ms (won’t melt in warm little hands) or a pack of Lifesavers picked from the airport shop. Antibacterial hand wipes are essential for cleaning tray tables and disinfecting fingers in between snacks and bathroom breaks. Lastly, pack at least a spare t-shirt for junior – there’s nothing like a long haul flight with a kid in soggy, cold clothes and a dry top can work wonders…not to mention allow the child to show up looking presentable at his/her destination.

BACKPACKS FOR ALL

If your child is able to walk, then I am all for the individual carry-on.  Nylon, waterproof backpacks (try Jansport’s utilitarian varieties) work best as they can be strapped on in the event that you need to move fast. Pick favorite playthings and paperback books (TinTin, word searches, coloring books with cool colored pencils), as well as a few surprises that your child can unpack along the way. Everyone loves a special treat and the discovery of a new mini Lego set (to be built), small erasers, sheets of puffy stickers, or unexpected snacks can make an endless journey just a bit shorter. For an imaginative answer to screens, pack an Eye Q Picture Puzzler. Twenty-four colorful photo collages printed on wipe-off board with a dry erase marker will keep kids busy counting, comparing, and completing other challenges. Always make sure that whatever your child’s favorite comfort toy is – threadbare teddy bear, blankie, pacifier, whatever – makes it into the bag. Stressful travel days are not the times to wean a kid from these objects!

AN ARMY MARCHES ON ITS STOMACH

Somehow this is even more true on busy travel days. If you’re flying, pack plenty of extras that will last through traffic jams and flight delays.  Better yet, map out your strategy ahead of time and feed everyone a good, solid meal before hitting the road or boarding. Flying out of JFK? The JetBlue Terminal offers a great food options including hot breakfast courtesy of Cibo, plus plane snacks galore (sushi rolls and yogurt covered pretzels are always hits). La Guardia’s Central Terminal offers Todd English’s Figs Cafe where thin crust pizzas please parents and kids alike. If you find yourself in the Delta Terminal, head straight for a Taste of Pat LaFrieda for killer burgers and dogs before boarding. And if but once in their little lives, allow them to taste a Cinnabon – so bad, they’re good! Whatever the case, think protein which often gets lost in the carb-laden snack mix on travel days. Zone Bars, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter and crackers, and nuts (for those who are tolerant) are all good, portable options.

PRESENTS PERFECT

Whether you’re traveling by car and can pack gifts to the ceiling, or by plane where you have a limited baggage allowance, you’ll want to pack kid gifts that travel well and can be used at your destination. Depending on ages and stages of children, I find that paperback picture books, puzzles, DVDs for use in hotel rooms, and great pajama sets all make fun, functional presents. Avoid anything electronic that requires assembly or a screwdriver as you’ll tear your air out if it’s a mad scramble on Christmas Eve. Best case scenario, shop Amazon (great gift guides by age), Pottery Barn Kids for their festive lunch bags which can be used for the return journey, and niche stores such as NYC’s Sweet William that will all ship to your destination. And remember the TSA guidelines regarding gifts brought on board: they must be unwrapped so be sure to pack tissue and tags to play Santa at your destination.

Wherever your travels may take you this season, try to remain calm as your kids will pick up on your high-cortisol-level vibes. I am living in London and will be traveling back to the US with my children for the holidays. I know there will be enormous lines at Security and Customs, numerous packed planes involved, and plenty of junk food to go all the way around. And you know what?  I will smile through it all, tell my kids to do the same, because it’s just what is done and the other end will just be so much fun…

By Christina Ohly Evans, CitiScoop Travel Expert

We didn’t have fancy apps to tell us if our flights were delayed (we found out once we arrived at the airport) or help us find a rest stop on those long car rides (we stopped at the cleanest looking spot and hoped for the best!) – though it would have been nice if we did. But yes, there is an app for that – and Christina Ohly Evans, CitiScoop’s travel expert, has shared these and some amazing other apps that can make your vacation a little smoother.

Technology can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s fun to remember the fun (and almost technology free) vacations I had with my family when I was a young girl – and it is also okay to wish that we could have had that magical app to help us find a clean rest stop…

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

The sun, sand, and carefree days of summer are quickly fading into distant memory. But take heart! Its time to start planning your next fabulous family adventure – or at least enjoying a little armchair travel – with these entertaining, varied apps that are perfect for groups on the go. From helping to pick destinations (Abercrombie & Kent’s latest app offers a photographic tour of the world) to the practicalities of finding clean bathrooms, to just plain entertaining bored kids, these apps make the research and planning half the fun. So download and get ready to hit the road, the rails, or the skies this coming holiday season…

Pack and Go Deluxe

Never forget that favorite worn blankie or kiddie toothbrush ever again. This brilliant app is designed specifically for family travelers and features everything from packing checklists to reminders for booking a car service to shopping lists for souvenirs from your particular destination.  Choose from ready made lists for every age and stage - infants to adults (we’ll take a glasses case reminder any day) - or customize your own to-do lists and feel unbelievably organized before you even begin your journey. Particularly genius is the “briefcase” feature that allows you to store important information – passports, emergency contacts, driver’s license details – in a password protected area. (iPad and iPhone $2.99)

iFlyPro

For parents dealing with planes, this one is a must. While a bit pricier than other apps, iFlyPro will pay for itself if you’re ever faced with airport delays (and when aren’t you?), a time-sensitive need for that Cinnabon, or you just need a good place to stock up on kids’ books and playthings at Chicago’s O’hare. From the best parking lots to navigating long security lines to finding WiFi hotspots, this app features GPS navigation for over 700 commercial airports as well as real-time flight tracking and info on airport delays. (iPad and iPhone, $6.99)

The World of A & K

From the far reaches of the Amazon rainforest to the Yangtze River in China, you’ll find a colorful world of images and ideas in the latest app from Abercrombie & Kent, the high-end travel specialist. Most popular destinations for families – the Galapagos, for example – are highlighted and all feature exciting movies that engage kids of all ages. Each of these 26 “virtual visit” videos is designed to get children excited about what they will see and hear on a given adventure (penguins chattering, views from hot air balloons, crashing waves, herds of wildebeests on the Serengeti), a country’s local customs, foods, and much more. This app is really food for travel thought and is designed to help you plan a trip (or trips) of a lifetime. Other highlights of this app include access to their whiz travel specialists, a postcard feature that allows you to share your images with friends and family, customizable maps and more. (iPad, Free)

Mom Maps

Whether you’re headed to Atlanta or Vancouver (or any metro area in between) this app will help you find the things parents care about most when traveling with kids in tow: playgrounds, parks, and indoor play spaces for those inevitable rainy days. Mom Maps uses the collective findings of hundreds of parents to point you in the direction of the best family destinations from coast to coast. Highlights include winning restaurants (both kid and parent approved) and a GPS feature that pinpoints child-friendly spots that are in your vicinity, as well as clear maps to get you there. (iPad and iPhone, Free)

My Little Suitcase

This simple, colorful app is perfect for the toddlers and younger children who want to get involved in the packing process. Let them amuse themselves by picking a travel destination – camping, the beach, or a snowy spot – and encourage them to virtually pack the right gear. Kids ages 1-4 can pick from things such as beach balls and mittens for colder climes, and the app allows them to get creative while strapped into a car seat. (iPad and iPhone, Free)

Rest Area Finder

So you’re not taking one of A & K’s fabulous safaris this winter, but rather you’re driving to the Catskills for the weekend. No matter! This app can be a lifesaver on back roads and crowded highways when you need a clean place to stop for food, gas, or walking a dog – all at a moments notice. Nothing fancy here, but it tells you how far you are from a place to simply stop. (iPad and iPhone, Free)

ZuiTube

Call this one YouTube for the kinder set and wonder why you didn’t think of the idea yourself. With over 60,000 parent-approved videos to choose from you will never have to dread sitting at the end of the tarmac again. Kids (even very little ones) can search by category – sports, a wide range of animals such as “funny cats,” National Geographic – and be thoroughly entertained by video snippets for hours on end. This site incorporates many games, books of all kinds, as well as new children’s music that is refreshing for both parent and child alike. Find a WiFi hotspot and you’re good to go. (Free)

By Christina Ohly Evans, CitiScoop Travel Expert

Like so many other parents, I have learned that traveling with children is always an adventure. The memoir suitcases are just one activity that both you and your children can enjoy on the trip and here, Kami Evans, founder of Elahi Yoga, shares her tactics for helping your family enjoy your summer journeys.

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

With summer starting, many parents are eager to escape on weekend getaways and family vacations. If you’re looking for tips for traveling with your little ones, remember with any child it’s about the journey and not the destination. Here are fun things that have helped our family to enjoy the ride when hitting the open road or taking to the skies with our now 4-year-old daughter.

Pack it in. Let each child choose three things to bring in a backpack, such as crayons, markers with a coloring book, a doll or a stuffed animal. When kids select items to bring with them, they own the process of packing – and have items to keep themselves entertained en route to destinations. If kids get a bit anxious while packing, have them put their palms on their knees. This tends to bring down their energy. If they need to wake up a bit, then have them put their hands in a cup shape with the backs of their hands on their knees and their fingers facing upwards. Encourage kids to imagine energy filling up that cup.

Picture this. Show children pictures of where they will be going and ask them to draw a map of what the destination might look like. Whether you show kids an actual map of the area to base their drawing on or you simply let their imaginations take flight as they compose a few squiggly lines, bring any maps created on the trip. When you arrive, ask kids to take out the maps and guide you. Maybe they also want to throw in some directions like turning left at a stop sign or exploring what’s around the bend. While navigating, find something engaging and cultural to share.

Make like an animal. Brainstorm an animal pose to do on vacation. Maybe you can pick a pose inspired by the place you’re visiting, such as an elephant pose if you’re stopping at a zoo. Follow up the animal pose with a balancing pose like tree. Then look around to point out what kinds of trees you all see. It’s a great motivator and helps to do the poses with your kids. Hold hands while the family forms joined trees in a forest.

Just breathe. Ah yes, easier said than done. But when you let out a sigh, it reduces stress and enhances self-regulation. Every now and then, let out a sigh and perhaps visualize a relaxing experience. Start with a loud sigh and say a phrase like “I wish I were a rainbow.” Ask kids what colors of the rainbow they see in your hands, feet and other body parts. This refocuses their attention on something other than what may be stressful and fuels their creativity. It’s also a superb way to develop body and space awareness. (Of course, it may also help you to stay calm wherever your travels take you.)

By Kami Evans, founder of Elahi Yoga

Kami Evans, founder of Elahi Yoga, is a Yoga Alliance RYT and RCYT with a special needs curriculum training program.  As an Advocate for the Special Needs Population and Yoga as an enriching activity for everyone, she is able to support the continued success of the Elahi Method that was developed as a CORE to LIMBS Yoga program. Kami has trained various Staff Development Programs for Hospitals and Schools through out the US and UK.

Since 2009 she has been a contributing writer for www.parentguidenews.com, a yahoo expert contributor, www.parentingspecialneeds.org magazines, and a Citibabes contributor. In 2011 Elahi Yoga published its first of a series of Yoga Books for children. For more information please email info@elahiyoga.com.

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

If the idea of spending hours on the LIE this summer doesn’t thrill you, why not try a traditionally warm weather escape in the “off” season? From Florida to the Caribbean to Mexico, there are bargains to be had and many are just a direct flight away. And believe it or not, August in Antigua is a lot more pleasant – and temperate – than NYC, so give one of these luxe, family-friendly resorts a try this season. You’ll enjoy a significant cost-savings versus peak winter rates, avoid mandatory 10-day holiday stays, and skip crowded highways all at the same time.

The Genius of JetBlue

This kid-friendly airline makes a range of warm weather destinations all the more appealing, regardless of the time of year. Take advantage of cheap summer fares (some as low as $200) from JFK to West Palm Beach, Florida and head straight for kid paradise, otherwise known as The Ritz Carlton Palm Beach. While actually located in nearby Manalapan, families can spread out in Garden Suites that open directly onto pool areas (there are two to choose from; opt for the smaller, quieter one), and sign up for low-key tennis lessons with the hotel pro.

It’s all about outdoor dining here, and all ages will love freshly grilled burgers and fish tacos at the seaside Breeze cafe. Kids ages 5-12 can take part in the hotel’s AquaNuts program that includes everything from nature programs to arts and crafts to beach time. Boogie boards and sand toys are all on offer which means you can pack light and make Palm Beach an easy 48 hour weekend away. Take advantage of the newly renovated, spectacular Eau Spa for at least a massage or an insanely good manicure. Other area highlights for families include the Palm Beach Zoo, the very cool South Florida Science Museum, all followed by delicious pizzas and paninis at Cucina (Royal Poinciana Way; 561-655-0770) in the heart of town.

Caribbean Breezes

With many direct flights each day, both Antigua and St. Lucia offer great summer deals – complete with gentle breezes and a fruity drink or two thrown in for good measure. Delta offers easy flights from JFK to Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport where summer temps are in the pleasant mid-80 degree range. Nest at Curtain Bluff Resort for a truly unique family experience (it has been lovingly run by the Hulfords since the 1950s) full of old-school touches. Of all the places my children have visited (and they’ve been lucky to have seen many beautiful locales), this is the place they consistently clamor to return to. The resort’s combination of every imaginable activity (indoor/outdoor squash anyone?), water sports, friendly tennis pros, a “kids only” game room, plus a nightly house party vibe, make this hotel quite special. Don’t miss guided snorkeling trips to nearby Cades Reef on the resort’s dive boat. Children who are old enough to swim in open water will thrill to sightings of stingrays and schools of neon-colored fish. Best of all, rates are fully half of those in December and virtually everything – food, gear, boat excursions – is included which means you won’t have to open your wallet for the duration of your stay. Nice touches: delicious picnics are packed for your journey home and you won’t find a better massage in this time zone (many of their aestheticians come from various Aman Resorts and really know their craft).

St. Lucia is another island that has gotten a lot of attention in the past few years. With its unique mix of pristine beaches and mountainous rain forests, St. Lucia enjoys a sub tropical climate that keeps it gorgeous year-round. Best bets for families include the laid back-yet-luxurious, Jalousie Plantation, and The Landings St. Lucia. The former is set amidst 100 acres of rainforest property on the site of a former sugar plantation. Spare-yet-chic two bedroom villas are perfect for families, and the staff will happily stock your kitchen with everything you need pre-arrival. So whether you want to hike serious trails, or lounge on a beach with breathtaking views of the Pitons, there are eco-adventures for every age and stage. Delicious, freshly caught seafood can be found at dinners in the colonial Great Room or opt for wood-fired pizzas at the casual Water’s Edge restaurant.

The Landings is a newer resort, but its 75 villa suites are ideal for parents and kids on the go. With views of the harbor or beach, this spot is an ideal jumping off point to explore the surrounding rain forests, to spot colorful parrots and other wildlife, and visit a drive-in volcano. Zip-lines, whale-watching trips, plus golf and tennis lessons will fill otherwise lazy summer days. Fuel up for all of this fun in the sun with a Creole Breakfast – Lucian Bakes and Salt Fish served with plantains – at the casual Beach Club where kids will love eating overlooking beautiful Rodney Bay. Summer deals include 4th nights free, food and beverage credits, and Kid’s Club adventures including a scavenger hunt for Admiral Nelson’s buried treasure.

Mas Mexico

An infinity pool overlooking a white sand beach works at just about any time of year, but in summer you’ll find it at a (relative) bargain price at the fabulous Four Seasons Punta Mita. Family Packages feature deals on second rooms, complimentary kids programs, free meals, plus a nanny service. This beautiful spot is located an hour from Puerto Vallarta and features striking mountains and pristine beaches, plus a dramatic seaside golf course. While a bit warmer and with a tendency toward afternoon thunderstorms, Punta Mita still offers an amazing summer escape at a fraction of the peak season cost. In addition to swimming and dolphin watching, kids will love excursions to the nearby Marietas Islands Wildlife Reserve where all kinds of flora and fauna, rays, and mysterious caverns abound.

Happy trails to you…

By Christina Ohly Evans, CitiScoop‘s Travel Expert

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

We L-O-V-E a clean home; really clean.  At one point, we enjoyed the overwhelming “clean” smell wafting through the air after the suds, sprays and scrubs were wiped away. Sometimes it was so strong we had to leave the house!  Ironically we missed this warning sign that true clean doesn’t have a smell; these odors we perceived to mean “clean” were actually dangerous. Home ought to be the cleanest and safest place in the world.  We believe it can be again but where do you start?  What is safe and what’s not?  What’s real clean that’s good for you, your family, and the environment?

Go to your cupboard right now.  Pick a cleaner. Read the labels of your detergents, all-purpose sprays, polishes, dish soaps, hand soaps, or tile cleaners.  Does WARNING or POISON look familiar as you read them? Do you lock these products up with the hope that little hands, wandering eyes and curious taste buds pass them by?  Unfortunately, the labels don’t share the whole story.  On average, there are 63 hazardous chemicals in the American home, roughly 10 gallons of hazardous waste.¹ Traditional cleaners can contain sodium hydroxide, butyl cellosolve, or formaldehyde.  Yes, formaldehyde, as in the stuff used to embalm dead bodies. Ew! News flash: there are over 80,000 chemicals registered with the EPA and less than 20% have been tested for human toxicity. ² From carcinogens to hormone disruptors, neurotoxins and a whole other plethora of nasty instigators, our “cleaning” agents are dirtying things up in the most frightening way.

Here’s your peace of mind in the matter.

Find out what’s lurking on your shelves at the National Institutes of Health Library of Medicine Household Products Database.  It’s easy to use; search any brand, find out what’s in it and what the hazards are.  Education is the best place to start.  For an inspiring read check out Sloan Barnett’s book, Green Goes With Everything; Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet . It’s focused on what matters most in the world, our children.

Sloan’s book got us thinking hard about those curious connections between everything from asthma to childhood cancers, and what goes in, on and around our little ones’ bodies.  This is the thinking that is needed to spark some action; to try the safe new product, or household concoction you can’t believe you lived without, like baking soda.  It is multipurpose, softens water, neutralizes minerals, helps soap clean better, absorbs odors, and can be an abrasive to lift dirt.  A bit of baking soda on a sponge cleans up most countertop stains.

Switching to safer suds is easy, healthier and you don’t have to be the earthy type to make the switch.  Use safer products that are tested for toxicity, green for the planet, and smart for your wallet.  We love Shaklee Corporation’s GET CLEAN line – powerful, natural, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners, concentrated to even save us money ounce for ounce with a 100% money back guarantee.  If you are like us, with a desire to do better, there are these and many other options available.

We L-O-V-E a clean home, and you can too!

By Kelly Searcy, Mother, Health & Opportunity Advocate, C.P.T. and Jennifer Bavaro, Mother, Stroller Strides Instructor

Sources:

1. U.S. EPA, New Chemicals Program; Landrigan, P.J., et al, (2006). The national children’s study: a 21-year prospective study of 100,000 American children. Pediatrics, 118(5), 2173-2186.
2. Consumer  Product Safety Commission, 2004
3. Green Goes With Everything, Sloan Barnett, 2008, pg. 15

If you want to find out more ways to help eliminate toxins in your home, stop by Citbabes’ May Paper Bag Lunch Series: Resources for a Healthier Home on May 18th at 12:30 pm. Join Kelly Searcy and Jennifer Bavaro, mothers and independent Shaklee distributors, as they discuss possible solutions for the potential hazards of conventional cleaners as well as show you how you can create your own cleaning product alternatives. Watch, learn and see how easy a safer, cleaner and toxin free clean can be!

The cost is $30 per person for members and $40 per person for non-members and will include a “paper bag” lunch from Balthazar. For more information or to RSVP, please email Kim Proal by May 17th.

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

There is nothing like walking down the street and being able to say hello to your friends and neighbors, walk your children to school, stroll to the food market, catch the nearest subway or hail a cab without concern.

In my 11 years as a real estate broker, I have learned how different types of neighborhoods are best suited to certain types of people. One of my top priorities is to listen and understand what people want in order to show them the best listings.

One cannot argue that our lives are extremely busy between work and family leaving us with little downtime. My job is to happily help my customers find the perfect home or my clients find the most qualified buyer. This enables both a new home owner and/or a seller a feeling of sanctuary and serenity in their daily lives.

City life has changed dramatically in the last 10 years and we are now seeing more people raising their families in Manhattan rather than moving to the suburbs. Reasons vary from wanting to be closer to work, unlimited resources, good schools and able to live closer to family.

People want to live in a community that they can become involved in and also feel encouraged to express their ideas to help make their neighborhood become an extension of themselves.

The neighborhoods that immediately come to mind are Tribeca, Battery Park City, and the Upper West Side. These areas offer a sense of community, diversity, good schools, and access to extracurricular activities for children where parents are able to get involved and interact with one another.

Of course, there are many more areas in the city where families live and are extremely satisfied with their lifestyle. It all depends on the personality of the people looking and their priorities.

No matter what city you live in, the best neighborhood for you is out there somewhere, you just have to look!

By Emily Stein, Vice President/Associate Broker, The Corcoran Group

A member of Corcoran’s Prestigious, Mult-Millionaire Club since 2007, in 2009 Emily Stein was named one of the top 15 sales brokers company wide. In 2001 Emily began her career in real estate and in 2005 she chose to align herself with the Corcoran Group to become part of an award winning company that is nationally recognized as a leader in marketing, technology and customer service. Coupled with Emily’s professionalism and vast real estate experience, she is able to guide her clients through the arduous process of purchasing or selling a home to a smooth and successful closing.

Considered a maven of Tribeca, where she’s lived since 1980, Emily prides herself on intimately knowing the city’s varied neighborhoods and their transformations. With that knowledge she skillfully assists buyers and sellers with their real estate requirements. Each day, she is driven not only by her desire to turn her client’s aspirations into concrete realities, but also by her love of New York’s energy, which has captivated her for years.

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

Spring is here and if you are like me, the bug to begin cleaning has me itching to rejuvenate my office, home, and the much dreaded closet! This year, enlist the help of your little one, as they are usually eager to mimic adults and engage in “grown-up tasks.” Here are some tried and true tips for successfully including children in your spring cleaning efforts.

Young children learn and grow through experiences that foster independence and trial and error.  Including them in daily household routines and tasks is a meaningful way to nurture essential social and emotional skills, environmental awareness skills, and cognitive skills. 

To get started on the right foot, keep in mind that any task you wish to invite young children to collaborate with you on should be approached in a fun and flexible manner. To accomplish this, begin with sharing a book depicting the task(s) you will embark on, or tell your child how you would help around the house when you were their age. (If you’re looking for book ideas, try Clifford’s Spring Clean-up by Norman Bridwell or Mouse’s First Spring by Lauren Thompson.) This will help your child gain insight into the process for the task to follow and provide a frame of reference that will help them understand what to expect.Select tasks that your child can successfully complete in a short amount of time with little to no help. Setting them up for success, especially during these early experiences with completing   household tasks, is crucial to their development of self worth and belief that they can excel. Examples of tasks young children could contribute helping out with include:

Sorting tasks promote valuable visual discrimination skills as well as basic sorting concepts.

• Laundry: Provide your child with two baskets (one each for white and colored items).  Ask them to go through a pile of laundry and place the items into the corresponding basket based on their color. 
• Books and toys for donation: Provide two boxes, one labeled with your child’s name and one labeled “share.” Encourage children to communicate reasons for keeping certain items or sharing them with others. Praise your child every time he/she decides to part ways with one of their belongings to share it with other children.
• Recyclable items: Limit this to paper and plastic. The aluminum and glass items should be handled by adults for safety reasons.

Cleaning tasks promote focusing on a task, a sense of competence, and the benefits of teamwork.

• Sweeping and dusting: Provide age-appropriate tools for these tasks to limit frustration, increase completion success, and promotes development of fine and gross motor skills
• Washing various household kitchen items: Your child will think they are participating in a fun water-play activity. Fill a large bin/bucket with water and mild non-toxic soap. Place various non-sharp and shatterproof items inside the water/soap mixture and let your little one use a sponge or cloth to scrub.
• Picking up sticks and/or leaves from outside areas around your home: Provide an easy to carry bucket or bag to hold the items collected. Perhaps you can even save a few for a creative art project such as a colorful leaf rubbing or creative stick sculpture.

As you can see, involving your child in household tasks can be purposeful and fun! Together you can give spring cleaning a whole new meaning.

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

Whether you’re headed for Valley Forge, Vail, or Vieques this spring break, you’re only as good as your bag of travel goodies when it comes to keeping kids amused throughout a long journey. Here are a few of the latest and greatest books, games, gadgets, and apps that are guaranteed to provide a diversion if not genuine delight…

Reading for the Road

No matter what the age of your child, it’s hard to beat a good book.  Get kids excited about the journey with reading material that is focused on exploration and the world around them.  Children ages 2 and up will love Kevin Henkes’ (Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Kitten’s First Full Moon) beautifully illustrated Little White Rabbit, the tale of a curious bunny who hops through a wonderful, wide world before returning safely home. Kids of all ages will be entranced by La Rue Across America: Postcards from the Vacation, a fun story of a lovable dog’s road trip gone wrong.  Written in a playful hand-written “postcard” format, with entries from such disparate places as Womapasconsett, Connecticut and the prairies of Nostril Creek, Kansas, La Rue shares his funny observations from coast to coast.

Let’s Play Games!, a series of six board books by France’s “Prince of Pre-School Books”, Herve Tullet, will delight tiny travelers between the ages of 2 and 4.  Beautiful illustrations, interactive cut-outs, and “magic lines” make titles such as The Game of Light, The Game of Patterns, and The Game of Mix-Up Art, the perfect way to encourage seat-bound kids to think creatively – and independently! – for hours on end.  Older kids will love crafty books like Capsters where they can create art projects using bottle caps, gems, glitter and pieces of art (all included) that are then set using a special clear goo.  The endless color combinations and materials mean that this activity never gets old and trip mementos can be made en route.

Arts & Crafts To Go
When it comes to crafts and games that travel, you’ll want to stock up on things like Fortune-Telling Scratchers – pocket-sized pads that are full of pull-apart zodiac info, tarot cards, and more.  Kids ages 5+ will love endless games of Animal Rummy, a colorful card game featuring cool graphics and a handy box with ribbon drawstring for storage on the go. Keep ‘em sharp over the vacation (he/she is a New Yorker, after all!) with a World Alamanc for Kids Workbook (choose from Pre-K – 2nd grade levels) where fun brainteasers, matching plant and animal games, and sticker sheets add to the educational fun.

For those hitting the road, opt for Brain Quest for the Car, a series of 1,100 questions on every kind of U.S. trivia you can imagine.  You’ll all learn about state capitals, geographical wonders, and great Americans (George Washington, Dr. Seuss, Bruce Springsteen) among many other things. All-American Car-i-oke is another great option for families traveling by car.  Full of songs, lyrics, music trivia as well as in-car activities (dancing in a seat belt is particularly amusing), Car-i-oke will have everyone belting out tunes at the top of their lungs in no time. “Day-O” and “Danny Boy” have never sounded so good…

Budding artists will love a handy Art To Go case complete with 12 colored pencils, 8 watercolor paints and a paintbrush, plus 12 oil pastels and 6 washable markers. The compact, clear plastic box makes this perfect for airplane tray tables as items won’t roll away, are easy to find, and won’t be lost in transit.  Mix it up with a 3-D Drawing Pad – complete with colorful glasses – so that your child’s artwork literally appears to jump off the page, or opt for Rosie Flo’s Coloring Book which is light-weight and full of wonderful illustrations by English artist, Roz Streeten.

In the games department, it’s hard to beat the classics and one of the very best remains Connect Four.  This vertical checkers game is perfect for kids 6 and up and comes in its’ own handy zip-up case so that pieces stay in tact.  Always pack a deck of Uno cards, another classic game that works well for groups and can help teach kids number recognition.  Little ones writing their first letters will love Kid O’s A to Z Magnatab, a thin tablet with a magnetic stylus that creates solid letter lines and erases them with a finger tip.

Apps for All Ages

You can’t fight the allure of the iPhone (or other device) so don’t even try.  Embrace technology and download free – or nearly free – apps of all kinds to keep both parents and kids alike entertained through those inevitable travel delays. The Little Engine That Could ($6.99), based on Watty Piper’s beloved 1950′s classic about spirit and determination, features sound effects, moveable objects, and can be set to either a ‘follow along’ or ‘read-aloud’ mode. Another classic brought to life is Pop Out: The Tale of Peter Rabbit ($3.99), a wonderful mix of voice-overs and animation that will entrance children of all ages.

Parents and kids alike will love Flick Fishing ($.99 cents), where a flick of the wrist allows the user to “cast” a line, reel in all kinds of fish, and even help the Old Guy in the Lighthouse with his aquarium. Download plenty of Mad Libs ($3.99), the old-school fill-in-the-blank series from your own youth where kids will learn grammar at the same time as they’re laughing out loud at their creative, wacky stories.

Children ages 2 to 4 can practice everything from the alphabet to numbers to animal names with engaging, colorful iTot Toddler Flashcards ($1.99).  These beautiful cards are simple to use and also come in Chinese, French, and Spanish versions for the serious linguist.

With all of these amusements in tow, here’s hoping that your journey is half the fun…

By Christina Ohly Evans, CitiScoop Travel Expert

Some of my fondest memories are from ski vacations I took with my family when I was younger. I have continued this tradition with my own family and my girls seem to have taken to skiing just as quickly as I did! There are so many amazing family ski resorts out there that cater to children of all ages. Christina Ohly reveals a few that are perfect for a winter family fun vacation.

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

Photo by Chris McLennan

Start Small

Little people aren’t as fearful of icy slopes so start them on skis early and often. While there is no hard and fast rule regarding the best age to introduce the sport, most children are ready by the age of three or four to start learning the basics. And one of the great things about living in New York City is that you’re in proximity to many “beginner” mountains that welcome children with friendly ski schools and private instruction.

Consider getting a rental package of equipment for the remainder of the season (Paragaon Sports and Christy Sports offer good rates) so that day trips to nearby Thunder Ridge, Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills, or Connecticut’s Mohawk Mountain are made easier.  You’ll save time and tears by not waiting in lengthy rental lines, and a quick ski lesson will be a pleasurable experience, not a painful one. If possible, opt for a one or two hour private lesson so that your child gets individualized attention and sets up a positive association with the sport. Move on to group ski lessons and at later stages where they’ll have more fun skiing with kids their own ages.

Lesson Plans

The evening of January 12^th, while President Barack Obama addressed thousands of people at a memorial on the University of Arizona campus, there was another tribute happening less than five miles down the road. At Rincon High School, the boys’ soccer team was honoring one of their own – Gabe Zimmerman, who was killed in last Saturday’s shooting.

Gabe Zimmerman, among many other things, was a player on the Rincon/University High School soccer team. He was a starter on the varsity team and part of the high school’s first state championship in 1997, which ended the season ranked 6^th in the nation by USA Today. The following year, he helped lead Rincon to another state championship. 

The tribute began with a prayer and a moment of silence as 15 Rincon soccer alumni stood side-by-side with current players on the field as they lined up for the National Anthem. One of Gabe’s teammates and a member of the first state championship team carried a framed soccer jersey. The number on the jersey is 21, Gabe Zimmerman’s number for his years on the soccer team. The number 21 has now been retired from the Rincon/University boys’ soccer program. During the playing of the National Anthem, the framed jersey was passed from alumni to alumni and then on to the current players, ending in the hands of the current captain of the team.

In Gabe’s memory, the soccer team at the high school he once played for will wear black arm bands for the rest of the season. In an announcement made on Tuesday, the Rincon boys’ varsity soccer coach Roxanne Taylor explained that the arm bands are to help everyone “remember an exceptional man who accomplished so much in his shortened life.” She continued by stating, “We at Rincon/University High School consider this program and its participants and supporters family.”

Tragic events like the one that occurred in Tucson can shake us to our core in many ways. In other ways, it can serve as a reminder of how precious our family and friends are and how important the time we spend with them is. What do all of the experiences in your life mean if they are not remembered and shared with others? Nothing. What do they mean when they are remembered? Everything. Without family and friends to share with, a memory becomes a story – a story that no one fully understands unless they were there. Now is the perfect time to re-live remembrances of the past, to evoke the feelings of the moments as they happen, all in order to keep the memories alive. It is also a great time to make new memories with your family that you can look forward to re-living in the future.

As the game began on that cool Wednesday evening in Tucson, one thing was noticeably missing. There were only 10 of the normal 11 soccer players on the field. The left back, Gabe Zimmerman’s position, was left vacant – a memorial to the loss of a fellow teammate. The players both on the field and the sidelines held their arms in the air, their left hand holding up two fingers, their right holding up one finger, a final tribute to the player who had once worn the number 21 jersey. Rincon went on to win the game 2 – 1, a fitting score for the occasion.

From New York City, it seems as though Tucson is a far off place. For me, Tucson is my home. Rincon High School and the University of Arizona are my Alma Maters. Rincon High School soccer coach Roxanne Taylor is my mother.

Rest in peace, Gabe Zimmerman.

On behalf of Citibabes, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the Zimmerman family and all the victims of Saturday’s tragedy.

By Jayme Taylor, Editor in Chief, CitiScoop