Tag Archives: Family

Pram for the Fam

October 12, 2015 lindsay-bell

Greetings, all!

Envision yourself standing in the baby section at the store searching for the ultimate stroller for the newest addition of your family. Suddenly, you find yourself doing endless repetitions up and down the aisle, while picturing yourself pushing the perfect stroller. You’re thinking about becoming royalty, and pushing a Pram alongside Kate Middleton, or maybe you have a trendy Bugaboo for your Central Park run-ins with Sarah Jessica Parker. Before you know it, two hours have past, and you are still roaming the aisles. Well today, I’m here to help make that stroller purchase more seamless, because let’s face it, you were ready for lunch two hours ago.

Over the past week, I’ve done online research to find the best stroller in each of these four categories:

1. Portability: Britax B-Agile Stroller

Are you a mom that is always on the go? If so, having a light weight, easy-to-use stroller is like music to your ears. This stroller got five awards through BabyCenter’s 2015 Mom Top Pick Awards, including best quality, ease of use, and space saving. The only reason this stroller wouldn’t be a good pick, is if you count lifting it as your workout for the day.

2. Comfort: Simmons Tour Buggy

If the Kate Middleton reference from earlier describes you, this stroller may be a great and affordable option. It works best for newborns up to the age of two, and during this time in your child’s life, he/she will surely feel like royalty from its comfort. It’s made by Simmons Mattress, yes you heard me correctly. This stroller also converts into a standard Pram model! Here’s a quick 8-minute video from Baby Gizmo showing all that this stroller has to offer.

3. Cost: Graco LiteRider Stroller

If your shoe addiction has forced you to scale down your budget for a new stroller, then take a look at this one. BabyCenter has provided all of the details behind this one, ranking the stroller as the “Best of 2015” in the 2015 Moms’ Picks Awards. This stroller starts at only $60! Its nods go to its lightweight and one-handed fold up option.

4. Storage: Jeep Cherokee Sport Stroller

Let’s face it, the list of items that you need to take with you and your child on an outing is getting longer than your grocery list. If you’re looking for a place to momentarily hide these items, this stroller does a great job doing so. These wheels are accompanied by a child tray with cup holder, a parent tray with two cup holders, side storage pockets, and full bottom storage basket underneath. Consider this The Container Store of strollers.

Stay safe, riders!

Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell!

Bell Family Company, Events, Family

American Cancer Society’s Annual Mothers of the Year Luncheon

October 4, 2015 lindsay-bell

One of our fantastic former sitters who is now an expecting mom invited the Bell Family Team to the the American Cancer Society’s Annual Mothers of the Year Luncheon. Bell Family will be at the front door greeting guests & supporting this year’s event. Read below for more info & get your ticket here http://main.acsevents.org/Mothersoftheyear Hope to see you there!

-Lindsay

On Monday, October 19^th, 2015, the American Cancer Society will host the 20^th Annual Mothers of the Year Luncheon at The St. Regis Roof in New York City. Proceeds from the event will benefit critical cancer research, education, advocacy and patient service programs supported by the American Cancer Society. Marion Scotto, Rosanna Scotto, Elaina Scotto and Dr. Susan R. Drossman are the 2015 Mothers of the Year Honorees.

The Mothers of the Year Luncheon, is supported by prominent members of New York City’s social and philanthropic community and is one of the American Cancer Society’s signature events in Manhattan. The Luncheon was created in 1995 to shine a spotlight on mothers – celebrating their daily duties as caregivers to their families and the extraordinary work they do to care for their communities. Since the event’s inception, the Mothers of the Year Luncheon has raised nearly $5 million dollars for the fight against cancer.

Previous Mothers of the Year honorees include former First Ladies of New York, Libby Pataki and Matilda Cuomo. Katie Couric, Paula Zahn, Vera Wang, Kathie Lee Gifford, Susan Bloomberg, Anne and Charlotte Ford, Carolina Herrera, Sarah Ferguson, Cynthia Lufkin, Ann Curry, Tory Burch, Grace Hightower De Niro, Muffie Potter Aston, Anne Hearst McInerney, and Deborah Norville. Ambassador Brenda L. Johnson and Cricket Burns are the event Co-Chairs. Diana K. Feldman, Volunteer Chairman, of the American Cancer Society’s Special Events Committee will receive a Special 20^th Anniversary Outstanding Leadership Award for her dedication and leadership to the cause. Paula Zahn will return as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The event will begin with cocktails and a silent auction at 11:45AM followed by lunch and the awards presentation at 12:30PM. Tickets begin at $500 and Bell Family Company clients will be entitled to a discounted ticket at $395.00.

Please visit the events website http://main.acsevents.org/Mothersoftheyear to reserve your spot!

Uncategorized

Father’s Day – Part 2

June 19, 2015 lindsay-bell

“My dad is the person I feel the closest to in the whole world, who gets me more than anyone else. He’s who I always turn to for advice, where I can count on him to be objective and honest. He encourages me to be adventurous, to be emotionally open, and to have faith. With his support, I feel strong and capable enough to take risks and succeed. Happy Father’s Day to the greatest dad ever, my mentor, my role model, my friend. I love you!”

-Aubrie and her Dad (2014)

“My dad is my number one supporter and I feel so lucky to have him in my life! Whether it’s teaching me how to golf (or at least trying to), helping me with my wacky DIY projects, or pretending he doesn’t see me stealing chocolate cake off of his plate, I know he always has my back.”

-Lauren

Uncategorized

Impromptu Child Activities

April 8, 2015 lindsay-bell

Parents sometimes have to bring their kids to places where there isn’t readily available entertainment or are running low on fun ideas. Our BFC sitters are experts in drumming up ideas, so we figured we’d share some impromptu child activities:

1. Host a Hoola Hoop & Limbo contest with the neighborhood kids! Have the kids make signs & promote the contest. Invite parents to attend, set up & play!
Props: hoola hoop & some music

2. For the car ride, play rounds of “I Spy”
Props: Nothing necessary!

3. Play a game of Keep it Up! This is classic, get a balloon or pool ball & play rounds of keep it up. This game can be played anywhere & it can go on for hours. Make teams, play-one-on-one & more.
Props: Balloon or pool ball

4. Duck, Duck, Goose. Okay another classic. This gets the kids outside or can be played indoors & encourages them to be active!
Props: Nothing necessary!

5. Hot & Cold Treasure Hunt. Designate one person to be ‘it’ & direct the other person to go find the hidden treasure by following the map. ‘It’ is responsible for telling the other when they are ‘hot’ or ‘cold’
Props: Treasure map style-hide toy(s) through the house & then map it out for them to follow

If you do not have any props/toys to work with here are some other fun ideas!

1. Read books (maybe rent a few from your local library to bring with you on your outing)
2. Color (bring crayons and construction paper if you have on hand)
3. Dance parties (a Bell Family favorite). Download kidzbop on pandora for an instant dance party; they also have a children’s sing along station which could be fun!

Uncategorized

WWW – Run, Carole, Run!

March 18, 2015 lindsay-bell

Today, we are feature BFC’s resident marathon runner, Carole Dempsey. Carole has been with Bell Family Company for three years, and has really enjoyed meeting other great sitters and families. She’s also passionate about her job as an Associate Buyer at Macy’s in the Fragrance division. Originally from Maryland, Carole moved to NYC after graduating from Dickinson College 3.5 years ago. She also played basketball all four years in college and still plays during the week, when she’s not training for marathons that is.

We sat down with Carole to hear about how she balances training for a marathon, why she’s running, and more!

Why are you running the NYC Marathon?

I have run 6 half marathons and always thought I wasn’t interested in doing a full marathon, but it was so inspiring to watch the NYC Marathon last year! There was so much excitement and support for the runners, and it was so cool to see people travel from all over the world to run in the race.

Why did you choose to fundraise for the Michael J. Fox Foundation?

In recent years, Parkinson’s has affected my family and changed our lives. I never knew much about the disease until a few years ago, and now I feel the need to make others more aware about it. I’ve also never had a charity or cause that I was passionate about until now, and this is such a great organization with a huge support system.

How do you balance training for a marathon with the other parts of your life? (I.e. family/ friends/ work)

It is extremely difficult, but I just think about how much easier the race will be if I make the time to train. There were a few half marathons that I did not train for, and they were HARD. I do not want to experience that during a 26.2 mile run. Family and friends will be supportive of something that is important to me, so that is what also makes it easier.

Is this your first marathon?

Yes, this is my first! And I want to finish this one before I start thinking about the next.

Many adults want to be physically active, but don’t think they have the time in their days to go for a jog or work out at the gym; do you have any advice?

I struggle with this as well. However, having a marathon, half marathon, 10K, or some goal makes it easier to stay active. I also feel much happier when I’ve been active. When I start to take a week or two off, I feel sluggish, tired, and eat more junk food. And a friend of mine always says, “You never regret that workouts you do, only the ones you don’t.” It is so true!

Any other comments?

My goal is to raise $5,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, so I have a ways to go and need all the support I can get. Any donation, no matter how small, would be SO appreciated!

You can donate to Carole’s run here: http://www2.michaeljfox.org/goto/caroledempsey

Good luck, Carole!