Brown Girl Gumbo

Macy’s Santaland Makes You Believe in the Magic of Christmas

December 5, 2019

Does Christmas even happen if your kids don’t visit Santa Claus?

For the second year in a row, my kids have gone to Macy’s iconic Santaland for the quintessential holiday photo with jolly ole’ St. Nick. This year marks the 39th year that the famed department store has offered this festive opportunity for families right in the heart of Manhattan.

Like last year, the space was incredibly inviting, festive and oozing with winterized flair. From dancing pigs to trains zipping around a snowcapped cityscape, the merriment of the season was on full display along our enchanted journey.

Photo Courtesy of Macy’s, Inc./Mike Coppola

As we boarded the the “train” to Santaland, we were greeted with elves decked out in Christmas-themed getups. Think green and white stockings, red shirts and yellow smocks—the perfect attire for Santa’s hardworking workshop helpers in the North Pole.

Throughout Santaland, my children’s eyes sparkled with delight as they saw animatronic polar bears, a massive sleigh stuffed with toys and teddy bears, trains zipping around and a grand Christmas tree twinkling with colorful lights. To say they were mesmerized would be an understatement.

Photo Courtesy of Macy’s, In.c/Mike Coppola

Additionally, there were elves making wooden bird houses along the path that made the interactive experience exciting and memorable.

Once we made our way through the enchanted Santaland, we got to meet the big guy, Santa Claus himself. Since representation matters in all forms, I was extremely pleased that choosing a Black Santa was an option. Since my kids had originally met Black Santa back at our local mall in Brooklyn, seeing him again at Macy’s Herald Square played nicely into my children’s vision of Santa Claus.

Not only was Santa warm-spirited and attentive, but he was also super funny! While I’m sure there will be a rotating group of Santa’s, I’d bet that most are trained to be like the awesome one we had. My kids beamed as they told him what they wanted and he even got my husband and me to tap into our childhood and share our Christmas wish lists.

If you’re looking for an affordable (entry is free and photo packages start at $22) dose of holiday cheer, Macy’s Santaland is a must! Plus, the classic photos and magical memories will last a lifetime.

Macy’s Santaland Herald Square is currently open and runs through December 24. For reservations and more information, be sure to check out Macy’s Santaland.

Do you children take holiday photos with Santa Claus?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 2 Comments

What is Myopia and Why is it Becoming More Prevalent?

November 8, 2019

Did you know that 1 in 4 children in the U.S is myopic? Not sure what myopic means? Well, you’re not alone. According to The Harris Poll released earlier this week by CooperVision, only 33% of parents know what that term means. In fact, more parents know more about lice than myopia. For the uninformed, it means short-sightedness or nearsightedness.

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens of the eye. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface. Meaning, for people with myopia, things from a distance tend to look blurry. Generally, myopia first occurs in school-age children and progresses until about age 20. The condition is caused by genetics, lifestyle or a mix of both.

The Harris Poll also found that not only are people unaware of myopia, the condition is becoming more widespread than ever before and its severity has intensified too. Moreover, two-thirds of eye care professionals have seen an increase in pediatric myopia in their practice over the last 5 to 10 years. Not exactly good news, right?

While it’s clearly a major concern for parents, there are several ways to protect children’s eyes to hopefully reduce the number of myopia patients. Recently, I attended a panel discussion (moderated by Melissa Gerstein of The Moms) on myopia where I learned all about the condition, as well as tips and advice for keeping our kids’ eyes as healthy as possible.

Here are my three biggest takeaways:

Limit screen time: Studies show that too much time on electronic devices is not ideal for children. Data from 145 studies covering 2.1 million participants revealed that increases in myopia are driven principally by lifestyle. Is it ok for them to use the latest tech gadgets? Of course. However, balance is key.
Get kids active again: Things have changed from when I was a kid. My friends and I used to play outside all the time. Times change and today’s children are indoors more often than not, which isn’t healthy. Researchers suggest that myopia progression may be caused by light levels, which may be directly related to how little time kids spend outdoors nowadays.
Don’t skip eye exams: Life is hectic and we moms let some things slip through the cracks. Annual eye exams can’t be one of them. Get your child screened every year to ensure that their eyes are functioning properly and there aren’t any problems. In many cases, kids don’t know how to articulate that their vision isn’t clear. Plus, there aren’t always visible signs or symptoms that hint to vision issues. Get them screened!

Does your child have myopia? If so, how has your experience been?

Category: Travel & Lifestyle | 1 Comment

Say Bye Bye to Oily Skin with IT Cosmetics Pore-Refining Toner

October 30, 2019

For many, cooler temps typically means tighter, drier skin. However, that’s never been the case for me. No matter the season, I can always count on having super oily skin. Throughout the years I’ve tried countless products to combat my unwanted shine. Some have worked, but most have been no match for my face.

That’s until I tried IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Leave-On Solution Pore-Refining Toner. This seemingly magic potion has been a godsend for eliminating my excessive oil production. Formulated with formulated with kaolin clay that works to absorb excess oil, it effortlessly keeps my skin matte, while simultaneously minimizing and refining pores.

Bye Bye Pores Leave-On Solution Pore-Refining Toner available here, $34

Reminiscent of the old-school milk of magnesia home remedy to reduce oiliness, this new formula takes the guesswork and hassle out of application. Simply soak a cotton ball with the solution and wipe it across your face and voila, your skin is left feeling toned and oil-free. The best part? It doesn’t overly dry your skin, which could lead to irritation. I apply it to my T-zone every morning before putting on my makeup and it keeps me relatively shine-free all day.

They say having oily skin helps preserve a youthful glow, but until I’m over 60, I prefer to keep my shine under control. This does the trick and I couldn’t be happier.

Did the genetics gods bless you with oily skin too? If so, how do keep the oil slicks at bay?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

See Cities Like Never Before with Go City Explorer Pass

October 29, 2019

When I moved to New York City way back in 2003, I never thought I’d still live here 16 years later. After becoming a mom, I made it my mission to show my two children as many of the city’s top sights and cultural attractions that the Big Apple has to offer.

Throughout the years, I’ve taken them to quintessential places around the city like Ellis Island, the American Museum of Natural History and a host of others, but there were three iconic spots we’d yet to visit: the Empire State Building, Luna Park during Halloween Harvest and the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.

That all changed when we got the opportunity to check out the Go City New York Explorer pass. The super cost-effective pass gives tourists and locals alike, the keys to more than 20 cities including New York, Dubai, Chicago, Las Vegas, Sydney and New Orleans. With seemingly limitless possibilities at your fingertips, you can choose packages for 3, 4, 5, 7, or 10 attractions. Plus, it’s super easy and can be downloaded straight to your smartphone. The best part? You can visit any of the attractions at your leisure within 30 days after the first attraction has been activated. This alleviates the pressure of trying to squeeze everything into one day.

empire-state-building-go-pass-karla-pope

Our visit to the Empire State Building using the Go City Explorer pass in New York City.

With the New York City pass, those interested in seeing the Empire State Building have an incredible bonus on Tuesdays and Thursdays: exclusive early access before it opens to the public! We experienced this remarkable perk and we couldn’t have been more pleased. No crowds and no hustle and bustle so we could enjoy our time and take it all in virtually uninterrupted. I’ll never forget my kids’ excitement when we finally arrived at the top. It was a priceless moment that I won’t soon forget.

We also had the chance to visit Luna Park at Coney Island for our first visit during Harvest Fest. Having access to 24 unlimited rides was a dream come true. They rode their favorite rollercoasters, swings and rides over and over again. We’ve gone to Coney Island plenty of times in the past, but our Go City pass provided a once-in-a-lifetime experience that my kids were so grateful to have.

Our visit to Luna Park at Coney Island during Halloween Harvest in Brooklyn.

Our visit to the Empire State Building using the Go City Explorer pass in New York City.

Our visit to Luna Park at Coney Island during Halloween Harvest in Brooklyn.

Finally, within 30 days of our first pass activation, we made our way to the Top of the Rock. While the pass didn’t provide early access like the Empire State Building, it did have one major advantage: breathtaking views of the Empire State Building!

Our visit to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center using our Go City Explorer pass in New York City.

Our visit to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center using the Go City Explorer pass in New York City.

Whether you enjoy bike rides, museums, skyscrapers, landmarks, walking tours or something in between, the Go City Explorer pass is your ticket to countless memories. Even if you call the city home or if you’re traveling abroad, your pass grants you access to a world of discovery.

For passes and more information, please visit Go City.

**Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I was provided four tickets for review purposes only.

Have you ever used The Go City Explorer pass? What’s your favorite New York City attraction?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Gumbo Mix | 1 Comment

Refinery29’s 29Rooms is Heading Back to Brooklyn

October 23, 2019

Cynics who thought selfies and perfectly curated Instagram feeds were going to fizzle out, fat chance. The photo-sharing craze that sends millennials into frenzies is here to stay, at least for the near future.

To satisfy the cravings of the photo-obsessed set, Refinery29’s 29Rooms is heading back to Brooklyn. That means it’s time to grab your bestie and your best outfit and get ready to strike a pose in front of some cool backdrops and artistic installations.

This year’s immersive exhibit will boast a bevy of local and nation, emerging and established collaborators across sectors including art, entertainment, politics and style. Each of the 29 rooms will be designed and curated under the “Expand Your Reality” umbrella, which encourages attendees to step into the unexpected and unleash their curiosity and creativity. The tour has already touched down in Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta. Now it’s time for the interactive phenomenon to return home.

The Expand Your Reality tour continues at 25 Kent Avenue in Brooklyn from December 6-15. Get ready to rack up “likes” because your social media feed is about to get a major upgrade.

Check out some of the upcoming rooms:

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 17: Art installation featured in 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality Chicago Tour opening night on July 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for IMG/Refinery 29 )

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 28: The Art Park Atlanta piece by NNEKKAA at 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality Atlanta Tour Opening Night at The Works on August 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Refinery29)

TORONTO, ONTARIO – SEPTEMBER 26: General atmosphere at 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality Toronto Tour Opening Night at Exhibition Place on September 26, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by GP Images/Getty Images for IMG/Refinery 29)

Tickets are available now at 29Rooms.com starting at $25.

Have you ever attended 29Rooms? If so, what was your experience?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | Leave a Comment

Rewear Your Fashions with Febreze

October 22, 2019

We have all worn clothes that weren’t necessarily ready for the hamper, but needed a slight refresh.

Recently, I found myself in that position.

A few weeks ago I attended a fall street fair where I wore a chunky sweater and a pair of my favorite jeans. While I enjoy street fairs like anybody else, what I don’t like is the smoke that emits from the open fire pits roasting delicious corn and savory jerk chicken. Does it smell good? Sure. But do I want to smell like grilled meat hours later? No!

Enter Febreze’s newest offering, Clothing Odor Eliminator. When I got home, I sprayed my sweater and jeans with Febreze twice in the front and once in the back. The mist dried fairly quickly and left my sweater and jeans smelling fresh and clean! Like the name says, it eliminates odors and unpleasant smells in three quick sprays. For a busy, working mom like me, this newly launched spray has been a godsend when it comes to giving clothes a quick refresh in between washes.

The spray won’t stain and is gentle on most fabrics including jeans, sweaters and outerwear. However, don’t use it on garments that may water spot (silk, suede, leather). For me, it’s perfect for the sweaters and blazers that I leave in our offices when the a/c is on full blast even in the dead of winter. While they don’t necessarily get dirty, they definitely need freshening up on a weekly basis.

If you’re looking for an easy way to extend laundry day on some of your favorite pieces, Febreze Clothing Odor Eliminator is a great option.

Febreze Clothing Odor Eliminator, available here, $5.

Category: Fashion | 1 Comment

Review: ‘The Pout-Pout Fish’ Leaves Audiences Smiling

October 17, 2019

As a mom of two, I’ve seen my fair share of grumpy faces and endless grimaces. So, I was intrigued to find out the story behind TheaterWorksUSA’s latest stage production, “The Pout-Pout Fish.”

I knew it would center around an ocean pout, which is a real marine creature typically found in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of New England and eastern Canada. But, what I didn’t know was how much my kids and I would enjoy this impeccable blend of puppetry, music and awesome storytelling. Well, ok, maybe that’s not exactly true – my expectations are always high when it comes to shows at The New Victory Theater. They consistently deliver top-notch performances and this was no exception.

Photo credit: Jeremy Daniel

Based on the best-selling children’s book series by Deborah Diesen, “The Pout-Pout Fish” takes audiences on an underwater ride of self-discovery and exploration. The protagonist is a big, blue fish who wears a perpetual pout and sees his world through a dark, pessimistic lens. Despite his ocean friends’ unceasing pleas for him to get out and enjoy life and experience new things, he resists. That is until one fateful encounter with a magnificent pearl that inadvertently gives him a positive glimpse into who he truly is.

Unfortunately, he loses the precious gemstone, which sends him on a quest to reclaim this ocean-shattering revelation. Along his journey, he’s faced with challenges and meets new friends that show him that life isn’t so bad after all.

If your children are fans of the book, they’re going to really enjoy this stage adaptation. It’s chock full of awe-inspiring puppetry and catchy songs that will have you humming them long after you leave the theater. Ideal for children ages 4-7, the show will keep them engaged and entertained throughout.