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I love to bake and have amassed a fine collection of trays, molds, and pans.
This storage rack has been a lifesaver. Instead of a teetering tower of bakeware, I can find and pull out what I need. The adjustable dividers hold everything from thin cutting boards to cake pans upright. The coated dividers fit snugly into the base (but are still easy to reposition) and won’t scratch your pans. Finally, the non-slip feet keep the rack from sliding around your cabinet.
This just might make your holiday baking a little easier.
The StoreMore Bakeware Rack is $19.99 at Amazon.
Sales of note for 5.5.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase (ends 5/12); $50 off your $200+ purchase (ends 5/5)
- Banana Republic Factory – Spend your StyleCash with 40-60% off everything, or take an extra 20% off purchase (ends 5/6)
- Eloquii – $19 & up 300+ styles and up to 50% off everything else
- J.Crew – Shirts & tees starting at $24.50; extra 30% off sale styles
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Loft – 40% off full-price styles & extra 15% off; extra 55% off sale styles
- Nordstrom: Nordy Club members earn 3X the points on beauty; 30% off selected shoes
- Talbots – 40% off one item & and 30% off everything else; $50 off $200 (all end 5/5)
- Zappos – 27,000+ women’s sale items! (check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kids’ shoe brands on sale)
Kid/Family Sales
- Carter’s – 40% off everything & extra 20% off select styles with code
- Hanna Andersson – Friends & Family Sale: 40% off sitewide
- J.Crew Crewcuts – tk; extra 30% off sale styles; kids’ styles starting at $14.50
- Old Navy – Up to 75% off clearance
- Target – 20% off women’s clothing & shoes; up to 50% off kitchen & dining; 20% off jewelry & hair accessories; up to $100 off select Apple products; up to 40% off home & patio; BOGO 50% off adult & YA books
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And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- If you’re a working parent of an infant with low sleep needs, how do you function at work when you’re in the throes of baby’s sleep regression?
- Should I cut my childcare down to 12 hours a month if I work from home?
- Will my baby have speech delays if we raise her bilingual?
- Has anyone given birth in a teaching hospital?
- My child eats everything, and my friends’ kids do not – how should I handle? In general, what is the best way to handle when your child has some skill/ability and your friend’s child doesn’t have that skill/ability?
- ADHD moms, give me your tips to help with things like behavior in the classroom, attention to detail, etc?
- I think I suffer from mom rage…
- My husband and kids are gone this weekend – how should I enjoy my free time?
- I’m struggling to be compassionate with a SAHM friend who complains she doesn’t have enough hours of childcare.
- If you exclusively formula fed, what tips do you have for in the hospital and coming home?
- Could I take my 4-yo and 8-yo on a 7-8 day trip to Paris, Lyon, and Madrid?
Snotty says
Any feedback on the battery-powered nasal aspiratior/snot-sucker things? My two year old loathes both the Nose Frida and the blue bulb the hospital sent us home with. I’m guessing she’d hate this, too, but maybe it’s at least quicker?
Anon says
I used the Graco one for two of my kids and it was great. Very effective and quic. Even with a squirmy kid. Highly recommend.
AwayEmily says
We used saline instead as per our pediatrician’s rec — squirted it up their nose and all the snot came out. We’d usually do it before bed. Our kids didn’t *like* it per se but it was very effective.
ElisaR says
same
EDAnon says
I agree that this was way more effective. It was recommended by one of our child care teachers.
Anon says
The reviews I read were terrible. I’m impressed that you can even get a snot sucker near your two year old’s nose! When we try, we use the munchkin one. I have the Frida but it always feels like it’s going to come apart and poke my kid in the eye – I don’t get why the two pieces don’t hook together.
An.On. says
We use the electric one and have two notes: 1. There’s some sort of seal that you need to remove to get the suction you need. You’ll see it when you take the parts out to clean them (check online reviews for more descriptions). 2. We discovered that the baby is much better with it if you buzz it on her shoulder first and give her a little time to see it and get used to it rather than just shoving it up her nose.
anon says
So, our pediatrician gave us this advice: if the snot-sucker things are causing your kid to cry and tantrum, it simply isn’t worth it because that just causes them to produce more snot. So, we just don’t do them at all and haven’t noticed a difference during illnesses at all. YMMV!
Cc says
Any advice on the daycare transition for first born ? Baby will be five months when she goes next month. I’ve heard good things but I just read one bad review from 4 years ago and my anxiety is back in a big way. Part of me is looking forward to working (I had a work call yesterday and felt more energy than I have in months ) but I just can’t imagine bringing my smiley sweet baby to daycare. She spends all day on me and nursing and I feel like it’s just going to be such a big shock – I am a mess !
Anonymous says
It’s the Goddard school in Weston in case anyone happens to have experience there !
govtattymom says
It’s a tough transition but it will be ok!! It is definitely about finding the right place for your child (my daughter goes to a Goddard School and we love it). I wouldn’t worry too much about one negative review. Teachers are human and no school is going to make every parent happy. My older daughter has been at a daycare center for five years (infant room to private kindergarten) and has had phenomenal teachers every step of the way. There has only been one teacher who wasn’t amazing (and she left after one month). Good luck- you can do this!
govtattymom says
Oops- I forgot to subtract from those 5 years the 1.5 she was home for the pandemic, lol
Anon says
I felt the same way but it’s honestly better than I expected. I was a wreck before he started but now we’re 2 months in and he smiles when he sees his teachers every day and does a lot of developmental activities while he’s there. I think a lot has to do with really feeling comfortable with the daycare you picked. Anywhere could have a negative comment against it but as long as it isn’t a pattern and your mom gut feels comfortable with it I don’t think one comment is a red flag, especially from years ago.
It’s definitely a different dynamic (FTM here too!) but it’s nice to have some time for myself (even if it’s work) and then get to see my happy little guy after the work day is over. We did a trial day the week before I went back so I could feel the feels that day instead of my first day back at work which I’d highly recommend.
Cc says
That’s a great idea- and thank you all so much for the reassurance. I can’t quit because I am the breadwinner (and even if I could don’t think it would be right for me ) but this is the first time ever in my life having an inkling of .. should I be staying home?? But rationally I know this is best and we had a great interview / tour with the teachers
Anonymous says
If you’re reading reviews from 4 years ago and panicking you need to stop focusing on day care details and talk to your doctor about managing your anxiety.
Your baby is going to handle the transition just fine, but you might need more support! And it’s a great idea to get that proactively.
Cc says
Oh I do! See a therapist every week. I had a traumatic birdbath experience and a lot of anxiety but it’s getting better. I think the daycare transition is tough for most people tho!
Anonymous says
I agree! It was def rough for me. Therapy was a huge help. It was offensively easy for my babies.
Anon says
Ok I know it’s a typo and anxiety is not funny, but I am giggling at the thought of a traumatic experience in a birdbath! Those birds can be such jerks!
Cc says
Lol this is supposed to say birth of course – I don’t have birdbath trauma
EDAnon says
That made me laugh. Until I read your followup, I was trying to figure out what had happened with that birdbath!
I had a really bad birth experience, too, and I was lucky it was with my second because I think it helped that it wasn’t my first time through. It took me a long time to get through.
Anonymous says
Oh wow I thought you were saying you were giving your newborn a bath in a sink and something scary happened. Sorry to hear about the traumatic birth experience (isn’t processing traumatic birth during COVID particularly grand?), but thanks for the chuckle at the typo.
Anon says
It will be ok but it’s normal to be anxious. It’s a big transition for you both.
Anon says
It will be ok but it’s normal to be anxious. It’s a big transition for you both. It helped me to remember that you’re not committing to this forever – if it’s really not working you can find a different school or even a different childcare arrangement.
Anonymous says
I wouldn’t let one bad review bother you. Daycare is very personal, and sometimes it just depends how a parent clicks with various teachers and personalities and all that. We absolutely loved our daycare, but very good friends found that it wasn’t a good fit for them. They were completely reasonable in their choice and what worked best for their family. I’d say that daycare is the biggest thing I’ve ever encountered where truly reasonable minds will differ on what is a good fit. Don’t sweat the review!
Anonymous says
You baby will be in good hands AND it’s normal to feel sad. Something I have learned along the way is feeling sad doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It’s just hard to leave your baby. I promise you will get through it.
ElisaR says
it’s normal to be apprehensive about it. Both my babies went to Goddard in another state and it was a good experience. They are SO stimulated there. The first week I got a picture of my 5 month old holding a paintbrush and my husband and I were like “WHAT! who knew he could paint!?” which is kind of funny now because he wasn’t actually painting but you get the point. I also think their immune systems get exposed to more which is good in the long term. I cried like a baby when I dropped them off but by the 2nd week…..it got much easier. The teachers were so helpful because they have so much experience. Like when she told me “uhhh you need to get this baby shoes!”. good luck, it will be ok!
Pogo says
lol our older son’s school posts pictures of the kid’s artwork and the infant ones crack me up. They often do these cutsey handprint-on-theme (like a apple tree during the fall or whatever) and the directory always writes “The infants had so much fun painting apples this week! Great job kids!” (as if the kids actually painted) Cracks me up every time.
Boston Legal Eagle says
Our kids both had these two infant teachers who were amazing. Seriously the nicest, sweetest ever and you could tell they really loved their jobs and the babies. And I got to know them personally too, which helps it feel like they are an extension of your village. Which they are! Everyone needs a village in this parenting thing. I hope you have the same experience. It’s hard to leave your baby for the first time, but honestly I think 5-6 months is a little easier than closer to 12 months as that’s when separation anxiety really kicks in. Which you may fine every time your child switches rooms as they get older, but they’ll be ok eventually with that too.
I’m not familiar with Weston daycares but I think MA has pretty high standards for early education so I’m sure all the ones in the area are great in terms of safety standards. It’s about finding the right fit.
Pogo says
+1 our nanny was an infant teacher at a Goddard in another fancy W town in the suburbs, and she confirmed they have very high standards.
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
Hey! As a fellow anxiety sufferer, just remember our brains are wired to find things to worry about. The bad review from eons ago is just that. Goddard is a highly-respected national chain, and as someone who has put 2 babies in daycare (at 4 and 3 months, respectively) they will love it and so will you. The first weeks do take adjustment, but you got this.
Anon says
My daycare suggested I bring my baby in to adjust before we officially started (they said it was really to help the parents adjust though). So I brought my baby in one day and sat with her in the daycare for 45 min. It was a nice chance to observe and casually talk with the teachers about how things work. It took away the sense of unknown and made it a little less scary. The first few months were hard but try to remember the bigger picture of why this is a good decision for your family.
anon says
In case you’re still reading – I posted almost this exact same question about three months ago. I got the nicest responses that I screenshotted and sent to my husband because they were so reassuring. I can never figure out the search functionality on here but it was on August 13. Two particular comments that I loved – day care was basically Disney World for babies and day care means more adults to love your baby. The second comment has proven to be particularly true for us. My baby is home sick with RSV and a double ear infection today and one of her teachers texted me to ask how she’s feeling because she missed her. My heart just melted.
Cc says
This was so nice to hear. I am sorry about the rsv and wishing baby a speedy recovery! And thanks to all for such nice responses
Anonymous says
My 9 months twins are sick, waking up every two hours at night hand I’m interviewing nannies and I’m just exhausted. I know in my head this too shall pass, but I need some encouragement. My oldest went to day care without issue but the twins seem particularly prone to illness. I’m running on fumes at this point.
ElisaR says
hang in there! it sounds like you know how it goes but I am wishing you an easy transition!
Anon says
Hugs! I don’t know that your kids are unusually susceptible. I think this is just a bad year for daycare illness. Our immune systems collectively suffered during the Covid year, so there’s way more stuff going around now than normal. And we haven’t even hit flu season yet, ugh.
Anonymous says
Ugh, I’m sorry. I used to try to allow 3 days for any baby crisis to pass, and usually the worst was over in that amount of time. (Or I had gotten adjusted to the new normal more). And FWIW, I often found spring and fall seemed worse for illness than the dead of winter. Hopefully you’ll get a better run of health soon.
EDAnon says
You can do it! I always try to remind myself that by two weeks from now, so much will have happened that I will barely remember what’s happening now.
Redux says
Am I crazy to try to plan a Disney visit for January? Is it too late for a first-timer to pull off? I am overwhelmed by all the “tips” online– a far cry from when we used to just show up and figure it out 15 years ago. Is there a ready-made plan I could just adopt? Or do I need to give myself more time and aim for spring instead?
Anonymous says
How much do you care? It is too late for Full On Disney, but if you don’t care where you stay or what you eat, it’s fine! We are team lazy disney, so we often stay outside the park in a house with a pool for a week, and head over and do the parks for 3-4 days. We skip rides with monster lines and generally don’t do character meals. We still have tons of fun!
Redux says
We are most excited for Harry Potter World. I think my kids would love Magic Kingdom, but being as how we’ve never been before, we don’t have any set expectations– so I’m not even sure what Full On Disney means as compared to lazy Disney? But I definitely don’t want to spend a few thousand dollars on airfare and lodging to end up not getting a good experience– i.e., getting shut out of all the rides/ shows/ etc.
anne-on says
We did Universal over the summer and it is MUCH different from Disney, there really isn’t a ‘true’ skip the line option like Fast pass unless you pay $$$ for the private/semi private tours. If your kid just wants to wander around Hogsmeade/Diagon Alley and doesn’t care about the rides, you’ll be fine. It gets VERY crowded (Hosmeade more than Diagon Alley, but both were pretty packed) so I’d get there at opening and go straight there. The other parts of Universal were not crazy crowded and I found it overall less hectic than Magic Kingdom. I don’t have girls, so we did Liberty Square and Tomorrowland on repeat and barely even went into FantasyLand, which made it a lot calmer.
Anon says
I would just do Harry Potter World at Universal then and maybe just a day at Magic Kingdom to wander around and take in the magic (but not stress about rides). Universal is much easier to plan last minute. If you stay at one of the Deluxe resorts, then you get an express pass for almost every ride at Universal and early admission to the parks to go on those rides that don’t have it (I think it’s just Hagrid’s motorbike that doesn’t). We love the Hard Rock Hotel. We have never had any problem doing everything at Universal in 2 days with express passes.
Redux says
So, 2 days for universal, one day at Magic Kingdom? My kids are only 5 and 8 (but age-inappropriately way more into Harry Potter than Pixar) so I think a lot of universal will be over their heads– they haven’t seen most movies represented there! If this weren’t so expensive we would just do HP– but the airfare alone means I want to make this trip “worth it” but also doing the more age-appropriate magical stuff at Disney.
Anon says
Fwiw my aunt took my Harry Potter-obsesed niece to Harry Potter world when she was 10 or so, and I plan to do the same thing with my kid if she gets into the books. (Not trying to yuck anyone’s yum, but Disney is not my thing and I would not go unless my kid was begging for it.) If you think your kids would enjoy Magic Kingdom, I don’t see any harm in doing an extra day there, but I also don’t think it’s in any way shape or form a “waste” to fly to Orlando just for Harry Potter. It’s apparently a really fantastic experience for kids who love those books.
Anonymous says
We went to Disney(world) a couple of weeks ago and it was great! Hardly any lines or crowds, I think it’s a good time to go if you’re vaxxed. In terms of planning, we did get dinner reservations ahead of time but didn’t do any other meals ahead of time and it worked out fine. We stayed in the park and used the early morning “magic hour” but if you’re not dead-set on doing Rise of the Resistance (new Star Wars ride at Hollywood Studios, probably the most popular ride), it’s probably not necessary.
AwayEmily says
My sister booked her family’s trip through Costco and said they did a lot of the planning (plus saved them some money). Maybe something to look into?
Anonymous says
I would wait. The 5 year old is going to be too short for many of the rides at Universal, and most of them are pretty intense. It is really more oriented for older kids.
I do think for Disney it makes a bit difference to plan, it can greatly reduce the amount of time you spend in line. It might be less crowded now, where this is not as much of an issue.
Anon says
My almost 4 yo is obsessed with doing art and we have a 12 hour drive coming up. Any recs for art supplies other than crayons and paper that we could bring in the car that won’t be super messy? We have water wows and Crayola wonders but I think she is aging out of those – she really wants to be able to create her own stuff not just color someone else’s picture. PS. It’s interesting how kids form their own personalities from such an early age! Neither my husband nor I are the slightest bit artsy.
ElisaR says
magnetic tangrams are a big hit in our car. thanks for the reminder…. we lost many of our pieces (despite the magnets) and need them for the holiday drive!
Mary Moo Cow says
If she likes just creating her own stuff, then what about plain Crayola wonder paper and markers? Or plain paper and washable markers? (I discovered the hard way that I cannot trust one of my kids with this. Showed up at our destination and she was covered in marker.) Crayola also makes glitter dots, but they can be underwhelming. She’s probably too young for Paint by Sticker, because it requires following numbers. Wiki Sticks weren’t a big hit in my house, but your daughter might like them. Also, if she’s a storyteller, a new set of finger puppets or Little People or fairy dolls that she can use to make up stories. Good luck on the drive! Lots of threads here have great ideas for long car rides.
Anon says
Thanks! We did the same drive last year and it was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be.
AwayEmily says
One of those magnetic drawing boards (the kind you swipe to erase). It kept my kid occupied for a long time. When she got bored with drawing, we played a game where I would draw an animal, then pass it back to her and she’d have to guess what it was (I am a terrible artist so this was harder than you might think).
Spirograph says
I really like magnadoodle pads for the car. Sticker books could be another good option, if you trust her to stick the stickers only in the book. I wouldn’t consider any art supplies other than colored pencils and crayons … and even those I’d expect to end up on the upholstery.
Signed, my car has crayon scribbles on the walls in the back seat.
TheElms says
What about rainbow scratch paper or self adhesive foam shapes to stick on paper and create pictures that way or just an assortment of stickers to add to drawings on paper? Or an Etch a sketch or lite brite (the pegs might go everywhere but perhaps not if you put them in a cup to start.
You could “make up” a couple simple activities like decorate a paper bag to make a puppet, or decorate a paper plate to make a face (person or animal) so that coloring with crayons would be more than just coloring on paper.
Anon says
My 4yos will spend hours with coloring books and crayons in the car, so our top tip is usually buy them a new coloring book before each trip, but it sounds like she might want more creativity. Could you do crayons and blank paper? My kids also love cutting up pieces of paper and gluing them in patterns–that might be too messy for the car but you can accomplish something similar with felt boards and shapes (either that you cut out yourself or just buying a pre-made set).
First Sticker Art is easier than Paint By Sticker. We also adore the Melissa & Doug reusable sticker books for hours of amusement.
Anon says
I wonder if you could get a coloring book for her to color and then stickers to “decorate” the people in the book with – stick on earrings (the ones for human kids work), stickers of accessories like hats, flowers, etc.
DLC says
Someone gave us a Boogieboard and out kids love it for car trips. I love the idea above of collaborative drawing!
The Melissa and Doug Reusable Stickers are fun… there are different sets. It’s not creating from scratch, but my kid loved making up scenes and what not with those.
Anonymous says
Do they still make colorforms? They are more open ended reusable stickers.
Anon says
We have a felt board for the car and my same age kid spends tons of time rearranging the pieces to tell stories or make designs. If your kid is into heading, that also works well (can put beads and strings w knot already tied in one end in a Tupperware). Decorating cards might be more fun than just drawing – could buy a bunch of blank solid colored cards and have her decorate outside and then write and send them to friends and family for holidays.
Anon says
Have any of you ever explored leaving your career to open a shop of some kind? (bookstore, florist, boutique, wine store, etc – not like “found a startup”). Any suggested resources or tips?
Realist says
I had a Biglaw friend that opened a retail type store related to a passion. Her family lived way below their means for several years to give a big savings cushion. I don’t think the store is making oodles of money, but they kept their low cost lifestyle and seem happy. Her partner stayed at home when they had babies but helps a lot with the store now that the kids are in school.
Anonymous says
My mom had a couple of friends who quit their corporate jobs and opened a quilting store. They were in their 50s, kids were out of the house and husbands still worked office jobs so they had some stability and savings. I don’t think their shop ever made much in the way of profit, but they had fun and then sold it to some other quilters after about 8-10 years. I think the key for them was getting connected with an organization of people interested in their hobby (the local quilt guild, which had hundreds of members), so they could advertise through that org and work with them on charity events and so on.
Anonymous says
I’d find a way to experiment, with something like a popup, before you commit. There are wholesale marketplaces now, like Faire/ Bulletin/ Tundra, where you can buy product and sometimes get financing.
My dream is to open a wine store… someday!
Pogo says
I have one acquaintance who quit her corporate accounting job to become a cheesemonger with the idea of opening her own store. She did the whole apprenticeship and study and everything and didn’t even get to the part of opening a store before quitting it to be a stay at home mom. I think it was purely financial – they can easily live on husband’s salary but not pay for daycare + her cheese dream.
Anon4This says
I always dreamt of having a full, busy house. I like it most of the time. But I feel like the pandemic has changed what that means! But right now, DH is on leave and managing the handyman, my FIL (who is staying with us for a bit) is doing laundry, and our dog is whining in the bathroom. I just returned from my annual well-women’s exam. Thank GOD our kids are in school/daycare. Bedroom (where my office set up is) door is closed, and I’m just hoping for silence to get some work done. Vent over :)
EDAnon says
I often feel the same way. I want to be someone who enjoys a busy house, but I don’t actually love it. At least not at this life stage.
Anon says
Covid-permitting, I’m going to be taking 3 flights (3+ hours) with a very large toddler (she’s 16 months now, in the 90% for height and weight) in the next few months. I know it’s the worst possible age to fly, but she hasn’t met most out of time family yet.
I’ve purchased her own seat for all flights, but remind me – what’s the travel car seat we all like for airplane travel?
anon says
cosco scenera
Anonymous says
I like the Cosco Scenera Next for airplanes.
Anon says
Cosco Scenera Next. That actually wasn’t a hard age for flying for us. She was so entertained by everything happening on the plane and generally happy unless she needed something specific. Age 2 was harder (in general and specifically for travel).
anon says
Yep, Cosco Scenera Next. Some people hate it, but it’s so light to carry through the airport and onto the airplane, fits through the x-ray scanner, easily fits on the airplane seat, etc. At that age, having our kids buckled into their carseat on flights meant they didn’t try to wiggle around or anything and were content to just sit and eat snacks and do whatever activities we handed them.
Anon says
Cocsco Scenera Next, but keep in mind that with a 90% height and weight kid, you will outgrow it far sooner than most people. I want to say mine outgrew it around 2.5 by both height and weight (see also, my almost 4 foot tall, 63 pound 4 year old).
anon says
Yep. I’d say still worth the $40 for these flights, but you won’t be able to use it to age 4.5 like I could with my 30%ile kids.
Anon says
Yeah, my tall kid outgrew it by height I want to say around 2.5 – it was the pandemic so we weren’t traveling but that’s when I would guess it happened. By the time she was 3.5 we definitely needed to upgrade to the Finale. But the Finale doesn’t rear face so I think investing in the Next is worth it for a kid under 2. It’s so cheap.
Ifiknew says
I’m finding the smallest of noises wake me up at night after 2 kids. Is it inappropriate to get a sound machine? We sleep downstairs in a 2500 SF house with our door open and can easily hear every peep. Each of the 2 kids makes upstairs but I. Worried I won’t hear then with a sound machine. Thoughts?
Anonymous says
How old are your kids?
Op says
4.5 and 2.5. 2.5 is in a crib still, good point maybe I’ll just test it at a low setting and see if it makes a difference
Anonymous says
Test it and see? If they really need you they will be loud enough, in my experience.
Realist says
If they are old enough to get out of bed and come get you as needed, I would set a few ground rules as makes sense for their age (try to go back to sleep if you wake up in the nighttime, but come get me if you had a nightmare or feel sick or whatever). If they are still in cribs or can’t navigate the stairs, I would still get a sound machine but add a simple audio-only baby monitor and turn it to the lowest volume where it is still effective.
Anon says
We are expecting baby #2 in May (eek) and since we had to cancel our babymoon with our first because of Covid, we are hoping for a redo this time around. Looking at mid to late January. What are some fun locations? We want to stay in US and want it to be a restorative trip (I.e. somewhere with some nice scenery and few things to do but still allow lots of time to relax and enjoy a few days of rest). We are open to beach, mountain, anything— just somewhere different (we are in North TX) and relaxing, and in a Covid conscious location. Any ideas or inspiration?
Anon says
Carmel CA, Florida beaches, dunton hot springs in Colorado. Dunton sounds incredible and would be my top baby moon pick although you couldn’t do the hot springs itself I think with a baby! Also in NTX
Anon says
I would go to Hawaii if you’re up for the flight. It’s very Covid safe and great for relaxing-but-not-boring trips.
NYCer says
I was going to suggest Hawaii as well.
If you want to stick with continental US, I would consider Santa Barbara, CA or Naples, FL.
Anonymous says
IME, Naples is too busy that time of year to be relaxing.
Anon says
+1 to Carmel. Lots of beautiful places to drive and hang out, quaint stores and downtown area to check out, lots of good food! Will be chilly at that time of year but it’s a very relaxing place to hang out in my opinion.
CCLA says
Carmel is wonderful, and I also want to plug Big Sur. We did a babymoon at Ventana, and stopped into Carmel for dinner and a beach stroll one day, but mostly hung out on the Ventana property doing nature walks, spa (they offered prenatal massage), and just hanging out in the beautiful surroundings. And if you like scenic drives there is a ton of that there. Post Ranch across the way from Ventana was excellent dining and looks amazing for accommodations too, maybe trying that next time but even more $$$$.
Also seconding Santa Barbara. The Ritz there is a great property. Definitely not “lie on the beach” style trip, but beach walks were nice, dining was excellent. Didn’t try the spa services.
Neither is on the same level as Hawaii, because coastal CA in Jan likely won’t be super warm, so don’t come to coastal CA for a beach resort style vacation in Jan. But it’s a great option if looking for something close to nature with beautiful scenery and mild weather.
Anon says
I don’t think Carmel is anything special. It’s a good day trip from Silicon Valley but I can’t imagine flying all the way from Texas to go there. I know it has a lot of good shopping but the overall vibe is kind of pretentious and most of the food spots are just ok. If you want to go to Northern California, I would do the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur (this is $$$$ but truly spectacular if you have the money), Napa or the Mendocino coast.
anon says
We did ours at Blackberry Farm in January last year and it was amazing.
TheElms says
Largely ignorning the COVID risks for the sake of this question, if you were going to fly from the East Coast to London with a 3 year old and a 2-4 month old (haven’t worked out the exact timing of the trip) and one way you would have your partner but the other way you wouldn’t, would you have partner join for the night flight or the day flight? My initial reaction was to have my husband join for the night flight. I’m nervous both kids won’t sleep and then I wouldn’t sleep at all and that would be very hard. At least during the day I think the 3 year old would happily watch a movie or and color / draw. We manage on very long car rides (12 hours) ok with just her at the moment. And I flew with her with my husband when she was 2 months, and 6 months pre-Covid. The backstory is almost all of my family lives in the UK and I’ll be on maternity leave and I’d really like to go see them. My husband can take a two week trip, but I’d likely go for 4-6 weeks since I haven’t seen my family since pre-Covid and I’m on leave anyways.
NYCer says
Any chance your mom (or other family member) could fly back with you and help during the daytime flight? If not and I had to choose, I would prefer to have help for the overnight flight.
TheElms says
Unfortunately not.
Anon says
I only have one kid but I’ve done East Coast to Hawaii solo with my kid twice, once at 10 months and once at 3. My kid does not sleep on planes but I actually found the day flights harder both times, although not insurmountably hard. I’m not sure why but something about the dimming of the cabin lights and everyone being quiet helps my kid calm down – she is way louder and more boisterous on daytime flights. I think you can probably expect a newborn to sleep a lot, and you might be surprised by how well your 3 year old can entertain themselves. On the recent Hawaii trip, I told my kid I was extremely exhausted (I didn’t sleep the night before either, yay travel-related insomnia) and asked if she could draw or watch TV by herself so I could sleep, and I ended up sleeping a lot, like at least 4 or 5 hours total – I barely even remember the flight. She is a barnacle to me at home and basically never plays or even watches TV alone, so it was a huge shock.
anon says
I’ve had both great overnight flights and horrible overnight flights with toddlers, but I think I’d also lean towards having your husband’s help on the flight over, since that’s when you’ll also be tired and if the 3yo doesn’t sleep it’s going to be really rough. If she’s good in the car with activities or a tablet, she will probably also be fine in the plane.
DLC says
I would chose flight over because I would’t want to do the whole airport and flight by myself for the first time. At least on the way back you’ll have sort of done an airport/long flight with two kids already once before. And the older one might also be easier knowing how the whole “getting through the airport” routine goes. I find navigating the airport is the hardest part of travel. But the my kids always tend to fall asleep on airplanes.
Anonymous says
Want to share a win! We have been discussing return to work at my medium sized firm where we have been loosely back in the office but planning a more formal return post-holidays. I’m one of the younger partners and one of only a couple with young kids. The senior partners in charge (older men of course) announced they were going to plow ahead with an “in office every day” policy, and I have convinced them on a trial basis to instead implement a policy of 3 days in office. Sure, I think I convinced them because I explained we would lose associates, not necessarily because they agree with its inherent merits, but I’m happy for the result. Think it is the right thing to do and will have a big impact.
Anon says
That’s great! Hopefully it can become more permanent than just a trial basis. At this point people have been home for almost 2 years and unless there is some proof of bad work or something i don’t find it very convincing that everyone must be in the office 5 days a week
Anonymous says
Yeah, anecdotally, 20% of my department has quit in the months since our return-to-office decree was announced. And that’s even WITH only requiring 2-3 days/week. I can only imagine what would happen if they’d tried to mandate 5.
Good for you for advocating for adapting to current reality rather than defaulting to the stodgy old facetime requirements way of doing things!
EDAnon says
Good on you for pushing back! Nice work!