10 Ways to Make Your Kids Feel Loved This Valentine’s Day

Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating romantic love. I am a big fan of celebrating marriage, but I also think it is important to model healthy romantic love for my daughters. I want to raise my girls to be independent, strong women, but I also want them to grow up knowing they are worth being cared for and treated special. I think Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to shower them with love and remind them just how special they are to me.

Now I know all moms are already busy enough, so I have focused on ways you can make kids feel loved that don’t take a ton of time or cost an arm and a leg. Check them out!

Surprise Them with a Valentine’s Card

For kids, Valentine’s Day is all about the valentines they will pass back and forth with classmates. But it will make them feel loved if they find a surprise Valentine’s Day card or a love note from you in their lunchbox.

Make a Special Valentine’s Day Breakfast

Start the holiday off right with a special Valentine’s Day-themed breakfast. Add some food coloring and make pink milk. Cook heart-shaped pancakes and add red and pink sprinkles.

Blow Up Balloons

I don’t really understand, but for some reason, my girls think balloons are the greatest things ever! If you surprise them after school with a helium balloon for Valentine’s Day, you are sure to get a huge hug.

Bake Them a Heart Shaped Treat

Food is not just the way to a man’s heart – kids love special treats just as much! You can keep it simple and make some break and bake Valentine’s Day cookies or bake an extravagant heart-shaped cake.

Hang Up Some Decorations

An easy way to acknowledge the holiday is to hang up some decorations around your home. Head to the Dollar Spot at Target to stock up on cheap (but super cute) decorations or make your own homemade sweethearts to post on your child’s bedroom door.

Treat Them to an At-Home Spa Day

I’ve already taught my daughters the joy of a spa day – at home, that is. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to treat your kids to some extra pampering. Give them a pedicure or manicure. Or, treat them to s special pink bath with a pink-colored bath bomb.

Share the Love with Others

Valentine’s Day is all about love, but what If you use it as an opportunity to teach your kids to share the love with others? Go shopping for canned goods or hygiene items and drop off donations at a nonprofit organization in your community.

Give Them Their Own Bouquet

I love having fresh flowers in my home. But, for many little girls, receiving a bouquet of fresh flowers is a very grown-up thing. So, this is a super easy and effective way to make your daughter feel loved and grown.

Read Books About Love

Before saying goodnight, pull out one of your old favorite children’s books and read it together. Even if they are “too old,” there is something special about reading “Guess How Much I Love You” or “I’ll Love You Forever” with your not-so-little kid.

Include Them in a Grown-Up Fancy Dinner

Finally, if your Valentine’s Day is more of an at-home affair, include the kids! Let them see what a fancy, at-home date night involves. Light the candles, use the fancy china and pour them a mocktail.

Ten Minutes to Feel Like a Better Mom

Sometimes I feel like I am alone in my feelings of mom guilt, but I know this is untrue. We ALL suffer from mom guilt. It feels like we never have enough to give our kids – I feel like I never have enough time or energy.  

However, I recently stumbled upon an idea that is already making a huge difference in my home. Even when my days are incredibly busy, if I can just give each of my girls ten minutes of my attention, they are happier and less needy. And, I let go of some of my mom guilt. It sounds crazy, but it really works. In just twenty minutes (10 per kid), I have bonded more with daughters, heard more about their daily lives and dislikes and interests, and relaxed more.

Give Them Your Undivided Attention

The key to the whole ten minutes with your child is to give them ten minutes of undivided attention. This means your phone has to be down, the tv has to be off, and you have to stop doing whatever mom multi-tasking you are doing for those ten minutes. Kids know when we are paying attention and when we are not. During these ten minutes, look your child in the eye. Show them how much you love them with just your presence and undivided attention.

Tune in to Their Wants and Needs

Sometimes in this helicopter parenting generation, we lose sight of what our kids actually want and need. Instead, we are so focused on what we want for them and keeping them safe. However, the latest advice is to tune in to your kids' needs. Rather than hovering and directing, sit back and enjoy them for the little people they are. This means that during those ten minutes you should be focused on tuning in to your child’s wants and needs – and not trying to do or talk about what you want. That’ll be hard, but it will be worth it!

A Safe Time to Talk

If you have already taken the first two tips to heart, then this one will be easy. By giving your kids your undivided attention and tuning in to them, they will recognize that these ten minutes are a safe time to talk. They will feel comfortable coming to you about something they may have been fearful of before. They will be more willing to talk about the stuff happening at school or sharing their hopes and dreams.

Some Ideas for Ways You Can Connect in Just Ten Minutes

Now, I know for some of you that this sounds difficult. Some moms aren’t “play on the floor” kind of moms – and that is 100% okay! Again, the point is to tune into your kid, so if it does involve playing on the floor, you can probably handle it for ten minutes. But ten minutes ONLY! 😉

You can also use the time to talk about their day or cuddle. Watch silly YouTube videos together or read a book aloud. My girls love doing little hallway fashion shows – it’s quick and easy, but it makes them feel extra special.

What will you do with your ten minutes? Let me know in the comments!

Looking Back at My Top Posts from 2019

I finally had time to review my analytics from 2019. And the results tickled me! I found out you guys love T.J. Maxx just as much as I do! And that we all agree getting ghosted by a potential employer is the worst. I thought it would be fun to look back at some of my most popular posts this year in case you missed them, or you are new to my blog.

Helpful Tip - Read the Whole Blog by Clicking on the Title!

All the Heart Eye Emojis for T.J.Maxx + A Giveaway!

“Oh, T.J. Maxx, my love for you knows no end. As Rod Stewart famously sang, “You fill my heart with gladness. You take away all my sadness. You ease my troubles. That’s what you do.” I could visit your stores every day and still find something new.

If you already love T.J. Maxx or have never had the pleasure of visiting a T.J. Maxx store, I am here to shout my love all across the internet. Trust me – if you don’t already love T.J. Maxx, you will by the time you finish reading what I’m sharing today.”

Who doesn’t love T.J. Maxx? You guys apparently were all about my T.J. Maxx love and my discussion of why they are soaring why other retailers are failing. And, of course, you were pumped to enter that fantastic giveaway!

Colgate Does More for Your Whole Mouth

“Do you remember the line “You’re never fully dressed without a smile” from the Broadway musical Annie? As someone who works in fashion, I believe this song lyric is completely true. All the clothes in the world won’t matter if you don’t take care of your beautiful smile. That’s why, as a mom, I am always on the lookout for products that will have my whole family showing off their big, beautiful smiles.

Fortunately, it is easier and more affordable than ever before to take care of my family’s smiles. I recently tried out Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothpaste with Colgate Total NEW breakthrough formula, and I am sold! I’m sure if you try it out, you will agree.”

I guess my followers also love Colgate as much as I do…or they were just curious to see why I am such a fan. Either way, I am glad I could share my reasons with you.

When a Potential Employer Ghosts You

“I’m going to be super vulnerable here. Recently, I was ghosted after a string of job interviews with a company I was really interested in. Even worse – they seemed really interested in me! I interviewed with a company for over two months and four interviews.  We talked about pay, how my workday will be, etc. The hiring manager was supposed to get back to me about the package and the offer, and then I heard nothing. #Ghosted”

Every now and then, it is good to be vulnerable as this post goes to show. Since this was one of my most popular posts of 2019, I have a feeling I am not the only person who has experienced this unfortunate situation.

To Hike with Kids or To Hike Alone – That is the Question

“It’s no secret that I love to get outdoors and hike. When you live in a city, it is so important to get a break from city life, and hiking is one of the best ways to get away from the noise and busyness of NYC.

Let’s face it. It is easier to hike kid-free, but sometimes the benefits outweigh the added complications.

When I am planning my outdoor escape, I often have to choose between hiking alone or with other adults or hiking with my kids. There is no right or wrong answer here! It all comes down to how I feel that day. So, when it comes to deciding whether to hike with kids or to hike alone, the following thoughts guide my decision-making.”

Apparently, I am not the only mom who asks herself this question on a regular basis! I am so glad to know I am not alone. After re-reading the post though, I still want to know which you prefer. Send me a message and let me know!

Why You Need to Prioritize Your Marriage (and How)

“Ask anyone who has been married as long as I have, and they will tell you it hasn’t always been easy. And, if they tell you otherwise, they are lying. Marriage is hard, but a strong marriage is worth all the hard work it takes to get it there. Between work and kids, if I didn’t prioritize my marriage, it would be easy to let it fall apart. Thankfully, that hasn’t happened.

Whether you are newly married or have been married for decades, the following tips for how to prioritize your marriage may be just what you need to remember why you two got married in the first place.”

Marriage matters! It’s so important to prioritize it – even when it seems hard to find the time to do so. I hope you found my tips helpful!

Thank you for all the love in 2019! I hope this year I share blogs that help make you better moms, fashionistas, travelers, and stronger women.

15 Travel Essentials That Have Made Flying SOOO Much Easier

As a frequent traveler, I am often asked about my favorite travel essentials. While what we pack will vary from one woman to the next, there are some items that I believe are travel essentials for all women. After giving it some thought, I have identified the 15 different items that have made flying so much easier!

A Fantastic Carry-On

Go ahead and invest in a fantastic carry-on! The best carry-ons will last for years, so they are worth every penny. Choose a carry-on that will fit all airport regulations because the whole point of using a carry-on nowadays is to avoid the additional luggage fee. Along those same lines, make sure you choose a carry-on that can fit everything you need for a short getaway.

Packing Dividers

If you always struggle with fitting everything in your suitcase, then you need to buy some packing dividers. You may think this will make it harder to pack or take up more space, but you’d be wrong. They help you fit more of what you actually need and help keep your luggage organized.

A Power Bank

While airports are getting better with providing outlets for charging, you never know when you will be stuck somewhere without the ability to charge your devices. Hence always traveling with a small power bank in my purse. It has saved me numerous times!

A Contoured Eye Mask

If you want to sleep (or just want to be left alone), then you need to pack a contoured eye mask. Unlike regular eye masks, a contoured eye mask is designed with deep spaces around the eyes and nose, so you don’t have a mask pressed uncomfortably against your eyes.

Noise-Canceling Earphones

You never know who you will be sitting by on a plan, so taking your noise-canceling earphones is a wise decision. In addition to blocking out talkative passengers, they also block the plane noises that bother people. For sleeping, these are an absolute must.

A Durable Toiletry Bag

Purchase a quality toiletry bag. Your toiletry bag will be opened and used more than anything else in your luggage, so it is a good idea to get one that will hold up against a lot of use. I always feel safer when my toiletry bag provides additional plastic separators, so even if one of my toiletries opens, everything else in my luggage is still safe.

Reusable Travel Bottles

If you find yourself always second-guessing if your travel shampoos are the right size for your carry-on, go ahead and invest in your own reusable travel bottles. Not only will this alleviate that worry, but you will also get to continue using the products you use at home rather than hotel soaps and shampoos.

My Favorite Facial Moisturizer

The air in planes can really dry out your skin. That’s why I always make sure to pack my favorite moisturizer to use before and during the flight.

Vaseline

Likewise, I’ve found traveling with a min-tub of Vaseline works wonders for dry, chapped lips that result from the air in the plane.

Shout Wipes

Accidents happen – even when you are trying to look your best for your travel destination. I like carrying a few Shout Wipes with me in case there is a spill. They work quickly and effectively to remove stains.

A Portable Hotspot Device

Where would we be without the internet? Just in case I am traveling somewhere that Wi-Fi may not be readily available, I like to travel with my personal portable hotspot device. That way, I can always have internet access when I need it.

My Favorite Reusable Water Bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated when you are flying. However, with the liquid rules, you can’t just take bottled water with you. But you can take an empty reusable water bottle with you and fill it once you get past security!

A Foldable Bag

If you are like me, you always come back from a trip with more than you took. It took me a few times, but I now know to pack a foldable bag and place it in my luggage just for the extras I pick up along the way.

A Laundry Bag

Keeping my dirty clothes separate from my clean clothes in my luggage is important to me. But with a carry-on, that is not always easy. That’s why I pack a small laundry bag. On my trip, as I wear clothing, it goes into the laundry bag. Then, at the end of the trip, I place the entire laundry bag in my carry-on, and it is ready to be washed as soon as I get home.

Wet Wipes

Finally, I like to travel with wet Wipes that have antibacterial on them. There are so many germs on airplanes, so I like to wipe down the lap tray and the armrests. I also find these easy to use to clean and sanitize my hands when needed.

Did I leave out your favorite travel essential? Let me know what it is in the comments!

I’m a Working Mom, and I Love It – No Apologies

Let’s just get this out of the way – ALL moms are working moms. Whether you go to work, work at home, or are a stay-at-home mom, you are a WORKING MOM. Being a mom is a hard job. If we were paid just for our motherhood duties, we would earn a six-figure salary!

Salary.com “estimated the value of a mother's work by tracking real-time market prices of all the jobs that moms perform. The result? The median annual salary for stay-at-home moms in 2019 is $178,201!”

Now that we’ve acknowledged that being a mom is a job that deserves a lot of money, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. As much as I love my girls, I’m so glad I have a 9-5 job to go to on Mondays. Here are a few reasons why.

I’m Good at My Job

In addition to being a lifestyle blogger, I have a 9-5 job as a personal shopper for Neiman Marcus. Not only do I love my job, but I am good at it! As you all know, I am a fashionista, and it brings me great joy to spend my days sharing my love of fashion with others.

Having a Double Income Household Means We Get to Do More

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in families with children, “63.0 percent had both parents employed.” That means the majority of American families have dual incomes. For some families, this is necessary to make ends meet. Fortunately, in our family, this gives us the ability to have more fun and go on more adventures.

It Reminds Me Who I Am Other Than Mommy

Going to work every day reminds me of the woman I was before having children. While I am no longer than woman, there is still a part of me that comes alive in a way that doesn’t when I am just mom. I like having the chance to embrace those parts of myself.

I Like Having Adult Conversations

My girls are precious, and I love hearing about their days. But I also like to have some adult conversations. And I especially like having adult conversations that go beyond discussing potty training or PTA issues. At my job, I get to have grown-up conversations with interesting people every day.

Sometimes It Feels Like a Break

This one is hard to admit, but sometimes work feels like a break. While it is wonderful, being a mom is exhausting. Kids seem to have endless energy, and it takes a lot to keep up with them all day long. They are also noisy and messy. It’s nice to head into work where it is clean and quiet and where I don’t have to run around like a madwoman all day.

Most Important, I am a Role Model for My Girls

I am a role model for my girls. By going to work each day and taking care of them, I am showing them that it is possible to do both and do both well. By working at a job I love, I am encouraging my daughters to dream big and find careers they truly love.

Are you a working mom? Why do you love it or hate it?

Do You Love the Mini Handbag Trend or Are You Sticking with Your Oversized Bag?

Lizzo might have captured the world’s attention with her upbeat, feminist lyrics, but she definitely caught everyone’s eye when she carried the teeniest purse we’d ever seen to the American Music Awards recently. It was clearly a statement piece – there were a lot of statements made about it – but it wasn’t exactly functional.

Fashion Magazine suggests, “While most mini bags aren’t big enough to fit an iPhone, and some a credit card, they definitely make a statement, and guarantee a shower of compliments. Is this fashion’s way of telling us we should stop carrying so much stuff?”

That got me thinking. I am all about the mini bag and assumed it was because of my fashion sense. But what if there is something more to it?

Oversized Birkin Style Bags are Old News

In the last couple of decades, it seems like our bags got bigger and bigger. The popular Birkin bags were all the rage. But did you know that even the namesake of the Birkin bag is over the oversized bag trend? This is what she said to BBC News:

“The French luxury fashion house Hermes designed what became known as the Birkin bag in 1981. But Birkin, 70, has told the BBC that if, like her, you fill the bag with ‘junk... and half the furniture from your house, it's a very, very heavy bag.’ She said: ‘Now I fill my pockets like a man, because then you don't actually have to carry anything.’”

And that’s so true! How many of us (especially moms) ended up putting way too much stuff in our oversized bags simply because we could? I know I did! At some points, it was like I had my own Mary Poppins magical bag.

The Surprising History of Mini Handbags

You may also be surprised to discover that mini handbags have been around for a long time, and they have a history that goes against the idea that the bigger the bag, the bigger the wallet.

According to CR Fashion Book, “It could be argued that a bag’s size is indicative of status: The smaller it is, the more it functions only as a form of ornamentation, implying that you have hired help to lug your belongings. […] In fact, from the 1900 to the 1920s, ‘reticules’ were in fashion, while working-class women were often seen bearing larger shoppers.”

Fashion gurus also argue that this is the reason you never see royalty with anything larger than a clutch. They have no reason to carry a large bag!

Plus, Small Purses are Better for Our Health

Given the number of things we can stuff inside an oversized bag, Jane Birkin is right. These bags become very, very heavy. According to Forbes, “Experts find that carrying around a large, heavy tote can cause back pain, neck pain, and even headaches.”

PHOTO: Cosmopolitan

What Size is Too Small? What Size is Too Big?

So what size is right? Ultimately, to each, her own! You choose the right size bag to meet your needs. For example, I don’t know a single mom who would carry Lizzo’s minuscule purse since it doesn’t fit an iPhone or a credit card. At the same time, if your oversized bag is causing you pain and you catch yourself carry more than you need, maybe it is time to downsize.

Don’t Worry, Moms, Your Time Will Come

Now, I know I have some moms reading this that can’t imagine a day when they leave the house without a giant diaper bag stuffed with anything and everything their child could ever need. To these ladies, I say: your time will come. You will one day return to the land of cute handbags and purses, and the diaper bag will be given to charity. And, when the time comes, the littler, the better!

The Best Accessories Sparkle

We all know diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But even if you can’t afford a jewelry box full of bling, you can still add some shimmer to your wardrobe. Going into the 2020s, sparkling accessories are everywhere, and I am here for it! If you are hesitating to buy that sparkly fashion accessory, it’s time to embrace all things shiny. Everyone else is!

Humans Love Shiny Things

First, humans love shiny things. It’s true! According to The New York Times, “Humans, even humans who don’t like glitter, like glitter. We are drawn to shiny things in the same wild way our ancestors were overcome by a compulsion to forage for honey.” It is natural to feel drawn to that sparkly purse and those gem-embellished shoes!

Sparkles Make Dark Days Better

Not only are we naturally drawn to sparkly things, but during difficult times, we seek out things that shine. Check out this quote from Fashionista:

“A heavy political climate […] brings the need for fashion as escapism. ‘Definitely, gloom means glitter,’ she notes. ‘Turbulent times across the globe always drive a surge in bright color, sequins and maximalist styling. The concurrent '80s trend brings with it a heavy dose of better-times nostalgia for designers, which goes hand-in-hand with excessive glitz, too.’”

With the world feeling out of sorts, we are seeking out fun fashion. Makes sense, right? What lifts your mood better than a sparkly pair of shoes?

Sparkle at Any Age

Another major reason we love accessories that sparkle is because you can “sparkle” at any age. Think about it. Young girls absolutely love sparkly clothing items and are drawn to glitter like moths to a flame. We tend to think it is childish, but if you look in the women’s department, sparkly clothing is taking over! Even older women rock outfits and accessories that are embellished and shimmery.

Sparkle Day or Night

Once upon a time, sparkly accessories were reserved for only the fanciest evening occasions. This is no longer the case! You can rock a sparkle day or night! We see everything from slippers to nightgowns that sparkle. Sequins adorn everything from evening gowns to t-shirts. Day or night, you can shine.

Sparkle from Head to Toe

The ability to add a little sparkle to any accessory is another reason why we love it. I currently own several pairs of sparkly shoes – even sparkly boots – and some purses that shimmer. You can literally find every accessory with some glittery or sparkly embellishment.

However, the key is to choose one statement sparkle piece rather than wearing sparkle everything at the same time. A little pop of sparkle is all you need to lift your mood and catch someone’s eye.

A Mom’s Hopes for This New Decade

Since New Year’s Day, social media has been inundated with people reflecting on their past year, and more noticeably, their last ten years. I love seeing the side-by-side shots of couples and families showing the difference a decade makes. And it made me start to think about how different my family will look at the end of this new decade – 2029. It’s almost impossible to imagine! But, today, I’m going to try to envision my hopes for this new decade. I have a feeling many moms out there have the same hopes as I do.

Listen More. React Less.

This decade, I’d like to try harder to listen more and react less. There are many times – especially when parenting little ones – where it is easier to do all the talking and the reacting. I catch myself lecturing more often than I’d like to admit. In my heart of hearts, I know it is better to listen before I react or start lecturing, so I am going to make an effort to listen to my kids – especially as they become preteens and teens in this next decade.

Work Less. Make More.

This may seem like an impossible hope, but there are so many people who have found ways to work less (or least, work the same amount instead of working more) and make more. Ideally, this will look like working less but making enough money to maintain my current lifestyle while also having more time at home with my family.

Go All In for My Hobby.

During the hardcore parenting years, it is easy to lose a bit of yourself. You are so caught up in your kid’s hobbies that you lose time for your own. Let’s not let that happen over these ten years. Find the hobby you enjoy and go all in. Think of those people you know who run marathons. They go all in. They don’t just wake up and run a marathon; they spend months training. Treat your own hobby with that much intention and care.

Travel to 10 New Places.

It’s no secret that I love to travel, so this hope for the new decade is no surprise. But I want to be intentional about traveling to at least one new place every year over the next decade. By the end of the decade, I will have added ten more places to my list of places I have visited.

Know My “Whys” and Act Accordingly.

If you catch yourself doing things just because that’s what you’ve always done, it’s time to think about your “whys.” Why do you do it? By understanding your “whys,” you will be more motivated to continue doing them or you will know it is time to stop. For example, your why for working at that job is to pay for your child to attend that particular school.

Get These Kids Through Their School Years.

Maybe one of the craziest (and scariest) things about the next decade for many of us is knowing this is the decade our kids will go through their formative school years. In ten years, we will have seniors in high school or first-year students in college! How is that even possible?!? So, I hope to get my girls through these years with as much grace as possible. I want to be their loudest cheerleader and biggest encourager.

Create 10 Memorable Holidays & Summers.

I remember hearing older moms whose kids have grown up and moved out talk about only having “18 years” and thinking that was crazy talk. But, here I am looking at the end of the decade, and understanding the following decade (the 2030s) will be very different. That’s why I hope to be intentional about the next ten holidays and summers. I want to create memorable holidays and summer vacations for my girls that we will look back fondly on in the future decades. This is the decade my girls will most remember.

Resolutions All Moms Can Actually Achieve

And just like that, we have reached the end of the year (and the end of the decade!). This means it is that time of year when moms make all sorts of crazy resolutions they are bound to fail at come February. We’ve all been there. But, the process of trying to improve ourselves is a good thing! That’s why I am offering a list of resolutions all moms can actually achieve. The point is to modify each resolution for what is appropriate and achievable for yourself at this particular season in your life.

Find Some Peace & Quiet

We all need a little time to ourselves each day, but sometimes that feels impossible. In 2020, look for opportunities to enjoy peace and quiet. I have one mom friend who achieves this by getting up before the rest of her family to enjoy her coffee in silence. Now, I can’t do that, but I can turn off the noise for a few minutes each night. For some of you, it may be simply locking the door when you go to the restroom.

Go on Dates

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – date nights are important! Do your best to carve out time with your partner this new year. If you are like me, it helps to go ahead and put a date on the calendar instead of waiting for it to happen.

Put Down the Phone

Our phones are our lifelines! I totally get it! But, there does come a time when we are using our phones a little too much. So rather than telling yourself you will never use your phone around your kids (so unrealistic), set some phone boundaries for yourself, such as no phones at dinner or no phones once your usage app tells you that you’ve hit your daily max.

Embrace Imperfection

Imagine how less stressed you’d be if you didn’t expect things to be perfect all the time. Now that you’ve imagined it, do it! Laugh when things don’t go according to plan or forgive yourself when you can’t meet the perfect standard you (or society) has set.

Take Care of Your Needs

I’m all about self-care, but I’m not talking about spa days here. In 2020 and throughout this new decade, take care of your needs. When you schedule your children’s annual physical, go ahead and schedule yours. The same goes for dentist’s appointments and taking your vitamins.

Plan One Healthy Meal a Week

I’m leaving this one wide open because every woman has a different situation. Instead of telling yourself you are going to cook healthy meals every night of the week that your kids will actually eat and enjoy, set the bar (way) lower and aim for one healthy meal a week. And guess what? I don’t even think you have to be the one to cook it! Order it, pick it up, whatever works for your family’s situation.

Love Your People Well

Finally, the best resolution you can make for the new year is to love your people well. Even if you fail at every other thing you resolve to do, this is the one you should focus on the most. If your people feel loved, you are doing what you are meant to do.

Learning to Play Piano is Easier Than Ever Before

For many years, having a piano in your home was a sign of your social status. In foyers of wealthy homes, a grand piano would sit in the middle of the room for decoration. But, for me, a piano in your home is really a sign of creativity. Where music lives, creativity abounds.

However, as a working mom in NYC, I understand that owning a piano isn’t always as easy as it looks. You can’t simply go to a store, pick out a piano, and go home. Owning a piano is an investment. They are expensive and take up a good amount of space. So, you don’t want to rush into purchasing one – especially if you aren’t sure your kid will continue with his or her lessons.

Fortunately, PianoPiano has made it much easier to bring the music of a piano into your home and your children’s lives.

Music Lessons are Good for Your Brain

Before you say you don’t need a piano, you need to recognize the benefits of music lessons – specifically piano lessons. Multiple studies suggest that music lessons help with language development, higher IQs, and improved test scores. If you want to give your child an extra chance at success, introduce the piano.

According to Forbes, “After nine months of weekly training in piano or voice, new research shows young students' IQs rose nearly three points more than their untrained peers. [A] Canadian study lends support to the idea that musical training may do more for kids than simply teach them their scales--it exercises parts of the brain useful in mathematics, spatial intelligence and other intellectual pursuits.”

Why You Need a Piano in Your Home

Unfortunately, there has been a decline in the number of people with a piano in their homes. One of the foremost reasons for this is the high costs. Another reason is that parents are skipping piano lessons for other extracurriculars. These are both poor reasons.

Having a piano in your home will allow your children to learn to play the piano in a safe place. They will learn to appreciate music and instruments. It will become the center of creativity in your home, as well as a space for calm. And, most importantly, if you want your child to learn to play the piano, then you need to provide regular access to a piano. Since you can rent a piano instead of buying one, cost is no longer a hindrance.

Why It is Better to Rent a Piano

Now with that being said, I know most moms aren’t able to drop a lot of money on a piano. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have one, though. Instead, one of the most practical ways to embrace the piano is to rent a piano. Many people don’t realize this is possible, but PianoPiano has been the piano rental company of New York City since 1975, servicing everyone from families to Broadway stars and beyond.

When you rent a piano, it’s like you get to take it on a test run before spending too much money on the wrong one. And, if you choose to own a piano, PianoPiano will let you put your first 12 months of rental toward the purchase of the piano you’re renting or any other of equal or greater value.

PianoPiano Offers an Easy and Convenient Way to Bring Music to Your Home

Here’s the good news – renting a piano is super easy and convenient! PianoPiano will help you choose the right piano for your needs. Then, you choose a short-term or long-term plan, and whatever rate you have at the beginning is the rate you keep for the duration of the rental. Once you decide, you place your order, and PianoPiano delivers the piano directly to your home. They even provide any tuning and maintenance you may need for your piano!

PianoPiano Has a Variety of Size Options Perfect for all NYC Homes

Here’s even more good news – PianoPiano knows not every home is built the same. That’s why they offer a variety of pianos in a variety of sizes and budgets for players of all different skill levels. With NYC homes ranging from small apartments to large townhouses, clients will be happy to discover they have pianos that will be just the fit – no matter your space. They even offer silent pianos for those in NYC apartments!

A Piano Rental Makes a Special Holiday Gift

I have been thrilled with PianoPiano’s service. I love how easy they have made it to bring music into our home, and I am still tickled every time I see my daughters sitting on the piano bench practicing their skills.

Professionals brought the piano to our home and helped us find the perfect spot for it. They tuned it and got it ready for my daughter to play. Once the PianoPiano professionals set it up, Madison got busy learning to play piano by going to The Piano Workshop at Bergen County and she is preparing for her first recital in January.

Renting a piano for Madison has been one of my best parenting decisions! If you are looking for a last-minute gift that will thrill your kids, exercise their brains, and save you some money, then you must check out PianoPiano.