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Vanessa Leigh

Vanessa Leigh's picture

Vanessa Leigh is a busy mom of three (including twins!), a Midwesterner turned East Coaster, and a chocolate enthusiast. She’s a copywriter specializing in Early Childhood and Motherhood, plus the creative force behind her Etsy shop. When she’s not writing or designing, you can find her indulging in dark chocolate peanut butter cookies at Levain Bakery. Connect with Vanessa at www.vanessaleighagency.com or browse her creations at MamaMagicByVanessa.etsy.com. She loves chatting with fellow parents—don’t hesitate to reach out!

Latest posts by Vanessa

Here's All the Ways to Celebrate Jaws' 50th Anniversary on Martha's Vineyard

Vanessa Leigh's picture Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Thu, 04/17/2025 - 10:37am

Jaws fans will love visiting Menemsha Channel to relive the shark attack on the Orca. Photo by User-Elkman CC BY-SA 3.0

Summer 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Jaws—and Martha’s Vineyard is pulling out all the stops to celebrate. Families heading to the Vineyard this summer can find a sea of themed events, film screenings, and fin-tastic fun that pays tribute to the iconic thriller filmed right on the Vineyard’s shores.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or introducing your kids to Jaws for the first time (with age-appropriate filters, of course!), this is a once-in-a-generation chance to dive into movie history. It's the ultimate summer vacation add-on, from walking tours of filming locations to special exhibits and beachside festivities.

Planning a trip? Be sure to check out our top things to do on Martha’s Vineyard for family-friendly recommendations and explore our full Guide to Visiting Cape Cod and the Islands for more nearby adventures. Happy shark-spotting!

Read more.

Top Places to See Cherry Blossoms and Spring Wildflowers Near Boston

Vanessa Leigh's picture Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Sun, 04/13/2025 - 1:35pm

See spring flowers and cherry blossoms in the city and around Greater Boston. Boston Public Garden photo by Joe Shlobotnik via Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Goodbye, winter—hello, spring in Boston, blooming with cherry blossoms, wildflowers, and roses! It’s time to step outside and let nature’s vibrant colors sweep you off your feet, and there’s a blooming wonderland waiting to be explored in every corner of the city. While our friends in NYC have cherry blossoms sprinkled all around town, we’ve got our own magical spots right here. And if you’re craving a grand adventure, why not head down the coast to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC?

In Boston, you can take a whimsical garden tour, like the South End Garden Tour or the Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill, where you’ll uncover secret blooms and charming spots. For a bit of hands-on fun, why not take the whole family to a local farm to handpick wildflowers? Bring them home, pop them in a vase, and enjoy their sweet fragrance for days to come—spring magic at its finest!

Read more.

Best Baby Wraps and Slings and How To Choose the Right One

Vanessa Leigh's picture Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Thu, 12/26/2024 - 10:21am

Moby is the category killer! Photo courtesy of  the Moby Store on Amazon

Baby wraps and baby slings can be amazing tools for parents who wish to keep their little ones close while going about life hands-free. Choosing the right baby carrier can make a big difference in your baby-wearing experience, but with so many options out there, from stretchy wraps to structured slings, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one.

With three little ones under the age of five, I am the perfect person to walk you through the benefits of baby wraps and baby slings, talk about their differences, and share some of the top tips on using them. Then I'll share our top recommendations for the best baby wraps and baby slings available on the market today.

For more tried and true product recommendations from parents, check out our Baby and Maternity Guide. We've got everything from potty training tips from parents in the trenches to brain-boosting baby games and activities.

Read more.

Toys for Tots 2024 Drop-Off Spots in NYC and More Places to Donate Toys

Vanessa Leigh's picture Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 11:59am

Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

If you're looking for ways to give back this holiday season, consider donating to Toys for Tots or one of these other locations where you can donate toys in NYC. After all, during this jolly season, what brings more joy to children and families than celebrating Christmas morning with presents under the tree? Unfortunately, many local families need support to provide toys for their children.

If you have the means, it's a wonderful gesture to spread cheer by donating new toys to local charities. We’ve found multiple charities that allow families to donate toys in NYC. From the perennially popular Toys for Tots to other local charities, these organizations and their patrons can use your support. If you're struggling to put toys under your own tree, we've also noted how to request toys where possible.

Remember that most of these locations accept new toy donations. If you’re looking for places to donate gently used clothes and other items, we’ve got those, too. Plus, find tons more picks to make your holiday season extra merry in our New York City Kids Guide to Christmas and the Holidays.

Read more.

Baby's First Christmas Gifts

Vanessa Leigh's picture Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 10:19am

Make baby's first Christmas extra special with these awesome gift ideas.

A baby’s first Christmas is a magical milestone that’s filled with joy, wonder, and—for grown-ups—the thrill of picking out the perfect baby Christmas gift. Whether you’re looking for an adorable baby's first Christmas outfit or pajamas, a baby's first Christmas ornament or other cherished keepsake, or a fun toy, you can't go wrong with any of the items on our list below.

Some of the best gifts for a baby's first Christmas come from the heart, so we've also included personalized options to make the holiday season extra memorable. From seasonal clothing to festive books, here are more than 20 great gift ideas for a baby's first Christmas.

Find more awesome presents for babies, including the best first birthday gifts, in our Baby and Maternity Guide.

Read more.

Best Baby & Kids Ear Protection for Concerts and Crowds

Vanessa Leigh's picture Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:21am

Headphones like these from 3M Kids help protect kids' hearing so you can enjoy loud activities together.

As parents, keeping our kids' ears safe in noisy environments is so important. Whether you're at a fun concert, a big sporting event, or a crowded festival, loud noises can be overwhelming for young children and can even cause lasting hearing damage. That’s why finding the right ear protection for babies, toddlers, and even teenagers is a must.

Here is some of the best ear protection for concerts and other events for babies, toddlers, kids, and teens. Options range from soft ear muffs for infants to high-quality ear protection for older kids and teens.

Check out our Guide to the Best Baby and Kid Gear for more must-have items for your children, from road trip essentials to the best bunk beds.

Read more.

40 Baby Registry Lifesavers for New York City Parents

Vanessa Leigh's picture Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Sun, 08/11/2024 - 5:25am

NYC babies still need tons of gear, but these baby registry items are city-parent tested.

When crafting a baby registry in NYC, take a breath before you let your suburb-dwelling sister sell you on that giant all-terrain stroller. Remember that creating a city-friendly baby registry is a whole other ballgame. With all the subway riding and small space living urban parents do, it's important to choose baby registry items made for the many hurdles (and perks) NYC throws your way.

Wondering where to start with your baby registry wish list? Here are 40 must-have baby registry items to get you and your little New Yorker through the first year.

Want more advice on making this whole new parent thing work? Take a look at our NYC Baby Guide.

Read more.

Best Tips on How To Plan a Birthday Party for Kids in 10 Easy Steps

Vanessa Leigh's picture Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Thu, 08/01/2024 - 9:13am

Plan a birthday party with no stress with our easy step-by-step plan. Photo courtesy of Canva

How to plan a birthday party for kids? We polled all the moms we know and reduced the hassle of birthday party planning to 10 easy steps. Follow them and voila—birthday party of your kid's dreams with no headache for you!

Close your eyes, and make a wish! Did you wish that you'd be given the magic recipe for how to plan your kid's birthday party? Well, today's your lucky day. Read on for 10 easy steps to plan a birthday party for kids.

Check out our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties and Birthday Party Ideas for even more inspiration.

Read more.

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