As a mom of four, I find cooking to be such an amazing way to connect with my kids. And as they get older, I’ve realized that my little ones actually love to help me in the kitchen more and eventually the whole family ends up getting involved with the recipe! That’s why being in the kitchen together is such a fun way to bring families together—everyone can partake, get involved and reap the tasty benefits.

So grab your aprons, roll up your sleeves and get ready to try some of these family-friendly foodie ideas that will cultivate those magical moments with your family in the kitchen!

1. Look through cookbooks together or at recipes online and have your kids help you choose what they want to eat for dinners. 
This also encourages kids to find new meals to try. As a family, we aim to choose one or two new recipes to try a week. Not only does this allow them to sample new dishes and cuisines, but helps them feel like they have a say in the family’s “menu” for the week. This is also a pro tip for parents of picky eaters and a great way to introduce new foods in a dish they’re excited about.

2. Have your kids help you meal plan and make shopping lists. 
I ask my kids to write their own, which is a writing assignment in itself. Let your kids accompany you to the grocery store to look for any unfamiliar ingredients. If they are part of the process from start to finish, they’ll be much more inclined to try new foods.

3. Designate a day and let your kids help make something homemade that they can snack on all week after school.
I’ve found that if they help you cook or bake something, they are much more willing to eat their creations! These Apple Cinnamon Granola bars made with Juicy Juice are a recent favorite. The kids help me wrap them individually to have on-hand for lunchboxes and snacks.

4. Try a DIY dinner night.
Let each family member craft their own take on a meal. Some of our recent favorite meals have been taco bars, homemade pizza nights or even smoothie bowls for breakfast with toppings like granola and chocolate chips. Anything that you can ‘build or make your own’ so they can try new foods as toppings and, the best part, try everyone else’s!

5. My family loves a little friendly competition, so we like to turn mealtime and cooking into a game.
My 12 year-old really stepped up in the kitchen lately, so we did our own version of “Chopped” at home and got my husband and mother involved as judges. I need to step it up because his Soy Garlic Shrimp Sandwich with a Cilantro Radish Vinaigrette beat my Puff Pastry Lettuce cup with a Spicy Shrimp Slaw by one point! His love of food solidifies that all this time spent together as a family in the kitchen has spurred into something really special.

6. Try adding nutrient-dense sides, shakes, or formulas for days when all they’ll eat is mac-n-cheese.
Some days, it’s a real challenge to get kiddos to eat more than their favorite snacks. And that’s okay! Adding a formula like Kabrita’s Junior Nutrition Goat Milk Powder helps give you the peace of mind that they aren’t missing out on any vitamins or minerals. Goat Milk is especially easy to lean on since it’s nutrient-dense and has a mild taste for even the pickiest eaters!

 

And if (or when) there is a recipe or new food experiment that doesn’t turn out the way you expected? Don’t sweat it, just remember this: time in the kitchen is where memories are made. It’s where I remember spending my most precious moments with my mother and grandmother and currently…it’s where my family gathers, connects and decompresses. I know that my kids will always hold these experiences close in their hearts, no matter the outcome.

 

Mom and self-taught cook, Siri Daly is quickly leaving her mark on the entertainment-lifest‌yle landscape. She is the founder of Siriously Delicious, a popular food blog that chronicles real-life cooking and a former Food Contributor on the TODAY show where she still regularly appears as a guest chef for cooking segments. 

 

With a preschooler and toddler at home, it seems like someone in my house is always sick. My girls are exposed to a million germs a day between school and all of their activities. No amount of hand washing can spare us completely.

As a busy mom, I have no time for sick days that render me useless to my girls! When the sniffles strike (again and again and again) I have a secret weapon. This cold-busting wellness tea is super intense but if you drink the whole pot you will wake up the next morning feeling like a new person!

This tea is loaded with vitamin C from all the citrus, anti-inflammatories from the ginger, and turmeric while the dash of cayenne gives this tea a real kick.

Cold-Busting Wellness Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1 orange

  • 1 lemon

  • 1 grapefruit

  • 1 lime

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 T cinnamon

  • 1 T turmeric

  • 1 tsp cayenne

  • Several pieces of fresh ginger (the more the better!)

  • Raw honey (optional)

Directions:

  1. Juice the orange, lemon, grapefruit and lime.
  2. Add the citrus juices, water, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne and fresh ginger to a pot and heat on medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
  3. Sweeten to taste with raw honey and drink.
  4. It is best to drink the entire pot if possible to maximize results and hopefully keep your home cold-free this cold and flu season.

 

Featured image: Kira auf der Heide via Unsplash

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I am a born and bred New Yorker trying to balance life as a mom of two, writer, wellness coach and fitness enthusiast. If I'm not chasing my girls at the playground, you’ll find me shopping the farmer’s market, checking out the latest boutique fiitness craze or blogging for mercer+green.

Time to gobble up some new donuts! Krispy Kreme’s latest round of seasonal donuts celebrates Thanksgiving flavors with a fun twist. Pie lovers in particular are in for a treat!

Now until Nov. 25, you can try out four new donuts from your local Krispy Kreme. The Pecan Pie Donut is dipped in butter tart filling and sprinkled with candied pecans and pie crust crumbles. The Cranberry Orange Donut is filled with cranberry, dipped in cranberry orange icing and finished with a sweet drizzle. And the Dutch Apple Pie Donut is packed with apple pie filling, dipped in caramel icing and topped with cinnamon.

But our favorite might be the Gobbler Donut, which is almost too cute to eat. It’s a heart-shaped pastry dipped in chocolate icing and decorated to look like a turkey! Don’t forget the pretzel legs for the perfect finishing touch.

As always, you can order delivery, pickup or grab your donuts in person. Krispy Kreme is also offering a special Thanksgiving Dozen box that features three of each new donut. You can even add a customized message of gratitude and make someone’s day extra sweet.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Krispy Kreme

 

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Do you butter your Pop-Tarts? If you do, you’re in good company and the breakfast pastry brand is paying attention. Starting next week, you can try and snag a limited-edition Pop-Tarts x Butter Kit, featuring your favorite flavors and gourmet butter blends!

So far this year, people have tweeted about butter and Pop-Tarts 6,946 times, equating to almost one tweet every hour. Pop-Tarts decided to partner with Banner Butter, an Atlanta-based small-batch butter maker, to create kits that celebrate this delicious pairing. You’ll only be able to buy them online for $25 on Tuesday, Nov. 16 and sales start at noon ET.

Here’s what to expect if you get your hands on a kit: three boxes of Pop-Tarts in Frosted Strawberry, Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon and Frosted Chocolate Fudge flavors. Plus six Banner Butter varieties that sound pretty mouth-watering: Honey Habanero, Sea Salt, Strawberry, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cardamom and Ginger and Balsamic Fig and Caramelized Onion.

If you’re unsure on how to pair, you’ll also receive a Pop-Tarts x Butter 101 Guide. There are even tips on how to properly butter the pastries! The kits will likely sell out fast, so if you miss out, grab a box of Pop-Tarts and your fave butter and try it for yourself at home.

Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Pop-Tarts

 

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Are you on dessert duty this year? Before you start fretting, head to your local Trader Joe’s and stock up on all the holiday sweet treats the grocer is known for. Whether you’re looking for a delectable pastry you can keep in the freezer or want to get a little more creative with a boxed mix, the neighborhood market is all about saving your holiday dessert this year.

Thanksgiving Pie Chocolate Truffles

It can be hard to please everyone's sweet tooth, but not with this fun Thanksgiving Pie Chocolate Truffle pack. Flavors include Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Caramel Pie and Silk Mousse Pie for just $4.

Apple Cranberry Tart

These sweet and flaky tarts are the epitome of holiday flavor. Perfect to bring as a last minute dessert to a party or as a sweet gift to a friend, we bet these would taste phenomenal warmed up with a cup of coffee.

Grab in the bakery aisle for $5.

Cranberry Orange Bars

Move over lemon bars, these cranberry babies are here for the season. Made on a sweet shortbread then topped with cranberry puree and sweetened orange peel, this made the perfect post-dinner sweet.

A box of 12 is just $5.

Tiramisu Torte

Trader Joe's via Instagram

Trader Joe's elegant Tiramisu Torte is a show stealer. Made with a layer of coffee-soaked sponge cake and a layer of frozen mascarpone, it's topped off with a bit of chocolate and covered in cocoa powder.

You'll find this classy dessert in the freezer aisle.

Pumpkin Cobbler

Tired of pumpkin pie? Pumpkin cobbler to the rescue! Skip slaving in the kitchen and grab this delectable dessert that's made with pumpkin filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove.

It's just $5 in the bakery section.

Rustic Apple Tart

If cranberry isn't your thing, there's nothing wrong with sticking to a classic apple tart like this one. This simple dessert is made with crisp apples and topped with almonds and sugar that would go great alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Grab it in the freezer section for $6.

Sweet Bites

Trader Joe's via Instagram

It's hard to please everyone when it comes to food, and that's where Trader Joe's Sweet Bites come in. Made in France, the box of 12 with three flavors includes Chocolate & Coffee “Opera” Cake, Raspberry “Macaron Aux Framboises” Cake and Caramel & Chocolate Cake and has a little something for everyone.

You can find this sweet treat in the freezer section.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CViW3TQpxVx/

Gingerbread Turkey Trot Kits

When all else fails, just grab a dessert you know the kiddos will love! This adorable turkey trot kit comes with everything you need to whip up your own adorable turkey.

Grab the kit for just $6. Gobble gobble!

Pumpkin Pie

Trader Joe's

Tradition is the name of the game when you pick up TJ's frozen Pumpkin Pie. The classic dessert is always a winner and is made with velvety pumpkin and best served with a large dollop of whipped cream.

Feed a crowd for just $5.99 with this pie that is found in the freezer aisle.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVERPjbPgYr/

Nantucket Style Cranberry Pie

Tart and vibrant, this is the perfect swap for that can of cranberry jelly no one eats! Heat for less than 10 minutes than enjoy with some ice cream.

Find it in the freezer aisle for $6.

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Trader Joe's via Instagram

Dessert was never easier! This holiday, grab a few cartons of Trader Joe's festive pumpkin ice cream, and toss in a few extra toppings like gingerbread or shortbread cookies to make it extra fancy.

Shop plenty of flavors in the freezer aisle at Trader Joe's.

––Karly Wood

 

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It isn’t Thanksgiving without some turkey! While we all enjoy a lovely, juicy bird at the dinner table, Baskin Robbins wants to mix things up.

The Turkey Cake has returned for all your imposter tricks. Made with the ice cream of your choice then topped with two sugar cone legs and a caramel praline topping glaze, this cake will give your actual turkey a run for its money. 

If you’re looking for a more manageable dessert with no carving required, you’ll want to grab a cone of Baskin Robbins’ newest flavor, Snickerdoodle Chai. This seasonal flavor is made of a combination of snickerdoodle dough chunks, vanilla chai flavored ice cream and a cinnamon swirl.

Both treats will be offered at Baskin-Robbins locations throughout the month of November, while supplies last. Want a sweet deal? Baskin-Robbins is offering $5 off any cake purchase of $35 or more through November 25 and a free kids scoop starting on Thanksgiving Day through November 30 with a purchase of $15 or more.

—Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of Baskin-Robbins

 

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Our Favorite Pumpkin Products of the Season

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Are you ready to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall? To get you in the leaf-crunching spirit, we’ve rounded up some of the tastiest pumpkin spice goodies that are already hitting the shelves.

From festive fall coffee and autumn takes on classic treats, to decadent desserts, keep scrolling to see our favorite pumpkin products of the season.

Bougie Bakes Pumpkin Szn Bundle

Bougie Bakes Pumpkin Szn Bundle checks off all the boxes: soy, gluten, dairy, sugar and GMO free and packed with all the flavors you love. The seasonal bundle comes with pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin pecan blondie bites.

Blake's Seed Based Pumpkin Spice Rice Crispy Treat

Fall-ify your rice crispy treats with pumpkin spice! Blake's Seed Based treats are free from tree nuts, peanuts, milk, egg, wheat, soy and sesame so everyone can enjoy.

Ellenos Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

This is hands down our editors fave Pumpkin yogurt of the season! Ellenos uses their own traditional Greek yogurt recipe that is crafted fresh milk sourced directly from a single local farmer. This limited edition flavor comes with a swirl of pumpkin spice filling and a pumpkin crumble for the full pumpkin pie feels!

You can find at your local grocer.

Pumpkin Pie Perfect Bar

Turn that protein-fueled snack break into a fall-inspired treat! Perfect Bar's Pumpkin Pie flavor is back for the season and tastes just like the dessert you know and love.

Tazo Chai Pumpkin Spice Latte Tea Concentrate

Skip the coffee shop line with this festive Tazo concentrate. Black tea is infused with pumpkin-inspired spices that taste great blended with milk.

Pumpkin & Cinnamon Grain Free Puffs with Olive Oil

Don't forget about the littles this fall! Serenity Kids special pumpkin and cinnamon puffs are non-GMO and USDA Organic certified, gluten free, and are packed with organic olive oil, organic dehydrated pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove.

Nestlé Toll House Pumpkin Spice Cookie Dough

Whip up a batch of pumpkin spice in a flash with Nestlé Toll House's new cookie dough! The break and bake dough is made with everyone's fave pumpkin spice flavor and Premier White Morsels. You can find at your local grocer for $2.99.

Halo Top Pumpkin Pie

Run, don't walk to your closest freezer aisle to grab the limited edition Pumpkin Spice Halo top! Each pint comes with pumpkin light ice cream and flaky pie crust pieces––so basically irresistible goodness!

Two Good Good Save Pumpkin Greek Lowfat Yogurt

This isn't your regular pumpkin yogurt: its verified through the Full Harvest Verified Rescued Produce program that uses pumpkins that otherwise would have gone to waste! This limited edition yogurt has only only 2 grams of total sugar and is made with real pumpkin. You can find at Target, Kroger, Lowe’s, Key Foods and other retailers.

KIND's Limited-Edition Caramel Almond Pumpkin Spice Bar

This limited-edition Pumpkin Spice bar is a nice change from your other favorite KIND bars, but be sure to snag them soon because they won't be around forever. It still only has five grams of sugar and includes real pumpkin and whole nuts as ingredients! 

Buy them here, $23.98 for 12.

Little Bites Pumpkin Muffins

Your breakfast called: it wants these Little Bites pumpkin muffins! The tiny treats pack a big flavor, and we love them on-the-go, as a snack or alongside our morning coffee.

Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies

Pumpkin and chocolate have infiltrated one of Pepperidge Farm's most famous cookies! Take a break from the OG and feast on this crispy cookie that is the very essence of fall.

Nature's Bakery Pumpkin Spice Whole Wheat Fig Bars

With hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, you'll love this snack bar option for the fall season. Real pumpkin is the star of this soft-baked bar that's perfect for school lunches. Get it now as it's only available in limited quantities. 

Get it here, $6. 

Oui by Yoplait Caramel Pumpkin Yogurt

If you already love the creamy version of Oui by Yoplait you'll definitely want to snag some seasonal flavors like Caramel Pumpkin. Made with real spices, it's basically dessert for breakfast!

Pumpkin Spice Cup Noodles

Cup Noodles is releasing a special pumpkin spice flavor to boldly jump into the autumnal game. The verdict is definitely out on this one! It’s made with a “special pumpkin seasoning” that infuses the noodles with the familiar flavor. Like all Cup Noodles products, it’s ready with a bit of water and four minutes in the microwave. 

If you decide to try it, you’ll be able to find Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice exclusively at Walmart.

Partake Soft Baked Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Just because you have food allergies doesn't mean you have to miss out on the pumpkin spice fun. Partake's soft batch cookies are certified gluten-free and free of the top eight allergens. Enjoy the season with cookies that are made from a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla and taste as great as any other sweet treat.

Available at partakefoods.com.

Entenmann’s Pumpkin Pop'ems

Just need a little pumpkin to satisfy your cravings? These adorable pop'ems pack all the flavor but just a few does the trick.

DQ Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat & Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake

Dairy Queen is bringing back the pumpkin! When it comes to The Pumpkin Pie Blizzard, enjoy real pumpkin pie pieces, vanilla soft serve, whipped topping and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Want to up your pumpkin intake? Be sure to grab a Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake that brings together pumpkin and cookie butter and is made with pumpkin puree, cookie butter made from ground cinnamon spice cookies, vanilla soft serve, milk, whipped topping and ground nutmeg.

Pillsbury Grands! Pumpkin Spice Rolls  

Start your day off sweet with Pillsbury's Pumpkin Spice Rolls. The limited-edition can comes with five rolls and a package of pumpkin spice icing for topping, and is just $5 for two!

Pumpkin Spice Cheerios

Seasonal fave Pumpkin Spice Cheerios deserve a spot at your breakfast table. The gluten-free cereal are packed with seasonal spices that include cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Available wherever Cheerios are sold.

Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread

Enjoy the perfect hint of pumpkin with Pepperidge Farm's Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread! The combo of pumpkin and cinnamon is just what your breakfast ordered.

Coffee mate Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Coffee mate's number one pumpkin spice creamer is returning for the fall. Available also in a sugar-free version, you can up your morning coffee with this smooth creamer that warms from the inside out thanks to plenty of pumpkin notes.

Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese

Why have plain cream cheese when you can have Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Spread!? Made with real pumpkin and cinnamon, this seasonal sweet has no artificial preservatives, flavors or dyes and makes the perfect addition to your morning bagel or toast. 

RXBAR Pumpkin Spice & RX Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter

Starting Aug. 16, RXBAR Pumpkin Spice & RX Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter are back and can't-miss products for the fall. Each bar comes with nine grams of protein C zero grams of added sugar and is gluten-free and Keto-friendly.

Joffrey's Not-So-Scary Pumpkin Brew Flavored Coffee

Can't make it to the Disney parks this fall? No problem! Joffrey's, the official specilaty coffee of the theme parks, is bring back its limited edition Not-So-Scary Pumpkin Brew Flavored Coffee. Each bag is artisan roasted with notes of pumpkin pie and vanilla.

You can purchase a one pound bag for $12.99 at joffreys.com.

Swiss Miss Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Swiss Miss Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa means you won’t even have to wait that long to get a sip reminiscent of falling leaves and visits to the pumpkin patch. The mix is made from premium imported cocoa and pumpkin spice flavoring with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives or colors.

You can already find this special Swiss Miss at Target for the fall season.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Now you can have your cake and eat it, too––cheesecake, that is! The seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies from Pepperidge Farm are a delightful mix of cheesecake and cookie dough, all rolled into a soft-baked cookie. Good luck only eating just one!

siggis Pumpkin 6 Spice Yogurt

siggi's seasonal Pumpkin Spiced yogurt has returned! Each container contains 15g of protein and is so creamy you'll feel like you enjoying a dessert rather than a healthy breakfast or snack.

Bubbies Pumpkin Mochi Ice Cream

Bubbies

Perfectly portioned, Bubbies Pumpkin Mochi Ice Cream is a blend of warm, seasonal spices and surrounded by mochi dough. The cold treat is gluten free, non-GMO and only 90 calories.

Available at bubbiesicecream.com

Starbucks Fall Lineup

Starbucks fans will be happy to see not only tons of returning fall products to the home lineup of goods, but also a few pumpkin-related items, too! New to this year is Pumpkin Spice Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer and Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate

Simple Mills Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffin & Bread Mix

Simple Mills gluten-free pumpkin muffin and bread mix is delicious no matter what your dietary needs are. It's made with almond, coconut flour, naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and can be made into muffins or bread for the perfect fall treat.

Available at simplemills.com and at retailers nationwide.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of retailers

 

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Expecting? Congrats! Also: you might want to think about one last trip as a couple before the bundle of joy arrives, AKA, a “babymoon.” We’ve scouted the best babymoon destinations near NYC, many of which offer babymoon packages and are a short car or train ride away! Here’s where you can get away from it all and rest up for the big day (and nights).

For Art Deco Details in Greenwich Village

Walker Greenwich Village

Book a room with a deep soaking tub and balcony to retreat from every single thing on your to-do list. Best of all, the Walker Greenwich Village is just a quick subway ride away. Tucked on 13th Street, this art deco-inspired boutique hotel exudes peace, calm and tranquility. Plan to dine at the hotel’s Society Café and be sure to ask for a banquette table near the skylights and relish in an oh-so-peaceful meal.

Room rates start at $295/night

52 W. 13th St. 
Greenwich Village 
212-375-1300
Online: walkerhotels.com

For a Waterside Retreat in Connecticut

Delamar Greenwich Harbor

In less than an hour on Metro North, you can be whisked away to the Delamar Hotel in Greenwich, Connecticut, tucked right on the picturesque Greenwich Harbor and a quick walk from the train. The deluxe property offers full spa services and a gorgeous marina to stroll. While you’re in town, don’t miss shopping along Greenwich Avenue or a fascinating visit to the nearby Bruce Museum, both of which are within walking distance from the front desk.

Room rates start at  $239/night

500 Steamboat Rd.
Greenwich, CT
203-661-9800
Online: delamar.com

For a Deluxe Spot in DUMBO

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

The minute you inhale 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge’s delish pumped-in scent in this greenery-filled lobby, you’ll immediately exhale the stresses you’ve been under lately. Be sure take a long stroll around the waterfront and save room for pizza (Juliana’s, Grimaldi’s and L&B Spumoni Gardens is opening soon) and ice cream (Ample Hills and Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory) as every one of these epic local faves are located within a few blocks of the front desk. And, sure, the rooftop pool is full of micro bikini-wearing singles but, if you head up to the roof early for a dip—since let’s face it you probably can’t reset your mom clock just because you’re not sleeping in your own bed—you may just end up having the infinity pool and breathtaking views of the downtown skyline—pretty much all to yourself.

Room rates start at $399/night

60 Furman St.
347-696-2500
DUMBO
Online: 1hotels.com

For Vintage Chic in Hudson

Hudson Whaler

Hop aboard Amtrak for a gorgeous two-hour trip along the mighty Hudson before pulling into Hudson, the ultra-chic river town boasting eight blocks of antiquing, boutique-ing, and excellent coffee along Warren Street. At the Hudson Whaler, you’re steps from the funkiest shops around (just be sure to visit later in the week as many shops are closed mid-week). Once you check in, you’ll feel right at home—and you might never want to leave—thanks to original details from local artists, a super-luxe spa tub and a bed you will sink right into.

Tip: While you’re in town, be sure to stop in for books (or an ale) at Spotty Dog and have dinner at Wunder Bar Bistro, just a few blocks away from the hotel’s front door.

Room rates start at $169/night weekdays, $349/night on weekends

542 Warren St. 
Hudson, NY
518-217-4334
Online: hudsonwhaler.com

For the Busy Babymoon

Brooklyn Babymoon
The William Vale

Not everyone wants to lounge the days away, even during the last "solo" trip. The William Vale is another hyper-local option, and there is always something going on here, from fun rooftop programming to art installations and more. (The neighborhood is also, obviously, a place where it's hard to run out of things to do and see.) When you are ready to chill, take advantage of the heavenly-scented Le Labo amenities, your private balcony with prime city views and breakfast from the hotel's Leuca — which, of course, you can enjoy in bed if you like!

Room rates start at $320/night

111 N. 12th St.
Williamsburg
718-631-8400
Online: thewilliamvale.com

To Scope Out Montclair in Style

MC Hotel

Some people will tell you you're going to end up here eventually, so why not hop aboard New Jersey Transit and check in 45 minutes later at the MC Hotel in Montclair, located right in the heart of this buzzing village. The hotel boasts an impressive on-site art collection and is home to the town’s only rooftop bar with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Don’t forget to pop into Allegory, the hotel’s ground-level restaurant, for "clean, healthy cooking" featuring locally sourced ingredients from the Montclair Farmers’ Market. 

Room rates start at $149/night

690 Bloomfield Ave. 
Montclair, NJ
973-329-5500
Online: marriott.com

For a Classic Option Upstate

Mohonk Mountain House

Hop a train or car ride to the Hudson Valley for rest and relaxation at this NYC-area favorite getaway. In under two hours, you could be relaxing and taking in breathtaking views from the Mohonk Mountain House. (The resort offers specials during the fall for people making the most of the incredible foliage displays.) This Victorian castle surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest is the place to recharge in nature, enjoy farm-to-table cuisine and get a treatment or two at the award-winning spa.  

Room rates start at $700

1000 Mountain Rest Rd.
New Paltz, NY 
845-765-3286
Online: www.mohonk.com

For a Historic Mansion on Long Island's Gold Coast

Oheka Castle

Nestled between New York City and the Hamptons, you will find Oheka Castle. This historic property is a romantic venue that is popular for weddings, but it's also a deluxe spot for a getaway. Oheka is a quick train or car ride from NYC, but feels like a world away! (Or at least a French chateau.) Inquire about their “Last Night of Sleep” package ($975) which features a three-course dinner, an in-room massage, tour of the castle and more.

Room rates start at $250 for a weekday rate

135 West Gate Dr.
Huntington, NY 
631-659-1400
Online: www.oheka.com

For a Quick & Convenient Country Visit

Garden City Hotel

If you feel like you need some fresh air, a speedy LIRR train ride to the Garden City Hotel, located across the street from the Garden City LIRR station, doesn’t disappoint. After an afternoon spent reading a book on an Adirondack chair on the property’s seven-acre lawn, a stroll through the quaint village, dinner at David Burke’s Red Salt Room and a night of deep sleep in a luxurious room, you’ll feel restored for whatever your new babe may bring.

Room rates start at $359/night

45 Seventh St. 
Garden City, NY 
516-747-3000
Online: gardencityhotel.com

— Lambeth Hochwald

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Pumpkin spice season is here. Along with the colorful leaves and crisp fall weather, you have all of the amazing pumpkin-flavored treats to look forward to, like these Pillsbury Grands! Pumpkin Spice Rolls.

These limited-edition cinnamon rolls have been hitting store shelves annually and they are always a sure sign that the avalanche of pumpkin spice everything is on its way. The rolls are made with Cinnabon cinnamon and topped with a pumpkin spice flavored icing, making for the perfect breakfast (or afternoon) treat.

photo: Target

The Pillsbury Grands! Pumpkin Spice Rolls are available at major grocery chains nationwide now through Nov. 2020. A five count can retails for $3.89.

 

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It’s (nearly) fall, ya’ll! If you want to give your house a little harvest love this season, look no further. We searched everyone’s favorite online marketplace and found plenty of things to give your abode cozy vibes in no time. From soft snuggly blankets to charming wall signs, scroll down to see the best fall decor you can find on Amazon right now.

Glasshouse Fragrances Trick Or Treat Pumpkin Pie Candle

While this candle is technically Halloween-inspired, we are definitely on board burning this candle the entire fall season. With notes of coconut, orange, pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cumin, maple, caramelized sugar, musk and vanilla, this pumpkin pie scented candle will burn for up to 65 hours.

Get it here, $55

White and Burlap Mini Pumpkins

These little pumpkins can go right out in September and stay out all the way through November. Use them on your mantlepiece, or on your dining room table as a centerpiece or Thanksgiving decoration. 

Buy them here, $16.99 for 18.

Sunny Sunflower Garland

This six-foot sunflower and straw garland would look great strung on your fireplace, over a doorframe or on your table. 

Buy it here, $26.49. 

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice Kitchen Towel

Pumpkin spice is nice!! This cute little kitchen towel will perk up your dishwashing duties. 

Buy it here, $13.

Wooden Fall Sign

It doesn’t take much to make it feel like fall! This sweet wooden sign is a nice addition to a front entry or a kitchen counter.

Buy it here, $11.99.

Pom-Pom Blanket

Who wouldn’t want to snuggle down under this cozy-looking blanket? The warm color is the perfect accent for all your other fall decor, and the pom-poms add a little extra pop. 

Buy one here, $23.99.

Pumpkin Planters

How adorable would these little guys look on your kitchen island? Or as hostess gifts? The succulents are not included, but that leaves room to plant other items, too.

Buy a set of three here, $13.99.

Battery-Operated Candles

If you need to stock up on battery-operated candles, now is the time! This nine-pack comes with varying sizes so you can spread around the house or use together and make a statement. But either way, creating a cozy (or eerie!) glow is part of the fall fun.

Buy a set here, $9.99.

Scarecrow Pals

Don’t forget your front yard! These adorable scarecrows are perfect for welcoming guests to your humble abode during the fall season. Prop them up with pumpkins against your front door or put them in the ground in the yard, either way, they’re perfect for fall!

Buy a set here,$22.83

Thankful Banner

There's nothing quite like burlap for fall decor, and we love this banner! Adorned with maple leaves and the words THANKFUL, this banner can brighten up a living room, add flair to a holiday party and more.

Buy it here, $8.99. 

Heirloom Veggie Poster

This heirloom veggie poster is not typical fall decor, but the vintage vibe is charming, and it can work in your house all year long or just for the harvest season.

Buy one here, $12.99.

Harvest Plates and Napkins

If you’re going to use paper plates and napkins for your harvest celebration, these adorable pumpkin and sunflower plates fit the bill and the adorable vintage truck napkins complete the package.

Buy a set here, $15.95 for a set of 8.

Cotton Bunch

It’s easy to get a farmhouse look for fall with these cotton stems. Pair it with mini pumpkins and a burlap runner, and you’ll have a Pinterest-inspired table in no time.

Buy a bunch here, $12.99.

Farmer's Market Pillows

An easy way to get that that autumn feel? Simply swap out your couch pillows for this fun set of four. Farmer’s Market inspired, with plenty of colors, these are something you’ll love to pull out year after year.

Buy the set here. $16.99.

Plaid Tablerunner

This fall-colored table runner comes in three different sizes: 16”x72, 16”x90 and 16”x108 or as a tablecloth! It’s got hints of green, and the plaid print is on trend for fall 2020.

Buy the right size here, $28.

Apple Cinnamon Scented Candle

Last, but not least is a comforting fall scent. If pumpkin spice isn’t your jam, may we suggest this apple/orange/cinnamon scent instead? Your house will still have those spicy fall undertones but with a twist.

Buy one here. $20.

—Gabby Cullen

All images are courtesy of Amazon

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase. 

 

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