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Our 2020 Gearapalooza Tour is officially under way, and we can’t wait to stop in Brooklyn on March 11! For the fifth year in a row, we’ll bring the best baby gear brands AND BCB’s Baby Gear Expert, Jamie Grayson! You’ll have the chance to test-drive all of the latest products, ask questions and learn how to use everything safely.
Over the years we’ve made some incredible friends in NYC, Brooklyn and the surrounding areas. We want to introduce you to some of these amazing moms and moms-to-be! ICYMI, BCB is celebrating ten years in 2020. We’re taking a look back at some mom life highlights over the past decade and talking about what’s to come!
We are so grateful to have these amazing women as part of our BCB community. Most of them will also be joining us at Gearapalooza so be sure to stop by and say hi!
We Want You To Meet…
Name: Brianne Manz
Age: 38 years old
Kid(s) and Ages: Ryder eleven, Siella eight and Gemma six
Where do you live? We live in Battery Park in Manhattan, New York.
Ten years ago, what were you doing & how is that different from your life now? Oh my goodness, my life is completely different. Ten years ago my son was a year old. I had just started Stroller In The City as a way to document all of the new adventures I was experiencing as a mom. Now Stroller In The City has become a full time career, with multiple employees and is nation wide. It’s beyond anything I could have imagined.
Where did you learn about BCB? I found Bump Club and Beyond many years ago when I met founder Lindsay at a Mom 2.0 conference and we quickly hit it off. I’ve been a big fan since!
What have you learned from BCB? So much! I absolutely love going to Gearaplooza and discovering amazing new products. I’ve also really enjoy all the super helpful informative articles.
What are FIVE must-have products that have gotten you through the last decade? There are many products that have each been very useful to me for different reasons but some of my musts include:
What are your FAVORITE beauty products and why? Saranghae has long been a brand I truly love. My personal favorite product is their moisturizer, but all their options are awesome. Vichy makes vitamin C serum drops that I’ve been using for years and totally recommend. I also use Beauty Counter blush and bronzer everyday and can’t ever go without it.
What is the number one lesson you’ve learned from another mom and who did you learn it from? My MOM! She taught me to always do what works for me and to never compare myself to other moms. Trust what’s best for yourself and your kids!
What would you tell yourself ten years ago? Savor all the moments because it goes SO fast! Everyone says it ,but it’s so true! In the blink of an eye my oldest is eleven and I truly can’t wrap my head around it.
What’s the one piece of advice you would like to share with other expecting or new moms? Lean into the special relationship only you and your child can have and trust your motherly instincts. Mama always knows best.
What’s your favorite part about your kids’ ages now? Ryder, Siella, and Gemma are at amazing ages right now (six, eight, eleven) and right now I’m all about travel and we have been having the best time exploring new countries! They’re so curious about other cultures and cuisines! It’s been so special seeing it through their eyes. My kids always remind me that it doesn’t have to be perfect to bring them joy and happiness. The little things can and do go so far!
What are your best tips to create memories for your family? Try something new together! Travel, take up a shared hobby, get outside for a local hike, etc… Whatever it may be, doing something new together is bound to bring lasting memories! Our family discovered the love of skiing altogether and its been such a great family activity we look forward to every winter.
Favorite parenting/momlife/childhood quote: “Everything has changed and yet I am more me than I’ve ever been.”–Iaian Thomas
Most embarrassing thing your child(ren) has ever done in public: Oh my goodness, there are so many. Haha! Just remember we’ve all been there and we see you mama!
Top 5 fave IG handles to follow: There are so many great social platforms popping up, and so many funny gals I love following but some of my favorites include:
For more from Brianne find her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and her www.strollerinthecity.com.
We Want You To Meet…
Name: Rosdaly Ramirez
Age: 29
Kid(s) and Ages: Calvin, age two
Where do you live? Bronx, NYC
Ten years ago, what were you doing & how is that different from your life now? Wow, ten years ago I was actually in high school just waiting to graduate and become an adult. I’m currently in grad school and working in a high school with inner city students like myself.
Where did you learn about BCB? What has been your experience with BCB throughout the last ten years? I actually got the opportunity to learn about BCB through Ergobaby as one of their ambassadors. I met so many brands and learned about a lot of baby gear.
What are FIVE must-have products that have gotten you through the last decade?
What are the top three registry items from your baby registry?
What are your FAVORITE beauty products and why? Right now it’s my Revlon Hair Dryer! It’s like everything!
Your NUMBER ONE tip for keeping your marriage/relationship with your significant other on point? Being honest but also believing you don’t have to hide anything. Just say what’s in your heart.
What was the number one surprise about motherhood? How hard dealing with my mental health could be.
What is the number one lesson you’ve learned from another mom and who did you learn it from? You can still do all the things you desire and dream of even with kids. Pursuing them may be challenging but you can do them. My mom shared that with me when I told her I was gonna get my master after having my son.
What would you tell yourself ten years ago? Stop trying to rush life and take it slow. You are in the season you need to be.
What’s the one piece of advice you would like to share with other expecting or new moms? Have grace with yourself, you don’t have to get everything right away. Take time to learn and embrace the journey.
What’s your favorite part about your kids’ ages now? What are the lessons you have learned from them? He is so loving. He’s really into quality time and asking for play time together. I’m learning to set time for him and embrace his emotions no matter what.
How did you make the most of your maternity leave? I struggled a lot but I found it helpful walking to Target with other mom friends.
Most embarrassing thing your child(ren) has ever done in public: Probably take off his shoes and socks in a MTA subway train. He just started playing with his feet… he was almost two. LOL!
Top 5 fave IG handles to follow:
You can see more on Rosdaly on Instagram and her blog.
We Want You To Meet…
Name: Shelly Schoen-Rene
Age: Over 40
Kid(s) and Ages: 4 and one on-the-way
Where do you live? Brooklyn
Ten years ago, what were you doing & how is that different from your life now? Ten years ago I was working very long hours on the road and wearing out heels by the week. Now, I work when I want and how I want, but still hard. It’s just my style.
Where did you learn about BCB? I have been to many BCB events over the years covering the events and featuring vendors I love. This is the first year I’m looking to also find products I can use myself.
What’s your must-have product that has gotten you through the last decade? In NYC, you have to have a good sidewalk stroller. I’ve been through several because I walk everywhere. My latest is a Bugaboo Bee, but I loved my Mountain Buggy too.
Give us your NUMBER ONE TIP for practicing self-care: Prioritize sleep. Nothing else matters if you don’t get enough sleep.
What is your FAVORITE beauty products and why? Well, this will sound silly but I use Babo Botanicals Detangler. It’s for babies, but because my daughter always seemed to end up with my hair in her mouth, I wanted something non-toxic. I love the smell so I keep using it.
Your NUMBER ONE tip for keeping your marriage/relationship with your significant other on point? Set aside time to just talk.
What was the number one surprise about motherhood? It turns out I’m good at it. I never would have imagined that. If you are worried about being motherly when the time comes, don’t. Just let it happen.
What would you tell yourself ten years ago? Learn how to say no, the sooner the better.
What’s the one piece of advice you would like to share with other expecting or new moms? Don’t try to keep up with anyone else. Instead, decide what you value most and focus on that.
You can find more on Shelly on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
If you’re an expectant or new parent in the Brooklyn area, Gearapalooza is an event you do NOT want to miss! JOIN US and many of these fantastic Brooklyn moms and us on March 11, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm at 26 Bridge. You can find more Gearapalooza dates and locations here.
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