Yesterday, the boys and I met up with another mom friend and her daughter. We met up at the Sandbox Sing-along at Heckscher Playground (the largest playground in the Park). In this FREE series, Moey’s Music Party performs at various playgrounds on Tuesdays and Thursdays until August 14th.

The show was great. The kids were able to participate with the pompoms and maracas that were handed out. At this particular outing, there was Moey on the guitar along with another guitarist and a drummer. The songs included some kid-friendly tunes like “Wheels on the Bus”, “If You’re Happy and You Know It”, etc. There was a lot of shaking/running/jumping & jiggling going on!

The only “not fun” part was when Sean (my now 17 months old son) went missing for around 10 seconds. In the time that it took from me to pan my Flip camera from Sean shaking the pompoms to my friend and her daughter to Michael, he disappeared! They were all right next to each other, so when I panned the camera back, I asked, “Where is Sean?” I must admit that I began to panic. After a few seconds, I spotted his little self. He was going back in the direction of the place where the lady had just given him the pompom. For the first time ever, I strongly considered a kiddy leash! That little boy…he is so independent and so quick!

In any event, Moey was a crowd-pleaser. I recommend that you catch one of her shows (especially since the price can’t be beat!) Just remember to keep an eye on your kids…they’re so quick!

Posted by Kimberly on 23 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: Events, My Life

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Interested in getting a jump start on holiday shopping while saving money on shipping and giving to charity all at the same time?

If so, don’t miss the Hasbro Summer Toy Event. It started on July 20th and ends on August 2nd. You can buy select Hasbro Hot ’08 toys or games without the shipping fee from Amazon.com, target.com, toysrus.com and walmart.com. For each toy or game purchased during that time, Hasbro will match up to $400,000 in toy and game donations to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Happy Shopping!

Posted by Kimberly on 23 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: Charity, Discounts

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Teach My Toddler is an all-in-one learning system for toddlers. The toddler tote has 17 coordinated teaching tools to help toddlers master the basics; alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors. The aim of Teach My Toddler is to give toddlers a head start and to encourage interaction between the toddler and their caregivers. It retails for $39.99 and is available on on-line at www.teach-my.com. See Mom in the City member Jodi Rodman’s review below.

Teach My Toddler is a convenient, easy-to use educational toy for your toddler. It’s not really a toy. It’s more like a lesson plan in a well-organized plastic briefcase separated into 4 sections- numbers, letters, shapes, colors.

I think the product is good for younger toddlers (ages 1-2½ or so). My daughter already knew a lot of colors, numbers, shapes and letters so she did get bored at times. But if your child is just learning these things, then I recommend using Teach My Toddler. It’s a great educational toy which can be used for just 20 minutes a day.

Posted by Jodi on 22 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: Reviews

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On Saturday, my family spent the day in Queens with my husband’s parents. To change things up (instead of just hanging around their house for the day and having dinner together), we invited them to the New York Hall of Science. It had been over twenty years since my husband and his family had been there. A lot had changed in the interim. It seemed like every area that we passed (except one!) was new.

(Initially, Sean wasn’t too excited about the trip!)

The Hall of Science really is a great hands-on place to visit. It was amazing to see/think about how science impacts practically every area of our lives. All of us enjoyed ourselves. Michael was like a little bee – flitting from one new thing to the next. Suffice it to say, at the end of three hours, all of the adults were exhausted (but in a good way!). I definitely recommend splitting the visit into two trips – we’ll be back because we weren’t able to cover everything. The highlights from our visit included the following:

-The Preschool Place

(Michael measuring items on a scale at the grocery store in The Preschool Place)

-The Sports Challenge

(Michael “surfing the waves”)

And

-The Bubble Area

(Michael trying to make a huge bubble)

The only thing that I didn’t especially like abut the Hall was its dining area. It had a huge seating area which was great but the food selection was just alright. The hot choices (pizza and chicken fingers) were pre-cooked and in a warmer. With all of that space, I expected to have a larger section and cooked-to-order options. That’s just a minor annoyance though. Overall, the Hall was excellent (bright, clean, friendly staff, HUGE elevators, etc.). Michael is already asking when we can visit again! If you’re visiting the Queens area, I highly recommend a visit.

Posted by Kimberly on 21 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: My Life, Places

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-For $15 discounted tickets to Vital Theatre Company’s run of The Bully Run at Manhattan Children’s Theatre (52 White Street in Tribeca) visit www.theatremania.com or go to www.vitaltheatre.org and click on The Bully picture and enter the code: MomNYC

-The direct link for the Mom in the City Code for $25 Pinkalicious Tickets is here. If you have difficulties using this link, please go to www.broadwayoffers.com and enter PIMOMS708

-Save $10 on tickets to see the GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW by mentioning code “GZGNA608” online at www.broadwayoffers.com or by phone at 212-947-8844. (This offer is valid for select performances now through 9/28/2008 and is subject to availability. Not valid on prior purchase. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions; blackout dates and restrictions may apply. Limit eight (8) tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Offer may be revoked at any time.) For more information and performance schedule, go to www.gazillionbubbleshow.com.

On another note, Vital Theatre’s Summer Camp still has a few slots left for their camp August 18-22nd where children (ages 4+) work with professional teaching artists and learn performance skills. Check their site for more details.

Posted by Kimberly on 21 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: Discounts

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For the last month or so, many people (fellow bloggers, public relations people, etc.) have been asking me if I was going to BlogHer this year. (BlogHer is a community for women who blog. They hold an annual conference. This year, it’s from July 18 – 20 in San Francisco, CA.) Anyway, my short answer to the question has been “No”. Here’s the long answer. I think that BlogHer is a great community and that the conference would be a wonderful way to put together the faces to the names of the writers of the blogs that I read/ a great networking opportunity/ a great learning experience/ etc., etc., I’m not going to BlogHer because of my big three (time, energy & money)…

1. Time: I have had a fun, full summer so far. I’m also going to a family wedding in the near future. Traveling to San Francisco just doesn’t fit into my summer plans.

2. Energy: I’ve been talking to my husband lately about how my energy seems to be depleted. Part of it is the heat – the heat energizes some people while draining others. I’m one of those people that the sun drains! The other part is that my younger son Sean has more energy as he gets older. He has more/I have less – not the best equation. I need to conserve as much energy as possible!

3. Money: The cost to attend the full conference ($348) is actually really reasonable. However, when I factor in air travel, ground travel, hotel, etc., etc., it doesn’t work for me this year. (As I mentioned in point 1, we’re going to a family wedding this month. Air, car, hotel, etc., etc. for a family of four is not cheap these days.)

So, those are my main three reasons. Then, I thought about it. What are the REAL reasons? (I’m a woman – if I really want something, I can figure out a way to make it happen.) Here’s the main two:

1. Family: I don’t like to be away from my family for extended periods of time. I’ve slept away from home one night (my Dad’s wedding) with Sean and twice (my Dad’s wedding/ giving birth to Sean) with Michael. I love my family. I like my family. I don’t like to be away from them.

2. Discomfort: I don’t like to be around large groups of people unless I’m serving in some type of capacity. When I have been to large group gatherings in the past, I have usually been helping out in some capacity (i.e. hosting, speaking, doing registration, etc., etc.) I prefer smaller groups when it comes to meeting/mingling.

All that to say, I hope that the women (and men – they’re invited!) that are attending BlogHer this year have a great time. I’m eager to read about it BUT I’m perfectly alright with not being there. (Hopefully next year it’ll be closer to the East Coast/ the pros will outweigh the cons and I’ll be ready to go!)

Posted by Kimberly on 18 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: My Life

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In case you’re interested…

Are you a hopeless cook? Or is someone you know totally incompetent in the kitchen?

Food Network is looking for the most disastrous cooks in the country to participate in a very different
culinary competition show!

This is the opportunity of a lifetime—to work with the best chefs in the country and learn to cook like a professional. Seeking outgoing people with a genuine inability to cook, but a need and desire to improve!

NOMINATE YOURSELF
• Do your kids beg to eat out, after you’ve worked hard to make a family meal?
• Has your husband/wife told you it was probably better if you ordered take out?
• At the big potluck dinner, are you always asked to “just bring the napkins?”

NOMINATE SOMEONE YOU KNOW**
• Is someone you know constantly offering you food that you have to turn down?
• If you know a mom who can’t scramble an egg, a colleague who can’t convince
anyone to try their culinary creations, or a friend who tries but can’t seem to get it
together in the kitchen, this is your chance to get them the help you BOTH need!
**Nominators: you must attend the interview with the person you nominate

HERE’S HOW TO APPLY:
• Email hopelesshomecook@optomenusa.com
• Tell why you (or the person you are nominating) is the most disastrous cook in the country
• Include name, age, hometown, occupation, contact phone number, and a recent photo of the hopeless cook

Posted by Kimberly on 18 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: Special Opportunities

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Here are a few links that you might be interested in reading:

-This USA TODAY article focuses on a study that appeared in the Child Development journal. In the (small) study, researchers said that even having a television on in the background could be “an environmental hazard”/impact kids’ attention.

-This Slate article talks about the advantages that families having dinner together has on working parents (especially moms). In the past, most research has been focused on the benefits to the kids. My only “issue” with the article is that I haven’t found a mom yet who isn’t a “working” parent! (Working inside of the home COUNTS people!)

-In this MSNBC article the question “Is fibbing to your kids ever OK?” is raised. In sum, the experts say that it’s best to be as honest as possible as much as possible because lying to your kids can destroy their trust. That makes sense. Just think - how many times does someone have to lie to us (as adults) before we stop trusting them?!

Posted by Kimberly on 17 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: Websites

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“Staycation: A vacation that is spent at one’s home enjoying all that home and one’s home environs have to offer. “

For those in the NYC area who don’t have the time/energy/money (or inclination!) to go away for a long trip, why not head uptown? This week I will be highlighting some special Harlem locations. These top ten “must-see” places reveal that family life in Harlem is truly a rich, cultural experience.

Culture
-Harlem Stage/Aaron Davis Hall, Inc.: They focus on creating and developing new works of art by performing artists of color. They offer a variety of education programs including a Family Series where families get the chance to experience the arts together. (Many of the Family Series programs are free.) (212) 281-9240

-Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: This New York Public Research Library focuses on documenting the experiences of peoples of African descent throughout the world. They also host a variety of public programs for people of all ages. Of special note is their “Junior Scholars Program” a Saturday school-type program for young people (ages 11 to 17) which ends with an annual Youth Summit. (212) 491-2200

-Studio Museum in Harlem: This museum features African, African-American and Caribbean art and artifacts. They offer a variety of programs and activities including those that focus on youth and families. (Through its “Free 1st Saturdays” program, the museum offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month.) (212) 864-4500

-The Apollo Theater: Known as the place “Where Stars are Born and Legends are Made”™ , the theater does a lot of community outreach including Harlem SummerStage, a free summer concert series. They also offer fun family programs including Movies for Kids - free screenings of kid-friendly movies and much more. (212) 531-5300

Entertainment
-AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9: Named for partial owner/ basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, this is a great movie theatre. The mural and pictures inside the theatre feature African-Americans – their community and their theatrical legends. That (along with the neighborhood feel) is what makes this theatre stand out from others. They also offer heavily discounted matinee tickets! (212) 665-6923

-Hue-Man Book Store: One of the largest independent African-American bookstores in the country, they specialize in African-American authors. They hold a variety of book signings and special events, including “Saturday Morning Storytime” for young children. (212) 665-7400

-Harlem Lanes: This is a duplex, 24-lane bowling and entertainment center. It features a modern cafe, fully equipped sports bar and arcade, deluxe lounge, and private party room. They also offer a special “Family Four Pack” package. (212) 678-2695

Food:
-Sylvia’s Soul Food Restaurant: This “world famous” soul food restaurant serves generous portions by friendly servers. It is a great, bustling place to take the kids. Sylvia’s also offers on and off site catering for parties. (212) 996-0660

-Amy Ruth’s: This popular restaurant is known for their home-styled Southern food and welcoming servers. Popular with politicians and locals, this restaurant will serve your family a great meal. (212) 280-8779

Recreation:
-Riverbank State Park: This 28-acre park is a gem. It offers a variety of recreational, athletic and arts classes for kids and adults (at very reasonable prices). It has an Olympic-sized pool, a covered skating rink, two playgrounds, and much more. (212) 694-3600

Posted by Kimberly on 17 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: Features

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Yesterday, my sons and I met up with another mom friend and her two sons down in Madison Square Park. We started off catching the AudraRox performance. (She was performing as part of Madison Square Kids 2008, a free performance series that takes place on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:30 AM.) Audra and her band were great! My two sons were bouncing and dancing to the kid-rock music. My oldest son Michael’s favorite part was when the special guest (Gordon from Sesame Street) joined the band onstage and sang the Sesame Street Theme song (Sunny day… Sweepin’ the clouds away…).

A couple of tips in case you’re planning to attend a Madison Square Kids performance:
-It can be very hot (like it was yesterday), so plan accordingly (i.e. sunscreen, plenty of liquids, etc.).
-Bring something to sit on, because the audience sits on the grass.

(AudraRox and her band)

(Gordon from Sesame Street performing with the band)

Next, we all went to have an early lunch at The Shake Shack. This place has some of the best burgers, hot dogs, French fries, milkshakes and custard in the city. Everything was SO good.

(The Shake Shack)

As we were traveling around the park, my friend and I commented on how neat it was to see our kids play together. The boys were 3, 4(Michael) and 5. They were so cute — holding hands (as boys, that won’t last for much longer!); playing hide & seek; following the leader; etc. (Sean was on my hip – he’s still too little to hang with the “big boys”.) These moments are so precious. Time already seems to be racing by!

(Michael and his two friends)

We ended our time together at the Playground. It has one of the best, creative sprinkler systems featuring a spinning pinwheel that sprays water down from more than ten feet in the air. There are also smaller sprinkler blocks that squirt water at ground level. (The only minuses are that the park gets really crowded and the black play surface makes it feel even hotter than it really is outside.)

(The Pinwheel)

Posted by Kimberly on 16 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: My Life

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