May 30, 2008
May 29, 2008
The Organic and Natural Food Options
Recently, I blogged about attended the launch of the new Wild Harvest line of organic and natural products. It was interesting to hear how people from all types of backgrounds are becoming more interested in organic and natural foods. As such, I thought that it would be good to explore this option in the context of finding ways for us as families to live healthier lifestyles.
When I write “organic”, I mean foods that are grown without any synthetic or artificial methods. Organic products have been shown to have many benefits including the following: helping to relieve food allergies; helping to avoid residues from pesticides; and some organic foods have high levels of cancer-fighting antioxidants.
When I write “natural”, I mean that the food (or ingredients that make up the product) have been minimally processed. They stay as close as possible to the item’s original/natural state. The primary benefit of natural foods is that they don’t make the body and the immune system work extra hard because the body does not have to metabolize petrochemical food additives.
As I mentioned before, the organic food industry is rapidly increasing. As such, there are many ways for people to buy organic foods. Some options include cooperatives, independent natural grocery or health food stores, and now organic and natural foods are found at most grocery stores. Currently, the most popular organically grown foods are produce, dairy, bread and grains, and snack foods (in that order).
Ultimately, as parents we want the healthiest alternatives for our kids (and ourselves!). It’s obvious that the decision to eat better plays a great role in maintaining or improving our health. It’s interesting to note that (according to studies) the reason many people decide to start trying organic and natural foods is when they have children. Dealing with children’s allergies and other health conditions also causes parents to try these products. In any event, purchasing more organic and natural foods for our families is a great option worth strongly considering.
To help, following are a few local stores that are known for offering organic and natural foods and products:
-Vegan's Delight in the Bronx: (718) 653-4140
-Downtown Natural Market in Brooklyn: (718) 834-1215
-4th Street Food Co-op in Manhattan: (212) 674-3623
-Queens Health Emporium in Queens: (718) 358-6500
And
-Whole Foods Market, the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods, has several Manhattan locations.
Is The NYC Pre-K System Faulty?
Of course it is. For one thing, you know that there's an issue when you have to start planning for pre-k (at least) a year in advance. Although I've been in NYC almost half of my life, some things (like the schools) are still a shock to my system. (My point of reference: I grew up in an area of Virginia where almost everyone went to public schools. The schools were safe, diverse and everyone had a chance at a solid education.)
Anyway, The New York Times has an article called Pre-K System Faulted as Confusing to Parents. It talks about how a new application process that had been implemented to simplify pre-kindergarten enrollment has did more harm than good leaving many parents of potential public school students wondering where their kids will be going to school this coming fall. I'm just happy that I was able to find a great program for my oldest son. (Granted, I think that it's easier/less competitive to get your child in a 2 1/2 hours a day program - like the one that my son will be attending-rather than a full day one.)
May 28, 2008
LMNOP Online Magazine
I really love magazines, so I was excited to read about LMNOP. It is a free PDF magazine that comes out four times a year. LMNOP stands for laugh, make, nurture, organise and play (all things that we do daily as moms!).
I viewed their most recent magazine and was impressed by the photography as well as the variety of topics and companies they cover. The magazine takes a little while to load but it's definitely worth the wait.
(Thanks to kirtsy.com for the referral.)
Don't Use Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream!
There are so many warnings/etc. that come out that it would be impossible for me to post them all. However, since I know that a lot of new and expecting moms read this blog, I wanted to pass along the following information....
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned women not to use or purchase Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream, because it contains ingredients (chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol) that may cause respiratory distress, vomiting and diarrhea in infants.
The FDA encourages moms to stop using the cream and to check with a doctor if the experience problems or believe that their infant may have experienced problems due to the product.
May 27, 2008
Father's Day Giveaway: Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex Gold Passports
Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex will be giving away a set of Gold Passports at our June 13th Father's Day Playdate.
Memorial Day Weekend Massage
I hope that everyone had a great Memorial Day. Both my father and brother have served our country during wars. Fortunately, they both made it back home safe. My heart definitely goes out to those whose family members were not as fortunate.
My extended weekend was fun. I continued my birthday week celebration having friends over on Saturday and spending Saturday with the in-laws. On Sunday after church, I met up with one of my best friends in Westchester. We went to a spa and then talked (and talked and talked) afterward at a coffee place. The name of the spa was Village Day Spa. It was so relaxing! I had the “Rub A Dub Scrub”, a one-hour Swedish massage (a masseuse friend had warned me against getting another deep tissue massage right now) followed by an aromatherapy sea salt scrub. I was so rested and my skin was smooth like a baby. I loved it! So, everything worked out. I was able to get the blog redesigned and a pampering spa treatment. Life is good!
May 23, 2008
The Muppet Show: The Complete Third Season
This week was the first time that The Muppet Show: The Complete Third Season has ever been released on DVD. It was released in a special four-disc set.
Many of us grew up with the Muppets, so we pretty much know what we’re getting with Jim Henson's classic variety show. The third season includes a variety of popular guest appearances (i.e. Harry Belafonte, Gilda Radner, and more). The guests are great, but it’s the actual Muppets that steal the show. Who doesn’t remember Kermit and Miss Piggy’s crazy love? The rest of the gang (including Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, and Animal) are all still there also.
In addition to the 24 episodes from season three, the DVD also includes new behind the scenes bonus features. This is a great DVD set to introduce/re-introduce your family to the beloved Muppets!
Suggested retail price: $39.99
Style AND Substance: The Yummy Mummy Manifesto
The first thing that I noticed when I received a copy of THE YUMMY MUMMY MANIFESTO by Anna Johnson was the beautiful illustrations. (I love "pretty", stylish books.)
I'm not a big fan of mom labels (like "yummy mummy") but I'm glad that the title didn't stop me from reading the book. It was great to see that in addition to being "cute", it had some really great information in it for new and expecting moms. The book covers a variety of topics from when moms are expecting to the toddler years. Fashion, exercise & nutrition, sex, breastfeeding and shopping for kids are some of the topics covered.
My favorite section is called "TWENTY SELFISH LITTLE PLEASURES". Number 20 - "ten minutes a day"... is my personal mantra (more so 15 to 20 minutes!). Moms need (at least) that amount of time a day for themselves in order not to self-destruct!
In any event, this book would make a great gift for an expecting or new mom.
Boos Coos (Blues Clues)
My baby Sean turned 15 months yesterday. It's so sweet to see how much he's grown - it goes so quickly! I'm not great at keeping baby books, so I'm trying to remember the important firsts.
First word: "Go" (We do have a pretty active, on-the-go family!)
First word combination: "I throw" (His explanation for why he was throwing at his brother instead of to his brother.)
And now, he has his first favorite book - Blue's Big Book of Stories.
I'm a huge book fan, so this latest "first" is one of my favorites. As I sit here typing on the computer, he comes and pulls on me and says "Boos Coos". Then, he walks me to his brother's room and points at the bookcase. When I pick him up and asks what he wants (even though I already know), he points at the Blue's Clues book and says "Boos Coos". Since the book is his brother's and the pages easily rip, I try to "trick" him by giving him another board book, which he promptly drops and says (while pointing) "Boos Coos". I guess that I'll be looking for a Blue's Clues board book this week-end!
May 22, 2008
Father's Day Giveaway: Beauty & the Beast
Literally Alive Children’s Theatre will be giving away four (4) tickets for their “Beauty & the Beast” performance & workshop at at our June 13th Father's Day Playdate.
Beauty and the Beast
The Players Theatre
115 MacDougal Street •New York, NY
October-December 2008
www.literallyalive.com
Pediatric Dental Health Practicals
I learned so much from a conversation that I recently had with Dr. Mary Hayes. She is a pediatric dentist with a private practice in Chicago along with being an American Dental Association (ADA) spokesperson.
Initially, we spoke about the barriers to pediatric dental health. I thought that finances were the biggest hurdle since many people don’t have dental insurance. Although, the doctor agreed that finances were one barrier, she listed social and educational reasons also. She noted that many of our expectations come from our parents or grandparents and unfortunately, dental health has not been considered as important as other things. Social habits such as not drinking regular water, but sweetened juices (especially for those who come from countries where the water is undrinkable) also contribute to dental decay.
I’m a practical person, so we then discussed some “best practices”. Some things that I found interesting to note were the following:
-Kids should have their first dental visit six months after they get their first tooth or at one year old (whichever comes first). The purpose of the initial visit is for parents to get an understanding regarding what affects their child’s dental health. The goal is for the dentist to be the parent’s coach. The best way to find a dentist is by referrals. The ADA (http://www.ada.org/), The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (http://www.aap.org/) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) (http://www.aapd.org/) all offer referral services on their sites. Once a dentist is chosen, the amount of times that the kids need to see the dentist a year depends on the child – their needs and their risk factors. It’s best to make this decision with your dentist.
-It was interesting to note that parents should brush their kids’ teeth until they are six or seven. Until then, kids are just “playing” when they brush. In the desire to make their kids more self-reliant, parents have been allowing kids to brush by themselves earlier which is not the best. If kids do insist on brushing their own teeth, they should get the chance only after the adults have brushed first. Also, kids should only begin using fluoride toothpaste once they learn to spit (which usually takes place between two and four years old). As far as how often kids should brush, the answer was after each meal and before bed “ideally”/two to three times a day at a minimum.
-When it comes to flossing, kids only need to floss once their teeth start touching together (most young kids have gaps between their teeth). Kids are usually able to floss well by the time they are ten to twelve. (On a side note, as to the age-old question “Is it better to brush or floss first?” the answer is, “It doesn’t matter.”)
Dr. Hayes and I then spoke about the overall importance of dental health. We talked about how important it is for problems (i.e. cavities) to be treated in the “baby teeth” even though those teeth will come out to make place for the permanent teeth. One of the main reasons that it is important to treat the baby teeth is that they form the pattern for the permanent teeth. If the baby teeth have a lot of decay, the permanent teeth probably will also. In addition, poor dental care may cause a future shift in the permanent teeth which can cause misaligned teeth (making braces necessary) or even impacted teeth. Also, infections can possibly happen. This causes kids to suffer unnecessary pain. As an example of an extreme case, don’t forget the big news story last year about the boy who died from an infection that started with an abscessed tooth when the bacteria from his tooth spread to his brain. Dental health should not be taken lightly!
To sum: hygiene (proper dental care with parental supervision); “dentist as coach” and diet (making sure that kids get enough calcium and other vitamins for strong, healthy teeth) all combine to give kids the best chance at having beautiful, healthy smiles for a lifetime.
Visiting the Hamptons in June?
If so, lucky you! You might be interested in the following:
Women’s Health magazine is opening a WH Studio in the Hamptons (Southhampyon, NY) for the month of June. They will be offering free workout classes there every weekend in June (Fridays to Sundays from 6/6 -6/29). Classes will be led by some of the most "in-demand" yogis, pilates gurus, and personal training pros in the world.
Visit www.womenshealthmag.com/studio for the ffull class schedule. Class sizes are limited, so call 1-800-305-4618 to reserve your spot.
May 21, 2008
method and Danny Seo Are The BEST
Yesterday, the weather outside was cold and rainy in Manhattan. Nonetheless, I had so much fun at the pre-birthday party that method threw for me at their pop-up shop down in Soho. It brightened my day (along with the lunch at Telepan earlier in the day).
I’m already a method fan, so it was fun to introduce/re-introduce some of my friends to the products. To my pleasant surprise, many of them knew (and are already using!) method products. Like I’ve written before, I became a “convert” when I noticed that the cleaners worked as well as regular ones without all of the unnecessary chemicals and toxins. One mom mentioned that she had started using the products in response to her child’s allergies. Yet another mom mentioned that she uses the products because they’re one of the reasonably priced natural cleaning lines and that their products don’t aggravate her daughter’s asthma condition. On and on – it was interesting to hear why other women were interested in using natural cleaning products. It was so much fun when we all learned what was in our “goody bags” – the French lavender all surface cleaner, the cucumber dish detergent, the sea minerals hand wash and the “lil’ bowl blu” toilet bowl cleaner (the crowd favorite!). Of course I loved the fact that the goodies came in my favorite “Plastic bag Rehab” reusable tote.
Danny Seo (who is such a handsome, fun sweetheart) led us in a crafting session using recycled items. Everyone did such a great job. (There was one exception. I won’t name names, but her plate was a mess. Danny, who was super-sweet couldn’t even think of anything nice to say about it. She jokingly blamed Danny, who promptly called for “security”. We were laughing so much, because she was such a great sport about it – I love my close friends!)
(Danny is helping with the craft project.)
(My craft project - what a great (pre)memory of turning 35!)
Besides the great method products and the fun craft, the food (primarily organic) and drinks were so good. The highlight was the beautiful super-yummy birthday cake that they had as a surprised for me. Near the end, Danny and I took pictures in the store’s special confessional booth.
(Isn't this birthday cake beautiful?)
(This was a gift of champagne creatively wrapped by Danny.)
(It was so much fun playing in the photo booth. You've got to try it!)
I can’t thank method enough…they thought of everything. It was my best pre-birthday party ever!
P.S. Don't forget to stop by method's SoHo's pop-up shop (550 Broadway between Prince and Spring) which will be open from May 13 – June 7.
Wild Harvest Organics: "Organify Your World"
Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to several items in the new Wild Harvest line of organic and natural products. The line was introduced at a lunch at Telepan. (May really is my month. Back-story: earlier in the year during Restaurant Week, I wanted to visit Telepan, but they were booked up. Fast forward to yesterday – I get to eat an amazing meal there and learn some valuable tips from the chef. How cool is that?! Note to self: remind husband that we need to go on a kid-free dinner to Telepan). In any event, Chef Bill Telepan was so helpful - he has been using seasonal organic and natural foods in his cooking throughout his career. The meal (which used several Wild Harvest products) was also delicious. The menu was tomato soup with rice & beans; pan-roasted chicken breast and strawberry granite parfait (yum!) for dessert. (I have the recipes for all three dishes, so email me if you’d like them.)
The event was hosted by Supervalu, a grocery retailer that operates under several names (including Acme, Albertsons, etc.). They also supply groceries to a variety of independent stores. Recently, they launched the new Wild Harvest brand of organic and natural products with around 160 current products. The goal is to grow to 250+ products. The neat things about this line of products (the items that I tried anyway) are the following:
-Not only are they healthy but they are also tasty (a must for my picky kid eaters).
and
-The products are reasonably priced (which is important to my pocketbook!). The line is around 15% lower than other branded organic and natural products.
On an earlier blog post, I wrote that I would not only eat organic products. I am trying to eat more organic products though, so I’m eager for the Wild Harvest products to hit the NYC market. (Acme grocery stores in NJ are the closest chain of stores in the NYC area that will be carrying the line.)
Wii Fit Launch
To celebrate the North American launch of Wii Fit this week, Nintendo held a launch event in Central Park on Monday. Although the weather wasn't the greatest, the area was packed when I went. What was especially great was that Nintendo donated $5 (up to $25,000) to the American Heart Association for everyone who did a demo.
I was really looking forward to going to the event. Then, on Sunday night my four years old son Michael got a "Wii punishment" (no Wii at all on Monday) because he threw the Wii remote (he didn't want to get off the game when it was time for him to do so). "Oh great," I thought - he's going to have a fit going to this event and not being able to play. "Oh, well." We went anyway. I'm so glad that we did. It was fun!
My son didn't have a fit. He just enjoyed seeing all of the other people testing out the game. (To be fair, I didn't do a demo - that would have been pretty mean to my son - even though I wasn't the one on punishment - I guess that I owe $5 to the AHA.) It was also fun to see the professional demonstrators on the stage. One of the personal trainers received a 100% on the push-ups/side plank exercise. Michael exclaimed, "Wow Mommy, he did great, like you!" (I had got a 100% on this exercise at home earlier - of course, I had "cheated" a bit and did the girly "knees-down" push-ups.)
In any event, Wii Fit is available at stores beginning today. Definitely grab a copy if you can!
May 20, 2008
NOODLEBORO GAMES INTRODUCE SOCIAL SKILLS
As a mom and educator I believe we are living in a world where values and social skills are in danger of being extinct by the media and sometimes our own believes that “they” our children will learn on their own. But hope is not jet lost. Last week I was able part take of an event where we were introduced to Hasbro’s new line of games that will be launching this summer. There are three different games and they each focus on a different social skill; there is “Learning to Listen Pizza Palace Game”, “Learning to Share Fun Park Game” and lastly “Learning about Manners Picnic Basket Game”. These games are a great opportunity for children to learn to share, listen and say thank you. It comes with a book that tells a fun story that lives out the different situations where simple manners and skills are put to the test. It also comes with a CD with the story telling of the book and songs that complement the game. I found it to be the perfect way to reinforce these important values in a fun and easy activity that kids together with parents will enjoy. Let’s not forget that children learn by play and who better than their parents to teach them to have fun.
-Review by Alexandra Cerda
Alexandra Cerda was born in Viña del Mar, CHILE and grew up in NY. She was taken to Chile to do her high school years and start college. She came back to NY in 2002 to continue college studies where she attended BMCC and got an ASS in Early Childhood Education. She is married to her funny husband Jose and is a part-time mom of a beautiful girl, Liana. Alexandra is currently working as a Teacher in different sites and with children of different ages. Alexandra plans to go back to school to further her education.
May 19, 2008
Father's Day Giveaway: The GoodFather Daddy T-shirt by Dr.MOZ
Dr. MOZ will be giving away one of their popular GoodFather Daddy T-shirts at our June 13th Father's Day Playdate.
The Good Father daddy T-shirt is an ultra-thick hand-printed 100% cotton T-shirt... (It lets everyone know that dad is a true “family man”.)
2008 Whirlpool Brand Mother of Invention Grant
If you have a new product innovation, invention, service or business ideas (except those about appliances or appliance components), you might want to enter the 2008 Whirlpool Brand Mother of Invention Grant.
(The contest starts at 12:00:00 a.m. EST on May 11, 2008. Online entries must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. on July 31, 2008 EST.)
May 16, 2008
Free Ice Cream for Expectant Moms
Baskin-Robbins is celebrating its new addition, Soft Serve ice cream, by paying tribute to expectant mothers across the country. On Wednesday, May 21, 2008 from 11am-10pm, their stores will be offering a free 3 oz. cup or cone of Soft Serve to all moms-to-be (Limit one cone per expectant mother). Enjoy!
Cute Flickr Photo: One Wish
This Flickr photo is SO precious...
May 15, 2008
Random Foodie Notes
-After attending the Italian cooking event that I wrote about earlier, I figured that I'd try some Italian dishes at home.
I'm realistic (and time-crunched) so I haven't tried to make homemade pasta. Instead, I have been using Barilla's Piccolini line of miniature Italian pasta shapes (my boys especially like the Mini Wheels). On a side note, Barilla and Scholastic have a storybook about sharing family meals that you can find (along with kid-friendly recipes, tips for cooking with kids and a free book offer) on http://www.scholastic.com/Barilla/. I serve the pasta with homemade meatballs (I use ground beef or turkey plus one crumbled bread end, Parmesan cheese, Lawry's seasoned salt, black pepper, worcestershire sauce and a bit of spaghetti sauce to make the meatballs; then, I simmer them in spaghetti sauce - yummy!)
- (Following are some of the pictures that Kim Orlando of TravelingMom.com sent me from the Italian dinner.)
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(Here's me learning from chef Andrea Tiberi of Eatalian Style)
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(Here, I'm taking out the Grana Padano cheese basket that I had just cooked.)
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(This is the home made "Gnudi" pasta)
And
-Lastly, I read about an interesting recipe contest, the CheeseSticks "Twist & Crunch" recipe contest. People are supposed to come up with creative uses for CheeseSticks, CheeseCrisps, or SweetSticks in their everyday recipes. I guess that I'm not that creative. Besides making a party mix, I have no idea what I would make with these types of products. If you're more creative than I am, you can read the full details and enter the contest (through June 20th) here.
May 14, 2008
Wii Fit Made Me Do The Happy Dance
The fed-ex guy is becoming my new best friend. Yesterday was going along same old, same old (work, caring for the boys, etc., etc.). Then, the doorbell rang.
It was the fed-ex guy... with a Wii Fit and Wii Balance Board along with some cute workout socks and a towel. After I opened the box, I started jumping up and down, clapping my hands and saying, "Yay!" to no one in particular (my four years old Michael by default). If you read this blog on a consistent basis, then you know that Wii Fit was tied for #2 on "My List" of things that I would love to have this year. So, I was definitely doing the happy dance.
(Once again, I have no excuse to not be in great physical shape. The timing was perfect - earlier in the day, my Tae-bo video tape had died all of a sudden in the middle of my workout.)
In any event, the Wii Fit is going to officially launch on May 19th. There will be a special event in Central Park where visitors can try out the game from 8am to 5pm. You can find out the full details here. I plan on being there.
method: detox your home new york
Method is one of my new favorite companies of the year. Every since I tried their all purpose cleaner, I've been more willing (and eager) to stop cleaning my home with harsher chemicals. (The cleaner works equally well as more toxic ones!)
The cool thing is that method has opened a SoHo pop-up shop location for a few weeks. Of course, they will be selling their products there. In addition, they'll be allowing custormers to safely dispose of their toxic household cleaners (you know, those ones that you have lying around that you don't know what to do with in a responsible way) by turning them in at the store. In exchange, customers will get a free method product. The details of the method shop are the following:
Where: 550 Broadway, NYC (between Prince & Spring); 212-994-5396
When: May 13 - June 7
Time: 10am - 7pm
On a personal note, I'm especially excited about method's visit to New York. As a "method maven", I will be hosting a party there for some friends. A portion of the event will be an interactive crafting event led by Danny Seo. I'm extra excited because the party happens to fall the day before my birthday (yay!).
Angelina Ballerina at ABTKids
Normally, I post events at the ParentZone/BabyZone site that I guide, but I thought that you moms who have little Angelina Ballerina fans might be interested in the following event:
Angelina Ballerina will be doing a meet and greet at ABTKids Following a Matinee Performance with AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE at the Metropolitan Opera House on Saturday, May 31 at 11:30am and 2pm. Tickets for the ABTKids performance are $25. The Metropolitan Opera House is located at Broadway and 64th Street . To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.abt.org.
May 13, 2008
Father's Day Giveaway: DadGear Messenger Route 66 Bag
DadGear will be giving away one of their new Messenger Route 66 bags at our June 13th Father's Day Playdate.
Father's Day Giveaway: DadGear Courier Bag
DadGear will be giving away one of their popular Courier bags at our June 13th Father's Day Playdate.
Father's Day Giveaway: Boon Inc. Animal Bag
Boon Inc. will be giving away one of their popular animal bags at our June 13th Father's Day Playdate.
"Boon Animal Bag
Does your child have too many stuffed animals? The Boon Animal Bag is a fun and practical solution for rounding up all those soft critters and putting them to work.
The Animal Bag is an oversized, plush bag that's covered with large, zippered windows made out of transparent, durable mesh. Children can fill the bag with stuffed animals of all sizes, and then use the Animal Bag as a soft seat.
Made from high quality, breathable fabrics, the Animal Bag is machine washable, or it can be dry-cleaned.
In addition to solving the stuffed animal storage dilemma, the Animal Bag is earth-friendly because - unlike most beanbag chairs - it does not require any foam fillers."
Mom in the City's Father's Day Playdate
*5/13/08 We really love the Dads - this event is already at capacity! To be placed on the waitlist (spots often open up), please email events@mominthecity.com.*
Mom in the City's Father's Day Playdate at
Who: Children ages 6 months to 6 years. (Along with their Dads -- moms are welcome too!)
What: Will enjoy this supervised 1 hour playtime gym session. Beforehand, pizza, juice and dessert will be served. There will also be great giveaways for the dads including a messenger bag and a courier bag from DadGear; a storage animal bag from Boon Inc.; four tickets to a Father's Day showing of The Backyardigans Live! Tale of the Mighty Knights; and more.
In addition, each family will receive Cranium's Bloom's "Lets Play Count & Cook Game" for the kids to play with dad (and mom!) along with tasty Jack Link's Beef Jerky Snack Packs for the dads.
When: Friday, June 13th from 6:00PM-7:30PM (Since it is near the kids' dinner time, we'll serve the food beginning at 6:00PM and gymtime with the coaches will be from 6:30PM to 7:30PM.)
Where: New York Kids Club (265 West 87th Street; New York, NY 10024)
Where: New York Kids Club (265 West 87th Street; New York, NY 10024)
How: RSVP to events@mominthecity.com; Cost: $10 per child before 6/1; $15 per child afterwards (Parents FREE);
**This event is limited to the first 30 children.**
Why: To celebrate great dads (there's not enough of that going on!)
Revolution Health's momScore
Revolution Health (which is a great health site) has a new section under their "Healthy Living" category. It's called momScore and it measures (by state) the health of moms from maternity going forward. New York's momScore is 76 (it ranks 21 out of 51 states - including D.C.). See the qualities that were factored in below.
(Thanks to The Motherhood for making me aware of this new tool.)
May 12, 2008
Mother's Day Weekend
My week-end started out with a bang and ended on a sweet note.
Friday started off uneventful. It was laundry day and it was wet and dreary outside. THEN, the Fed-ex guy came. The day became like a mini-Christmas. My package contained a Wii unit with the sports bundle along with two games and a Nintendo DS Lite along with three games! My four year old was so exited. He kept saying, "It's like Christmas. Maybe it's going to snow later today." (One of the Wii games, Mario Party 8, has already become my husband and son's new addiction - those two are such competitive gamers!)
Saturday was fun too. My husband's family (his parents, his brother's family, his aunt and friend) came over for a pre-Mother's Day dinner/gift exchange. I'm very fortunate in that I really like my mother-in-law, so it was a good time. This was the first time that my father-in-law had played the Wii (we've had our own unit since last year). He chose to play baseball with Michael (my four years old). Michael wins (of course) and tires him out in the process. He then proceeds to beat his uncle in boxing. (See, it's not just me - he is really good!) Then, to teach him some humility, my husband beats Michael in tennis. Michael's grandfather was like, "That's right. He (Michael) needs to learn that he can't win everything. I was just laughing, because Michael had tired out his granddad and uncle.
Sunday was nice and uneventful. I received some really sweet gifts and cards from friends. I received cards and "the day off" from my husband and sons. It was exactly what I asked for and exactly what I (thought) I wanted. At the end of the night though, I asked my husband, "Really, you didn't get me a gift?" (Now, note that I told him several times that I didn't want a physical gift because he was paying to get my blog redesigned.) He said, "Kim, I guess you learned a lesson today. You talked yourself out of a gift." I couldn't do anything but laugh. He was right. For the record, the next time I WANT A GIFT!
Then, I thought about it. My Mother' Day was great. I have great, healthy kids and a loving husband who made sure that I didn't have to: cook a meal; dress a kid; change a diaper; wash a dish or anything else that I didn't want to do that day AND I got to take a nap in the middle of the day - how great is that?! So, all in all, this ended up being one of the best days ever.
May 09, 2008
Happy Mother's Day: "Prettiest Mom"
Following is my favorite mom poem of the moment:
Prettiest Mom
Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.
-Author Unknown
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
May 08, 2008
Mother's Day Gift Idea: Books, Books, Books!
Books are one of my favorite things. If you're still looking for a Mother's Day gift consider the following book suggestions:
-For the baker mom: The Sweet Melissa Baking Book is written by Melissa Murphy of Sweet Melissa Patisseries in Brooklyn. They were rated "Best Tarts and Pies in NY" by Zagat 2006. 
-For the fitness mom: The New Rules of Lifting for Women: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess, by fitness experts Lou Schuler & Cassandra Forsythe, shows women how to get in shape through strength training.
-For the new mom: Baby Signing by Andrea Fixell & Ted Stafford, shows moms how to talk with their baby without words. Baby Massage by Suzanne Reese, shows moms how to calm their baby with soothing, loving touch. (Check back in June - we will be giving these two books away!) 
-For the fitness mom: The New Rules of Lifting for Women: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess, by fitness experts Lou Schuler & Cassandra Forsythe, shows women how to get in shape through strength training.
-For the new mom: Baby Signing by Andrea Fixell & Ted Stafford, shows moms how to talk with their baby without words. Baby Massage by Suzanne Reese, shows moms how to calm their baby with soothing, loving touch. (Check back in June - we will be giving these two books away!)
