Leshem Loft, www.leshemloft.com, is giving away 6 of the most popular animal blankies from Angel Dear.  (Retail Value $90).

"These lovable, comforting fabric animals will sooth your little one (maybe even your big one too), while its design provides characters, for acting out animal sounds and funny animal stories.  Perfect for playtime an easing your little one to sleep.

Leshem Loft is a unique space, where beauty, comfort, design, art and quality merge into one.  Situated in the heart of New York City, Leshem Loft makes its home on the 4th floor of a land-marked building. With 16 ft. ceilings, 9 floor to ceiling windows that bathe the space in natural light, exposed brick walls and a view of the Empire State Building, Leshem Loft has fostered an intimate, inviting and unique environment for capturing family portraits and picking up one-of-a-kind items for women and children.

Yaron Leshem, an internationally recognized fine art photographer, whose work forms part of MoMA’s permanent collection, shares his technique and talent with families as well as individuals.  Color and black and white images are available as prints, pieces of framed art or as part of family chronology photo boxes.

In-house and online, Leshem Loft offers an array of beautiful and unique items sourced from around the world for women and children, many of which are exclusive. The collection includes everything from the practical to the “not rational.”  If you are looking for a $5 item or a $1,000 gift basket, Leshem Loft is sure to have something you will love, for yourself, your baby or your closest friends.

Book a photography session with Yaron and Jenny at Leshem Loft or at a location of your choice. Unique and beautifully created birth announcements, holiday cards and invitations are also available upon request. For gift items, we offer exquisite gift-wrapping and same day delivery within New York City."

Mom in the City members can enter to win simply by sending an email to contests@mominthecity.com with "Blankies" in the Subject line.  The winner will be chosen on February 29th.

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In celebration of Barney’s 20th Anniversary, one mom will win an all-new DVD release, Celebrating Around the World.

This is a really good dvd.   I (Kimberly) received a copy last Monday and my almost 4 year old son has watched it at least once every day since then.  In the tape, Barney and a couple of kids travel around the world (Brazil, Japan,  India, Ireland, and Africa) to see the way various cultures celebrate.  Foods, dances, games and songs from the various cultures are introduced as well as concepts of sharing, taking turns, etc.  We especially like the dancing.  It’s fun to see the kids (including my 11 month old!) try to do the various dances - especially the Irish jig and African dancing.  I highly recommend this DVD for Barney fans.

Mom in the City members can enter to win the DVD simply by sending an email to contests@mominthecity.com with "Barney" in the Subject line.  The winner will be chosen on February 29th.

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"BRAINCANDY: Smart Stuff for Little Thinkers

Welcome to the world of Braincandy! Set against a “5 Senses” platform, Braincandy introduces a more organic approach to learning. Chock full of age-appropriate content for kids 6 months and up, this sweet simple recipe for fun includes silly “sense” puppets, animation and real kids exploring the world. To receive an additional 10% off of all of our sweet Braincandy treats, go to http://www.braincandykids.com/new.html and sign up for the Braincandy Kids Club.

Also, this Valentine’s Day, skip the chocolate and give your little thinker the gift of Braincandy DVDs, yummy treats that nourish the body and the brain; now through Valentine’s Day, receive a free "Taste My World" DVD with any purchase at Braincandykids.com."

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One mom will win a family fun pass for four to Vital Theatre’s production of A (Tooth) Fairy Tale.

“A (Tooth) Fairy Tale
Book by Ben Winters
Music and Lyrics by Rick Hip-Flores

Saturdays and Sundays at 11AM and 1PM
January 19th – February 24th
Special Performances Jan. 21st, and Feb. 18th-22nd at 1PM

Tickets: $18
All performances are at Vital Theatre Company
2162 Broadway, 4th Floor at the corner of 76th Street

Collecting teeth and delivering quarters is tiring work, and The Tooth Fairy is ready for a vacation! Luckily, she meets a young boy named Oliver who is sick and tired of being a kid, and all the rules that go with it. But when Oliver and the Tooth Fairy arrange to switch places, nothing goes exactly as planned as adventures ensue across the Upper West Side of Manhattan and throughout New York City.”

The winner will be chosen at our pre-valentine’s event at The Little Gym on February 9th.

(You might also enjoy this production - -)
“Pinkalicious
Book and Lyrics by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann
Music and Lyrics by John Gregor

Saturdays at 2PM and Sundays at 12noon and 3pm
January 12th – May 25th
*Note: Special performance time on Sunday Jan. 13th is 11AM

Tickets: $28
All performances are at New World Stages, Stage 5
340 West 50th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues

Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament.”

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Instead of highlighting products, I’m focusing on events that I’m looking forward to in February.
1. Library Lovers Month: I love books.  I love free books.  I love libraries.

2. Black History Month: I’m Black.  I love learning about my history year-round.  I love when the rest of the country joins in.  (Don’t miss the network premiere of A Raisin in the Sun on 2/25.)

3. Lunar New Year/Chinese New Year (2/7):  My older son is already talking about celebrating Chinese New Year (The Year of the Rat?!).  I’m not quite sure if it’s because he’s so cultured by way of growing up in NYC OR if it’s because that’s the day the new Nick Jr. show Ni Hao, Kai-Lan  (I saw a preview - it’s a really cute show!) is premiering.  I suspect that it is the latter.

4. Random Acts of Kindness Week (2/12 - 2/18): Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” -Seneca

5. National Pancake Day (2/12): Celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP by receiving a free stack of pancakes.  In exchange, they ask that customers consider donating to the Children’s Miracle Network.

6. Valentine’s Day (2/14): Personally, I’m especially looking forward to going away to a retreat for married couples this year.  I have compiled a list of local Valentine’s Day events here.
and MOST IMPORTANTLY…

7. ***My baby Sean’s FIRST Birthday on 2/22 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SEAN-Y***

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Success Never Smelled So Sweet: How I Followed My Nose and Found My Passion by Lisa Price (President of Carol’s Daughter) and Hilary Beard was a great read.  In the book, Ms. Price talks about her life from childhood to adulthood.  While sharing about her family, finding herself and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, she is very open and honest, sharing about things like an abortion, filing for bankruptcy, a miscarriage and other personal events.  Sprinkled in her biography are various recipes and rituals.  At times, the book is a little too "new-Agey" for my tastes but overall I found it to be an open, honest and inspiring story of a woman who bootstrapped her way to success. 

I was also pleasantly surprised by Ladies Who Launch: Embracing Entrepreneurship & Creativity as a Lifestyle by Victoria Colligan, Beth Schoenfeldt and Amy Swift.  It was really good.  That was a surprise because in the past I have had negative encounters with a couple of the online site members.  (In fact, one of the members that is shared about in the book still owes me money for a business transaction - not enough to go to court or anything - but a debt is a debt!)  Anyway, the book provides great, practical advice about starting a business (or pursuing other non-business related goals) from a feminie perspective. Imagine It; Speak It; Do It; and Celebrate It are the four basic steps.  This isn’t the most in-depth business book out there, but it’s definitely an inspiring overview of the basic steps to take as an entrepreneur.

For those of you with little girls in your lives, Princess Baby is an especially cute new book.  Giving this book along with a princess wand and/or tiara from a store like Oriental Trading Company would make a great little birthday gift.

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I’m not big on doing gift guides for every holiday.  I do like passing on good finds though.  I’m not a huge lingerie fan, but I (re)discovered recently that my husband likes it a lot.  (Men are really visual!)  So, I’m making more of an effort to stock up on some key pieces.  I like Victoria’s Secret, but at a certain point, their products just tend to be "cookie cutter".

All that to say I was so happy to find Yumdrop.com, a site that offers both sexy and sweet lingerie.  I received their Ruffle Bust Chemise and it was a hit (with both me and my husband).  It was comfortable, flattering and my favorite color (pink).  On a funny, mom side-note, the chemise comes with a thong.  Michael (my older son) came into our room the morning after I "modeled" it for my husband.  He looked at my panties (before I could put a robe on) and asked, "Where’s the rest of your clothes?"  My husband and I started cracking up!

In any event, I highly recommend this site for finding romantic Valentine’s Day gifts for yourself/your significant other. 

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The Wheels on the Bus: Mango’s Big Dog Parade is excellent! My older son wanted to watch it over and over.  This is the latest DVD in The Wheels on the Bus series where Mango, Papaya, Coco and their friends ride around on the Bus. 

Roger Daltrey of The Who is the voice of Argon, the wise dragon bus driver in this series.)  During this particular DVD, kids learn social skills like sharing, taking turns and getting along.    One of the songs that are played is (of course) various versions ofThe Wheels on the Bus.  Highlights include when the characters take a "Jungle Bug Adventure" where they learn about a variety of unusual insects and when they help a procrastinating dog get to the Big Dog Parade and Canine Festival. (For more information about the Big Dog Foundation and the Big Dog Parade and Canine Festival -an actual event- visit www.bigdogs.com.)

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New York Restaurant Week is one of the most popular events in the city. This year, the event takes place from January 21–25 and January 28–February 1. During this time, you can enjoy three-course fixed-price meal ($24.07 lunches, $35 dinners) at over 200 top restaurants.

My husband had the 21st off for MLK day, so we went to luch at China Grill - New York, a popular, high-end Asian restaurant. It was great! First of all, the place was beautiful and the service was very attentive. The food was also very good. We loved our appetizer (spicy beef & scallion dumplings) and salad (crackling calamari salad). The family-style servings were very generous. The dumplings were served in a soy ginger sauce that was excellent. The calamari was cooked perfectly (not too chewy/not too greasy) and the lime miso dressing on the salad was so good that I went back for more (and I’m definitely not a salad person). The entree (sake marinated “drunken” chicken ) wasn’t as good as the appetizers (we normally find that to be the case) but it was still good. Our last course, the mango ice-cream dessert was also very good. It came with mango, vanilla bean and raspberry ice cream along with some cookies. It was a great ending.

Two tips in case you plan on going to Restaurant Week:
1. Be sure to ask for the official Restaurant Week menu when you are seated.
and
2. Save yourself some time in finding which participating restaurants are available at the time you’d like to make a reservation by going directly to OpenTable.com. (Our first choice, Tao Restaurant wasn’t available.)

Enjoy!

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As the year begins, many of us are focusing on fitness. Fortunately, I was able to get some tips from Laura Miranda MPT, CSCS of NYC Adventure Boot Camp. (Their boot camp is for women of all ages and fitness level. It is a four week outdoor fitness program that includes fitness instruction, nutritional counseling and motivational training. )

1. HOW TO DROP 30 POUNDS IN 1 YEAR EFFORTLESSLY
Millions of people drink an average of 2 regular soft drinks or juice drinks a day, which is a total of 300 calories. When you add these extra 300 calories up over a year, they result in over 30lbs of weight gain! Say no to soft drinks, and say goodbye to your unwanted pounds.

2. PUMP SOME IRON
Did you know that 1 lb of muscle burns 30-50 calories per day, while 1 lb of fat only burns about 9 calories per day? The more muscle your body contains the more calories you burn each day. Resistance training has been called the fountain of youth – and it really is!

3. STAY FREE OF THE FAT-FREE
Fat free foods, when eaten in excess, will still be stored as fat! Fat free cookies and crackers are made up of a whole lot of SUGAR! Yep, the secret is out! Sugar is just as fattening of a substance than fat itself, when eaten in excess.

4. THE SCIENCE OF MORNING WORKOUTS
A great way to burn off excess fat is to walk or jog for as little as 15-20 minutes first thing in the morning. Performing a calorie burning activity right when you wake up is more effective since your body is depleted of calories, and is forced to pull energy from fat stores. A personal trainer can help you identify your ideal target heart rate for maximum fat burn.

5. NO MUNCHIES NEAR BEADTIME
The easiest way to effortlessly lose weight is to not eat three hours before bed. It has been proven that not eating three hours before bed reduces fat storage throughout the night.

6. THINK EL COROZON, BABY
Make sure that you are exercising in your “Fat Burn Zone“during cardiovascular workouts by checking to see if you can hold a conversation without breathlessness. Your body needs oxygen to aide in fat burn so make sure you are breathing deeply. If you can hold a conversation without choking on the person then you need to ramp it up a bit. Otherwise, you are just going through the motions.

7. DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST
Eating right when you wake up is vital to breaking the fast your body goes into every night. 2- 3 hours after you eat your body shuts down your metabolism and acts as if it needs to store food. In order to communicate with your body that it is healthy, well fed, and not in need of extra fat storage you need to start your day off with a small meal and continue to eat small meals every 2-3 hours.

8. VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
Your body needs a variety of nutrients to function at its peak and burn fat. Find new, healthy alternatives to your daily meals, and substitute them frequently. Bringing food to work pre-made ensures that you will eat the healthiest and allows you to avoid last minute fast food choices. Make sure that you are eating 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day, of different colors.

9. GET OUTSIDE IF YOU’RE BORED!
Losing patience with exercise? The key to weight loss and fitness gains is to consistently give your body new challenges. Mix up your workouts every few weeks, and don’t be afraid to try something new! Look into program’s that can help you add new excitement to your fitness routine. Rollerblade, hike in Central Park ride your bike, jog to a playground and use the jungle gym as your gym equipment. Exercise doesn’t have to be a drag!

10. SWITCH TO THE AM for CONSISTENCY
Consistency breads results. When you see results you become hooked. When you set a goal to go to the gym at night although you may have the best intentions, things come up. Dinners, meetings, kids have practice, 1 day sale. Do you remember why your last quest to “loose weight” failed? I bet I can tell you…lack of consistency. Enter the AM workout! NOTHING, I mean nothing comes in the way of an AM workout, except for being a little sleepy. You finally want to make that change in your body you have been dreaming about, become consistent by switching to the mornings. Your body will thank you. (PS Adventure Boot Camp starts at 5:30 am!)

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