Family | Five Little Words

Archive | Family RSS feed for this section

STUFF YOUR EASTER BASKET WITH NEW LICENSED PRODUCTS FROM HERSHEY’S #bunnytrail #Easter

“Mama always said, Life was like a box of chocolates.” “You never know what you’re going to get”, as (Tom Hanks) once put it in the movie Forrest Gump. I agree, and with Easter on the way no one knows what they are going to get, but I know what everyone wants. C-H-O-C-O-L-A-T-E!!!!! Easter just wouldn’t be Easter without chocolate candy, the Easter bunny, jelly beans, or a scavenger hunt but I’ve got even more things to add to the list for your Easter basket.

When I was invited to the HERSHEY’S Easter Blogger Event given by The Licensing Company I knew I was going to be in for a chocolate treat but what I’m about to share with you will make you stop what you’re doing and re-arrange your Easter gift baskets if you’ve already started working on them. You are going to want to add more to it.

Have you ever received or given your child an Easter basket filled with HERSHEY’S flavored lip balms? How about JOLLY RANCHER nail polish or pink BUBBLE YUM LIP GLOSS? Sounds yummy right? Well now you can kick your Easter baskets up a notch and show your kids there’s more ways to be creative and have the neighbors kids saying “Where did you get your basket?” Did you know HERSHEY’s even have woven accessories? What about throwing in a headband made from HERSHEY’s wrappers? They even have wallets, bracelets, and key chains. You can get these items in your favorite brands like REESE’S, HERSHEY’S KISSES, WHOPPERS, ALMOND JOY, etc, etc. I don’t know about you but I love arm candy and a cute headband.

Your Easter basket will be the talk of the parade. You can also throw in your favorite HERSHEY’S t-shirt. Whatever HERSHEY’s brand you like you can now wear it in style. Why stop there? Grab a sweatshirt, or sleepwear too. HERSHEY’s is doing big things and want you to be comfortable.

If you could have saw the look on my face when I saw the headphones that HERSHEY’S branded. Take your pick from earbuds, mini speakers, even DJ-styled headphones from Twizzlers, Jolly Ranchers, Bubble Yum, Reese’s, etc, etc. Throw these in your basket as well and your Easter basket will thank you.

Growing up I really didn’t want to play with dolls, so I asked my father to buy me a train set. I got my train set and was very happy. To this day when I see a train set I just want to play all day with it. Well, if you thought I was amazed when I saw the headphones I was even more in shock when I saw the HERSHEY’s branded model trains, and toy train sets. I wanted to take it home at that very moment but I left it for the other guests to look at. Trains come in HERSHEY’S brands such as Hershey’s Kisses, Milk Duds, Mr Goodbar, and more just to name a few. They have Bubble Yum tank cars, to Ice Breakers Hoppers. The Little Lines HERSHEY’S Train Playset is a great gift for your little one. I know if I would have gotten this in my Easter basket I would be the happiest girl in the world.

HERSHEY’S is stuffing your Easter baskets full of goodies from health & beauty, to accessories, clothing, electronics, and toys. Make Easter better than it was before and incorporate all these wonderful items in your basket. Also, remember these products can be given all year around. What are you waiting for? Let the shopping begin!!

I also have a great DIY craft project for parents and their little bunny hoppers to work on. It’s called “Easter Critter Cups.” My kids and I love arts and craft projects and this looks like a fun craft. Here’s what you will need to get you started.

5 oz plastic cups
Pipe cleaner or chenille stems
Craft foam – Pink, white and orange
Scissors
Wire cutters
Low temperature hot glue gun and glue sticks
Wiggle eyes
Black magic marker
Pompoms
Yellow feathers
Construction paper – yellow and white
Tape
Easter grass
A variety of HERSHEY’S Easter chocolates and candies

DIRECTIONS:

1. Using the template cut out the construction paper and wrap it around the cup. Secure the construction paper ends together with tape.
2. To make the handle, use the wire cutters to cut a pipe cleaner (chenille stem). Then with the glue gun, glue each end of the pipe cleaner to the inside of the cup. Let dry.
3. For the bunny, use the white craft foam to cut out two separate ear shapes. Then use the pink foam to cut out the inner ear – mimic the shape of the larger white ear, but size it down slightly. With the glue gun attach the pink foam onto the white foam and then glue the ears to the inside front of the cup. To create whiskers, take the wire cutters and cut a pipe cleaner into two equal pieces. Twist the whiskers into the desired shape and glue to the front of the cup. Let dry.
4. For the duck, take the orange craft foam and cut out an oval shape to create a beak. Fold the craft foam in half and with the glue gun attach the beak at the fold to the front of the cup. For the feet, cut out a u- shape and on the straight side cut out little triangle pieces to create the toes, (four toes for each foot). Glue the feet to the bottom of the cup. Let dry.
5. Glue two wiggle eyes to the front of the cup near center.
6. For the bunny, glue a pompom below the eyes for a nose and use the magic marker to draw the mouth and teeth.
7. For the duckling glue yellow feathers to each side of the cup.
8. Let it dry completely.
9. Put a little Easter grass in each cup and fill with HERSHEY’S Easter chocolates and candies.

You can also go on the website and check out other craft ideas. https://www.hersheys.com/pure-crafts.aspx

Retailers for Hershey’s health & beauty products can be found at:
Walmart, Target, Claire’s, Big Lots, Dollar Tree, etc
Est. retail price: $3.50- $12.50

Retailers for woven accessories are:
Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Shoe Show, and accessory boutiques nationwide.
Est. retail price: $9.99- $20.00

Retailers for clothing:
Walmart, Fred Meyers, Burlington Coat Factory, Walgreen’s, etc.
Est. retail price: $9.99- $20.00

Retailers for electronics:
Walmart, Walgreens, TJ Maxx, Toys R Us, Best Buy, ITS SUGAR, Ross
Est. retail price $7.99

Retailers for toys:
Walmart.com
Brookstone
TRU.com
Sears.com
Amazon.com
Est. retail price: $54.99 per train set item, $74.95 for Little Lines Playset

I love all types of chocolate. What’s your favorite chocolate? What accessory would you like in your Easter basket? What would your little ones’s love added to their basket or scavenger hunt? Leave me a comment.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. These are my own words 100% all the time. I was given a gift bag of swag.

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Beauty, Blogger Event, Craft Projects, Family, Fashion, Food, Fun, Kids, Product Launch, What's Going On?

H&M’s LAUNCH OF THEIR 2014 SPRING KIDS COLLECTION #TSQSpringKidsEvent

31 Mar

Fashion mommy blogger Brianne Tursi Manz of Stroller in the City hosted an event this past Saturday, March 29, 2014 at H&M to celebrate the launch of their 2014 Spring Kids Collection. I’ve always been a fan of H&M and their amazing prices for the whole family so I definitely could not pass up a chance to view the new kids collection. The event was held at H&M’s Time Square location on 42nd St. The mezzanine was all decked out with a D.J., balloons, a digital runway for our models in the making to strut their stuff. Also you could choose to have your children’s runway walk shown on the big screen in Times Square and sent to your email. I missed my daughter on the big screen but saw it at H&M and watched it when I received it via email. There was also face painting, bite size treats for our children and adults like mini grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, cotton candy, drinks, etc, etc. The D.J. played all the kids favorite pop songs and even took it back to the 80’s and 90’s. My daughter danced her legs off and even won a prize. I even got in their for the family dance-off contest. My son decided to sit that one out.

The Spring Collection was a big hit with my daughter who wanted everything of course. I loved the denim jacket with rhinestones, the butterfly scarve, ballerina dresses, sunglasses, and the shorts and t-shirts. As a thank you for coming to the event we were able to pick out 5 items to take home for our children. I also won a $50 gift card so that’s when my son said he wanted to shop and picked out a spring jacket. Also if you shopped for anything else you received 20% off. My daughter picked out 7 items. She went for the pink pastel colors for spring and a green pair of blinged out high top sneakers. She also made sure she took home accessories. A pink pair of sunglasses and a fringed crossed body bag.

The Spring kids Collection hit stores on March 20th in 240 H&M stores worldwide as well as online at http://www.hm.com Prices start at $4.95 for boys and girls of all ages. The collection is 100% organic cotton and you can choose from shorts, t-shirts, dresses in a variety of colors, patterns, and prints.

My kids enjoyed the event and everything that was included. I enjoyed myself too. As long as my kids are happy I’m a happy parent and shopper. I look forward to doing more shopping at H&M and I definitely will be getting myself a few spring items.

Check out http://www.strollerinthecity.com
My children and I would like to thank Brianne and H&M for a fun filled launch party.
Enjoy the pictures!
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. My children were given a voucher for clothes.

The clothes below are what my daughter picked out and my son chose a spring jacket. Also a few extra pics added in.

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Blogger Event, Family, Fashion Launch, Fun, Kids, Launch, What's Going On?

YOSHI’S NEW ISLAND & DISNEY MAGICAL WORLD PREVIEW #disneymagicalworld #nintendo #3DS #yoshi @nintendoamerica

22 Mar

My family and I attended Nintendo’s special media preview event at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Center to preview two new games that are launching on Nintendo DS/2DS/3DS. Yoshi’s New Island, and Disney Magical World are the ones that we previewed. My kids were so excited to attend and see the new games and current games at the Nintendo store. My daughter met a few girls and they all danced to the Just Dance 14 game on the big screen.

I’ve always been a fan of Nintendo and I love that Yoshi has a new island game. This game isn’t hard at all especially if you’re a fan of Super Mario Brothers you will get the hang of it very quickly. (Kamek) Yoshi’s enemy is trying to keep Yoshi from reuniting the baby Mario brothers. You will be tossing egg missiles, gobbling up bad guys, and helping Yoshi save the day. We had fun testing this game out. This game was released March 14.

The next game we previewed was Disney Magical World. This game lets you meet and interact with over 60 favorite Disney characters while exploring worlds like Cinderella, Aladdin, and Alice in Wonderland to name a few. I liked managing my own cafe to make make in-game money and attract Disney characters to dine in. There’s also another thing I liked and that was dressing my avatar up in hundreds of outfits using Disney themed clothes and accessories. This is a very adventurous game. My kids enjoyed it as well. The release date for Disney Magical World is April 11, 2014. You can pre- order now. Both games are rated E for (everyone). Now all I have to do is get a console for them to play these games on. They asked for the 3DS. I want one too.

Check out Nintendo.com for more info.

Disclosure: Attended media event with my kids and were given Yoshi New Island game. Opinions are 100% mine.

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Blogger Event, Family, Kid Reviews, What's Going On?

DEODORANT FOR KIDS THAT IS FREE FROM HARMFUL CHEMICALS @FreshKidzUS #FreshKidz #motherapproved

12 Mar

Ever since I found out what chemicals were put in deodorant I’ve been searching for a safe brand for my kids. It has been very hard especially when kids go through puberty at an early age. No one wants their kids stinky in public or teased by classmates. Every brand of deodorant I read had aluminum, alcohol, and parabens which was unacceptable and harmful for my family. I did find one brand that said it didn’t contain aluminum but it was still too strong, and not age appropriate for my son who was going through puberty at the age of seven but I had no choice because I’d rather use that than the ones with the chemicals. My daughter who also needed deodorant at the age of 6 was in a bind as well. Was there a deodorant out there just for kids free of all these harmful ingredients? Yes there was and I finally found it.

Michael and Roberta Harris decided to use their 20+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience to research, develop, formulate, and put to the test a deodorant designed just for kids. As a gift to parents everywhere Fresh Kidz was born. During their own research Harris discovered that there was a huge need for kids deodorants for those suffering from body odor that simply wasn’t being filled. Working for over a year, UK Company Kind2Skin Limited and the Keep It Kind brand – an all new category in the well sing and personal care sector – was introduced.

Premiering at Boots in the UK, the Fresh Kidz range has been a huge success with both parents and Tweens alike. It has no harmful aluminum, no drying alcohol, and no parabens. Fresh Kidz is all about good, clean body care. The gentle formula can be used on all body types and is also suitable for vegans. Fresh Kidz deodorants are dermatologically tested and are not tested on animals. It comes in roll-ons for boys and girls for $4.99.

“With the age of the onset of puberty continuing to fall, there is a substantial need for a collection developed exclusively for the 5 million+ 8 to 14 year olds in the US with over 50% of kids are experiencing puberty before the age of 10,” states Rochelle Diaz, COO, Kind2Skin USA.

Fresh Kidz prevent unpleasant smells with 24-hour odor protection. Inhibiting the growth of bacteria, the main cause of body odor while allowing the skin to breathe. Fresh Kidz will not stain or mark clothing allowing kids to smell fresh and feel confident throughout the day. My kids and I love how it smells and I can honestly say when they come home from school it smells so fresh as if they just rolled some on. Now my kids are more conscious where I don’t have to ask them did they put deodorant on, they just do it. They are happy to finally have a deodorant exclusively just for boys and girls that keeps them fresh all day without the harmful chemicals.

Fresh Kidz is currently available at Meijer, Whole Foods, Giant, Stop & Shop, and Amazon.com. The collection will be rolling out to nationwide retailers soon.

My kids are already asking for me to stock up on more. This mom approves!!!!

Check Fresh Kidz out on Twitter @FreshKidzUS
Facebook Fresh Kidz
Instagram @FreshKidz_US
http://www.wekeepitkind.com/us

Giveaway: I will be having a giveaway coming soon so be on the lookout!!!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given product for my kids to review. These are my opinions 100%.

Comments 6 Comments
Categories Family, Giveaways, Kid Reviews, Kids, Product Launch, What's Going On?

#2BSparkling ALL NATURAL NYC DOE APPROVED SPARKLING DRINK #spon

4 Mar

“This is a sponsored post with 2B Drinks, however, as always my posts are based on my opinions and experiences.”

When I found out I had Diabetes Type 2 not only was I upset, I was disappointed that I couldn’t eat or drink what I wanted. I gave up sodas years ago so that wasn’t a big deal. I love water so that wasn’t going to be an issue, but juice… Oh no! Now what was I going to substitute for my love of juices? What am I going to drink that tastes sweet but is healthy for me? What real drink is out there with less than 50 calories, and less than 15 g of sugar? Well, the juice universe were listening to me because I was introduced to 2B drinks.

2B was developed in 2013 as a call to action for an all-natural, lower calorie beverage. 2B is the first to use Purefruit, a zero calorie sweetener originating from the monk fruit, a small centuries-old fruit endowed with unique, naturally occurring antioxidants. The result is a delicious sweet taste, but without the calories of common sweeteners. 2014 saw the release of 2B Sparkling, aka “Healthy Bubbles,” which has been approved by the NYC Department of Education and is currently being sold in over 2,500 school vending machines. The 2B vision is simple, provide all-natural, caffeine free, low calorie beverages that are Lightly Sweet and affordable. 2B Drinks are available in the Tri-State area and on Amazon with free shipping. 3 flavors available ( Chocolate, Vanilla, and Lemon Ice)

I’ve been saying for years anything with high fructose corn syrup is bad and I am glad to see the Department of Education putting healthy drinks in the school. Our kids deserve to be healthy don’t you agree? I also want to stay healthy for my kids and I’m sure a lot of you out there do too.

Whether it is Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes, living with diabetes can be difficult. However, untreated living with diabetes can lead to several health issues and 2B Drinks Sparkling has only 12 grams of sugar per 16 oz. help you enjoy something “slightly sweet” without the risks.

2B is not just a category focused drink, but simply a great tasting, all-natural, sparkling drink for all lifestyles, young or old.
RESOURCES:
Website: http://www.2bdrinks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2bdrinks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2Bdrinks
Instagram: http://instagram.com/2bdrinks
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_grocery?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=2B+Drinks&node=16310101

The Lemon Ice was my favorite flavor. My kids enjoyed that flavor as well. Now I don’t have to worry about my finger sticks being out of control or my doctor worrying about what juice I shouldn’t be drinking because now I can show her this amazing drink that came at the right time.

Are you living with diabetes? Do you want to give up sodas? Are you ready to live a healthy lifestyle? I am giving away a case of sparkling 2B drinks valued at $15 to one of my readers. Winner must be over the age of 18. Winner must reside in the NYC Tri-State area.

Mandatory entry: Visit 2B drinks website or Amazon and tell me what flavor you are most excited to try in the comments below. Winner will be selected by March 23, 2014.

Comments 8 Comments
Categories Family, Giveaways, Product Reviews, Sponsored Post, What's Going On?

TEACHING MY KIDS CALLIGRAPHY & ART CLASSES THIS SUMMER #orientaltrading

4 Mar

In high school I was given the opportunity to take calligraphy class. I didn’t ever think I would be able to learn such a beautiful handwriting in a short period of time but I did. I also had my work featured on display for a month in a NY public library. My mother and I were so proud. Ever since then I’ve always practiced and made sure to buy the right pens and ink. The more I talked about my skills the more people asked me to do wedding invitations, birthday cards, and invitations, I also wrote the names on the diplomas at my son’s school for the graduating sixth graders. Everyone would tell me you should put up an ad letting people know you can write calligraphy and make extra money. I like it as a hobby and helping those out who likes my fancy handwriting when needed. I don’t mind taking it to the next level though.

First, I want to teach my kids how to master it so I’ve teamed up with Oriental Trading to get me the supplies I need so my kids can learn on summer vacation. I know I’m gonna have to get plenty more but the main thin I wanted were the Elegant Writer Calligraphy Pen Sets. You can’t teach without the proper pens. I ordered two sets of these. One set is all black, and the other set has multiple colors. I can’t wait to teach my kids calligraphy and see if this is something they will embrace the way I did.

I also purchased these cool pencil sharpeners that look like bottles of cologne or a bottle you put ink in and dip a feather to write like way back when calligraphy looked amazing. My kids love these.

I could not pass on the Woodless Colour Pencils. These are just right for drawing, illustrating, and coloring. We will be having indoor and outdoor art classes as well.

The Biggie Sketch Pad contains 125 sheets and is perfect for the kids. I should have gotten two but I will get more in due time. This can start us off.
I ordered pens too because we’re always losing pens in the house so hopefully these will be around when we need them.

Oriental Trading has everything you need from arts and crafts, to party supplies, giftware, toys, etc. They have been recognized as one of the Top 50 Internet Retailers, and Top 50 Catalog Companies. I loved getting my catalog in the mail. There’s so much to choose from I always go over budget. Lol. Oriental Trading supports organizations and programs in Education, Youth, Healthcare, and Human Services. They also partner with Bloggers and Vloggers. You can go on their website to learn more : http://www.orientaltrading.com

My other blogger buddies and I will be hosting a Twitter party soon so I encourage you to check out wwww.orientaltrading.com and see what you like because you never know what you will win. Also follow my friends on Twitter and keep checking back for when we have the #LetsPartyOTC #orientaltrading Twitter Party.

@BronxMama_com
@MommysMingle
@MamiDoesItAll
@BoyzRuleOurWrld
@3CityGirlsNYC
@OrientalTrading

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given supplies. These opinions are 100% my own.

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Art, Family, Kids, Product Reviews, What's Going On?

#GIVEAWAY ticket for @CricketAzima cooking class @KidsFoodFestFun @BryantParkNYC #KFF #TCK

28 Feb

The Kids Food Festival at Bryant Park is back again this year!!! March 1, 2, 2014 is a weekend of fun for families. Presented by Creative Kitchen , kids engage all five senses through hands on, food related activities. Kids can also attend hands on cooking classes at the James Beard Foundation Future Foodies Pavilion where renowned chefs pass on their recipes, skills, and love for all things culinary to a new generation of learners. There is a scavenger hunt for kids where kids bounce between exhibitors and activities to sample tasty, wholesome snacks while learning the importance of achieving balance in their food choices. Families will enjoy live musical performances, a disco dance party, fitness workshops, and more. Each activity, relays a special message about healthful eating!!

Founder, Cricket Azima has a passion for providing cooking classes to children in New York City. The Kids Food Festival combats the very serious issue of childhood obesity in such a fun and effective way. This festival reaches thousands of families in one weekend which is incredible.

General admission to the event is free, and tickets to the hands on cooking classes in the James Beard Foundation Future Foodies Pavilion can be purchased at http://bit.ly/KvR2Hphe

Visit http://www.Kidsfoodfestival.com or @KidsFoodFestFun on Twitter for more info.

My kids and I enjoy going to KFF and taking cooking classes, scavenger hunt, cooking demos, entertainment, and tasty, healthy food. We also enjoy the raffles and giveaways. I encourage everyone to get out for a weekend of fun.

I am offering my readers a free ticket for a hands on cooking class in the James Beard Foundation Future Foodies Pavilion with Cricket Azima.

Leave a comment and tell me why you would love your child to attend Cricket’s class.

Winner will be picked tonight. Contest ends 9 p.m.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. My kids will attend Cricket’s class. Opinions are my own.

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Cooking, Family, Food, Free Events, Fun, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Giveaways, Kids, What's Going On?

ALICIA KEYS STORYTELLING APP HELPS CHILDREN STAND UP TO & PREVENT BULLYING

18 Feb

Sunday, February 16, 2014 Alicia Keys held a press conference at the New York Toy Fair at the Jacob K. Javits Center on the interactive children’s app she co-created, entitled The Journals of Mama Mae & LeeLee.
It is a storytelling app that helps children develop the courage to stand up to and prevent bullying.
The project is a partner of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.

Alicia discussed how raising a son has made her more of a feminist.
‘I am honoured to be raising a son and to be the example [for him] of what a woman is, should be or can be – I find that to be a really powerful position.”

I am so glad Alicia Keys took the time to see what is going on in the world with our children. So many kids are committing suicide from being bullied and it has to stop NOW! There is a no-bully policy in my kids school but it has to start in the home first. Kids are going to do what they see. This should not even be a subject but it is. The news has enough bad things going on. Keep our kids safe so they can grow up to be scholars. As parents we must teach our kids to love.

I had the chance to review the app and I love it. My daughter will be reviewing it next. Della Reese is the voice of the grandmother and her voice just captures your heart. I love the story and the pictures. There are also hands on play for the kids. I highly recommend it. Go to the App Store and search for Mookey , and The Journals of Mama Mae.

Alicia Keys is a compassionate and loving woman and I love that she is raising her son to uplift and respect women. Can’t wait to see what else is in store with Alicia Keys.

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Expos, Family, Kids, Reviews, What's Going On?

CULINARY KIDS FOOD FESTIVAL GIVEAWAY FAMILY 4 PACK TICKETS #CulinaryKidsNYBG

16 Feb

No kid will be bored during winter break when The Culinary Kids Food Festival hits the New York Botanical Gardens February 17-23.

Culinary Kids Food Festival
February 17–23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In the Dining Pavilion behind the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory

As part of the Garden’s Edible Academy initiative, join us for a family-friendly, weeklong food festival celebrating the relationships among plants, farms, and your favorite foods. Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden staff and the culinary team, Growing Chefs, will be on hand offering cooking demonstrations, recipes, and hands-on activities, with plenty of music and tastings to add to the fun. Bring your Festival passport along as you tinker with the science of kitchen chemistry and get to the root of foods from pickles to cheese at a variety of activity stations. The daily 1 p.m. cooking demonstration will feature kid-friendly recipes and tasty samples, while local chefs will share tips and recipes.

Activity stations:

Tip-Top Pickle Shop

Visit the Tip-Top Pickle Shop to learn more about the science and cooking behind food preservation. Experiment in our chemistry kitchen to test acids and bases, and take home a recipe to make your own pickles at home.

Cheesemonger’s Shop

Explore the fun, simple and fascinating process of cheese making and sample fresh cheeses you help to make. Learn about the animals behind the scenes and the plants they like to eat, and take an up-close look at the smallest cheesemakers of all—bacteria!

The Bakery

Experience the art of bread-making from seed to loaf, and grind your own sample of flour to take home and use in your own recipes. You’ll learn about the various grains used to make different kinds of bread, from whole wheat blends to gluten-free.

Spice Adventures

Spices are harvested around the world from plant parts for their powerful flavors, aromas, and colors. Take a sensory journey to learn the origin stories of your favorite spices and vote for your favorites by marking your spice map. Take home a delicious recipe and a passport from your culinary expedition.

Make A Seed Envelope

Grow your own! Fold your own fun seed packet to take home delicious basil seeds, and learn how to grow basil indoors as a tasty sprout, or outdoors in your summer garden. Family Garden staff will be on hand to share green thumb opportunities at the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden in 2014 and to share news about NYBG’s exciting new garden and food education facility, the Edible Academy, opening in 2017.

Even Puppets Love to Eat!
February 21 – 23; 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Janice Buckner’s puppets take a musical, imaginary journey around the world in search of their favorite foods. Join Janice and the puppets on their exploratory adventures at The New York Botanical Garden as part of the Culinary Food Festival. Learn more about Janice.

Bronx Arts Ensemble Family Concert: Hansel and Gretel
In the Ross Hall; Sunday, February 23, 1 & 2:30 p.m.

Hansel and Gretel sing, dance, juggle, and do slapstick to tell the famous story of the pair meeting the Witch in the forest with a wonderful gingerbread house. Animated actors perform to live music played by the Bronx Arts Ensemble musicians. The audience will be introduced to each instrument and join in the adventure! Admission included with an All-Garden Pass.

My kids and I will definitely be attending and so will a few of the other mom bloggers. We will be in attendance on February 22nd between the hours of 10-5 so come by and visit our table and see what we have in store for the kids. One thing your kids can do at our station is write a food blog post that just might be used in a NYBG publication.

New York Botanical Gardens is hooking one of my readers up with a family four-pack of tickets to the festival. Just leave a comment and tell me what healthy foods do you encourage your kids to eat. Giveaway ends tonight 2/17 at 8pm.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post but I will be volunteering at a station.

Just a little intro to each of us:
Please check out their blogs

Monica M. Jones
So Family
http://www.sofamilyonline.com

Nichol Perez
Five Little Words
http://www.fivelittlewords.net

Karen Angustia
Mami Does it All
http://www.mamidoesitall.com

Nilsa Karimi
3CityGirlsNYC
http://www.3citygirlsnyc.wordpress.com

Denise Wei-Vital
Boyz Rule Our World
http://www.boyzruleourworld.com

Rebecca Borrero
The Mommy Sauce
http://www.themommysauce.com

Christina Cespedes
Mommy’s Mingle (co-founded with Rebecca)
http://www.meetup.com/Mommys-Mingle/

Scherrie Donaldson
Thirty Mommy
http://thirtymommy.com

Joyce Lee
Bronx PR
http://bronx-pr.com/

Nicole Perrino
BronxMama
bronxmama.com

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Family, Food, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Giveaways, Kids, What's Going On?

EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! GO SEE #THELEGOMOVIE IN THEATERS TODAY!!!

7 Feb

I took the kids to a screening of The Lego Movie on February 1st and we got to see what all the buzz was about. I grew up on Legos and since my first born Legos was a must in our house and will always be and I have even more to buy especially now that there are so many to choose from. It’s so fun building and watching the kids come up with so many creative ideas. We spend hours building as a family.

This paragraph explains what the movie is about:

This original computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

Here’s what I think about the movie: “Emmet” played by “Chris Platt” is not very popular with his co- workers because he follows the rules and tries too hard to be like everyone else. Once his rules are lost he comes into contact with a girl named “WyldStyle” played by “Elizabeth Banks” who mistakes him for being extraordinary and he’s off on a journey with her and a few other characters to stop “Lord Business” played by “Will Ferrell” from using crackle on everyone. This movie is very, very funny, the parents were laughing louder than the kids. I loved it. I was laughing so much I was crying. My daughter is 6 she wasn’t that into it but some parts she liked and I heard her laughing as well. She did like “WyldStyle”, and she now has me on a journey searching for these Lego movie characters that are sold out. I have to keep searching. My 10 yr old son loved it. He was laughing up a storm.

There is a theme song called “Everything is Awesome” which is cute. When you hear it you’ll know why they are singing it.

“Will Arnett” plays “Batman”, “Liam Neeson” plays “Bad Cop”, “Channing Tatum” plays “Superman” , “Morgan Freeman” plays “Vitruvius”, and “Jonah Hill” plays “Green Lantern” to name a few.

This movie is 1 hour and 40 minutes and is rated PG.
This movie is in theaters staring today February 7, 2014.
Get your tickets now and enjoy!!!
I must make it my business to get every single character for my daughter. Lego if you’re reading this please let me know when a shipment comes in. Thanks!!