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NEW YORK BABY SHOW FAVORITES & BLOGGER LOUNGE RECAP

The New York Baby Show presented by New York Family Magazine was in full effect over the weekend, May 16,17 at Pier 92 in NYC. I always appreciate these shows even though my kids aren’t babies anymore. However, I do have baby/toddler cousins. My readers also have babies/ toddlers and I’m sure they appreciate reading about the latest, greatest baby strollers, toys, clothes, furniture, etc.

We went the first day and was there for the ribbon cutting ceremony with NBC News Anchors Erica Hill and Sheinelle Adams. Rosie Pope was in the house as well. Canon was the presenting sponsor of the New York Baby Show. Momtrends hosted the Blogger Lounge (#MomtrendsLounge) this year and child care was also provided. It was much needed and a big Thank You goes out to them for that. There was pampering for bloggers from GlamSquad giving the ladies manicures, hair and makeup touch-ups. My daughter immediately had her nails done. After we walked around and visited stations we came back to the lounge for a delicious lunch and raffles. My son decided to stay in the lounge because he’s not into baby things but he’s a great helper with kids and parents have told me he’s a very caring person and the kids love playing with him. He’s 12 and loving with his sister too. He had fun up in the lounge. My daughter saw a few of her friends in child care and wanted to play so I sent her off to have more fun. She was in good hands with The Nanny League. They are great with kids of all ages.

NYC Dads Group hosted the Dad’s Lounge sponsored by Dove Men Care. They took care of the dad’s and moms by welcoming them in their lounge to change and feed their babies, get tips, advice and tricks from other dad’s.

Quinny & Maxi-Cosi, Stokke, Evenflo Feeding, Delta Kids, Pottery Barn Kids, Mamas & Papas, Please and Carrots, Happy Family, Plum Organics, Shoosha True, Babies R Us, Britax, Vitamix, 92Y, Lincoln Center, The Bump provided reading material with the inside scoop of getting pregnant and pregnancy. New York Family Magazine another favorite magazine also provided reading material for helping parents enjoy raising kids in the city and beyond.

Mabel’s Labels handed bloggers a pack full of labels with our names on it and a few dog tags. I use them for the kids school books, lunches and clothing. They come in handy. The goody bags were filled with fabulous items from lots of brands. A few of my favorite things from the goodie bags and on the floor were: Hatch Things have a lightweight caryall bag called “Sureshop” that won’t let your stroller fall over. I’m sure we’ve all experienced this with our strollers. I wish I had these when my kids were little but as a bag fanatic i can never say no to a good bag. While walking the floor my daughter found these cute reuseable garden snack bags from Green Sprouts. Comes in a 2-pack snack size and sandwich size. Fun styles. Safety 1st showed and awesome step and go stroller. Fold down is easy and to open just step down on the foot pedal and it fully opens up. No hands! Love it! Primary has amazing kids clothes for boys and girls for under $25. The softest material up to size 10. Mixed Pears make the cutest portable food scissors for parents to cut food to the right bite size. They are called “BiteSizers” and come in a variety of colors.

Canon had fun interactive activities for the entire family. There was a play area where parents could take photos of their children, and have one-on-one guidance on capturing that once-in-a-lifetime moment. There was also a Pregnancy Portrait Studio where expecting moms could had a professional photographer snap and print a baby bump photo. Canon experts also hosted two photography seminars to lead new and expecting parents through Baby Steps lessons for each stage of their child’s life.

These are just some of the brands that were in attendance. For more info check out @newyorkbabyshow and @momtrends on Twitter.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. Opinions are mine 100%.

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Categories Family, Fun, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Kids, Product Launch, Product Reviews, Shopping, Sponsored Post, Toys, What's Going On?

MOTHER’S DAY AT BELMONT PARK VIP STYLE #ABRMomsDayAtBelmont

12 May

This year I celebrated Mother’s Day at Belmont Park. America’s Best Racing invited mommy bloggers and their families to a VIP fun filled day with food, drinks, racing and activities.

My kids and I were very excited to go to Belmont. This was our first time. We took the LIRR train and once there was escorted to the private area where there are picnic tables with umbrellas, grills and a front row to see the horses up close when they’re racing.

Food was great! Everything from sandwiches, bagels, burgers, hotdogs, salads, desserts, and drinks.

I didn’t wear a fancy hat but my kids and did dress up. Everyone looked nice.

My son and I learned how to pick horses by their name, number or how many wins they have, the jockey, his weight, his age, etc, etc. My first bet of the day I won some money. However, I’m still not a millionaire. I will be one day. All the kids had their favorites and were calling out the numbers that they wanted to win.

We took a tour of the Paddock. That’s where the horses, jockeys, trainers and owners meet. The horses were calm walking around by their trainer getting a little exercise . The owners stood around waiting to meet with the jockeys. The jockeys were very friendly and even stopped and spoke with our kids and took pictures. After a hope you win wish from the kids the jockeys got on their horses and headed to the track.

In the back of Belmont near the Paddock is a park for the kids. We didn’t get a chance to go but my kids saw it and we will go back and visit next time.

Dan Tordjman and Victoria Garofalo Brand Ambassadors for Team ABR Live were just the sweetest. They made everyone feel welcomed, conversated with all and told us everything about Belmont Park. It’s as if we knew each other for years. I want to thank both of them for inviting us so we could experience this. It was a great add-on to my Mother’s Day.

Check out Americas Best Racing on Twitter: @TeamABRLive Instagram: @AmericasBestRacing

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are mine 100% as always.

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Categories Blogger Event, Family, Fashion, Free, Fun, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Invitational Event, Kids, Mother's Day, Picnic, Travel, What's Going On?

New York Baby Show Ticket Giveaway #giveway #ny #tickets #baby

17 Apr

The New York Baby Show is coming to Pier 92 May 16, 17 2015 10-4 p.m. and I have 10 tickets to give away. This giveaway ends May 1,2015. Winners will be announced on Twitter, and Instagram. Must be following me on Twitter @nilimonicky , and Instagram @nilimo RT this message: I want to win @newyorkbabyshow tix from @nilimonicky

Plus, anyone who attends the event can also participate in the raffle for the Dream Green Nursery ($5,000)!

Check the website for more info about the show: http://newyorkbabyshow.com

• GIVEAWAYS!

Strollers, car seats, high chairs, baby photography sessions—and a Dream Green Nursery worth over $5,000! The New York Baby Show is full of awesome raffles! (details in Giveaways section)

• TOP BRANDS & GEAR

Over 150 top maternity, infant, toddler and family brands from all over the world.

• CLASSES

Try one of the many baby and parent classes at the show, and learn new skills (and songs) while bonding with your baby.

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Categories Expos, Family, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Kids, What's Going On?

#SKYLANDERS & MORE NEW BALLOONS ADDED TO MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

26 Nov

Big news from Skylands! Skylanders, the popular kids video game that brings physical toys to life, is taking flight in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time! Fan-favorite Skylanders character Eruptor will join the prestigious collection of balloons at the parade, marking a significant pop culture milestone for the franchise.

To re-create Eruptor’s smoldering physique, artists used more than 40 gallons of florescent paint and five barrels of glitter! The live broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. all time zones on NBC. A sneak peek of the Eruptor balloon can be viewed via the attached graphic rendering and through additional assets in the link below.

https://www.webcargo.net/delivery/view/id/7081919/dp/sBCAUXbv6blBsfRHQD/

Fan-favorite character Eruptor, who will be flying high above the New York City skyline, hails from deep in the underground of a floating volcanic island that launched his entire civilization to the surface after a massive eruption. He’s a complete hot head – steaming, fuming, and quite literally erupting over almost anything.

I had the privilege of covering the Macy”s Balloon Fest at Citi-Field in Queens one cold Saturday morning but it was all worth it. I got to see 6 new balloons that will be in the parade inflated and taken around the lot for a test run. It was very exciting. Usually I take the kids the night before Thanksgiving to see the balloons inflated on Central Park West but this was way cool. When you’re standing there and see how big they are right in your face and taken down its amazing and they are huge. I loved Paddington Bear, Skylander’s Eruptor and the Pillsbury DoughBoy the best. It was a great morning getting to see these new balloons first and be behind the scenes with the volunteers who have make sure they handles these enormous balloons just right. Hopefully the weather will hold up for the inflation of the balloons tonight and the parade tomorrow. I would love to take the kids to both events if weather allows us and food is prepared. Fingers crossed.

STARS ON PARADE
The star power on Thanksgiving Day comes courtesy of performers from music, film, sports, theatre and television. As they reach their marks on 34th Street, the nation will enjoy their spectacular performances. Joining the festivities this year are the Big Apple Circus, Before You Exit, William Blake, Sabrina Carpenter, Cirque du Soleil, Hilary Duff, Renee Fleming, Becky G., Lucy Hale, Nick Jonas, KISS, Sandra Lee, The Madden Brothers, Idina Menzel, Miss USA 2014- Nia Sanchez, MKTO, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, NEEDTOBREATH, NHL® legends John LeClair and Pat LaFontaine, Pentatonix, Romeo Santos, Cole Swindell, Meghan Trainor, The Vamps, Quvenzhané Wallis, and more.

Kicking off the march will be a special group of children who have embodied the Parade’s spirit of teamwork. Throughout their remarkable run this past season at the Little League World Series, Philadelphia’s Taney Dragons displayed an inspiring level of collaboration, spirit and camaraderie – as perfectly evidenced by the group’s embrace and support of star pitcher Mo’ne Davis. In honor of that exemplary effort this year the Taney Dragons will lead the procession down the streets of Manhattan with Macy’s Parade executive producer Amy Kule.

GIANTS IN THE SKY
The Parade’s signature giant balloons have for decades showcased the world’s most recognized characters. This year, Macy’s will introduce the biggest class of new balloons in its history. Six new giant characters will take to the sky including The Weinstein Company’s loveable Peruvian bear Paddington™; the always electrifying Pikachu™; the warm giggling Pillsbury Doughboy®; the vanquisher of evil the Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger; the lava spewing Skylanders® Eruptor; and the friendly locomotive Thomas the Tank Engine®.

Rounding out the ballooning line-up are returning favorites including Adventure Time with Finn & Jake, Diary of A Wimpy Kid®, The Elf on the Shelf®, Hello Kitty®, Papa Smurf, Ronald McDonald®, Snoopy and Woodstock, Spider-Man, SpongeBob SquarePants and Toothless of How to Train Your Dragon. In addition, the balloon cast includes new balloonicles (a Macy’s Parade hybrid of cold-air balloon and vehicle) of the famed-spokesduck the Aflac Duck and Cloe the Holiday Clown, as well as the return of the KOOL-AID Man. In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the film classic, balloonheads of The Wizard of OZ™ characters will also make a special appearance.

FLOATING SCENE MAKERS
Macy’s floating stages take to the streets bringing a collection of whimsical treats that transport spectators into worlds of fantasy. This year’s five new fantasy floats include Cracker Jack® Popcorn’s At the Ball Game; Sino-American Friendship Association’s Beauty of Beijing, Dora and Friends: Aventuras Fantasticas, GoldieBlox™’s The Girl-Powered Spinning Machine, and Pirate Booty®’s Treasure Hunt.

The returning float roster includes 1-2-3 Sesame Street; Big Apple; Bridge To The Future; Daytime, Play Time, Night Time Too…; Dreamseeker by Cirque du Soleil®; Enchanting World of Lindt Chocolate; Frozen Fall Fun; Goldfish® on Parade; International Cele-bear-ation Clock Tower; It’s All Rock & Roll; Marion-Carole Showboat; Mount Rushmore’s American Pride; On The Roll Again; Pep Rally; Santa’s Sleigh; The Smurfs™; Stirrin’ Up Sweet Sensations; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Tom Turkey; Waves of Conservation; Winter Wonderland In Central Park; and A World at Sea.

Who’s your favorite character or float? Do you attend the parade as a guest or as a spectator? Is this a tradition with you and your family? Do you prefer to watch it as a family on television?

Disclosure: I was invited to cover media event for Balloon Fest by Skylanders. Opinions are 100% mine. I was not compensated for this post.
Enjoy the pics.

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Categories Blogger Event, Family, Free Events, Fun, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Invitational Event, Launch, Travel, What's Going On?

OUR FUN NIGHT AT THE @SIYANKS GAME #MC #sponsored

26 Aug

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consultingfor the Staten Island Yankees. I received tickets for the game as well as food vouchers to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

When summer comes my kids and I enjoy getting on the Staten Island Ferry and enjoying the sights and breeze. This time were we not only going on the ferry for the sights, we were headed to a baseball game to see the Staten Island Yankees take on the Connecticut Tigers. The game was 7pm and this was our first time at The Richmond County Bank Ballpark. If you don’t know the ferry is a short ride from NY and when we got off the boat the signs were easy to read and led us straight to the park which is a quick walk.

We had great seats and saw the players up close. The balls kept flying in our section. My son caught a ball. He was thrilled about it. My daughter caught a t-shirt and she was very happy. The food vouchers that were provided was able to get us chicken tenders, fries, nachos, hotdogs and drinks. We kept the souvenir cups to remember the amazing time we had.

The game was great. There was plenty activities to participate in with the cheerleaders and mascot. As the night went on the view was beautiful as the ballpark, ferry and NY skylines were lit up. It was as if I were a tourist because I couldn’t stop taking pictures. The moon looked amazing as my kids pointed out and said “get a picture of the moon”.

I will definitely add this ballpark to my list of summer activities with the family. Next summer the whole family will come out and enjoy a game or two. We’ve been to other ballparks but I like the fact that this one isn’t too crowded, seats are great from any angle, food isn’t expensive and tickets are inexpensive as well. I also love night games and the ferry runs every 30 minutes so you can time it just right when to leave.

We enjoyed ourselves and loved the fact that the Staten Island Yankees won the game. Everyone in the ballpark was having fun and my kids met other kids and they enjoyed hanging out with them and talking baseball. Since this was a night game we had sweaters with us recommended from a friend of mine who went previously because it can get chilly.

Games run all summer from the beginning of June until the first week of September. I encourage all families to enjoy a minor league game with their loved ones. Check out the info below.

Staten Island Yankees website: http://atmilb.com/1x4QL1c
Staten Island Yankees Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StatenIslandYankees
Staten Island Yankees Twitter page: @SIYanks
Staten Island Yankees Instagram account: @SIYankees
Staten Island Yankees Promo Code: http://bit.ly/1nViaer CODE: “mommy”

<a href="https://fivelittlewords.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_3896-

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Categories Family, Fun, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Kids, Sponsored Post, Travel, What's Going On?

BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK NEWEST ROLLER SKATING RINK AT PIER 2 @BklynBrdgPark

12 Jul

I took the kids to Brooklyn Bridge Park to celebrate the opening of the Pier 2 Roller Rink on Friday, July 11 from 3 to 6 pm. Guests enjoyed free admission to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s newest addition: a full-size roller skating rink.

Roller skates or in-line skates were $6 to rent. I love roller skating and used to skate quite a bit back in the days. This were my children’s first time skating and they did a great job. They used a Skate Mate that looked like walker on wheels to try and keep them from falling. I didn’t have this growing up. My father told me hold on to the wall and stomp it out at the roller rinks. I personally didn’t think the Skate Mate is worth the price their charging. It’s plastic and doesn’t help that much. Kids and some adults were still falling even with it. I think it should be free because they can’t keep track of who’s buying and who’s not and whether or not it was returned or just left for someone else to use. If you rent this tell me what you think. I also will bring my personal skates with me next time and invest in skates for my kids so they can practice and we can save a few dollars.

There were news camera crews interviewing skaters including us and the anchors even put on skates and tried their best. We were on Channel 12 news. There was a tent set up and staff provided lemonade and snacks for everyone.

We arrived early and took in the sights of the boats, and stopped at Jane’s Carousel on Pier 1 for my kids to take a ride on. There are plenty of places to get food and drinks along the way and there is even a mini beach and pop up pool at Pier 2. Also at Pier 2 we enjoyed watching quite a few basketball, soccer and handball games.

I love how open and spacious the Pier is. It is outdoor but there is a cool breeze. We had a great time and will return. I also found a faster route to get there because the way we came was quite a walk. I’m sticking to the C train which was only 4 blocks away.

Locker rental is 25 cents. They are small so try to leave big bags home. I left the kids scooters on the floor in front of the lockers and they were still there when we finished skating.

PIER 2 ROLLER RINK CONTACT INFO:

718-300-2401
Parties, rentals, individual use: Crystal Sperling, csperling@brooklynbridgeskating.com
Vendors, events, league play, etc.: Teon Harmon, tharmon@brooklynbridgeskating.com

PIER 2 ROLLER RINK SCHEDULE:

Monday
10AM-3PM: Public Skate
3PM-6PM: Public Skate – FREE Admission
6:30PM-10PM: Affordable Family Skate – $3 Admission

Tuesday
10AM-7:30PM: Public Skate
8PM-11PM: Adult Skate (21&older only)

Wednesday
10AM-10PM: Public Skate

Thursday
10AM-5PM: Public Skate
5PM-10PM: Affordable Family Skate – $3 Admission

Friday
10AM-3PM: Public Skate
3PM-6PM: Public Skate–FREE Admission
6PM-10:30PM: Public Skate

Saturday
10AM-Noon: Skating Lessons
Noon-10:30PM: Public Skate

Sunday
10AM-Noon: Public Skate-FREE Admission
Noon-7:30PM: Public Skate
8-11PM: Adult Night (21&older only)
ADMISSION PRICES

Public Skate (weekday)

$5 Admission

Public Skate (weekend)

$8 Admission

Adult Skate Sessions

$8 Admission

Skating Lessons

$10 per Lesson

EQUIPMENT RENTAL PRICES

Roller Skates

Inline Skates

Skate Mate

In addition to the rink, Pier 2 features five acres of active recreation courts for basketball, handball, and bocce, swings, picnic tables, half an acre of play turf, restrooms and fitness equipment. Much of the amenities are covered by the pier’s original storage shed structure to provide shading and rain shelter. This new addition was unveiled in May, along with the Pier 4 Beach, an accessible area for non-motorized boat launching and educational boating programs. The rink is operated by the New York Skating, LLC.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Just want everyone to know about the new roller skating rink on the Pier. Opinions are 100% mine as always.

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

DINOSAURS HAVE TAKEN OVER SECAUCUS, NJ @jerseysaurus #giveaway

2 Jun

Did you know there are Dinosaurs living in Secaucus, NJ? Tell your family you’re on your way to see the 32 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs at Field Station Dinosaurs. This expedition of realistic dinosaurs is amazing. There’s even a 90 foot long Argentinosaurus (the largest animatronic dinosaur ever made) that comes to life thanks to roboticists.

My kids and I hopped on the NJ Transit from Penn Station which took only 9 minutes and a 10 minute walk from train. The adult ticket was only $8 round-trip and kids 11 and under are free on weekends which is when we went. I was happy. We met up with Denise from Boyz Rule Our World. We took our kids exploring with these creatures along the 3/4 mile trail. There are workshops, games and activities for the kids along the trail. They also get to dig for prehistoric fossils and dinosaur skeletons at the Fossil Dig Site. T-Rex showed up at the “Dino Whodunit” presentation and I could hear screams from the front. It looked so real even with the person feet underneath. They played a game with the audience and T-Rex was blind folded.

Kids and adults please wear sneakers and socks because sand and rocks will be traveling with you throughout the day. I wore the wrong shoe and paid for it. Lol.

Our ticket included a stop at the Commander’s Tent which is air conditioned and includes a 3D movie “Dinosaurs Alive.”This tent was beautifully decorated by IKEA and has books for the readers and we were greeted by a baby herbivore that the kids fed a bottle to. It was so cute, very affectionate and friendly. They also got to hold it. Now that I wouldn’t mind petting but those big ones no thank you.

The Lookout is gated off and you look over to see what’s lurking in the woods. I thought something was going to run up to us and let out a loud roar but it didn’t. I guess it’s there for your imagination to wonder what could be down there. (Smart)

After the kids saw every single dinosaur, and explored they were ready for lunch which was kindly provided to us bloggers. The weather was great and so was our adventure. We will definitely be going back and are thinking about “Dozin With Dinos Overnight Adventure.” This is a campout with the dinosaurs under the stars, lantern lit trail, s’mores, songs, campfire and other goodies. This takes place from August 2-23 from 7pm- 8am.

Check out the website for Directions, hours, prices, reservations and season passes. http://www.fieldstationdinosaurs.com
The phone number is 1 (855) 999-9010 if you have any questions.

Giveaway: Field Station Dinosaurs was kind enough to give away a Family 4 pack of tickets to one of my readers.
Mandatory Entries:
Follow @Jerseysaurus on Twitter
Follow @nilimonicky on Twitter
Like Field Station Dinosaurs on Facebook
Like Five Little Words on Facebook
Follow @Jerseysaurus on Instagram
Follow @nilimo on Instagram
Answer question: Which dinosaur is your favorite?
When you leave your answer below let me know you did all of the above in your response.
Winner will be announced June 6, 2014.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are mine as always. I was invited to attend press event.

Enjoy pictures!!

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Categories Blogger Event, Family, Fun, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Giveaways, Invitational Event, Kids, Travel, What's Going On?

SPRING BREAK AT THE CULINARY KIDS FOOD FESTIVAL #GIVEAWAY #culinarykidsnybg

11 Apr

Celebrate Food With the Family at the
Culinary Kids Food Festival!
April 14-21; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

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 honey to sprouts 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. For more information, visit nybg.org

Giveaway: Who wants to win a family four-pack of tickets to the festival? Leave a comment below telling me what your kids are looking forward to for Spring Break.
A winner will be picked April 13th and tickets can be used on one of the days between April 14- 21.

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Categories Cooking, Family, Food, Free Events, Fun, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Giveaways, Kids, 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.

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Categories Cooking, Family, Food, Free Events, Fun, Fun things to do in NY with Family, Giveaways, Kids, 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