| Wednesday, April 16, to Tuesday, April 22, 2008 |
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A Note from New York Family's Editor:
The Tooth Fairy and Me: On the way to school this morning, my daughter, who will soon be 8, asked if I--and not the Tooth Fairy--was the one taking her notes and leaving her money. Technically, the right answer would have been, "No, it's your mother." Instead, I flushed as she explained that she read a book at school called "Daddy, Are You The Tooth Fairy?" that seemed to put the whole business in doubt. Well, I suppose I should have made this a learning moment, but I wasn't quite ready to disabuse my daughter of her enchanted belief unless she really seemed to want to be. And I don't think she did. "If it's okay with you," I said, "I don't really want to answer that question. I'm more interested in what you think." She answered, "I think I believe in the Tooth Fairy, but then I read this story, so I don't know." We agreed to revisit the matter in the future.
---Eric Messinger
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 Parenting Tip
Tube Tied: Let's assume that your kids watch TV in moderation. Let's assume that you have the videogame genie more or less under control as well. Still, have you ever wondered what family life would be like with no TV or video games? Would your kids read more? Be more active? Sleep better? Spend more time talking with you? They just might. We're big fans of Barbara Brock's "Living Outside the Box: TV-Free Families Share Their Secrets," but just don't take their word for it. Next week (April 21-27) is TV Turnoff Week (www.tvturnoff.org). Want to take the plunge? |
 Joy's Shopping Tips*
Bee-Utify Your World: Thinking about making the switch to a personal care product that is all natural, but don't know where to begin? On April 20, Burt's Bees will be showcasing its all-natural products in Central Park, offering an interactive experience for both parents and children to learn about and sample from the wide range of products. Learn all about the benefits of the line's ingredients and enjoy a complimentary hand massage using Burt's Bees hand and body creams. Free samples as well as packets of bee-friendly seeds will be given out to help bee-utify the world. Details: 12-6 pm; Rumsey Playfield in Central Park (enter at Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street), www.burtsbees.com.
Grow a Tree: In honor of Earth Day and thereafter, ABC Carpet & Home will be partnering with 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai's Green Belt Movement on its Carbon Poverty Reduction Program. For every piece of goodwood furniture purchased at the store, a tree will be planted in Kenya to replenish rapidly diminishing biodiversity. Each participant will receive a certificate to acknowledge his or her support of responsible sourcing practices and to recognize the efforts to replenish depleted forest areas and offset carbon emissions. For more information: www.abchome.com.
Eco-Friendly Diapers: With Earth Day this weekend, I wanted to pick an eco-friendly product for babies. If your child ever gets terrible diaper rashes or simply has sensitive skin, try Fuzzi Bunz reusable diapers. The inside layer is soft to the touch for your little one's bottom. There's an extra added liner for extra absorption, and the waterproof outer layer comes in solid colors or patterns for a fashionable look. They come in a variety of sizes, from preemie to extra large. Besides being renewable, it will also save you the costs of diaper creams and diaper genies. Solids: $17.95; patterns: $19.95. For more information: www.fuzzibunzonline.com.
*Joy Sherwood is the Style Director of New York Family. She can be reached at jsherwood@manhattanmedia.com. |
 Activity Tips*
Earth Day Festival: On April 20, the Central Park Conservancy and the Green Apple Festival will host an Earth Day Celebration for families at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the sunshine and the live music, planting and mulching activities, face painting, crafts, tree tours, and mini-vegetable garden plantings. Greenmarket vendors will also be on hand selling tasty locally grown foods. Details: Noon-4 pm; free. Rumsey Playfield, enter at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue, www.centralparknyc.org, www.greenapplemusicfestival.com.
Hudson River Park Celebration: The Friends of Hudson River Park and the Greenwich Village Chelsea Chamber of Commerce will host the 2nd Annual Spring Eggstravaganza on April 19. The event includes an egg hunt, egg dyeing, egg relays, fishing, games, arts and crafts, storytelling, and live music performances. Free, fresh-pressed apple cider donated by Dressel Farms in New Paltz will be available throughout the day. Details: 1-4 pm; free. Hudson River Park's Pier 45 at Christopher Street, 212-757-0981 x205, www.fohrp.org.
Secrets of the Amazon: Meet real-life shamans, get a glimpse of an Amazonian village, and listen to indigenous music of the rainforest at the new "Amazônia Brasil" exhibit at the South Street Seaport. The exhibit, which opens on April 22, will feature art, photos, replicas, and other installations showcasing the past and current life of people in the Amazon. Details: $16 adults; $11 children (2-12) and students. South Street Seaport, Pier 17, North, www.amazoniabrasil.org.
*Activity Tips are from New York Family and GoCityKids.com. |
This Week's Bonus Tips
Young Child Expo: On April 18-19, the 6th annual Young Child Expo and Conference will bring together experts in the world of child development to discuss issues such as literacy, ADHD, autism, speech and language development, sleep issues, and special needs resources. Details: $95-$195. Held at the Hilton NY, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, 212-787-9700 x333, www.youngchildexpo.com.
Comic-Con: This weekend, comic collectors, enthusiasts, and those who just enjoy flipping through the new "Batman" series will gather at the Javits Center for New York Comic-Con, held April 18-20. Younger kids will like seeing perennial favorites, like the Ugly Dolls and other characters, while older kids can look over the thousands of new and collectible comics and figurines on display. Comic-Con also is sponsoring a Kids' Day on April 20, in which kids under 12 are admitted for free. On Kids' Day, children can get their picture taken with PBS' Wordgirl, participate in a variety of comic drawing classes, go through light saber training, and more. Details: $40-$65. Javits Center, 655 West 34th Street, 1-888-605-6059, www.nycomiccon.com. | |
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Special Family Deals & Promotions
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SWISS LEARNING INTERNATIONAL
Swiss Learning International Platform hosts the first annual education workshop in New York at the Metropolitan Club on Thursday, May 1, 12pm - 6pm. Prospective students and parents are invited to attend the workshop to discuss the fundamentals of secondary education with twelve leading Swiss private schools. Followed by a cocktail reception at the Metropolitan Club.
www.swisslearning.com
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apple seeds
SPRING CLEANING SALE
70% OFF
apple seeds
10 West 25th Street (btwn Broadway & 6th Ave)
NYC 10010
Mon - Fri 9:00-6:00
Sat/Sun 10:00-4:00
Items from: Appaman, Tea, Paulina Quintana, Chick Chat, Egg & Avocado, Junk Food, Cabana Life, The Tunes Co., Nest
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Enroll Day of Preview; Save $20
Receive a $20 on-the-spot discount when you enroll immediately after your preview class. Families new to Gymboree only.
Call 877-GYM-LEARN (496-5327) for details.
We offer gym, music, art, fitness and Global Kids classes at centers in Chelsea, Murray Hill, Midtown East, Upper East Side, Upper West Side and Midtown West.
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The Poppyseed Pre-Nursery
Where BIG things are happening for little people...
Receive $25 off for first-time enrollees
Music, Art, Gym and Play!
Mommy and Me classes for Babies, Toddlers, 2's or 3's
424 West End Ave at 81st St. (212) 877-7614
Gail Ionescu, MSW Director
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PLANNING A BAR MITZVAH FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Click here for your free copy of Mitzvah Magazine - the ultimate guide for savvy and sensible party planning advice and perspective.
Mitzvah Magazine is a biannual glossy magazine that helps parents navigate the whole Bar and Bat Mitzvah experience, honoring the importance of the spiritual passage while also providing savvy and sensible party planning advice and perspective.
New York Family Club members can get it for free by using this purchase code: NYFC.
Brought to you by New York Family
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