| Wednesday, May 7, to Tuesday, May 13, 2008 |
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A Note from New York Family's Editor:
Teaching by Example: The best way to teach charity is by example, and on that front I'm afraid that my wife and I have allowed our children's teachers and other school leaders to do the lion's share of the work. She and I give by writing checks. But children learn by helping others (and seeing adults do the same), like when my son's nursery school takes children on a toy-bearing excursion to the Ronald McDonald House. This weekend presents a great opportunity for some family charity. On Saturday, letter carriers will be collecting food items at their mail sites and delivering them to food banks. You and your children can gather non-perishables at home, and in the process chat about poverty, need, and helping others. For more information on this weekend's food drive: http://helpstampouthunger.com.
---Eric Messinger
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Parenting Tip
Birthing DVD Giveaway: Many of us haven't watched birthing videos since that obligatory, traumatizing seventh-grade health class imprinted the image of a placenta forever onto our occipital lobe. For a contemporary and compelling version, check out "The Business of Being Born," newly released on DVD. This documentary film looks at the issues and controversy surrounding home birth, with a climactic scene in which actress Ricki Lake is filmed giving birth to her second child in a bathtub. If you're looking to gain some insight into the growing home birth movement--or if you are just curious to see a placenta again--check out the movie. Maybe for free--the first 10 people to write to us at nyfamilymag@manhattanmedia.com will receive a free copy of the film (put "Business of Being Born" in the subject line). |
Joy's Shopping Tips*
Camp Fun: It's not too early to stock up on care packages for camp. Perfect for girls is Take Out Linkz. They can make their own bracelets for wrists or ankles, or even a necklace. Available in fashionable looks of metalz, neonz, or colorz, with a charm for adornment. Best of all, the kits come packaged in Chinese takeout boxes containing 75 links. $9.95; additional charms $2.50. www.mugwaz.com.
Visiting Day: The latest and also feel-good item to bring to your child when you visit him or her this summer at camp is, How Sweet It Is, a Plexiglas box filled with candy. You can personalize the package with your child's picture as well as his or her camp colors. None of the candy contains nuts, and you can even order a Kosher version. Better yet, 100% of the profits will go to the smile train, which helps children who need cleft palate surgery. This product can be ordered until the end of May and ready for pickup the first week of July. $250 + tax. www.artfullboxer.com.
For the Athlete on the Run: If you have a female athlete in the house, there are many essentials needed for all those practices and games. Chicz on the Go has created a mini waterproof bag filled with some of those necessities that you always seem to be looking for. You can find items like deodorant, ponytail holders, sun block, and antibacterial spray, to name just a few. The company can tailor the bag to a specific sport. It's a creative way to be prepared. $30. www.chiczonthego.net.
*Joy Sherwood is the Style Director of New York Family. She can be reached at jsherwood@manhattanmedia.com. |
Activity Tips*
Rockin' Rolls: On May 10 and 17, Sakae Sushi will host its first kids' sushi-making classes. During the class, children will learn how to make basic sushi rolls and create their own rolls from such (cooked) ingredients as crab stick, shrimp and vegetable tempura, teriyaki beef and chicken, and tamago eggs. Recommended for children ages 6-12. Details: May 10 and 17, 1-3 pm; $60 per parent/child team, $35 for each additional child. Reserve spots by calling 212-286-8868, or e-mail Kids@sakae-sushi.com. Sakae Sushi, 405 Lexington Avenue, www.sakae-sushi.com.
Books In The Park: Next week is Children's Book Week, and to kick if off head to Bryant Park on Saturday, May 10, for a special event featuring authors, illustrators, and iconic children's book characters who will be on hand for reading and signings. Guest authors include Marc Aronson and HP Newquist ("For Boys Only: The Biggest, Baddest Book Ever") and Marilyn Singer ("City Lullaby and Quiet Night"). Details: Noon-5 pm; free. Bryant Park, 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue, http://bookweekonline.com.
Starstruck: Check out the constellations and learn more about the universe around us in Riverside Park this Saturday. Come early to look at the Museum of Natural History's moveable universe display and to make a model of the planet Saturn. After dark, the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York sets up telescopes to view planets, spring/summer constellations, and the moon. Details: 5:30-8:30 pm; free. RiversidePark near the 96th Street Tennis Courts. Reservations are strongly recommended; RSVP at 212-870-3070 or mail@riversideparkfund.org. www.riversideparkfund.org.
*Activity Tips are from New York Family and GoCityKids.com. |
This Week's Bonus Tips
Tickle Those Ivories: Parents and kids alike who love music will appreciate an elegant family-friendly event being held on Thursday, May 8, celebrating 155 years of Steinway pianos, with a special performance by Juilliard pianist Brandon Stewart. For grown-ups on the hunt for real estate, an added twist is that the soiree takes place in the luxury building 455 Central Park West. Hors d'oeuvres will be served, and the first 15 guests to arrive get a complementary DVD. Details: 6:30-8:30 pm. Reservations requested; RSVP at 212-937-7011 or 455cpw@corcoran.com. 455 Central Park West, Landmark Residence LM 17 (105th Street).
Art Crawl: Take the family on an art crawl along Madison Avenue, where over 50 of the world's most prestigious art galleries will be giving free tours led by teachers from New York City's public schools. Ten of the galleries will also feature "Tomorrow's Artists," a exhibition by New York City schoolchildren. The event benefits The Fund For Public Schools, a not-for-profit organization chaired by NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein. Details: Saturday, May 10, 11 am-6 pm; Madison Avenue between 57th and 86th Streets. Reservations are required. To RSVP, contact the Madison Avenue BID at 212-201-1492 or www.madisonavenuebid.org.
Local Design: Looking for some home-grown style? Head to BKLYN DESIGNS, an expo featuring 68 designers in four locations in DUMBO this weekend. Check out home products from Iglooplay, Lotta Jansdotter, and many other Brooklyn-based designers of furniture, rugs, accessories, and lighting. The expo takes place at various locations. For more information: www.brooklyndesigns.net. | |
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Special Family Deals & Promotions
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Come Make Sports History! Be
among the first to experience the Sports Museum of America, the nation's first
interactive, multi-media all-sports museum.
Created in partnership with every major sports Hall of Fame in North
America, this next-generation museum offers the ideal combination of
inspiration, education and flat-out-fun for the entire family! Special
Ticket Offer: May 7 - 31 only: All tickets $15 with code NYFAM15 at www.sportsmuseum.com.
Opens May 7 at 26 Broadway in Lower
Manhattan
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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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