New York Family Magazine
Editor's Note

In keeping with his role models from Power Rangers Jungle Fury my 7-year-old son likes to shout out "Spirit of the Tiger!" and other animal invocations to harness his special powers. Except when faced with a chore. On Sunday,  morning, I asked him to accompany me on a bagel run. He agreed, but then waddled over to me like he was stuck in mud. "The Spirit of the Slow Penguin!" he exclaimed.       

 

--Eric Messinger emessinger@manhattanmedia.com   
Parenting Tips

*Inspired by the recent Times article on "mom inventors," we decided to spotlight some great local mompreneurs who have found success by creating products and services that were somehow lacking in the parent market--like the two mamas who couldn't find good kid gifts so they set up a shop of their own, the mom who created a new Lego storage solution, and the pair of couples that built one of the city's most popular play spaces. Check out some our city's parent entrepreneurs--perhaps their success will inspire you.      

 

*The wintertime holds some of the city's best indoor and outdoor fun. So we've compiled an inclusive list to keep your family busy all season long--from prime skiing mountains just a car trip away to ice skating in Manhattan and beyond, from warming up at local hot chocolate haunts to bowling and crafting snowy days away!

 

*The stroller market has never been more competitive or dynamic than it is today. Full of tip-top choices, parents may have to do a little more research, but the end result is well worth it: a great piece of equipment for you and your baby. To help, we've gathered nine new models for transporting newborns and toddlers. Here are some of 2012's Stroller Styles.

New York Family Events

*Now is the time to start thinking about summer camp. Come research the possibilities at the upcoming installment of New York Family's Camp Fairs on Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22, produced in collaboration with the American Camp Association NY & NJ. From the Upper East Side to Somerset, NJ, the next four camp fairs will house representatives from over 60 camps for children ages 3-17. For more information and to register, click here.  

 

*Love the idea of exploring foreign cities with your child? The New York Public Library has made it easy with its Passport to Adventure Benefit on Sunday, January 22 from 10am-12noon. Bring the whole family to travel the world at the historic Astor Hall (in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building), all while supporting the NYPL's prolific programming. For more information, click here.      

Treats

*Founded by a New Yorker who was looking to give a unique baby gift to his college buddy's son, ABC M.V.P.s is an athletic and artistic representation of the alphabet in perfect poster form. $79, abcmvps.com 

 

*Complete with four different garden-fresh, huggable toys, this whimsical veggie set--crafted from pure and organic Egyptian cotton--is a surefire way to kick start a lifelong positive relationship with healthy foods. $32, underthenile.com   

 

*When it comes to bundling up wee ones, a little can go a long way. We love this 100% wool girls pashmina from Marie-Chantal. On sale for $48, mariechantal.com 

The Week at NewYorkFamily.com    
*For many families, the make-or-break factor in deciding whether they will move to the suburbs or stay in the city is whether they can find a three-bedroom apartment. To help, here are a few great finds on the market.

   

*Looking for an inexpensive and easy soup recipe? Kelsey Banfield has just the idea with her creamy mushroom leek soup, with peppery Parmesan croutons!     

 

*Kids love sitting in grown-up armchairs, so why not get them one their own size? Elisabeth Frankel Reed has five great finds for kid lounging.

 

Best of (The Rest Of) The Web 

  

*Some New York parents are downright angry at the indignities they say they suffered while Beyonce's labor maxed out security at Lenox Hill hospital. (NY Times)

 

*Pregnancy rates often dip with the economy, but the numbers seem to show that having more kids means you're likely to spend less on each--and not to the detriment of the children's wellbeing. (USA Today)

 

*Happy 65th Birthday to the legendary Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care. The 9th edition has just hit the stands so you can get the same age-old advice that your great-grandparents received! (Huffington Post)

 

For more of our favorite articles from the web this week, click here.

Contests & Giveaways 

*Treat your kid to an out-of-this world birthday at ExerBlast! Your child and up to 12 friends will be treated to an all-inclusive party that includes a private party zone, invitations, balloons and two adventure guides. Plus, photographer Karen Haberberg will capture all the special bday moments. Appropriate for kids ages 5-14. To enter this giveaway, post on our Facebook Page telling us about one of yourNJ Camp Fair Dates favorite parenting moments from the past year. Then, email us with the subject line "ExerBlast" and be sure to leave your contact information. Deadline is Friday, February 3. 

 

*Ricki Lake has once again teamed up with Director Abby Epstein to bring us an in-depth look at childbirth with More Business of Being Born. This four-part DVD is full of celeb interviews, from Alanis Morissette to Christy Turlington-Burns. And we have five copies to giveaway. To enter, please email us with the subject line "Birth." Deadline to enter is Wednesday, January 18.


January 11-17, 2012

Parteaz  

Camp Fair  

JCC After School   

8 moms  

Glenwood   

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