New York Family Magazine
Editor's Note

This weekend I had the privilege of attending the 100th birthday party of a friend of the family. Since mortality is something we all have to reckon with at some point--though I prefer denial--I want to share Murray Levin's secrets of long life.

 

1. Don't be an "AK." (AK is short for the Yiddish phrase Alta Kocker, which means grumpy old man.)

2. Love your work. (Murray owned a glass-making company.) 

3. Stand on your own feet. (He meant this as work advice, but what a metaphor for life from a guy who had his fair share of tragedy.)

4. Enjoy dessert with every meal.

 

I'll toss in one more based on observing Murray. Be a mensch.       

 

--Eric Messinger [email protected]   
Parenting Tips

*Call For Parents Who Want To Write: Many of our best interns are local moms and dads who want to cultivate their writing skills. In this context, an "intern" is a bit of a misnomer since our interns are our writers and we offer internships that are flexible, with plenty of opportunity to work from home. Interested? Send us a note with your background and why you think this might be a good match: [email protected]. Finally, if you have any friends for whom this might be a wonderful opportunity, please take a minute to pass it along. Thank you.   

   

*Nothing warms up the body and soul during an NYC winter like time in the kitchen preparing a meal. We've compiled a list of family-friendly recipes for all hours of the day and night--from lasagna soup to apple raspberry spiced cider--guaranteed to satisfy your family's winter appetites.     

 

*Her one-of-a-kind caf� may be a magical playhouse for children and parents alike--but Tracey Stewart would be the first to tell you that the real magic in her life is being with Jon and the kids. Check out the Mama of Moomah--our cover interview for January. 

 

*Slide through a giant mouth. Step inside a brain. Welcome to the new exhibit at the Children's Museum of Manhattan, EatSleepPlay: Building Health Every Day. This one-of-a-kind installation does the seemingly impossible--turning the body into an interactive adventure while surprising visitors with new information--and we recommend a visit for kids of all ages. 

New York Family Events

*Now is the time to start thinking about summer camp. Come research the possibilities at New York Family's Camp Fairs--produced in collaboration with the American Camp Association NY & NJ--on Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22 on the Upper East and West Sides, as well as New Jersey. For more information on day and sleepaway camps 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. Bring the whole family to travel the world at the historic Astor Hall while supporting NYPL's programming. For more information, click here.      

Treats

Love to use socks as an opportunity to accessorize? Then you just might love Sock It To Me. Whether you're an argyle-inclined dad or an art-enthusiast mama, you'll find something unique to treat your feet--and leg warmers for kiddos, too. $9, sockittome.com  

  

*Scotch Naturals' line of nail polish and their accompanying kids products, sweetly named Hop Scotch Kids, deliver major punch with feisty shades for moms and age-appropriate tones for daughters--with vegan and gluten-free cred! $14.99, scotchnaturals.com, $11.99, hopscotchkids.com  

   

*Looking to strike the perfect balance between function and whimsy as your family embarks on D.I.Y. adventures in 2012? Check out this hand-crafted plush owl tape measure from the eco-minded toy-makers at Nook-Nook. $20, shop.nook-nook.com 

The Week at NewYorkFamily.com    
*Spearheaded by an NYC mom, the popular early language learning program Little Pim offers scientifically based videos and a generous dollop of fun (see giveaway below!).

   

*Cauliflower takes center stage in Jenna Helwig's cauliflower-gruyere soup recipe on our Yummy Delicious blog. It's a luscious, silky treat, spiked with creamy cheese.

 

*If you're a parent who wants to exercise but can't find time to get to the gym, you can still get a workout with your babe in tow--thanks to Amity Spiegel's five favorite kid-friendly activities to add movement to your day. 

 

Best of (The Rest Of) The Web 

  

*Unbelievable! 31-year old Rabita Sarker successfully gives birth on the PATH train on Monday. (Gothamist)

 

*Have you ever had to wear something really fancy while pregnant? Check out this stunning red carpet maternity dress! (Design Mom)

 

*Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater: Kids find it's easier to cheat at school today more than ever. Read these tips to help your kids avoid the temptation. (CNN)

 

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

Contests & Giveaways 

*Pop quiz! Help your child take this pop quiz and enter to win a Little Pim gift set. Share these language learning questions with your 4-8 year-old, or a younger learner if they're up to the task. Email your answers to us and enter to win a gift set in one of ten languages! Please include your contact information and put "Little Pim" in the subject line. Deadline is Friday, January 27. 

 

*On Saturday, February 11 drummer Matt Wilson and his Arts and Crafts Ensemble have invited special guest Ted Nash for an hour of interactive music making at Lincoln Center's, What Is Improvisation?. We have one family four-pack of tickets to give away to the 1pm program. To enter, email us with the subject line "Improvisation." Then, write on our Facebook page telling us why you want to win. Deadline is Wednesday, January 25.

Bonus Tip 

*Bring the family to Bryant Park for a free festival that will revolutionize the way you view food. This first ever Kids Food Festival (January 21-22, 10am-6pm) will turn your kids into happy and healthy eaters. Growing gourmands will get take part in a scavenger hunt, sample bites in every food group, and enjoy hands-on cooking demos, plus performances by favorites like Joanie Leeds and Super Sprowtz. This largely free weekend does have ticketed events. For more information, click here


January 18-24, 2012

  

Camp Fair  

JCC After School   

8 moms  

Glenwood   

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