Meet Mr. Steve, Super Why and Hooper from PBS Kids

If your kids watch PBS, they're probably familiar with Mr. Steve, who plays catchy, fun songs with children in between shows. (His songs get stuck in my head for sure!) You and your kids will have a chance to see Mr. Steve at a South Florida library in just a few weeks!

Visit the South Regional / Broward College Library in Pembroke Pines on Thursday, July 21, 10:30 am until noon as part of the Soar with Reading program sponsored by WPBT2/Kidvision, JetBlue, PBS Kids and Broward County Library System. Soar with Reading helps keep children reading throughout the summer. Kids will enjoy a reading by a local author, a performance by Mr. Steve and appearances by PBS Kids characters Hooper and Super Why.

Sounds like a great Thursday morning to me!

"Let the Memories Begin" Tour

My family loves going to Disney World (we are planning to sneak over for a day next week!), and it's easy for us to go because it's just a three-hour drive.

But.

I almost wish I could be in a land far, far away to experience Disney's "Let the Memories Begin" Tour. It's an interactive Disney photo experience that lets you take pictures of yourself as though you were in a Disney park. Sounds like a great time! Even more fun, the Disney folks will be spreading pixie dust in each city on the tour! Magical.

Check out the tour schedule and see if it's in a city near you:

Houston, TX: 7/12-7/13

Seattle, WA: 8/20-8/21

Boston, MA: 6/5 - 6/6

Phoenix, AZ: 7/19 - 7/20

Calgary, Canada: 8/26 - 8/27

New York, NY: 6/10 - 6/12

Denver, CO: 7/26 - 7/27

Toronto, Canada: 9/2 - 9/3

Washington D.C.: 6/18 - 6/19

Salt Lake City, UT: 7/30 - 7/31

Puerto Rico: 9/23 - 9/24 (San Juan, I assume?)

Atlanta, GA: 6/24 - 6/25

San Francisco, CA: 8/5 - 8/6

Dallas, TX: 7/8 - 7/9

Portland, OR: 8/16 - 8/17

Tonight is National Mom's Nite Out

Moms, are you going out tonight? You should -- it's National Mom's Nite Out (the Thursday before Mother's Day), and there are parties happening all around the country and online as well.

Nationally, the biggest celebrators are the Simon Mall group. Here in South Florida, head to Dadeland Mall, Miami International Mall, Town Center at Boca Raton and Coral Square in Coral Springs (where I will be!) are all holding events 6-8 pm. Head to the mall for free makeovers, mini massages, fashion shows, refreshments, giveaways and more much-needed fun.

Online, check out the Mom's Nite Out party on Mom TV starting at 7 pm EST.

Are you going out tonight?

It's B Kind 2 Earth Day

Today is Earth Day (and also Good Friday!), and lots of people headed out to enjoy the earth and do kind things -- including my kiddos and me. A couple weeks ago, I joined the B Kind 2 Earth celebration, which is a partnership between the National Wildlife Federation, Nickelodeon and The Motherhood.

Yesterday, I led a nature walk through a cypress swamp that had been saved from development by local high schoolers -- that's inspirational! A few moms came out and brought their children to what is now a city park with an excellent boardwalk. We saw two species of butterflies and identified four species of birds and many more species of native plants. And it was fun!

Today, my boys and I headed to the nearest beach (not our favorite beach, but staying close saved gas!) and picked up five pounds of trash along the shore. I think until you do something like this yourself, you don't realize how appalling the amount of garbage in the ocean and our coastal areas really is. (Have you heard about the giant island of garbage that is floating around the Pacific Ocean? Gross!) Mostly, it was little bits of plastic, and a lot of it seemed to be stuck in the seaweed that washes ashore -- but there was also a slimy shoe on the beach. Yuck.



For more earth-friendly ideas on what you can do today and every day, check out the B Kind 2 Earth Facebook page.

B Kind 2 Earth Day celebration

The good news: Earth Day (Friday, April 22) isn't one of those "fluffy" holidays that requires you to send a card to someone or go out and buy special food or decorations. The bad news: Well, there isn't any!

There are lots of ways to celebrate Earth Day, and you can be as simple and easy or as involved and productive as you like. The point is to do at least one thing -- one thing! -- for the earth and get others to do the same. If you can do that, then head to the B Kind 2 Earth Day Facebook Fan Page and "like" it to show that you are in for doing an earth-friendly deed and spreading the word. Then, click here to register your location.

You can probably come up with a list of things for your family to do without thinking too hard: recycling, using a washable cloth instead of a paper towel, buying something pre-owned instead of new, planting a tree, using "green" household cleaners, switching out light bulbs to the newer less-polluting ones or donating to an ecological good cause.

I would like to lead some mom friends and their little ones on a nature walk and pick up any litter we see along the way -- something that young children can do and get into. Now I just gotta invite my friends . . . .

The B Kind 2 Earth Day cause is a joint effort by the National Wildlife Federation, Nickelodeon and The Motherhood. Naturally, I think this is all awesome because I am a NWF Be Out There Founding Mother, I won the Nickelodeon 2009 Parents Picks Award for Best Local Blog (Miami) and I've met Emily McKhann and Cooper Munroe from The Motherhood (at the Blogalicious conference in Miami last fall).

What are you going to do on Earth Day?

Kids, cookies, books and fun at South Florida malls on March 19

There are some fun happenings at malls in South Florida on Saturday, March 19. Mark your calendar!

First, Take the kids to Macy’s Home Store at Aventura Mall on Saturday, March 19 for a fun-filled and tasty event featuring delicious treats by Chef Sophie Tallon of Yummy Cakes and More Bakery. Chef Tallon will teach kids how to bake and decorate spring-themed cookies! Kids can also enjoy face painting and balloon artistry, plus music and games from Radio Disney. Moms and dads can also enjoy some refreshments from Nespresso.

Then, enter for a chance to win special gifts from Yummy Cakes and More Bakery, Cookin’ Kidz and Joyce’s Something Special, Inc. gift basket company. The first 50 customers to make a purchase of $50 or more in housewares or tabletops will receive a Macy’s lunchbox full of sweet treats and a pass to visit Zoo Miami! Be at Macy's at 1 pm for an afternoon of fun.

In Broward, check out the Simon Kidgits Club Book Blast, also starting at 1 pm. This free event features readings by authors Lisa McCourt (I Love You, Stinky Face), Pablo Cartaya (Tina Cocolina: Queen of the Cupcakes) and Dani Lynn (The Fairytale Project).

Shoppers are encouraged to donate a new or gently used book to Guest Services now through the date of the event. The donated books will support the goals of "Just Read, Florida!" and will be distributed through the Florida Education Foundation to Maplewood Elementary School in Coral Springs and Women in Distress.

Radio Disney will be at the Book Blast with additional games, prizes and giveaways!

Miami fashion show and free wardrobe advice at Macy's Dadeland

The first time my closet shelf fell, I thought my roof was caving in.

The second time my closet shelf fell (this week), I didn't even notice because my kids were making so much noise already!

The fact that I have closet shelf issues is partly due to the age of the shelving structure, but also because I have too many clothes hanging on them! I could definitely use some wardrobe advice and need to head to Macy's in the fabulous Dadeland Mall for their fashion event this coming Saturday.

Macy's fashion show will feature the most sensational career clothing for the new season. Macy's by Appointment experts -- along with special co-host Anetta Nowosielska of the chic Florida International Magazine -- will be on hand for free wardrobe advice to help you choose the perfect, professional look!

Oh, do I need that.

As if that isn't awesome enough, you can enjoy light refreshments and groove to the sounds of the DJ. Plus, you will get a business card holder with any $75 Macy's purchase.

Bring a friend for the fashion fun, which starts at 2 pm on Saturday, Feb. 26, in the Dresses and Suits Department on the 2nd Floor.


This is a post sponsored by Macy's.

City of Hope Show of Shows

Stars are coming to South Florida for a good cause.

If you are interested in fighting life-threatening diseases -- or in seeing Hal Linden, Robert Klein, William Michals, Steve Solomon, Sal Richards, Stewie Stone, the Platters and the Bronx Wanderers -- get your ticket for the City of Hope 16th annual Star-Studded Show of Shows. The event is set for March 14, 8 pm, at the Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium, Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton campus.

In its 16-year history, Show of Shows has raised $500,000 for the life-saving work of researchers and clinicians at City of Hope.

To buy tickets, call 800-564-9439.
Reserved tickets are $40-$60 and VIP tickets are $125, which includes a post-show dinner at Matteo’s.

City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org or follow City of Hope on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Flickr.

Music for Munchkins

The flyer above tells South Florida families what they need to know to enjoy some amazing free symphony orchestra concerts that are geared toward kids! But I wanted to add that I took my boys last year (when the Junebug was just an infant), and we all really loved it. The concert hall is totally noisy and busy with children -- and that's OK! I wish the concerts were year-round.

Aventura Chocolate Festival

Aventura Mall will host the annual Chocolate Festival on Sunday, Oct. 10, 12 pm – 4 pm. Come enjoy an array of chocolate items filling Center Court from Chef Allen’s, Grand Lux Café, Schakolad Chocolate Factory and more. Tickets for the chocolates can be purchased for $1 each, or 13 tickets for $10, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Craniofacial Association. A runway show featuring the latest in chocolate-inspired fashions designed by students from Miami International University of Art & Design will begin at 2 pm.

Aventura Mall’s Chocolate Festival is sponsored by Gym Kids, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Shape and Cupcakes for Change.

Be Colorful: Win tickets to the Vera Bradley Experience!

Vera Bradley company founders are coming to Orlando's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Oct. 6-7 -- and you can meet and talk with them!

You could also win two free tickets to the Vera Bradley Be Colorful Experience, which includes meals, a sneak peek at the 2011 spring line, shopping and a runway show! The $50 registration fee will be waived. Transportation to the event isn't included.

If you've ever had visions of being a model, you can enter the reader model competition on Oct. 7 at 10 am. Celebrity stylists will choose 25 finalists, and one will be part of a future Vera Bradley photo shoot!

Find out more about the Vera Bradley Be Colorful Experience through the link above. Please leave a comment if you'd like to win tickets!

10 tips for planning a unique baby shower

I just found out (like two days ago!) that my dear friend is going to have a baby! It will be her second child. The first time, I had a baby shower for her and I think it's safe to say we all had a blast! (And no one had to sniff diapers to identify strange smells!) I don't know if my friend will want me to have another shower for her (or at least a welcome-baby party), but if I do, I will keep these things in mind:

1. Baby showers are about the mom. Yes, baby showers celebrate the new life coming into the world -- but at this point, it's definitely still about Mama. Make sure the guest of honor is comfortable, both physically and emotionally. Have a shower theme and setting that she is OK with. It might be fun to have a baby shower in that old train depot to be unique, but it might be smelly too -- and smells can affect pregnant women.

2. Because baby showers are about the mom, take some cues from her interests for a fun theme. A teacher mom might like a book shower, or you might use an apple theme. One baby shower I went to had an Alice in Wonderland theme because the mom and her sister (who gave the shower) loved watching that movie as children. Her sister made her wear a pinafore, and a friend made a spectacular lopsided-on-purpose colorful mad hatter cake!

3. After you pick a good time for the mom and a theme, move on to great invitations! Tiny Prints has several fun designs for baby shower invitations, and the quality is great. Moms-to-be (and guests too) will enjoy keeping these invitations as a sweet memento.

4. Let guests be creative. See those onesies in the picture up there? When I had a shower for my friend, each guest was invited to use fabric paint to decorate a bodysuit for the baby. There were three different sizes, so the baby would have something to wear for a while -- and my friend would be reminded of all the friends she had to fall back on when she dressed her baby! It was great to see all the different designs that people came up with.

5. Serve easy food. Magazine articles have loads of great ideas for cute little fancy finger foods. If you don't mind spending hours in the kitchen, go for it! If you're hosting a shower, though, keep it simple with the food. Chances are people would rather eat something familiar to them rather than wonder what is in that strange-looking roll thingy.

6. Pour fun non-alcoholic drinks! If you have martini and margarita glasses, why not serve maternitinis and maternaritas?! Create your own concoctions or check out the book Margarita Mama: Mocktails for Moms-to-Be.

7. Decide on games vs. no games. Some people feel it's not a baby shower without games. Other people prefer not to have any games, which can still be a lot of fun. Find out what the mom wants. Whatever you do, don't play any games that make fun of the mom or make her feel uncomfortable about her size.

8. Share your thoughts with the mom. You can have each guest bring them with her on a card, write them in a journal to give to the mom-to-be later, share a mom tip out loud in a circle or even record it on video!

9. Take lots of pictures -- but don't stop there! After the shower, use services like Smilebox or Scrapblog to creatively share the pictures with the guests and also those who couldn't be there.

10. Use fun thank-you notes afterward. You can help the mom-to-be with her thank-you notes by making sure she has an accurate list of which guest gave her which gift, and also by giving her nice notes as a gift. Tiny Prints also makes great thank-you notes that you can personalize, and your pregnant friend will love this extra gift!

- - - -

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tiny
Prints blogging program, making me eligible to get a Tiny Prints gift
code worth $50, plus 25 FREE Tiny Prints greeting cards -- a total gift
value of $149.75! For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Back-to-school consignment sale in Miami helps kids with cancer

The Five Ladybugs Consignment Sale presents its Back To School Event on Friday, July 30, 4 pm to 8 pm and Saturday, July 31, 9 am to 4 pm at Sunrise Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall in Miami.

Shoppers will find everything their children need for back to school: pre-loved uniforms from many of the area's schools, sports and dance gear for after-school activities, homeschooling materials, plus clothes, toys and much more all at bargain prices.

Seasonal consignment shopping is a fast-growing trend in many parts of the country, but this will be the first of its kind in Miami. It provides a great opportunity for you to clean out your closets and make some extra money too.

Consigning is easy; just register online, price and tag the items at home. Then drop them off before the sale and collect the earnings after the sale. Unsold items as well as a portion of the sale's proceeds will benefit local nonprofit group Children Battling Cancer, Inc., a foundation that raises awareness and supports children battling cancer and their families.

Find out more at the Five Ladybugs Facebook page or e-mail thefiveladybugs@yahoo.com

SPAlapalooza!

I know lots of gals who do home parties for various products -- either they have the parties or they go to them.

One of the problems with hosting a party is having to clean your house! And set out snacks and drinks! If you're a mom, you have to figure out what to do with the kids while your party is going on. Then you have to clean up afterward!

A friend of mine took care of these problems. She is a Sensaria representative who came up with the idea of having a "home" party at the Heron Bay Country Club in Coral Springs! Ooh la la. Anyone can be a host there. All expenses are paid (food, dessert, drinks, wine)!

Join your gal pals for one big spa party where you will be pampered from head to toe with fabulous Sensaria Natural Bodycare products. If you choose to host, you can earn your favorite Sensaria products for free or half price! So, bring your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors -- or just attend as a guest.

Here are the deets:

Tuesday, June 29
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Heron Bay Country Club
Address: 11825 Heron Bay Blvd. (1st entrance to Heron Bay where Marriott Hotel is; through guard gate and on the left)
City/Town: Coral Springs, FL

Miami Munchkins storytime at Books & Books Bal Harbour

Miami Munchkins is launching its storytime series at Books & Books Bal Harbour this coming Sunday (May 2). It should be a great time – reading, crafts and a bonus giveaway! Miami Munchkins storytime will be the first Sunday of every month.

Wanna go? Visit the Books & Books at Bal Harbour (9700 Collins Avenue) on Sunday, May 2, 12:30pm. This month the book is The Thingamabob. Cute!

National Mom's Nite Out and Bump It Up May 6

The second annual National Moms Nite Out is just a week away, and I am excited! I have the chance to go to three parties for the celebration, which is next Thursday, May 6. There will be several online parties, too, so check out the official site for details.

One local party is in Ft. Lauderdale at My America's Backyard, organized in part by a friend of mine who has an awesome South Florida party favor business, Simply Something Special.

Last year, I attended the first National Moms Nite Out event at my local mall, and Coral Square is once again hosting a fun evening for moms. In fact, several Simon malls are planning a fun evening, so if there's one near you, then check it out!

For more Florida National Moms Nite Out events, click here.

Even though this next event isn't an official event connected to National Moms Nite Out, it's on the same night and it is just for expecting mothers! It's been 10 months since my baby was born (SOB!), but it would be hard to pass up the Bump It Up event in Ft. Lauderdale. Style expert, author and South Florida native Amy Tara Koch presents her new preggo style bible, "Bump It Up: Transform Your Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement." Partygoers will enjoy pampering mini-spa treatments, a "cravings" snack bar, cupcakes, wine and mocktails, suites by top baby brands and a special fashion presentation by Amy herself. And gift bags for everyone. It all happens at the posh W Fort Lauderdale, at the third-floor Living Room.



Whatever you do, moms, on May 6, spend some time kicking up your heels a little!