Last Free Sunday

What: Free Sundays in August
Who: All Ages
When: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
How Much: Free

Don't forget that this Sunday is the last Sunday in August, which means it's the last time you can get into Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens for free. I posted about Fairchild here. It's a great place for the kids.

Palmetto General Hospital Back-to-School Blast

(Another great event from a reader. Thanks. Now you are doing all the work for me. )

What: Palmetto General Hospital Back-to-School Blast

When: Saturday, August 29, 2008; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Palmetto General Hospital, 2001 West 68th Street, Hialeah

How Much: Free

RSVP for this event, please call 1-800-522-5292

The Back-to-School Blast is a FREE community family event that aims to ensure parents and children are ready to head back to school by providing free health information and services, as well as useful information and fun activities for the family, such as the Teddy Bear clinic (bring your favorite teddy bear), games, giveaways, and face painting.

Pediatrician, Dr. Doris Aguilar, will be hosting seminars for parents on Childhood Obesity Prevention (English 11am / Spanish 11:30am) and Keeping Your Child Healthy Throughout the School Year (English 12 noon / Spanish 12:30).

OB/GYN, Victoria Garcia will be hosting seminars on Girls and Puberty Changes (English 10am / Spanish 10:30am).

Parents can also pick up healthy eating tips provided by the American Heart Association. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will also be doing car seat checks, child identification cards and will have their safety van on display. In addition to the car seat checks, attendees can obtain proper car safety equipment from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for their children by making a $10 donation (for Booster seats) or a $20 donation (for infant seats) to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Operation Robot Days

What: Robots: The Interactive Exhibition
When: August 27 & 28, 2009
Where: Museum of Discovery and Science
How Much: Kids free
Contact: Jody Ligas, 954.713.0904

(I got the following info from a reader. Thanks!!
Please call and find out the details before you go.)

Ford has partnered with the Museum of Discovery and Science to bring Operation Robot Days to the Museum on August 27 & 28, 2009. Children 12 and under will receive free exhibit admission to see the traveling summer exhibit Robots: An Interactive Exhibition, witness a science demonstration from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Robots: The Interactive Exhibition, on display at the Museum through September 7, captures the fun and artistry of the 20^th Century Fox animated film Robots and translates it into an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family. The exhibit will generate excitement about the science and future of robots, while ultimately answering the question, “What really is a robot?”

The Museum is open seven days a week, 365 days a year; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. with extended IMAX® hours on most evenings. General Admission prices are $15 for adults; $14 for seniors; $12 for children 2 to 12. Children under 2 are free.

Get Creative at Cafe Bambini

What: Artistic Fun Day
When: Thursday, August 27 at 4:00 pm
Where: Cafe Bambini in Aventura
How much: Free for first ten children, $8 everyone else

Café Bambini & Creative Minds have joined together to bring the community an fun artistic day. This Thursday, August 27 at 4:00 pm children will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their creative, artistic talents.

In addition, as an inauguration incentive, Creative Minds will donate the first ten plaster pieces to the first ten children to show up to the event. Soon after, Creative Minds will offer two plaster pieces for an incredible discount price of $8.00.

If you have never been to Cafe Bambini, you need to go. It's a modern indoor playground in Aventura. It's small, but they have great toys for the kids and the food is delicious.

Best Back to School Deals

Check out this link for best back to school deals from Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap (one of my favorite spots on the web).

The Last Weekend

This is the weekend before SCHOOL starts again....Let's make it a good one. Here are some things I thought may interest you:

What: Kids Konvention
Who: All Ages
When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Coral Square Mall in Coral Springs
How Much: Free

Kids Konvention in Coral Square Mall offers all kinds of kid-related exhibits, giveaways, and performances. Sounds interesting to me. This is a Saturday and Sunday event.

What: A Bug's Eye View
Who: All Ages
When: Sunday, Aug. 23, 2-3 pm
Where: Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach
How Much: $3 (exact change, please)

I am a firm believer that the more you expose kids to nature, the happier they will be. For this reason, I'm constantly on the lookout for nature activities and some of my favorite places in Broward are the four incredible nature centers we have. Tomorrow, at 2 pm there is a great program called "A Bug's Eye View" at Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach. This is what the calendar says about the event: Discover what critters live in and around the nature center's Butterfly Island with hands-on exploration and a movie.

P.S. Don't forget about the fun Back to School events happening at Whole Foods this weekend and next weekend.

The Best of Miami/Fort Lauderdale

Nick's Parents Connect conducted this great survey, Parents' Picks Awards 2009, where local parents got to select some of their favorite spots, services, and products in South Florida. I concur with most of the selections. For example, A Latte Fun was selected as Best Kid's Party Place, Quiet Waters Park got Best Park/Playground and Jungle Island is Best Tourist Spot. Also, congrats to Tropic of Mom for winning Best Local Blog. I would have liked for there to be two winners in that category and to have it include The Work/Life Balancing Act.
However, there is one selection on the survey I object to. Best Bookstore. It totally should have been Books and Books. No contest. I think Barnes and Noble got it. Not that I have anything against Barnes and Noble. Cool place. But, Books and Books is just not even on the same level. Come on. I wrote all about Books and Books here. Anyway, check out the other categories. Congrats to all the winners.

Win 4 Tickets to Disco Kids on Sept. 12th

What: Disco Kids - Family Dance Party
When: Saturday, Sept. 12th, 1-4pm
Who: Kids 6 months to 8 years old (and their parents)
Where: Revolution Live, Fort Lauderdale
How Much: $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $40 for family four-pack if you buy the tickets online

Back in February, my mom and I took Karina to a Baby Loves Disco event. Technically, we were 'sneaking her in" because she was too young. She was only 4 months old at the time and the age "to get in" was 6 months to 8 years. Luckily, they weren't checking IDs that day. It was a super fun party. And now, though Baby Loves Disco decided to leave the South Florida market, Ellen, a local mom, has created Disco Kids. (To me, that's even better, because I love supporting local moms). Disco Kids is an afternoon family-friendly celebration hosted at a night club where kids dance and play, while their parents dance and play. Good thinking, right? The grand opening shindig will be on Saturday, Sept. 12th at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale. Parents and kids will be rocking from 1-4 pm. And Ellen is donating 4 tickets to readers of this blog. All you have to do is answer the following question in the comments section:

What type of kids activities would you like to see at a Disco Kids Event?

I'll announce the winner on Tuesday, September 1st. I select the winner using random.org. Good luck!

Win a $25 Gift Certifcate to Learning Express Toys of Sunrise

In order to win, you may answer either one or both of the following questions in the comments section below:

What's a good place to have a children's birthday party? Do you have any tips or advice for hosting a birthday or do you know any great activities or themes for a kid's party?

I select the winner using random.org. Good luck. I will announce the winner Saturday, Sept. 5th.

And the Winner is ...

TIFF (comment 4) - You won 4 tickets to Miami Children's Museum (a $60 value). Congratulations! Please email me so that I may get the tickets over to you. Keep reading. Everyone, I have a new giveaway starting today. Good luck.

Tillie's Masterpieces

What: Family Day (Theme -"Be Like Tillie")
When: Sunday, Aug. 16th, gallery open 12-4 pm, arts and crafts 1-3pm
Where: The Art Center of Hollywood
How Much: Free

Tillamook (Tillie) Cheddar is a world-class artist who has had 19 solo exhibitions in the United States and Europe. She uses a dynamic color transfer technique to create her work. She is described as "A Masterpiece of conceptualism" and has been featured on Good Morning America, Inside Edition, and Fox News Live, to name a few. Currently, you can relish in her work at The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. BTW, in case you didn't know, Tillie is a 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. That's right, a dog. So it's art the kids are sure to dig. I mean, a doggy did it, how cute is that? This Sunday, you can check out her art for free during a Family Day at the art center. (Prices are usually $7 for adults, $4 for students, seniors and children ages 4-13, and free to children under 4 when accompanied by an adult.) On Sunday, the gallery will be open free of charge from 12-4 pm. From 1-3 pm, the kids can also participate in a free hands-on art activity titled "Be Like Tillie", where they can emulate Tillie's innovative technique and create their own masterpiece to take home. After all, if a dog can do it...

Get on Board with Ms. Peanut Butter at Learning Express

What: Ms. Peanut Butter and Elmo and Dora
When: Thursday, Aug. 13th 11 am and Sunday, Aug. 16th 11 am
Where: Learning Express Toys of Sunrise
How Much: Free

Learning Express Toys of Sunrise is a treasure box of family-friendly fun. The owners of this place have the right idea. This toy store has great activities on an almost-weekly basis. For example, this Thursday, Ms. Peanut Butter will be there at 11 am. Ms. Peanut Butter is an engaging and energetic children's entertainer who puts on a charming little show with her buddy Jelly, the Monkey, where kids play, dance, listen, and enjoy some bubbles. I participated in her free, weekly Mommy and Me class at Baby Love in Tamarac, and I image she does something similar at Learning Express. K warmed up to Ms. Peanut Butter very quickly. She was delighted during the performance.
Remember, Ms. Julie will be there on Saturday at 11 am. And on Sunday at 11 am, Elmo and Dora will be coming by. There is no doubt in my mind that they are a big hit with the kids.
The toy store offers a great selection for all ages. My husband and I like to take K on lazy, Sunday afternoons when there isn't much to do and just walk around and explore the aisles of books, favors, little cars, dolls, knickknacks, games, etc. The other day I saw the Twilight Turtle Constellation Nightlight and I think I'm going to buy it for K. The staff at the store is always welcoming and friendly.
Part of the charm of every toy store is the nostalgia it conjures of our own childhood. They are innocent, playful places. The little girl in me is drawn to oodles of toys and games. And the mom in me gladdens at the sight of K's smiling baby face as she participates in the activities they offer.
BTW, there are Learning Express Toys all over the place. Some other locations are Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, and Boca.

Back to School Fun at Whole Foods

What: Back to School Events
When: August (See below)
Where: Whole Foods (Plantation, Coral Springs, and Aventura)
How Much: Free

It's no secret that I'm a Whole Foods fan. And now that I'm a mom, forget about it! I love them even more. Check out the great back to school events they have going on this month at the stores in Plantation and Coral Springs:

Kids Club - Back to School Lunchbox Planning (Coral Springs Store)

Saturday, August 22nd and Sunday, Aug.23rd
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Hey kids, be the envy of all your friends this school year. Learn hands-on how to make these tasty lunch solutions for any day of the week. Register now at customer service for each demonstration.

August 22, 11am - Chicken Wraps

August 22, 1pm - Yummy Hummus

August 22, 3pm - Nutty Buddies

August 23, 1pm - Party Pasta

August 23, 3pm - Loony Tuna

Back to School Taste (Plantation Store)
Saturday, August 29
12-3pm
Stop by our store and taste some great products perfect for back to school and also enjoy some kid friendly presentations in our café. To top it off My Massage Corner will be giving a free 5 minute massage with any $20 purchase in the store.
1-2pm • Parent/Child Sing Along
A music instructor from NSU's Mailman Segal Institute will be teaching us sing along songs your children will love.
2-3pm • Cookie Decorating with Cookies by Shar!
Join Shar, one of our local vendors, who will be helping kids decorate cookies for school.
If you would like to attend either of these presentations, please make reservation at Customer Service, class size is limited. 954.236.0600

Yummy in My Tummy

What: Organic Baby and Toddler Food
Where: 13770 West State Road 84, Davie and online store
How Much: Food - about $1 or $2 per portion
Phone: 954-358-2414

I am a foodie. When I finish breakfast, I start contemplating lunch: guacamole, hummus, turkey sandwich, mmm...? If I'm having a bad day, I daydream about gallo pinto or a juice burger with crunchy fries. One of the my most relaxing activities is zoning out to someone chopping and dicing on the Food Network. I savor capers, artichokes, and olives. And I can probably tell you where there's a Thai restaurant in your city. My husband says I'm obsessed. But I know it's genetic. Once, someone said that it's cheaper to buy the women in my family diamonds than it is to feed us. A blissful moment for me was the day I had to give K some prune juice (hear me out). She was four months old and, as she downed the bottle, licked her lips, and cried for more, I knew a had a baby foodie on my hands. She enjoys trying new flavors, even unusual things, just like her mommy.
And my baby foodie is into Yummy in My Tummy. The owners, Michael and Karen, are a mom and dad team who provide the highest quality organic baby and toddler food. The store is clean, organized, and the staff is always sweet. I have to admit, I buy food for myself when I visit. One of my favorites is the scrumptious mac and cheese, not salty and artificial, but creamy and authentic. Besides the delicious food, they sell all kinds of eco-friendly products, like utensils, bibs, sippy cups, etc. I recently found out that they do "tastings" for groups where you can sample the food and get a discount on what you purchase that day. When you go, buy yourself a little cup of Dutch Apple. Trust me.

Mr. Blue's Water Safety Puppet Show

What: Puppet Show
Who: 1 to 7 year-olds (my opinion)
When: Saturday, Aug. 15th, 11 am (for additional dates see below)
Where: Learning Express Toys of Sunrise (for additional locations see below)
How Much: Free

My good friend and I took our fidgety 10 month-olds to a puppet show this weekend at the Learning Express Toys of Coral Springs. The store itself is worth checking out. The staff is so friendly and the store has an incredible selection of toys for all ages. The show was all about Mr. Blue, a fish who forgets how to swim. His friends teach him water safety lessons as they get him back in the water. K watched was enthralled from beginning to end. She did not move. The puppets were a hit with the audience. The audience members varied in age from baby to about 6 or 7 year-olds. The creator is Julie, a private swimming instructor who will have your little one swimming in less than a week. She travels all over Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Julie is likable, honest, and passionate about water safety, swimming, and kids. My friend and I purchased the story book about about Mr. Blue, which also comes with a DVD. A meaningful moment for me was when (after the show) a father told a personal story of how he had put swimming lessons on the back burner and later got a phone call about his daughter being in the hospital after an incident when she almost drowned. His daughter is now happily swimming after lessons with Miss Julie. When you live on a peninsula, swimming lessons aren't just fun, they can be a real life saver. Here are some other upcoming shows:

August 10th at 3pm
Boynton Beach Library
208 South Seacrest Blvd.
Boynton Bch Blvd, 33435
561-742-6883
Contact Person: Ms. Cheryl Fishman
www.boyntonlibrary.org

August 29th at 11am
Learning Express Toy Store
4425 Lyons Road
Coconut Creek, 33073
954-773-8509
www.coconutcreek.learningexpress-toys.com

Books, a Baseball Hero, and a Piece of the Moon

What: Special Collection Book Fair, Moon Rock Exhibit, and Roberto Clemente Exhibit
Who: All ages
When: The book fair is Aug. 7th and exhibits are ongoing
Where: Main Library, Fort Lauderdale
How Much: Most books are $1 and exhibits are free

Tomorrow, the Fort Lauderdale Friends of the Library are having their monthly First Friday Special Collection Book Fair at the Main Branch. This is when they put out the best donated books. Most books are about $1. I went a couple of days ago (not on a book fair day) and bought myself Under the Tuscan Sun and Wuthering Heights. I spent $1.25. Total. Both copies are in perfect condition. Remember, they also have magazines, DVDs, children's books, etc.
If you visit the Main Branch, please don't forget to stop by the 6th floor. They currently have two great exhibits. The first is a little piece of the actual moon, donated by an astronaut's wife. It's pretty cool to think that you are looking at a particle that was previously floating in space. At the display, they have free materials for the kids to take home, like posters and stickers. The other exhibit is an Smithsonian traveling showcase on the life of Roberto Clemente, my favorite baseball player ever. He was a Puerto Rican humanitarian whose plane disappeared as he was on his way to donate goods to Nicaraguan earthquake victims. His life story is inspirational and, man, a great role model for kids today. Have the little ones go on this great bilingual website, to learn more about on my the coolest, sweetest men to ever play baseball.

Back to School, Back to Reality

What: Back to School Splash - Family friendly exhibitors, performances, and activities like paddle boats, water games, hands-on crafts, and face painting.
Who: All ages
When: August 8 - 9, 2009 from noon to 5 p.m
Where: The Falls
How Much: Free

The end of summer is never easy for kids. Good bye, fun. Hello, school. This year, I feel their pain more than ever. I'm going back to work for the first time since K was born, almost 10 months ago. I'm making a conscious effort to have a positive attitude. Would I love to stay home with K? Abso-freaking-lutely! Did I want to go shopping for work pants that are a size too big because I still haven't lost my baby weight? I would rather pull out my eyelashes one by one. Oh, sorry, I forgot. Good attitude. Let's see, I do miss my work friends and I do love my school. And I'm convinced that the universe is going to bless me with great students this year. I'll let you know. Anyway, change is inevitable. It's constant. How I deal with it sets an example for K. And I want her to be flexible, independent, and, most importantly, happy. I'm committed to being the best mom I can be, whether I'm staying home or working, and that has to count for something. Right?
I wanted to share this with you: Back to School Splash at The Falls. Because going back to school is a great new beginning, when you have the right attitude. It's a new opportunity to start fresh, make new friends, and it's the perfect way to discover how strong you really are, how capable you are of appreciating new adventures. Because in the end, you always have the choice to make your life more difficult, or to let go, have faith, and embrace change.