Lolliposh Upscale Consignment Sale

What: Lolliposh Upscale Consignment Sale and Bazaar
Who: All Ages
When: Saturday, October 16th, 9am - 2 pm
Where: Levin Gymnasium @ the Soref JCC, 6501 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation

I was a little nostalgic this evening putting K to bed. Before placing her in the crib, we hugged longer than usual. Part of the reason is that my baby shower was exactly one year ago. The other part is that the reality of her upcoming first birthday finally settled into reality for me today. Right after K's bedtime, I scrolled through my baby shower pics and relived that sweet day when so many people shared and gave special presents to our blossoming family.
These days, most of the gifts come from mommy and daddy. =) This is one of the reasons I'm always looking for quality baby/kids products at a great price and Lolliposh is one of my most successful finds to date. Lolliposh is an upscale consignment sale which happens about once every four to five months. They sell everything from clothes, to shoes, to toys, to furniture, etc. I went to the last sale and found adorable clothes from Gap, Children's Place, and Gymboree in excellent condition at incredible prices. If you are interested, you can also consign your clothes with them. It's a good way to make some extra cash.
I highly recommend this sale. In my opinion, it's a must-do for parents who love high quality at a low cost. Although they have special activities for the kids, I recommend leaving them at home, if possible. It gets super busy and it's so much easier to shop without them. That's just my suggestion. Also, make sure to get there as early as possible. I was shocked to see how early all "the good stuff" was snatched.

One more thing, you can win passes to the exclusive, private Friday evening (6 pm to 8 pm) pre-sale right here, right now. See and buy before everyone else!

Just answer the question in the comments section below:
What is your favorite brand of children's clothes or children's toys?
I'll announce the winner on Monday, Oct. 5th.

Pay for One Day, Get One Year

What: Get a yearly pass for the price of a one-day pass
Who: South Florida residents
Where: Jungle Island
When: Now through September 30th

This is an incredible deal. Think about those South Florida winters days when the air is crisp and clean and pleasant cool breezes and cloudless skies remind you of why you live here in the first place. How nice is it going to be to have those yearly passes in November?

Be a Rock Star!

What: Guitar Hero Contest

Who: All Ages

When: Saturday, Sept. 26th, 7 pm

Where: Scoop of Heaven Ice Cream Parlor

Besides the divine ice cream treats, Scoop of Heaven offers fun-filled family events, like the Guitar Hero contest they are hosting this weekend. It's your opportunity to rock out and show off your skills. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners. So go party like a rock star.

And the Winner is ...

Heliana, you won 4 tickets to Busy Bee Kidz in Cooper City. Congrats! It's an awesome place for the little ones.

I Wish for Free Ice Cream

What: World's Largest Ice Cream Social
Who: All Ages
When: Thursday, Sept. 24th, 5 - 8 pm
Where: Cold Stone Creamery

Score some free ice cream this Thursday from 5 to 8 pm when you visit Cold Stone Creamery. The best part is that when you choose to make a donation, your money will go to the Make A Wish Foundation. Enjoy!

Entry to Metro Zoo is Free this Saturday!

What: Smithsonian Magazine Free Museum Day
Who: Two people per household, all ages
When: Saturday, Sept. 26th

Smithsonian Magazine is hosting a free museum day this Saturday. You need to download a card here. Provide some information about yourself and then receive free admission to many local museums and cultural venues. Below is a list of some participating places. Please call before you go to make sure they are still participating:

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Hollywood
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood
Hollywood
Bass Museum of Art
Miami
Boca Raton Museum of Art
Boca Raton
Cason Cottage Historic House Museum
Delray Beach
Coral Springs Museum of Art
Coral Springs
Historical Museum of Southern Florida
Miami
International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum
Fort Lauderdale
Lowe Art Museum
Coral Gables
Miami Art Museum
Miami
Miami Metrozoo
Miami
Norton Museum of Art
West Palm Beach
The Frost Art Museum
Miami
The Wolfsonian - FIU
Miami Beach

Peanut Butter and Jelly Time

What: Ms. Peanut Butter
When and When: Thursday, Sept. 24th at 10:30 am at Learning Express Toys of Sunrise
(954) 846-8697
Where and When: Saturday, Sept. 26th at 10:30 am at Baby Love
(954)720-2300
How Much: Free, call to reserve a spot

Miss Peanut Butter is an engaging and energetic children's entertainer who puts on a charming show where kids play, dance, listen, sing along to music, and enjoy some bubbles.

This Thursday she will be at Learning Express Toys of Sunrise. This store is a treasure box of family-friendly fun with amusing activities on an almost-weekly basis.
On Saturday, she will be at Baby Love in Tamarac. This is extrordinary news for all working moms like me! Now our little ones can still see Miss Peanut Butter, even if our weekday calendars are booked with less exciting activities these days, like bringing home the bacon.

BTW, there are Learning Express Toys all over the place. Some other locations are Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, and Boca.

Your Library Card is Your Ticket

What: Family Tour and Story Time at the Museum
When: Saturday, Sept. 26th, 2 - 4 pm
Where: The Museum of Art - Fort Lauderdale
How Much: Free for kids with a Broward County library card, regular museum admission for adults ($10)

The Museum of Art - Fort Lauderdale is opening its doors to families this Saturday. They are hosting 'Stories and Sketching with Spring Raulerson'. This event will begin with a family tour of the museum and continue with the reading of a story. Afterward, all budding artist can sketch in the galleries to celebrate the opening of the Glackens as Illustrator Exhibit. Even if you're not a library-card-carrying-member, you can sign up to get one at the museum that day.

And the Winners are ...

Zach and Ana, you each won a family-four pack of tickets to Alice's Tea Party this Saturday, Sept. 26th from noon to 4 pm at Young at Art Children's Museum. Congratulations!

Everyone is invited. There will be face painting, arts and crafts, and all sorts of fun. And even if you didn't win the tickets, you can still get in free to this great event. All you need to do is dress as a Wonderland character.

Deals4Moms

What: Discounts on services and products (and a chance to win a hotel stay in September)
Who: All Ages
Where: Many of my favorites like Yummy in my Tummy, Busy Bee, Lessons with Julie, Lolliposh, and so much more

Deals4Mom is a must-visit virtual destination for all moms who are looking for real useful discounts. It's a collection of valuable family-oriented businesses who are offering moms a break on much-needed services and products. And trust me, we could all use a break right about now. You can find a free one-hour play pass and a $44 one-hour massage. There are discounts on swim lessons and baby signing classes. If you're trying to get in shape, check out the mom fitness free classes or the discounted gym memberships. Deals4Moms encourages all of its sponsors to donate their advertising dollars to 4KIDS of South Florida. 4KIDS receives 100% of their contribution. 4KIDS is a child welfare agency dedicated to meeting the needs of foster care children.
I know Tera, the woman who created Deals4Moms, and she is an amazing and kind human being. Not only is she bringing a great service to moms, she's helping to provide for children who truly need someone to care. It's a win-win. And you could literally win big in September if you join Deals4Moms' email list. The prize is a two-night South Florida hotel stay. I made sure to join because I would love, love a mini-vacation.

Free Fridays at MODS

What: Free Ford Fridays
Who: All Ages
When: Sept. 18th and 25th, 10 am - 5pm
Where: Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale
How Much: Free

One of the best places in South Florida for kids is the Museum of Discovery and Science. It has tons of interactive exhibits. You can find the largest living Atlantic coral reef in captivity and a great exhibit on the Everglades, among many others. The Discovery Center is also designed especially for children under seven. For the last two Fridays in September, you may now enjoy all of this free of charge.

A Cafe au Play: Tailor-Made for the Littlest Ones

What: Grand Opening of A Cafe au Play
Who: Infants - 5 year-olds
When: Sunday, Sept. 20th, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: 12335 Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines
Phone Number: 954.367.3491
How Much: Free on Sunday the 20th, $12 open play on regular days

One of the downsides of visiting indoor playgrounds/playspaces is the idea of having your tiny baby trampled by busy, game-involved older children. Not that older children mean to do this, but it happens. Also, the last thing you want is to fork over your hard-earned cash for the entrance fee, only to find out that they really don't have many age-appropriate toys or activities for the youngest member of the family . This is why A Cafe au Play is getting my attention. It is a playspace dedicated for the younger crowd, infants to five year-olds. This Sunday is their Open House. From 10 am to 2 pm, mommies and tots can scope out the place free of charge. There will also be giveaways and refreshments. Sounds promising. Will see what the mouths of babes have to say.

A Day for Children

What: Children's Health Fair
Who: For ages birth–15 years
When: Sunday, September 13, 2009, 11:00a.m.–5:00p.m.
Where: NSU’s ALVIN SHERMAN LIBRARY, Located on NSU’s main campus, off University Drive and S.W. 30th Avenue
How Much: Free

This is going to be informational, helpful, and fun. I think this is an incredible event for families.

FREE health screenings for hearing and balance, vision, speech-language, dental health, medical, and more Social services and other resources to meet children’s behavioral needs

FREE games, bounce house, storybook characters, and supervised sports activities

FREE food

FREE fingerprinting and identification cards from the Broward Sheriffs Office and Crimestoppers

FREE safety and installation demonstration of child car seats by SafeKids Broward and the Davie Fire Department

No registration necessary. Just show up with your children.
For more information, call (954) NSU-CARE (678-2273)

Win 4 Passes to Alice's Wordenland Tea Party at Young at Art

What: Alice's Wonderland Tea Party
Who: All Ages
When: September 26th, noon to 4 pm
Where: Young at Art, 11584 West State Road 84, Davie
How Much: Free if you win the 4 passes, come dressed as an Alice in Wonderland character, or are under 2 years of age, otherwise it's $8

Young at Art Children's Museum is throwing Alice a tea party and you are invited. In addition to the exhibit, there will be art activities, games, face painting, stories and more. The party is to say goodbye to Alice's Wonderland: A Most Curious Adventure exhibit. Remember, even if you don't win the passes, you can still get in free if you dress up as an Alice in Wonderland character. Don't be late to this very important date.
The museum also offers other permanent wonderful exhibits. You can read a little more about the museum here.

In order to win the passes to the tea party, answer the following question in the comments:

What is your favorite children's book or your favorite children's book character?

I will announce the winner on Saturday, Sept. 19th. Good luck.

How Much Ice Cream Can You Eat?

What: Ice Cream Eating Contest
Who: All Ages
When: Saturday, September 12th, 7:30 pm
Where: Scoop of Heaven, 11392 W State Road 84, Davie
How Much: $10 to enter the contest, free to watch people stuff their face

If you think you can consume 15 scoops of ice cream with toppings and whipped cream faster than most people you know, this is the contest for you. Scoop of Heaven is hosting a fun-filled ice cream gobble-down this Saturday. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. You never know. Maybe you are the next ice cream-devouring champion. If so, your picture will go on the wall and everyone will recognize you as the supreme ice-cream eater, a rightfully earned title. And hey, even if you're not planning on stuffing you face for the tournament, don't you think it might be entertaining to watch? I do.

Curious George Fans, Listen Up

What: Curiosity Day Party
Who: All Ages
Where: Books & Books, Coral Gables
When: Saturday, Sept. 12th, I need to find out the time
How Much: Free

In honor of the birthday of H. A. Rey, the creator of the beloved children's book icon Curious George, Books & Books is having a Curiosity Day Party at the Coral Gables store. Curious George himself will be there – along with his buddy, the Man in the Yellow Hat – and kids can have their photos taken with Curious George.

There will also be activities throughout the store designed to bring out the curious nature in your little ones –
Curious George Story Time with the renowned and beloved Jeanne
The Jumping Tree: Are You Curious How High You Can Jump?
Curiosity Boxes: What’s Inside?
Coloring and activity stations, treats and more

Take a Bite Out of the Library

What: Take a Bite Out of the Library Fall Kickoff Bash
Who: All Ages
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: NSU's Alvin Sherman Library
How Much: Free

In celebration of National Library Card Sign-Up Month, NSU's Alvin Sherman Library will host a "Take a Bite Out of the Library" fall kickoff bash.

This FREE fun-filled afternoon will give participants the chance to:
* Meet Elmo and Princess Reads-A-Lot from 1-2 p.m.
* Groove at Mr. Brian and the Boppets' Rock and Roll puppet show at 2 p.m.
* Get help from NSU Cheerleaders and mascot Razor to sign up for library cards from 1-3 p.m.
* Win special prizes such as tickets to the Broward Center for Performing Arts' Family Fun Series and the Sesame Street Live Elmo's Green Thumb show.

While at the bash, don't forget to sign up for Sharkey's Reading Club, which lets participants set reading goals and collect a new prize each month after reaching their target. Any child can join the club with an Alvin Sherman Library card.

As a special treat, those curious about their roots can also visit the Ancestors Roadshow table from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for a free genealogy consultation to learn how to find out about your family's tree.

After the kickoff bash, teens are also invited to the "Get Carded" Back-to-School Dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Show your Alvin Sherman Library card or completed application to get into the party, for a night of dancing to hot DJ mixes and hanging with friends.

Ready, Set, Write - Fine Motors Skills Class

What: Ready, Set, Write - Fine Motors Skills Class
Who and When:
MONDAYS
2:45 - 3:30 - Strong Writers (3rd & 4th grade)
3:45- 4:30 - Established Writers (1st & 2nd grade)
4:45-5:30 - Beginning Writers (kindergarten)
How much: $140.00 for a 7 week session
Where: Red Wagon Toy Store, 9715 West Sample Road, Coral Springs
Phone Number: 954.575.7878


I received this email from Red Wagon Toy Store. I wanted to share the info with you because it seems like a great class. The classes already started, but it seems to me that you can still sign up. Obviously, you will need to contact them. This is the information:

Your child will engage in age appropriate fun and educational fine motor activities including hand strengthening, handwriting, cutting and coloring. Help your children improve their skills or simply give them a JUMP START into their academic future. Classes will run from August 31st - October 26th (there will be no class on 9/7 or 9/28). Classes run by licensed and experienced occupational therapists.

Please call Jennifer Guttenberg, OTR/L at 954-536-6715 or Dana Ball MS, OTR/L at (954)536-4101.You may also reserve your spot on-line by emailing your request to jguttenberg@bellsouth.net. Be sure you receive an email or phone confirmation.

Miami Children's Museum Family Carnival

What: Family Carnival
Who: All Ages
When: Sunday, Sept. 13th, 1 - 6 pm
Where: Miami Children's Museum, Watson Island, Miami Beach
How much: $35 for children (1 – 12 years), $50 for adults (13+ years)

This carnival event will be celebrated in conjunction with MCM’s 6th Birthday on Watson Island. Whether you explore the Museum’s 14 galleries, visit one of the specialty booths, play some carnival games, or visit the Big Bazaar, you and your family are bound to have a blast! Proceeds from this event will benefit arts & education programming at MCM.

UNDER THE BIG TOP
Games, activities, a big BBQ & more! You won't want to miss the fun. There are even great prizes to be won! Sponsors include: Vitamin Water, ice cream by Farm Stores, and soft frozen lemonades by Del's Lemonade.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MCM!
It's the Museum's 6th Birthday too! Wear your party hat and eat some cake with MiChiMu, MCM's mascot.

SERENITY LOUNGE
Ahhh….this spot sponsored by Bloomingdale's, will include beverages by Starbucks, and pampering for the adults!

GRANDPARENT'S CORNER
Celebrate National Grandparent’s Day with special activities sponsored by Baby Abuelita®, giveaways and a commemorative photo! Also sponsored by Humana.

LITTLE MASTERS
A one of a kind experience! Work with Miami artists, like our friends at Ruthless & Toothless, Alex Yanes, Daniel Marin, and MCM’s own Artist-in-Residence, Guillermo Piloto. Take home your own masterpiece!

CIRCUS ACTS
Test your agility, walk the balance beam, play the ball toss bonanza, and climb Mt. MiChiMu, the Museum's rock wall – all 30 feet! – and get fit!

BIG BAZAAR
Shop for a special gift & bid on some special items at the auction.

PLUS...
Gift Bags by I Am the Maven, face-painting, clowns, magic, balloon art, pony rides & much more!

Win 4 Passes to Busy Bee Kidz ($60 Value)

In order to win the 4 passes to Busy Bee Kidz Interactive Play and Party Center (one of my favorite indoor playgrounds) all you need to do is answer the following question:

Moms and dads, what are your time-saving tricks and tips?

Now that I am a working mom, I have so little time in my life. I'm sure I'm not the only parent with this concern. =) Everyone, please share your time-saving tricks and tips with the readers of this cool blog.

(I'll announce the winner on Thurs. Sept. 25th. I use random.org to select the winner.)

Puppets, Art, and Sensory Fun at Cafe Bambini

What: Puppet Show by Sarah & Friends
Who: 1 - 6 years old (my opinion)
When: Monday, Sept. 7th
Where: Cafe Bambini, Aventura
How Much: $10, includes unlimited open play after the show (open play is usually $5 on regular days, i.e. non-puppet show days)

I believe that Cafe Bambini is one of the cleanest indoor playgrounds in South Florida. While it's not a large play space, it has another huge perk - great food and gelato for everyone. Besides having periodic puppet shows, they now also offer these fun events:

Parents and their babies (birth to 13 months) can now enjoy award winning Baby Sensory classes at with Miss Carolina 10am Thursday mornings, first class FREE trial!

“Artistic Thursdays”, 4pm at hosted by Creative Minds. $5 one piece of plaster $8 for two pieces.

Labor Day Family Splash and Craft Show

What: Labor Day Family Splash and Craft Show
Who: All Ages

Where: Pine Island Park Aquatic Center (3800 S.W. 92 Avenue), Davie

When: Monday, September 7, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Pool Splash! Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Arts & Crafts Fair (front lawn)

Noon

Petting Farm

Free Climbing Wall

Free Bounce Houses and Slide

DJ Music by the pool (to 4:30pm)

12:30 p.m.

Jimmy Jam Cloggers

2:00 p.m.

Billie Joe Bob Youth Show

2:30 p.m.

Puppet Show

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Pool Party Spash Continues (weather permitting)

Free Movies (in building)

1/2 Price Admission at Flamingo Gardens

What: 1/2 Price Admission at Flamingo Gardens: Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary
Who: All Ages
When: Labor Day - Sept. 7th and Grandparents Day - Sept. 13th
Where: Davie
How Much: 1/2 price admission is $8.50 ages 12 and up, $4.25 children 4-11, children under 4 are free, not valid with any other offer

We visited Flamingo Gardens back in July. While it was hot, hot, hot, we still had a wonderful time. Lush tree canopies provide sweet shade in almost all parts of the park. We watched the Wildlife Show and one of the highlights was the story of a friendly little owl who is being rehabilitated at the Gardens. I would also recommend taking the narrated tram tour, $4 for adults, $3 for children (4-11), and free for anyone 4 and under. It was K's first tram ride and she got a kick out of the wind blowing in her hair. On the tram, we had access to parts of the sanctuary that you don't otherwise get to see and you learn some great plant and wildlife facts on the way. The best days to visit Flamingo Gardens are during "special events" because they have 1/2 price admission. Check out the calendar of events on their website for additional events and discounts throughout the year.

And the Winner is ...

Laura, you won a $25 gift certificate to Learning Express Toys in Sunrise. Congratulations!

Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children

What: Children's Concerts
Who: All Ages (It is a concert, so use your discretion)
When: Various Sundays at 3 pm, see website link for schedule
Where: Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables
How Much: Adult $12, Child $10

Exposing children of all ages to music, is not only fun, but it's also so good for their brains and their hearts. In this busy world of computers, video games, and TV, how nice would it be to go to a musical concert especially created to delight and entertain the little ones? And what a quality bonding experience for the whole family. How about if after the concert the kiddos got to go to an ABC party (that's for Apple juice, Balloons and Cookies) and visit a musical instrument petting zoo? If any of this is sounds good to you, check out Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children in Coral Gables. One of the shows I'm looking forward to is Peter and the Wolf on November 8th.

The website says that the hour-long children's concerts are an informal and friendly introduction to the exciting world of music, song and dance. Fun is the first step to music appreciation and that's what these concerts are all about. Audience participation and interaction is part of the musical fun providing children with experiences that will last a lifetime. There’s no better way to encourage the love of music than by introducing children to the music and the musicians who make the magic happen!

I got this information from my music teacher friend Lisa at Wee Wiggle and Sing. She offers music classes for babies, toddlers, and kids.

And the Winner is ...

Stephania, you won four tickets to the Grand Opening of Disco Kids on September 12th from 1-4 pm at Revolution Live. Congratulations!

Everyone, I'm still giving away a $25 gift certificate to Learning Express Toys in Sunrise. Visit this post and leave a comment. You can still win.

Goofles Ice and Custard

What: Kids Night Specials and Entertainment by Miss Peanut Butter
Who: All Ages
When: Tuesdays in September, 6-8 pm
Where: Goofles Ice and Custard

I don't know about you, but every once in a while, I just need a sweet treat. Anything chocolate is my number one favorite, but ice cream, gelato, custard, frozen yogurt, all those are a close second. I've never been to Goofles Ice and Custard, but I'm definitely willing to give it a try. And a good time to visit would be on a Tuesday, because they have all kinds of specials for the kiddos and Miss Peanut Butter provides the entertainment. I posted all about Miss Peanut Butter here. She puts on a wonderful high-energy, sweet-hearted, fun-loving show for the little ones.

Take a Hike, Go to the Museum, or Get Some Free Grub

What: Full Moon Hike
Who: All Ages
When: Friday, September 4th, 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: Long Key Nature Center
How Much: $3 per person, Preregistration is required by the day before the event

This Friday night is going to be a full moon, which means you can go take a hike at Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area. Long Key is one of my favorite nature spots in the area, day or night. The trails are lined by majestic live oaks and it's the perfect place to spot some owls and butterflies. Besides regularly holding Nature Tots, an incredible program for 2-4 year-olds, they also have fun nature activities for older kids and people of all ages, like the Full Moon Hike they are having this Friday. If you're never been to Long Key, you're missing out.

What: Target First Friday
Who: All Ages
When: Friday, September 4th, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: Young at Art Museum
How Much: Free

Another option for this Friday is a night at the museum at Young at Art. The current exhibit is Alice's Wonderland: A Most Curious Adventure. Thanks to Target, you don't need to pay the price of admission this Friday. Can't beat that, right? I also posted about Target Free Fridays here. The website says they offer hands-on art activities, music, story time, refreshments, and more.

What: Funtastic Fridays
Who: All Ages
When: Every Friday in September, 5-9 pm
Where: Anniversary Park (20th Ave. & Hollywood Blvd.)
How Much: Free

I've also been meaning to tell you guys about Funtastic Fridays in Downtown Hollywood. The website says that music, magic and more are in store for youngsters and their families at Funtastic Fridays and that it promises to be the best free family social event in town. Many eateries in the area, like Dolce Vita and Cafe Italia, offer kids eat free specials to go along with Funtastic Fridays.

If you check out the link to Cafe Italia, notice that Tuesday nights are kids night and they have a clown, face-painting, magic, balloons, and free gelato.