A Full Day of Free Yoga Classes

In celebration of National Yoga Day, Weston Yoga is having a full day of free classes this Saturday. As I was searching around their website, I discovered that they regularly offer yoga classes for kids and tweens. I stared doing yoga in high school, but the way I look at it, the sooner you start the better. I can think of hundreds of benefits yoga can bring K. For example, patience, tolerance, flexibility, a better understanding of herself, etc. She's too young to start right now, but as soon as she's old enough, I will definitely be looking for a class. For now, I'll be the one going to Weston Yoga to take the restorative class. Every mom needs some restoration time.

This is the schedule of free classes for Saturday, January 23rd:
(Donations for the Humane Society of Broward County will be collected)

8:30-10 am Ashtanga
10:30 am-Noon Heated
12:30-1:30 pm Hatha - All Levels
2:30-4 pm Heated
5-6 pm Restorative

Weston Yoga
2600 Glades Circle, Suite 400
Weston, FL 33327
(954) 349-6868
info@westonyoga.com

Win Passes to Butterfly World ($50 Value)

Motherhood for me has been a transformation. One way I've changed is that I'm more open to the simple pleasures in life.
We took K to the park yesterday afternoon and as she toddled through the grass searching for her favorite blade, I realized that her curiosity and sense of humor are like my battery. Sharing her delight in bubbles and ducks makes me more relaxed and less guarded. Following her lead, I have the courage to be myself more often. Her babyness is inspiring.

What are some of your simple pleasures? What simple activities do you enjoy sharing the most with your kids?

I'd like to give you two passes for Butterfly World. Answer the question (s) and I'll let you know who wins the passes by Tuesday, Feb. 2nd. I'll choose using random.org.

Music for Munchkins

In my perpetual search of family-friendly activities that stimulate our little one's brains, I was thrilled to find Music for Munchkins. It's a program run by the Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra designed specially for kids. Some of the best parts of this concert series: they are free, take place early in the day, and are short (30-minutes). Even better, the concerts are followed by juice and Munchkin donut holes. Always a crowd pleaser. All concerts begin at 11:00 a.m. They are held at Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University in Davie.

I found this information on their website: Conductor Dr Lynn Luce, affectionately known as Dr. Mom, interacts with the young audience during the performance and teaches basic principle of classical music in a light-hearted fashion. The friendly Maestro has some tricks up her sleeve to entertain this special audience. These child-friendly concerts are sure to endear young listeners to orchestral music, cultivating the concert-goers of tomorrow.

Upcoming concerts:

Music for Munchkins- All-Star Young Artist’s
Saturday, January 23, 2010
11:00AM

Music for Munchkins- Ars Flores Rising Stars Alumni
Saturday, March 13, 2010
11:00AM

Music for Munchkins- Five-Star Chamber Music
Saturday, April 17, 2010
11:00AM

Sing-Along and Mom's Morning at Whole Foods

Whole Foods Plantation Store
7720 Peters Rd
Plantation, FL 33324
954.236.0600

Sing-Along this Saturday, January 9 from 11am to 12pm

Sing along with Brittney Coe, from the Mailman Segal Institute at Nova Southeastern University, as she plays children's favorite songs including, "You are My Sunshine", "Down by the Bay", "The Wheels on the Bus", and many more!

Please make reservations at Customer Service, class size is limited. 954.236.0600

Mom's Morning this Tuesday, January 12th from 9 to 10:30am

Moms will receive a free muffin and cup of coffee along with a coupon for a free five minute massage from My Massage Corner.

Pick up your coupon at Customer Service and bring it to the Juice Bar to receive your complementary treat.

Fun Run

How unoriginal is the fact that my New Year’s resolution is to start working out? I know. Blatantly unoriginal. But, boy, I REALLY do need to get myself in gear. First of all, my back has been killing me lately. The major culprits are the daily sessions of diaper wrestling, toddler chasing, and a fun little game we play called “Let’s Struggle to Get this Curios Kid Back in her Stroller.” You know that game. The other reason is that I know the only way teach a son/daughter to do something is to do it yourself. I want to K to lead an active life. Watching my mom sweat to Jane Fonda in her 80’s leotards definitely programmed me to value and enjoy exercise.
The other day I came across FLIPANY ( Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth). They provide affordable physical activity and nutrition programs for youth and their families in South Florida. This Saturday, they will be hosting the 4th Annual Memorial Heathcare Systems 5/10K Fun Run in Hollywood (You can also just walk it). The event includes an NFL PLAY 60 Zone open from 10am - Noon. Post Fun Run you can enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast sponsored by Whole Foods Market and prepared by Chef Ron Duprat of the Marriot Hollywood Beach Resort.

Get the year started on the right foot and put on your running shoes.

Win 2 Passes to A Latte Fun Indoor Playground and Cafe

In an effort to improve Palm Tree Playground, I spent like one hour yesterday updating the links. I added some great resources for South Florida parents, places to visit when it's 99 degrees outside, and places to visit on days when the weather is perfect and you are reminded of the reasons you chose to live here. It's basically an inventory of my favorite virtual destinations and also some real chill spots for South Florida kiddos and their parents. It's not meant to include everything. However, is there something you think just needs to be added? Answer my question in the comments section below and you could win two passes to A Latte Fun Indoor Playground and Cafe. The only stipulation is that it needs to be your first visit to A Latte Fun (They are 1st Time Visit Free Passes). So sorry to all those of you have have already been there, and like me, have discovered that it is by far one of THE best indoor playgrounds in South Florida. There will be 5 winners. That's a latte winnners! ha,ha. Anyway, I select the fortunate readers by using random.org. I'll let you know who wins by Jan. 12th, 2010. Good luck.

Family Fest at the Adrienne Arsht Center

Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts at the Adrienne Arsht Center
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (FREE!)



Upcoming Schedule:
* January 9 - Cinderella Ballet
* March 6 - Step Afrika!
* May 8 - Rock Odyssey
See! Touch! Learn! Discover! The Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza becomes Miami’s most exciting interactive arts playground! Hands-on, free, fun learning activities for children include crafts, face-painting, storytelling, movement and theater classes, as well as outdoor performances. Make a puppet, learn a song, or try out a few new dance moves, it’s the best way to spend the day! Food and Drinks available for purchase. For more information, call the box office at 305.949.6722. Free Parking until 12:00 Noon in Lot C — across from the Center.

One of My Favorite Local Libraries

As a bona fide bibliophile, I can quickly give you the location of the best libraries within a given-mile radius. And if you asked me "What's the best library for kids in Broward County?", I would point you in the direction of the Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University. They have some of the best programs for tots and teens including concerts, story hours, writing workshops, socials, art exhibits, movie nights, and puppet shows. One of the best things about this library is that just as many of their programs take place on the weekends or in the evenings, so workings moms and dads don't have to miss out on the fun.