MoMA for Kids – Material Lab

Written By: Lauren - Mar• 18•12

I have to admit art museums intimidate me.  I would never have thought about taking my child to The Museum of Modern Art until I read a blog post by Barbie from Little Skyline about the museum’s kid-friendly, hands-on Material Lab.  According to the post the Material Lab is an, “interactive space where kids can learn about how materials are used in art and create art themselves.”  After poking around MoMA’s website I was surprised by the variety of resources for parents who want to bring children to the museum.  Check out MoMA’s Kids & Families page which has tips for planing your visit including, workshops, gallery guides, games to play, tours and much more.

Click here for the blog post on MoMA’s Material Lab.  Click here for Little Skyline’s facebook page.

Posted in Beyond Bergen, Blog Love, Inside Activities for Children (5+) | No Comments »

Nature Girl Wellness – Personal Health Coach for You and Your Family

Written By: Lauren - Mar• 11•12

I first met Erica from Nature Girl Wellness at a Holistic Moms Network of Bergen County meeting.   I had just taken my son to the pediatrician for a very bad cold and cough and was told to just wait it out or call if his syptoms worsened.  I felt helpless watching my little munchkin suffer through his cold.  As a friend, Erica talked to me about natural ways to ease my son’s cold syptoms.  After our conversation I felt empowered to be able to give my son some relief.   If you’ve thought about using natural health care but don’t know where to begin or just want a few natural ways to take care of yourself and your family…I’d like to introduce Nature Girl Wellness.

Who’s behind Nature Girl Wellness? Meet Erica Danziger, a Holistic Health Coach and graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  She is the Owner of Nature Girl Wellness, LLC, which offers personal nutritional counseling and natural health coaching on a one-on-one basis, as well as group wellness workshops.  With her own family, which includes two young children, Erica believes strongly in the power of prevention using healthy foods and natural remedies and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others.   Be sure to check out her website and facebook page.

Upcoming events:

Healthy Habits for Busy Families Workshop (Thurs. 3/15, 7-8:30 PM):  Learn strategies for saving time in the kitchen while improving your family’s nutrition.  Recieve recipies, sample foods and more! Paramus Community School, $20 per person.  Click here to register or call 201-261-7800.

Introduction to Essential Oils  (Tues. 3/20, 10-11:30 AM):  Learn how to build your family’s immune system, fight colds, fevers, stomach bugs and more using a safe and effective natural remedy. We’ll have plenty of samples to smell and enjoy!  Panera Bread, Route 4 W, Paramus, NJ, FREE, Email: erica@naturegirlwellmess or call 551-486-6270.

Healthy Habits for Busy Families Tele-Seminar: Part 1 The Power Food You’re Missing (Tues. 3/27, 11-11:45 AM): Learn what food a healthy family cannot live without.  Recieve recipes, cooking strategies, 1 15- minute instructional video and more.  The workshop will give you all the tools you need to pump up your family’s nutrition today! Dial in from the comfort of your home or office: $15 per person. Email: erica@naturegirlwellness.com or call 551-486-6270.

Erica’s “Cold-busting” Juice

This vitamin-packed juice will help fight off your winter cold.  It’s also a great breakfast morning drink.  As with all raw juices, be sure to “chew” your juice as you drink it to stimulate your digestive system to secrete the acids in your stomach needed to break down a raw juice like this.  When it comes to raw juices, a little packs a big punch.  Don’t expect a giant glass of juice, only a small amount is needed to have the health benefits you seek.

Carrots and oranges are high in Vitamin C, an important anti-oxidant.  Ginger and tumeric are natural anti-inflammatory foods, which a body needs to heal from an infection like a cold. Raw honey has beneficial bacteria to restore good flora to your gut.  As always, never give honey to a child under the age of 1.

Ingredients:

3-4 carrots (I just used a whole bunch of baby carrots because that’s what I had in the house)

1 apple, cored

juice from 1 orange, about 1/2 cup (I added 1 c. orange juice)

1 inch peice of fresh ginger (ginger is strong, I only used 1/2 inch and it was plenty for me)

1/2 tsp. tumeric

1 tsp. raw honey

Directions:

Add carrots, apple and juice into blender. (I also threw in the tumeric and honey and put my blender on low.)

Pour into glass.

Stir in tumeric and honey.

Ingredients: carrots, apple, orange (orange juice), ginger, honey, tumeric

Add some extra OJ if you'd rather have a juice instead of a smoothie.

Ta-daaa!

 

Posted in Going Green in Bergen County, Recipes | No Comments »

Mothers & More – Bergen County Group

Written By: Lauren - Mar• 07•12

 

Mothers & More (Bergen County): Mothers & More meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Cupola Senior Residence located at 100 W. Ridgewood Ave. in Paramus, from 7:30-9:30pm.  They offer playgroups, mom’s night out, chapter meetings with speakers, reading groups, walking groups, hobby groups, and much much more (see the list below).  Plus, they have a “members only” yahoo group to answer questions from local doctors to kids birthday party ideas.  To join their group click here.

The bottom line:  I’ve seen “mom groups” advertised but I’m often hesitant to join because I’m intimidated by the group setting, wonder if anything will really interest me and hello, I have a toddler,  do I really have time to add something else to my schedule?  But, after spending some time with the moms at Mothers & More I can assure you that this is a supportive group of women who offer a wide variety of activities to fit into any mom’s busy schedule.

I was blown away by the variety activities! Here are some of their March events:

Thursday, March 1, 8:00pm – Book Group, “The Orphan Sister” by Gwendolen Gross

Wednesday, March 7 – Chapterwide Play Group

Monday, March 12, 7:30pm – Bachelor Finale Fundraiser @ The Cupola

Friday – Moms and Tots Hip Hop Class

Monday, March 19, 7:30pm – Moms Night Out @ Holiday Bowl in Oakland

Tuesday, March 20, 9:30am – Early Stages Play Group for kids 2 and under

Wednesday, March 21, 7:30pm – Chapter Meeting “Dynamic Health 101” @ The Cupola in Paramus

Thursday, March 22, 5:00pm -  Hoot and Howl Dinner (Husbands Out Of Town and Husbands Out Working Late)

Monday – Moms and Tots go bowling

Tuesday, March 27 – Chapterwide @ James Voorhis Memorial Park in Westwood

Wednesday, March 28, 7:30pm – Craft Night

Andrea and I aren’t members but our good friend Kate is and always raves about how this group saved her when she moved to Bergen County as a new Mom.  Read about her experience below.  I love how she took her 4 month old to the park playdates and sat him in his stroller while she chatted with other moms.  Why didn’t I do that?

Kate’s experience: I joined the Bergen County chapter of Mothers and More in May 2010.  I had just moved to the area from Virginia and my son was only 4 months old.  I was surprised by all of the different activities the group organized for kids and for moms.  At 4 months old, my son sat in his stroller giving me the chance to chat with other Moms.   As part of the group, I was also set up with my own playgroup with kids the same age as my son.  I really enjoyed getting to know the other moms in the small group setting of our playgroup.  It’s been great connecting with other moms going through the same experiences as me being a first time, stay-at-home mom (although many moms in the group work too).  Mothers and More has really helped me to become a better mom by providing support, friendship and enrichment for not only me, but my son too!

Speaker: Randi Bale (Healthy Organized Living)

For more about Randi Bale check out her website.

 

Posted in Mom Groups & Support | 2 Comments »

Babywearers of Northern NJ – Bergen County & Beyond

Written By: Lauren - Mar• 04•12

In our previous post on Lauren’s favorite baby carrier we promised to head out to the Babywearers of Northern NJ’s next meeting.  This past Thursday morning we headed out, camera in hand, wondering what in the world goes on at a babywearing meeting.

Babywearers of Northern NJ:  This group was founded by three moms who wanted to share their knowledge and love of babywearing.  “We are not experts or professionals, just three very passionate babywearing moms.” Check them out on facebook.

Playgroundtalk’s top 5 reasons to check out Babywearers of Northern NJ:

1.  Online support. The facebook page is a great resource for all of your babywearing questions.

2.  Try out different carriers.  If you’re going to drop $100-$150 on a carrier you should try it out first to make sure it’s comfortable and you know how to use it.

3.  You can bring your children. Many moms watched their toddler running around while they tried out a new carrier with their infant.

4.  You can get out of your home and bond with other moms.

5.   This group was started with love.  These women’s desire to share knowledge to make other mom’s daily lives a little easier is tangible throughout every aspect of this laid back and welcoming group.

Demonstrations with dolls.

 

Demonstrations with babies and toddlers. Who knew you could comfortably wear a toddler in a carrier?

 

Demonstrations with an informational dvd.

 

This mom brough her own wrap and got one one one help to try a new position.

 

More stuffed animals :)

 

Playtime for the kids.

Posted in Mom Groups & Support | No Comments »

Events In/Near Bergen County (March 2012)

Written By: Lauren - Feb• 29•12

Wow there is so much to do in March! Stop back to our Events page because we will be adding to this list all month.  Enjoy your March events list and let us know if you hear of a great event or attend one.  We always love to hear from you.

 

Make a bookmark for Read Across America at Michael’s (Ramsey): Fri. 3/2, 4-6pm, FREE

Nuclear Cowboyz (IZOD Center): Fri. 3/2 & Sat. 3/3

Children’s Place Garden Party (Ramsey): Sat. 3/3, 12-4pm, Sweet treats & special deals, 15% off all purchases

Read Across America Day & Dr. Seuss Celebration (Pottery Barn Kids): Fri. 3/2- Sun. 3/4, FREE

Peking Acrobats (NJPAC): Fri. 3/2 (7:30pm, ages 6 & up)

Bergen County Model Railroad Club Train Show (Pearl River): Sat. 3/3 & Sun. 3/4

Kidz Cabaret: Kimmy Schwimmy (BergenPAC): Sat. 3/3

Rainbow Fish (Saddle River Valley Cultural Center): Sat. 3/3

Maple Sugaring (Tenafly Nature Center):  Sun. 3/4  & 3/11(no strollers)

Storytime at J.Crew (Tice’s Corner, Woodcliff Lake) – Wed. 3/7, 10am-12pm, FREE

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Dragons (IZOD Center): 3/7 – 3/18

Read Across America! The Lorax at Barnes & Noble (17 S., Paramus): Wed. 3/7, 11am & 4pm, FREE

Corduroy Bear Visits Barnes & Nobel (17 S., Paramus): Sat. 3/10, 11am, FREE

Mineral Show (Clifton): 3/10 & 3/11 (Who knew there was a show dedicated to Minerals?)

Pancake Breakfast & Maple Sugaring Demo (Wyckoff): Sun. 3/18

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil (Prudential Center) 3/20, 3/31, 4/1

Bunny Train (Westwood Train Station): Sat. 24, email bunny@pascackjuniors.org for tickets, 10:40am, train departs 11:02am sharp

The Fresh Beat Band (The State Theater, New Brunswick): Wed. 3/28

Seussical (Paper Mill Playhouse): Sat. 3/31- Ages 5 & up

Laurie Berkner (NJPAC): Sat. 3/31 (We already have our tickets!)

Easter Bunny Express (Whippany Railway Museum): Sat. 3/31, Sun. 4/1 &  Sat. 4/7

St. Patty’s Celebrations:  A Special Thanks To Our Friend Krista For This Post Idea!

Belmar & Lake Como Parade (Belmar): Sun. 3/4, 12:30

St. Patrick’s Celebration (Saddle River Valley Cultural Center): Sat. 3/17

St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Morristown): Sat. 3/10, 12pm

St. Patrick’s Day Parade (White Plains, NY): Sat. 3/10

St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Seaside Heights): Sat. 3/10, 12pm

St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Hackettstown): Sunday 3/11, 3:30pm

St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Pearl River, NY): Sun. 3/18

*Hoboken Parade Cancelled! But there will still be plenty of partying (best to leave the kiddies at home for this one).

Planning Ahead:

Easter Bunny Train Ride (Glen Rock): Sun. 4/1

Check out Phineas & Ferb under Special Kid Outings Tab

For Parents:

Healthy Habits for Busy Families Workshop (Paramus): Thurs. 3/15, 7-8:30pm

Baby “Bootie” and Wrap up (Destination Maternity, Rt. 4): Th. 3/22, Learn the art of baby wearing and cloth diapering,  7-8pm. call 201-291-6191, $20 pp, $20 per couple

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

NY Bagel Cafe’ Closed – Waldwick, NJ

Written By: Lauren - Feb• 27•12

I found out today that the NY Bagel Cafe’ in Waldwick closed.  Remember our post on them?

Here’s the inside scoop for you:  My mother-law gets her nails done in the shop next to the store and they told her that the owner of the bagel store was moving out equipment yesterday.  I called them and their machine said “we’re closed”.   I was shocked since I just took the pictures, spoke with the owners and showed them our post last week!  They never mentioned a thing to me.

Sorry for the bad news.  Let us know if you find another kid-friendly area to eat with your kids.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
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