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Peter And The Starcatcher at New World Stages

5 May
image from peterandthestarcatcher.com

image from peterandthestarcatcher.com

Have you ever wondered how Peter Pan got his name or became a boy forever?  Why Peter chooses to visit Wendy?  How tinkerbell came about? Or how Peter, Captain Hook, and the lost boys got to Never Land?  When I watch Peter Pan with my girls, their favorite Disney movie, I have thought about those questions.  My oldest has also asked me why Peter never grows up.  Last week I attended a performance of Peter and the Starcatcher, a grownups prequel to Peter Pan, showing off-broadway at New World Stages.   The show makes a fun outing with friends or your spouse and will answer any questions you’ve ever had about the story of Peter Pan.

photo:broadwayworld.com via greganthonymusic.com

photo:broadwayworld.com via greganthonymusic.com

Synopsis:

A wildly theatrical, hilarious and innovative retelling of how a miserable orphan came to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER upends the century-old legend of Peter Pan.

Winner of 5 Tony Awards® and based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER is directed by Tony Award® winner Roger Rees (Nicholas Nickleby) and Tony Award® nominee Alex Timbers (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, The Pee-wee Herman Show) and written by Tony Award® nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys). A dozen brilliant actors play more than 100 unforgettable characters using their enormous talent, ingenious stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination.

20130504-120710.jpgWhat I loved about the show:

  • Simplistic props to let your imagination run free: Rope to make waves and show different levels of the ship, a yellow rubber glove for a bird, many of the props were found in a closet when they were playing around with the idea for the show.
  • The cast was on the stage the entire time and became part of the background.  They played all the roles and changed the set.
  • The theater is small and intimate and makes you feel part of the adventure.  You are able to see all the facial expressions of the actors which adds to the humor of the show.
  • Entertaining, adult humor and a modern twist (“ttfu”, “fui”, and references the song “Milkshake” by Kelis)
  • A reminder that we all grow up, things come to an end, and we should enjoy the innocence of our children because they too will grow up before we know it.
  • Fun cocktails, try the Star Stuff, and there is even a wait staff that comes around to take orders at your seat so you can avoid lines during intermission.

What you should know before going:

  • Bring a sweater, the theater can get chilly
  • Recommended for children ages 10 and up
  • The show is about 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission.

Purchase tickets to this wonderful show, you won’t regret it!

Disclaimer:  Thank you to Culture Mom Media for the opportunity to see Peter and the Starcatcher.  I received a pair of tickets with the option to review.  Information in italics came from peterandthestarcatcher.com.  All other opinions expressed are my own.

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Drinking Diaries

18 Apr
Sofie, my favorite "good girl" beer!

Ready to read with Sofie, my favorite “good girl” beer!

Finding the time to sit down and read is challenging when running to play dates, dance classes, school, taking care of sick kids, and finding time to blog.  When I find a book I  enjoy, I curl up and read until midnight, sometimes later because the night-time is the only chance for time to myself.  Recently, thank you to Culture Mom Media, I had the opportunity to read Drinking Diaries:Women Serve Their Stories Straight Up.    I have to admit, the last books I read were the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy.  Talk about going from fantasy to back to reality.   Drinking Diaries brings to life topics that many people may be in denial about or may not think about in the moment, for instance the long-lasting impact that drinking may have on children of parents who drink often, drunk driving, and the question of “am I an alcoholic?”

We drink for different reasons: to quench thirst, to loosen up, because it tastes good, to enhance a meal, because we are addicted, to self medicate, as part of a ceremony, to celebrate, to mourn.  We drink when we’re happy.  We drink when we’re sad.  And then there are non-drinkers, for whom abstaining may be as much of an issue as drinking (Drinking Diaries:Women Serve Their Stories Straight Up). Whatever our reason is for drinking, it’s important to take a step back and think about what our relationship is with alcohol. Drinking Diaries got me thinking about my own choices, my relationship with alcohol and is making me think a little harder about what I expose my children too, not just alcohol related, but the realities of the horrible events like Sandy Hook and the Boston Marathon.  Should we keep our kids sheltered from what is going on in the world around? Living in New York, you see a lot walking to school, riding the subway and playing in the park. What is acceptable and what is not when it comes to drinking, drugs, and the topic of sex among youth?  And how do us parents approach the subject?

I have a lot of respect for the women who shared their stories.  It is hard to be open.  This is not my first post about Drinking Diaries.  Other posts included personal stories but after re-reading I realized I was not ready to share.   When I am ready, I may hit publish or go to the Drinking Diaries blog to share my stories.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of Drinking Diaries:Women Serve Their Stories Straight Up from Culture Mom Media.  This post was optional, all opinions expressed are my own.  

 

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Sneaky Pete’s All Natural Oat Beverage

11 Apr
Image from

Image from Sneaky Pete’s

Image from

Image from

I always worry if my girls have enough fiber in their diet. I have tried oatmeal for breakfast but they do not like the consistency and getting them to eat vegetables is often a challenging task. When it comes to juice and “special” drinks they have no problem guzzling them down which is why I was excited when I learned about Sneaky Pete’s, an all natural oat drink containing three grams of dietary oat fiber in each bottle. The 12 ounce PET bottles come in 5 refreshing flavors: apple, grape, mango, peach, and raspberry.  Sneaky Pete’s uses Stevia Extract, Erythritol, and Evaporated Cane Juice (all natural sweeteners) to create a delicious and smooth tasting fruit flavor.

My girls sampled the apple, grape, and raspberry flavors.  Raspberry was their favorite followed by grape than apple.  I tried a little of each flavor before my girls.  The drink was light and refreshing, especially when served chilled.  It wasn’t overly sweet like most juices my girls drink.   We served all of our drinks chilled because my girls prefer having cold drinks however you can serve Sneaky Pete’s warm for a more soothing drink.   When I took the drinks on-the-go  I made sure to bring a straw along with me to make sure they didn’t spill all over the place because they still have difficulty drinking from bottles.   If you or your child can’t finish all 12 oz, make sure to refrigerate it.  The girls enjoyed Sneaky Pete’s with breakfast and in the middle of the day for a thirst quenching drink.    We can’t wait to try the peach and mango flavors!

Check out Sneaky Pete’s FAQ’s page for more information about why fiber and oats are good for you! You can purchase Sneaky Pete’s at any of these stores or on their website (free shipping)!

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Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I received samples for the purpose of this review.  All information in italics came from Sneaky Pete’s!

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4th Annual Mommybites Summit (GIVEAWAY)

4 Apr

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The 4th annual Mommybites Summit will be held in the iconic Grand Ballroom at the New Yorker Hotel on May 1, 2013. In keeping with the support, education and resource spirit that Mommybites is so well-known for, the night will begin with a keynote talk by author Andrew Mellen from 6–7 p.m. (vendors are welcome to come this too!). The night will continue with a 2–1/2 hour dedicated vendor and shopping time from 7–9:30 p.m. where wine, delicious food and treats will also be served. Attendees will go home with gift bags and will receive a free raffle for the chance to win great prizes. Register now and enter discount code “Media13” or enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a pair of tickets.

About Mommybites:

Founded in 2006 (originally as Babybites), Mommybites has become one of the largest relationship networks in the NY area, recently launched in Boston (with plans to continue in other key cities) and has a growing on-line community. Through in-person and on-line events, Mommybites connects moms-to-moms, moms to experts and moms to all the latest parenting products, services, resources, support and education.

 

GIVEAWAY: Tastefully Childish has 2 pairs of tickets to the Mommybites Summit on May 1, 2013.  All entries must be received before 11:59 p.m. on April 10, 2013. To enter:

Leave a comment for every entry you make.  Good luck and hope to see you at the Summit!

This is a sponsored post.

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Tommee Tippee Spill Proof Cup (Review)

19 Mar

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The adorable designs would be great for an Easter basket stuffer!

The adorable designs would be great for an Easter basket stuffer!

My girls have the busiest schedule.  We are constantly on-the-go whether we are headed to school, play dates, or dance classes.  I usually throw a sippy cup of water for the girls in my purse or stroller and run out the door.  More times than not, water ends up all over the place.  I recently received the Tommee Tippee Spill Proof Cup.  The girls love the adorable designs of their cups and ask to use them all the time.  The other day I put them in my bag to take to dance and to my surprise they didn’t spill.  I had my oldest daughter turn hers upside down and shake it to see if water would come out and it didn’t. Ideal for Toddlers on-the-go.

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20130319-211752.jpgAbout the cup (info from the Tommee Tippee website):

Our Explora Truly Spill Proof Drink Cup has a sipper spout specially designed to help your toddler practice open-cup drinking – and it’s non spill. The Truly Spill Proof Drink Cup looks just like a fashionable grown-up cup, with a sipper spout that encourages open-cup drinking action. What’s more, it’s insulated too, so your toddler’s drinks stay cooler, fresher and more thirst-quenching for longer.

  • Lid interchangeable with all Easiflow cups
  • Insulated to keep drink cooler for longer
  • 9 oz. Truly Spill Proof Drink Cup – great for on-the-go drinking
  • Dishwasher, microwave and sterilizer safe
  • Suitable for babies aged 12 months +
  • BPA-free

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a set of cups for the purpose of this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics are from the Tommee Tippee Website.

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Melissa and Doug Easter Shop and Giveaway

9 Mar

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You would think it was Christmas again in our apartment.  My girls are constantly saying “if I’m good, will the Easter Bunny bring me ________?”.  Usually, I follow-up with “at this rate, the bunny is hopping right by…”  All jokes aside, I can’t believe Easter is just around the corner.  Only a few weeks away.  We have no idea what we are doing and I have no clue what to put in their baskets because I don’t want to over fill it with candy.  I recently learned about the Melissa and Doug Easter Basket Giveaway and have found many great ideas for baskets in the Easter Shop!  Some of my favorites for my girls:

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Click photos to get to product page.

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Shine NYC

8 Mar

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I love living in New York City with my two girls.  Although, I could definitely live with a bigger space, I love that the city offers so many wonderful child development classes to get your little ones out of the tiny apartments.  I recently tried Shine NYC, an amazing children’s program offered in the beautiful Freshmade NYC space.  Shine will offer two drop-off classes this semester:

  • Lights Up: Wednesdays from 4-5pm.  A series of weekly workshops for children 7-10 years old that explores dramatic play through puppetry and mask work. Students will explore imagination through storytelling and performance utilizing different styles of puppetry and theatrical mask work used in cultures around the world. In addition to crafting their own puppets, from the classic sock puppet to marionettes, children will engage in teamwork while building confidence and cultural awareness. 
  • Little Luminaries: Fridays from 3:30-4:30pm.  A class for 3-5 year olds that combines yoga, discussion, art/journaling, music, movement, and books all centered around a weekly theme. With themes including Roots, Cycles, Friendship, and Memory, each class will explore the different meanings of the word and how we relate to them, both creatively and critically.

My youngest, 3 in April, and my oldest, 5 in September attended the Little Luminaries class together.   The class was led by Aaron Goldschmidt, founder, with Misty Foster assisting.The theme for the class was colors: mixing and shades of color.  The class started in a  circle with color shakers to play with, showing two colors mixing together to make another.  For example: half of one shaker was yellow and the other half was red and when shaken, they made an orange color.  Color plates were also on the floor to play with.  When you took two primary color plates and placed them on top of one another they made another color.  My oldest LOVED this theme because she just finished a color mixing unit at school.  After talking about colors, they read Pantone: Colors, a book for children showing that a basic color like red may have a variety of shades.IMG_5543

After circle time, Misty, led yoga time.  Before beginning, Misty, explained to the kids what yoga was and asked if they had done it before.  They began with a simple wiggle, pinched fingers, shook sillies to serious, acted like a shark, went to a plank and then into downward dog.  After they stretched with yoga they read another book, What Colour Is Your World?, to lead into the art segment.IMG_5550

During the art segment, they used paint chips to create a collage… such a great idea.  I never thought about going to the paint store, getting paint chips and letting the girls get creative cutting them up and gluing to make a masterpiece.  Some of the kids decided they were finished way before others.  Aaron told them they could go look at the books and let them go look at the color shakers and books while he set up for an experiment and others finished, making a point to tell the kids that he would leave the projects out if they wanted to finish or add more.  Of course at the end of class my girls decided they wanted to do more and Aaron let them take some paint chips home to finish.IMG_5558IMG_5580

After creating art collages, everyone participated in the “milk experiment“.  My girls are still talking about this experiment and had to show their dad the following day.  We have also done this experiment with their friends during their play dates because they absolutely LOVED it at Shine NYC.  During the experiment the kids used milk, soap, food coloring, and a q-tip to make an explosion of multiple colors.IMG_5566IMG_5573IMG_5576

Next up was a game in which colors were matched with feelings: happy was yellow, blue was sad, red was angry, and green was surprised.  A color was called and kids ran to a colored circle the expression that matched the feeling.  The kids in the class had a great time during the game and it made them have to think quickly.  There was a lot of laughter when they ran to the wrong circle.

The class ended with Dr. Seuss’ color book read in a circle, similar to how the class began.  Throughout the entire class both teachers were full of energy and kept the kids engaged.  I loved that there were a variety of activities during the class to keep the kids from getting restless.  One of my favorite lines was when my daughter said she didn’t like the color she received Aaron responded with “From the famous words of Pinkalicious, you get what you get and you don’t get upset.”  We can’t wait to go back for more fun!

Shine ON!

Shine ON!

Visit ShineNYC.net to see other services offered.

Disclaimer:  I received a trial class for the purpose of this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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SCOOT Around Town Stokke Chic

6 Mar
Image from Momtrends

Image from Momtrends

20130305-213906.jpgNot long ago I attended an event with Momtrends to introduce two strollers new to the market by Stokke . Most moms are familiar with the Stokke Xplory because of its unique look and height. Now in their line up of strollers is the Stokke Crusi, a multiconnection stroller that can be used as a single or double and the Stokke Scoot, a compact stroller. At the end of the event, I strolled out with the new Stokke Scoot for the purpose of this review (below). For a full recap of the event from Momtrends, click here.

Living in New York City, your stroller is your main set of wheels and your main accessory.   Finding a stroller that is easy to maneuver, put into a taxi, and looks great all at the same time is hard to find. When I started my stroller search, before my first, I had not heard of Stokke. The only stroller I had really seen or heard of was the Bugaboo. Since then I have gone through multiple brands of strollers trying to find the one that was ideal for my family and one that could be my main set of wheels and looks great. The Stokke Scoot is ideal for a baby or small toddler who does not have siblings or the older sibling is able to walk.  It has been perfect for our family because my oldest is rarely in the stroller since she is in school all day and is also old enough to walk.  Most days, it is just me and my youngest running errands in the Stokke Scoot so there is no need for a large double or big stroller.  Some of the features I love about the stroller:

  • Higher hight position to make child closer to interact when rear acing and exploring the world when facing front
  • A one-handed folding system, by far the easiest fold of all the strollers I have tried.
  • It is light weight, 22 lbs, and easy to carry or put into a taxi for city moms and cars for suburban moms on the go.  Also, ideal for families who travel frequently.
  • The under basket is big and is perfect for carrying groceries home or storing backpacks for school.
  • The tires don’t require a pump, my last stroller had air-filled tires that were always deflating and puncturing.
  • The cup holder is perfect for my morning coffee or water for my daughter.  Hoping an extra cup/ snack holder will be available in the future to place into the parasol opening.
  • Available in 7 fabulous colors, black melange is pictured.
  • My favorite is that the stroller can be pushed up to a table at a park, restaurant or caffè  and function as a high chair for a quick snack or a meal out with the family.

More below pictures:

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Getting out of the snow for a quick snack!

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Headed to School!

Easy Fold

Easy Fold!

Unzip the vent to check on your child or give them some air. Step on the red for break and lift up with foot to unlock.

Unzip the vent to check on your child or give them some air. Step on the red for break and lift up with foot to unlock.

What you should know before buying:

  • Although the seat looks small, my daughter always seems comfortable and asks to ride in “her” stroller every morning.
  • Only two recline positions: upright/active or laying back/ rest.
  • Suitable from birth to up to 33 lbs
  • It is difficult getting up onto sidewalks when the child is faced toward you and there is no ramp.

The Stokke Scoot is available now and retails for $699.99! Click the link for a full demonstration.  Happy SCOOTing!

Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a Stokke Scoot for this review and a gift bag for attending the Momtrends and Stokke launch event.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

 

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Cozy Up With Your Favorite Book Next To A Honeywell 360 Heater (Giveaway)

28 Feb

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Growing up, I never liked to read.  When I had my first daughter, a few moms in the local playgroup started a book club and I got hooked and began reading more than I ever have.  Our monthly meetings stopped once everyone started getting pregnant with their second child, but I still enjoy reading when I can.   It’s  been a while since I have read a  good book. I recently read the 50 Shades of Gray trilogy and am not sure what book to follow it up with, any suggestions? I don’t know why I never liked to read before having kids. I have found there is nothing more relaxing than curling up on the couch after the kids are asleep on a cold, winters night wrapped in blankets with the heat on high.

If you are looking to make your reading area a little cozier, check out the Honeywell Heaters sweepstakes.  As part of the sweepstakes they ran a survey to see what women were reading.  In their survey they found that 64% of women turn the heat up higher during the winter and to no surprise 50 Shades is number one on the list.  If you are looking for a book to read, check out the top ten books Honeywell found women reading this winter.  Also, don’t forget to enter the  sweepstakes before March 29,2013.

One Tastefully Childish reader will also have the opportunity to win a Honeywell EnergySmart® 360° Surround Heater.  The giveaway begins today and will end on Thursday, March 7 at 4 p.m.  To Enter:

Leave comment with a book that is next on your list or your favorite book you read this winter.

“Like” Tastefully Childish on Facebook

Additional Entries:

“Follow” Tastefully Childish on Twitter

“Like” Honeywell on Facebook

“Follow” Honeywell on Twitter

Comment for every entry you make.

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post.  A Honeywell EnergySmart 360 Surround heater will be given to one winner for this post.

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Peas Of Mind

25 Feb

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Getting my girls to eat vegetables with their meals can be challenging.  I recently learned about Peas of Mind, all natural products made with real vegetables.  Peas of Mind sprouted from the idea that as kids begin eating solid foods, the tastes and textures they experience will shape their eating habits for a lifetime.  Their products are great for health-conscious parents who want to feed their growing kids delicious meals with organic ingredients, but don’t have the time to make them from scratch.  Peas of Mind products are found in the frozen food section of Whole Foods, other retailers can be found here.   

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Fat Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Vegan

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Fat Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Vegan

Images by Tastefully Childish.

Images by Tastefully Childish.

My family received the opportunity to try a Peas of Mind product.  My youngest daughter tried the cauliflower veggie wedgies. Veggie Wedgies, which look like french fries, come in three other flavors: broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, and apple. They come frozen and are very east to make.  Place them on a baking tray and coat with non-stick spay then bake them for 10 minutes or until they are your desired crispness.  I sprinkled them with a little salt and garlic salt  Each serving has more than half a serving of your  child’s recommended fruit and vegetable intake for a day.   My daughter usually doesn’t like cauliflower but she had no problem scarfing these veggie fries down.  They make a great “veggie side” for any meal.  My oldest didn’t try them because I noticed they are made in a facility that produces nuts and she has food allergies.  I left a few to the side for myself and really enjoyed them. I am looking forward to trying other Peas of Mind products with her.

Other products include:

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Pull-a-parts are made with pieces of our signature veggie dough with broccoli and carrots kneaded into it. 

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Peas of Mind kneads real broccoli and carrots right into the pizza crust.  They use pepperoni with no nitrates and nitrites.  One pizza contains 1½ servings of veggies.  

Puffets are available in 5 flavors: Nana's Banana, Carrot Risotto, Black Bean Polenta, Eat Your Greens and Mama's Pasta.

Puffets are available in 5 flavors: Nana’s Banana, Carrot Risotto, Black Bean Polenta, Eat Your Greens and Mama’s Pasta.

Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics came from the Peas of Mind website. All images unless stated are from Peas of Mind.  I received a coupon for a free product for the purpose of this review.

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