Babies Gotta Have It

New York City is hot. Hot hot hot. So if you are braving the scorching heat and coming into town with the kids this weekend, why not keep it cool with the penguins? This Saturday, you have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with a live, black-footed penguin at the American Museum of Natural History (oh yes, they have air conditioning there) when you check out their Wild, Wild World Program: Live Penguins.

Jarod Miller, host of the nationally syndicated series “Animal Exploration with Jarod Miller” will discuss the habitats and behaviors of these “extreme climate” animals, including surprising facts about where they live and what kind of parents they make.  Come with questions and be prepared to march away experts!

When: Saturday July 10th at 11 and 1.

Where: The American Museum of Natural History, NYC, Linder Theater, First Floor

Admission: $10 Children, $12 Adults.  Members tickets are $8 Children, $10 Adults.

Want to keep up with all the latest programs at the American Museum of Natural History?  Follow them on Twitter!

Kelly Ripa is awesome.  First of all, she can walk on seventeen inch high heels like she is in bedroom slippers.  Secondly, she is in the most amazing shape of maybe anyone I have ever seen.  Thirdly, when the little Bean and I were at a super cool event kicking off the Electrolux “Splits” Campaign for a Cause, and the boom mic scared the Bean (you know, those big furry microphones that sound guys hold on the end of a long pole…the Bean cried “It’s a man with a puppet!” and then cowered, smooshed her chocolatey face in my shoulder, and refused to talk to super cool Kelly Ripa–there goes her career in the movies) Kelly Ripa said, “guys, the mic is scaring her!” and shooed them away like a mom.  Fourthly, she has teamed up with Electrolux and the amazing NYC ice cream parlour Serendipity 3 (yup, you’ve seen it in, like, a ton of movies) to fight ovarian cancer. And even if you weren’t able to be in midtown with us making banana splits, you can still get in on the ice cream, literally and figuratively, and help the cause.

To begin with, hop on over to www.Kelly-Confidential.com and build your ultimate, virtual banana split. For every split created, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund as part of it’s $750,000 commitment to help fight ovarian cancer. And, everyone who logs on and builds a split will be entered to win a daily prize — $50 towards sweet summer treats–and the grand prize of a new stand-alone refrigerator and freezer from Electrolux. Not bad.

And then, oh yes, if you’d like to build your own Outrageous Banana Split from Serendipity 3 you can check out the recipe on Kelly Confidential…or get it right here! Read it and weep.

Outrageous Banana Split by Serendipity 3

Makes 1 sundae

Ingredients:

2 bananas

5 whopping scoops of your favorite flavors of ice cream

5 toppings, whatever you like best.  We suggest hot fudge, strawberry, pineapple, caramel, maple walnut, raspberry, butterscotch or peanut butter

Whipped cream

Maraschino cherry

Directions:

• Stick the bananas in the top so that they look like horns poking out. Trust us, it tastes better that way.
• To make a Coward’s portion Banana Split, use just one banana, 3 large scoops of ice cream, 3 toppings and whipped cream

Awesome. And yes, that is Henry from Cyberchase making the balloon animals. He made my little Bean a blue monster with one eye that she could wear on her head. I love New York.

My participation in the “Banana Splits” Campaign for a Cause was sponsored by Electrolux who hosted me at the event today.

In NYC, summertime means freedom from hibernating in your tiny apartment with no playroom or basement and spending hour upon hour at the playground.  Within a one mile radius of my building there are no less than six playgrounds–three of them complete with spray elements.  Yeah, they’re small, but they’re close and fun and a nice place to drink your iced coffee.  We go almost every day.  So yesterday I shared the Underwriters Laboratories tips for Pool and Water Safety.  Today, I’m going to pass along their tip sheet for Play Set Safety.  Just worth reading over before you head out to your huge, shady, soft-surfaced, 75 awesome spout-spray park, non-city playground.  Or the jungle gym in your own grassy backyard.  No….I’m not jealous.

BEFORE INSTALLING A BACKYARD PLAY SET…

· Do a sandbox check. Before letting your child dig in, rake through the sand to check for debris or sharp objects. Also, inspect for any animal contamination or insect problems.

· Make sure your backyard is large enough for playground equipment. The site must also provide good visibility and security. Before setting up equipment, look out for obstacles, such as the garage, tree branches, utility poles and wires.

· Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions when setting up play set equipment. Be sure your child’s weight and age fall within the manufacturer’s recommended limits for the equipment.

· Install protective surfacing, such as rubber tiles or mulch under the play set, at least six feed in all directions, to prevent serious injuries should a child fall.

BEFORE HEADING OUT TO PLAY…

· Carefully inspect backyard playground equipment. Make sure equipment is anchored safely in the ground, all equipment pieces are in good working order, S-hooks are entirely closed and bolts are not protruding.

· Check for spaces that could trap children, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs. These spaces should measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches.

· Always supervise children on play set equipment to make sure they are playing safely.

· Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, pet leashes or cords of any kind to play set equipment. If used improperly, they can be potential strangulation hazards.

· Watch for potential trip hazards, such as rocks, tree stumps and concrete footings. Make sure you’re children are aware of them as well.

See you at the playground!

I wrote part two of this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Underwriters Laboratories. Mom Central sent me one gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Very soon we will flee the city for greener and less-smelly summer pastures.  The city is wearing it’s summer eau d’gar-bage and I’m feeling antsy for home.  For the last two years I have spent part of July in my hometown where the little Bean can take six swimming lessons at the town pool for less than it would cost for one here in the city.

I have never been afraid of the water (insert ironic link to “blogger nearly drowns in freak party boat shipwreck on the Susquehanna River” article).  I grew up swimming in the ocean and in community pools and for one brief shining moment I was on a swim team. I loved outdoor swim practice in Texas in the winter. When James, the former Olympian who coached us, pulled the cover off the pool in February, it steamed like a hot tub. Unfortunately, it turns out I hate swim meets.  I quit after just one. My Dad said it was about as fun as watching a washing machine so I guess competitive swimming just isn’t in our DNA. I do, however, want the Little Bean to have the same love of the water I do.  But I realize now that she’s a preschooler and mobile and impulsive, that teaching her (and learning for myself as a parent) the basics of water safety is paramount.

Underwriters Laboratories (an independent product safety certification organization that I totally hadn’t heard of but that has been around testing things like fire extinguishers and water since 1894) has teamed up with Disney to spread the word about water safety.  UL issued a Pool Safety Tip Sheet that I’m just going to quote here, because I really can’t say it any better.  It’s worth a read.

POOL SAFETY AT HOME

· If you have a pool at home, install a fence. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child’s reach.

· Cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence that surrounds the pool.

· Keep grates and drain covers in good repair and secured in place. Alert your family and guests to stay away from these devices, as the suction from drain outlets can be strong enough to cause entrapment of hair or body parts, which can potentially cause a person to drown.

· Make sure you know infant and child CPR if you own a pool.

BE SAFETY SMART WHILE SWIMMING

· Supervision is a must. Follow the 10/20 rule when you’re at the pool. The 10/20 rule states the supervising adult needs to position themselves to be able to scan the pool every 10 seconds, and reach the water within 20 seconds.

· Always have rescue devices, such as UL-LISTED life preservers, nearby.

· Flotation devices, toys and inflatable swimming aids are not safety devices. They are toys and can easily puncture and deflate.

· Always drain wading pools after children are done playing. Infants can drown in just a few inches of water.

· Have a telephone nearby and appropriate emergency numbers posted.

· Remove all toys when you leave the pool. Toys may attract children to the unattended pool.

So how do you discuss water safety with your kids? And what’s important to share with them? Let Timon and Pumbaa do the talking in this clever “Wild About Safety” video that covers basic pool and water safety in a fun, funny and kid-friendly way. I just watched the whole thing.  I’m still humming the song from the end.

See you at the pool!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Underwriters Laboratories. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Okay you know I’m an actress and a huge fan of really good theater for children.  New York, I am discovering, is absolutely full of wonderful artistic experiences for kids, and I am so excited to be able to share another one with you.  If you and your family are in the city, check out John Tartaglia’s “ImaginOcean!”

The concept: a live, black-light, musical puppet show that starts with a treasure map and takes audiences on a remarkable adventure. Jam-packed with music from R&B to Big Band and Swing, dancing jellyfish, and a magical undersea journey, “ImaginOcean” is a blast “from the first big splash to the last wave goodbye.”  I mean…a puppet musical lit with black lights?  Are you kidding me?  Is there anything more fun and magical than black lights and neon to a kid? I don’t think so!

The guy: Who is John Tartaglia?  I first saw him in the outrageously funny musical “Avenue Q.”  He was nominated for a Tony for that brilliant performance and went on to perform in “Shrek, The Musical,” “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” and to create and star in the Playhouse Disney series “Johnny and the Sprites.”  We jaded New York types don’t get so starstruck any more…I once followed John Tartaglia three blocks down 43rd street before chickening out of approaching him and saying how amazing I thought he was in “Avenue Q.”  He’s that good.

The website: Check out the interactive and really fun website for “ImaginOcean” for ticket information, video clips from the show, photos, a chance to join the Fan Club, an online study guide, games, profiles of all the characters, and more!

The giveaway: One lucky Babies Gotta Have It reader will win a voucher good for two tickets to select performances of John Tartaglia’s “ImaginOcean.”  New York City is gorgeous this time of year!  Why not zip in as soon as school gets out and take in a performance of “ImaginOcean.”  You’ll be glad  you did!  These ticket vouchers are valid from May 23rd to June 30th 2010 for performances: Wednesdays at 11 am and 2 pm, Saturday 4:30 pm and Sunday 12 pm.

To Enter the John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean Ticket Giveaway

• MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Leave a comment on this post sharing a memory your favorite puppet ever–live or on TV.  What puppet made a lasting impression?  That’s it!  Entering is that easy!
  

***Want extra chances to win? After you have made your first entry as described above, do anything listed below and leave me additional comments for each one letting me know what you did!  Maximum of nine entries per person.

• Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (just cut and paste): Win two free tickets to John Tartaglia’s “ImaginOcean” in NYC! @BabiesGottaHavT http://tinyurl.com/38r7j8w
• Follow ImaginOcean on Twitter.  Just click HERE!
• Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
• Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left sidebar
• Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
• Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook. Click HERE!
• Become a Fan of Fan Dorsel the Fish on Facebook.  Click HERE!
• Email your friends about the giveaway and link to the giveaway post! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart

Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S.  addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Monday May 17th and ends on Monday May 24th at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Tuesday May 25th,  Random.org will select the winner,  and I’ll email you immediately. After my daughter called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my daughter, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering!

Disclosure: “ImaginOcean” supplied me with two tickets to the show and tickets for the winner of this giveaway.  I was not compensated monetarily, and all views and opinions with regard to the products or company itself are my own and were not influenced, nor reviewed, by the company prior to posting.

Update! We have a winner! Random.org says “Result: 8″.  Congratulations Sarah Cusick!  Thanks so much to everyone who entered!

Nickelodeon Storytime Live at Radio City Music Hall.  Little bit scary to meet the costumed characters. Really really thrilling to see the show! First trip to the theater. Priceless.  Thank you MSG.

So I’m a theater person.  I think the magic of the theater is a real and true thing.  Wonderful opportunities to take your kids to see live performances abound around the country, and New York City has some of the best of the best.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a zillion dollar production on Broadway or a Shakespeare Festival under the stars or children’s theater at your local library.  The productions your young kids experience will transform them. Their imaginations will blossom. Their cast of pretend playmates will grow. And the world will open up to them in a new and just a bit more magical way than it did before.  So put down that wiimote and get out there and see some theater.

If you’re lucky enough to be in New York City for Spring Break, forget about “Jersey Boys” and check out the best of what NYC has to offer for kids!

The New Victory Theater - This hip kids theater on 42nd street is the place for the best in Childrens’ Theater.  The coolest in entertainment for kids, from all around the world, eventually finds its way to the New Victory.  From now until April 4th you can see (this sounds so cool I can’t even believe it) 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes by the cheeky, hilarious Australian company, Circa.  With tickets as cheap as $12.50 for nonmembers, you can’t afford not to go!

Symphony Space - So much more than symphonies.  I lived two blocks from this amazing venue for years before I had kids and never quite realized how extensive their family programming is. Between now and May you can take in San Francisco’s hit group The Sippy Cups (described by the San Francisco Chronicle as “the illegitimate offspring of The Cat in the Hat and Joey Ramone”) complete with comic stunts, giant balloons, puppets and confetti; The Gustafer Yellowgold Show which combines music and animation for a truly unique multimedia performance (”…a cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss, filtered through the lens of the Lower East Side,” says Time Out New York Kids); and The Cuyahoga Youth Ballet’s production of “Fancy Nancy” inspired by the books by Jane O’Connor.

The 52nd St. Project - A theater group that is dear to my heart.  The goal of this amazing non-profit is to pair the children of the Hell’s Kitchen area of New York City with professional theater artists to create original theater.  The kids engage in a 9 week play writing class culminating in a 3 day Off-Broadway production of their work performed by some of the theater industry’s best actors.  I have seen several of their productions and they are truly wonderful…touching, heartfelt and hilarious.  Not only that, they’re free!  This Spring’s offering, “ME FIRST! The Pioneer Plays” is taking place this weekend, March 26th - March 28th at the The 52nd Street Project’s Five Angels Theater, 789 Tenth Avenue (between 52nd & 53rd Streets) on the 2nd Floor. Call 212-642-5052 for reservations.

and of course…Radio City Music Hall - Because sometimes you just need to see the Wonder Pets dance around on stage.  Nickelodeon’s “Storytime Live” runs from March 31 to April 4th at Radio City, and if you buy tickets through this link (or coupon code DORASM)  you can get 30% off on select performances. Also featured in this musical adventure are “Dora the Explorer,” “The Backyardigans” and “Ni-Hao Ki-Lan”.

Snakes and Lizards are just the latest. From the beloved giant whale to a conservatory alive with butterflies, come discover the many adventures a city baby can have at the Museum of Natural History in NYC.

The Bean and I got a sneak peek at the Lizards and Snakes: Alive exhibit that opens officially at the museum on Saturday March 6th and runs through September 6th.  We hob-nobbed with the gila monster, gawked at the veiled chamelon, and kept a safe distance from the fourteen foot Burmese python that was three times bigger than the Bean. The enthusiastic group of kids from the Goddard Riverside Head Start Program, however, were completely undaunted.  They got nose to nose with the big squamates and enjoyed every minute of it.  As a side note, I think the Little Bean was genuinely concerned that the gekos who were plastered on the glass at eye level needed to be rescued by the Wonder Pets.  But honestly, many of the exhibits, particularly those for the big creatures, are floor to ceiling glass, with the lizards and snakes right there at kid’s-eye level.  And as you can see in the photos these lizards are not just lying in a lump on a rock.  They are active! Your kids will truly get up close and personal with these amazing critters.

My Little Bean talked about the lizards and snakes and the bugs they eat for the rest of the day. She had a blast. Kids love adventure, and the American Museum of Natural History provides adventure galore for kids young and old.  Just check out the awesome assortment of exciting childrens events the Museum has scheduled for March:

A Night at the Museum Sleepovers

Friday, March 26, 5:45 pm – Saturday, March 27, 9 am

$129 per person, $119 members

Ever fantasize about roaming the halls of a museum after dark? Want to see if the dinosaurs really do come to life when the moon is full? Test your valor when journeying through the darkened hallways of the Museum after hours. Meet live animals such as hawks and falcons; participate in arts and crafts projects like origami making; watch an IMAX movie; check out the Butterfly Conservatory; listen to bedtime stories; and explore the Museum with only a flashlight in hand. End the night sleeping under the whale in Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, beneath famous dioramas in the Hall of North American Mammals, or among the geological formations in the Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth.

Global Weekends

From the Motherlands to El Barrio: New York’s Latino Immigrant Experience

Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21, 1–5 pm

Free with Museum admission

The story of the ancient Silk Road is, in part, a story of immigration and of the cultural exchange that occurs at the borders of immigrant communities. Through performances, interactive workshops, conversations, and films, this family-friendly event focuses on Latino communities in New York City while drawing parallels between immigrant experiences throughout time.  Highlights include performances by the Coatlicue Theater Company, which will weave part of the Mayan creation story with stories of migration; Los Pleneros de la 21, a leader in the resurgence of Puerto Rican traditional music in New York; Samba Nation Productions, will bring rhythms of Brazilian Carnival; and Tahuantinsuyo, a pioneer folk music group from the Andes.

Wild, Wild World: Predators

Saturday, March 27, 11am–noon and 1–2pm

$10 adults, $8 children; Members’ tickets are $9 adults, 7$ children

Welcome to the world of the predator! Get an up-close look at a Golden Eagle, python, and bear cub in this special live-animal presentation featuring wildlife expert Andrew Simmons.  Wild, Wild World is a children’s program that offers a unique learning experience, bringing live animals to the theater. Past shows have included birds, bats, and wolves.