Mathnasium with Danica McKellar and The Moms at MoMath

My older son loves math. He gets it from his dad, I have to admit. I wish I could say he gets it from me, but I'd be lying. I am much better using the right side of my brain, which is the creative side. He is a left brained kid and proud of it! And so am I... I struggled with math as a kid. Even in college, I had a math tutor. So, to see him strive in this area, is just amazing. 

If your little one seems to be struggling with math, like I did, check out Mathnasium, The Math Learning Center that teaches kids math the way that makes sense to them. It is also a great place if you have an eager learner who wants to learn more than what they are getting in school. Mathnasium creates a learning program specifically for your child.

Math doesn't have to be hard or confusing and at MoMath, they make learning fun. I am all about enjoying education. I did, after all, have a mom who was a teacher and she would always try to make learning a joyful experience for me growing up. I too want this for my children and at MoMath, it makes doing that, simple! 

The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) helps you see how math is used in everyday life. The space is filled with exciting and entertaining ways to discover how math is the foundation of so many things that we do, daily.

The best takeaway was meeting one of my favorite childhood actresses, the beloved star of The Wonder Years, Danica McKellar. Who recently wrote a children's book that helps young readers grasp the concept of math and numbers for the first time. The book titled, Goodnight Numbers, is  for 1-5  year olds. This is the first book of many for Danica as she explained, there will be more to come for all ages. And we can't wait! Goodnight Numbers was a hit in my house, with it's sweet and gentle approach to learning numbers and what they are. We loved this story and can't wait to read more books from her series!

Thanks to The Moms for organizing such a wonderful event that my son and I both enjoyed. We enjoyed it so much in fact, that we have already set a date to return to the museum to explore more. This time with my daughter. I know my daughter will love MoMath just as much as we did. 

To purchase your copy of Goodnight Numbers click here.

To find out more about Mathnasium and find a center near you http://www.mathnasium.com. 

For more information about MoMath and their schedule check out their website http://momath.org. 

See what The Moms are up to next!

Growing Up Gracie Series... "Gracie and the Lost Christmas Gift"

Typically, we read at least 20 minutes every night. I love how it calms the kids and gets them ready for bed. I also love when I find the older kids snuggled up on the couch together reading their night-time stories while I'm getting the baby to bed.

Tonight we sat down and read the most incredible holiday story by the Growing Up Gracie Series.

The author, Chelsea Triola, told me that she always wanted to write a children's book so she can reach young minds and well, Christmas is her favorite time of year! So with that, she created this beautiful story about little Gracie and the lost Christmas Gift. It teaches the importance of giving during the holidays. 

The book captures the essence of the holiday season and all the mayhem. Follow Gracie and her mom on a shopping trip where they stumble upon a holiday crisis. They make their way through the crowded Christmas chaos to complete an important mission that could save someone's holiday!

I just loved watching my kids as they engaged in this modern Christmas tale. 

Streamer Surprise - Great Party Favor Idea

streamer balls.jpg

On holidays, I like to surprise the kids with something fun when when they wake up! So this Halloween I knew I needed to find something small, cheap and fun! And NOT candy!!

I found these amazing Streamer Surprise Balls at a children's boutique in Tribeca called Bitz Kids. 

They were kind of expensive, at about $6.00 each, but I thought my kids would love them and have a blast opening them on Halloween morning! And I was right... the kids had so much fun opening layer by layer and finding three surprises inside!

Next year, I'll be making my own. And I really think its a great and clever idea for a party favor for a kids party. All you'll need to make your own:

  • 2 different colored party streamers. Party City  
  • 2 or 3 small toys and or candy to hide inside
  • Tape
  • Spray bottle of water (use VERY sparingly!)

Start with the best and biggest toy in the center, then tape a streamer end to it and start wrapping using the water very gently to form the streamers in the round shape. Then tape another color on and you can include small candy or trinkets in the surrounding wrapper. When you are completed just simply take the end and hide with fun stickers or simply leave it as is. The kids will love this fun and exciting treat! 

Leave any comments or questions below!

Chicest Travel Accessory... And it's FUNCTIONAL!!!

Headed out of town? Need help getting all your stuff and the kids stuff through the airport? Well... Try this amazing product we discovered for our summer vacation. 

We bought these amazing scooter bags for our summer trip to the DR. And the kids absolutely loved them. My daughter gets tired fast from all the walking and I knew I'd be pushing the baby in the stroller and not able to help her. So I found these cool carry-on's and they really did the trick!
 

They are scooters and carry-ons.  They are functional and super chic! Everyone will love them as you glide through the airport with smiling children! Instead of carrying ton's of extra baggage and crying children who can't walk any farther!

The only issue we had, was with the quality of the bag itself...  is not amazing. The zipper and bag are not made that well. The bag itself is not that big. About the size of a medium size backpack. 

Although, I think this product is amazing and I still recommend it. The best part about this is the fact that there is a scooter built in.

The scooter folds up and you can easy store them under the seat in front of you on a plane or in the overhead. The scooter is not like a regular scooter. It does't steer as well as a regular scooter and does have a bag on the front of it. So, be sure to have the kids practice at home so they don't get frustrated at the airport. 

Overall, I think the kids really enjoyed having the extra help getting them around. Plus, it does help with the baggage that you would carry. I know that even if I pack a lightweight bag for the kids, I still wind up carrying it!

Best Kids Hair Cut - DOWNTOWN

When you need a kid friendly hair salon that caters to your fussy little ones, look no further. This downtown chic children's hair salon and kids boutique will become your go-to. 

I took my older son all the time when he was little. He was very active and had a hard time sitting still for more than a second so needless to say I was worried when he needed a haircut. But no need to worry here. At Doodle Doo's there is an assortment of kids movies/shows to pick from at each hair cutting station. And if that isn't enough to occupy your little one for 10 minutes then there is someone to personally blow little bubbles or play a game with them to keep them still. Plus the chairs are fun to sit in and pretend to drive a taxi or firetruck! 

Although Brent is a very calm baby, I wanted him to follow in his brothers footsteps when he needed his first trim. Brent loved driving the taxi and watching the Wiggles while his baby curls were clipped and coiffed. And I only saw it fit that Brycen came along for a little trim himself. Brycen's favorite part these days are all the toys and gifts (I always stock up on the latest and greatest kids toys here for upcoming birthday parties and also on there VAST assortment of girls  bows of all sizes and colors). 

Check out my boys and their matching doo's!!

DOODLE DOO'S

11 CHRISTOPHER STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10014

(212) 627-DOOS (3667)