Archives for October 2015

Event Recap: L’il Critters Fun Day at Central Park Zoo

Last week my children were surprised to a impromptu visit to Central Park Zoo.

Of course, as we moms know, things are hardly ever impromptu when involving kids. So, I knew well in advance that we had been invited to a day of fun all courtesy of L’il Critters vitamins—America’s #1 Kid Vitamin Brand.

Since L’il Critters is all about promoting healthy lifestyles for kids and families, it was befitting to have the afternoon start off with a nice warm-up routine. The activity reinforced the importance of physical activity by encouraging those in attendance to get moving with the help of the L’il Critters mascot! Who doesn’t love exercising with a larger-than-life bear? Needless to say, the kids enjoyed it.

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A few of the L’il Critters vitamins that were on display throughout the event space. 

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Ava showing off her push-up skills during the exercise portion of the event.

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Ava and the other kids giving the L’il Critters mascot high-fives.

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Ava enjoying lunch before taking a peek at Steve Ettinger’s book, “Wallie Exercises.”

After the workout, the kids worked up an appetite and were presented with various healthy lunch options. Ava and MJ hardly ate anything because they were just so excited to be in the presence of the L’il Critters bear. After lunch it was time to see some animals! Unlike regular trips to the zoo, the children were led by a zoo tour guide who provided them with a wealth of information about all of the animals were saw. From penguins to grizzly bears, the zoo has plenty of attractions that will educate and entertain kids of all ages.

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Once the zoo tour was over, we went back to the tent and took more pictures with the L’il Critters mascot and learned more about the brand and what their vitamins offer. Did you know that all of their vitamins are gluten-free? My kids love them and it’s always their highlight after breakfast.

Oh, if you love gummies like me, they have a line of gummy vitamins for adults under their VitaFusion division. Trust me, they’re delicious and nutritious! I like to use the Hair, Skin and Nails multivitamin since I’m still on a quest to restoring my hair’s former luster prior to having children. Plus, I could always use a clearer complexion and these seem to be helping me achieve an even skin-tone.

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VitaFusion Hair, Skin & Nails Multivitamin available here, $14.50

Check out these lifestyle tips to keep your child active and healthy:

* Shop together. Give kids a small budget and let them pick out a new veggie or fruit they want to try as part of their meal.

*Involve kids in meal prep, whether it’s setting the table, cracking the eggs or making a grocery list. Kids who participate in cooking are more likely to eat better and are more willing to try new foods. Praise them for their efforts.

*Make the focus about each other – designate the dinner table a “no screen zone” by turning off the TV and leaving the phones and tablets in another room.

Does your family take multivitamins? How do you keep your kids active?

Pharrell Williams’ New Book Will Make Children Very ‘Happy!’

For all of the children around the world who sang along with and danced to Pharrell Williams’ hit song, “Happy!,” they’re in for a real treat.

The Grammy-award winning musician has turned his popular tune into a beautiful, full color book that children and adults alike will love. Packed with undeniable energy, the book’s catchy lyrics at times seem as if they could dance right off the page! We all know that the lyrics are entertaining and upbeat, but the adorable photographs of the children really bring the song to life. For example, the line “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof,” is illustrated with a little boy sitting in a makeshift house with the roof blowing off above his head—so adorable.

Pharrell Williams credit Mimi Valdes

Pharrell Williams | Photo by Mimi Valdes

While the the book is fun, Pharrell’s purpose for turning the song into a book is to promote literacy. “I’m committed to encouraging child literacy and this project is the perfect vehicle to accomplish that goal,” Pharrell says in a release. “The “Happy” lyrics and pictures are an opportunity to inspire kids to read and promote imagination.

When I received my review copy in the mail, my daughter was BEYOND excited! Like many children across the country, it is one of her favorite songs. Her elation was catapulted when she saw the bright, eye-catching cover. We read (and couldn’t help but sing too) and danced at the same time. This book personifies joy and I can’t wait to read it to my daughter’s kindergarten class next month.

Hats off to Pharrell for breathing new life into such an amazing and beautifully written song. We all need a bit of happiness.

Happy! by Pharrell Williams

“Happy!” by Pharrell Williams available here, $19 (hardcover)

Below, check out Pharrell speaking about the book on TODAY:

What song automatically boosts your mood and makes you feel happy? 

Get Class Picture-Perfect with Conair’s Quick Twist Hair Styler

I can’t believe we’re already a month into my daughter Ava’s school year. I’m even more shocked  that her class picture day is next week!

School pictures are a big deal—at least they were when I was growing up. But, that was before digital cameras and cell phones. When I was in school, my mom would style my hair in special ways for the big day. Back in the ’80s and early ’90s that meant pressing it straight then curling the ends.  Since I won’t be doing that, I do plan on using  Conair’s new Quick Twist Hair Styler  to create fun, twisty braided-ponytails.

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Conair Quick Twist Hair Styler available here, $30

Ever since we attended the launch party for the product last month, Ava has been so excited to use it on her hair. During the event we were able to test the hair tool with the help of a professional hairstylist.

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One of the hairstylists using the Conair Quick Twist Hair Styler on my daughter, Ava’s, naturally curly hair. 

At first, I was skeptical that it would work on naturally curly hair like my daughter’s. To my surprise and delight, it worked perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to use. The hair clamps into two grooves and the rotating head quickly and gently twists the hair creating effortless two-strand braids. However, if your child has short hair, this product will not work well. The hair has to be long enough to go into the clamps in order to create a twisty braided look.

So, on picture day Ava will rock her signature ponytails, but this time with a twist!

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What’s your favorite hairstyling tool?