Archives for November 2016

‘Sesame Street’ Celebrates 45th Anniversary of ‘The Monster at the End of This Book’

November 16, 2016

There are educational television programs and then there’s Sesame Street.

The beloved children’s program has been warming the hearts of preschoolers and adults alike for over four decades. Yesterday, Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street, announced the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the treasured children’s title The Monster at the End of This Book.

First published in 1971, it has sold more than 12 million copies globally, making it the best-selling trade book in Sesame Street’s 47-year history. My three-year-old son adores the book and looks for it every time we visit our local library.

He and countless children around the country have been mesmerized by the anticipation of seeing the “monster” at the end of the book, only to find the friendly, fuzzy and furry Grover greeting them.

The Monster at the End of This Book is available here, $3

“The Monster at the End of This Book is a timeless story, which Sesame Street fans have enjoyed and shared with their children for generations,” Jennifer A. Perry, Vice President and Publisher, North America Media Products at Sesame Workshop, said in a release. “It remains relevant today in supporting families as they teach preschoolers about strength, making decisions, and overcoming their fears with help from their furry friend, Grover. We fully expect to be introducing this funny, relatable, beloved classic to new Sesame Street kids for many years to come.”

In honor of the iconic title’s special milestone, Sesame Street will conduct a series of social media videos inviting fans to create their own version of Monster artwork, and recall their favorite memory of the book using #Monster45.

The anniversary celebration will continue this week on social media with a special reenactment from @Grover and other surprises.

While my son is too young for social media, I do plan on showing him a few posts to get him grooving with Grover!

Who’s your child’s favorite Sesame Street character? Who was yours growing up?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Books | Leave a Comment

Fun Times at the Newly Renovated Bowlmor Lanes in Times Square

November 16, 2016

Nothing says family fun like an afternoon of bowling.

Two weeks ago, my hubby, kids and I had the pleasure of celebrating the re-opening of Bowlmor Lanes in the heart of Times Square.

The original upscale bowling venue has undergone a major multi-million dollar renovation—and the revamp left no detail unturned. The transformation is breathtakingly gorgeous. It’s edgy, nostalgic, trendy and whimsical all rolled into one. While that sounds like a hodge-podge design aesthetic, it works for the 90,000-square-foot flagship space. From Chinatown to Uptown, the not-your-average-bowling-alley is a nod to New York City’s eccentric yet sophisticated vibe.

bowling-bowlmor-lanes

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The Décor

Upon entering, the first thing that caught my eye was the standout, beaming sign that read: BOWL. Its retro feel transported me back in time when most marquees were emblazoned with tiny bulbs.

bowlmor-lanes-times-square

Throughout the venue there were seven outstandingly decorated suites, perfect for parties and celebrations. Plus, all of the walls were covered in something eye-catching. From painted murals to striking wallpaper, you won’t find boring blank walls here!

bowlmor-lanes-wall

The Food

When it comes to good quality food, patronizing a bowling alley may not come to mind. But, let me reassure you—the bites at Bowlmor Lanes will have you coming back for more. Their offerings range from chicken fingers to king-size pizza cakes. Yes, a PIZZA CAKE and pizza cupcakes! The kitchen cranks out inventive, yet top-notch fare that rivals popular restaurants.

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Oh and did I mention the sweet treats? My kids and I devoured the S’mores Pie from the menu. It was pure ooey-gooey goodness and I have zero regrets! Also, if you’re looking to indulge in a few adult beverages, this bowling alley has you covered. It boasts not one, not two, but three bars!

smores-pie-bowlmor-lanes

The Fun

Done with bowling in one of the 48 lanes, but don’t want the fun to end? That was the case with my family. After we were done knocking down neon pins, we headed to the arcade. Packed with plenty of noteworthy games such as NBA Hoops and Connect Four, but the one that stole the show for us was the elusive “Claw” machine.

arcade-bowlmor-lanes

My son AND daughter both won large stuffed animals after only a few tries. To say they were ecstatic would be an understatement. Honestly, I was pretty overjoyed too because I can’t recall ever scoring anything from those machines as a child.

bowlmor-lanes-arcade

Bowlmor Lanes’ new look is out-of-this world and it provides the perfect backdrop for an entertaining and luxurious experience for locals and tourists alike. We’ll be back soon because there’s a S’mores pie with my name on it!

Do you and your family enjoy bowling? Do you plan on visiting the newly renovated Bowlmor Lanes in Times Square?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | Leave a Comment

Cool Fashions to Keep Kids Warm this Season

November 15, 2016

I’m not big on buying fashion trends for myself, but when it comes to clothing for my kids I’m all in.

Shopping for them gives me the perfect opportunity to satisfy my sartorial appetite by indulging in stylish pieces that don’t need to stand the test of time. Why invest in classic pieces when they’re just going to outgrow them by year’s end anyway? Plus, it’s so fun dressing my kids up in swoon-worthy of-the-moment items.

That’s why The Children’s Place has been my go-to store since my daughter’s birth. They offer fashionable finds that are adorable and affordable. Plus, they make clothes that are not only eye-catching, but also boast commendable quality. We moms know that some brands can’t withstand the washer, but thankfully TCP pieces can.

My kids decked out in TCP duds (coats, tops, bottoms and shoes) from this season.

From frilly sequined shirts and glittery high-tops for girls to two-in-one tops and comfy jogger pants for boys, the store has everything to keep my kids in style this winter without blowing my budget.

If you’re in need of great holiday pieces that will brighten your child’s wardrobe, look no further than TCP—it’s the place to be!

Below, find a few of my favorite seasonal picks:

Girls’ Brocade Belted Flare Dress available here, $19.95

Girls Long Sleeve Embellished Graphic Sweater available here, $9.98

Girls’ Glitter Heart Print Denim Jeggings available here, $17.48

Toddler Boys Long Sleeve Rocket Ship Hooded Sweater available here, $10.68

Toddler Boys Long Sleeve Graphic Faux-Layered Top available here, $6.47

Toddler Boys Long Sleeve Glow-In-The-Dark Graphic Faux-Layered Hooded Top available, here $8.48

Toddler Boys Active Marled Sweater-Knit Jogger Pants available here, $11.97

Category: Fashion, Style | 2 Comments

Product Review: Clinique’s City Block Cleansing Gel & Even Better Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer

November 8, 2016

When it comes to toxins, big cities like NYC, L.A. and Chicago can produce some pretty nasty pollutants.

Countless emissions emitted into the air by vehicles, factories and other chemical-spewing culprits can wreak havoc on vulnerable skin. In fact, research shows that dirt and potentially hazardous vapors can clog pores causing breakouts and skin irritations.

Enter Clinique’s City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel. This is not your typical cleanser. To start, it’s black as tar, which makes it fascinating and jarring at first glance. Formulated with us city girls in mind, it promises to clean out the dirt, grime and other impurities that seep into our pores on a daily basis.

Living in a major metropolis and being a cystic acne sufferer, I was excited to give this wash a go. Never before had I used a product that aimed to rid my skin of grit expelled from the environment. To say I was intrigued would be an understatement. Could the environment be the cause of the headless pimples that peppered my forehead? I don’t know, but I was willing to try anything that could possibly combat my condition.

Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel available here, $20

After weeks of using the fragrance-free, natural charcoal infused cleanser, my skin looked undeniably refreshed and radiant. It also rectified my “ever-present dewy glow” problem by reducing excess oil production. However, it didn’t stop those pesky and painful cysts from popping up. And remember, these are not simple, surface pimples, but the heavy duty ones you can feel brewing well beneath the skin. Sadly, I’ve come to the conclusion that those unsightly nodules are due to hormones and can’t be treated topically.

While the bumps eventually go down, they still leave behind dark blemishes that can take a toll on the most confident BG’s self-esteem. Luckily, Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer has been my saving grace. Its dual chamber pump releases a serum that brightens old blemishes creating a vibrant, even complexion. It goes on clear, absorbs quickly and doesn’t live behind a sticky film. Also, the optimizer component serves as a protector, lessening the chance of skin darkening again in the future. Plus, it’s prescription-strength so you can skip that expensive trip to the dermatologist. I’ve been using it as directed twice a day for over a month and the results have been amazing!

Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer available here, $79

All in all, I’ll continue to use the City Block because it keeps the majority of my skin in check save for the occasional cysts and the Even Better Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer is a must-have for anyone who suffers from hyper-pigmentation and yearns for bright, even-toned skin.

Take it from this city girl, when it comes to skincare, Clinique knows its stuff.

What does your fall skincare routine include?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 1 Comment

Children’s Book ‘Rice & Rocks’ Author Talks Food, Family and Tradition

November 4, 2016

It’s no secret that children’s books can foster critical thinking, boost confidence and expand vocabularies exponentially in young readers. Not to mention ignite imaginations by unlocking creativity in leaps and bounds. The new book, Rice & Rocks, by debut author Sandra L. Richards, does that and more.

Inspired by her late nephew, Giovanni, the book follows a young boy who shuns his family’s tradition of preparing rice and beans meals, but soon realizes that it’s not just about the food, but about the rich culture and heritage behind it.

Click here to purchase Rice & Rocks, $14

The book is a beautiful tribute to the family dinner and the significance it plays in all cultures. Illustrated with warm, yet vibrant drawings by Megan Kayleigh Sullivan, the story takes readers on a lovely journey exploring culinary traditions and mealtime rituals that transcend backgrounds.

Rice & Rocks is one of those rare reads that’s intended for children, but has such a compelling story that it’s just as intriguing and captivating for adults. It’s truly a celebration of family, food and diversity!

I recently caught up with the author to talk about this sure-to-be bestseller, her beloved nephew and of course rice and beans!

Below, read on for our Q&A:

BGG: Rice & Rocks is an excellent way to teach young readers about diversity, culture and heritage. What were some of your favorite and/or most memorable family traditions/meals growing up?

Sandra Richards: Of course growing up I loved rice and rocks, I mean beans! And in fact, I still do. On Sunday mornings I enjoyed ackee and salt fish with fried dumplings for breakfast. It’s a traditional Jamaican dish. When I was growing up, my mom and dad had a Saturday routine; leaving our home in Long Island in the late morning to head to Brooklyn, NY to their favorite butcher, and then to the record store. The last stop was to Mr. Chin’s bakery to get beef patties and coco bread. That was the best beef patties I ever had!

BGG: My children love the book! In fact, my daughter told me that after reading Rice & Rocks, it felt like she had taken a real adventure with Giovanni. Have you received similar reactions from other readers you’ve met? If so, what have been some of their responses?

SR: Thanks so much for sharing that! I’m so glad your daughter enjoyed it. I have heard similar responses from kids and adults alike. The common theme has been, “I’ve learned something new!” But my favorite responses are the ones where people share their own “rice and rocks” story because it inspires me to visit other places around the world!

BGG: Did you always aspire to become a children’s book author? I know your late nephew inspired the book, but did you want to become an author prior to his passing?

SR: I have always loved to write and I enjoy storytelling. I have written poems, short stories, essays and had even started writing a novel years ago. But those have mainly been things I have done to entertain myself and relief myself of thoughts and ideas that linger in my head until I write them down. Those writings had been to satisfy my own needs but Rice & Rocks was different. Something about it kept tugging at my heart that this one needed to be shared with others. I was moved and inspired to go forward with sharing it with a larger audience when I read Maya Angelou’s quote, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.”

BGG: As a debut author, what have been some of the most surprising lessons and learning experiences throughout the publishing process?

SR: I have learned a great deal along the way, and am still learning every day. The editing process was interesting. In the early days of the manuscript, it went through many rounds of editing with strong suggestions to change some of the text and remove some characters like the dogs from the story as they were not deemed relevant. I had to learn very quickly to remove the emotions from the equation and accept the critiques and leave some things on the cutting room floor. However, as equally important, I had to stand in my convictions and beliefs about things that mattered to the integrity of the story. And my dogs, Skye and Honey, were important to the story; though they played a small part, it was meaningful. Besides, how was I going to explain to them that they didn’t make the cut? (laughs)

BGG: The illustrations are beautiful and exude a sense of warmth and familiarity. Tell me, how did your working relationship with illustrator Megan Sullivan come to be?

SR: Megan is a brilliant illustrator, she graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). I am so glad she believed in Rice & Rocks as much as I did. She and I were connected by a mutual friend, Wendy Murphy. Over the course of nearly two years while working the book, we met about three times in person. I sent her photos of my family and the rest of the details were from her creative mind and skillful hands!

BGG: What’s your favorite part/scene of the book?

SR: I have a few. One of my favorite parts is when Grandma is serving the food and Giovanni announced that dinner is served. He proudly declares that it is his Grandma’s specialty. The other part is when Giovanni discovers that Louis Armstrong loved rice and beans too!

BGG: How did you choose the cultures that Giovanni explored throughout the book? Were they based on actual people in your life?

SR: The cultures were based on things that Giovanni related to and people that were in both of our lives. Japan was an easy choice because he loved Godzilla! And as he says in the book, it’s “home to the King of the monsters.” Given both of our love of jazz music, New Orleans was a perfect choice. And he had a friend in school and she was from Puerto Rico.

BGG: What advice do you have for an aspiring children’s book author?

SR: If you are an aspiring children’s book author, talk to kids! Spend some quality time with them. I had a focus group of kids, made up of family members and those of friends, who helped me along the way. I would let them read the story, or I would read to them depending on the age, and take their feedback. This was one of the best things that I did – kids are super honest, no filter!

BGG: I’m sure your nephew would’ve been proud of Rice & Rocks. What do you think would’ve been his favorite part? And why?

SR: I think Giovanni would have loved all of the adventures. He had a curious and imaginative mind and I think he would have enjoyed learning about all of the other cultures. He would have loved the visit to Japan—I’ve never seen a kid who loved Godzilla so much!

What’s your family’s favorite meal?

Category: Book, Book Reviews, Books | Leave a Comment

BGG Visits ABC’s ‘The Chew’

November 3, 2016

Last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a taping of “The Chew.”

Thanks to the folks at ABC, I not only had the pleasure of watching Carla Hall, Daphne Oz, Clinton Kelly and Michael Symon (Mario Batali was out of town) live in action, but I also got a sneak peek into the place where all the delicious magic happens: the test kitchen.

While backstage, I learned a few secrets like how they modify the recipes and sometimes share a kitchen with another popular ABC show, “The View!”

To my delight, one of segments highlighted the bourgeoning culinary scene in Rhode Island. I was excited because I had visited the state for the first time earlier this year and was eager to learn more.

Well, in case you didn’t know, The Ocean State has some pretty awesome cuisine, especially seafood—it is along the Atlantic coastline after all. Carla, who is not only the show’s co-host, but also a chef and restaurateur took a trip to explore the state’s notable culinary locations. Her travels led her to the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Newport’s Stoneacre Pantry and training programs at Johnson & Wales University’s College of Culinary Arts in Providence.

The segment gave us audience members and viewers at home a taste of some of the best that Rhode Island’s food scene has to offer. From farm-to-table to pond-to-plate, the segment highlighted the region’s bountiful locally grown produce and locally raised raised proteins—showcasing the state as an emerging culinary powerhouse.

Rhode Island might be small, but it packs a major punch when it comes to the culinary world. Home to one of the most coveted culinary schools in the country, the aforementioned Johnson & Wales University’s College of Culinary Arts – the region has produced scores of dietitians, nutritionists and food service professionals and of course, chefs including a couple James Beard winners.

When I visited in April, I had the pleasure of checking out a local Cranston restaurant called Bistro 22, and my salmon entree was tasty and the service was topnotch.

If you’re already on the east coast in NYC, Boston or DC, why not take a fun road trip or hop on a train to get yourself acquainted with the quaint, but vast foodie destination?

Treat yourself to a walk-up shack for some on-the-go grub or if you’re feeling fancy, opt for one of the many fine-dining experiences that the area boasts.

No matter what your palate preference, you’re sure to find something that will satisfy your tastebuds.

Check out these upcoming food events to inspire a visit:

•Nov. 4-13: Newport Restaurant Week
• Jan. 15-28, 2017: Providence Restaurant Week

Have you ever visited Rhode Island?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 1 Comment

GIVEAWAY: Win Tickets to ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!’ in Brooklyn

November 2, 2016

If you live in the New York area and have a toddler in your life, keep reading!

The super bowl equivalent for the preschool set is coming to a neighborhood near you. Yep, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!” will be center stage at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on November 26th (2:30pm and 6pm).

Growing up in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” was a fixture on my family’s TV set. The educational program was familiar and comforting – thanks to the friendly star of the show, Fred Rogers. His gentle demeanor and upbeat attitude coupled with his smooth delivery of information prepared me for school, and essentially, the world around me.

Tickets are available for purchase here, starting at $22.

Back then, there weren’t a gazillion channels to choose from or online streaming services, heck, the Internet as we know it today didn’t even exist. So, when I heard that the show was being revamped to appeal to the new generation of young viewers back in 2012, I was thrilled—especially since my daughter had just turned two. She watched the show religiously with Daniel in his famous red sweater and has now passed that torch on to her baby brother.

Our family is excited to see the live theatrical production later this month. I’m sure it will be packed with educational tidbits, dancing, music and surprises!

**GIVEAWAY**Want to see the show too? If you’re in the NYC area, you could win tickets to see it at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. Simply leave a comment below telling me why your child would love to see “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!” or share your favorite childhood program/cartoon when you were growing up. Also, feel free to tweet me at @BrownGirlGumbo too! One lucky winner will be randomly selected and win four tickets to the show on November 26th. The winner will be chosen on November 21st and notified by November 22nd.

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 3 Comments