Manhattan Mom

Today: Clifford's HEART-y Party at Scholastic Store Soho

2012-02-11T14:00:00Z

Looking for something fun to do this afternoon? Gather your little ones and head to the Scholastic Store in Soho at 3PM today for some pre-Valentine's Day fun with a very special guest star: Clifford the Big Red Dog!

Valentine's Day is Clifford's favorite holiday - it would be yours too, if you were a Big Red Dog! Cuddle up with someone special and listen to a selection of Clifford's favorite Valentine's Day books and then join Clifford for a special pre-Valentine's Day card-making-extravaganza. Make sure you don't leave before showing Clifford some love and getting a picture with the Big Red Dog himself!

WHEN: Saturday (2/11) @ 3PM
WHO: Ages 3 and up
WHERE: 557 Broadway (b/w Prince & Spring Streets). Note: Stroller entrance is located at 130 Mercer Street

Visit Scholastic's Events webpage for more information. See you there!

Free Event: Laurie Berkner, the Little Maestros and Farmer Jason

2012-02-10T12:12:00Z

Exciting News: My new favorite toy store, J&R jr., is celebrating their Grand Opening this weekend and we're all invited! They're calling it a 2-Day Kidstravanganza and they're not kidding! The free party is this Saturday (2/11) and Sunday (2/12) and will have magicians, princesses, balloon twisters, photo booths, giveaways and more!

What do I mean by "more"? Much like J&R, J&R jr. will regularly treat us NYers to free events headlined by big name performers. Who's performing tomorrow? Laurie Berkner @ 1:30, the Little Maestros @ 2:30 and Farmer Jason @ 4:00. Be sure to arrive early - only the first 300 people will be admitted and Laurie always draws a crowd :)

I'll be there with all my munchkins... Join us!

Click here to learn more about this weekend's events including Sunday's lineup of performers!

Toy Review: Water Xylophone by Alex Toys

2012-02-09T15:28:00Z

What: Tub Tunes Water Xylophone by Alex Toys

What ManhattanMom's Mom Tester Says: I love, love, love this toy (and so do the kids). It's simple to play with, sounds great and it comes apart so our mini musicians can play music on the keys as they float on the water, stuck to the side of the tub or any other combo.

It also comes with waterproof laminated sheet music which is easy to follow (for the older kids) and a fun addition.

So far, this is my favorite music-making bath toy.

Who: Suitable for ages 3 years and up.

Cost: $14.95

Best New Toy Store in Manhattan: J&R jr.

2012-02-09T14:00:00Z

Congratulations, J&R! You've given birth to a beautiful, bouncing, baby store! This past Sunday, a bunch of my sister New York mom bloggers and I were treated to a preview opening of the newest toy store in town: J&R jr.

If you know and shop at J&R (and what New Yorker doesn't?), you're familiar with the 40-year old institution's reputation for having an extensive product selection with great prices and for hosting free events headlined by the biggest names in entertainment. Well, it's often said that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and that couldn't be more true with J&R jr. The seriously cute boutique for kids & parents features baby gear, kids electronics, bath toys, accessories, games, toys galore & much more. In other words, it has every product line you know and love -- and plenty new ones to discover -- and something for every child in your life regardless of age, gender, and interest (or obsession).

For me, it was love at first sight. My day job's office is located downtown so I'm especially excited to welcome the much-needed, new addition to the neighborhood.

For more information, sign up for J&R jr.s free eNewsletter or visit J&R jr. today!

Toy Review: Rub-N-Color Magic Coloring Books by Giddy Up

2012-02-06T13:40:00Z

How did we test? I purchased several versions of Rub-n-Color books while delayed in the JetBlue terminal at JFK. My 2 1/2 year old son and I played with them while in the airport, on the flight and at times during our vacation. Back home, I continued to bring them with us to restaurants, on car rides, and even on a few play dates (several mom friends were so impressed by them they demanded to know where I got them).

What did we like? They're inexpensive, lasted longer than I had expected and, even though we lost the pencil that came with the book, we were able to keep playing with it because you only need to rub the paper for the colors to appear.

What didn't we like? Once you've rubbed the specific items to color them or reveal hidden messages, the colors aren't as bright as you expect and the text isn't always easy to read.

Do we recommend? Yes, we loved the Rub-n-Color books. We've finished all of our books but if/when I see them again, I'll likely pick up a few new ones to keep on hand for those times when a little distraction can go a long way.

For more information, visit GiddyUp.com

4 Santa Websites You -- and Your Kids -- Will Love

2011-12-22T15:20:00Z

If you celebrate Christmas in your house and your children are super excited for Santa's arrival, you're going to love these websites: One will track Santa - in real time - as he makes his way south from the North Pole and around the world, another will enable you to take a photo of Santa placing presents under your Christmas tree in your living room, another will let you create a video of Santa talking about your child's status on his "Nice List," and the fourth website will send your little one (via your email address) a personalized email from Santa!

Dolls and Doll Houses You and Your Little Ones Will Love

2011-11-29T17:14:44Z

When I was a little girl, my Grandfather built me my one, and only, doll house in his wood shop. I spent countless hours playing with it and considered it my greatest treasure. I have such fond memories of it, I wish every little girl could have a doll house as nice as the one I had. Until recently however, I assumed that all of the doll houses available today were plastic, pink and disposable.

Thanks to a recent introduction to Once Upon a Treehouse, I now know that there are beautifully designed, handmade dolls and doll houses available, with just the right amount of old-world charm and contemporary style.

With Once Upon a Treehouse, sisters Lori and Tara, set out to create handmade toys and interactive ideas for parents & grandparents that provide enriching experiences with their children & grandchildren. In my opinion, they've done just that. I love that they understand not all families look alike and not all girls have (or want) pink rooms, so all of their dolls are sold individually and you can pick the color house she'll like best.

I also love that you can feel good about these toys:

- All of the wood toys (including the doll houses) are handmade of solid maple and CARB certified plywood harvested from sustainable forestry, and only environmentally friendly paints and stains

- All of the dolls are handmade using eco-friendly materials such as wood, cotton and wool

- For every doll sold, Once Upon a Treehouse will donate a doll to a child in need.

Visit Once Upon a Treehouse to learn more and to purchase any of the products in this wonderful line.

Expert Tips for Pregnant Women Navigating New York City

2011-11-28T11:00:00Z

Thanks to all of the obstacles and challenges NYC's urban environment creates for us, getting around town with kids-in-tow can be daunting but, when you're expecting, it can be even more challenging.

If you're pregnant and feel unprepared to traverse this great city of ours, help is here.

Elizabeth Stein, a leading women’s health expert and Certified Nurse Midwife, has shared her top tips for Manhattan Moms-to-be.

Elephant Party Mobile by Ole Flensted,1976

2011-11-24T17:50:00Z

Elephant Party Mobile by Ole Flensted, 1976

I first spotted this delightful mobile hanging above the examination table in our Pediatrician's office. Imagine my glee when I discovered it in the MoMA store for $32 ($28 if you're a member). I also learned that, for the past 30 years, these precious pachyderms have been stimulating children worldwide during their first important years. Learn more or pick up your own during your next visit to MoMA or online.

Book Reviews By You: Eloise

2011-11-07T16:50:00Z

The New York Cty classic, Eloise by Kay Thompson, got mixed reviews but we'll let you be the judge.

Here are two Manhattan Mom reader reviews:

Read the reviews >>>