Sesame Street-- Through the Eyes of Bradley

Have you ever wanted to just jump right inside the little ever growing brain of your child-- even for just a split second to see what they are thinking? Have you ever WONDERed what they would say if they were able to talk? 


They say once you have a baby it's all about them, so for my birthday it was only fitting that we celebrated with family at Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. It's never too early to instill WONDER in your child's life. 

In spite of the rain, we all had an incredible day and it makes me think, what it would be like to be 1 again? Not a care in the world, not even realizing how many people love and care about you. And always bringing smiles to everyone you look at... 


From the minute we stepped foot into the park, a sense of nostalgia came over me and I'm sure everyone else would have probably agreed too. My cousin and I were jumping up and down like school girls, when we saw Elmo and Big Bird posing for pictures. 


After that, we went to see the show, A is for Africa, where all the characters sing and dance around you. The feeling I felt was indescribable when I turned to look at my son. All he was doing was clapping, smiling and watching the characters perform on stage. My dad said, it was more fun to go as a grandparent then any other time before.





After the show, we Dined with Elmo and Friends and got to meet Burt, Ernie and the rest of the crew. OMG you would have thought I was meeting a Rock Star when Cookie Monster came to say hi to us.


Who was your favorite Sesame Street character?

It is memories like this that last a lifetime. Although my son will probably never remember this experience except from the 1000+ pictures we took; I will forever remember it! My 31st birthday being spent with my lil man smiling, laughing, clapping, waving, blowing kisses and pointing to all the characters and animals we saw on our journey. This is what embodies being a kid.


As we loaded up the car for the 4 hour drive ahead of us, Bradley still had a big smile on his face before he peacefully fell asleep while hugging his Elmo doll. 

Have you ever had a similar experience?

What memories did you experience that will forever leave a smile on your heart?

The 'Dad-chelor' Party, by: Kyle Rivera

This blog goes out to all the mommy's and daddy's to be...


Having a difficult time coming to grips with the reality of having your first child?


WONDERing how you are still going to find 'me' time? Leave it to Kyle Rivera to find a way to celebrate her husband being a first time father... 

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Once you pee on a stick and you see the little plus sign or if you went digital and you saw the word “pregnant”, your life has immediately changed.  Not only has your body now become home for a little bean (or beans), but an incredible amount of attention is coming your and your belly’s way! It is so easy to forget, or neglect, your hubby or partner during this time.  Throughout your pregnancy your body is changing, your mind is racing; to compensate your friends and family are worrying and doting on you.  Gifts, cards, lunches, and the best part; showers!!!

So enough about you, it’s time to direct the attention to the other half who was involved in this whole process of conception.  You know; the guy rubbing your feet, bringing you dinner, gaining weight along with you, telling you that your weight gain is all normal… the dad!! He has had a 50% stake in this bean(s), and so far, you are the only one getting any attention.  I mean, at your shower it was his job to bring you flowers and load the gifts in your car… Need I say more?! His whole job in this process, is to make you feel comfortable and pretty 

Well, when I was pregnant all I could think about was “what am I going to do to make this special for him?”. So, I planned a “dad-chelor” party.  Yes, a dad-chelor party, for my first time dad. His last night out without a human alarm clock, party!

First plan of attack, recruit friends: This will be the easiest of all your tasks.  All guys look forward to a “guys’ night” and this was perfect!  (Especially since the second thing on the list was getting a van/transportation to and from said “dad-chelor” party.)

For my hubby’s, I told him I was planning a dinner and when we showed up to his friend’s house all his boys were there.  I then had a van show up to transport the soon to be “dad” and all his drunken friends.  I had a reservation with pre-paid drinks and apps at a restaurant downtown.  Of course, I had two friends in on the plan, and they led the party to a nearby bar that had a bottle of my hubby’s favorite liquor with a box of “It’s a boy” cigars.  I am pretty certain it was an amazing night.  

Needless to say, this party was not revisited for my daughter, who is our second child.  Though, this was a very special night for my “baby daddy” and one him and his friends will never forget.  He is an amazing dad to both my kids and is one fabulous husband, and there should never be a day whether my kids are in utero or making their way in this world that he should feel un-included, so I needed to make sure he had a little time in my 9+ months of harboring our child that was his and his alone.

Listen ladies, do this! Not only will every one of your hubby’s friends be envious that he has you as a wife, more importantly your husband will never forget it or will ever want to let you go!  It’s win/win, and once the baby comes you know these nights will be seldom.  Give him a night, just for him, with all the attention. You know he deserves it, and not only that he will know just how much you appreciate all he does for you and your growing family! 

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So, who's thinking about planning their hubby the next Dad-chelor Party? 

Earth Day is Every Day with Guest Blogger Andee

Wondering more about Earth Day and how you can help celebrate through the week?  Welcome guest blogger Andee with her insight and expertise on Mother Earth...

On the 32nd anniversary of the first Earth Day, when, on April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million Americans came together for a cleaner environment, it is important that we continue spreading the "green" word and start teaching our kids early about the importance of taking care of our planet, for now and for future generations. Though recycling in some aspect as been around forever, back in the 1970s, most people didn't know that gas-guzzling sedans were polluting our environment; that it was better to recycle paper, plastic, cans, glass, and more, to reduce toxins in our landfills; that it was crucial to reduce our waste; or how to live sustainably. The inaugural celebration in 1970 led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Act. Now, thanks to the groundwork laid over three decades ago, we are much more informed about our precious Earth and things we can do to make it better and cleaner. The three R's of waste-minimization changed the way we live today: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The three R's are a great way to talk to our kids, starting as babies, about the importance of helping our environment. 

The Three R's:

    Reduce the amount of the Earth's resources that we use.
    Reuse Don't just bin it, could someone else make use of it?
    Recycle Can the materials be made into something new?

 

 

There are many activities we can do with our kids not just on Earth Day, but every day. The Huffington Post gives their top 10 Earth Day Activities for Kids:

    1) Take a Hike -- Take your kids on a scenic walk to witness nature's beauty and get some exercise.

    2) Make Earth-Friendly Treats and Picnic -- Put together a lunch made from natural and/or organic ingredients -- using reusable bags, plates, containers, etc. -- and go to your local park or beach for a picnic.

    3) Read an Earth Day Book -- Get the message across in a way the little ones will understand and appreciate.

    4) Plant Something -- Your kids will love getting their hands dirty planting fruits, vegetables, herbs, or flowers, as they learn they can contribute to Earth's beauty.

    5) Build a Bird Feeder -- Fun, messy, and educational!

    6) Go See Animals -- Take a trip to your local zoo, aquarium, or botanical gardens to experience the natural wonders in your community.

    7) Play the Recycling Game -- If you make recycling fun, it will be a popular daily ritual.

    8) Reuse Old Clothes -- This is a great activity to get creative, using scissors, paint, beads, or whatever else your budding designer comes up with!

    9) Play in the Dark -- Turn off the lights and your kids can use their imaginations for some spooky, power-saving fun.

    10) Make a Solar Oven -- I was lucky enough to try solar-baked chocolate chip cookies, made by elementary students, at Miami Country Day School's 20th anniversary celebration of the Abess Center for Environmental Studies. They were YUMMY!! 

Earth Day turns into Earth Week at many schools, businesses, and homes worldwide. Here at the University of Miami, we have a week-long celebration with events, activities, speakers, film screenings, and more to relay the importance of helping our Earth. This year, the week culminated with the 6th annual Hug the Lake event, which brought over 700 UM students, faculty and staff together, holding hands around Lake Osceola, as a symbolic 'hug' to show their appreciation for and increase awareness about the environment. At the event, donations were collected to protect acreage of the Everglades from deforestation.

The goal of UM's Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy is to educate the next generation of environmental leaders. Our undergraduate and graduate students are working more to reach out to K-12 students to educate and inform, since we know how important it is to start young. If a person begins their knowledge base of environmental and sustainability issues early, then the sky's the limit for them and the impact they could have on our world! 

Thank you again to my WONDERful friend, Andee Holzman, Assistant Director of Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy at University of Miami. You are a true example of how to live a green friendly life. 


What are some examples of how you live a green friendly life?

eBook Review: Mamatography- Photo Basics and Beyond

Capturing your Mamatography Moments

I had the pleasure of meeting Vicky Scesa, founder of Mamatography Photo Workshops, and I absolutely loved her concept, enthusiasm and drive to use her talent to teach others. 

Ever since my son was born, I have taken over a 1,000 pictures of him...on my iphone that is.  Although I have a nicer camera, its just so easy, but as you know the quality isn't as good. The fact is, every mom is a mamatographer- we all are taking photos of our kids on so many differnet levels.  

With todays technology booming and gadgets improving each day, Vicky's eBook- Photo Basics and Beyond, is the perfect camera bag companion. She is definitely the go to person that will teach you how to take shots of your babies faster than they can crawl away! 






This eBook is easy to understand, even for the photographer dummy like me. The text features in the eBook are WONDERful, it breaks everything down for you in an easy to understand way.


Don't waste any time, start capturing those moments on the camera that will last a lifetime.


Happy Shooting! 

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Product Review: iMommy App

iLove iMommy! 

As a child there was nothing I loved more then 'pretend' play, and now, kids can 'pretend' play at their finger tips with just a simple touch. 

In the 90's, technology was booming and they came up with the idea of children learning responsibility by taking care of virtual pets called Tamagachi. Years later, they had Webkinz. The idea was to be able to take care of your stuffed animal pet virtually. And now, there is a baby simulation called iMommy... 

The focus of the iMommy game is to design and interact with your customized baby, the player can choose 4 different ethnicities of a baby then change their babies hair, eyes and even outfit color. It’s up to them to take care of their baby and learn what makes the baby happy and what upsets them.  They have to feed, play, bathe and change the babies diaper! There are six different charming environments in which you can interact with your baby; bathtub, changing mat, picnic in the park, kitchen, crib, and playroom.

It is a fun, interactive, educational app. It would be a perfect app for kids who might be expecting a new sibiling after being the only child for so long. It would definitely teach them the responsibility that goes into caring for a baby. This game is ideal for kids ages 2-10 but of course all ages can play. iTunes rated iMommy the TOP 100 app in the family category!

My son is only 1, but he loves looking at the colorful graphics on the iPad and enjoys touching the different objects and listening to the real life sound effects. I even enjoy pointing out the different color splashes in the beginning. I know he will love to play this interactive game even when he is a few months older. 

Kathy Shimmield is the creator of iMommy. She developed this game with her children in mind.  Her two youngest kids were especially interested in playing ‘Mom’ and it occurred to her that such a universal game as ‘pretend’ parental play, would translate into a great app.  After searching the app store, she was surprised to find no apps that addressed this type of imaginative play for young children.  After many months of research and determination, iMommy was born! 

iMommy is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.

Make sure to Download iMommy today!       Follow iMommy on Twitter & Facebook

ENTER THE iMOMMY CONTEST TODAY, TO WIN THE  APP FREE 

A BIG Night of Fun, Friends and Finds

            A WONDERful Event, Not to be Missed

Lisa Y., Amy G., Brooke K., Ilyse G., Mara F.

Big City Moms, a premiere social event group in NYC, hosted The Biggest Baby Shower Ever at Jungle Island in Miami this past Monday night, and I was fortunate enough to be a guest of such an extravagant event. It was "the place" to be for all expectant moms and new parents. From lectures to demonstrations and of course awesome swag, it was an amazing evening with WONDERful friends. 


As we arrived at the event my girlfriends and I were greeted by friendly, helpful and most importantly organized Big City Moms... The environment was very tasteful and fun. They had tons of sweet treats, great food and indeed tasty mocktails. 

We strolled up and down the rows of vendors and were educated on the newest and hottest baby products and services. They also helped answer frequently asked questions every mom WONDERs about.


My girlfriend Brooke of MamaMixer won the raffle during an informative seminar with Dr. Bob Sears and received a brand new City Mini Baby Jogger Stroller. You would have thought she won the lotto, we were all jumping up and down, screaming with our hands swaying in the air. Brooke was raving about what an amazing event they did. "Everyone leaves a winner!" she stated in excitement. 

Upon leaving the event, every attendee received enormous gift bags that were overflowing with prizes. You name it, we got it. "I feel like a celeb with the backdrop picture and all my swag." mentioned Ilyse G. of MamaMixer. 

As we all loaded up the car in an attempt to fit everything in the trunk, Lisa Y., creator of Little Trendyz, turned to us and said, "It was all around a perfect event and great night with friends." I definitely agree with her. 


Mara F. of  Wizard Creations also thought it was a fab event and put together so professionally. Needless to say, the night of mingling was a success and we can't wait for next year, when The Biggest Baby Shower Ever returns to Florida. Thank you again Big City Moms for hosting! 

Below are some... of the many wonderful people I had the pleasure to meet: 

Baby-BeeHaven

Baby Brezza

Bellini

Bibbitec

Joovy

Mamatography

mOmma

Namely Newborns

Oxo Tot

Premama

Teetheme

Toes for Eyes

Wean Green

BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE! 

~WONDER MOMMY

New Business: Sweet Creations

Sweet Creations is a small business that sells delicious homemade chocolate treats and it all started in a kitchen of a small one bedroom apartment in Chelsea, NYC. 


Owner, Randi Nazem has a keen eye for detail and  is crafty in her own way. As a side business at night and on weekends, apart from teaching 5th graders all day, she decided to sell her sweet treats to all her friends and family. 

Everyone began talking about how cute and amazingly tasty her stuff was and that was the start of Sweet Creations. Sweet Creations sells all things SWEET: cookies, cake pops, chocolate pretzels, chocolate lollipops, Oreos, marshmallow pops, you name it Sweet Creations can do it. 

Randi also creates pop holders out of styrofoam personalized to match any event. You can contact Randi Nazem for details and pricing at Sweetcreations108@gmail.com. 

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