The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo has thousands of new bugs in need of names just in time for Valentine’s Day. Now in its third year, this light-hearted Valentine’s gift is the perfect way to make sure your loved one knows your feelings are forever – with a roach in their name. 
Now a Valentine’s tradition, Name-A-Roach has attracted thousands of hopeless romantics from around the world who have named real live Madagascar hissing cockroaches at WCS’s Bronx Zoo after their loved ones, an “ex,” or even their mother-in-law. Each gift comes with a colorful certificate emailed to your loved one announcing that a cockroach has been named in his or her honor.
Each name costs $10 and all proceeds will go to help the Wildlife Conservation Society save wildlife and wild places around the world. To place an order, visit www.bronxzoo.com/roach
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adult admission is $16, children (3-12 years old) $12, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $14. Parking is $13 for cars and $16 for buses. To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.
Please Note: I'm a Bronx Zoo Blog Ambassador. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.
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7 Şubat 2013 Perşembe
Name a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach at The Bronx Zoo for Valentines
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TheMoms & Sesame Street: Divorce App & Resources for Families #lcbcdivorce
To contact us Click HERE
Each panelist shared how their family was affected by the divorce process and how they've coped with answering their child questions, finding ways to co-parent and developing a system that supports the child and helps them cope.
Having this panel tackle the subject of divorce and how to help children is extremely important because
Recognizing this, Sesame Workshop/Sesame Street has created resources for families with young children (ages 2 8) as they encounter the tough transitions that come with divorce.
Little Children, Big Challenges: Divorce includes:
During the event I had a chance to use the Sesame Street: Divorce App, which is free, and I really like that Sesame Workshop is keeping in step with modern families. With the app, both parents and children can have various divorce discussions no matter where they are. The app also gives parents tools they can use with their kids including
If you would like to learn more about Little Children, Big Challenges: Divorce and the ways Sesame Workshop is supporting families going through a divorce, then visit http://www.sesamestreet.org/divorce
Note: I was invited as media to this event. No other compensation was received. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
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Posted in: Apps, Event
Today I attended a panel discussion about divorce and it's impact on children hosted by Denise Albert, TheMoms, and Sesame Workshop. As a women who's divorced (twice!), I can tell you going through a divorce can be a painfully emotional experience.
Even when the divorce is amicably between adults, there's still a world wind of confusing feelings and uncertainly about life after the divorce. If such strong feels are affecting adults then just image how a young child must feel dealing with such a big issue.
It was these issues and more discussed with panelist
- Denise Albert (Co-Founder of TheMoms and Huffington Post Divorce)
- Dr. Jeanette Betancourt (SVP of Sesame Workshop Outreach and Educational Practices)
- Greg Levins (Parenting panelist)
- Harolyn Mitchell (Parenting panelist)
- Ben Taylor (Parenting panelist)
- Alison Bartlett O'Reilly (Parenting panelist who plays Gina Jefferson on Sesame Street)
Each panelist shared how their family was affected by the divorce process and how they've coped with answering their child questions, finding ways to co-parent and developing a system that supports the child and helps them cope.
Having this panel tackle the subject of divorce and how to help children is extremely important because
Divorce is one of the most common major transitions in children's lives, with 40 % of all children experiencing the divorce of their parents.
Recognizing this, Sesame Workshop/Sesame Street has created resources for families with young children (ages 2 8) as they encounter the tough transitions that come with divorce.
There are few resources to show children they are not the only ones with big questions and feelings about divorce. In response, Sesame Workshop has launched Little Children, Big Challenges: Divorce, a series of free multi-media resources.
Little Children, Big Challenges: Divorce includes:
- A new Sesame Street DVD, featuring the Muppets and real families, that highlights strategies around expressing emotions and how to talk to children about divorce;
- A Parent/Caregiver Guide providing helpful resources, language and advice for discussing divorce with children and helping them navigate changes;
- A Children’s Storybook, Two-Hug Day, about a young boy named Niko who is transitioning between his parents’ two homes, and
- An Extended Family & Friends tip sheet
- Webinars and online discussion sessions giving service providers and families a thorough understanding of how to engage with their families and communities
- A Facebook page called Sesame Street in Communities connecting our online community to Sesame’s resiliency messages and materials.
- A mobile app: Sesame Street: Divorce, featuring resources and tools for parents and caregivers; available on the App Store (SM) and Google Play ™.
During the event I had a chance to use the Sesame Street: Divorce App, which is free, and I really like that Sesame Workshop is keeping in step with modern families. With the app, both parents and children can have various divorce discussions no matter where they are. The app also gives parents tools they can use with their kids including
- Videos featuring real families and Sesame Street’s Abby Cadabby (who's parents are divorced)
- Conversation Starters with age-appropriate language
- Interactive Tools such as the Face Maker and Coloring Pages to use with your children
If you would like to learn more about Little Children, Big Challenges: Divorce and the ways Sesame Workshop is supporting families going through a divorce, then visit http://www.sesamestreet.org/divorce
Note: I was invited as media to this event. No other compensation was received. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
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Posted in: Apps, Event
Celebrate Chinese New Year at apple seeds Half Dozen boutique
To contact us Click HERE
Half Dozen, the toy and book boutique at apple seeds Chelsea, will be hosting a free Chinese New Year event on Sunday, February 24th from 10:30am to 12:00pm. 
Where: half dozen: 10 West 25th St, New York, NY 10010
When: Sunday, February 24, 10:30am to 12:00pm
Cost: Free
The party will feature a book reading by Michele Wong McSween, author of the “Gordon and Lili” book series, and will have her iPad for the kids to check out her new app “Gordon and Lili: Learn Animals in Mandarin.”
Apple seeds will have a “create your own snake” art project to celebrate the year of the snake, and will also have the Fun with Animals of the Zodiac wooden puzzles by Clever Duck.
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Living room vs Playroom - Wordless Wednesday
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Posted in: WordlessWed
This weekend while my son was away, I had the apartment all to myself. This was the scene of my living room.
This photo was taken on a good play day. When the toys are mostly contained. But on some days the toys will take over and be everywhere. No matter how I try, I can't stop my son toys from taking over the living room.
It's gotten to the point where I've given up, removed all the furniture from the living room and allowed it to become his playroom. All I need now are those color rubber mats *sigh*
Does your child have their own play area?
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Posted in: WordlessWed
Safe Haven Movie Book & $25 Visa Gift Card Giveaway #SafeHaven
To contact us Click HERE
WAYS TO ENTER:
For this giveaway I'm using the Rafflecopter form which is super easy! Go on and enter to win! Entries must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. February 13, 2013.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please Note: I will also received a Safe Haven Movie prize pack. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.
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Posted in: Giveaway, Movie
Last week I suggested Safe Haven as a good movie to see for Valentine’s Day since it releases in theaters February 14, 2013. 
For my readers interested in the movie, here's a Safe Haven movie giveaway that includes a
$25 Visa gift card for a night at the movies and copy of Safe Haven paperback book. I always enjoy reading the book a movie was based on. You learn so much more about the story!
About the film
An affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman’s struggle to love again, Safe Haven is based on the novel from Nicholas Sparks, the best-selling author behind the hit films The Notebook and Dear John. When a mysterious young woman arrives in a small North Carolina town, her reluctance to join the tight knit community raises questions about her past. Slowly, she begins putting down roots, and gains the courage to start a relationship with Alex, a widowed store owner with two young children. But dark secrets intrude on her new life with such terror that she is forced to rediscover the meaning of sacrifice and rely on the power of love in this deeply moving romantic thriller.
Starring Josh Duhamel, Julianne Hough, David Lyons & Cobie Smulders.
For more information on SAFE HAVEN
Like Safe Haven on Facebook
Follow @SafeHavenMovie on Twitter #SafeHaven
Watch the trailer & clips on YouTube
Find Safe Haven on Instagram & Pinterest too!
ENTER TO WIN THIS GIVEAWAY!
(1) lucky reader will win:
- $25 Visa Gift Card for a day at the movies
- Copy of the book (paperback, movie tie-in edition)
WAYS TO ENTER:
For this giveaway I'm using the Rafflecopter form which is super easy! Go on and enter to win! Entries must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. February 13, 2013.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please Note: I will also received a Safe Haven Movie prize pack. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.
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Posted in: Giveaway, Movie
6 Şubat 2013 Çarşamba
Winner Wonderland Giveaway Hop: Barbie The Princess and The Popstar Tori Doll
To contact us Click HERE
Welcome to the Winner Wonderland Giveaway Hop!Hosted by Blog It Forward, Taking Time For Mommy, And The Little Ones Too, Put A Little Umbrella In Your Drink, and My Mommy's World.
During this two-week long event, each participating blog is hosting a giveaway with prizes valued over $25. You could win a nice Christmas gift for yourself or someone you love. Happy holidays!
My Giveaway
Kidtoons has generously offered to give away a 11" Barbie The Princess and The Popstar Tori Doll valued at $25.99! This gorgeous Barbie doll will sure be a wonderful addition to any Barbie fan's collection!
Throughout the month of December, Kidtoons will be featuring Barbie™ The Princess and The Pop Star in their partner theaters.
Here's the synopsis:
In this sparkling musical adventure, Barbie™ stars as Tori™, the kind-hearted princess of Meribella who would rather sing and dance than perform her royal duties. When her favorite pop star Keira™ visits the kingdom, the girls discover they have much in common, including a magical secret that lets them look like one another. At first, swapping places seems like a great idea, until each girl realizes that the other’s life isn’t as easy as it seems! But Meribella also has a magical secret, and when it’s stolen, the whole kingdom is put in danger. Will true friendship save the day? Filled with fantastic songs, fabulous fashions, and fun new friends, it’s an exciting musical celebration that shows the best thing you can be is yourself.
Sadly, this is the last feature run by Kidtoons, let's rock this giveaway and show them how much we appreciate their efforts over the years to bring family friendly movies to the big screen!
Please submit your entries via the Rafflecopter form below or enter here. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
After entering my giveaway, be sure to visit other blogs on the linky for even more chances to win wonderful prizes!
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. Prize will be delivered directly to the winner from the sponsor.
Welcome to the Winner Wonderland Giveaway Hop!Hosted by Blog It Forward, Taking Time For Mommy, And The Little Ones Too, Put A Little Umbrella In Your Drink, and My Mommy's World. During this two-week long event, each participating blog is hosting a giveaway with prizes valued over $25. You could win a nice Christmas gift for yourself or someone you love. Happy holidays!
My Giveaway
Kidtoons has generously offered to give away a 11" Barbie The Princess and The Popstar Tori Doll valued at $25.99! This gorgeous Barbie doll will sure be a wonderful addition to any Barbie fan's collection!
Throughout the month of December, Kidtoons will be featuring Barbie™ The Princess and The Pop Star in their partner theaters.
Here's the synopsis:
In this sparkling musical adventure, Barbie™ stars as Tori™, the kind-hearted princess of Meribella who would rather sing and dance than perform her royal duties. When her favorite pop star Keira™ visits the kingdom, the girls discover they have much in common, including a magical secret that lets them look like one another. At first, swapping places seems like a great idea, until each girl realizes that the other’s life isn’t as easy as it seems! But Meribella also has a magical secret, and when it’s stolen, the whole kingdom is put in danger. Will true friendship save the day? Filled with fantastic songs, fabulous fashions, and fun new friends, it’s an exciting musical celebration that shows the best thing you can be is yourself.
Sadly, this is the last feature run by Kidtoons, let's rock this giveaway and show them how much we appreciate their efforts over the years to bring family friendly movies to the big screen!
Please submit your entries via the Rafflecopter form below or enter here. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
After entering my giveaway, be sure to visit other blogs on the linky for even more chances to win wonderful prizes!
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. Prize will be delivered directly to the winner from the sponsor.
Mary's Son Holiday Blog Tour: Guest Post & Chance to Win
To contact us Click HERE
This is a guest post by Darryl Nyznyk, author of Mary’s Son: A Tale of Christmas.
(Take a look below for how to win a $100 charity donation and signed book!)
Raising Givers
My wife and I raised four daughters through school day traumas of isolation, rejection, ostracism and dissociation, and bullying. While none of our daughters were on the receiving end of all of these hateful practices, each experienced one or more personally, and each saw them foisted upon others. It was our duty, as parents, to guide them through these experiences by teaching them how to deal with the pain, and by helping rebuild their shattered psyches after each experience.
We found it was just as important to instill in them empathy and compassion for others suffering through the same trauma. We wanted to teach them to look less at the pain they were experiencing and more to the pain of others who they could help. Our belief was that our kids needed to learn how to give of their compassion,
understanding, and love in their every day lives. Here are five basic concepts that helped us in our efforts.
1. You are a good person. One of the most important elements in a giving heart is a sense of self worth that enables a person to step away from his own problems and focus on the issues of others. To be true givers, children need to have confidence in themselves. Build their self-esteem, but not because they might be
the “prettiest,” “smartest,” “best athlete,” or “most popular,” but rather because they are empathetic and compassionate people. If they cry when a person they know dies or they understand the pain when a friend gets hurt or they help a neighbor in need, it is these feelings and actions that make them good people.
2. Discuss issues of evil and sadness in the world. Getting children to sit and carry on a discussion about the issues of the day can be virtually impossible. With homework, music lessons, sports practice, electronics, friends, and every other conceivable interference, it’s difficult to find a moment to have a conversation other
than “hi.” But it’s vital that we do. It is our task to find those moments where we can say “Did you hear about …?” and “Do you think there’s anything we could (or should) do about …?” We need to ask them about any sad or evil events of which they are aware, and how they feel “we” should react. Despite the hesitation our child may express at first, the truth is that once we get them talking, we have moved them
away from focus on self and to thoughts about the plight of others – an essential step in imprinting the concept of giving onto their hearts.
3. Think of someone at school who needs help. Encourage your child to think of someone at school who might need empathy, compassion, or simply a friend. Suggest they look beyond their immediate circle of friends and identify someone who might be viewed as a “geek,” a “nerd,” an outcast. Talk to your child about how that person must feel; try to get your child to try on that person’s shoes so that they understand how painful that person’s experiences are. Then discuss how your child might be able to help, even with something as simple as a kind word.
4. Talk to friends at school about those in need. Encourage your children to step up in their peer groups to convince friends not to judge those previously deemed below them. “I heard his parents can’t afford to get him good soccer shoes; maybe we can figure out a way to help. He’s a pretty good player.” “Her mother’s been really sick. Maybe we should ask her to join us and see if she needs help.” Or just plain, “She looks weird, I know, but she’s a nice person, just a little shy.”
The point here is that our child steps up and gives herself to the pain and suffering of those ridiculed by her group. Peer pressure makes this one very difficult, and a parent’s discussion about the proper approach to the peers is essential. It doesn’t require that your child take over the leadership role from the “king” or “queen” of the group, but rather that she use her subtle influence and intelligence to move the leader to compassion that the others will follow.
5. Stand up against injustice even if alone. Our children know right from wrong because we have taught and continue to teach them the difference. When they see bullying or other injustice in their schools or other social settings, they must step up to protect the weak and bullied.
The most difficult thing for the normal “non-leader” child is to become visible by asserting themselves. It’s difficult because by standing up within the group or outside the group, the child is challenging leadership and risks becoming the butt of jokes or the one who is bullied. This is why parental guidance in the art of subtlety
within the group, and of strength of purpose outside the group is essential. In conjunction with that guidance, our child’s knowledge that we, as parents, have his back when he steps up, gives him the strength he needs to stand tall.
Teaching our children to give is the essence of our duty as parents. It’s an enormous undertaking, yet what better gift can we give our world than a child who “gives” herself in the fight against injustice, cruelty and inequality?
About the Author
Darryl Nyznyk is a full-time storyteller and father of four grown daughters. As a parent, he began to take a hard look at the world around him - one of extreme political and social divisiveness – and as an author, he wanted to share the message with the world that he had been telling in his own home for years....a message of hope, love and faith. He is the author of Mary’s Son: A Tale of Christmas.
Enter the Mary’s Son: A Tale of Christmas contest!
Please comment on this post by 12/7 with what your favorite charity is and why. Darryl will choose a grand prize winner and match a donation of up to $100. The winner will also receive a signed copy of Mary’s Son. Good luck!
(Take a look below for how to win a $100 charity donation and signed book!)
Raising Givers
My wife and I raised four daughters through school day traumas of isolation, rejection, ostracism and dissociation, and bullying. While none of our daughters were on the receiving end of all of these hateful practices, each experienced one or more personally, and each saw them foisted upon others. It was our duty, as parents, to guide them through these experiences by teaching them how to deal with the pain, and by helping rebuild their shattered psyches after each experience.
We found it was just as important to instill in them empathy and compassion for others suffering through the same trauma. We wanted to teach them to look less at the pain they were experiencing and more to the pain of others who they could help. Our belief was that our kids needed to learn how to give of their compassion,
understanding, and love in their every day lives. Here are five basic concepts that helped us in our efforts.
1. You are a good person. One of the most important elements in a giving heart is a sense of self worth that enables a person to step away from his own problems and focus on the issues of others. To be true givers, children need to have confidence in themselves. Build their self-esteem, but not because they might be
the “prettiest,” “smartest,” “best athlete,” or “most popular,” but rather because they are empathetic and compassionate people. If they cry when a person they know dies or they understand the pain when a friend gets hurt or they help a neighbor in need, it is these feelings and actions that make them good people.
2. Discuss issues of evil and sadness in the world. Getting children to sit and carry on a discussion about the issues of the day can be virtually impossible. With homework, music lessons, sports practice, electronics, friends, and every other conceivable interference, it’s difficult to find a moment to have a conversation other
than “hi.” But it’s vital that we do. It is our task to find those moments where we can say “Did you hear about …?” and “Do you think there’s anything we could (or should) do about …?” We need to ask them about any sad or evil events of which they are aware, and how they feel “we” should react. Despite the hesitation our child may express at first, the truth is that once we get them talking, we have moved them
away from focus on self and to thoughts about the plight of others – an essential step in imprinting the concept of giving onto their hearts.
3. Think of someone at school who needs help. Encourage your child to think of someone at school who might need empathy, compassion, or simply a friend. Suggest they look beyond their immediate circle of friends and identify someone who might be viewed as a “geek,” a “nerd,” an outcast. Talk to your child about how that person must feel; try to get your child to try on that person’s shoes so that they understand how painful that person’s experiences are. Then discuss how your child might be able to help, even with something as simple as a kind word.
4. Talk to friends at school about those in need. Encourage your children to step up in their peer groups to convince friends not to judge those previously deemed below them. “I heard his parents can’t afford to get him good soccer shoes; maybe we can figure out a way to help. He’s a pretty good player.” “Her mother’s been really sick. Maybe we should ask her to join us and see if she needs help.” Or just plain, “She looks weird, I know, but she’s a nice person, just a little shy.”
The point here is that our child steps up and gives herself to the pain and suffering of those ridiculed by her group. Peer pressure makes this one very difficult, and a parent’s discussion about the proper approach to the peers is essential. It doesn’t require that your child take over the leadership role from the “king” or “queen” of the group, but rather that she use her subtle influence and intelligence to move the leader to compassion that the others will follow.
5. Stand up against injustice even if alone. Our children know right from wrong because we have taught and continue to teach them the difference. When they see bullying or other injustice in their schools or other social settings, they must step up to protect the weak and bullied.
The most difficult thing for the normal “non-leader” child is to become visible by asserting themselves. It’s difficult because by standing up within the group or outside the group, the child is challenging leadership and risks becoming the butt of jokes or the one who is bullied. This is why parental guidance in the art of subtlety
within the group, and of strength of purpose outside the group is essential. In conjunction with that guidance, our child’s knowledge that we, as parents, have his back when he steps up, gives him the strength he needs to stand tall.
Teaching our children to give is the essence of our duty as parents. It’s an enormous undertaking, yet what better gift can we give our world than a child who “gives” herself in the fight against injustice, cruelty and inequality?
About the Author
Darryl Nyznyk is a full-time storyteller and father of four grown daughters. As a parent, he began to take a hard look at the world around him - one of extreme political and social divisiveness – and as an author, he wanted to share the message with the world that he had been telling in his own home for years....a message of hope, love and faith. He is the author of Mary’s Son: A Tale of Christmas.
Enter the Mary’s Son: A Tale of Christmas contest!
Please comment on this post by 12/7 with what your favorite charity is and why. Darryl will choose a grand prize winner and match a donation of up to $100. The winner will also receive a signed copy of Mary’s Son. Good luck!
Kaydol:
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