Holiday Fair and Fundraiser!

Please click on the image to enlarge.

In the past, the fair has also had a silent auction, a kind of tag sale, self made goods. Please come! You can sample my very own muffins!

Spring Glen Holiday Fair

Spring Glen School is having its first annual Holiday Fair on Friday December 5th at 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the school.
Ten Thousand Villages, jewelry, cosmetics and other vendors will be there. Also, a cookie walk (fill a bag with baked goods) and raffle baskets will be available.
A fun way to get some of your shopping done without parking hassles. Bring the kids.

For You Yalie Parents...

Our beloved Toddler Tunes lead singer/guitarist, Robert Messore, is playing a show this weekend for Yale affliated families at the McDougal Center. If you're a Yalie parent, please check it out! Partiularly if your schedule does not allow for Robert's regular Wednesday Toddler Tunes gig. Your kids (and you!) will love it!

Grad/prof student & postdocs families with children can make simple winter crafts & enjoy interactive music with toddler tunes from Robert Messore. Snacks and drinks too!

McDougal Family Winter Crafts & music
Kids & Family Event
Saturday, December 6, 2008
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
McDougal Common Room & 119 HGS, 320 York Street
Free!
mcdougal.center@Yale.edu

New Haven Library Upcoming Events

Events at the Main Library for children
for info call 946-8129
New Haven Free Public Library - 133 Elm Street
Free parking in Yale Lot off Temple St. after 4pm.

December Booktivities for 5-10 year olds

Thursday, December 4th at 4:00pm
Pop-up Greeting Cards
Turn ordinary greeting cards into super pop-up cards. Simple fold-and-cut techniques make sliding, springing and snapping 3-D cards to delight friends and family!

Thursday, December 11th at 4:00pm
Create-a-Gift
The best gifts are homemade! Make a heart-felt gift for someone special on your list.

Thursday, December 18th at 4:00pm
Glittering Ornament Workshop!
Make festive decorations for your tree or window this season.

Cyber Monday

Here are some helpful websites while trying to navigate this crazy day of online deals:

cybermonday.com

retailmenot.com

shopittome.com

pricegrabber.com

babycheapskate.com

And one that might not be mentioned on those websites, Sandbox Threads (a personal favorite) is having a week-long "progressive" sale.

Another fave, Fooey, is going out of business and having great sales!

Happy shopping!

Once Upon A Child - Huge Sale This Friday!

Once Upon A Child's
Beat The Clock Sale
Black Friday Nov. 28th

8:00am - 10:00am
40% off (All Apparel)

10:01am - 11:00am
25% off(All Apparel)

11:01am-12:00am
15% off(All Apparel)

Locations:
Bristol 860-584-8131
Wethersfield 860-571-8773
Manchester 860-649-1577
Hamden 203-248-3981
Milford 203-876-7981

Thanks for passing this on, Sarah!

What's Going On This Weekend?

First, my apologies for becoming too wrapped up in the reading the Twilight series this week that I have neglected all you New Haven parents out there. There is no excuse for my behavior...I'm so ashamed.

Now! On to this weekend! Many of you will be heading out of town for the long weekend, but for those of you sticking around (or perhaps having house guests of your own), here are some things to do.

November 28- New Haven
RWW Playgroup is going on as usual in the church basement from 9:30- 11:30. The church is located on the corner of Livingston and Edwards Streets. Once you enter through the main door (up steps) turn immediately to the right and the basement door is in front of you. When you get down the steps the double doors to the play space are on your right.

November 28 – Milford
Festival of Lights. Milford Green. Tree lighting ceremony, holiday music, hot chocolate, horse drawn carriage rides, and visit with Santa. 5:30 pm. Free. www.milfordct.com (203) 878-0681

November 28-30 – Guilford
Harvesting History. Henry Whitfield State Museum, Old Whitfield St. Did the 1621 Pilgrims really invent Thanksgiving? Discover what life was really like in the early 17th century from costumed interpreters, sample foods typical of the period, and tour Connecticut’s oldest house. 10-4:30. Admission: Adults $4, seniors $3, children (6-17) $2.50, under 6 free. www.cultureandtourism.org (203) 453-2457

November 28 – December 23 – Essex
The North Pole Express at the Essex Steam Train. One Railroad Avenue. Every coach becomes a stage for a live, musical performance of The Night Before Christmas. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies. Traditional event highlights include a trip to the North Pole to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, trackside displays, sugar cookies and hot chocolate, and each child will meet Santa to receive a small Christmas gift. Call for schedule, prices and ticket reservations. www.essexsteamtrain.com (860) 767-0103

November 29 - December 21
Santa on the Trolley. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St. Ride cozy, heated trolleys to visit Santa and see model train layouts. Each child receives a gift, refreshments, unlimited rides. Adults $8, seniors $6, children (2-15) $4 10:30am-5pm.
Also, Holiday Lighted Nights on the Trolley. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St. Ride cozy, heated trolleys to visit Santa and see model train layouts. Each child receives a gift, refreshments, unlimited rides. Adults $8, seniors $6, children (2-15) $4. 6-9 pm. www.bera.org (203) 467-6927

As usual, if there is anything that we are leaving off our list, please add to it by leaving a comment or emailing us: newhavenkids@gmail.com

And you thought you'd have nothing to do this Sunday...

How 'bout checking out this awesome parade in Stamford. It'll have more cartoon characters than Saturday morning! There will be tons of fun balloons, marching bands, and floats. Parade starts at noon, but it might be wise to get there early. I have a feeling that it might get a wee bit crowded.

RWW Playgroup Friday!

Sorry for the late post!

Playgroup tomorrow will be in the church basement. The church is a redbrick church located on the corner of Livingston and Edwards Sts in New Haven. Once you enter through the main door (up steps) turn immediately to the right and the basement door is in front of you. When you get down the steps the double doors to the play space are on your right. I'll be there to open up at 9.30 and we will finish at 11.30.

New Haven Library Events

Events at the Main Library for children
for info call 946-8129
New Haven Free Public Library - 133 Elm Street
Free parking in Yale Lot off Temple St. after 4pm.

Thursday, November 20th – 4:00pm
Thanksgiving Celebration!
It’s turkey time at the New Haven Free Public Library. Join us as we sing songs and read stories that celebrate Thanksgiving. We have two fun crafts planned – one is edible to boot! Ages 3-12.

Thursday, December 4th at 4:00pm
Pop-up Greeting Cards.
Turn ordinary greeting cards into super pop-up cards. Simple fold-and-cut techniques make sliding, springing and snapping 3-D cards to delight friends and family!

Thursday, December 11th at 4:00pm
Create-A-Gift.
The best gifts are homemade! Make a heart-felt gift for someone special on your list.

Free Admission!

Free admission to Stepping Stones tomorrow evening!
Thursday, November 20th, 5:00-8:00 pm

Visit their website or call (203) 899-0606 for more information.

Delivery!

New Haven isn't a bad town, right? In fact, when it comes to kids, there truly is a world of things to do. However, there is one thing we blogger moms have noticed is missing in New Haven: Delivery. It's a college town! It's a town full of busy parents who don't want to cook! There are a gazillion restaurants! So why don't more of them deliver?

Calling all parents: Who has the inside scoop on restaurants in New Haven that deliver? Pass your info along by leaving a comment or sending us an email!

in the spirit of retail therapy

Oh come on. Like you all need a reason to shop.

Click here for a 30% off coupon redeemable at Gap (and Gap outlets!), Old Navy, and Banana Republic. Can be used online too. Expires 11/16.

Click here for a 15% off coupon redeemable at Kohls. Can be used online too. Expires 11/15.

Click here for a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $20 or more at Walgreens. Expires 11/15.

Shop away!

RWW Playgroup Tomorrow

Playgroup tomorrow will be in the church basement. The church is a redbrick church located on the corner of Livingston and Edwards Sts in New Haven. Once you enter through the main door (up steps) turn immediately to the right and the basement door is in front of you. When you get down the steps the double doors to the play space are on your right. I'll be there to open up at 9.30 and we will finish at 11.30.

retail therapy (sort of)

So my friend Marna and I were talking this morning about the shopping situation in North Haven - love the Target, go there once a week, getting there is rarely a pleasant experience, etc. [I'll save the "What moron designed the Circuit City parking lot" conversation for another day.] Anyway, we were wondering what sort of awesomeness is going to be included in the new shopping center across from Target where Best Buy is inconspicuously (snort) rising from the wetlands, so I did a quick google search. If this fellow has good information - which I was too excited to confirm, but assume he's on the up - the Toys R Us in Hamden is going to close and a new Toys/Babies R Us combo store is going in near Best Buy. That's good news for those of us who currently drive all the way to the Post Road for the Babies R Us experience. When this is all happening, again, too eager to confirm, but the building is going up pretty fast so maybe they are shooting for a pre-Christmas open ...

What's Going On This Weekend?

November 13 - Branford
Open House Shoreline School of Montessori 675 East Main Street Parents, come in and learn about our Montessori preschool and kindergarten 7:00 PM Free.
director@shorelineschool.com, www.shorelineschool.com 203-481-5888

November 14 - December 13 - New Britain
“Pinocchio”. Hole in the Wall Theater, 116 Main St. Perennial children’s classic about a boy puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy and his adventures on the way. 8 pm. Suggested donation: $20. www.hitw.org (860) 229-3049

November 14 - Norwalk
Family Fun Night with Tom Weber. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Mathews Park, 303 West Ave. Evening includes singing, dancing, pizza and hands-on activities. Visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org for more info. 6 - 8:30 pm. Members $10/person. Non-members $12/person. Children under one get in free. Call 203 899 0606, ext. 247 for reservations.

November 15 - Ansonia
Creature Features: Every Saturday at Noon. The Ansonia Nature Center. Come to meet the Nature Center’s animal ambassadors. Some are cuddly and some are not! Get introduced to a mammal, a reptile, a bird or even an anthropoid! call (203) 736-1053 or visit their web site for more information. Free.

November 15- New Haven
Children's Story Hour. Yale Book Store, 77 Broadway.

November 15- New Haven
Ct Children's Museum's Saturdays at 2:00
The Musicians of Bremen by Roser Ros, performed by George Melillo

November 15-North Branford
North Branford Congregational Church Holly Fair, 1680 Foxon Road. Featuring: Crafts, Better Treasures, Jewelry, Country Kitchen, Cookie Walk, Baked Goods, White Elephant, Knitted and Sewn Items, Children Room with Santa, Raffles, Bountiful Baskets and a delicious Luncheon
Admission and Parking is free. Any question call the Church office at (203) 488-8456

November 16 - Farmington
ATTENTION PET LOVERS: ‘Tis the Season for Cuddly Creatures at Westfarms. Westfarms Mall, Lower Level, Center Court. Back by popular demand, Westfarms invites furry family members and their owners to have pictures taken with Santa at an after-hours event. Or, you can have your photo taken at this year’s Snow Globes set featuring the holiday classic, The Polar Express. Standard photo pricing applies. Non-aggressive animals only. Dogs must be leashed. Sunday, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM www.shopwestfarms.com

IsaBooties Sale!

Visit the IsaBooties website for more info.

Stroller Shopping?

Earlier this year during my pregnancy, my husband and I were living in New York. We bought a Bugaboo Frog on the recommendation of several friends who assured us that it would be the only stroller we needed from Day 1 til our baby would be walking. Well, not so much. Fast forward to a few months later when we were living in a walk-up apartment in New Haven ... the Bugaboo is great to look at, but it's heavy and unwieldy, and not particularly easy to use with an infant carrier. Although the Bug might be great for bumpy city sidewalks, it's not what I'd have purchased knowing that the Graco Snugride infant carrier with the Snap and Go stroller is really all you need for baby's first six months.

Because I am now obsessed with finding a stroller to use after our little one grows out of his Snap and Go, I was so thrilled to stumble upon the Stroller Depot website, which has hundreds of strollers with great descriptions - and prices. Even better, if you call them with specific questions and needs, a nice person on the other end of the phone will take time to provide several recommendations with no annoying sales pitch. This time of year is a great time to invest in a new stroller as many companies are looking to move their 2008 inventory, and many of the 08 strollers are just like the 09 versions with different colors. 

Although we might keep the Frog because my husband loves the inflatable tires (for long walks or trips to Brooklyn), I'm already fawning over the 12-pound Peg Perego Si, a lightweight stroller recommended by Stroller Depot ... as soon as the Si is available, it will be mine!

Amazon Baby Sale

The title of this post pretty much says it all. Click Here for all the details.

HUGE Toy Tag Sale Tomorrow

Huge Toy Tag Sale (They mean it--a couple of us here at New Haven Kids went last year and stocked up for CHEAP!)
November 8th
9:00- 1:00
St. Aedan's Church
112 Fountain Street
New Haven

RWW Playgroup Tomorrow

Playgroup tomorrow will be in the church basement. The chruch is a redbrick church located on the corner of Livingston and Edwards Sts in New Haven. Once you enter through the main door (up steps) turn immediately to the right and the basement door is infront of you. When you get down the steps the double doors to the playspace are on your right. I'll be there to open up at 9.30 and we will finish at 11.30.

Hand Me Downs Site Launches!

From Daily Candy Kids:

Experienced moms know that the best way to pay it forward is to hand it down.
Do your part at Handmedowns.com, a new online classified listing for baby and kids gently used products and services.
With everything from gear and clothing to classes and nannies, Handmedowns.com connects buyers with sellers and sellers with buyers. It also pulls relevant listings from eBay, Craigslist, Kijiji, and Oodle.
Which means that faster than your husband can say, “That’s it! I’m throwing this bouncy seat in the alley,” you can post a listing to sell (or give away) whatever plastic eyesore is blocking access to your closet.
We’ve heard editions will be popping up in most cities before long.
Pass it on.

Available online at handmedowns.com.

Thanks for passing this along, Marna!

What's Going On This Weekend?

There is a long list of things to do this weekend, but if we've left anything off, please let us know my leaving a comment or sending us an email: newhavenkids@gmail.com .

November 8 - Ansonia
Creature Features: Every Saturday at Noon. The Ansonia Nature Center. Come to meet the Nature Center’s animal ambassadors. Some are cuddly and some are not! Get introduced to a mammal, a reptile, a bird or even an anthropoid! call (203) 736-1053 or visit their web site for more information. Free.

November 8- New Haven
Children's Story Hour. Yale Book Store, 77 Broadway.
Dinosaurs Stories of Dinosaurs are the topic of the day! 1:00 PM

November 8- New Haven
Ct Children's Museum's Saturdays at 2:00
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina; performed by Children’s Theater Stage & Story Troupe.

November 8-9 – Essex
Thomas the Tank Engine Day Out With Thomas™. Essex Steam Train, One Valley Railroad.
Is there a young child in America who is not a fan of the little tank engine that tries so hard to please? We're proud to bring Thomas the Tank Engine to the Valley Railroad for a day of rides, games, entertainment, and fun for the whole family. Thomas is sure he can pull the Valley Railroad coaches...so be sure to be on board! 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets: $18 for ages two and up. Advance purchase recommended. www.essexsteamtrain.com For tickets and information visit www.ticketweb.com or call 866.468.7630

November 8 - Branford
Annual Holiday Fair and Silent Auction. The United Methodist Church of Branford, 811 East Main Street. Featuring: Bake shop, items for sale-Plant table, books, jewelry, and handcraft items and vendor tables, Silent Auction and Granny’s Cellar. The Branford Police & Branford Fire Departments will both be present with special items and demonstrations for your family safety, including, the “Smoke House” weather permitting. Special holiday visit from Santa between 10am and 2pm. Holiday Family Photos will be available all day long. Food will be available. 8AM to 3PM. HTTP://WWW.GBGM-UMC.ORG/UMCBRANFORD 203-488-0549

November 8-December 24 – New Haven
American Crafts Festival. Creative Arts Workshop, 80 Audubon Street. 40th Annual Celebration of American Crafts. An exhibition and sale of fine contemporary crafts by over 400 artists across the country representing the finest in glass, ceramics, jewelry, wearable and decorative fiber, handcrafted furniture and much more. Open Daily 11-5, Thursdays 11-8, Sundays 1-5, Dec 24 10-1. Free. www.creativeartsworkshop.org (203) 562-4927

November 2-16 - New Haven
Grove Street Cemetery Historical Walking Tour 27 Grove Street. One Hour Walking Historical and Artistic Tour. 12:00pm Free p.b.illingworth@sbcglobal.net 203-389-5403

November 6-9 – Madison
Fair Earth Bazaar. Mercy Center at Madison, 167 Neck Road.
Special Preview Night is Thurs, Nov 6 from 5-8 pm with $5.00Admission. Fri and Sat, Nov 7-8, 9-5; and Sun, Nov 9, 11-3. Admission is free Fri, Sat and Sun. www.mercybythesea.org (203) 245-0401

November 7 - Fairfield
Family Builders Turkey Bingo! First Baptist Church of Fairfield, 65 Church Hill Road. Come join us for a night of fun Bingo games, refreshments, prizes and laughs! Family night for single parents and their kids of all ages. 7:00 pm Free. 203-374-9702

November 7 – December 24
The Polar Express at Westfarms. Participate in the 2008 snow globes interactive exhibit featuring the holiday classic, “The Polar Express.” For more information, visit: www.shopwestfarms.com

November 8 - Branford
Branford Folk Music Society. First Congregational Church 1009 Main St. Ed Miller has been hailed as “one of the finest singers to come out of the Scottish Folksong Revival” and as “one of Scotland’s best singing exports.” 8 p.m. Admission: $15. http://folknotes.org/branfordfolk (203) 488-7715

November 8 & 9 - Milford
The Halls of St. Mary - A Holiday Shopping Experience. St. Mary School - 72 Gulf Street - Milford, CT 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
FREE (203) 876-0925

November 9 - Windsor Locks
“Voices of Pride” Open Cockpit. New England Air Museum, Rte. 75. Meet the veterans who flew or worked on aircraft during World War II, Korean War, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Climb into 12 aircraft and play pilot. Admission: Adults $9.50, children (6-11) $6, 5 and under free. 10-5. www.neam.org (860) 623-3305

How To Help

Many readers out there have asked how they can contribute to New Haven Kids. Because this is a community blog, we can only be successful if people read the blog and contribute ideas, so first of all, please spread the word!

With many of the posts, we ask readers to leave comments or email additional ideas. That is a great way to contribute.

On a larger scale, we welcome parents to contribute by posting articles and reviews of his or her own. For example, if you, like many parents out there, have attended dozens of birthday parties this year and would like to write a post about the best places to hold parties, that would be great information to pass on to our readers. Or, if you have recently eaten out at a great kid-friendly restaurant and would like to write a review, we'd like to add it to our growing list that is in the works.

Thanks for your help! And PLEASE pass along the link: www.newhavenkids.blogspot.com to all your friends!

Please email us at newhavenkids@gmail.com with any questions.

Voting Specials

Krispy Kreme and Starbucks are not the only ones rewarding you for voting! My personal favorite kid's t-shirt website is also getting in on the "get out the vote" game!

Sandbox Threads, an online store started by a stay-at-home dad who couldn't find cool clothes for his baby boy, has offered the following: "Once you received that cool 'I Voted' sticker, you can go shopping at Sandbox Threads and receive 15% off by using the coupon code IVOTED."

Andy, the founder and dad of Sandbox Threads, also had this to say:

I watch cable news while making the shirts that you guys order (thank you again), and I’m tired of just listening to the same stump speech from these guys. Can you imagine having to give the same speech over and over and over again? And pretending to be excited about giving the same talk over and over and over again?

Can you imagine working 15+ hours every day for the better part of two years? Spending most nights in a new hotel? Packing and unpacking every day? Shaking hands, holding babies, taping interviews, and listening to the many good intentioned, but often crazy folks who they meet each day? To me, what these guys have willingly put themselves through is a nightmare, but they have been called to serve this great country. And the least that I can do is take the time to thank them by casting a ballot. I hope you will decide to do the same.

We at New Haven Kids could not agree more! Please vote tomorrow! ...then go get a coffee and doughnut and shop your little hearts away!

As always, if you folks out there know of any other specials, please either leave a comment or send us an email: newhavenkids@gmail.com .

No Sick Days?

Excuse me, can I please see a copy of my Mommy contract? You know...the part in the small print that explains that there is no such thing as a sick day? Seriously, people?! What's a gal to do when the only thing that is keeping me alive is a bottle of NyQuil, mint tea and a plastic pumpkin full of Halloween candy? Add to the mix a "curious," "precocious" toddler and a dad who must work on Sunday. What's a mom to do? Well...sadly, the only thing I can do is keep my thumb on the OnDemand button and hit Jack's Big Music Show over and over and over again. (Thank you heavens above for blessing us with neon puppets and Laurie Berkner). Sigh...I wish I knew another way.

Calling all parents: What do you do with your children when you are just too sick to keep pluggin'? Send us emails or comments with (TV free) ideas for how to entertain your little ones while you get your much needed rest.

Last Minute Cancellation

This morning's RWW Playgroup has been canceled. It will be back on as usual next Friday and will meet in the Baptist church basement on the corner of Edwards and Livingston in East Rock.

More details to come next week!

Upcoming Events At The New Haven Public Library

Events at the Main Library for children
for info call 946-8129

MAGIC SHOW!
Escape from the Goblins!
with Cyril the Sorcerer
Thursday, October 30th - 4:00p.m.

Magic Week New Haven 2008 is sponsored by the International Brotherhood Of Magicians Ring 59 and hosted by the NHFPL.


For the Birds!
Tuesday, November 4th - 4:00p.m. (no school - election day)
Stories about winter birds and how they can brighten your snowy days . . . we’ll make pinecone birdfeeders to hang out-doors.


Knights of the Round Table
Tuesday, November11th – 4:00p.m. (no school - Veterans Day)
Let’s go back in time for stories about knights in shining armor. You’ll craft your own sword and shield to take home.

What's Going On This Weekend?

November 1st and 2nd
in Essex

"Thomas the Tank Engine Day Out With Thomas™. Essex Steam Train, One Valley Railroad.
Is there a young child in America who is not a fan of the little tank engine that tries so hard to please? We're proud to bring Thomas the Tank Engine to the Valley Railroad for a day of rides, games, entertainment, and fun for the whole family. Thomas is sure he can pull the Valley Railroad coaches...so be sure to be on board! 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets: $18 for ages two and up. Advance purchase recommended. www.essexsteamtrain.com For tickets and information visit www.ticketweb.com or call 866.468.7630"
FYI: This event is also going on next weekend, November 8th and 9th.

November 1st
in Orange

"Fright Haven's Family Day: Kid-Friendly, Non-Scary Halloween Matinee 401 Boston Post Road, Route 1, Orange, CT (former CompUSA building) FRIGHT HAVEN is CT's Newest and Greatest Haunted House Attraction offering visitors three different haunted houses of horror all under the same roof: Dead End Manor, Frightmare Fear Institute Pitch Black Haunt, and Carnival of Evil in 3D! 25,000 square ft of INDOOR terror (open even if it rains) - scarier and gorier than ever.
Because Fright Haven may be too intense for young ones, we have organized a very special FAMILY FUN DAY on Saturday afternoon, November 1st (the day after Halloween) from 1-3pm. It's an all-ages, kid-friendly 'lights on' matinee where our ghost-guides will show guests through the haunts without the scary music, working animatronics and, most importantly , without the scares. There will be an educational tour of the three haunts, and visitors will learn all the secrets of the haunted attraction, and reveal the hiding places where actors would normally jump out at people. Everyone will still be able to experience the 3-D house (but without the menacing clowns), and all the elements of the three different themed haunts. There will be refreshments available and face-painting artists on hand. 1pm-3pm $10 per attraction/$20 discounted combo pass. www.FrightHaven.com 203-795-4737 or 203-799-FEAR. Admission is $5.00 off for children under 10 when accompanied by an adult (no coupons or other promotional offers accepted)."

Do you know of any other fun events going on this weekend? Leave a comment or drop us an email (newhavenkids@gmail.com) and let us know!

Candy Recall

Please send this message to everyone you know that has kids who are going to be going out for Halloween!

Send this to anyone you know who gives out candy for Halloween!

With Halloween fast approaching comes a warning to parents and kids regarding Sherwood brand Pirate's Gold milk chocolate coins imported from China.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to eat, distribute or sell the candy.

It is sold across Canada by Costco and may also have been sold in bulk packages or as individual pieces at various dollar and bulk stores.

The chocolate contains melamine which is the same chemical responsible for killing several babies in China , and sickening thousands more.

The following link is from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to provide you with further information.

Booties For Sock Houdinis

At Toddler Tunes this chilly morning, I watched as baby June tugged at her adorable wooly socks only to reveal a second pair underneath. Her mother explained that she double bags June's footsies in an effort to outsmart her little sock Houdini. I remember when my little guy (now 16 months) used to pull his socks off... Oh, who am I kidding? He still loves to free those toes! Especially in the car...or in the grocery store...or in his crib at night--Really anywhere at any given time. But when he was still tiny, like June, I would try anything to keep them on. Then one day the sky opened up and a friend (and fellow blogger mom) gave us the most wonderful gift: Zutano booties. (Note the "us" here, because it truly was as much a gift for me as it was for him). Zutano booties are the only booties that I, and my fellow blogger moms, have found that these little Houdinis can't get off. Plus, they are washable (though they do shrink on the first wash), super cozy, and come in tons of colors. I love these booties so much that they have become a baby shower gift staple.

You can find Zutano booties on the Zutano website, among many other baby boutique sites, or at Urban Baby in New Haven or Mirabelle in Westville.

Enjoy! And as always, spread the word!

A Good Reason to Leave the House

A few weeks ago my husband and I watched the movie "Baby Mama," which I highly recommend, especially for those of you who have little common ground in terms of Netflix queue selections with your significant other. Also, it features Tina Fey, Greg Kinnear AND Steve Martin, which pretty much guarantees its universal appeal. In one particularly cute scene, Tina Fey peeks into a "mommy and me" yoga class on the way to her class. (Which presumably, was a real class. Which - as an aside - I can't wait to get back to.)

In the meantime, however, I decided to look into baby yoga as an activity that my 3-month old baby and I could do together. This morning, we attended our first Itsy Bitsy Yoga class at Fresh Yoga. It was great! I was a little concerned that we wouldn't make it through the entire class as he's still on an every-two-hours feeding schedule, but the hour flew by, was full of other sweet babies in the same age range, and provided us with a fun and different way to connect and listen to each other ... aside from our singing to each other while he's on the changing table. I only hope that my husband never catches me singing to the poor kid on camera because it's not pretty.

Fresh Yoga offers 6-week series of Itsy Bitsy Yoga, and they also offer a class for moms & toddlers -- visit their website for details on the next series.

Rainy Days...

Let's face it--no one loathes a rainy day more than a kid. The weight of this fact couldn't be more obvious as I look at the weather outside and then over to my toddler, hurling his toys across the room and yelling "boom!" as they hit the ground. This, of course, only when he isn't turning on and off the television, begging "Elmo." (I know...I'm so ashamed).

So what do we do with these munchkins on these rainy, cold days? Here are some ideas:

Check out our list of children's museums to the right of this post. And here is a tip: If you pay the $100 for a year-long reciprocal membership at Kid City, Lutz, Stepping Stones, CMSC, Imagine Nation, and West Hartford , you get into all six! (Please note that the Stepping Stones membership is actually $175 and West Hartford is $125, so you may think joining at one of the others is the better deal).

Did you know that some of the play set stores have open play times? Jungle Jim's in Orange and Timbergyms in Newington cost $5, for example.

We are all eagerly awaiting someone to open an indoor playspace in New Haven (hint hint, budding entrepreneurs out there), but in the meantime, there are several outside of the Elm City limits. Playtime Village in Monroe, Stay and Play in Old Saybrook, Coco Key indoor water park in Waterbury, to name a few.

Let us never underestimate the power of Ikea. The store's Smaland (for kids over 37 inches tall and potty-trained) and even the plain old toy section are enough to keep these blogger moms' kids happy for hours. Seriously...hours.

Okay people--it's your turn. Leave comments with the names of places I've forgotten!

Trick-or-Treat

Calling all New Haven parents! Where are you trick-or-treating this year? Drop us a comment and let us know the best spots!

Welcome!

As described above, we've started this blog to help parents of the New Haven, Connecticut area find fun, educational, kid-friendly things to do with their children (of all ages). We are just beginning, so bare with us as we get this blog up and running! We hope to provide you and your families with tons of helpful information, and we welcome any and all comments and suggestions!