American Girl Doll Trunk Show April 2-3 in Stamford at Kaleidoscope

http://www.kaleidoscopekid.com/

RENOVATION CELEBRATION at BRIGHT HORIZONS Long Ridge Child Development Center in Stamford this Saturday, March 5 from 9am-12pm! FREE Event for Families!

Come to Bright Horizons Child Development Center* on Long Ridge Road in Stamford this Saturday, March 5 from 9am - 12pm for a RENOVATION CELEBRATION. The whole family is invited to tour the renovated beautiful indoor/outdoor space, enjoy entertainment from Acting Out with Miss Karen from 9am-11am and healthy treats from Pine Hill Deli & Grocery in Stamford.  Plus, children can take part in: 

o Organized physical activities for all ages in the new Movement Matters Zone plus rock wall climbing for older toddlers and preschoolers.
o Art projects in the new art studio
o Yogurt sundae making
o Trail Mix making
o Juicing with fresh fruits and vegetables

Plus, enter a raffle to win a $100 gift certificate from Kaleidoscope Children's Boutique in Stamford or a family membership from Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk (value $145). 

Visit www.brighthorizons.com/lrr for more details.

* In the interest of full disclosure, please note that I'm a proud Bright Horizons employee.

Think Beyond at New Canaan Country School

New program for grades 4-6 on Saturdays starting in January. I hear NCCS is an amazing place and this is a great opportunity to learn more about it. More information at www.countryschool.net/thinkbeyond !

Nutcracker Fantasy Workshop at Ballet des Enfants in Stamford November 22 and 23

I can't say enough about Ballet des Enfants in Stamford. My three-year-old has been taking ballet classes there since September and she just loves it.The studio is girly and beautiful and her instructor, Miss Ana, is just lovely - so patient and graceful with the little girls. In my opinion, the best part about BDE is the adorable costumes the girls get to dress up in every week. How cute was it last week when they all dressed up as Madeline? Miss Ana read the the classic story by Ludwig Bemelmans and then the tiny dancers acted it out and danced in character. I thought it was such an amazing way to bring the story to life and make ballet more accessible for little girls.

With the holidays approaching, I wanted to pass along this information about BDE's  4th Annual Nutcracker Fantasy Workshop on Monday, November 22nd 10am-12pm or 1-3pm and Tuesday, November 23rd 10am-12pm or 1-3pm. 

The ballerinas will explore and enjoy the beauty of the Nutcracker story. The Fantasy workshop features exquisite costumes and props, a holiday craft activity and a special tea party.

 

The workshop is $75 for 2 hours and for girls ages 3-6.
www.balletdesenfants.net

The Swingset Mamas in Stamford November 19

What's there not to like about this event? First ... The Swingset Mamas. Gotta love 'em. Secondly, proceeds will be used to send 1,000 preschool children to a production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Palace Theater in Stamford in February (more details on that later). That's 1,000 kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. Finally, what a great way to spend a time with your own kids. Rockin' out to great music for a great cause. The Swingset Mamas put on an awesome show and you and your kids will love them. Promise!!

Visit www.swingsetmamas.ticketleap.com for details and to purchase tickets.

Click here to learn more about The Stamford School Readiness Foundation.

Laughing Pizza Nov 7 in Fairfield to Benefit The Tiny Miracles Foundation

I've been a bad, bad blogger. Sorry! I'm all over the place lately and this blog is taking a back  seat. I do want to quickly mention a really fun event to benefit The Tiny Miracles Foundation. I don't have first hand experience with TTMF but I know lots of people in the area who have had wonderful experiences with the organization. So I promised to support them by posting about this. Sorry it's a little late!

When: Sunday, November 7^th at 2:00 p.m.

Location: Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University

200 Barlow Road, Fairfield, CT 06824

www.quickcenter.com

203-254-4010

What: Laughing Pizza Benefit concert for The Tiny Miracles Foundation. To learn more about The Tiny Miracles Foundation, visit www.ttmf.org.

Tickets  on sale at www.quickcenter.com 

Rock on for a great cause at Laughing Pizza’s energetic, educational and interactive dance-filled family concert for all ages! Laughing Pizza is a six-time Parent’s Choice Award winning family band. Laughing Pizza has been featured on The Today Show, CBS, Fox and CNN morning shows and PBS stations nationwide. They have had recent performances at the White House with Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers.  Visit www.laughingpizza.com to learn more about the band.

Live Music for Kids Tonight at Cosi in Stamford

Just a quick note....

Steve E, singer/songwriter and a very popular Music Together* teacher, returns to perform a family-friendly concert June 25, 5:30pm-7:00pm. Bring your kids, enjoy the delicious fare at Cosi while you and your kids are thoroughly entertained by Steve E.

He will sing and play family-friendly folk/rock, original and cover tunes on both his guitar and mandolin. The Show will take place at Cosi, 1209 High Ridge Rd, Merritt Parkway, exit 35, Stamford.

To sample Steve E’s original songs go to: http://cdbaby.com/cd/steveenablers

New Maclaren Nursery Collection at Kids Home Furnishings in Stamford this Friday June 18

Come to the newly reopened Kids Home Furnishings this Friday, June 18, in Stamford!

From 11am - 4pm you can view the new Maclaren Nursery Collection from David Netto. That's right, Maclaren is now offering nursery furniture. Cool!

A Maclaren Buggy demo will also be taking place at the same time. BONUS...the first 10 customers will receive free Beginning by Maclaren bath and body care travel kits!

The brand new Kids Home Furnishings is at 1145 High Ridge Road in Stamford above Sears (right off exit 35).

For more details, visit their Facebook page by clicking here. 

Green Moon - Now in New Canaan and Rowayton. Mention FCC to Receive $25 Off an Afternoon Class!

If you're already a FCC subscriber, you've heard the news about Green Moon's expansion into New Canaan. This great news was mentioned in Monday's newsletter, but I just wanted remind you that as a FCC reader, you will receive $25 off any afternoon class with Green Moon!

Toddler Time Nursery School of New Canaan has partnered with Green Moon of Rowayton to bring Green Moon's art program to New Canaan. The business's expansion into New Canaan is due to the success of the Rowayton location and the demand from parents beyond the Rowayton area for quality enrichment for their children. Green Moon will now be offering their fabulous art classes to children 18 months and up at Toddler Time.

The classes will be taught by owners Veronica Ponce and Lorena Balne. Veronica and Lorena are early childhood educators with Masters Degrees from The Bank Street College of Education and The University of Connecticut, respectively.

Together they've grown the Green Moon business, where children can enjoy classes, camps and birthday parties. Veronica is also owner of Organized Playgroups, the innovative at-home preschool program for children ages 18 - 36 in Darien, Westport, Stamford and Rowayton.

Toddler Time Nursery School has been in New Canaan for 30 years educating children ages 2-6. Toddler Time's philosophy is based upon active learning to promote growth in the areas of social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of young children. Toddler Time is located at 23 Park Street in the Congregational Church.

The first session in New Canaan will run on Wednesdays from June 23-July 28th. There will be three classes every Wednesday at 11-11:50am (1 ½- 2 ½ years old), 12-1pm (3's and 4's with lunch) and 1-2pm (4's, 5's and 6's). You can register for all 6 classes in the series or drop in space permitting. Cost is $150 for 6 week session or drop in for $30/class.

For Rowayton schedules, see above.

For more information about Green Moon visit www.rowaytongreenmoon.com and for Toddler Time visit www.toddlertimens.org. To register call 203.972.3111.

Little Birdie Art Class at Whole Foods This Thursday June 10

Come to the new Whole Foods in Darien this Thursday for a kids art class with Little Birdie Art at 4pm. Kids will learn how to make Little Birdie's very own Daisy Dough, an all natural modeling clay. All the class details can be found at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/storesbeta/darien/.
I believe there is a $10 fee for the class.

PS. sorry about the weird formatting with this post. i'm too tired to figure it out right now.

Summer Camps for Kids of All Ages & Abilities at BreakThru Family Fitness in Stamford

 

www.breakthrufamilyfitness.com

Gustafer Yellowgold Concert in Darien June 19

I've never heard of this Gustafer Yellowgold, have you? Apparently he's a big deal and he's coming to the Darien Library on Saturday, June 19 at 11am for a Summer Reading Kick-off and Concert! I live in Stamford but I do frequent the Darien Library (sorry Darien taxpayers, I can't help it. The library's programs are just too good to ignore) and I'm a big fan, so thought I'd pass this along....

The event is free, but reservations are required. Visit the Darien Library site at www.darienlibrary.org/2010/06/01/get-down-gustafer-yellowgold-concert for all the details!

Contact:

Brian Pearl

Gustafer Yellowgold

(919)931-5867

www.gustaferyellowgold.com

Connecticut's Turning 375! Celebrate at a State Park this Weekend...

I think she barely looks a day older than 329 but can you believe Connecticut is turning 375 years old? As part of the celebration, Governor Rell has waived all admission fees to state parks this weekend (May 22-23). Click here for a list of all Connecticut State Parks. I hear the weather will be lovely so it's a great time to take advantage of the free admission.

Thank you to the Friends of Sherwood Island Park in Westport for pointing this news out to me. For more about Sherwood Island's summer programs for kids, click here. You'll find some great info about their new Nature Center and field trips for kids. Did you know that Sherwood Island is Connecticut's oldest state park?

Which is your favorite state park? I'd love to start exploring now that summer's almost here so feel free to post your favorites below...

 www.friendsofsherwoodisland.org

Whole Foods Darien Opening May 19! Enter to Win a $25 Gift Card (Deadline is Friday at 5pm)

Whole Foods is coming to Darien!! No more driving to Westport or Greenwich for my Whole Foods fix. To celebrate the store opening next week, Whole Foods has given me a $25 gift certificate to give away to one FCC subscriber! Want it? Here's how to get it.

GIVEAWAY RULES

• Leave a comment below with your first name and town and share your stance on the Bethanny/Jill feud. Are you Team Bethanny? Or Team Jill? And why? No idea what I'm talking about? That's ok...just say so!
• You must be a FairfieldCountyChild.com subscriber to enter. Not one yet? Just click here to become one - it's quick and easy! 
• Bonus entries will be given to anyone who Tweets about this giveaway or adds it to their Facebook page. Just let me know in your comment that you did so!
• Enter by Friday, May 14 at 5pm and I'll announce the winner on Saturday!

Good luck!

And mark your calendars...on Monday, May 17th Whole Foods Market is hosting an ultra-special sneak-peek pre-opening event at their brand new location in Darien to benefit the non-profit Person-to-Person, a community agency that provides basic goods and services to those in need.

Before opening for business on May 19th Whole Foods Market is inviting everyone in Darien and the surrounding community to come check out the new store and learn about all it has to offer with tons of delicious samples from all the departments, live music, plenty of giveaways and more. Entry is $10 with all proceeds benefiting Person-to-Person.

We’re taking RSVPs in advance of the party but of course we won’t turn anyone away at the door. There are three different ways to RSVP:

1. Online at http://darien.wholefoodsmarketevents.com/

2. Email at events@organicworkspr.com

3. Or call Ivy Goldberg at 646.300.6686

www.wholefoods.com

FREE Storytime & Morning for Moms at Rings End in Norwalk Tomorrow

It's Monday and my brain is still in slow-mo. No need to reinvent the wheel here. All the details about this fun free event for moms and kids tomorrow at Rings End is over at NorwalkPlus. I'm loving this idea.. kids get some entertainment while moms can learn how to create a great reading nook at home from a professional designer. The seminar starts at 10:30am.

Click here for all the details.

FCC Readers Save 10% With Penguin Swim School!* Classes Offered in Stamford and Stratford.

Please welcome FCC's latest sponsor, The Penguin Swim School.

Just in time for pool and beach season, The Penguin Swim offers private (1 teacher to 1 student) and semi-private (1 teacher to 2 students) swim lessons for children ages 2 and up. The lessons are individualized, therefore the students learn at a much faster pace. The program emphasizes gentle and patient encouragement to help children progress at their own level of learning readiness with their individualized lessons. The program also promises effective learning incentives through stimulation, positive reinforcement, patience and practice. With loving assurance, reluctant children are guided through new water experiences and past apprehension, allowing the process to unfold naturally. The balanced program results in learning new skills while maintaining enjoyment and enthusiasm.

Classes are offered Newbury Commons in Stamford and at the Homewood Suites in Stratford.

My three-year-old took a sample semi-private swim lesson with The Penguin Swim two weeks ago and loved it. I noticed that Kim (co-owner and instructor) was really attentive and really put the kids at ease. My daughter's been blowing bubbles and "swimming" in the tub ever since and I feel more confident having her around the water, even after just one lesson, because Kim explained the importance of water safety.

Click here for class schedules. Hurry spring session starts next week!

For more information visit www.thepenguinswimschool.com and when you mention FairfieldCountyChild.com you'll receive 10% off in the Stamford location (offer expires May 16, 2010).

* 10% discount valid in Stamford location only

Pet Adoption Day Tomorrow at Ambler Farm in Wilton, Co-Hosted by The Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue (ROAR) and The Kiwanis Club

We went to a similar event a year ago with our then 2-year-old daughter and that day I decided nothing is cuter than a little kid falling in love with a puppy.

Mommy, I want one.

I want this one. 

Mommy, please.

Poor kid never got the puppy.  Instead she got a baby sister.  Maybe some day...

If your family is seriously ready to adopt an animal, head to Ambler Farm in Wilton tomorrow from 6:30-8pm to meet cats and dogs in need of a home. All the details are at http://www.roar-ridgefield.org/fund.html Sorry for the last minute notice and thanks to Jennifer of Southern Yankee for telling me about this event!

REMINDER: Musical for Kids 3+ This Sunday in Stamford

I've been working with a dedicated group of volunteers on the planning and promotions for this event for kids ages 3+ on Sunday at the Westover Magnet School in Stamford and I hope to see you there! It's a live performance of Russell the Hermit Crab, a musical that encourages kids to embrace differences in themselves and others. The renowned Magical Music for Life Foundation (www.magicalmusic.org) is behind the production and tickets are still available for both the 2pm and 4pm performances at www.russellthehermitcrab.eventbrite.com.

Proceeds benefit Childcare Learning Centers (www.clcstamford.org) in Stamford. Since 1902, Childcare Learning Centers has been the largest provider of low-cost early childhood education and care programs for children from birth to five, and social service programs-health, nutrition, literacy and parenting for predominately low-income families in lower Fairfield County. CLC offers the largest school readiness program in Connecticut, serving nearly 1,000 children, with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation.

I'll be manning the t-shirt sales that day - so come say hi! 

www.russellthehermitcrab.eventbrite.com

BUMPS BABIES & BEYOND This Sunday at The Loading Dock: Admission is FREE in Advance

What are you up to on Sunday? Grab some mom friends and come to The Loading Dock in Stamford for the Bumps, Babies & Beyond Expo. Win some prizes, do some shopping, listen to some guest speakers. It's a day just for moms and moms to be.

When:       Sunday, April 25th from 10:00am - 4:00pm
WHERE:  The Loading Dock, Stamford, CT
COST: Now FREE to attend if you sign up before 4/24. Cost at the door is $5 per person.
TO REGISTER: Send an email to events@mytimeforme.com with name, email and city of all those attending.

Everyone signed up in advance will be entered into a drawing for great prizes like a luxurious spa experience from Aetheria Spa, tickets to the Regis and Kelly show, Stroller Strides gift certificate, delicious Chocopologie chocolate and many other exciting prizes.

Event Details

Receive Great Products, Services, Shopping Opportunities and Information From:

Ashley Petite, Au Pair Care, Dr. Brian Yomtov, Cultural Care Au Pair & Mary Kay, Destination Maternity, Family Centers, First Friend Dog Training, Frittabello, LLC, Green Moon/Organized Playgroups, Greenwich Family YMCA, Good As Gold Girls, Little Riders LLC, Mary Grace Designs, New York Life Insurance, Nicole Taylor Photography, Northwestern Mutual, Pippen Alley Paperie, Peggy Garbus Photography, Safety 1st Squad, Southern Yankee, LLC, Tender Tidings, Women of Wellness


Plus hear from speakers throughout the day on topics including:
*Dealing with the Emotional & Financial Transition to Parenthood*
*Healthy Babies, Happy Moms*
*K.I.S.S Your Baby, Keep it Simple & Stress Free*
*Dogs, Diapers & Beyond*
*A Holistic Approach to Raising Your Baby*
*Plus hear from the Women of Wellness*

Learn more at the Bumps, Babies & Beyond Expo Website

Live Music for Kids Tomorrow at Cosi in Stamord! FREE!!

I saw a flyer today in Cosi announcing this fun, FREE event for families tomorrow so I thought I'd pass it on. Come to Cosi in Stamford (right off exit 35 on the Merritt) Friday April 16 from 5:30-7pm. Singer/songwriter Steve E of Music Together will be performing his mix of family-friendly covers and original songs on his guitar and mandolin. 

You can sample Steve's songs at www.cdbaby.com/cd/steveenablers. Sounds like a nice, easy Friday night dinner plan, right?

Cosi

1209 High Ridge Rd, Stamford

www.getcosi.com