Harlem Sports Programs

Growing up I wasn't active in sports. I don't know if it was because I'm a girl or there weren't many programs around in my neighborhood. I was never pushed to be athletic. I definitely think that hindered me because I hate physical activity now as an adult. My husband is the total opposite. He was always involved in some sort of sport. Even now he's part of a basketball league. We have decided that we want our son to be just as athletic. It's not only so he can learn about the game but there are so many factors that are involved in our decision making.
For one, being active keeps you just that, ACTIVE. I believe that once you are accustomed to always playing and moving around you will bring that into your adult life. You don't have to call it exercise because that word is a turn off for many, especially me. But maintaining an active lifestyle will lead to a healthier life.
Secondly, being a member on a team fosters sportsmanship and discipline. Having the responsibility of others while you play gives you the mind set that you have to be responsible for your actions. There's no fooling around unless you want to deal with the consequences.
Thirdly, it keeps the kids off the streets. Growing up in Spanish Harlem my friends & I were able to hang out and just be kids. We didn't have to worry about getting into a fight & wondering if you will get shot/stabbed. The children today have A LOT more to fear. Keeping them busy will help keep them off the streets or hanging out with the wrong people.

I've been asked about the sports programs that Andre is involved in by many parents. I wanted to share this information with everyone. These are successfully run programs in East/West Harlem neighborhoods. They are low cost if any. Andre has been involved with most for about 2 or more years. We highly appreciate what they have given Andre thus far. Not only skills in the games, but friendships and the respect for his teammates and the game.

FC Harlem Lions - Soccer
This soccer program has a springs skills program that is currently open for registration. You can register online & mail in payment. They play in Riverbank State park in the spring. For the fall program they use the field on 138th & Amsterdam, across City College. Cost is about $50-$80

NYC Bombsquad - Basketball
Andre is currently in their winter skills program which ends today. He's enhanced his knowledge and skills during these past 10 weeks. Their program generally runs in the summer for 15 weeks. They use the outdoor basketball courts on 99th Street & 3rd Avenue. Each child receives a trophy about 3 ft tall. Besides learning skills, they play scrimmages and have a competition on the last day. Andre won 2nd place for Speed Dribbling last summer (see pic above) Cost is about $100.

Harlem RBI - Baseball
This is a FREE Saturday summer program that just opened registration yesterday. Go with a copy of your child's birth certificate and fill out the short application there to guarantee a spot. They fill very quickly since they are free and well known in the neighborhood. The office location is on 102nd & 1st Ave by the Metro North buildings. They have their own field on 102nd & 1st Avenue or they use the one on 96th Street. Kids get a free uniform as well as a trophy on the last day with a huge family BBQ.

I hope you will look into these programs. If you have any others that you would like me to share please let me know. I am always looking! I hope to see you on one or all of these fields this summer!

The MOMS & Perfect Pearl Launch Event

Last week I attended a fabulous breakfast hosted by The MOMS at Fred's at Barneys NY to launch the luxurious skin care company Perfect Pearl for mother & baby. We were introduced to the creator Ying Zhou who is a lifelong believer in the power of pearls.

It was inspiring to hear Ying's story of how she came about to create this line for her children. Being half Chinese, I remember my Nana using pearl creams in her daily routine. She always had such beautiful skin. After this event, I wish I followed my Nana's ritual!

"Having grown up in Asia where our history celebrates the health benefits of the pearl, it seemed so natural for me to create a line of products that incorporates pearl extract. It is well documented by ancient generations that pearl extract has powers for healing, vitality and beauty. And studies show it is also one of the most healthy and wholesome substances to put on your baby's skin."

Perfect Pearl is now delivering to moms and babies the highest quality products made in the U.S.A. All products are hypoallergenic, fragrance free, colorant and paraben free and they are endorsed by dermatologist Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil.

The line consists of eight products for mother and child. It retails from $18-$55.00. It is currently sold in select luxury baby stores, spas and Dr. offices throughout Manhattan as well as online at Oasisdayspa.com

Baby Collection

• Baby Face Cream - the ultimate baby face cream contains a luxurious level of pearl extract, Drago-calm, oat flour, oat kernel and safflower oil. This light and fluid texture absorbs quickly and provides lasting moisture.
• Baby Pearl Powder - Ultra Silky Pearl Powder contains pearl powder and natural cornstarch to soothe and heal irritated skin. Comes with plush powder puff and is said to have mystic healing abilities 100% natural and preservative free.
• Baby Daily Moisutre Lotion - this nourishing formula moisturizes and protects sensitive delicate skin for babies of all ages. The perfect blend of pearl extract, grape seed and safflower oils provides immediate and lasting hydration
• Baby Diaper Cream - a highly effective diaper cream used for daily prevention and care of early signs of irritation. With the natural richness of zinc oxide in pearl extract, blended with shea butter and castor seed oil, it effectively isolates the skin from aggression by urine and diaper chafing.
• Baby Cleansing Foam for hair & body - the cleansing foam blends pealr extract and provitamin B12 into a rich lathering cleanser that gently cleans without drying. delicate formual for everyday use.

Maternity Collection

•  Nursing Comfort Cream - this gently cream was created with mos who have chosen to breastfeed in mind. A blend of pearl extract and ultra pure lanolin combine to relive and soothe. Preservative free
• Bust Serum - A fresh and light serum that penetrates skin instantly, using the active ingredient Osilift to promote firmness and prevent loss of elasticity while relieveing skin tension
• Stretch Mark Cream - fine textured cream formulated with active ingredient Sepilift DPHP along with aloe, shea butter and exotic oils to stimulate skin cells and promote tissue regeneration to decrease depth and color of stretch marks.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given a swag bag for attending the event. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Celebrating Chinese New Year

Every beginning of the year, I get excited about 2 things; my birthday and Chinese New Year. This Sunday is the start of Chinese New Year, the year of the Snake. Being half Chinese, I always remember celebrating with my family. We were either at a Chinese banquet or having a dinner at home. Of course the red envelopes! Our elders always made sure we were given these envelopes with crisp bills.
Now that I don't have any Asian relatives left, it is up to my siblings & I to keep the spirit of tradition alive for our kids. For the past years we have gone to Chinatown to enjoy the fine delicacies of dim sum. Afterwards we would join in on the fun of blowing off poppers into the crowds. Confetti is strewn all over. Then we watch the dragon dance its way into local shops bringing fortune & luck for the new year.
It's such a fun day. My son enjoys it all. I can only hope he will continue with celebrating this holiday as much as he does Christmas. I have such pride in being Chinese. I will always cherish the memories I had and will make. Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Scooby Doo Live! Musical Mystries at the Beacon Theater Feburary 22nd-24th,2013

Do you have any Scooby-Doo fans at home? If so, then head to the Beacon Theater in New York City to catch the gang in a live musical mystery. We are huge Scooby-Doo fans. I have always enjoyed watching the gang get into some mischievous mishaps while solving mysteries. My son enjoys catching old episodes on television. They are definitely a classic.

Jeepers! Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang have been called in to help solve an epic mystery in New York City. A trouble making ghost is haunting the Beachon Theatre and Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, Velma and Scooby-Doo are on their way in the Mystery Machine to help solve it!

The hilarious live theater show brings everone's favorite animated series to life. Filled with wacky new characters, fantastic songs and outrageous antics, Scooby-Doo LIVE! Musical Mysteries, presented by Warner Bros. and Life Like Touring, will have audiences on the edge of their seats in traditional Scooby-Doo fashion. See if this time the gang is in over its head!

RUN DATES
February 22nd-24th, 2013
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

OFFER DETAILS
SAVE 25%
Use code: JEEPERS
Valid on select shows.  

Ways to purchase 
Click here, visit the MSG or Beacon Theatre box office or call Ticketmaster at 866-858-0008

Hope to see you there!

 

 Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.

Yo Gabba Gabba Hello Friends! App Review

My son loves to play on my Ipad. I think he has more games on it than I do. So when I was given the opportunity to review the new Yo Gabba Gabba Hello Friends app I knew it would be a great new game for him to test out.

Hello Friends! is an interactive experience designed specifically for kids based on the hit TV show Yo Gabba Gabba! They can chat with their favorite characters, watch Yo Gabba Gabba! clips and even play awesome games within the safety of the Hello Friends! app.

Andre enjoyed playing. He especially liked placing virtual stickers on the characters. It kept him entertained and singing along.

What I love about this app is that its pure entertainment. It's one of his favorite shows so I know it will keep him occupied for awhile. The app is constantly being updated which is awesome for keeping the kiddies engaged.

The Yo Gabba Gabba Hello Friends! App can be purchased at Itunes and Google play for $3.99.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given the app to facilitate this review.