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Lights, Camera, Costumes: Showstoppers! Exhibition in Times Square Runs Through December 5

October 29, 2021

In case you missed the memo, Broadway is back!

If you’re a fan of the Great White Way, hold on to your playbills because you’re in for a special treat with the new exhibition, Showstoppers! Spectacular Costumes from Stage & Screen. Located in a sprawling 20,000-square-foot space in Times Square, theater lovers can get the chance to see exquisite, iconic costumes from some of the most popular stage shows of all time.

My children and I have seen dozens of Broadway and off-Broadway productions over the years and have always marveled at and admired the decked-out costume designs and eye-catching garments that make a splash on stage. Unfortunately, if we didn’t score front-row seats, we weren’t always able to see the pieces from a distance. Thankfully, last week we finally got our chance!

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From The Lion King to Moulin Rouge, guests will have the opportunity to see more than 100 costumes up close and personal from some of the biggest shows of all time. What’s more, they’ll also get to take a peek “behind the curtain” and see costume makers showcasing their skills and supreme craftsmanship with enlightening on-site demonstrations like beading, embroidery, hat making, and more — taking place throughout each day. Interactive installations and fun photo opportunities abound in the space.

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If Broadway isn’t your thing, the immersive exhibition also features several pieces from popular films including Star Wars, Respect and Cadillac Records starring Beyoncé. Members of the fervent “beyhive” will be happy to get a glimpse at the gorgeous green frock worn by the multi-Grammy-winning artist, actor and global icon in the 2008 film.

This dress was worn by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter in the 2008 film, Cadillac Records.

Sponsored by the Costume Industry Coalition, a group of more than 50 costume businesses that service Broadway and film, all proceeds from the exhibition will go towards its recovery fund that continues to support one of the hardest hit sectors of the entertainment industry.

Whether you have a passion for theater or the art of creating stellar costumes for stage or on-screen performances, this exhibition is not to be missed. It is an awe-inspiring and fascinating celebration of art in its various forms.

Plus, those wondering if proper safety measures are in place can rest assured that all patrons over the age of 12 must present proof of vaccination upon entry.

Showstoppers runs at 234 West 42^nd Street through December 5, 2021. Get 10% off General Admission tickets with code ZIPPER3 at ShowstoppersNYC.com. Children/Student/Senior tickets are also available.

What’s your favorite Broadway show?

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Pixar Putt Mini Golf Opens at Battery Park’s Pier A in Manhattan

August 10, 2021

If you’re a fan of Pixar films and mini golf, you’re in luck! Grab your putters because there’s a new pop-up, open-air mini golf experience taking over Manhattan.

Pixar Putt is a new attraction featuring 18 interactive holes inspired by popular Disney and Pixar films including “Toy Story,” “Up,” “Finding Nemo,” and many more. Guests will be delighted to see some of their most beloved movies come to life in a new way. With surprise elements throughout, the creative course is one that the entire family will enjoy. Plus, it’s teeming with Instagrammable photo opportunities. Influencers, get ready to strike your best pose!

My daughter Ava at Pixar Putt in NYC on August 8, 2021.

Located in Battery Park, the experience is also the perfect place to see some of the city’s most iconic sights such as breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Freedom Tower. The Pixar-themed golf course originated in Australia, but NYC is its second “putt-stop” with additional cities including San Diego, San Francisco, Dallas, and Chicago to follow.

Me and my family at Pixar Putt in NYC on August 8, 2021.

Since the pandemic isn’t over, Pixar Putt is a socially-distant activity that enforces COVID-19 safety measures. A number of safeguards will be in place, including player caps on the golf course and physical distancing measures on the course, as well as sanitizer stations on site and sanitization of all golfing equipment after every round.

Co-presented by Rockefeller Productions and TEG Life Like Touring, Pixar Putt opened on August 7 at Battery Park’s Pier A (22 Battery Place) and will run through Oct. 31. The course will welcome guests seven days a week from 10AM to 8PM.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting Pixar Putt.

What’s your favorite Disney Pixar film?

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Netflix’s ‘Bookmarks’ Puts Black Voices in the Spotlight for Preschoolers

September 2, 2020

We all know that books can educate, inform, entertain and unlock our wildest imaginations. That’s why Netflix wants to expose preschoolers to this powerful medium at an early age.

Earlier this week (September 1), the streaming powerhouse released the new series Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices, on the popular platform. The live-action show highlights a collection of books written by Black authors that speak to the Black experience. With themes that range from identity to justice, each 5-minute episode features a prominent figure reading aloud to viewers, followed up with thought-provoking and engaging questions to stimulate young minds.

The show’s guest list is like a Who’s Who of Hollywood and the arts with familiar famous faces including, Karamo Brown, Grace Byers, Common, Misty Copeland, Tiffany Haddish, Marsai Martin, Caleb McLaughlin, Lupita Nyong’o, Kendrick Sampson, Jill Scott and Jacqueline Woodson.

Marley Dias, host of Netflix’s Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices.

What’s more? It’s hosted and produced by Marley Dias, the 15-year-old author, activist and mastermind behind the groundbreaking #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign. The 12-episode series features the following titles: ABC’s For Girls Like Me, Anti-Racist Baby, Brown Boy Joy, Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, Firebird, I Am Enough, I Am Perfectly Designed, I Love My Hair, Let’s Talk About Race, Pretty Brown Face, Sulwe, The Day You Begin, We March.

Each of the special guests bring their own unique charm and art of storytelling to the fore in this series. For example, Tiffany Haddish’s unmatched comedic skills are on full display during her reading of I Love My Hair. Of course, Common’s cool, laid-back and friendly approach shines brightly while bringing Let’s Talk About Race to life. Not only is the Grammy-winning artist a guest on the show, his music also makes an appearance. His new motivational song, “Don’t Forget,” can be heard during the end credits of each episode.

Parents and educators can continue the conversations around some of the sensitive topics discussed in the books by visiting netflixbookmarks.com. Netflix partnered with the Association for Library Service to launch this useful online resource to provide reading guides, activities and more to help make reading and learning fun.

This series is sure to be a top pick with families looking to introduce their children to storybooks that are beautifully illustrated with characters that look like them and celebrate their place in the world.

Watch a clip below:

What was your favorite book as a child?

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Summer Fun: 5 Cool New Toys and Games to Keep Kids Engaged and Entertained

June 30, 2020

Now that summer is officially underway, it’s time for the little ones in your life to cash in on some serious fun. It’s been a brutal spring for everyone as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but things are finally starting to look up. What better way to celebrate the end of being cooped up indoors for months on end than checking out a few cool new toys and exciting online learning activities?

I’ve rounded up some of the best to keep your kids engaged and entertained all summer long.

The Fairy Light Garden

Does your child have a green thumb? If so, this Fairy Light Garden is the perfect just-because gift for your budding gardener. It blends the beauty of play while embracing nature, providing children with a connection to the environment and a sense of responsibility. The adorable playset comes with seeds for them to plant, as well as a toy fairy, working water wheel, make-believe swans and light-up mushroom house that doubles as a night light. As the seeds sprout and blossom, children will have fun nurturing and using their imaginations to bring their enchanted garden to life!

Available at Tahoe Toys & Treasures, $30.

Phlat Ball V3

The game of catch just got a major upgrade! Throw the Phlat Ball V3 and transform the fun of tossing. Your family will have a ball watching this frisbee-like saucer turn into a bouncing ball in mid-air thanks to the variable-release technology. Kids will get a kick out of the spontaneity of the disc springing back into a catchable ball. Plus, its flat design make it simple to store in a backpack or suitcase for easy travel.

Available here, $13.

Rubik’s Revolution

If you were an ‘80s baby and ‘90s kid, chances are you’re pretty familiar with the classic Rubik’s cube. Well, the quintessential brain game is back and better than ever. Rubik’s Revolution offers six fast-paced, multi-level electronic games with cool sound effects and flashing lights that’ll put your kid’s skills to the test and keep them playing for hours. Bring on the nostalgia and get in on the fun too!

Available here, $20.

JumpStart Academy Math

Sure, remote learning had its challenges, but teachers, parents and students made it through! With the uncertainty of schools re-opening in the fall, it’s a safe bet to keep your child familiar and with online learning tools like JumpStart Academy Math. This award-wining individualized online program specializes in enriching math games and activities for children in grades K-6. Parents can assign math lessons suitable for their child’s academic level or have their kids independently progress through a series of practice levels across four math domains. This is the perfect way to help kids avoid summer brain drain while mastering core math concepts.

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For more information, please visit JumpStart Academy.

Dino Crunch Game

You probably never thought having your hand snapped by a roaring T-Rex could be loads of fun, right? Well, Goliath’s new Dino Crunch game makes it all the rage! Players must rescue stolen eggs from the hungry, pre-historic creature, but they better be fast. Great for children ages four and up, this intense game is endless fun for the entire family.

Available here, $20

How are you keeping your kids engaged throughout the summer?

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R&B Legends Bell Biv DeVoe and Jagged Edge Set to Perform Via Funk Fest TV Live Stream

May 21, 2020

It’s no secret that the global coronavirus pandemic has upended most industries. The music business is no exception.

Thanks to hip hop DJ D-Nice spinning seemingly never-ending sets and innovative ventures like Verzuz, the celebratory battle created by iconic producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, music is still reaching and comforting the masses. As music lovers turn to social media and online outlets to satisfy their ears in lieu of in-person performances, more and more artists are following suit.

In case you missed it, legendary hip hop/pop trio Bell Biv DeVoe, better known as BBD, is joining forces with popular R&B quartet Jagged Edge to bring fans a night of nostalgic tunes on May 28, 9pm EST via Funk Fest, the longest-running urban music festival.

The powerhouse groups who dominated the ‘90s and early aughts will perform live under BBD’s aptly named “Garage Concert Series,” and will be shown online via the festival’s new streaming platform Funk Fest TV.

Designed to be an organic “jam session” that strips away the bells and whistles and transports the performance experience back to its grassroots origins, the can’t-miss show will surely be a welcomed addition to the new frontier of how we consume live events. Plus, proceeds from the set will benefit Covid-19 relief efforts via BBD Cares, the trio’s community initiative.

“We’re proud to launch the ‘Garage Concert Series’ and our BBD Cares effort to raise money and awareness during a time when our communities, our culture, and our society need healing,” Bell said in a release. Bivins echoed, “The Garage Concert Series, which we conceptualized and named after other culture-shifting brands like Amazon and Microsoft that started in their garage, is our contribution to the global community.” DeVoe continued, “Our goal is to continue to spread the love, while raising money for those who are most in need.”

If you’ve never seen a BBD or Jagged Edge live performance, you’re in for a treat!

So, grab your baggy jeans and oversized gear and get ready to party and give back…all from the comfort of your couch!

Tickets are available here for $3. For more information, please visit Funk Fest TV.

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Crayola Launches New ‘Colors of the World’ Crayons To Represent Diverse Skin Tones

May 21, 2020

Budding artists rejoice!

Crayola just released a box of crayons with global appeal. Yup, the iconic brand has finally added an extensive array of shades mirroring skin tones ranging from creamy alabaster to rich mahogany, to their already colorful offerings. Basically, the inclusive box, dubbed, “Colors of the World” will feature a palette of realistic hues that reflect our beautiful and incredibly diverse society.

“With the world growing more diverse than ever before, Crayola hopes our new Colors of the World crayons will increase representation and foster a greater sense of belonging and acceptance,” Crayola CEO Rich Wuerthele said in a statement. “We want the new Colors of the World crayons to advance inclusion within creativity and impact how kids express themselves.”

With 24 shades intended to represent 40 skin tones, those cute kindergarten self-portraits are about to get a major, true-to-life upgrade. Now, children will no longer have to substitute or mix colors to achieve their unique complexions.

Crayola’s “Colors of the World” crayons available here, $3. Photo Courtesy of Crayola

Landing on the the specially formulated crayon selections took extensive research and rigorous consumer testing. To ensure that the color spectrum was as accurate and inclusive as possible, the brand partnered with Victor Casale. For more than 30 years, he’s led global color matching efforts for some of the biggest names in beauty including, Cover FX and MAC Cosmetics.

“I have spent my life trying to create truly global shade palettes because I know what it’s like to be with a person who has finally found their exact match,” Casale said in a release. “They feel included and recognized, and I am hoping every child who uses these crayons and finds their shade will have that feeling. Growing up, I remember mixing the pink and dark brown crayons to try and make my shade, so I was thrilled when Crayola asked for my help to create the Colors of the World crayons.”

Color us happy too. Bravo, Crayola!

Do you have a creative mini-me at home who will be happy to hear this news?

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Disney’s ‘Raven’s Home’ Set to Air Special Anti-Vaping Episode

February 29, 2020

Growing up in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, I remember tuning in to “very special episodes” of popular sitcoms like “Family Matters” and “Full House.” These family-centric TV shows would take a break from their typical comedic storylines and swap them for hard-hitting issues like drug abuse and underage drinking. Thankfully, new shows like Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home,” continue to address serious subjects that are relevant to kids and their families today.

In fact, this Sunday, March 1, the popular series geared towards kids and teens ages 6-14, brings attention to the risks associated with vaping among youth. Starring veteran actress Raven-Symoné, this episode will give children and parents the opportunity to speak openly about this sensitive, yet important topic.

RAVEN’S HOME – Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home” stars Sky Katz as Tess, Navia Robinson as Nia Baxter-Carter, Raven-Symon as Raven Baxter, Issac Ryan Brown as Booker Baxter-Carter, Jason Maybaum as Levi Grayson and Anneliese van der Pol as Chelsea Daniels. (Disney Channel/Kelsey McNeal)

In the special episode, entitled “What About Your Friends,” Booker’s new friends pressure him to try vaping, but he turns them down and warns them about the dangers. They don’t listen and when Coach Spitz finds a vape pen, the boys all claim it belongs to Booker and he is suspended. While a disappointed Raven seeks to understand what’s going on with her son, Booker sets out to clear his name.

This episodes touches on peer pressure and the importance of being truthful and keeping the lines of communication open and honest with parents. Young viewers will walk away from the episode with valuable lessons that will hopefully help them navigate through their own journey through adolescence.

The “What About Your Friends” episode was developed in partnership with Hollywood, Health & Society, who brought in experts from USC and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Read on to learn more on how to talk with your kids about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes (excerpts from National Institute on Drug Abuse and CDC):

Here are some facts about vaping and e-cigarettes:

*The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults.

*Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25

*A new e-cigarette shaped like a USB flash drive is being used by students in schools.

*Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.

*E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.

*Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

Before you start the conversation, make you sure you have the facts about vaping so you can speak calmly and confidently from a place of knowledge.

Find the right moment. A more natural discussion will increase the likelihood that your teen will listen.

Rather than saying “we need to talk,” you might ask your teen what he or she thinks about a situation you witness together.

Reduce Emotion – Sometimes talking with children brings up strong feelings that interfere with clear thinking. Following the CALM steps can help a parent keep the conversation moving in the right direction.

C – Control your thoughts & actions.

A – Assess & decide if you are too upset to continue

L – Leave the situation if you are feeling too angry/upset

M – Make a plan to deal with the situation

Watch the clip below for a sneak peek at the upcoming “What About Your Friends” episode.

“Raven’s Home” airs Sundays, 8pm EST on the Disney Channel.

My son and daughter are obsessed with “Raven’s Home.” Do your kids watch the show? If so, what do you like the most about it? Have you talked to your children about the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping?

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