June 2010 - The Culture Mom

30Jun

Home Away from Home

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When we started planning our recent trip to Israel, we thought about all of our accommodation requirements and needs. Since we were visiting family and friends in Israel, we wanted a different experience. We wanted to live like locals and really immerse ourselves in the culture, rather than be outsiders looking in. Often, that's how I feel when I stay at a hotel. You are truly a visitor in a city. As you pass though the lobby with bell hops and desk attendants at your beck and call, you are constantly reminded. We had a town in mind. My Read More

29Jun

Mexico Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

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We spent some time in Mexico a few years ago with the kids. It was hands down one of the best summer vacations that we've had. The weather was beautiful, the beaches were spectacular and we all had dozens of activities to choose from. My daughter still talks about the visit and somehow manages to remember all the small details about kids club, the water slides in our hotel and all the great meals. We went on to all-inclusive hotel and were very impressed with how well we were treated. You might be wondering how safe Mexico is after the media frenzy Read More

29Jun

MobiStories iPhone App Free Download

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The iPhone has become my savior. When we travel or go out locally and I need some peace and quiet, I always take out my precious iPhone to occupy the kids. I'm always looking for educational applications that won't cause them to go brain dead after the hour or so they can spend on it at a time. That's why I'm glad to have discovered MobiStories, digital children’s stories that can also be played on the iPod, PSP, portable DVD players and Mac and PC computers. MobiStories are narrated digital children's books with illustrations and music written Read More

29Jun

The 63rd Annual Macy’s Fishing Contest at Prospect Park

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The 63rd Annual Macy's Fishing Contest contest will run from July 14th – July 18th at Prospect Park. Daily contest hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are no rain dates. The competition is open to children 15 years and younger. Individuals can sign-up at the contest. Groups of 10 or more must call (718) 287-3400 x101 to register. Admission is free and equipment and instruction is provided. Prizes will be awarded daily to those who haul in the big catches from Brooklyn’s only freshwater lake. Before casting their lines, all participants attend a Read More

28Jun

Celebrate Liberty in Prospect Park

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This weekend , you can experience special free events at the Lefferts Historic House and the Prospect Park Audubon Center that mark the anniversary of the end of slavery in NY State, learn about the American eagle and the Declaration of Independence. The spirit of independence fills Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. For many years in the 19 th century, July 5 was a day to celebrate the end of slavery in NY State ( July 4 th , 1827),with parades and festive dinners. Monday, July 5th at the Lefferts Historic House there will be a special celebration Read More

28Jun

Tech-Savvy Family Traveling

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On our recent trip abroad, we somehow managed to take more gadgets than usual. But all for the best as each device came in handy. Our trips have certainly gotten easier over the years. Of course, the kids are older, but if we had some of these tools when they were younger, I am sure that our trips would have been easier. Here are some of the gadgets that I highly recommend you consider taking on your next family trip: 1. The iGo charger is absolutely amazing. You can charge your phone virtually anywhere, either plugged into the wall or on the Read More

27Jun

Karito Kids Adventure Travel Books Giveaway

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In April, I wrote about the Karito Kids doll collection that my daughter and I stumbled upon at FAO Schwartz. We were instantly taken with this line of dolls that travel the world, just as we do. I have two Karito Kids books (both are pictured) to give away today. All you have to do is comment in the section below and leave your contact information (Twitter or email). For an extra entry, feel free to tweet out the giveaway. For example, "Win a pair of Karito Kids Travel books today @culturemomblog http://bit.ly/c5yR9Z" works or another variation. Read More

27Jun

O2 Living Holistic Health Spa & Center for Wellness

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Last week I went to a holistic wellness sampling day hosted by O2 Living, a new spa in Cross River, New York. O2 is a holistic health spa & center located in Yellow Monkey Village. It's surrounded by antique shops and a cafe' with the same name. I met my friend, Maria, from New York Mom and we toured the spa. I was glad to check out a part of Westchester that I had yet to discover. Cross River is a lovely rural town full of antique shops and cafes that's I'd like to return to with my family to explore. I love spas. Before I had kids, I Read More

27Jun

Join PBS Kids Club Thirteen at the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens

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On, Sunday, July 11th, 11:00-2:00pm, Kids Club Thirteen Members are in for a special afternoon of music and art at the Noguchi Museum. Featured activities in the Member-Zone include a hands-on musical project, Bendaroos art sculpture, and an instrument-themed episode from the PBS Kids show, Design Squad. Stick around in the afternoon for a performance in the garden by Talujon Percussion Quartet. Admission to the museum is free for Kids Club Members only, as is participation in the activities. Not a member? Join before you go – click here. Kids Read More