With Mac at a portrait session on Mother’s Day, I had the girls all to myself. It was such a beautiful day that I decided to spend some quality time with them in the great New Jersey outdoors. (I don’t know about you, but it seems there are so many things to do around the house that my “quality time” with the girls seems to slip away.)

We drove up the Palisades Parkway to the State Line Lookout (exit 2) which has a scenic overlook of the Hudson River and a little café. We took the short hike through woods along the cliff side of the river, past a waterfall and ended at the waters edge. The best part of this trip was our little picnic and the makeshift swing that no one could resist!

For more information:
www.njpalisades.org

Hoboken’s Kidville invited us to their annual Spring Fling on Thursday, May 3rd. The theme was Luau this year. Kids enjoyed singing, dancing, and art projects.
What a place — it wish it had been around when my kids were young.
The staff has great energy and interact so well with the children. Guests were treated to pizza and Italian ice around lunchtime — the place was packed.

Big thanks to Erica Vitanza, “The Mayor of Kidville”, for inviting us to be part of this fun filled morning.

Kidville
1202 Shipyard Lane  Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 377‑5495

www.kidville.com/hoboken

It’s almost here, one of my favorite days of the year…what day is this, you may ask.? The first Saturday of May, The Running of the Roses, or otherwise known as the Kentucky Derby.
This Saturday May 5th is the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby. I have my hat ready to go, a few dress options pulled, doing some reading on race contenders, and of course gathering all the ingredients to make the one, the only…Mint Julep! I am partial to Woodford Reserve Bourbon, but please feel free to use your desired brand of bourbon.

Woodford Reserve ® Mint Julep Recipe, The “Classic” Mint Julep From Master Distiller Chris Morris

• 3–5 mint leaves
• 1t Powdered Sugar
• 2t Water
• 2 — 2 1/2 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon
• Crushed Ice

Muddle (stir/gentle crush) four mint springs and sugar in the bottom of a julep glass. Add water and continue to muddle. Add Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Pack the julep glass with crushed ice. Add a mint spring for decoration and sipping straw.
If a metal julep cup is used, be sure to use a wooden muddler (bottom of a wooden spoon) instead of metal spoon. This will eliminate the possibility of any metal shavings getting into the drink or scratching the julep cup.

Can’t you picture us now? The sun shining, hats and juleps galore, the only thing that can possibly make this day more glorious is the most exciting two minutes in sports. The race will go off at approximately 6:24pm. Wish us luck in the party pool!

Don’t you adore the hat?

Linda Wu won the Hartshorn Portraiture raffle for a mini shoot and Anne Walsh won 4 private classes from Harmony Pilates.

Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time, new friendships were forged, stories were shared, and vino was poured! We are looking forward to another Mom’s Night Out again soon.

Many thanks to the wonderful catering that was provided Margherita’s Cafe in Hoboken, and delicious cupcakes were compliments of Sophie Sophia of Hamilton Park, Jersey City.

We always look forward to this sneak peak at her new collection.
Bring on the beach, the sun, and new swimsuits…we are READY!

She set up shop on Sunday at Urban Arts studio, where our girls take art classes. Madeline and Cameron had the opportunity to decorate cookies with her. So much fun!

Due to the great reception to a class she held over Valentine’s weekend, Dani has added more workshop dates. Fun for adults and kids alike!

Just as exciting is the news that she is available for kid’s birthday parties and provides all the supplies. How easy is that Mom?

Sweet Dani B workshop
Saturday, March 31st or Sunday, April 1st, 2011 from 1:00
to 2:30 pm or 3.30 – 5pm.
Urban Arts • Suite E206 • Monroe Center
720 Monroe St, Hoboken, NJ

Dani will share her signature tips and techniques as she guides us in creating three adorable cookies for Spring! Cost of registration includes Dani’s signature cookies and decorating supplies.
In addition to teaching cookie icing, Dani will have her signature icing kits for sale as well as her sweet, pre-packaged cookies and other sweet items

• $28 Per Single Registration
• $25 for two or more people
• Adults and Children (ages 4 & up) welcome!
• Registration deadline is March 23, 2012.
• For more information and to register, visit www.sweetdanib.com

Deerkill Day Camp

Deerkill Day Camp was established in 1958 (originally known as Park Day Camp). The founders wanted to create a community where campers would be happy to explore, develop new skills, form lifelong friendships, and of course have fun. Now, 55 years and 3 generations later, Deerkill Day Camp is still owned and directed by the Rhodes family. Deerkill offers a day camp for ages 3 to 14, and many parents choose Deerkill because of their outstanding reputation and swimming programs.

54 Wilder Road, Suffern, New York 10901
Phone: 845–354-1466
Email: directors@deerkilldaycamp.com
Website: www.deerkilldaycamp.com
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Camp Riverbend

The Breene family has been running Camp Riverbend since 1962. It is located on a 30-acre site along the Passaic River in Warren Township. With shady woods, open fields, nature trails, wetland sanctuaries, athletic facilities, and the riverbank; there are a variety of environments to explore. Camp runs June 25 — August 10, and is closed Wednesday July 4. Campers can attend any of two consecutive weeks or more. Camp runs Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Ages 3 to 14

116 Hillcrest Road, Warren Township, New Jersey 07059
Phone: 1–888-843‑2267
Email: Miriam@campriverbend.com
Website: www.campriverbend.com
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Spring Lake Day Camp

The central location and easy access off of I-287 enables the camp to pick up children from parts of Bergen, Passaic, Morris and Essex Counties as well as portions of Manhattan. Mini Day is available for campers entering Nursery or Pre-K (subject to availability and transportation). Camp hours are Monday thru Friday 9am to 4pm. Mini Day hours are Monday thru Friday 9am to 1:20pm and available only for campers entering Nursery or Pre Kindergarten. Campers entering Kindergarten thru 10th grade are full day campers. They have a 40,000 square foot heated pool complex divided into 5 awesome pools, a 5 acre lake for boating and fishing,

234 Conklintown Road,
Ringwood, New Jersey 07456
Phone: 973–831-9000
Email: info@springlakedaycamp.com or info@sldc.com
Website: www.springlakedaycamp.com/index.html
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Stone Barns Farm Summer Camp

JUNE 25-AUGUST 17

Stone Barns Center’s Farm Camp is entering its eighth season. Camp sessions are designed for first graders through eighth graders. Campers have the opportunity to see how the farm works and get their hands dirty by pitching in with farm chores and learning alongside the farm staff. In addition to activities focused on a specific theme, every camp session includes garden work, animal chores, cooking, crafts, games and hiking. At Farm Camp, they also explore the farm-to-table connection. A staff cooking specialist helps campers prepare healthy snacks several times each week, and older campers cook a full lunch together in a professional kitchen.

Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Road,
Pocantico Hills, New York 10591
Phone 914–366-6200
Email: farmcamp@stonebarnscenter.org
Website: www.stonebarnscenter.org/our-work/childrens-education/farm-camp/
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Girl Scout Summer

The Girl Scouts of New Jersey have 3 options available to girls:

–Camp Lou Henry Hoover in Middleville, New Jersey

–Camp DeWitt in Hillsborough, New Jersey

–The Oval in Maplewood, New Jersey

Please refer to the link below for more information on all three camp sites:

Website: www.gshnj.org/?p=camp
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HOBOKEN/ JERSEY CITY AREA

Garden Street Summer Dance, Music, Theater, Arts Camp

Camp will consist of the following:

 Ballet
, Tap,
 Hip Hop, 
Art,
 Musical Theater, Music, 
Private Music Lessons in Guitar, Piano, and Voice. All full day children will receive one 20 minute private music lesson weekly during the camp.

 Students will be grouped by age and level. 2 snacks will be provided daily, and students will bring their own lunch.

Full Day and Half Day Options Ages 4 through 15 (students grouped by age)

First Session: June 18th-June 29th

Second Session: July 9th — July 20th

9am-3:15pm Mon-Fri. Space is limited so please reserve your spot as soon as possible.

1018 Washington St. Hoboken, New Jersey 07030
Phone: 201–683-7078
Email: Rachel at dance@gardenstreetmusic.com
Website: www.gardenstreetmusic.com
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M. Avery Fashion Lab Summer Camp

At the Fashion Lab Summer Camp your child will learn how to trace patterns, cut fabric & felt, hand sew, use the sewing machine, as well as basic motor skills used to design & construct crafts & projects. The older students focus on learning sewing machine usage, threading and machine maintenance, basic sewing skills, pattern reading & project construction on projects relating to the theme of the week. Camp is half day for 5–6 yr olds, and a full day for ages 7–9 yr olds.

720 Monroe Street Suite E306, Hoboken NJ 07030
Phone: 201–876-1198
Email: customerservice@maverydesigns.com
Website: www.maverydesigns.com/summer_camp2012.htm
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Next Step Broadway Camp

Join us for summer camp at Next Step Broadway. Children will be dancing, singing, and acting their way to their own mini-musical performance. This performance will be presented on the last day of each session promptly at 4pm. They will be involved in every aspect of the production, which will include creating costumes and scenery.

There will be plenty of time to enjoy the sun at Hamilton Square Park across the street as well as downtime to nap or relax.

Campers meet Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm with a late pick up option. All sessions are two weeks and include ages 4 & up. 35–40 spots are available for each session.

233 9th St. Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
Phone: 201–706-3025

Website: www.nextstepbroadway.com

I wanted to ‘spread the news’ about a wonderful new site that launched last week. Hoboken Mommies is run by a couple of dynamic individuals, Dayna Sacks and Sarah Himmelbaum.

Hobokenmommies.com is THE social networking site for mothers in Hoboken, NJ. Connect with a community of moms who lead a messy but FABULOUS life!!
Hoboken Mommies offers its members free membership which allows you to:

•  Gain access to a forum full of other Hoboken mommies
•  Interact, ask for advice, and share stories with Mommies like you
• Create your own profile, start online chat groups, and send private messages to other mommies
• Attend events to gain information and make new friends
• Obtain a Hoboken Mommies membership card to get discounts at local vendors and restaurants
•  Receive Flash Mom emails with weekly deals just for Hoboken Mommies
•  Post a free classified and utilize their diaper exchange

Their  goal is to provide a website that offers you a one-stop destination for all your “Mommie” needs and especially helpful if you are a new mom.
Check it out!

Our hallways are being painted and the floors redone.
Future plans include a huge new lobby, new elevators and many other vendors for the ground floor shop fronts.
My Gym has moved to the building and is very successful.
Stay tuned for further developments.

We got the sweetest surprise from our friends at Wiley Valentine, whose gorgeous cards you may either send or receive through our studio.
The beautiful package included divine chocolate toffee, a notebook and the cutest individual champagne drinks!
Of course, we can’t forget the lovely letterpress card. Their designs are always gorgeous!

Thanks again Ladies! You’ve made our day!

We would love to hear about the beautiful gifts your children made for you this Valentine’s Day.