Musical Magic...Magic Comes Alive in Your Tot's Eyes!!!!

Moms have I got great news! Brayden and I have stumbled across a tot-friendly hidden gem in Roscoe Village. Musical Magic (located at 2255 W. Roscoe)! We were driving down the street and noticed an awning saying without saying your tot belongs here! And believe me when I say your tot belongs there!

Musical Magic is 'a musical journey designed for children ages newborn to 4 years old.' Brayden can attest this is a fantastic journey! Just the other day, Brayden and I popped in for the Pip Squeaks class for ages 12 months to 24 months. The class was a brilliant combination of free-roam and structure. Brayden's life has been dedicated to being a tot...a wild, adventurous, and a bit untamed tot. When we were asked to sit in a circle I began to sweat! Would Brayden sit still? Would he run around and thunk kids on the head, would he start screaming!?! Ugh...what would happen??? My fear was unwarranted because Musical Magic is truly magic.

The class is a series of adorable kids songs...one directly after the other. Age appropriate songs teaching kids animals, colors, and more. My favorite songs were the hello and goodbye songs because these songs included all the tot's names. Each song has a prop...shaking eggs, rhythm sticks, sunglasses, scarves, balls and even bubbles. Yes, bubbles! Brayden had never seen bubbles before. His smile was priceless. His giggles amazing. His cry of joy heartwarming. Then and there I said to myself, 'We are signing up!'

Roseanne Locricchio Barnum is the Founder and Director of Musical Magic since its debut in September 2002. Roseanne's background is in PR but music was always her first love. Roseanne has successfully managed to turn her hobby into a career. I love this! I admire this! I support her. And cannot believe she hand washes all of those props...there is even a drool bag for the props that get slobbered on (as they require more attention)!

Roseanne teaches the classes with passion and patience. Like I said, I was so nervous about Brayden giving the finger to a structured class! He is only used to places where he can run at his freewill. BUT me of little faith, Roseanne has set the class up perfectly for all age groups...including tots like Brayden. In addition to the props, the kids get up and dance, shake, walk in a circle and mingle with each other. It is simply wonderful. And at $152 for an 8 week session it is also super affordable. I noticed on her website if you sign up for two sessions you get a 15% discount. Check out the website for all class details (babies, toddlers and a mix medley) and the various times to suit your tots schedule. Give Roseanne a call (773-529-5600) and schedule your FREE preview class. www.musicalmagic.net


Here's another bonus for the moms...the moms I met at Musical Magic were awesome. I crashed their class and they made me feel welcomed and included. I like this as I have felt shunned in the past at other places. And they seem to be cool moms. One mom was saying her twin girls go to bed at 7pm and the wine is uncorked by 7:10pm. This is a group of moms I can get on board with!!





BRAYDEN's Pick: Playing with an empty fountain drink cup while Mom eats my pretzel at Target.

Rumor has it... Making a baby GIRL!
If you conceive early in the window (three days before ovulation), you will then up your odds of getting a girl. If you conceive late in the window (the day of ovulation) you increase your chances of getting a boy. The reason for this is that the female producing sperm can easily wait for the egg because of their strength. But, due to the boy sperm's weakness, these little guys start to die off pretty quickly. The clock begins to tick for them almost immediately.

K&B

Fantasy Kingdom...A Fantasy Come True for Tots and MOMS!

So Moms, ever wake up wishing there was a place for your tot to play dress up other than your closet? Or feel the slick sensation of a slide during the winter? Or let him drive the car? Or put her jail for not letting you brush her teeth? Or simply run around in circles with a huge smile on his face until he falls over dizzy? Well enter FANTASY KINGDOM!


Fantasy Kingdom is an amazingly creative indoor playground. They opened their doors 5 1/2 years ago...the very first of its kind in Chicago. Let me tell you, this fantasy play area is a far cry from the simple elephant slide and plastic dinosaur at the Richmond Gordon department store where I grew up! I am thrilled Fantasy Kingdom is a reality for our tots!

Fantasy Kingdom's playground is a hand crafted, old-fashioned themed town (the mini-establishments are named after the owners' kids). I was instantly hit with a wild, wild west vibe...as if Brayden was stepping into his very own cartoon. Which is exactly how Brayden seemed to feel when he jumped into a kiddie car and cruised from the police station to the general store then over to the castle and finally pumped gas into his car at the gas station! Meanwhile the 15 or so other kids leaped over the caterpillar crawling tube, danced in front of the fake fireplace and couldn't resist tilting their heads up and screaming for joy (even though their caregiver kept shushing them)! Half of the kids donned adorable and elaborate costumes. I loved it! I spied sparkly capes, princess gowns, firefighters and more. These kids were so wonderfully lost in their own worlds.

The kids ranged in age from 6 to 6 months. It was a blast to watch the interaction. In fact, sometimes Brayden just stood still taking it all in and then took off in whichever direction his legs would take him. Until his own feet tripped him. :)

Fantasy Kingdom has so much to offer tots of all ages. There is a separate play area for smaller tots. There are special activities everyday of the week from 10:30-11am...Monday - Jump, Sing and Giggle, Tuesday - Arts & Crafts, Wednesday - Rock Out with "Super Stolie", Thursday - Jump, Sing and Giggle, 2nd Friday of the Month - Princess Parties, and 3rd Friday of the Month - Storytelling. Amazing... The brightly decorated kitchen is there for your use. You can bring lunch/snacks to enjoy on the tot-sized cafeteria style tables. Oh and go ahead and color on the giant sheets of paper laid on the tables. Also, there's a refrigerator and microwave for your convenience. What's more...enjoy free coffee in the mornings and take a seat while your tot has the time of his/her life. What's even more...the owners are present...100% percent attentive and present. They know the tots by name and place stickers on your tot when it is time to go. This personal touch is priceless! Fantasy Kingdom has thought of everything!

I mean everything...just last week they gave 5% of 6 days profit to Haiti. They believe in giving back and support a variety of charities. Delightful.

Fantasy Kingdom is open for unlimited open play Monday - Friday from 9am-5:30pm. Stay all day! It's a fact...we have to pay to play in order for this luxury to exist BUT the price is quite reasonable. Adults are free and your tot is $12 (siblings are discounted). If you get hooked...and I suspect you will...you can purchase packages for unlimited days and the cost becomes even more reasonable. The weekends are reserved for birthday parties and other events. HOWEVER get on their email list to receive a heads up when they're open on the weekends. Did someone say....play date????

Again, they have thought of everything. There is a parking garage for a cool $5.

Poke around their website for more details www.fantasykingdom.org THEN meet me and Brayden Tuesday, February 2, anytime between 1pm-5pm for a city tot discount afternoon!

The owners have extended an invitation to all of you to come and play for only $10. Also, if you would like to purchase a package you will receive 10% off. Thanks Fantasy Kingdom! See you all Tuesday afternoon!

Fantasy Kingdom is located down the street from the new Whole Foods at 1422 N. Kingsbury Street.




BRAYDEN's Pick: "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

Valentine's Day Present Idea!
Pillow Pets! Stuffed animals that turn into full-sized pillows. Adorable and perfectly cuddly for Valentine's Day. Oh and just $19.99. Pick one at www.pillowpets.com

K&B

Exercise...When, Where and How with a TOT!

Hey Moms...wishing you didn't eat one of your tot's fish sticks...or that darn cookie. Ugh...birthday parties and their stinkin' cupcakes. Why does the apple sit there untouched for a week but the oreos go sleeve by sleeve?!?

Well, do not fear moms. Number one, we are chasing tots all day and/or all night and that's a huge change from the days and nights of sitting on our rears watching MTV and Grey's Anatomy. BUT if you are anything like me you crave exercise. A release, relaxation, sweat, feeling strong, feeling healthy, daydreaming, doing something for you! Is this self-centered? No. Does this put your responsibility to your tot second? No. The question is when, where and how with a tot!?!

Setting your alarm for a pre-sunrise workout ended when sleep was no longer at your leisure, skipping playgroups and playdates does seem downright selfish, naptime equals silence while cleaning and once your tot is in bed you want to spend quality time with your hubby or companion. So when!?!

I will tell you...the when, where and how...DVD workouts at home with your tot! If you snickered at this idea like 'yeah right!' just give me three more sentences to explain. :) Your tot likes music, your tot likes movement, your tot likes emulating you. Perfect! They will get hooked on it just like you. And if all else fails, plan your in-home workout around snack time. They will enjoy watching you...heck, they might even laugh! Exposing your tot to fitness is a huge bonus. He/she will develop a positive attitude towards being fit and healthy because you showed them it's fun and important for as long as they can remember.


Now...which home workout video is actually worth it. I have tried hundreds over the years! I mean it. Hundreds. Personally, I think it is a waste of time to participate in a workout that is, excuse my french, utter crap. So take my word for it when I suggest Turbo Jam. If you do or have ever belonged to the YMCA you may have heard of an aerobics class called Turbo Kick. This is the EXACT same exercise routine now in your house!!! With your tot! Chalene Johnson created this combo of kickboxing, cardio and dance. She not only has her DVD collection but also teaches fitness instructors around the country how to teach it in clubs. This is legit! When people ask me how I lost my last 10 baby weight pounds...I say 'Turbo Jam'!

The DVD set includes 5 workouts and 2lbs hand weights. There is a 20 minute workout that will give you a burn! Perfect for those time crunch days. I do the workouts with Brayden. There is nothing cuter than when he tries to do a speedbag or simply dances in circles. And every time I kick I say "Bam" or "Boom" and he giggles. Note: It is necessary to pay close attention to where your tot is so you don't accidentally knock him/her over BUT I have decided this uses even more muscular energy and control. Meaning...more banished calories. :)

For more details on Turbo Jam go to www.beachbody.com, scroll down and click on 'Turbo Jam.' And enjoy...with your tot.

If there are days when a DVD is too structured for your tot time and he/she is clinging to your leg begging for snuggles then try this. Learn 5 exercises...yoga, pilates, kickboxing, whatever you like. In between the 5 exercises do 8 power squats...every time. Repeat this series 3 times. Exercising this way will allow you to pay more attention to your tot while you sneak in a good workout. You can take breaks and come back to it where you left off. Trust me. It will work...I do it.

There are many other options available to you to enjoy exercise with your tot. My personal favorite is running with Brayden in the stroller but on icy days...forget about it. So I regularly mix up all the types of tot-friendly workouts and neither of us miss out or get bored. Over the next couple of months I will preview Stroller Strides, gyms with playrooms, dance/yoga studios with playrooms and mom & me classes.

Give it a shot! You can squeeze exercise into everyday. Your tot will have a blast too.

BRAYDEN's Pick: Time alone with Daddy!

Mingling Topic: 3 Time Golden Globe Winner - MAD MEN

Rent it! This 1960s drama about advertising executives and the women in their lives is mind boggling, entertaining and somewhat shocking! It is hard to believe just 50 years ago women put men 100% before themselves. I am not saying it isn't admirable...I am saying I am not that selfless! At all. I like seeing how much everything has changed since the 1960s...office life, men, women, children, acceptable behavior, ideals, morals, norms. It is crazy! Check it out. Instantly, you will have 5 issues to discuss.

FREE, FREE, FREE!!!! The Museum of Science and Industry is offering free admission Monday - Friday for the rest of the month (last day is January 29th)! Check it out and do not forget about the Kid's Idea Playground. :)

Happy 1st Birthday to Callan on January 22nd!!!!

K&B

Psychobaby...'Thee' Ultimate Toy Store for City Tots

We all know of or at the very least have heard of Psychobaby in Bucktown (1630 N. Damen)! Moms and tots alike get giddy when they see a brown paper wrapped package with purple and orange ribbons tied to it and the Psychobaby sticker on it because we know our tot is receiving a unique and creative gift! Hurrah.

Believe it or not, Psychobaby is now even better. Brayden and I pop into Psychobaby on a regular basis to scout out our next birthday party gift and/or purchase a special treat for a special tot...Brayden. And, of course, to play on the GIANT lily pad, test out new toys and kill some time (aka burn up tot energy). On our recent visit we discovered that Psychobaby launched its own t-shirt line last week! From now on all of the Psychobaby rad designs and patterns can be put on any size or style of shirt/onesie. Your choice! Size 6 and under. The 'transfer' is done instantly in the store and your creation is ready to wear.

Psychobaby has also opened its Custom Shop. The Custom Shop offers a variety of designs and letters for printing names and any sayings on a t-shirt/onesie of your choice. The shirts are environmentally friendly and are printed with water-based ink. Bonus! Brayden and I could not resist making a shirt with his name on it. We choose the monster letters. Adorable. These custom shirts are ready within the hour. Use this hour to let your tot run around roaming the store! Brayden loved the bouncing crying baby heads!

And there is still more...every Wednesday at 10:30am stop in and listen to The Storybook Mom , Nili Yelin. The salesgirls at the store told me they call her the kid whisper because her quirky tone immediately silences even the most hyper of kids.

SALE SALE SALE!!!! !!! This Thursday and Friday (14th & 15th) be sure to pop into Psychobaby for the Brick and Mortar Blowout Sale!! You can expect a $5 bag sale, Psychobaby brand samples and much, much more! I am telling you to GO. Brayden and I were running down Damen during the last sale and on whim bought the coolest ACDC diaper bag for $8...originally $38! I get compliments every time I use it :)

Check out Pyschobaby's website for more details. www.psychobabyonline.com

BRAYDEN'S Pick: DRUMS! Real drums, rockband drums, buckets, pots, pans, laundry baskets, mom's head. DRUMMING!

Guilty Pleasure: Mickey D's

Let's face it...McDonald's is easy and convenient. I have yet to get a 'not eating' complaint at McDonald's. So I did a little research to make myself feel better for clogging my kid's arteries. Here are the stats of the Happy McNugget Meal:

4pc - 190 cal, 12 fat(g), and 10 protein(g)
small fries - 230 cal, 11 fat(g), and 3 protein(g)

Doesn't seem so horrible for energy burning tots. Of course, the calories are mostly from fat and fairly high in sodium. But the trans fats are long gone.

My point, every now and again, indulge your tot and indulge yourself...get a grilled chicken sandwich and enjoy the peace.

K&B

Messing Around at Borders

Okay Moms...who is feeling couped up??? ME! The parks are buried under the snow, the pools are empty and taking a stroll outside is just plain dangerous. Do not fret! Brayden and I have a plan for you. And this one is free, free, FREE!

Go to Borders! The Borders at North and Halsted is a makeshift indoor play area for your tot!

Brayden and I popped into Borders on an errand day. I wanted to find a place where he could run around and exert some energy (so we could stay on our sleeping through the night schedule...hooray). I decided to check out Borders hoping they had some kind of kid area because I didn't want to spend money to entertain him. I had, after all, already spent plenty of money that afternoon!

And to my surprise the Children's Section is HUGE! There were about 15 kids all 5 and under running around, playing with toys, reading books, hugging giant stuffed animals (our fav was the giraffe), writing on the easel, sitting around the kid table jabbering to each other, playing with an awesome stand alone toy abacus and making an enormous mess! It was so great.



I mean it! A mess! The section resembled Brayden's playroom at the end of the day. A disaster. BUT the employees at Borders simply embraced it. No sighs under their breath, no dirty looks, nothing except an occasional giggle. Incredible! Tots are totally welcomed to be tots! Of course, all the moms and nannies did clean up after their tots.

More great news about Borders...Seattle's Best. It is no Starbucks (I'm a fan) but you can grab a coffee and have a snack with your tot.

And there is even more, every Wednesday at 10:30am is story time held in the Children's Section and Borders hosts elaborate kid parties for book releases (Fancy Nancy, Diary of Wimpy Kid, etc.) as well as some of the holidays. These parties are pretty much only advertised in the store. However, if you do not make it to Borders often DO NOT WORRY...I will keep you in the loop on these events. I am crossing my fingers for a Valentine's Day party at Borders.

In brief, head to Borders and let your tot run around the way he/she does at the park! You'll both have a ball...in fact, feel free to bring a ball! Now that is what I call Customer Satisfaction.

BRAYDEN's Pick: The Good Night Show on the Sprout Channel.

Mingling Topic: City Parking is Getting Pricey! Ugh.

First of all, these new pay boxes are already a hassle. Sometimes, I have to lug Brayden a half block to the pay box, wait behind someone whose credit card is authorizing and then double back to our car to put the receipt on the dash. Oh how I miss the convenience of the 'old fashion' street parking meter.

Remember saving your quarters for laundry well get back in the habit. As of February 11th meter prices are going up up up! Parking Downtown/Loop will be $3.50 and hour, Non-Loop/Central Business District will be $2.00 an hour and the Neighborhoods will be a $1.00 an hour...this is quadruple the old rate!

This roll out is planned to take 24 days (beginning Feb 11). We, the City, are locked into this (and many more rate hikes) for 75 years!

Happy 1st Birthday to Marley on January 13th!

K&B

Shop at Dominick's for Tot Fun!

MOMS, your prayers have been answered! Well one prayer at least. The unavoidable errand of grocery shopping is now for tots! All tot errand runners...quiet ones, grumpy ones, tired ones, happy ones, screaming ones...Dominick's is speaking your (our) language!

Just one week ago Dominick's received incredible TV Karts for tots.

The other day Brayden and I sauntered into Dominick's on our usual mission...I was excited to accomplish a 'to do' and he was excited to acquire 3 new helium balloons. I mean...come on...is there anything cuter than a tot pointing at and babbling over floating joy. At $3.99 a pop (no pun) my husband's debit card begs to differ. Which is why Bray and I hide them in the basement bathroom...shhhh. So imagine the size of my smile when I saw these colorful carts shaped liked little cars winking at me from their very own parking-charging mat. Hurrah, alas the balloon phase would come to an end! And I am thrilled to report it did.

These TV Karts are amazing, truly amazing. I strapped in a giddy Brayden and instantly he began twisting and turning the steering wheel. The cart has a built in window so I was able to watch his somewhat brushed blonde head from behind as I pushed through the store. He was engaged the entire time! Occasionally he would turn and smile at me through the window. We were having a blast! And then as if it could get any better I discovered a TV in there! An actual mini-screen with a option list of kid shows! We chose Bob the Builder. Brayden doesn't much care for TV at this point but he likes the music...lesson learned...next time I am selecting Barney!

Now here are the perks. Suddenly, my shopping experience changed. I was able to scan the shelves for new products. I had extra time allowing me to break out of my typical mold. You know the this mold...you mindlessly grab exactly what you need off the shelves while zipping down the aisles (only the aisles containing the items you robotically know belong in your cart). I honestly think I could win Supermarket Sweep! But not anymore...now I lollygag. I read boxes and labels and hover around the recipe rack. It's euphoric. All the while my adorable tot is pleasantly entertained. And not with junky snacks I ripped open prior to purchase as an unspoken bribe (Oreo Cakesters...he eats one and I eat three...ugh). Thanks to the TV Kart I am able to evolve. And lose weight :)


So moms, take my word for it and for major shopping trips ditch Jewel, ditch Trader Joe's and even ditch Whole Foods. Although, Whole Foods is a close second because if your grocery excursion is a nightmare at least you can calm your nerves with a glass wine at their wine bar.

BRAYDEN's Pick - The photo booth at the Old Navy on North Ave. just west of Sheffield. For a mere $3 take fabulous old school black and white mini-photos...you get two copies!

Mingling Topic: Tiger Woods
Drop it.

Guilty Pleasure: The Bachelor
I have never watched a season of the show BUT this season looks awesome! Don't hold me to this...it's just a hunch (based on the previews).

K&B

Museum of Science and Industry...is for tots!

We all know about the Museum of Science and Industry and often hear of its many amazing exhibits. Maybe you've even been there more than once. BUT moms you have never been there like this. The Museum of Science and Industry is a great place to entertain your tot for hours! I am serious.

If you are anything like me you have no qualms about pushing your little one around in a stroller and calling it exercise. However, at some point your conscience kicks in and you feel bad for your sedentary companion. This is exactly why the Museum of Science and Industry is perfect for you and your tot.

After strolling around for a bit and taking in the exhibits pop into the KID'S IDEA PLAYGROUND! This area is designed just for kids and tots. Brayden and I were awestruck.

I chased him through the older kids idea playground and we even participated in a few science and industry experiments. Once I was out of breath and needed a moment to stand still (seeing as the mom doesn't nap at her leisure)I took Brayden into the 0-36 months idea playground. This enclosed area is perfect for your tot! Brayden ran around, splashed in water (there are raincoats), crawled through a pirate ship, played knock-knock in a toy house and so much more! I enjoyed every minute watching him explore.

Now moms...there's more...this Kid's Idea Playground has a huge bathroom with changing tables and a breastfeeding area.

Take mine and Brayden's word for it...this is the place to be to help get through these cold months! And for only $13 how can you beat it (tots are free under 3).

Here is the website for the Museum of Science and Industry. www.msichicago.org Their site doesn't mention the Kid's Idea Playground but I assure you it is there!!!!! It is located on the main floor around the corner from the food court. Which reminds...the food isn't great so feel free to pack your own lunch and snacks.

BRAYDEN'S Pick: Black bean, rice and cheese soft tacos from Chipotle. Oh and a few mouthfuls of guacamole too.

Mingling Topic: New Year's Resolution Quotes

Mark Twain - New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions

Bill Vaughn - Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to.

Jay Leno - Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average… which means, you have met your New Year's resolution.