Brooklyn Family February 2020 by Schneps Media Digital Editions

February 2020

newyorkfamily.com

Celebrate

Valentines as a Family Bouncy Fun

The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Trampoline Parks Tear-out & keep

Teething Timeline

Eden Grinshpan

Culinary Goddess

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February 2020

NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 30

pg. 22

pg. 28

FEATURES 28 | Eden Grinshpan: On Eden Eats, Food & Family This foodie shares on her love for Middle Eastern-influenced food, Top Chef Canada and of course, family

Stories & columns 4 | Editor’s Note Love Notes 6 | Mom Hacks: Beauty Our calming picks of CBD beauty for mom 10 | Education Why parents should consider Charter Schools

16 | Children’s Dental Health A helpful teething timeline and chart from the first tooth to when you can expect to see the last of your child’s wisdom teeth 18 | Family Health Understanding ADHD 22 | Mom Stories Writer Alexis Barad-Cutler shares her journey down the plastic surgery rabbit hole 24 | Strollers 10 strollers perfect for the city parent 30 | Neighborhood Guide: Valentines with your Kids Our picks for places to celebrate the romance of New York 38 | Last Bite Eden Grinshpan’s favorite winter salad

pg. 34

pg. 26

Family fun 26 | Trampoline Parks & Activities Jump on over to these fun trampoline spots 34 | Calendar Unmissable events in Brooklyn and beyond for February

Directories 12 | Charter School Guide 20 | Catholic School Guide

on the Cover Photo: Ana Gambuto | anagambuto.com Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com Cover clothing on Eden: Apiece Apart | apieceapart.com

February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

Editor’s Note

NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Hester Aba Executive Editor: Donna Duarte-Ladd Digital Editor: Katarina Avendaño Senior Adviser: Susan Weiss Director, Business Development: Mary Ann Oklesson Partnership Managers: Erik Bliss, Erin Brof, Mary Cassidy, Shelli Goldberg-Peck Ad Ops Coordinator: Charlotte Sauvagnat Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Nina Gallo Photography

Love Notes New York is an amazing place to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We’re still in the throes of winter, but Mother Nature can sometimes be kind and shows the city some love with a few brisk but not so freezing days where we can all go out and enjoy the wonders of Gotham. This is why you’ll want to check out our piece on “Valentines with your Kids” (page 30). From crafts and storytimes to walking the Highline, we have you covered. Speaking of running around the city, we have the best round-up with “10 Strollers Perfect for the City” (page 24). For more stroller picks visit our extensive stroller guides on newyorkfamily.com. If your kid’s teeth are a mystery to youyou’re not alone. Luckily we mapped out

Graphic Design Intern: Elvia Caballero Editorial Contributor: Mia Salas Editorial Interns: Isabelle Bousquette, Courtney Ingalls, Olga Uzunova

Contact Information

a cool tear-out “Teething Timeline” (page 16) to tack on to the fridge and we’ve even included a fun reward chart to get your kids excited about brushing! We feel super lucky to have Not Safe for Mom Group founder Alexis Barad-Cutler’s essay, “And They’re Spectacular — My Journey down the Plastic Surgery Rabbit Hole” (page 22) in this month’s Mom Stories. Her story is so honest and funny. Lastly, our cover mom this month (page 28) is talented and funny Eden Grinshpan of Eden Eats and Top Chef Canada, who shares her love for food, being a mom and family.

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Donna Ladd Executive Editor New York Family has been recognized for editorial and design excellence by PMA. New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.

get in touch Share your feedback and ideas about family life in the city! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Apply by April � for school year ��-��!

Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to learn more.

ascendlearning.org/enroll

F O L LO W U S ! @ascendschools

February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

mom hacks

The Beauty of CBD

Our picks of great hemp beauty products for mom

By Donna LaDD

BD (cannabidiol) can be found in many beauty products these days. Since CBD is a natural ingredient that can add some calm even to the most frazzled of parents, moms are starting to incorporate CBD in their beauty regime. We have rounded up our top five products that we are loving for moms who are ready to hop on the CBD bandwagon. What is CBD oil? CBD oil is from the buds of hemp plants. The buds are the part of the plant that contains a variety of natural chemical compounds that interact with the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s endocannabinoid system to regulate homeostasis and your general sense of physical well-being. When you take CBD, the cannabinoids can offer supplementary and complementary effects in triggering those receptors. The best part? Hempderived CBD has minimal traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), so you feel balanced without any psychoactive effects.

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Populum Lavender + CBD Face Oil

Populum Cold Therapy Hemp Rub

Recommended for evening USE, this lavender and CBD combo makes for a calming add-on to your nightly beauty ritual. Includes Grapeseed oil, which is an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids and will help replenish your skin while you sleep, giving skin a gorgeous glow. $79,populum.com

Moving through the city while simultaneously carrying a small child can cause a mom to experience anything from significant soreness to outright pain. What we loved about this Cold Therapy Hemp Rub via Populum is that it is fast-acting. Relief comes fast, and this product is a new favorite with permanent residence in all our bags. $45, populum.com

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This Summer, Bring Your Child to the Next Level in Dance AUDITION SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 , 2020 Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

Pre-School & Kindergarten After School Program Summer Program Transportation Available

2825 Bedford Ave. • 718-253-3242 Brooklyn, New York 11210 www.midwoodmontesssori.com

�� Ages 11–15

Previous ballet training required.

Rivendell School provides a warm, creative environment where children develop independence, respect for each other, and a lifelong love of learning.

Wednesday, February 5th Thursday, February 20th Tuesday, March 3rd Wednesday, March 18th

An inclusive Montessori school for children 2-6 serving the Park Slope/Gowanus community for forty years 277 3rd Ave. (bet. Carroll & President Streets)

718-499-5667

http://www.rivendellnyc.org/admissions.html February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

mom hacks

Prima Ultra-Rich Body Butter for Dry, Dehydrated Skin

An enriching beauty care option when your skin requires some serious skin support. Ingredients such as Shea Butter are infused with jojoba, five organic oils and whole plant 250mg Broad Spectrum Hemp extract with CBD, providing deep replenishment to the skin. $38, prima.co

Mazz Hanna CBD Skin Salve Vertly CBD Infused Lip Balm Stick

Give your smackers a dose of CBD (50 mg) with this nourishing lip butter, infused with coconut oil, shea butter, cacao butter, kokum butter, jojoba, and hempseed oil. Perfect to combat winter dryness. $24, vertlybalm.com

Know your CBD

Gunhee Park, the founder of Populum Hemp (populum. com), a CBD beauty line, shares his tips on what to look for when shopping for CBD in beauty.

What should you look for in CBD Beauty Products ? Early research has shown that CBD, a natural compound derived from the hemp plant, may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many skincare companies are now recognizing this potential and have started to add CBD to their product lineups. When choosing a CBD product, make sure to look at the following: â&#x20AC;˘ Look to see if the product is Full Spectrum versus a CBD Isolate. CBD Isolates are a very refined extract that only offers one single compound. In full-spectrum CBD products, cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create what is called an entourage effect, meaning that the restorative benefits of the whole plant are greater than the sum of its parts. Full-spectrum hemp CBD is purely extracted, minimally refined to leave most of the hemp plant intact, and known to be a more effective form of CBD. â&#x20AC;˘ Does the CBD beauty product contain other natural ingredients, or is a product simply adding CBD to generate buzz? While CBD can be powerful it needs to be complemented with other quality ingredients for the final product to be effective.

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Store this container of skin salve in your bag so you can tackle dry skin whenever you fancy a bit of skin love. A blend of Hemp Extract, vitamin E, shea butter, and eleven (!) therapeutic grade essential oils this skin salve will hydrate and soothe sore muscles. And for some serious beauty zen, this CBD Skin Salve has been blessed by a Shaman under a full moon. $50, mazzhanna.com

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Helping families, schools & organizations navigate Pre-K through college admissions February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

education

Why Consider Charter Schools? An option for families in the midst of school-search season By Shnieka L. JohnSon

t is prime school-search season in New York City. If you are one of the thousands of families weighing their child’s educational options for pre-Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school, you are in the thick of applications, essays, and assessments or testing. Aside from your regular work and daily activities during this time, you now must add researching schools, contacting administrators, and touring neighborhood options to your busy to-do list. This is true whether you considering public or private schools. So, how does one choose the best option? Begin with the big decision — public or private. Then, take a look at the options within your preferred category. For those utilizing the city’s public school options, you have many options in your district, with priority at your zoned school, and you will also have access to a host of charter schools. Charter schools (founded by not-for-profit Boards of Trustees) receive government funding, but unlike public schools, they operate independently under a contract (or “charter”)— an example of what has been labeled by some as “public asset privatization” or contracting out. Many of the city’s charter schools utilize public school space. Since the passing of the New York Charter Schools Act of 1998, there has been debate from government officials and families alike on whether these schools should be considered public. According to the United States Department of Education, given that charter schools are open to all students and do not charge tuition, they are categorized right alongside your area public schools. “We serve the communities in which we are located,” says Emily Kim, the Chief Executive Officer of Zeta Charter Schools, which has sites in the South Bronx and the Inwood/ Washington Heights areas. Zeta opened its doors in the fall of 2018. Charter schools may not have all the regulations of a districted school, but they are accountable for academic results and upholding promises that the charter school stemmed from. With well over 200 charter schools in the city, there are tens of thousands of New York

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

City families that are served by these institutions, and these schools have thousands more on their waitlists. So, why are so many families choosing charter schools? Charter schools have more flexibility in their offerings, a longer school year, extended daily hours, and additional programming. “Much of my experience is in charter education, and I love how charters are free to innovate and raise the excellence bar for children,” Kim says. Although every charter is different (the model, goals, and policies may vary) — overall, they are outperforming their neighborhood counterparts on state tests (English language arts and math). “Parents deserve to have a high-quality school option, as well as a choice as to where they send their children to school. Charters provide parents with much-needed educational options for their children, which raises the bar for public education, generally,” Kim says. “We serve families and want them to be close partners with us in their children’s education. Through this partnership, we ensure that children meet their highest and best potential.” Many families are drawn by the opportunity to send their children to high-performing charter schools. Most operate through a lottery placement system due to the demand. “We were zoned for a failing public school (math and reading scores were in the singledigit percentile), and private school is too costly,” says Tiffany G., who is a parent at Harlem Hebrew Language Academy Charter

School. Her daughter, now in fourth grade, started at the school in kindergarten. “Public schools in New York are wonderful if you are wealthy and thereby able to afford an affluent neighborhood where high-quality public schools can be found. For many who are not wealthy or able to afford expensive neighborhoods, public schools are poor performing, sometimes perilous places. The current public school system exacerbates our city’s economic system of have and have-nots, while many charter schools offer a high-quality education accessible to all New Yorkers regardless of income,” she says. Adding: “There is a tremendous amount of variety among charter schools, as they are not bound by all the same regulations as public schools. Shop around to find the school that is the best fit for your child’s learning needs.” For families in the midst of the school search, a common online application (available via nyccharterschools.org) represents approximately 75% of New York City’s charter schools, adding ease to the process of applying. The online form, due by April 1, makes searching school options and information on each accessible. New York families interested in applying to charter schools should check individual school websites for listings of tours, open houses, and application instructions. Shnieka L. Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan, where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her at shniekajohnson.com.

What are your kids doing this summer? Come to a New York Family Camp Fair to Get Organized • Daycare & Childcare • A Patchwork of Summer Activities • School and Education Programs Saturday, February 8th

Sunday, February 9th

12 – 3PM

PS29 425 Henry Street Brooklyn, NY 11201

Congregation Beth Elohim 274 Garfield Place Brooklyn, NY 11215

Sponsored by

NewYorkFamily.com/camp-fairs/registration February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

charter schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Ascend Public Charter Schools 15 K-12 schools in Brownsville, Bushwick, Canarsie, East Flatbush, Cypress Hills, East New York, and Lefferts Gardens 347-464-7600, ext. 1002 ascendlearning.org/enroll In largely underserved communities, students at Ascend are placed firmly on the path to success in college and beyond, and are offered an opportunity to transform their lives. Ascend provides an ambitious liberal arts education inspired by the country’s finest schools, creating a clear path to college and career success, in beautiful, newly renovated buildings where Ascend families and students are cherished members of a warm, supportive community that fosters social skills, self-reliance, and intellectual confidence. These are free public schools open to all, regardless of academic ability, prior academic achievement, special needs, or English language learner status. Now accepting applications for the upcoming school year at ascendlearning.org/enroll. Visit one of their upcoming open houses to learn more.

Explore Schools

Williamsburg Charter High School

(WCHS) Accepting applications for the 2020-21 school year Upcoming Open Houses: February 1st, March 7th, April 4th

WCHS offers: • Advanced Placement (AP) and Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) classes • Special Education (SPED) and English as a New Language (ENL) services

• Student-driven course selection • Social emotional supports • Visual and performing arts, extracurricular activities, and athletics

Visit www.thewcs.org to

APPLY NOW 198 Varet Street Brooklyn, NY 11206 admissions@thewcs.org

718-782-9830

ExploreSchools.org 718- 989-6730 information@explorenetwork.org At Explore Schools, we teach our students the academic skills they’ll need to succeed in a college-preparatory high school – and, just as importantly, to love learning right now. A network of elementary and middle schools, we offer a rigorous and inclusive academic program, with small-group instruction, an extended school day, Common-Core aligned curricula and enrichment classes. Our classrooms are joyful and safe spaces. We are proud of our school culture, which is characterized by hard work, achievement and mutual respect between students and adults. Parents are an important part of our community, and we welcome your involvement and volunteering efforts. We welcome English Language Learners and students with special needs, and offer special education, counseling and support services. Our schools are located in Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Flatbush and Canarsie.

Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School 1580 Dean St., 3rd Floor, Brooklyn 718- 604-6910 launchschool.org At this middle school every child and every family is known and cared for, and every student develops their intellect and character to achieve more than they thought possible. Launch serves the Bed-Stuy/Crown Heights and surrounding neighborhoods. They’re part of the EL Education network, a proven model implemented in 160 schools nationwide balancing academic rigor and character development through experiential, project-based learning. Students participate in Learning Expeditions, long-term studies of real-world topics that engage students and teach them critical life skills. Students choose from a wide range of electives and after-school activities and participate in a daily advisory that focuses on developing character and life skills. Launch students attend the very best high schools in New York City and go on to college and careers of their choice.

Continued on page 14

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Explore Schools

APPLY NOW!

Now accepting applications for K-8th Grade Our mission is to provide students with the academic skills and critical-thinking abilities they need to succeed in a college-preparatory high school.

We have an extended school day, ensuring 25% more learning time.

PAVE Academy Charter School is now accepting applications for Kindergarten to 8th grade. Deadline to apply is April 1st at 12:00 PM.

To apply online:

We use individualized and small group instruction to meet all students' needs.

To apply in person visit us at:

We offer extensive support for students who need extra help or have special needs.

PAVE Red Hook 732 Henry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 718-858-7813

Apply today at www.exploreschools.org/enroll The forfor Kindergarten lottery applications is 5pm,isApril 1 2016. Thedeadline deadline Kindergarten lottery applications 5pm, April 1, 2020.

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! ! .! MISSION: PAVE Schools prepares Kindergarten to 8th grade students to thrive in!" ! competitive high schools and four-year colleges. its students ! ! # ! ! # PAVE provides " )% ( with a rigorous academic program and a community built on the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core # ! !" ! $ ! " values of PERSERVER ANCE, ACHIEVEMENT, VIBRANCE and EXCELLENT #!!(" '* ( ' #" ' & ## +& #% ) ( & # CHARACTER.

February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

charter schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

PAVE Red Hook Charter School (K-8)

Williamsburg Charter High School

732 Henry St., Brooklyn PAVE Red Hook Charter School (pre-K) 76 Lorraine St., Brooklyn, 718-858-7813 paveschools.org PAVE schools prepare kindergarten to 8th grade students to thrive in competitive high schools and four-year colleges. PAVE provides its students with a rigorous academic program and a community built on the school’s core values of Perseverance, Achievement, Vibrance and Excellent Character (PAVE). PAVE promises students and families an outstanding, comprehensive education that will propel graduates to succeed in great high schools, college, and life beyond the classroom. Within their pre-K through 8th grade continuum they instill each scholar with the core academic skills and strength of character that enable him/her to pursue a life of meaning and purpose.

Williamsburg 718-782-9830 thewcs.org admissions@thewcs.org The Williamsburg Charter High School unites youth, families, staff, teachers and the community at large in providing young people with the tools necessary to make sense of the world, preparing them in their journey to become citizens of the local and global community. Young people accomplish this through participation in a liberal arts education that includes language, literature, writing, science, history, mathematics, the visual and performing arts, technology and explorations in disciplines designed to teach justice, independent thinking, respect and compassion for themselves and others as well as the skills of critical thinking, communication and research.

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ths

children’s dental health

Teething Timeline! Shedding 6-7 years

Baby’s first tooth! It’s a milestone that many parents love when it happens and share immediately with all. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child’s first tooth usually appears between 6 and 12 months. You can also expect the first tooth to be at the front lower level. As for all the other glorious teeth, we have a fun timeline that will help you with what teeth to expect and when, as well as a helpful tooth-brushing chart to get the little ones in the habit of something pretty vital to self-care, brushing their teeth!

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February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

family health

Understanding ADHD Supporting a friend after her child has been diagnosed By Pramod Narula, md.

My girlfriend’s son was just diagnosed with ADHD. I am reading up on the condition and learning what I can do to help support them both. Can you tell me more about treatment options for ADHD?

ttention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, causes symptoms like poor concentration and brash and/ or hyperactive behavior. The trend toward treating ADHD with medication followed the 1999 publication of a large study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. The study compared behavioral therapy, medications, and a combination of both. It concluded that medications were most effective at reducing symptoms of uncomplicated ADHD and that combined therapy was most effective for kids with ADHD and other issues. A 2009 follow-up study, however, found that medication might not provide the solution for all children with ADHD and that treatments should vary based on individual situations. The study further suggested that, regardless of the treatment method, the best outcomes occurred in stable, supportive environments. At home and school, parents of children with ADHD should first focus on reducing

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

distractions that interfere with a child’s ability to concentrate. To help a child with ADHD stay on track without medication, parents may try: • Finding a quieter place to do homework. • Sitting with the child to keep him or she focused on tasks. • Establishing routines for bed, bath and playtimes, meals, and homework. Also, parents need to reach out to their child’s teachers and provide a clear understanding of the child’s condition. Children with ADHD need a knowledgeable teacher who understands the symptoms of the disorder and supports distraction-reducing techniques. Behavioral interventions are another treatment method not dependent on drugs. These are aimed at helping children with ADHD improve social skills and develop study habits that boost classroom performance. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps children who have ADHD with practical skills like time management and organization. Kids with ADHD may also miss social cues, but cognitive restructuring helps them learn to recognize these indicators and respond appropriately. Behavioral therapy for parents can help

when ADHD symptoms create difficulty at home, too. Parent management training focuses on changing a child’s behaviors using rewards, praise, constructive time together, and also consequences when appropriate. Healthy lifestyle practices help children reach their full potential, and kids with ADHD are no exception. Getting the proper amounts of exercise and sleep is key. Children with ADHD have the same physical activity needs as any other child [60 minutes per day or more of aerobic activity for kids ages six to 17] to promote general health, but this will not lessen hyperactivity. When considering organized activities, keep in mind that children with ADHD generally do best in individual sports like swimming, martial arts, or track and field, where they are competing against their own personal best. Research has also suggested that getting the appropriate amount of sleep (eight to 12 hours per day for school-age children) can help children function better at school. If a child with ADHD continues to have difficulty at home and in school after using reduced distraction techniques and behavioral therapy, then medication may be the next step. While there is no one-sizefits-all treatment for ADHD, continuing to support your girlfriend and her son as they work with his teachers and doctors to find the best treatment plan for him is the most important thing you can do. Pramod Narula, M.D. is the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at NewYorkPresbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.

“The Reading in PreSchool teachers teach with a unique style that really helps children retain information. My daughter learned to read at 5, and last year in 4th Grade, was reading at 7th Grade Level. BEST INVESTMENT I EVER MADE IN MY CHILD! -Annie Lee

Reading in Preschool

Play based-Private Tutoring- ages 3 and up. ReadinginPreschool.com | 917-723-1159 info@readinginpreschool.com

We’re s� S�cial

17 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11238 718 638 7600 www.uniontemple.org A Reform Jewish Congregation

fabulous, fun, FREE Shabbat programs for kids!

January 31 & February 7, 28 4:00 to 5:00 PM Guitarist and singer Ora Fruchter will have your preschooler singing and dancing. Of course, we’ll welcome Shabbat with challah and grape juice, too!

February 1, 8, 29 9:30 to 11 AM Movement, music, and stories bring Jewish ideas about the world to life for toddlers and preschoolers. First three Saturdays every month.

Learn about all our activities for kids and adults. Sign up for emails at info@uniontemple.org

Partner with Us

Want to reach engaged parents across New York City?

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INGENIOUS BUBBLE WIZARDRY.” -THE NEW YORKER

Collaborate with the New York Family Media team to spread the word about your launches, promotions and news. Reach us by emailing info@newyorkfamily.com or calling 718.260.4554

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For groups or birthdays call 866.642.9849

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catholic Schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

St. Edmund Elementary School Sheepshead Bay 1902 Avenue T, Brooklyn, NY 718-648-9929 stedmundelem.org saintedmundelem@gmail.com A coeducational elementary school serving students from Nursery through 8th Grade. The school endeavors to educate the whole child: Spiritually, academically, socially and physically, in order to become responsible moral citizens in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society. The school envisions their program an academic center founded upon solid Christian and academic principles serving children and reflecting their multicultural backgrounds. St. Edmund Preparatory High School is located next door and they enjoy a close, ongoing relationship. Many of their graduates go on to high school at St. Edmund Prep.

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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Prospect Lefferts Gardens 400 Lincoln Road, Brooklyn, NY 718-778-3700 sfabrooklyn.org office@sfabrooklyn.org This school has educated children for over 100 years in the Catholic tradition of excellence, and follows the NYS curriculum for the core subjects. Specials include physical education, technology, music, art, and performing arts. Students are instructed to act as peer mediators, classes include focus on conflict resolution and non-violent behavior and the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peace Garden is a continual reminder of their commitment to creating a peaceful society. Students graduate equipped with strong study skills, timemanagement and note-taking techniques that prepare them for High School and College. Tuition Assistance is available through programs sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and the SFACA Alumni Scholarship Program.

St. Patrick Catholic Academy Bay Ridge 401 97th St., Brooklyn, NY 718-833-0124 stpatrickca.org Intelligent, Spiritual, and Compassionate/Catholic Education at its Finest since 1863. Students (age 3 to grade 8) are critical thinkers and thoughtful critics; they respect one another and are compassionate. Early Childhood Program students explore, discover, imagine, and learn in nurturing spaces under the watchful of experienced, caring teachers. The curriculum prepares students to reach their goals and meet the challenges of high school and beyond. Early Bird (7am) and Extended Day (ends at 6pm) programs; Nursery half and full-day options; Literacy & Laughter Toddler Program. The Principal is Kathleen Curatolo.

Check out our new site! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve given our New York Family website a major makeover

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NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Xaverian High School Bay Ridge 7100 Shore Road, Brooklyn, NY 718-836-7100, ext. 127 xaverian.org A private, co-educational, Catholic, college preparatory school for grades 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12. Established in 1957, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the 13 schools sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers. Students grow in their faith, intellect, leadership skills, musical passions, and athletic talents. They take part in real-world experiences in professional fields through the Internship Program. Students become independent thinkers whose learning goes beyond the classroom. They are challenged to their fullest potential, mastering the necessary skills, as well as curriculum content, to be prepared for their collegiate pursuits at top colleges and universities. Courses have an interdisciplinary approach to teach technological communication and presentation skills.

St. Edmund Elementary School Your child is cordially invited to join our vibrant school community!

TUITION-FREE PRE-K • Lego League Robotics Competition Team • Preparing our students spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally to greet the future in a safe and nurturing environment • Science STEM Lab/ • Lab Learners Program • Computer Lab • Interdisciplinary Project Based Learning on All Grade Levels • 8th Grade Honors Math & Science – Regents Classes • Spanish, Art, Music Instruction • Drama, Violin, Newspaper

Sunday, January 26 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Monday January 27 9:00 -11:00 a.m.

Personal Tours Available Upon Request Nursery to 8th Grade For registration information or to schedule a tour, please call 718-648-9229 Ext 21 1902 Avenue T Brooklyn, NY 11229 Website: stedmundelem.org Email: saintedmundelem@gmail.com Scholarship Information is available at: futuresineducation.org

February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

mom StorieS

And They’re SPECTACULAR My journey down the plastic surgery rabbit hole By Alexis BArAd-Cutler

oms don’t wear makeup in this part of Brooklyn. Our wrinkles are hard-won — badges of honor, from worrying about preschool acceptance, or milestones, or whether our kids need speech therapy or OT, or PT, (or all the T’s.) Mascara at drop-off means we must be going somewhere fancy, or . . . to an office. “Botox” is something we allow our cohorts on The Upper East Side to do, and maybe a sprinkle of folks in Park Slope. If we get Botox for a medical reason, like chronic migraine, we get a pass. But we make sure we let everyone know THE REASON. I am something of an anomaly among the moms around here. I am a mom who not only disobeyed the local treatise to avoid Botox, I took the nuclear option as well — and got breast implants. I hope after writing this article, they still let me live here because our zoned school is really top-notch. No one would really know, looking at them. They’re good. Like, really good. And they better be, because my family and I suffered greatly for them. Was it worth it? Well, let me tell you all about it. There’s a history. After nursing each of my two kids for about 18 months each, my breasts looked like the balloons you find under the couch, days after the party — used for pleasure and then discarded and forgotten. And I was not thrilled that any time I bent over, they assumed the shape of jiggly Hershey’s Kisses. But it wasn’t anything I wouldn’t have been able to live with. I also wasn’t really sweating the decision like it was anything major. Many women in my family had gotten plastic surgery. They had lived to tell the tale. It seemed like a new pre-teen celeb every day was coming out with a new chin, or butt, or ankle (who knows?) ... How big a deal could it really be? When I told a few friends about my decision to get implants, their first question was always, “are you THAT unhappy with

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

your breasts?” No. I had reached a point in my life, three years postpartum with my second child, that I was really feeling good in my body. I liked the strength I had built back after two c-sections, thanks to aerial silks classes. I liked where my professional career was heading. I liked where my husband and I had worked to be in our marriage. I wanted fuller breasts because I was happy with everything else about me, and I wanted breasts that matched. The “look,” I described to my surgeon, was: “woman who doesn’t get surgery, who lives in Brooklyn, who doesn’t wear a bra, and barely any makeup.” I gave him the equivalent of a Pinterest board of inspirational “boobs” until finally, I was confident he knew my style. When I picked the smallest implants possible, the nurse thought I would instantly regret it. “Everyone wants bigger,” she said. “You’ll see.” (She was wrong. But I still love her.) My husband was worried sick about the whole thing. He was anti any type of procedure or surgery that alters one’s appearance. He loves me every shape I’ve ever been, and I am grateful. But again, this was for me. We disagree when it comes to non-invasive procedures and plastic surgery. I have always had an interest in body modifications — from tattoos to piercings, to surgeries. I don’t ascribe a moral value to keeping one’s body “natural.” Our bodies are our own to do what we wish with them. What freedom! What joy! Who is anyone to judge another person’s “reason” for wanting to change something? All that being said, we have to know the risks associated with every procedure. One risk associated with surgery — and with implants specifically — is of developing a hematoma. A hematoma is a collection of blood beneath the skin that can occur when blood vessels are damaged. The risk of a hematoma happening after surgery is between 1-6%. When I awoke from surgery, my doctor explained that a vessel near one of my breasts bled quite heavily. Because of my chest muscles (thanks aerial silks), he had to wrestle with my body more than with the average patient to cut into it. “It was more

like doing surgery on a bodybuilder.” I would have felt pretty fierce after hearing that if I didn’t feel like a dump truck had rolled over me, and then slashed me for good measure. I was sent home from surgery with “drains” on either side of my breasts, collecting any excess blood and gore from the surgery, to help prevent a hematoma. No one had mentioned anything about drains. I felt just as betrayed as I had felt after childbirth when I looked down at my body and saw that someone had inserted a catheter in me, and dressed me in that dehumanizing mesh underwear. But in this case, there was no Village of Plastic Surgery Women to blame for not warning me. I hadn’t advertised this far and wide. In the hours following surgery, my right breast began to swell (even more than what is to be expected after augmentation), until it looked like I had an ice pack lodged up to my collarbone. On a scale of 1-10 of pain, I felt like an 11 by the time I made it to the Emergency Room. I went under the knife around midnight, to drain the hematoma, and preserve the implant. Recovery took much longer than expected, because of the back to back surgeries. My family was not prepared for just how incapacitated Mommy would be. The drains — which feel like you would imagine a tube stuck inside an open wound might feel — made it hard for me to do almost anything at all in the house. Any small movement made the drain chafe against my skin, to the point that I was taking painkillers to numb the pain around the drain site more than the incisions from my breast surgery. It was clear that the breast that had had the hematoma was positioned much higher on my chest than the other breast. My doctor told me that the only thing we could do was wait and see if the tissue would eventually allow the implant to settle into place. If not, we could revisit surgery in 9 months. I became obsessed with the mirror. Several times a day, I’d photograph myself topless, and in profile, to see if the position of the breast had changed — gotten lower. I pictured that breast like a small, scuttling animal; something separate from me. A rolly, polly creature that was just inches away from

burrowing its way to its nest — its rightful home. For nine months I walked around with one beautiful breast, and one misshapen breast lodged practically under my chin. I even went on vacation with my uneven breasts, and unapologetically wore bikinis. You get used to things. In the spring I prepared for my third surgery. Knowing what I was getting into this time made it much harder, mentally. I was advised to wean off of my antidepressant — out of concern that that may have been the reason for the excessive bleeding in the first place. I went through three weeks of dark, utter despair as I weaned, my body crying out for the drug it had become so accustomed to. I fantasized about ending it all. I almost stepped into oncoming traffic on Atlantic Avenue. But I survived to Surgery Day. The breast was repaired with a new implant. My doctor did some kind of wizardry that made it so you would never have known what poor Righty has been through. The breasts are fraternal twins that you’d mistake for identical ones unless you were their mother. Or surgeon. Healing was much more straightforward. Again, like childbirth and postpartum — I knew what to expect of recovery this time, and had the proper support in place to get me through the tough days following surgery. When I get undressed before showering, or try on a new bathing suit, I feel really confident about my new breasts. They really are gorgeous. I can go braless in almost anything, so that it is almost unfair. I would trade them in a second to get back the year of my life I spent miserable over them, and the stress I put on my family seeing me suffer through the weeks of recovery over all those surgeries. My mind goes blank when I think about what would have happened if my kids didn’t yell my name, and tug on my jacket that moment on Atlantic Avenue when I was at my absolute lowest point — having weaned off of a drug for the sole purpose of reconstructive surgery for these “perfect breasts.” If my best friend were to tell me she wanted plastic surgery, I would support her wholeheartedly. But I would make sure she is fully aware of the worst that could happen. Sometimes you are that 1% that the worst happens to. And you have to ask yourself, is it worth that risk? Welcome to The Village of Plastic Surgery Women, population 1. Here to answer all questions, tell you everything no one tells you, and support you in your journey. February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

GEAR

10 S�r�l�ers

Perfect for the City Our top picks for navigating with your little one through the urban jungle BY MIA SALAS AND DONNA LADD

arents in New York City, new and seasoned, know that having a great stroller is one of the essential pieces of gear they will need for their child’s first years. A good stroller should work within your budget and, most importantly, work for your family. Does it fit in your apartment? In the car? Will you be on the subway every day? Do you live in a fifth-floor walk-up? There are many factors to take in when shopping for a stroller. This is a significant and essential purchase, and finding the right stroller is everything. Check out our full guide at newyorkfamily.com.

Baby Jogger City Select LUX The Baby Jogger City Select LUX takes the popular City Select stroller to the next level by providing more versatility with over 20 possible configurations. Add a bench seat for your bigger kids or a second seat for two kids. This stroller also folds and locks, making it super easy to carry. $629.99-$649.99 for stroller, $219.99$$221.99 for second seat kit, babyjogger.com

Britax B-Free Stroller The B-Free Stroller makes family life easy and convenient. Seven storage pockets and an extra-large storage basket offer more room for baby gear (which every busy city parent knows will certainly come in handy). The canopy extends to protect your baby from the sun, and the three-wheel configuration provides great maneuverability. With a 65 pounds capacity, this stroller can accommodate your growing child. $379.99, us.britax.com

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Elvia-Caballero

Bugaboo Bee 5 The Bugaboo Bee 5 is made for the city and designed for the on-the-go parents, which we all know means NYC parents! This stroller has small swivel wheels, making it easy to steer with one hand, navigate busy city streets, and use on public transport. The one-piece fold in this stroller makes it super easy and convenient to store, and can also be done with one hand. This stroller comes with a seperate bassinet, making it suitable for use from birth. It also comes with a stroller seat that can be used from when your child is approximately 6 months old until toddler age. From $929, bugaboo.com Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Lightweight Stroller This super-lightweight stroller includes a click-in attachment for all Chicco KeyFit and Fit2 infant car seats. The Mini Bravo also features a premium handle grip and parent tray with two cup holders and zippered storage. It has a folding handle that’s easy to reach and activates with just one hand (the fold handle also doubles as a carry handle for easier maneuvering), and oh-so-convenient, a quick-fold design that’s also compact and self-standing, an adjustable canopy with bonus, zip-open mesh panel for improved airflow, and much more. For little ones up to 50 pounds. $179.99, chiccousa.com

gb Pockit + All-City Built for the city parent the Pockit+ All-City is designed for urban parents on the go, with front-wheel suspension. The slim profile of the wheels is ideal for smooth city surfaces. This stroller is ideal for parents who need a stroller to take to work with them or who are often taking the train or cars and need a very compact stroller. When it’s time to fly, the unique ultracompact folding mechanism makes the Pockit+ All-City hand luggage compliant. Just released in May 2019, the All-City design has just what you’re looking for in a stroller ready to tackle the busy streets. $249.95-$334.95, gb-online.com Graco Uno2Duo The Graco Uno2Duo stroller starts out as a single stroller and expands into a double stroller to grow with your family. With an easy, onehand fold, parent cup holder, and extra-large storage basket, the Uno2Duo is a fullyfeatured stroller. The main seat reclines flat to become an infant bassinet, while the removable child’s tray and standing platform offer a customizable ride. Incorporate a Graco Click Connect infant car seat and a second seat (both sold separately), and the Uno2Duo offers even more customization and riding options. $454.99, gracobaby.com Maclaren Quest The one-handed seat recline and one-foot stroller collapse includes a waterproof round hood, aluminum chassis, removable washable seat fabric, and rain cover. This is a great option for parents looking for a lightweight stroller that can be carried or folded easily. With four recline positions, this stroller is suitable for newborns to kids up to 55 pounds. $275, maclaren.us

Mamas & Papas Armadillo City2 Perfect for city living, this stroller is Mamas & Papas’ slimmest and lightest design, but still has maximum comfort for your little passenger as you embark on your city excursions. The one-hand fold is quick and easy, making it suitable for public transportation or if you live in an apartment. The seat reclines into a lie-flat position with breathable fabric to provide more space for your child. $166.28, mamasandpapas.com Maxi-Cosi Adorra Stroller With a comfortable and flexible design that can be used in carriagemode for infants and stroller-mode for toddlers, Maxi-Cosi Adorra is the versatile stroller for you! It is compatible with Maxi Cosi the Mico, Mico Next, Mico AP, Mico AP 2.0, Mico 30, and Mico Max 30 infant car seats when used with the included Maxi Cosi Car Seat Adapters. Stroller mode features a reversible seat that allows either parent or forward-facing positions. One-hand compact fold makes travel easy, and we love the canopy with the peek-a-boo window. $399.99, buybuybaby.com

UPPAbaby VISTA The VISTA performance stroller system has a variety of configurations and maneuvers that enable the parent to build the stroller as the family grows. This stroller includes both bassinet (safe overnight sleep solution) and toddler seat. Features include a one-button telescopic handlebar height adjustment and a reversible toddler seat with multi-position toddler seat recline. There’s also an adjustable canopy for your growing child, an extendable UPF 50+ Sunshade, adjustable footrest, and an XL basket for storage. The VISTA lets you transport up to three children by adding a PiggyBack Ride-Along Board, and it’s compatible with the MESA infant car seat with no adapters necessary. $767.99-979.99, uppababy.com February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

Family Fun

Jump

Over to These Trampoline Parks and Activities Bounce over to these fun spots in and around the city

By Mia SalaS

rampoline parks are the current kidfriendly craze for play. Especially in winter, these indoor arenas are perfect for your little ones to burn off some energy. Expect more than just basic trampolines, there are foam pits, obstacle courses and even arcades and rock climbing. Some trampoline parks also offer special hours for toddlers, glow in the dark bouncing, fitness, and kids with special needs. We’ve rounded up the best trampoline parks and activities in and near NYC for jumping fun!

While most of the bouncing at STREB requires enrolling in a class, you can also opt for oneday fun at this exciting center for jumping, flying, and flipping. Activities include PopAction, Trampoline, Flying Trapeze, and more. If you’re interested in enrolling in a trampolinerelated program, Kid TRAMPOLINE, for ages 5 and up, teaches kids the trampolining basics as they learn acrobatic skills, body awareness, and proper and safe techniques for partnering on a trampoline. The spring semester is $500, February 24-June 25. If you love Kid TRAMPOLINE, check out the other unique classes that STREB offers.

Chelsea Piers

Sky Zone

62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011

Multiple locations - closest to Midtown Manhattan: 33 Lecount Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801

Not only do you get to jump on a trampoline at Chelsea Piers, but rock climbing and a foam pit are part of the package too! Drop-in sessions include CP Champs and Rock-N-Roll Sessions. CP Champs is for kids ages 3 to 5. Activities include gymnastics, trampoline, foam pit, rock climbing, dance, soccer, and basketball. Little ones also enjoy arts & crafts and storytime. Reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance. Get five sessions for $355 and ten sessions for $635. Rock-N-Roll Sessions are for ages 5 to 16 and include 45 minutes of gymnastics and 45 minutes of rock climbing. Each session is $32. Check the schedule, because sessions can be affected by private parties and holidays. Bounce! Trampoline Sports 310 Michael Drive, Syosset, NY 11791

Head over to Bounce! Trampoline Sports for Open Bounce. Jump, bounce, and flip on the trampoline courts, fall into giant foam pits, and hop into a game of trampoline dodgeball. Open Bounce is for ages 7 and up, but there’s a separate Jr. Zone for little ones ages 6 and under to have their own fun, safely! One hour is $25 and two hours is $35. No-slip socks are mandatory for $3. Jump N Glow, glow in the dark trampoline fun, is for kids taller than 48 inches and sessions start on every hour or half hour after 8 pm. One hour is $22, two hours $32, and 90 minutes $27. Toddler Time runs Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-2 pm and Saturday-

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Sunday, 9 am-12 pm for jumpers ages 2 to 6 for $15. Finally, we love Sensational Kids, which is an exclusive time for jumpers with autism on Mondays 6-8 pm. Sensational Kids is $12 for one hour, $24 two hours, and $18 for 90 minutes. Billy Beez 1000 Palisades Center Drive, Unit A-100 West Nyack, NY 10994

The 20,000 square ft. park accommodates all ages, including infants and toddlers. Your tots and infants will especially love Mini Beez, the smaller-scale section with softer toys and padded flooring. There are slides, tunnels, swings, ball pits, sports courts, and the Honey Cafe to grab a snack. Day passes are $19.95 for kids ages 4 to 17, $15.95 for toddlers ages 1 to 3, free for infants ages 0 to 11 months with paid child/toddler (otherwise $9.95 for infant with an adult), 6.95 for adults and 9.95 for the second (or more) adults in your group. STREB 51 North 1st St., Brooklyn, NY 11249

Race your friends on the Ninja Warrior Course, play Ultimate Dodgeball, chill out in the Foam Zone, Sky Joust your buddies, conquer the Sky Ladder, and, of course, bounce on the massive wall-to-wall trampolines. Burn some calories with Sky Fit, the workout program for teens and adults ages 13 and older. Sky Fit classes are $10 and run on Tuesdays, 5-6 pm and 7-8 pm. Bring your little ones ages 4 and under to Toddler Time, Sunday-Friday 9:30-11 am, $10, for bouncing without big kids. A parent ticket is included with your child’s ticket, so you can bounce along with your tots. There’s also glow in the dark bounce and members only nights. Freestyle Jump has plenty of open hours for fun, so just purchase a ticket online: $22 one hour, $27 for 90 minutes, and $32 two hours. The hours and rates may vary per location, so if you choose to visit another Sky Zone, check its website in advance. Launch Trampoline Park 163-50 Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach, Queens, NY 11414 260 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994

This play space has something for your whole family. There are trampoline courts, dodgeball, basketball, knockout, Launch Pad to practice tricks, Tumble Traks (extra

long trampolines), ninja courses, foam pits, virtual reality games, an arcade, and much more. Come for Open Jump or to one of the several offered programs at the Queens location. Ignite is for all ages every Friday and Saturday night for three hours. Jump to music by a DJ under the black lights at this glow party. Toddler Time, Wednesday-Thursday 10 am-12 pm, is for kids ages 5 and under to enjoy the entire park without bigger kids. Staff leads trampoline games and open jump fun. V.I.P. Time is designated for guests with special needs every last Tuesday of the month, 4-8 pm. Home School Hours and Trampoline Fitness are coming soon. The Rockland, NY location has the same programs, but the schedule varies, so visit the Rockland Launch website for scheduling specifics. Bounce U 6722 Fort Hamilton Pkwy., Brooklyn, NY 11219 13225 14th Ave., College Point, Queens, NY 11356

Bounce U isn’t exactly a trampoline park. It’s more of a bounce castle park with lots and lots of inflatables. But the action is still the

same: jumping! Jump on the bounce houses, play bounce house basketball, and race your friends on the bounce obstacle course. There’s Open Bounce, Cosmic Bounce, and Pre-School Playdate, ages 2 to 7, for your little ones to have some fun. And don’t miss out on Parent’s Night Out: drop your kids off for supervised bouncing, pizza, movies, and other activities while you enjoy a night out or have some me-time. Hours and rates vary per location. Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park Multiple locations - closest to Midtown Manhattan: 241 Market St., Ridge Hill, NY 10710

At this premier indoor trampoline park, your kids will get to jump, play dodgeball, slam dunk a basketball, and climb a rock wall, with lanes varying in difficulty. There’s even a ninja course, foam pits, and X-Beam, a competition to knock your opponent off the beam and into the soft foam pit. Rockin’ Tot Hours, for your little ones ages 6 and under to play in a safe environment, are MondayFriday 9-11 am and Saturday 8-10 am for $18. Rockin’ Saturday is the ultimate family

jump party, every Saturday night, 9-11 pm, $22. Rockin’ Friday is an exclusive after-dark jump experience with strobes, black lights, and today’s top hits. Rockin’ Friday is every Friday night, 9-11 pm, $22. Urban Air Adventure Park 69 Wesley St., South Hackensack, NJ 07606 1600 Saint George Ave., Avenel, NJ 07001 396 Ryders Lane, Milltown, NJ 08850 Brooklyn location coming soon: 4422 2nd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232

You can visit Urban Air over and over and still find new and exciting things to do! Conquer the climbing walls or climbing hill, challenge your friends in the Warrior Course, eat at the Cafe, play on the Tubes Playground, fight your friends with foamy swords on a balance beam in a foam pit, practice your tricks in DropZone, tumble on the Runway with long trampolines, and play trampoline basketball and dodgeball. There’s even an area for little ones ages 7 and under. Attractions, hours, and prices vary per location. February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

Eden Grinshpan of Eden Eats on

Food & Family

By Donna LaDD

hen you work at New York’s leading parenting magazine, you kind of expect to meet cool moms, and Eden Grinshpan is one of the coolest. This avid foodie and Williamsburg-dweller lives a hilarious, no-filter life. She puts it all out there, from posting videos on Instagram showing her dancing around her apartment while “wearing” a breast pump, to posing topless covered in pizza. On my first coffee date with Eden, we bonded over toddler tantrums and healthy eating strategies. I learned that although Eden is a hard worker, driven by her love for food, she has a killer sense of humor, and is doing this parenting thing very much in her own lane. A bit of history. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in London, Eden traveled to India, Israel, and Southeast Asia to take in the culture and, of course, the cuisines of these countries. When she returned to New York, she co-created the show Eden Eats for the Cooking Channel. A year later, she launched Log On & Eat with Eden Grinshpan also for the Cooking Channel. Eden traveled around the country connecting with popular food bloggers and social media influencers who, like Eden, are obsessed with food. This down to earth foodie is also one of the hosts of Top Chef Canada. Amongst all these projects, she co-founded the contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant DEZ, birthed a baby (Ayv, age 3), and is now about to launch a cookbook. The book will be out in Fall 2020 and will have recipes based on contemporary Middle-eastern flavors inspired by Eden’s Israeli background and include dishes such as baharat roasted

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

chicken with preserved lemon relish, salted halva chocolate chip cookies (hellodeliciousness!), the creamiest tahini hummus and pistachio cardamom coffee cake that are surprisingly easy to whip up. These days you can find Eden wrapping up edits on her cookbook, running around the city with most possibly the sweetest husband we ever met, Ido, and their adorable daughter Ayv.

How has becoming a mother changed the way you cook and see food? I try not to let it change the way I cook because I want Ayv to eat the way Ido and I do. Obviously, it doesn’t always work out, since she has become a little picky in the last couple of months, but we always try. I usually have back-up foods in the house, that I know are a sure thing. I find that Ayv eats more when we all eat together so I try and sit down with her for a nosh while she eats her meals. You are one of the stars of Top Chef Canada. What is it like filming this popular show? Amazing! I still pinch myself every time I see the show. I have been such a fan of the franchise for so many years. I also love that I get to travel to and live in Toronto for a month every year. That’s where I grew up and I haven’t lived there since I was 18 so it gives me a nice little taste of life there. The food I’ve had on the show is insane and the crew I work with is also one of the best crews I have ever worked with. I just love filming Top Chef Canada. You formerly owned Dez, a Middle Eastern restaurant. Will you be back in the restaurant business in the future? One day for sure! I loved Dez so much. I

am still so incredibly proud of the restaurant that Sam Wasser (of By Chloe) and I created. The food, brand, space, and community we built was honestly everything we wished for. I have learned so much and can’t wait to use everything I’ve learned in my future projects. Middle Eastern food influences so much of your cooking. Did you grow up eating this delicious food? I am half Israeli and grew up going to Israel every summer. Those flavors and dishes have totally influenced the way I cook at home now for my family and friends. I never get tired of Middle-Eastern food. It’s so fresh, bright, full of flavor and always a crowd-pleaser. My first cookbook is coming out fall 2020 and is inspired by so many of those flavors. I can’t wait for everyone to try it out! Favorite dishes under 20 minutes for kids? If these even exist! I always have cheese, fresh veg, and eggs on hand. If I need to put something together fast I just cut up some fresh veg, top with a chunk of feta, a 7-minute egg and maybe some tahini with fresh bread or toast. Ido and I eat like that all the time. I also always batch cook oatmeal and keep it in the fridge to heat up in the morning. I mix in nut butter, flax and fresh fruit with oat milk. Since becoming a mother, are you finding the support you need? Yes. My husband is extremely handson and we do almost everything together which makes everything easier and fun! We laugh a lot at all the chaos that comes with parenthood. I am also very lucky to have parents that are extremely helpful and

Ana Gambuto

live close by. I have been able to build an incredible community of mom friends in NYC.I always ask them for advice, talk about new milestones or just call them to vent when things get frustrating or hard (which happens as a new mom, let’s be honest). Becoming a parent is incredible but also challenging since everything is new and you are also growing as a parent with your children. I am always comforted by the fact that most of my mom friends go through the same things and we can all connect over it and exchange advice. Your husband seems like a big support to you and Ayv. How are you both balancing huge careers and parenthood? My husband is the best! I always joke that he has more maternal instincts than I do. We

are also extremely lucky to have an amazing support system in our parents, friends and have a great nanny (it takes a village)! Ido and I always focus on our communication and time together which makes communicating as parents work. It’s so easy to get lost in your relationship if you are only talking about your work or children, so we make a point to take time for ourselves and our relationship. The parents are the heart of the family. If they are strong and happy the kids feel secure. The first time we met, we were both digesting our mornings of toddler tantrums. How are you faring these days with your daughter Ayv’s growing personality? Ayv is extremely funny, strong-willed and outgoing. She knows what she wants and

doesn’t give up easily. I am learning alongside her and trying new things every day to help our mornings move faster. I find that giving her two options for her outfits helps (she loves to dress herself), as does having a “special” snack to convince her to get in her stroller to go to school. She loves pomegranate or a bowl full of berries. Ayv loves her independence, so I am teaching myself to give her tasks and I make sure I include her in my daily routine. When we grocery shop, she is in charge of the cart and I give her the food to put in it. Or after I put on her clothes for the day she takes her pj’s to the laundry herself. She LOVES helping out and I LOVE that about her. For more on Eden and Eden Eats visit edeneats.com February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

neighborhood guide

Valentines

WiTh Your KidS Our picks for places to celebrate the romance of New York By Mia SalaS

ew York City is full of late night date spots and romantic outings perfect for Valentine’s Day. But if you’re looking to celebrate the holiday with your whole family (babysitters are hard to come by on Valentine’s!) you may not have many options in mind. We’re here to help with our round up of NYC-style ways to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit with your kiddos. SweetS & treatS

Valentine’s Day Cupcakes at Baked by Melissa Multiple locations

Baked by Melissa comes out with a delicious assortment of bite-sized Valentine’s Day treats each year. Adorable to look at and even more yummy to eat, Baked by Melissa never disappoints with their creative flavor combinations. The February Mini of the Month, the new seasonal cupcake that stays around for only that month, will also likely have a Valentine’s Day flare. Pick up a box of cupcakes in-store, have your cupcakes delivered to your doorstep, or bring your little ones into the shop so that they can pick out their favorite flavors! Museum of Ice Cream 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012

If you haven’t sunk into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream yet, then Valentine’s Day is the time to do so. Take instagrammable pics with your family as you make your way through the super sweet exhibits. It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a dose (or two) of sugar, so try one of the Museum of Ice Cream’s seven new ice cream flavors, including fun taste combinations such as Nana Banana and Churro Churro. Reserve tickets online to see available times, $39 adults, free for kids ages 2 and younger.

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Jaccques torres Chocolate Multiple locations

We’re obsessed with Jacques Chocolate’s I Love U Puzzle. This custom hand-made treat composed of dark and milk chocolate is perfect for sharing. If you have a family of four, everyone gets one puzzle piece. Let your kiddos play around with the puzzle before you dig in — real little ones will get a kick out of fitting the jigsaw pieces together. Any treat that combines sugar with play is our kind of dessert! Ship the puzzle to your house or head to Jacques Chocolate for an in-store experience. Spread of Love Box at Macaron Café 625 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10022 152 West 36th St., New York, NY 10018 750 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017

Pop into Macaron Café to try a selection of macaron flavors, including birthday cake, chocolate raspberry, dark chocolate, lavender honey, champagne rose, strawberry smoothie, and matcha green tea. If you really want to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit, shop the Spread of Love Box for $39. You get to choose 15 different macarons to go inside a beautifully wrapped box with flower petals, red tissue paper, and sparkly heart decor. Bring your box home to share with your family or have the box delivered to you. Berry Bliss at the Sugar Factory 835 Washington St., New York, NY 10014

The Sugar Factory has endless options to satisfy your sweet tooth, but our Valentine’s Day pick for kids is the Berry Bliss Goblet. This non-alcoholic beverage is made right in front of you at the table, which little ones get a kick out of. The sweet drink has berries galore: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Goblets are $39 and perfect for sharing with your whole family.

Fondue at Max Brenner 841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Fondue is another one of those romantic treats that has Valentine’s Day written all over it. Share your love for your family by sharing a fondue at Max Brenner! Choose from four kinds of fondue: Classic European, Sharing, Urban S’mores, and Crystal Churros. An activity and dessert all in one, dipping treats into fondue is chocolatey fun for all ages. Fondue prices vary from $12 to $25.50. Cookie Decorating Kit from Billy’s Bakery Multiple Locations

Order a Valentine’s Day themed Cookie Decorating Kit from Billy’s Bakery to have a cookie decorating party with your family. The “Love” kit, for $48, comes with 6 large hearts and 12 small ones. You’ll also get three piping bags of royal icing in your choice of colors, three sprinkles of your choice (we recommend Heart Confetti!), mini wooden spoons for spreading icing, and doilies for displaying your cookies. You can pick up the kit at your local Billy’s Bakery when it’s ready or check to see if the Bakery delivers to you. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Croiffles, and Belgian Liege Waffles at Godiva Café 560 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10022 One Pennsylvania Plaza LL2, New York, NY 10119 52 W 50th St, New York, NY 10012 933 Broadway, New York, NY 10010

Visit a Godiva Café this Valentine’s Day for classic and unique sweet treats. Chocolate dipped strawberries are both a Godiva and Valentine’s Day signature, so share a few of these with your family to start. Next, try either a Godiva Croiffle or a Belgian Liege Waffle. Croiffles are Godiva croissants pressed into a hot waffle with six different savory and sweet combinations. The Belgian Liege Waffles, which also come in Mini Belgian Waffle Bites for your little ones, are waffles made of pearl sugar that caramelizes when the sugar hits the iron. Valentine’s Day Sweet Swap 200 Rector St., Battery Park City, New York, NY 10280

Bake your favorite Valentine’s Day sweets with your family and get ready to trade at the free Valentine’s Day Sweet Swap, 2-4 pm. Bring a few dozen of your one-of-a-kind treat to share with friends and Battery Park City February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Authority staff. Celebrate the day with your friends and family, and leave with a collection of desserts to devour later! Valentine’s Day Candy at Dylan’s Candy Bar Multiple Locations

A trip to the ultimate NYC candy store may be just what your family needs to kick off Valentine’s Day. Bring your little ones to Dylan’s Candy Bar to shop Valentine’s Day candy. Let your kiddos fill up a bag of their favorite candies as they explore the exciting, rainbow store. If the Dylan’s Candy Bar that you’re at has a Café, then try one of the overthe-top desserts before you leave. Valentine’s Love Shacks Class Taste Buds Kitchen 109 West 27th St., New York, NY 10001

Kids ages 2 to 8 and their ‘rents are invited to this signature Valentine’s Day workshop. With plenty of decorating options at hand, you and your mini chef will create pink frosted roofs and heart shaped window panes to construct your gingerbread house masterpiece. Listen to cheerful love tunes, sip pink hot cocoa, and experience quality family time. $75, 1:30-2:30 pm. CRAFTS, STORYTIMES & HISTORY NY Public Library Valentine’s Day Crafts Multiple Locations

NY Public Library always has a full schedule of free programming for families, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Yorkville Library has Valentine’s Day Craft Time at 3 pm for ages 3 and up. Sedgwick Library hosts Valentine’s Day: Crafternoon at 3:30 pm for ages 5 and up. Check out what your local NY Public Library has to offer for crafting! Children’s Museum of Manhattan Mural Wall Painting The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024

Visit the iconic Children’s Museum of Manhattan to get a little messy this Valentine’s Day. Bring your kids, ages 5 and younger, to drop-in Mural Wall Painting. Jump into the fun to create a love-themed mural. For families with really little ones, this activity is perfect to celebrate the holiday. Free with museum admission, 12-12:45 pm. Pajama Storytime at Queens Zoo: Owl Always Love Wildlife 53-51 111th St., Flushing, Queens, NY

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Pistolera brings its Mexican dance music to Flushing Town Hall. 11368

Spend Valentine’s Day evening as a family at Queens Zoo. “Owl Always Love Wildlife” is all about getting to know how animals love and take care of each other as you express your own love and interest in animals. Learn about how animals get along in pairs, family groups, or herds. Find out who takes care of their young and who lets their young fend for themselves. Kids ages 4 and up, along with their families, will meet animals guests, sip hot cocoa, enjoy a nice story, and of course, come in your PJs! $25, 5:30-8 pm. Queens Library: Valentine’s Day Crafts Multiple Locations

Several Queens Libraries offer free Valentine’s Day Crafts for kids and their families. We love the Heart Sand Art Pendant Necklace at Langston Hughes Library, 4:30-5:30 pm. Douglaston/Little Neck Library invites kids ages 6 to 11 to make their own Valentine, 3-3:45pm. Little ones ages 3 and up can head to Au burndale Library to make a Valentine’s Day craft, 3:30-4:15 pm. Peninsula Library and Hunters Point Library also offer crafts and card making. Love in the Time of the Revolution at Fraunces Tavern Museum 54 Pearl St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10004

For the history-loving family, Love in the Time of Revolution delves into the romantic traditions of the past. Hop on the romanceinspired tour of the Museum as you explore 18th century courting and marriage customs. Learn about the love stories of the Founding Fathers and their Lady Loves. Included with

museum admission, 2-3 pm. THEATER, MUSIC & MOVIES Yeti, Set, Snow! City Parks Foundation 79th Street and West Drive Central Park, New York, NY 10023

Discover the beautiful love of friendship this Valentine’s Day as you watch Yeti, Set, Snow! An original story and production from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Yeti, Set, Snow! tells the story of a young girl named Widget and her friend Twig. The two encounter a yeti named Pascetti who dislikes snow. Through songs and snow day activities, Pascetti discovers not only that snow can be fun, but also how important friendship truly is. Two shows: 10:30 am-11:15 am and 11:30 am-12:15 pm, $8-$12. Carnegie Hall Citywide: Pistolera Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, Queens, NY 11354

Fill your Valentine’s Day evening with music and dancing as a family. Critically acclaimed New York band Pistolera has toured around the world with its accordion-driven dance songs since its debut in 2005. Anchored by the Spanish vocals of Sandra Velasquez and buoyed by accordion, guitar, bass and percussion, Pistolera’s sound is grounded in traditional Mexican music with powerful, socially conscious lyrics. Come ready to dance! Free with online RSVP, 8 pm. Family Film Friday North Hills Queens Library 57-04 Marathon Pkwy., Little Neck, NY 11362

Sit back and relax for a family film screening.

The Addams Family (2019) is showing on Valentine’s Day. This free movie, rated PG, is just a little spooky and all about family love! While you may know the classic story of The Addams Family, watch it come to life, reimagined on the big screen. 2:30-4 pm. Sonic The Hedgehog Multiple locations

We’re super excited for Sonic The Hedgehog movie, which opens on Valentine’s Day! Sonic tries to navigate the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound best friend: a human named Tom Wachowski. They must soon join forces to prevent the evil Dr. Robotnik from capturing Sonic and using his powers for world domination. Sonic The Hedgehog has something for everyone, so check to see if your local theater has showtimes. Paddington Gets in a Jam DR2 Theater, 103 East 15th St., New York, NY 10003

From the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show comes Paddington Gets in a Jam. An original comedy for the whole family, the production tells the story of a bear named Paddington who offers to help his neighbor prepare for a visit from his Great Aunt. But in typical Paddington fashion, nothing goes as planned. Will Paddington be able to fix everything before his neighbor’s Great Aunt arrives? Get ready for the new Paddington TV Series that is set to launch on Nickelodeon in 2020 with this show on the stage. Two shows: 10 am and 4 pm, ticket prices vary based on seat. Frozen or Aladdin on Broadway Aladdin: New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd St., New York, NY 10036 Frozen: St. James Theatre, 246 West 44th St., New York, NY 10036

Treat your family to a Broadway show this Valentine’s Day. There’s nothing quite like the Broadway experience, bringing beautiful sounds, sets, and talented acting together on one stage. Our top picks for Valentine’s Day Broadway shows are Frozen and Aladdin. Both have a love story component and are must-see productions! Ticket prices vary, both shows at 8 pm. ACTIVE FUN Jane’s Carousel Old Dock Street, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Jane’s Carousel in DUMBO is a classic 3-row carousel with 48 exquisitely carved horses

Sweet treats from (clockwise from top left) Max Brenner, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Godiva Café and Jaccques Torres Chocolate and two superb chariots. If you’ve never visited the Carousel, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time. Bring your little ones for some family fun at Jane’s Carousel and be sure to take plenty of photos for your Instagram! 11 am-6 pm, $2 per ride, $20 for 12 tickets. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center 5th Ave between 49th and 50th Streets, New York, NY 10020

The holidays may be over, but the Rink at Rockefeller Center is still up and running. As one of NYC’s most celebrated attractions, ice skating at Rockefeller Center is known for creating magical moments. You can reserve rink time in advance or drop in during general admission hours. Note that you may have to wait a bit to get on the rink, but once you’re there it’ll surely be worth it! The Cliffs at LIC 11-11 44th Drive, Long Island City, Queens, NY 11101

If your have bigger kids who are looking for a more daring, active family outing this Valentine’s Day, head to The Cliffs at LIC. For a $32 day pass per person, you can explore the vast rock climbing walls at The Cliffs. Kids love bouldering, the shorter walls that sit on gymnastics pads so you can climb

them with no partner and no rope. If you really want a challenge, try roped climbing and see if you can make it to the top. Open 6 am-12 am. Parent & Child Yoga Apple Seeds, 10 West 25th St., New York, NY 10010

Karma Kids Yoga hosts Parent & Child Yoga at Apple Seeds on Fridays, 10:30-11:15 am. Partner with your toddler, strong walkers to 3 years old, in fun, animated poses. The yoga session focuses on sharing and bonding between parent & child, all while strengthening growing muscles and using your imagination. Drop-in $35 per pair, 10 classes $300. Walk the High Line Gansevoort St. to 34th St. on Manhattan’s West Side

A public park built on a 1.45-mile-long elevated rail structure, the High Line represents the intersection of nature, art, and design. Embark on a family walk on the High Line to celebrate your love for each other along with art and nature this Valentine’s Day. Grab a bite to eat at Santina, a coastal Italian restaurant with a menu that highlights vegetables and fish, along the way. High Line open 7 am-7 pm. February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

family fun

10 MUSEUMS

MUSIC

THEATER

Great Kid-Friendly February Events in Brooklyn By mia salas

MUSICAL STORY HOUR: THE NIGHTINGALE FAM February 1 Bring your kiddos for musical story time with The Nightingale Fam, who will perform their adaptations of the classic baseball poem “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Thayer and Wilhelmina Harper’s “The Gunniwolf,” preceded by a family singalong. Presented by Greenlight and PLG Arts, your little ones will surely love the musical versions of these classic stories. Free, 11:30 am. Greenlight Bookstore, 632 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225, greenlightbookstore.com

RUSSIAN FOLKTALES AND FAIRY TALES ATTRACTIONS

FOOD

February 1 Drop by the library for this family-friendly program. You and your little one will enjoy classic Folk Tales and Fairytales, your favorite songs, and join in other activities in this playful program. This is a multi-sensory learning event for preschoolers. Sheepshead Bay Library, 2636 East 14th St. at Avenue Z, Brooklyn, NY 11235, bklynlibrary.org

Outdoors

BAM KIDS FILM FESTIVAL February 1-2 The annual BAM Kids Film Festival is back again with 87 films from 30 different countries. Bring your family to watch the best new live animated short films from every corner of the globe. There will also be live performances, hands-on activities, and more! $10 kids ages 3 and up, $15 adults, 10 am-4 pm. Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217, bam.org

STORYTIME WITH BETTINA HARRIMAN AND JACLYN HARTE: HOW MISCHIEF CHANGED THE WORLD February 9 Bring your little ones to this storytime coloring party! How Mischief Changed the World Part 1: at the Laundromat is an interactive story and coloring book for kids about a non-binary hero named Mischief who feels different and finds their own definition of “home” through a secret adventure at the laundromat. Kids will get their own story page to color while the author and illustrator read the story. Free, 11 am-12 pm. Books Are Magic, 225 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11231, booksaremagic.net

UNICORN DREAM CATCHERS February 9 Create your own colorful Dream Catcher, using wooden embroidery hoops, ribbons, yarn, felt and glitter unicorn horns! Designed for kids ages 3 and up, this family art workshop is just what you need for a creative and crafty morning at the Studio. $40 for one kid and adult, 10:30-11:30 am. Private Picassos Art Studio, 237 5th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215, privatepicassos.com

4th Annual give Kids a Smile day

Make a unicorn dream catcher at Private Picassos Art Studio on February 9.

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

February 16 Chuck E. Cheese is joining forces this year with Second District Dental Society for Give Kids a Smile Day! Encourage your little ones to take care of their teeth by brushing and flossing when you bring them to Chuck E. Cheese for the day.

Martin Seck

They will get a free dental screening along with free gifts! And after they learn how to care for their teeth, kids can have a blast playing games! 11 am - 3 pm, Chuck E. Cheese, 139 Flatbush Ave., 3rd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217, sddsny.org

PRESIDENT’S WEEK IN PROSPECT PARK February 17-21 Head to Prospect Park for family-friendly programming during President’s Week. Play a round of President’s Day Trivia, make a jar of scented salve similar to 19th century recipes, play migration floor games, get up close with nature. Free, 12-4 pm, special hours for LeFrak Center at Lakeside and Bluestone Café. Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225 and Audubon Center, 101 East Dr., Brooklyn, NY 11225, prospectpark.org

JURASSIC WORLD LIVE February 20-23 Jurassic World comes to life for the first time in a touring arena show! Experience some of Jurassic World’s most iconic dinosaurs including Blue the Raptor, Triceratops, Pteranodons and the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex and immerse yourself into an exciting Jurassic adventure.

Ticket prices vary, showtimes vary. Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217, barclayscenter.com

KIDS DOUGHNUTS

Explore Prospect Park during Presidents Week from February 17 to 21.

February 22 Get cooking with this workshop designed for kids ages 6 to 12. Learn how to make donuts and fritters with all of the delicious toppings you can imagine! Your little ones will leave with their finished treats and new baking skills. $65, 3 pm. The Brooklyn Kitchen, 268 36th St., Brooklyn, NY 11232, thebrooklynkitchen.com

LUNAR NEW YEAR- YEAR OF THE RAT Weekends in February Celebrate the festival of the new moon and animals of the Chinese Zodiac at the Zoo! Meet one of Prospect Park Zoo’s smallest animals — the super tiny Eurasian harvest mouse, engage in special activities, and embark on a zodiac scavenger hunt. Then learn how the Wildlife Conservation Society is helping animals in China and Southeast Asia. Free with zoo admission, 11 am-4 pm. Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225, prospectparkzoo.com February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

family fun

Featured event

Events Around the City By Mia Salas

BLUEBERRY BREAKFAST BRAIDS CLASS February 1 Learn how to twist pastry dough into a beautiful blueberry breakfast braid in this family cooking workshop. Kids ages 6 to 8 will discover the secret to making perfect breakfast bread finished with a sweet glaze. Bring home extra dough to create the treat for your family and friends. Pajamas are more than welcome for this cozy session in the kitchen. $45 per kid with one caregiver, 9-10 am. Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 West 27th St., New York, NY 10001, tastebudskitchen.com

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS February 1-2 We all know the classic story of The Three Little Pigs. Watch that story take the stage: puppet-style! Recommended for ages 3 and up, WonderSpark Puppets puts on an entertaining family-friendly production. $12, $30 family pack, 11 am and 1 pm. The 14th Street Y Theater, 344 East 14th St., New York, NY 10003, wondersparkpuppets.com

FAMILY ART PROJECT: LOVE FOR WOODLAND FRIENDS February 8-9 Celebrate the ways we care for each other by creating woodland creature sock puppets or huggable heating pads for those you want to extend care to. Use rice, plant medicine, and essential oils to stuff socks that can be heated or chilled, soothing away the stresses of your loved ones. Free, admission to Wave Hill free until 12 pm, 10 am-1 pm. Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Ave., Bronx, NY 10471, wavehill.org

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Winter Jam NYC February 1 Presented by NYC Parks, the Olympic Regional Development Authority, I Love NY, and I Ski NY, Winter Jam is a free winter sports festival for New Yorkers of all ages! Gore Mountain will blow a mini-mountain of snow in the heart of Manhattan, creating an

FANFAIRE NYC HIGH SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S POP CULTURE ART FESTIVAL February 8-9 Featuring over 125 artists and vendors, award-winning guest speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and more, this festival has it all. For over 80 years, The High School of Art and Design has provided award winning art programs and high quality academics for kids from across all five boroughs. Get ready for a celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, cartooning, fashion, and more. $15 per day, $20 for the weekend, $5 students/teachers with ID, 10 am-6 pm. 245 East 56th St., New York, NY 10022, fanfairenyc.com

urban wonderland for all to enjoy. There will be live ice carving, an ice sculpture garden, learn to ski sessions, ice bowling, photo ops, puppet making, flag football, dodgeball, and so much more. Free, 11 am- 3 pm. Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, East 72nd St., New York, NY 10021, nycgovparks.org

FAMILY FILMS: TRY, TRY AGAIN! February 15 Bring your kids ages 5 and up for family films at the Museum. Watch Whistle for Willie (1965), the 6 minute short film about a boy who wants to learn to whistle to call his dog, Willie. Then enjoy Zog (2018), the 27-minute film about an accident-prone dragon who learns how to become a dragon at Dragon School. Free, 12 pm. Museum of Modern Art, The Celeste Bartos Theater, 11 West 53rd St., New York, NY 10019, moma.org

STORY TIME: RACHEL BRIAN February 16 Consent (for Kids!) is an empowering

invitation to respect yourself and others: the children’s book that parents are crazy about! Little ones will learn about boundaries and how to set them, what to do if someone makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and more during this story time with Rachel Brian, recommended for ages 3 to 8. Greenlight Bookstore, 632 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225, greenlightbookstore.com

MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION FT. BLACK TIE BRASS February 23 The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents Mardi Gras Celebration with the Black Tie Brass! This family concert is an immersive, playful experience where little ones and their families will tap into their imagination, creativity, and energy as they sing and dance along. $12, free for kids under age 1. Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249, therockandrollplayhouse.com

Dance Classes

Celebrate a family-friendly Mardi Gras at Brooklyn Bowl on February 23. FLUTE FAIR 2020 February 29 Does your little one play a musical instrument? Are you a musical family? If so, head to the Flute Fair. There will be performances, workshops, exhibits, and masterclasses. Featured guest artists are the flutists of the

Ice Skating

Metropolitan Opera, who will perform a gala concert. The whole family will have a great musical time. $60 regular, $25 students, special rates for members and their guests, higher fees at the door, 8:30 am-8 pm. W83 Ministry Center, 150 West 83rd St., New York, NY 10024, nyfluteclub.org

Music Lessons

Piano Lessons For Everyone

Steeplechase Ice Skating Center

at the Abe Stark Skating Rink West 19th Street & Surf Avenue Ages 4–Adult

718-253-8919 • 347-628-0663

LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAMS

Classes Saturdays 2-4pm

Basic Skills 1-8, Hockey 1-3 Adult 1-4, Freestyle 1-6 & More Weekend classes • Credit cards accepted

Advertise with us

Call 718-260-4554 NewYorkFamily.com

135 Eastern Parkway

across from the Brooklyn Museum

Experienced, friendly teacher with MA in Music Student recitals twice a year • Six foot concert grand piano Near 2, 3, 4 & 5 Subways

Have Fun While Building Strength, Confidence & Coordination

Call me and let’s talk about what you or your child would like to learn Call Beth Anderson-Harold: 718-636-6010 or Email: beth@beand.com

Music LEssons

Tutoring

SoundS of MuSiC Seasoned Performing Musicians with Extensive Teaching Experience Private Lessons for Children & Adults at All Levels

• • • •

Piano • Keyboard Violin • Oboe Recorder • Saxophone Flute • Clarinet • Vocal

718-232-2703 • Cell 646-752-7973

Daniel & Diana Barkan • soundsofmusic.arts@gmail.com www.soundsofmusic-arts.com

MATH TUTORING 646 624 0073 Tutor_4_Math@yahoo.com

SAT & Regents Test Prep Algebra & Geometry Middle School Math February 2020 | Brooklyn Family

last bite

Eden Eats

Winter Citrus, Sumac, and Fennel Salad

over mom Eden Grinsphan shares one of her favorite winter recipes that is not only delicious but easy to make!

Winter Citrus, Sumac, and Fennel Salad INGREDIENTS For the salad: 1 head of butter lettuce, can also use romaine or little gem 3 blood oranges 2 navel oranges 1 ruby red grapefruits 1 bulb of fennel — save the fronds 1 shallot or red onion 1/4 cup of mint leaves, torn or kept whole for garnish 1/2 tsp sumac, for garnish 2 tbsp roughly chopped shelled pistachios For the lemon-honey vinaigrette: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 1/2 large lemon, juiced 3 tsp honey 1/2 small clove of garlic, freshly grated 1 1/2 tsp salt

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Ana Gambuto

INSTRUCTIONS Place all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside. Remove peel from the citrus using a chef’s knife, cutting as close to the flesh as possible to eliminate any pith. Cut into rounds and set aside. Shave fennel and red onion thinly using a mandolin. Toss with ~2 tsp of

the dressing. Build the salad from the bottom — start by laying out butter lettuce and topping with the fennel and red onion. Arrange the citrus and add any remaining fennel and red onion on top. Top with mint, fennel fronds, toasted pistachios, sumac and a drizzle of dressing.

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