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Sponsored Post: Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool at Westchester Executive Park

You're Invited to their Well Aware Open House on Saturday, June 1.

May 21, 2013

Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool at Westchester Executive Park in Elmsford invites you to their Well Aware Open House on Saturday, June 1 from 10am to 12pm.  In its 23rd year of existence, Bright Horizons at WEP is proud of their many years as one of the area’s top early childcare and education centers for children 6 weeks – 6 years, and the reputation they have earned as an NAECY (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited member.

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In addition to better understanding the Bright Horizons’ curriculum, World at Their Fingertips, families will have the opportunity to learn about their health and safety practices at the Well Aware Open House including sampling the healthy snacks that are cooked on-site, along with the nutritious breakfasts and lunches served daily.

Feeling physical?  The family can explore their gym complete with a rock-climbing wall, meet the Rockland Boulders mascot, Boulder Bird, and check out a Martial Arts workshop at the Well Aware Open House.  Also on-site next Saturday will be a Parent and Child Yoga Workshop with LeapSmart and Infant Massage with Catherine McGibney, LMT.

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At WEP, the Bright Horizons staff recognizes how important new beginnings are in each child’s development and to each family. Their mission is to provide a caring and nurturing environment where your child can learn and develop. Spend time with current Bright Horizons families at the Well Aware Open House and see their beautiful classrooms and many outdoor play areas for yourself.

Bright Horizons at WEP Well Aware Open House: Saturday, June 1 from 10am-12pm. R.S.V.P by May 30, 2013 and learn more at www.brighthorizons.com/wep. Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool at Westchester Executive Park, 77 Executive Blvd, Elmsford.

Learn more about other upcoming Bright Horizons Open House events in Westchester on May 30:

Bright Horizons at Treetops (http://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/ny/elmsford/treetops)

Bright Horizons at EastRidge (http://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/ny/elmsford/treetops)

Bright Horizons at Bellefair (http://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/ny/ryebrook/bellefair)

Bright Horizons at TimberRidge (http://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/ny/armonk/timberridge)

Posted by Elizabeth D. tagged as , in calendar,featured event,kids classes,learning & growing,milestones,play,wisdom 0 comments

Sun Safety Tips

Before heading to the pool or park, here's how to avoid the burn.

May 19, 2013

Just the other day a friend asked me which sunscreen I use on my daughter. I told her that I was a little confused about what kind of sunscreen to use, too. So we asked our friend Dr. Julie L. Cantatore-Francis, a WESTMED Medical Group dermatologist specializing in pediatric dermatology, who gave us tips on the best skincare products for babies, to shed some light on sun safety.

from Pinterest

Here is her essential advice: [...]

Posted by Lauren W. in play 1 comment

Designer Showhouse of Westchester Open

A chance to tour a sprawling Scarsdale estate.

May 18, 2013

Imagine growing up in 10,000 square feet? As someone who was raised in a home with two sisters and one bathroom, I cannot. But a family did reside in this 21-room mansion on Cooper Lane in Scarsdale back in the 1960s, and they donated the space to regional designers for this year’s Designer Showhouse of Westchester County. The house is all Gatsby, thanks to the creative crew of designers who worked on the house, filled with Hollywood Regency glam style and over-the-top upholstery, rugs and light fixtures.

While a tour is not something you’ll want to do with the kids, anyone who loves to tour houses will enjoy moseying around this grand estate. While exploring the first floor, all I could think was…what would anyone possibly do with all of these rooms??

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Posted by Elizabeth L. tagged as in home & garden,play 2 comments

Westchester’s Spring Tag Sales

The thrill of the hunt and bargain prices!

May 14, 2013

The momma of all tag sales, The Brimfield Antique Show, is May 14 to 19 and although Sturbridge, Massachusetts isn’t that far from here, I sadly won’t be making the trip. (Wee Westchester’s Brooke Foster goes every year!)

However, Westchester has a few big tag sales, over the next few weeks. So, mark your calendars and bring cash!

 from Pinterest

Annual Tag Sale to Benefit the Hudson Chorale
When: May 17 & 18, 9am – 4pm. Early birds may shop from 8am – 9am for $10. Rain or shine.
Where: 107 Bedford Road, Pleasantville (corner of Manville Road & Route 117).
What: Come find treasures in a variety of categories, like antiques, collectibles, jewelry, small appliances, housewares, CDs, DVDs, books, toys, sports equipment, gently used clothing and accessories, decorative art. [...]

Posted by Elizabeth L. tagged as , , in home & garden,outings and day trips,play,shop 2 comments

First Person: Okay With Not So Perfect

I know I shouldn't compare myself to other moms, but sometimes I do.

May 12, 2013

Sometimes I compare myself to other moms. That’s my secret. I know it sounds petty and it’s not something we talk about at play dates. I don’t think I’m trying to be “a perfect mom,” but I want to be a better mom — and some moms look like they have it all figured out.

There are countless articles, books and blogs written on the subject, like “The Good Enough Mother” and “The Not So Perfect Mother”. There is even a disease “Perfect Mom Sydrome” or PMS. (Do you have it? Go to perfectmomsydrome.com and take the online test.) Rationally, I know the perfect mom is an illusion. Still, when I come across a mom who speaks to her child calmly when she’s melting down about a broken barrette or packs a lunch that I want to eat myself, I do wonder.

from Pinterest

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Posted by Elizabeth L. tagged as , in first person,play,wisdom 0 comments

Westchester’s Own Top Chef

The Golden Knives Challenge is a fun twist on dining out.

May 9, 2013

The Golden Knives Challenge, Westchester’s first cooking challenge featuring local chefs, started this Tuesday, May 7, and continues for the next 2 weeks. Located at a pop-up restaurant at The Lodge at Hudson Harbor in Tarrytown, an attractive space with floor to ceiling windows and barn doors, you can join the fun and pretend like you’re Padma and Tom! Each night two chefs battle it out with an appetizer, main course and dessert and at the end of the meal, votes are cast for the winner.

Golden Knives Challenge

We had the pleasure of attending the first night with Chefs Alex Sze (Juniper in Hastings-on-Hudson) and Carl Van Dekker (Village Dog in Tarrytown). The meal was much more fun than the usual restaurant experience. We knew the chefs were on their game since this was a contest. Plus, there is something exciting about knowing that a chef is trying to impress. The courses were perfectly sized so you could enjoy all of them and the ingredients were varied so it was small plate heaven. We even tasted a vegetable for the first time – ramps, otherwise known as a spring onion or a wild leek. The ramps were especially tasty the way Carl Van Dekker prepared them: creamed with cotechino (sausage) and polenta and in a salad as part of his Trio of Peas. [...]

Posted by Elizabeth L. tagged as , , in date night,play,yum 0 comments

LEGOLAND Discover Center Giveaway

One lucky reader will receive 4 free tickets!

May 7, 2013

Wee Westchester is very excited about the opening of LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Ridge Hill in Yonkers. This 32, 300-square foot indoor attraction has rides, 4D movies and more. We especially love MINILAND, LEGOLAND’s re-creation of miniaturized landmark locations throughout Westchester County and New York City, made entirely out of LEGO bricks. Read our complete review of LEGOLAND here.

In honor of Wee Westchester’s one year anniversary, LEGOLAND is offering 4 tickets (2 adults and 2 kids) for one lucky Wee Westchester reader!  (Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for kids under 2 so this is an $80 value!) Find out how to enter the contest after the jump…

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Posted by Elizabeth L. tagged as , , in outings and day trips,play 53 comments

Wee Westchester’s Best of Play

The best of our ideas for play from the past year...

May 7, 2013

We love finding new ways to play in Westchester. One of the reasons we started Wee Westchester was to spread the word about all the incredible neighborhoods and activities in our beautiful county. Each town offers something different and it’s an adventure every time I visit a new place. Join us…

But first, a few words from our featured sponsors — we’ve written about all of these great companies so wanted to feature them one more time!

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Gymtime-ad

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sleepy-on-hudson [...]

Posted by Elizabeth L. tagged as , , , , , in birthday party ideas,camps,crafts,outdoor walks & nature centers,parks & playgrounds,play 1 comment

DIY Superhero Cape, Made With an Old T-Shirt

Your kid will think you're a super mom when you're done with this super easy craft.

May 5, 2013

I recently bought my 3-year-old a Superman t-shirt with a red Velcro cape at the Gap. My son loves it, so there are some major bribes offered to get this baby off of him and into the wash. When he asked me for a Batman cape a few days ago, I sensed where this was going: “Mom, can you buy me a Robin cape? What about Captain America?” So I found myself googling “DIY superhero cape.”

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I came across the absolutely, certifiably easiest DIY superhero cape ever. It doesn’t matter if you’re making a cape for an aspiring Wonder Woman or Batman, the directions are the same. You get an old t-shirt out of your drawer, do some cutting — and voila, it’s done. Seriously, you’re going to thank us for this one.

Here’s how to make it:

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Posted by Brooke tagged as in crafts,play 1 comment

What to Do in Westchester this Weekend: May 4 to 5

A hay ride through blooming trees, Japanese Children's Day and get up close and personal with some wolves.

May 2, 2013

The following events all have something in common: they celebrate spring! For many more weekend events check out our extensive daily events calendar.

Get ready for the grand opening of the new Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us on Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5. Visit the store this weekend starting on Friday for activities, giveaways, savings and visits from some of our kids’ favorite characters. There will also be crafts on Friday from 10am – 10:30am and story time each day at 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 4pm. 7 City Place in White Plains

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, from 11am – 5pm is the New York Botanical Garden’s Native Plant Garden Opening Weekend with music, wine, food, a scavenger hunt for kids and more. Learn about the Native Plant Garden and all its splendor, shop at the garden store and come home inspired to work on your native garden. Purchase tickets on their website. Tickets for adults are $25, kids (2-12) $10 and kids under 2 are free. 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx [...]

Posted by Elizabeth L. tagged as , , in calendar,featured event,outings and day trips,play 0 comments

Sponsored Post: The YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester presents their “Little Friends” Camp

The perfect Westchester Community summer program for your child

May 1, 2013

A pioneer for social change through innovative programs that improve the lives of women, children and families, The YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester’s Summer Camp Programs adheres to their 85-year old mission. Their goal is to create the perfect setting in which children can experience the best of summer camp:  develop lasting friendships and memories, increase self esteem by meeting fun new challenges, and learn and play in a nurturing, individualized, safe environment.

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In the YWCA’s Little Friends camp, your child’s days will include structured activities that expand their horizons and abilities. Directed by a highly-qualified, early childhood educated & trained staff, there is time allotted for free play, independent exploration and making friends. The air conditioned classrooms along with their fenced in playground equipped with sprinklers provide a fun and refreshing environment. Weekly themes, arts and crafts, soccer, special events and instructional swim are all part of their wonderful camp experience.

Introduced last year, the Creative Adventures Group for 5-6 year olds, offers educational enrichment opportunities, while incorporating good old-fashioned summer-time fun. Children will explore an array of subjects including science, literacy, math and their community. In addition, they will enjoy swimming three times a week with Red Cross Certified instructors, arts and crafts, music, playground time, special events and so much more!

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The Starfish Program is back again this year for children turning 3 years old by December 31, 2013.  With a low camper-to-staff ratio, this program for the younger set includes hours of fun with Musical Munchkins, nature exploration, arts & crafts, and more special events. Of course, their days wouldn’t be complete without sprinkler and water play every day, weather permitting.

Children can bring their own lunch but a snack is included in the camp fee, which runs for 4 weeks.  Kicking off June 24th and running through August 9th, the camp day runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm, with extended care options available.

For fee information and to find out more about the YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester’s summer programs, please visit their website at http://www.ywcawhiteplains.com/html/summer_camps.html and/or send an email to membership@ywcawpcw.org.

YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, 515 North Street, White Plains; (914) 949-6227

Posted by Elizabeth D. tagged as , , in camps,kids classes,play 0 comments

Insider’s Guide: Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

And spend the whole day in South Norwalk while you're there.

April 28, 2013

I can’t believe we’ve lived in Westchester for almost six years and this weekend was our first visit to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT. Norwalk has so much to do with the Stepping Stones Museum, shops and restaurants in Historic South Norwalk, and the aquarium has always been on my list. And I don’t know who had more fun, my husband and I or the kids.

You can see everything at the aquarium in one day and it’s geared for young kids. My daughters weren’t scared of any of the animals (unlike the zoo) and it felt less exhausting than the zoo. Also, the aquarium’s location in South Norwalk and right on the Long Island Sound makes it ideal to incorporate into a whole day – stroll the streets of the historic downtown, have lunch and then visit the aquarium. [...]

Posted by Elizabeth L. tagged as , in play 1 comment

Old Croton Aqueduct Trail: Irvington to Lyndhurst

April 27, 2013
Thumbnail image for Old Croton Aqueduct Trail: Irvington to Lyndhurst

There’s no reason to drive hours away to hike with your kids. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, a 26 mile unpaved trail that runs from Yonkers to Croton, offers plenty of lovely spots to go for a walk outdoors. There’s one particular section of the trail in Irvington that’s great for all ages. It’s not [...]

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What to do in Westchester this Weekend, April 27-28

April 25, 2013

Spring has sprung, and this weekend looks like a beauty! Check our calendar for a complete listing of events around town this weekend, April 27-28. Here are our top picks: In it’s 10th year, Lyndhurst LEGO Family Fun Day(s) will take place this weekend, April 27 and 28.  Creative LEGO enthusiasts around the area are [...]

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Teaching Kids Responsiblity

April 23, 2013

I asked my six-year-old to make her bed before school. I asked her again. And reminded her. And reminded her again. That rumpled bed stared at me morning after morning and I could see myself just giving up on the idea. I knew if I didn’t figure out something soon, she’d become a teenager who [...]

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Westchester’s Most Expensive House

April 22, 2013

In Westchester you get very little square feet for your dollar. Well, here’s a house that has no shortage of space and it’s currently on the market. One source says its the most expensive house in Westchester. Can you imagine living in this 9 bedroom, 8000+ square feet mansion? The home, which has been featured [...]

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