KID CDs FOR THE CAR!

I'm sure we've all been in the situation when there is nothing on the radio your kids want or YOU want them to listen to:) Target, Walmart and certain toys stores carry a variety of kid Cds to entertain and educate your young one. I like the spanish Cds and the old nursery rhyme ones. the KIDZ BOP company even makes Cds where singing children cover popular hits from today! So don't let that next long ride be torturous for you and your kids, get some kid Cds and they will surely keep your little ones busy and entertained.

TYLER ARBORETUM

A Totally Terrific place to take the kids is the Tyler Arboretum in Media, PA. Their abundance of flowers, paths, fields and ponds will keep the kids busy for hours and expose them to nature at it's finest. Check out the Butterfly House where kids can see and touch butterflies up close and personal. However the greatest feature this place has to offer is the "Totally Terrific Treehouse" exhibit. The kids will have a blast visiting the dozen or so different hand-made treehouses, each with their own different themes. Pricing is very reasonable as well so make sure your in the (tree) house April 14th when the exhibit officially opens;)
http://www.tylerarboretum.org/

SCHOOL LUNCH 101

So dads:) I know when it comes to packing those early morning school lunch bags a quick sandwich, juice box & cookies sounds like the way to go. But the best lunch you can provide for your kids is the "planned" healthy lunch. Try buying wheat bread instead of white bread (goes great with peanut butter & jelly, apple butter or lettuce & meat.) Also it's very important to pack a piece of fruit everyday. Try buying the small apples or tangerines that can fit easily into lunch boxes or bags. Sliced grapes and/or baby carrots are great as well. Instead of cookies try wheat thins, pretzels or fish crackers. And water is the best thing for them to drink instead of sugary juice all the time so don't be afraid to pack a bottled water. However if you do pack juice make sure you buy Fruitables, Froose or AppleandEve juice boxes since those seem to be the ones with less sugar in them. Cookie cutters are great to cut out shapes in the sandwich bread or Pepperidge Farm's new fish shaped bread will make lunch time more fun for your young ones guaranteed:)

SWEET JASMINES BAKERY

Mmmmm, yummy to the tummy! When I first tasted the warm jumbo sweet potato muffins from Sweet Jazmines I started to chew really slow so I could savor every sweet & delicious bite:) This small bakery packs a giant punch when it comes to desserts made by Award winning Chef Kimberly Davis Cuthbert. Nestled in the heart of Berywn, PA you have to check out their goods for your next party, get-together, brunch or special occasion. Truly one of the Main Line's soulful treasures! Im getting hungry just writing about them:)

http://www.sweetjazmines.com/

ELMWOOD PARK ZOO

Another surprising alternative to the Philadelphia Zoo is the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown. Even though this zoo is smaller in size it doesn't lack in abundance of animals. I saw Timberwolfs and live Bison for the first time in my life when the kids and I visited. Never super packed with traffic, you have all the time in the world to get up close and personal with the exotic animals and activities. Do yourself a favor and support this local zoo, it's precious animals and community the next time your in the area:)

http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/

FRANKLIN SQUARE PARK

If your looking to take the kids into the city and enjoy the sights and sounds you can't miss out on this historic park made for kids. Franklin Square Park has everything from an amazing playground to a old fashioned carousel. The minature golf course is great for adults as well and my favorite restauranter Stephen Starr has a burger stand there called "Square Burger" (The Tastykake Krempit Milkshake is to die for!) The beautiful fountain and shade from the trees will keep you cool on those hot dog days so get outside and head down to Franklin Square Park in the heart of Philadelphia:)

http://historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/what-to-see/

POTTERY BARN KIDS

When we go to the King of Prussia Mall the first place my kids want to go is Pottery Barn Kids! They love to play and test out the different children room set-ups and unique toys only carried by the store. Also if you join their FREE Book Club Passport Program you'll get monthly invites to the FREE promo programs the store host each month like tea parties and read-a-longs!

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/