Happy Labor Day to all my lovely readers who I am so thankful that you keep reading so I can keep laboring for you!

Related Posts:

1. Happy Cinco de Mayo! Celebrate with Healthy Fish Tacos (May 5th, 2010)
2. Labor Doulas (October 21st, 2008)
3. Happy Father’s Day (June 13th, 2008)
4. Labor Doulas (February 13th, 2007)

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Lulu’s Then & Now
75A 5th Ave
Park Slope. L
718-398-LuLu.

Related Posts:

1. New childrens boutique replaces Corduroy Kid: gently used clothes (August 20th, 2010)
2. Wow! Another resale shop opening! AND they pick up your stuff (June 30th, 2010)
3. Top of the Shop: Green in Bklyn (April 21st, 2010)
4. Top of the Shop: Brooklyn Junior (March 30th, 2010)
5. New Lulu’s Cuts and Toys Shop is Open! (October 25th, 2009)

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Post tags: brigitte, brooklyn, clothing store, consignment shop, gently used clothes, kids clothes, lulus, lulus baby, lulus then and now, park slope, resale shop, then & now

Image courtesy of ©The Bitten Word

Are you dying over the tomatoes available at our farmers markets these days? They are gorgeous! At the Fort Greene Greenmarket, my local spot, the selection is staggering. It’s hard not to walk away with many bags full. So I don’t! And neither should you. Fill your bags up, friends, because I’ve got tips on preserving gorgeous summer tomatoes.

Oh stop! I hear you now. You don’t have the time or skills to preserve. Not true. It’s easy! And I’m not saying that as the Hungry Mama who would happily cook all day if she could. (I know I’m in the minority on that one.) I’m saying it as a busy mom of two kids, who fits work in between naps and needs to be completely motionless by 9 pm. It’s that girl who’s promising you that preserving tomatoes is easy. So trust me and let’s get to it.

Freezer Preserved Tomatoes
The absolute easiest way to preserve tomatoes is in your freezer. If you have the room and you’re nervous—or just don’t want to take the time or buy the supplies—to can, this is your best bet. You can even use the microwave as a shortcut that has absolutely no negative impact on taste. How’s that for easy? Hop on over to food blog In Jennie’s Kitchen, written by a fellow Brooklyn mom and food blogger, for details.

Canned Tomatoes
Canning is pretty simple once you have the supplies. If you’re just doing tomatoes—and I’m assuming you’re not going to jump into doing a 25 lb batch (though I hope I’m wrong!)—all you need is about an hour and a half of concentrated kitchen time. If you’re a fast mover, maybe less. Though freezing is easier, I prefer canning since I can store the jars on any shelf, but it depends on where you have more room: the freezer or the cabinets. Also, if you’re feeling crafty, I like that you can tie a pretty ribbon around jars and give them as holiday gifts. How’s that for multi-tasking (and money saving)?!

There are tons of online sources of canning info, but many can make the process seem daunting. Start with Simple Bites, one of my favorite food sites. They recently ran a Canning 101 that explains why you should can and what you’ll need, and follow up with a Home Canned Tomatoes how-to. It’s to the point in only 18 quick, one- to two-sentence steps.

I also love this Tomatoes in a Jar how-to by canning expert (and all around fab food blogger) Mrs. Wheelbarrow.

If you want more, check out the new food community Punk Domestics. It’s a great source of info on all things canning and pickling, with a ton of resources to guide you through techniques for preserving your tomatoes. It led me to this post with step-by-step pictures and a how-to video on The Bitten Word and this one for canned whole tomatoes (use plum tomatoes and skip the step of crushing them—one less thing to do!) on The Kitchenette.

Super into it? I’ve got one more thing for you new enthusiasts: super pretty, design conscious home canning supplies curated by the always fabulous Black*Eiffel

So, go ahead, CAN IT! You’ll thank me in January.

*****
Kids change the way we cook, but they don’t have to change how well we eat. Get more family-friendly recipes, tips and techniques on Stacie’s blog, One Hungry Mama.

Related Posts:

1. BPA-Free Tomatoes for Your Pizza Sauce? Yes, Please! (July 20th, 2010)
2. Tips & Recipes for a Perfect Picnic (June 23rd, 2010)
3. Organic vs Local: What’s a Parent to Choose? (June 15th, 2010)
4. 10-Minute meals for when you gotta cook & run (or run & cook) (April 15th, 2010)
5. No more Chinet paper plates this summer (May 6th, 2008)

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Post tags: canned, canning, family recipes, greenmarket, how to can, preserved, preserving, recipe, summer, tomatoes

Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances in this Crown Heights Rental

This two bedroom apartment in Crown Heights includes the exciting amenities — stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, huge windows, and tiled bathrooms — that is also very affordable. Located near the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and the 3 and 4 trains, this modern apartment would be ideal for a small family. The apartment is also close to nearby restaurants, a Laundromat, the library, and Lincoln Terrace Park.

Rental of the Week

Location:

1257 Lincoln Place

Details:

• Brand new kitchen
• Stainless steel appliances
• Modern tiled bathroom
• Huge windows
• High ceiling
• Nice size rooms
• Exposed brick
• Hardwood floors throughout the apartment
• Nice modern design and lighting fixtures
• Required: 1 month and security
• Utilities not included
• One block to laundry
• Subways: one block from 3 and 4 trains

Contact Information:

For Viewing Call Joel at 347 768 1400 or email at jsapartmentrentals@gmail.com

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/abo/1932010335.html

Related Posts:

1. Family Flat: 2br Rental in LEED Certified Building for $4,195 (August 26th, 2010)
2. Family Flat: Renovated 2BR Carroll Gardens Apartment for Rent (August 19th, 2010)
3. Family Flat: Gorgeous Eight-Bedroom Brownstone for Sale (August 5th, 2010)
4. A New Armory for Bed-Sty, Prospect Lefferts, Crown Heights? (February 3rd, 2010)
5. Daycare in Prospect Heights/Crown Heights? (November 1st, 2009)

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Post tags: brooklyn real estate, family flat, Real Estate, rentals

This is Brooklyn? An historic house for rent in Fort Greene

Living in an historic house from the 1850s is definitely something you wouldn’t think of when seeking a home in Brooklyn. This gorgeous Fort Greene family flat is in need of a  tenant (maybe a large family) to rent out the fully-furnished place for 15 months (starting in January 2011). Think of it as a temporary bed and breakfast with massive bedrooms, a washer/dryer, large front yard and backyard, a private driveway, high ceilings, and a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The only drawback is that the rent on this property is a bit steep, but if you can afford it you will not only get to enjoy living in a 2,500-square-foot home, but being within walking distance from BAM, Fort Greene Park, local restaurants, and the subway.

Rental of the Week

Location:

158 South Oxford Street

Hanson Place/Atlantic Commons

Details:

• Four bedrooms
• Three bathrooms
• Full kitchen
• Washer/dryer
• Large front and backyard
• Parking in the driveway
• Two fireplaces
• Oversized Rooms
• Historic house fully detached
• High ceilings
• Caretaker on the premises for general maintenance and minor repairs
• Pets allowed

Contact Information:

Please contact Vicki Negron at (718) 923-8020 for serious inquiries.

http://www.corcoran.com/property/listing.aspx?Region=NYC&ListingID=2049783

Related Posts:

1. Family Flat: Renovated 2BR Carroll Gardens Apartment for Rent (August 19th, 2010)
2. Family Flat: 3BR/2 Bath Modern Condo for Sale (August 19th, 2010)
3. Family Flat: 2 Family, 5 BR, finished basement, bkyrd in Victorian Flatbush (May 13th, 2010)
4. Family Flat: 2 BR, 2 Bath, elevator, tax abatement, C/A, deck (May 12th, 2010)
5. Family Flat: Slope 2 BR condo, elevator and outdoor space (April 22nd, 2010)

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Post tags: family flat, fort greene real estate, homes for sale, Real Estate

Joyce Szuflita, our School Expert,

Nursery/Preschool Openings Fall 2010

Brooklyn Beanstalk has new French and Spanish classes for kids 18m to 4yrs in several neighborhoods starting this fall. For more info: Contact Sophie Amievasophie@brooklynbeanstalk.com 347-623-3694

Carrig Montessori has a couple open spaces for 4 or 5 yr olds. Contact: Christine Archerchristine@carrigmontessori.com 718-388-1023

The Dillon Center in Ft. Greene has spots in its threes afternoon class and if you are looking for fours they may be able to accommodate you as well. Contact Susan Straut-Collard sstrautcollard@sjcny.edu 718 636-6838

FasTrackids is a new 6 month to 8yr enrichment program at 60 Broadway in Williamsburg. For information: 347-987-4450 info@getsmartbk.com

Greene Hill School at their new location on Adelphi St. in Ft. Greene is currently accepting applications for children ages 4 to 8yrs. If you are interested contact them atinfo@greenehillschool.org or call 718-230-3608

Kinderhaus German immersion school has a new afterschool program from 3pm to 6pm daily for 2 to 7yr olds. They are located in the South Slope 468 6th Ave. between 10th and 11th St. Contact Simone for info: 917-406-8869

Language and Laughter has expanded and has a wide variety of programs for children and adults, including pick up at your child’s school for afterschool programs. For more info: Pascale Setbon pascalesetbon@gmail.com 718-852-2965

New York Kids Club Early Enrichment Center in Brooklyn Heights still has a few spaces in the 2’s program (T/R 11:05-1:05 and M/W 3:30-5:30) and in the 3’s program (M/W/F 9:00-12:00 and M-F 9:00-12:00). Contact: Elina Mavashev bheights@nykidsclub.com 718-228-0800.

Park Slope Schoolhouse has spots for threes. Check out their new location on 5th Ave. and 15th St.! Contact: Ashley Davis adavis@parkslopeschoolhouse.org 718-768-4873

Trilok Preschool has a Prek UPK program and they still have seats available for the fall 2010. Call for info: 718-576-2563

A Child Grows in Brooklyn reported on a new programs opening called The School Houseopening on St. Felix St. in Ft. Greene. For info: theschoolhousebklyn@gmail.com or call 917-579-3327

Nursery School talks

This talk covers stuff you need to know to begin your preschool search; philosophies, things to look for on a tour, what to do when and how to focus on the big picture so you can calm down. I don’t talk about individual schools at this event and the evening talks are just for grownups or sleeping babies, but I have scheduled one daytime talk.
Thursday, Sept. 13, 7pm to 8:30pm at Mini Jake in Williamsburg
RSVP to make sure that I have enough chairs. Tickets are $5. extra per person if you buy at the door. joyce@nycschoolhelp.com

**********

Joyce Szuflita, NYC School Help, is a 28 year Brooklyn resident and the mom of teenage twins who has spent years interviewing educators, touring schools, combing the internet and being generally obsessed with all aspects of public and private schooling in Brooklyn and NYC. She consults privately with families who want to navigate the school search. She can be seen in the NY Times, Time Out NY Kids, NY Family – Brooklyn, achildgrowsinbrooklyn.com and nycprivateschoolsblog.com

Related Posts:

1. And the preschool search begins…and we have info on how to do it (August 12th, 2010)
2. School Scoop: G & T notifications and School News (April 20th, 2010)
3. BIG school scoop today (March 23rd, 2010)
4. New School Openings: Clinton Hill, Prospect Lefferts, Carroll Gardens (January 6th, 2010)
5. How To Get Into Nursery School- Nursery University (April 30th, 2009)

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Post tags: beanstalk, brooklyn nursery, brooklyn preschool, dillon center, greene hill school, joyce szuflita, kinderhaus, language and laughter, montessori, nursery school talk, ny kids club, nyc school help, private school, school, trilok

West Indian American Day Parade in Crown Heights

Lucky you if you have somewhere fabulous to go this weekend- we don’t- argh. We’ll be in Brooklyn (sigh), so if you’re like us and will be searching for events to go to- check out our list compiled below from the best listings for the weekend.

Mommy Poppins has a list of “Things to Do in New York City for Kids and Families”:  My picks from her  list are:

Habana Outpost’s Back to School Bash—Fort Greene
Stop by Brooklyn’s eco-eatery for a day of fun to end summer 2010.  Arts and crafts, stilt walkers, clowns, dancing, face painting and lots more will surely entertain the troops.  Plus there will be free notebooks and pencils for school while supplies last. FREE

West Indian American Day Jr. Carnival – Crown Heights
All the excitement of Carnival for the smaller set – catch the festive parade of kids donning Carnival garb as they travel from Kingston Ave and St. Johns Place to Franklin Ave South, to President Street, into Brooklyn Museum Grounds at Washington Avenue for a competition. FREE

Time Out New York Kids has a list of “Best Free and Fun Things to do this Weekend”. My picks from their list are:

FREE New York City Unicycle Festival
Sat Sept 4 noon–5pm. Governors Island (212-253-2727, nycunifest.com). 1 to South Ferry, then take the Governors Island Ferry from the Battery Maritime Building, Slip 7.
NYC’s first unicycle festival rolls into town this weekend (on one wheel, no less). While the fest spans three days with tours and rides around the city, you’ll find the best sights for kids at the Governors Island stop. Check out demos, races and even unicycle basketball games courtesy of the world-famous King Charles Troupe. All ages.

The Richmond County Fair in Staten Island hosts a carnival complete with throwback games like potato-sack races and pie-eating contests ($15, kids under 32 inches admitted for free). Also on Sunday and Monday!

Parents Connect has their usual comprehensive roundup of weekend events and these are my picks from their list:

Doug and Mike Starn on the Roof at the Metropolitan Museum 1000 Fifth Avenue
Twin brothers Mike and Doug Starn (born in New Jersey in 1961) present their new work, a monumental bamboo structure, ultimately measuring 100 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 50 feet high, that takes the form of a cresting wave. Visitors witness the continuing creation and evolving incarnations of Big Bambu as it is constructed throughout the spring, summer, and fall by the artists and a team of rock climbers.

NYICFF screens a kid-friendly mix of animated and musical shorts from around the world. The lineup features audience favorites from the past two festivals – including Lost and Found, Hedgehug, Aston’s Stones, Mermaid, Booo, andElectric Car.

Toddler Play at Teardrop Park and Robert Wagner Park : Toddlers, parents, and caregivers are invited to participate in interactive play on the grassy lawn. Toys, books, play equipment, and recycled materials are provided.

Last, but not least, check out our Music Listings for this weekend that our Listings Editor Charles has put together.

Related Posts:

1. Family Fun Weekend: Woodstock, NY (it’s only 2.5 hours away!) (August 11th, 2010)
2. Kids Music Listings this Weekend: July 23, 24, 25 (July 23rd, 2010)
3. Kids Music Listings this Weekend: July 2,3,4 (July 1st, 2010)
4. What to do for 4th of July weekend in NYC and Brooklyn (July 1st, 2010)
5. Water Taxis: now open and where to hop on and hop off (June 7th, 2010)

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Post tags: crown heights parade, governors island, habana outpost, kid films, NYICFF, richmond county fair, robert wagner park, teardrop park, toddler play, unicycle festival, west indian parade

MIss Nina makes an extraordinary 3 days of appearances over the weekend!

It’s Labor Day weekend- which means you are either somewhere fabulous or stuck in NY like most of us! If you are stuck here like us, there are some music events to go to. First off, Miss Nina has decided to stick around this weekend too- (hooray)- she will be singing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday! It is the last weekend for PS 1’s Warm Up- don’t miss it!

Friday September 3rd

10:00 am: Miss Nina Sing-along
Join Miss Nina to sing children’s favorites.
Details: Birch 7 East 27^th Street (btw Madison & 5^th) inside the Gershwin Hotel, upstairs in the library.  Cost: $5 per child

1:00 PM: Stay in School Concert
Get into the spirit of the West Indian day parade with this concert with hip-hop, dance, steel pan, and karate performers plus a fashion show, spoken word presentations and more.
Details: Brooklyn Museum 200 Eastern Parkway   Cost: Free

Saturday September 4th

8:00 am: Junior Carnival 43rd Annual West Indian Carnival Festival
Here’s a chance to get your kids directly involved in the West Indian Carinal!  You can join in or watch as the junior set dons fab Carnival garb to parade through the streets of Brooklyn. 
Details: Kingston Avenue and St. Johns Street  Cost: Free  The parade assembles at 8:00 am, starts at 9:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm.

10:30 am: Sing-a-Long Story Time by Miss Nina
Local musician Nina Stone will host a sing-along and sing songs about some of the most beloved children’s titles like Llama Llama Red Pajama, Where The Wild Things Are, and Goodnight Moon.
Details: Greenlight Bookstore 686 Fulton Street  Cost: Free

12:00 pm: Happy Birthday, Dorsel!
I’ve discovered that Dorsel is a character in John Tartaglia’s musical ImaginOcean and Books of Wonder is hosting a party for her.  There will be songs, games and CAKE.
Details: Books of Wonder 18 W 18th St (between Fifth and Sixth Aves) Cost: Free

12:00 pm: Wiseacre Farm
In this long-running children’s musical, tots in the audience get to climb onstage to help save Cliffie the Pig’s birthday cake from a fox.
Details: 13th Street Repertory Company 50 W 13th St (between Fifth and Sixth Aves)   Cost: $10  Also on Sunday

2:00 pm: Warm Up
P.S. 1 has a very special vibe to it whenever I’ve gone.  Everyone just seems to go to have a good time and although it’s not a kid specific event, everyone seems to love seeing kids playing in the fountains or jumping on the dance floor.
Details: MoMA PS1 22-25 Jackson Ave (at 46th Ave) Long Island City, Queens  Cost: $15 (includes admission to the museum), cash only; members free

Sunday September 5th

10:00 am: Miss Nina Sing-along
Join Miss Nina to sing children’s favorites–this time closer to home.
Details: Melt 44 Bergen Street (btw 5^th Avenue and Flatbush)  Cost: $5 per child

2:00 pm: Harlem Meer Performance Festival – Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
This outdoor concert series features emerging and established local Latin, jazz, world, and gospel artists.   This Sunday it’s gospel music with the Sounds of Deliverance.
Details: Central Park at 110th Street  Cost: Free

(Many thanks to Go City Kids.com, TONY Kids, NY Metro Parents, and Mommy Poppins for listing info!)

********
Our music reviewer and listings editor, Charles Mister is part of the dynamic duo Fati & Charles, called Abbasubi. They perform songs for children in Spanish from their original CD, El Baile del Sombrero. Fati, originally from Argentina & Charles, a native of Brooklyn, live in Midwood, Brooklyn with their two children who they are raising bilingually and who were the inspiration for the CD.

Related Posts:

1. Kids Music Listings this Weekend: July 23, 24, 25 (July 23rd, 2010)
2. Kids Music Listings this Weekend: July 16, 17, 18 (July 15th, 2010)
3. Kids Music Listings this Weekend: July 2,3,4 (July 1st, 2010)
4. Kids Music Listings this Weekend: May 14, 15, 16 (May 15th, 2010)
5. Listing for Kids Music this Weekend: April 10th and 11th (April 9th, 2010)

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Post tags: 2010, brooklyn, greenlight bookstore, labor day weekend, miss nina, singalong, wiseacre farm

In case you haven’t been to PS Bookshop in a while,  they have finally moved into their new home two blocks from their old store, on the corner of Front & Washington in Dumbo.

This is from the owner of PS Bookshop about his popular story time:
“I do not specify ages. I cater mostly to toddlers, 2 to 5 year old but I do not wish to preclude anyone; I do get babies who enjoy the guitar accompanied musical part and, hopefully, if older kids arrive (or as the neighborhood kids grow with us), we can adapt the event for them as well.”

Details; starting this Thursday, Sept. 9th from 4-5 pm. Free. RSVP is encouraged so they can plan for ages and number of children attending.

P.S. Bookshop
76 Front Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: 718.222.3340
Fax: 718.222.3390

Related Posts:

1. Free Family Workshops at Gardens this summer (July 2nd, 2010)
2. Yes, we’re the last ones to visit Pier 6 (June 17th, 2010)
3. ISB to end immersion playgroups and new group to start ones up (June 7th, 2010)
4. Water Taxis: now open and where to hop on and hop off (June 7th, 2010)
5. A Mom’s Story about Breastfeeding (December 26th, 2007)

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Post tags: brooklyn, dumbo, ps bookshop, story time, storytime, used bookstore

A hint of the Manhattan skyline from Williamsburg

Photographer Sarah Sloboda captures our Veeps - (as in “Vice Presidents” or “VIPS”), featuring a Brooklyn parent - every week for us. If you would like to be featured as a Veep- email us!

Names: Heather & Drake
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
Age of Kid: 8 months
2 Favorites Places in Brooklyn to hang out with your kid: Cadmen Plaza Park, Tazza, Brooklyn Heights Wine Bar
Special interests / hobbies / passions (of yours): Food, dancing, travel, trying to make it to some yoga classes
Anything you would like to say to your kid? I love how curious you are. Keep exploring and laughing without abandon. I want to be like you one day.

I've got killer baby blues...(from my mama)

Sweet sips

More Bruno Magli…

Infant Boys’ Tops & Tees at Macy’s
Infant Boys’ Shoes by Converse

More Bruno Magli…

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Sarah Sloboda – an artistic children’s photographer, whose strives to inspire people with photographic evidence of their lives working beautifully — has a special offering in the month of August for a child portrait shot on black and white film – click here to view. Sarah’s work has garnered international acclaim, with 2nd prize in the wedding category of Prix de la Photographie, Paris, and has been published nationally in the U.S., in kids magazines like Wondertime, Brio, and Citibabes, and for major brands like Sephora and the CW network.  Her portfolio can be seen here and her blog here.

Related Posts:

1. Veep #10: “reading (short chapters these days) (August 20th, 2010)
2. Veep # 8: “Trying to master the art of a perfect baby schedule” (July 29th, 2010)
3. Veep #7: “Question Authority” (July 12th, 2010)
4. Veep #6: “I’m pretty sure all the leaves taste the same” (July 1st, 2010)
5. Veep #5: “In my dreams yoga” (June 24th, 2010)

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Post tags: baby photographer, brooklyn portrait photographer, East River State Park, family photographer, sarah sloboda, Veeps, williamsburg