April 2012
 |
05/01/12Learn How To Ride a SkateboardIf you've got a skater coming of age at home, fear not. I remember my 9-year-old son desperately wanting a skateboard. And I must admit, I was resistant at first. I won't even list all the potential injuries I envisioned. But I put my worries aside long enough to say yes. And as it turned out, skating became a good hobby for my son, one that built his self-confidence. He learned to ride the way most kids do, by trail and error. But the guys at Skatepark of Memphis were hugely helpful, too. Now, with the opening of Tobey Park (2599 Avery), there's a new place for kids to be mentored as they gain mastery of this artful sport. This Saturday, May 5th, from 9 to 10 a.m., kids can work with instructors to learn the fine points of skating. Beginners will get the basics;... |
 |
04/27/12Fashionista of the Week: LucasI'm walking Alexander, my Pomeranian (named for my dear friend, designer Alexander McQueen), along the Bluff Walk one morning, and who should I see cooing in the clover but adorable baby Lucas. Not only is this 8-month-old fashionably attired, but his mother has the good sense to choose organic cotton togs. This charming line by Zebi Baby has a linen bum cover and matching pea green top, appliqued with a darling giraffe. You can find these and more at Hoot House in the South Main District downtown (109 G.E.Patterson). This funky little shop carries vintage and contemporary clothing for moms and tots. Tell the owner, Anna, I sent you. Happy shopping! |
 |
04/26/12Kid'Sleep Clock for PreschoolersGetting little ones to bed can be a challenge. Getting them to stay in bed come morning, is an even bigger trick. That's why we like Kid'Sleep. This child-friendly alarm clock lets preschoolers know their bedtime. When the sleeping bunny (bear or mouse) is lit, it is time to sleep. When the awake bunny lights up, it's time to rise and shine. The clock, available at Live, Love, Dream ($39.99), also has an alarm function, a chirping bird that morphs into a rooster. It can be set to go off when the awake animal is lit. The clock works with or without the alarm function being set. A smaller, battery operated travel alarm version, the Globetrotter, is also available. • Kid'Sleep by Claessen's Kids. Here's to grabbing a few extra Zzzs.... |
 |
04/24/12Kids Health: Camp Get FitKids naturally love to run and play. But for a child who is overweight, active play can be fatiguing, and sometimes, even embarrassing. Fitness professional Clintonia Simmons, founder of Healthy Kids and Teens, works to help get kids back on track. She's battled weight issues, too. But it wasn't until she saw her teenage daughter struggling that she decided to get serious about becoming fit. Now, she's made it her mission to teach children the same thing. This summer, she plans to start some healthy habits as part of Camp Get Fit. The 9-week camp takes place at Grahamwood Elementary School on Thursday, May 29, through Friday, July 27. The cost is $75 per week, though Simmons is offering scholarships to parents whose children are overweight. That's good news... |
 |
04/20/12Fashionista of the Week: CeCeFashionistas must always be prepared, especially when the weather can be so changeable. Will it be warm or cool out, who can say? So, keeping a light jacket on-hand makes good fashion sense. To wit, I spy sunny Miss CeCe at the Oscar de la Renta fall trunk show this week at Stovall Collection in Laurelwood. We love this plaid fitted blazer, in cranberry and moss, perfect for chilly mornings. And a chic, bow front tunic top dresses up any ensemble. Both are fine examples of Mr. de la Renta's newly launched children's line. At last, his classic styles, available to the smallest of fashionistas. And now you know why CeCe smiles. To order pieces from the fall collection, contact Muffy Turley or Keith Rainer. |
 |
04/18/12Fun Activity: Project Garden by Stacy TornioAuthor Stacy Tornio grew up digging in the dirt. So when she had children of her own, she knew she wanted to share the joy of gardening with them. Thus was born Project Garden, an engaging book and cornucopia of gardening ideas — from fun, artsy projects, to plants you can grow and harvest. Tornio will be at the Memphis Botanic Garden on Sunday, April 22nd, from 2 to 4 p.m. to sign copies of her book, and lead a craft activity. The event is free with garden admission, $2 for two projects. One thing we like is the author's nod to recycling. Tornio, who works as the editor of Birds and Blooms magazine, is a huge fan of reusing materials. Her wooden tennis rackets are a good example. Woven with nylon cord and brightly colored beads, they're make whimsical... |
 |
04/16/12Get Away: Tennessee Safari ParkMy family recently discovered one of our region’s best-kept secrets: Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo, Tennessee (16 miles northwest of Jackson). Now your family can explore it, too, as Earth Day weekend (April 21-22) marks the park’s official grand opening. After a few rounds of “Are we there yet?” we finally arrive at the big sign on Highway 412 that leads us to the safari park and zoo at Century Farm. From the entrance, we can see the free-roaming animals scattered across the wide-open fields. I tell my children that a safari park is like a zoo, except we are the ones in cages. As we begin the 21/2 mile drive through the park, we are welcomed by kangaroos and sika deer. The African addax comes close to our van to have the first taste of the specialty... |
 |
04/12/12Fashionista of the Week: RianFashion needn't be limited to moms. In fact, we often spot little fashionistas around town. Take Miss Rian here. I met her recently at the YoLo Frozen Yogurt shop in Midtown, where she struck a pose, looking oh-so-chic. Clad in a stylish, fushia sweater and Audrey Hepburn shades, this 5-year-old is ready for her close-up. We love how Rian's accessories echo the color of her sweater. And that hot pink is in perfect contrast to the leopard print top and white pants. All together, this outfit says, "Welcome, Spring!" Do you have a fashionista at home? Leave a comment and Felicity Bleu might feature your child here. Posted at 04:43 PM | Permalink | Comments: 17 |
 |
04/11/12Cashore Marionettes at The Buckman CenterHave you ever attended a performance of the Cashore Marionettes? These doll-sized characters come to life on stage thanks to the talented work of puppeteer Joseph Cashore. He brings his unique form of theatre to The Buckman Center on Friday, April 13th, at 7 p.m., where he'll debut the new work, Life in Motion. Over the course of his 25-year career, Cashore has created more than 150 marionettes, puppets that are controlled from above by strings or wires. As the manipulator, he's also on stage, but you are never aware of his presence as he weaves his story with the puppet. He says the characters you see on stage today are far more complex than earlier works, a testiment to his development as a craftsman and observer of human nature. Cashore has always been interested... |
 |
04/05/12Get Away: Memphis Train & Trolley MuseumDo you have a Thomas the Tank Engine fan in your home? Then plan a visit to the Memphis Railroad and Trolley Museum. This new facility, which opened April 1st downtown in Central Station (545 South Main Street), is perfectly situated, being just steps away from the trolley and the Amtrak train station. Admission: $3/adults, $1/ages 3 to 12. Hours: Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. What makes this place special are the stories it tells. Railroads played a pivitol role during Memphis' early history. In fact, when the Harahan Bridge was first built over the Mississippi River in 1892, it was the longest bridge in the United States, and the only span between Saint Louis and New Orleans. Trains routinely carried cotton, lumber, and passengers to... |
