Author: Kristina

  • Salvadore Park

    – When you hear “Coral Gables” you automatically think of beautiful shade trees and it’s many green open spaces. With that said, Salvadore Park in Coral Gables met my expectations and more. The playgrounds are clean and there is plenty of shade, which are two things that I look for when visiting a park. I was already envisioning my sons first birthday and how I would decorate the pavilion and pergola. Unfortunately, the City of Coral Gables does not allow any bounce houses. This just gives me the opportunity to get creative and think outside of the typical birthday “box”. What ever happened to a day at the park; blowing bubbles, drawing with sidewalk chalk and playing hide and seek?

    I love the way the park is spread out into sections. The bigger kids playground and swing set are separated by a small retaining wall which also serves as a bench.  Then there is the smaller size playground and baby swings which are geared towards younger children. Not only is this park beautiful, but it also offers the basic needs such as bathrooms. Every parent knows that the minute you get them out of the car seat and onto the playground, the first thing they need to do is go to the bathroom. This has happened to me many of times at parks which don’t have restrooms.

    Hopefully after reading this you will visit Salvadore Park in Coral Gables, if you haven’t already.

    1120 Andalusia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

    (305) 460-5620

    www.coralgables.com

    The park features:

    • Scenic view
    • Picnic tables
    • Benches
    • Walking path
    • Playground
    • Restrooms
    • Parking
    • Tennis courts

    Open everyday sunset to sunrise

    Salvadore Park Pavilion Rental Fee’s:

    Up to 30 only
    $46 + Tax/hour
    $100 deposit
    $100 insurance fee
    A permit from the City of Coral Gables is required for the rental of the pavilion. See their website for more details.

  • Girl Scouts Go Mobile

    GIRL SCOUTS GO MOBILE

    Girl Scouts Launch Free Mobile App in Local Area

    MIAMI – January 31, 2011 – Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida joins in announcing that the Girls Scout Cookie Program is going mobile as part of a national pilot program in the local market. Cookie lovers soon will be able to use their smart phones to find the nearest cookie booths and a list of dates and times when those booths will be open. No more driving to the local grocery store only to find that the cookie booth is located at a different store that day.

    Later this month, the app can be downloaded free by simply calling **GSCOOKIES (**472665437) from a mobile phone. Data and messaging rates may apply. The app also will be available in the iPhone App Store and Android Market Place.

    “People often underestimate the number of Girl Scout Cookies they want to order and end up wishing they’d ordered more. Or they don’t know a Girl Scout who can help them,” said Maria Tejera, CEO of Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida. “Soon, customers will be able to download an app on their smart phone and find their favorite treats fast.”

    The application, which will be available for iPhones and Android devices, uses either GPS or manually entered zip codes, cities or states to find cookie booths near the customer. The app will conveniently map those locations and add the sale information to the calendar. In addition to locating the booths, customers can learn about their favorite cookies, including nutritional value and ingredients. Cookie lovers can take a fun, interactive quiz to learn their “cookie personalities” as well.

    Users will also be able to share sale locations, cookie information and their cookie personalities with friends on Facebook, Twitter and in email.

    “The Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls business and leadership skills. This new method of reaching customers teaches them about the benefits of using relevant technology to achieve their goals,” said Eva Berbrick, Product Sales Manager of Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida. “Girl Scouts also learn to serve their communities, so the purchase of cookies supports girls and benefits our whole community in many direct and indirect ways.”

    The Cookie Club was created by Little Brownie Bakers, one of two bakers licensed by Girl Scouts of the USA.  Little Brownie Bakers has been baking Girl Scout Cookies since 1973 and is licensed by Girl Scouts of the USA. Little Brownie Bakers’ mission is to provide cookies and support services of the highest quality to Girl Scout Councils so that the annual Cookie Sale activities will help build a wide range of life skills for girls and generate income for Girl Scout troops and councils. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

    For more information about the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, please visit please visit www.girlscoutsfl.org or call 305-253-4841.

    Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, Inc. serves over 22,331 girls, with 16,341 girls registered under the guidance of 3,665 adults in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.  Girl Scouts is a place where girls learn to believe in themselves, make long-lasting friendships, recognize their strengths and see a future of exciting possibilities. All girls may join Girl Scouts at any age from 5 to 17 years old.

    Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is the preeminent organization in the world committed to girls growing strong.  In Girl Scouts girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together through experiences such as field trips, sports, skills building, community service and cultural exchanges.

    – Bristol Public Relations 1/31/11


  • February Events

    UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS 2011
    Where: Sun Life Stadium Parking Area (Entrance through Gate 2) 2269 NW 199th St., Miami Gardens, FL 33056
    When: Tuesday, February  1 thru Sunday, February 6, 2011
    OPENING NIGHT: Tuesday Feb. 1 @ 7:30 p.m.
    Wednesday, Feb. 2 @ 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
    Thursday, Feb. 3 @ 9:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
    Friday, Feb. 4 @ 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
    Saturday, Feb. 5 @ 12 noon, 4:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
    Sunday, Feb. 6 @ 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

    UniverSoul Circus will set its stage where generations of family can come together and enjoy each other by dancing in the aisles and singing along the most popular Pop, R&B, Hip Hop and Latin songs of today. 2011 marks the return of two of UniverSoul’s all-time fan favorites, including Jean Claude an amazing aerialist from Paris, France and Ricardo a Cuban-born contortionist who bends like a pretzel. Also back is the ringmaster team extraordinaire, Shuckey Duckey and his pint-sized sidekick Zeke. The rest of the UniverSoul Circus line up for 2011 will flat out blow you away. We have an amazing lineup that includes, a daredevil motorcycle globe act, trickster dogs, high wire, a magic act, tigers, comedy trapeze, foot juggling and elephants.

    Tickets prices range from $12.00 to $27.00. Children under 1 are FREE.
    Tickets available through TICKETMASTER at www.ticketmaster.com and 1-800-745-3000, Sun Life Stadium Box and www.UniverSoulcircus.com. For discounts for groups 20 or more, call 800-316-7439.  To learn more about UniverSoul Circus, visit www.UniverSoulcircus.com.

    Gardens Cinema: Family Fridays
    Where: Pinecrest Gardens
    When: Friday, February 4, 2011  @ 7:00pm
    Family Fridays will feature movies for Moms, Dads and children of all ages. The Banyan Concession will serve hot and delicious pizza, hotdogs, and cold soft drinks before every movie.
    $5 General Admission Children under 3 Free
    Movie : Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole   PG
    The film follows Soren, a young owl enthralled by his father’s epic stories of the Guardians of Ga’ Hoole, a mythic band of winged warriors who had fought a great battle to save all of owlkind from the evil Pure Ones.

    Fabulous First Friday
    Where: Miami Science Museum
    When: Friday, February 4, 2011
    Join us for an evening of laser lights, stars, and more.
    Free Planetarium Star Show (7:30pm) and rooftop observatory viewing
    (8:30pm – 10pm, weather permitting.)
    Later in the evening, check out Miami Science Museum’s Famous Laser Shows in the Planetarium.
    7:00pm Legends of the Night Sky (Family Laser Show)
    9:00pm Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here
    10:00pm Pink Floyd: Animals
    11:00pm Pink Floyd: A Saucerful of Secrets
    Midnight Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon

    Laser Show Admission: $4.00 children – $8.00 adults
    Check out our Activity Room for kids – a fun alternative for your little ones! Swing by the Space Gallery just before 8:00pm and sign your kids up for an hour of fun, supervised activities and demonstrations! Kids ages 3 and up.
    $3 donation, FREE for Museum members. (8:00pm.)

    Phone Contact: Box Office 305.646.4200
    Email Contact: boxoffice@miamisci.org

    Dolphin Mall’s Splasher’s Kids Club Event
    Where: Dolphin Mall; Ramblas Plaza Entry 3 –  11401 N.W. 12th Street, Miami, FL 33172
    When: Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm
    Join the festivities on Saturday, February 5th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Ramblas Plaza, Entry 3, as the Dolphin Mall Splasher’s Kids Club presents an afternoon of fun for all featuring a character appearance and a magician!
    There will be musical entertainment, activities, face painting, giveaways and more!
    Click here for more information on how to join the club and take advantage of the special savings offers just for members.

    MiChiMu’s Special Super Bowl
    Where: Miami Children’s Museum
    When: Sunday, February 6th 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Join MiChiMu and the rest of the MCM crew as we celebrate this exciting day. There will be obstacle courses, football crafts, games and more!
    Admission $15
    Florida Resident $12
    Children under 1 year FREE
    Members Complimentary

    Let’s Go Fly A Kite
    Where:  Miami Children’s Museum
    When: Tuesday, February 8th 2011 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    It’s National Fly A Kite Day and here at MCM, we want to celebrate it. So come on by as we create our own
    kites and put them to the test!
    Admission $15
    Florida Resident $12
    Children under 1 year FREE
    Members Complimentary

    Sports Injury Prevention for MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETES
    Where: Miami Children’s Hospital  West Kendall Center: 13400 SW 120th Street Suite 100 & 200 , Miami ,FL 33186
    When: Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 6:30pm – 9:00pm
    Recommended for middle school age young athletes and their parents.
    REGISTER TODAY !
    For registration and information, please call 305-237-2612 or email nlopez1@mdc.edu.
    Register early! Seating is limited

    DADELAND MALL’S “BOOK BLAST”
    Where: Dadeland Mall (Area in front Kay Jewelers) 7535 N. Kendall Drive, Miami, FL  33156
    When:Friday, February 11, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    Dadeland Mall invites children of all ages to celebrate the joys of reading at Simon Kidgits Club’s “Book Blast” event.  Engaging reading activities and giveaways will bring to life children’s stories and help celebrate books and the joy of reading.  Featured storytellers are authors Lisa McCourt, “I Love You, Stinky Face,” and Pablo Cartaya, “Tina Cocolina: Queen of the Cupcakes.”
    In partnership with the Florida Department of Education, Dadeland Mall will be accepting donations of new and gently-used books during a three week period around this event.  The books will support the “Just Read, Florida!” initiative and will be distributed to local area programs and schools.  Kidgits events are sponsored by Florida Blue.Book Drop-off at Guest Services Desk (main entrance) from January 24 – February 18.
    Cost: FREE to Kidgits Club members
    The Simon Kidgits Club’s “Book Blast” event is free to members.  Families can sign up for the Kidgits Club, during regular mall hours, for a membership fee of $5.  Membership includes a Kidgits Club membership card and T-shirt, scheduled entertainment and activities for families, a Birthday Club (including birthday card and gift redemption certificate), unique programs and offers, discounts and a quarterly newsletter.  For more information, visit www.simon.com/kidgits or contact Dadeland Mall at (305) 665-6226.

    THE FALLS MALL’ “BOOK BLAST”
    Where: The Falls (Center Court) 8888 SW 136th Street, Miami, FL 33176
    When: Saturday, February 12, 20112 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    The Falls welcomes children of all ages to celebrate the joys of reading at the Simon Kidgits Club’s “Book Blast” event.  Event attendees will enjoy an afternoon of engaging reading activities including interactive story telling by popular children’s author, Lisa McCourt, author of “I Love You, Stinky Face” arts and crafts to help bring to life children’s stories and celebrate the joy of reading and more. Copies of “I Love You, Stinky Face” will be available for purchase onsite at Sparkle Plenty, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Just Read, Florida! In addition, participants will also have the opportunity to use Apple iPads to explore the Florida Department of Education’s “Find a Book, Florida,” tool that will help attendees locate new and intriguing books tailored to their own reading interests based upon the attendee’s reading ability.
    In collaboration with the Florida Department of Education, a two-week book drive will commence at The Falls’ “Book Blast” event.  Families are encouraged to donate new and gently-used books at Guest Services beginning Sat., Feb. 12 through Sun., Feb. 27. The books will support the goals of The Florida Department of Education’s “Just Read, Florida!” initiative and will be distributed to local area programs and schools.
    Cost: FREE to Kidgits Club members
    Contact The Falls at (305) 255-4571, visit www.simon.com or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShopTheFalls.
    The Simon Kidgits Club’s “Book Blast” event is free to members. Families can sign up for the Kidgits Club, during regular mall hours, for a membership fee of $5.  Membership includes a Kidgits Club membership card and T-shirt, scheduled entertainment and activities for families, a Birthday Club (including birthday card and gift redemption certificate), unique programs and offers, discounts and a quarterly newsletter. For more information, visit www.simon.com/kidgits.

    Valentine’s Day
    Where: Miami Children’s Museum
    When: Monday, February 14th 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Roses are RED, Violets are BLUE. If you’re wearing RED, we’d like to see YOU! Join us as we celebrate this lovely day. There will be games and crafts. Even a special appearance from Mr. Potato Head. Children wearing RED will receive a special gift at the entrance.
    Admission $15
    Florida Resident $12
    Children under 1 year FREE
    Members Complimentary

    Character Wednesday at Aventura Mall
    Where: Aventura Mall : Rainbow Valley Playground
    When:  Wednesday, February 16, 2011  & Wednesday, February 23, 2011 from 10:00am – 12:00pm
    2/16/11 : Join storyteller, Suzy Hammer, as the Lovie Dovie the Valentine Lady.
    2/23/11 : Join a special character guest as Joanie, our storyteller reads, sings, and dances.

    Target Free Third Friday
    Where: Miami Children’s Museum
    When:  Friday, February 18, 2011 from 3:00pm – 9:00pm
    MCM and Target invite you to celebrate every month with fun interactive activities and crafts, storytelling and much more! You can also explore hundreds of bilingual, interactive exhibits which are related to arts, culture, community and communication for FREE!

    The Coconut Grove Art Festival
    Where: Festival runs along the streets of McFarlane Road, South Bayshore Drive and Pan American Drive.
    When: February 19, 20, & 21, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
    Celebrating its 48th anniversary in 2011, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival® is one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine Arts Festivals. The Festival showcases the works of over 360 of the finest artists and craftsmen in the world. A signature event of the South Florida cultural calendar, the Arts Festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet with exhibiting artists, sample fine cuisine, enjoy live entertainment and take a walk through history. Last year approximately 4 million dollars of artwork was sold in three days at the show.

    Cost:
    $10 per person per day. Children 12 and under, Metrorail Golden Passport and Patriot Passport holders are free.
    www.coconutgroveartsfest.com

    Baptist Children’s Hospital Presents: Raising Girls
    Where: Baptist Hospital Auditorium : 8900 North Kendall Drive, Miami FL 33176
    When: Thursday, February 24, 2011 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm
    Psychologist Regina Mendoza, Psy.D., will discuss how parents can help daughters understand their changing bodies; create and maintain healthy friendships; the importance of positive role models; and striving for achievement in school, sports and other activities.
    The fee for the program is $5 and must be paid in advance.  To reserve your space and make your payment, please call 786-596-3812.

    Fun & Fit as a Family
    Where: Jungle Island
    When: Saturday & Sunday, February 26 & 27th, 2011 from 10:00am – 5:00pm
    Come and bring your family to learn about healthy living and how to incorporate it into your lives. Rachael Ray, Rocco Dispririto and Giada De Laurentis will be at the event on Saturday. For more details visit www.funandfitasafamily.com/2011

    Cost: $20 per person, per day. Advance ticket sales only. Purchase tickets here

    Pinecrest Gardens Farmers Market
    Where: Pinecrest Gardens
    When: Sunday, February 20 & 27th, 2011 @ 9:00am – 2:00pm
    The Market Company Pinecrest Gardens Farmers’ Market is a seasonal market featuring a wealth of fresh local and organic produce, along with a wide variety of items that represent the unique diversity of South Florida, including cut flowers, tropical plants, orchids, baked goods, bonsai & bonsai arrangements, jams, jellies, oils, vinegar, potpourri, lucky bamboo and honey.

  • Jewelry…A girl’s best friend!

    – Valentine’s Day is around the corner and if you’re looking for  great jewelry at a great price check out www.mybranicboutique.com . A good friend of mine recently started My Branic Boutique and I’ve already bought rings, earrings and necklaces for myself and my daughter.  They have some amazing jewelry sets too!  I would love to hear your feedback on the jewelry so please feel free to comment below.