Sesame Street: Being Green

It was Kermit the Frog who once said "It's not easy being green." But now a day's being green is well, the color to be. And Sesame Street's "Being Green" is a wonderful dvd teaching kids about saving the earth through songs and colors. The video has gotten rave reviews from critics and kids alike and is a great tool for children to learn the importance of taking care of our planet. Guess it must be true, green is the new black. Play Nice & Go Green!

Read All About it-Children's Book Corner-Corduroy

One of my childhood favorites is the loving tale of Corduroy. It was quite surreal when I had the opportunity to have lunch with Roy Freeman, author Don Freeman's son and the inspiration of Corduroy. Roy was lovely and talented in his own right and also a fan of the book.

Corduroy was read to me and my brothers by our mother many moons ago, yet the adventures of little Corduroy remain entertaining. We found this sweet natured teddy bear adorable and endearing. We would worry about Corduroy in the department store with the lights out looking for his button. This book is a true joy and a great story for children. Today, my nieces and nephew enjoy the story of Corduroy and I bet your little ones will too. Enjoy and Play Nice.

PS (public school) 22-

If you're not yet hip to New York City's PS 22 Chorus you need to be. This children's chorus has had the opportunity to sing for celebrities like Tori Amos, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and many others. What started out as a simple school chorus quickly grew when the enthusiastic instructor, Gregg Breinberg, uploaded a video of the children singing to you tube (with the permission from parents, of course). In true internet fashion the video went viral and the chorus gained international attention. As of February 1, 2010 there have been 15,000,000 views. Some of our favorites is "One Day", "Halo" by Beyonce and "Don't Stop Believin". Thank you Gregg Breinberg for being a true inspiration and for making a difference in the life of a child.

Skate Cakes-Life Couldn't Get any Sweeter

It's no secret BKLYN Yard is a fan of cupcakes and skateboarding so when one of our favorite cupcake shops Crumbs decided to marry the two we just couldn't contain our excitement. The "Tony Hawk SkateCake" is a chocolate delight with cream cheese frosting, sprinkles and a rad candy skateboard to add that magic touch. Designed by skate board legend Tony Hawk, proceedes will be donated to the Tony Hawk foundation (aww philanthropy) a nonprofit, designed to help provide funds to build high-quality skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States. So, the next time your little one has a craving for that sweet stuff then head on over to a Crumbs nearest you and dig in. Play Nice!

Bargains Around Your Town

Everyone loves a 'deal'-even BKLYN Yard- and that's why we decided to hunt down some sweet bargains of kid friendly places around the country. As Spring has made an appearance being out and about is what the little tykes want most. The Bargainist lists some cool activities, many of which are free from museums, stadiums and park admissions all over the country (You read it right...not just in BKLYN). So read it and weep and then head out there and have some fun.

Easter Egg Hunt

As Easter approaches the creative juices start flowing for the little ones when decorating those eggs come into play. We thought it would be fun to share some cool decorating tips (compliments of Disney) to make those pastel eggs a little more....well, hip. Be inspired by some of the eggs we found and hey, please share some of your own Egg creations. Email us at bklynyardkids@gmail.com. We'd love to see what you're workin' with. Play Nice.

Check It: http://familyfun.go.com/easter/easter-crafts/egg-decorating-ideas-843997/

Winner of BAMie Award..

A fun loving and carefree flick about wishes and high spirited adventures, The Magic Tree, has been announced as the top dog and winner of the BAMie Award as Best Feature from BAMS annual Kid's Festival. Votes were just tallied over this past weekend.

This Polish movie is a wonderful family friendly film about three children who, after having to stay behind with their strict aunt while their parents travel abroad, stumble upon a magic chair that grants their wishes and takes them on an exciting adventure the whole family will enjoy. This film has acquired additional accolades from the Chicago and Oulo (Finland) children's film festivals as well. And as it is currently playing at film festivals be on the look out for it playing at a festival near you. Until then enjoy a fun loving interview at the European Children's Film Association with the director of the film, Andrzej Maleszka. Kudos on a film well done~

Children's Book Corner-Scooby Doo and the Camping Caper

Meet the adorable, fun loving and quite possibly one of the funniest people I know, "Miss May" a sweet 3 year old who is reviewing this weeks book. A big fan of Scooby Doo it was no surprise that her chosen book is "Scooby Doo and the Camping Caper"

BKLYN Yard: Whats the name of your favorite book?
"Miss May": Scooby Do & the Camping Capper

BKLYN Yard: What do you like about your book?
"Miss May": Daphene because she's smart and pretty.

BKLYN Yard: What's your favorite part in the book?
"Miss May": The Monster

BKLYN Yard: Who do you like reading the book to you?
"Miss May": Mama because I like her to all days.

BKLYN Yard: Anything else you'd like to share about the book?
"Miss May": I love Aunt Nicole. (awwww-melt)

And according to "Miss May's" hip mommy the little girl lovvves all things Scooby Do and the little one insists on having Scooby Doo bed sheets. When playing with friends she play's Scooby Doo and always wants to be Daphne. Her mom says "I guess things follow generations. One of my aunts told me whenever Scooby came on I'd run to the tv singing the theme song." Like mother like daughter. So for all you Scooby fans out there check it out and Play Nice

Make a Wish...

and hope the birthday cake you baked turn out as good as these (above). I was inspired this past weekend after attending little M&N's 3rd birthday party-(remember our little book reviewer). Her mommy has such a knack for making such creations and calling them birthday cakes. The princess castle cake was this years masterpiece and last year she did an incredible Mini-Mouse cake (which has yet to be uploaded). According to M&N's cute mama it takes a lot of patience but she really loves doing it. So in addition to her little castle we wanted to share other cool cakes. And if these have inspired you to get out there and make your own then check out the Coolest-Birthday-Cakes.com for some handy dandy tips. Enjoy & Play Nice!

Let's All Go to the Movies-Even if the "Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow"...

You can still go to the movies today (and every Monday for that matter)at the Cobble Hill Cinema in Brooklyn. Because, every Monday at 4pm, the Cobble Hill Cinema, located on Court St. hosts Big Movies for Little Kids. This film series is good for tykes 2yrs and up and admission is $6.50. Tickets can be bought one week in advance for those who love to plan. This Monday, March 22nd, Annie will be rocking the movie screen for the enjoyment of the little tykes (and honestly for caregivers too...because who's not a fan of Little Orphan Annie....yup we thought so). Other films to look forward to is some Tom and Jerry action, The Adventures of Milo and Otis and I Love Lucy. So, all you Brooklynites looking for something fun and different to do with the little ones on Mondays then head on down to the theater, grab a popcorn and watch a good flick (while sporting your BKLYN Yard, of course). Play Nice!

A Shave & A Haircut

Welllll, maybe not the shave...but Brooklyn is where you want to be to have the little one get a 'snip, snip here and a snip, snip there, here a snip, there a snip, everywhere a snip, snip...because it is at the Brooklyn General Barber Emporium, in Williamsburg where the little one can get their haircut inside a good ol' fashion barber shop. They can sit in this retro setting while in an airplane chair where they can navigate with the barber to a whole new do...And to make your little one at ease they can purchase some yummy candies and toys that line the walls after the cutting is finito. So, get to it and greet the spring with a whole new look. Play Nice, while looking sharp.

Spring Fever

And we've got it good! Once the clocks move forward, and leaves start to bloom we can't help but get that feva' for the spring time! This Spring the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has got a cure for that fever. They are offering an array of activities for the young ones to 'dig in' to. At the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Children's Garden there are over 800 kids that have the opportunity to garden each year. (that's a lot of flowers). Moms and dads can sign their little green thumbed munchkin up to learn the basics of gardening. The program also include structured play, games, and arts and crafts that are used to teach the basics of gardening both indoors and out! And the best part is they can take home flowers and vegetables that they have grown. Lucky! And, no worries if you're not a brooklynite. There are gardens everywhere and you better believe the little ones would enjoy it. So get your hands dirty and play nice.

Leprechaun Pudding-Mmmm mmmmm Good.

Celebrate this St. Patrick's Day with a little bit of luck on your side. Here is a fun and easy recipe for you and your sweet tyke to do together. The Leperchaun Pudding is a tasty treat for St. Patricks Day. And who knows, maybe you'll find a pot of gold awaiting when finished. Enjoy and Play Nice:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:

* 1 Tbsp Instant Pistachio Pudding
* 1/2 Cup Milk
* Ziploc Baggie

Preparation:
Put the tablespoon of pudding mix and 1/2 cup of milk into the ziploc sandwhich bag. Close the baggie tightly, squeeze and shake. Enjoy.

Children's Book Corner-Reviewed by Little M&N

We wanted to start a fun weekly series where the little ones have the opportunity to review their favorite book. For our first series, we wanted to feature cute M&N,an adorable almost three year old and a big fan of BKLYN Yard (as you can see from the picture).

Her favorite book at the moment is:

Pinkalicious

BKY: Whats the name of your favorite book
M&N: Pinkalicious

BKY: What do you like about your book
M&N: My friend gave it to me.

BKY: What's your favorite part in the book
M&N: Pink's my favorite color!

BKY: Who do you like reading the book to you and why
M&N: Nana because I love her.

BKY: Anything else you'd like to share about the book
M&N: I like the boy.

And there you have it. Wise words from a sweet three year old. And according to M&N's mommy "she LOVES pink and pink cupcakes so this book was absolutely perfect for her...I'm pretty sure she'd love to turn pink just like the girl in the story!" If you're looking for a good read for your little one. Check it out, especially if they're a fan of pink. Until then Play Nice.

Tim Burton @ Moma

We recently had the opportunity to check out the Tim Burton exhibit at MOMA. Upon entering the 'world' of Tim Burton, creator of Alice & Wonderland, Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas and countless of others, you feel as if you have entered into his imagination. What we learned from his unique sculptures, drawings and stories is this man is not only a film maker but an artist. A brilliant one at that. The exhibit captures his evolution from small town California kid to the big time Hollywoood filmmaker. They even have a copy of the short film he did for his college graduation and his badge as a junior policeman in high school. It's truly an experience worth checking out. The last day of the exhibit is April 26th...so there's still time. Get to it and Play Nice!

BKLYN Yard is Growing

Just like a kid BKLYN Yard is growing each day. In addition to selling our hip gear at the amazing Smoochie Baby in Williamsburg, you have to keep a sharp eye out for our onesies, thermals and other BKLYN Yard faves now arriving this week at Lolli Shop in Park Slope and Gumbo on Atlantic Ave. All awesome kids shops and all in Brooklyn. Check em' out and Play Nice!

Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday to you you old rhyming master! Dr. Seuss would've been turning 106yrs today and Brooklyn is doing it up right. At the Brooklyn Children's Museum there are a plethora of activities and celebrations going on to recognize the man who shapes children's imaginations world wide with "Green Eggs and Ham" or with that infamous "Grinch". And if you're not in BK to whoop it up don't worry. Make a cake and read the little tyke one of your old favorite Seuss stories.

Pillow Fights

We're always concocting new activities to do with the kids (nieces and nephews) and an absolute favorite from my childhoods past was 'designing' our own pillowcases with fabric paint. It would be hours of fun for my brothers and I and allowed us to bring out the art-eest in each of us. While my brothers were busy drawing cars and dinos I mastered the lady bug while stenciling my name. Designing your own pillowcase makes for a wonderful keepsake too and something the kiddies can have always. Also, my older sister used this as a great activity for her daughters first slumber party. It kept the little ladies entertained and allowed them to take home something cool. So get out those fabric paints and ideas and put them on a pillow (case that is). Pillow Case Crafts can help you if you need a little direction. Play Nice!

Wonderland

We don't know about you but we can't wait to check out our old childhood favorite, Alice, and her return to Wonderland in Tim Burtons adaptation Alice in Wonderland. This visually stunning film looks like it will inspire the kid in all of us. According to Helena Bonham Carter, who plays the Red Queen, the film compared to the book "has taken a lot of characters from Alice and given them a new story." So "don't be late for a very important date" to catch the film. (oh yeah, be sure to wear your BKLYN Yard to the movies) Play Nice!

March Madness: Time to get Your Read On!

We've said it once and we'll say it again, BKLYN Yard loves a good read (in addition to looking stylin', of course)! And with the rave reviews surrounding the Big Red Balloon, written by Rukhsana Khan, we simply had to share. A moving story about a little girl, Rubina, who has been invited to her first birthday party. Her mother insists that Rubina bring her little sister along for the celebration. Initially mortified by her mothers request Rubina tries to convince her mother that it's not a customary thing they do "here". However, she still finds herself with her "bothersome" younger sister at her friend’s birthday party. How Rubina handles herself is both moving and inspiring for young readers. Coming out on March 4th, so go ahead and check it out. It's worth the read.

And for other reviews on new children's books Check It:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/450984-Children_s_Books_Reviews_3_1_2010.php-

Play Nice!