GIVEAWAY! $200 Gift Card to Ann Taylor Concept Store in Short Hills Mall

Submitted by Shari Simpson on

You know, once in a while we just like to do something nice for our readers. You work your fingers to the bone trying to raise your little darlings, plus perhaps work outside the home, and when you come to our site, we'd like it to be a fun visit. So we're going to treat one of you to a $200 gift card for Ann Taylor's new concept store which just opened up at the Short Hills Mall this past weekend. Yippee! And you're welcome! Keep reading to find out about Ann, her fabulous clothes and how to WIN.

Weekly Wrap Up: Smurf Week, The Yellow Brick Road, Rubin Museum's New Education Center

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

Can you believe we say goodbye to July this weekend? Summer always seems to move so quickly. Already, the back-to-school push has started, and we're all counting down the remaining days of break. (My six-year-old is actually marking them on her calendar.)

But August has 31 days! How much fun can you pack into them? There's certainly a lot to do beyond the usual pools, water playgrounds and beaches. The Rubin Museum of Art just opened a new education center, Theatreworks USA's free musical The Yellow Brick Road plays through August 19 and you can always celebrate the season by reading a beautiful book about summer.

And if you have plans to travel to Boston, Los Angeles or Orlando, we have some exciting news: We're launching editions in each of those cities in August (the exact date has yet to be determined). To make sure you're notified when they go up, sign up for the newsletters now. We're also working on a Family Travel site, which will cover destinations all over the U.S.A... and beyond.

And that's just a bit of what's going on. Here's what we covered this week on Mommy Poppins in NYC, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut.

Your NJ Weekend July 30-31: Hot Air Balloon Fests, Fairies, 4-H Fairs and More, Mostly FREE!

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Whether you’ve thrilled to a hot air balloon ride or just love looking up at a sky filled with huge colorful balloons, you’ll love this weekend! There’s two fests–a smaller one with rides and fair fun; and a huge one with hot concert action. Speaking of concerts, check out the FREE “Grease” performance on the Hoboken waterfront, or the stars of tomorrow performing a tribute to the Big Apple. There’s also fairy fun, an indoor play party, and Thomas the Tank Engine. Up, up and away!

Fun and Free Things to Do this Weekend for NYC Kids: High Line Rink, Cultural Festivals, Great Jazz July 30-31

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Don’t let all the back-to-school ads fool you: There are still five and a half weeks of break to go. Now that last week's record-breaking heat wave is behind us, it's time to get back out there and enjoy summer in the city.

And there's plenty of fun to be had. Roller-skate the day away at the brand-new High Line Rink, build your best sandcastle at the Rockaways' legendary competition and get hep at Great Jazz on the Great Hill. There are also a number of wonderful cultural events. Hit the Queens County Farm Museum for the annual three-day Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow, get psyched for the upcoming Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at the Museum of Chinese in America's Festival Family Day and celebrate Hispanic heritage at Junta Hispana.

Even though the weather will be milder, with temperatures in the 90s, you'll still want to spend some time cooling off at New York City pools, water playgrounds and beaches.

Our best bets for the weekend are below. You can find additional seasonal fun in our Summer Fun Guide and our Event Calendar.

Outdoor Dining with Long Island Kids

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Eat outside with your family, but let someone else take care of the food, and the dishes. Outdoor dining brings you and yours great views, excellent food and none of the work. We’ve got some great Long Island outdoor dining spots listed here that offer something for everyone.

Free and Fun Things to Do this Weekend in Connecticut: Fairs, Sunflowers & Great Shows! July 30-31st

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There are a bunch of fantastic outdoor events this weekend. Lots of sunflowers and weekend festivals. You'll find our best bets listed below. Interested in going on a family kayaking expedition? Check out our post about where to go and what to do. We also posted about Fairfield County's best beaches on a budget. Whatever you choose to do this weekend, have fun and enjoy the lazy days of summer. And remember, you can always find additional seasonal fun in our Events Calendar.

Go See The Yellow Brick Road: A New Latin Take on the Old Oz Tale

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

To say I'm a fan of Oz is putting it mildly. I have an entire collection of Wizard of Oz dolls, trinkets and merchandise. (It's currently in my daughter's room... but she knows it's all mine.)

Over the years there have been many new takes on L. Frank Baum's fantastical world and characters, and I've tried to see them all. Some are amazing (Wicked on Broadway), some not so much (the miniseries Tin Man, ugh). So when I heard Theatreworks USA was mounting a Latin-themed kids' musical based on Oz, I was cautiously excited. Would my daughter and I be enchanted by our journey down The Yellow Brick Road or would we end up wishing we were home, just like Dorothy?

The verdict: The Yellow Brick Road is smart and sassy, with wonderful salsa- and meringue-infused pop songs. And, unlike The Wiz, the multiculturalism presented here is progressive and positive. Bonus: The hour-long show is absolutely free. We've got the scoop on the show and how to snag tickets.

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