by Melissa Kay | Jun 28, 2019 | Blog, News |
Here’s more info about what’s happening at AMC… Juicing with Shmuli What fun we experienced when we had a chance to pick apples and dig up carrots. We juiced and then tasted them and focused on how appreciative we should be for the fruits and vegetables we get and all the steps involved until we obtain the food we eat (planting, waiting for rain, caring for plants and trees, harvesting, delivering to the store, parents/teachers going to the store etc.). Then we took a moment to think about how sad it would be if we didn’t have all these things and how appreciative and happy we are that we do! We are now on Amazon Smile! AMC has teamed up with AmazonSmile to allow you to support your child’s school at no extra cost to you! Amazon Smile allows you to do your regular Amazon shopping while donating 0.5% of the total purchase price to an organization of your choice. On your first visit to the website, you will be prompted to select an agency from their list of eligible organizations. AMC is listed as All My Children Day Care located in Brooklyn, NY. Amazon will remember your selection and save it under your account, and then for every eligible purchase you make on smile.amazon.com, the AmazonSmile Foundation will make a donation to our school. To select our school for donations please visit: https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/UZ7BF19MJ8JQ/ref=smi_ext_lnk_lcl_cl For more information about AmazonSmile, please visit the main page: http://smile.amazon.com/about. Thank you for your support. Check Out Our Summer Program! July 2 – Aug. 31; ages 2-6. 8AM – 4PM – optional after care until 6PM. Weekly rates available. Soccer, music, yoga, robotics, water play, exciting trips, and...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 14, 2019 | Blog, News |
What’s better than the taste of cold ice cream on a sweltering summer day? Creamy and sweet, ice cream is a favorite of kids and adults alike. Sure, we love ice cream any time of year, but when the sun is out and the weather is hot, the cool confection really hits the spot. It’s fun to go out to the ice cream parlor and sit down for a scoop or wave down the ice cream truck for a soft serve swirl, but making sundaes at home is something special to do with the kids. Here are some ideas for DIY sundaes that will make everyone’s mouths water. As an afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert, these delicious treats will delight. Grab your spoon and dig in! Tempting Toppings When it comes to sundaes, it’s all about the toppings. Whether your base is basic vanilla or something more complex, the toppings take the dish to the next level. The tried and true topping like rainbow sprinkles, hot fudge, and crushed nuts are always tasty, but why not experiment with some less common concoctions? How about dried fruit bits, chocolate covered raisins, coconut flakes, dry breakfast cereal, or even gummy candies? Drizzle with rich caramel sauce or a squeeze of golden honey. Whipped cream is a classic, but swap it out for marshmallow fluff for more fun. The options are endless, so mix and match for the flavor combinations you crave. The Bowl Made Better You can serve your sundaes in an ice cream dish or a regular bowl, but before you add your scoops, create a “bottom floor” for an unexpected...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 8, 2019 | Blog, News |
With summer kicking off, it’s all about fun, but welcome it wisely. This means safety must be taken seriously, especially when kids are part of the equation. While most summer activities will be smooth sailing, there are situations where injuries, accidents, or other mishaps can happen. Being proactive in preventing such scenarios is a parent’s number one duty. Follow these tips to make this summer as safe as possible, so the kids can have fun while you have peace of mind. Sunscreen The summer sun is serious business. Even on overcast days, the UV rays are powerful. Never let your child leave the house without a healthy application of sunscreen all over their body. Use a high SPF and be generous. If they’ll be out all day, send along a bottle or tube for a reapplication after swimming or sweating. Sunburns can be painful and potentially dangerous. Protecting their skin is essential. Swimming Whether the kids are swimming in a pool or the ocean, there must be lifeguards or other responsible adults present. No matter how good a swimmer your child is, there’s always the chance that something could go wrong. If you are able to provide swim lessons for your child, it would be a lifelong gift. Make sure your child always follows the rules and sticks with a buddy. Swimming is a great way to cool off and get some activity, but it’s only OK when the kids proceed with caution. Pests Bug bites are a pesky problem when summer comes around. Be sure to protect your child with repellent. Also make sure to check their body...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 5, 2019 | Blog, News |
Kids love a day at the beach, but when they’re done playing in the sand and the surf, there is still the rest of the day to use wisely. Just like we enjoy a good beach read, kids can bring a book along to the beach and jump into the pages of adventure when they’ve run out of steam. Why not choose a book that’s beach-related? Makes sense considering the circumstances. The topic couldn’t be more appropriate and there are plenty of options out there. Here are some beach-worthy kids’ books they’ll love as much as they do building sandcastles and swimming. When the heat is too much to handle, they can find a spot in the shade and start flipping through the pages. What Lives in a Shell? (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1) by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld Kids love to find shells on the sand, but what do they really know about these interesting hard “homes” for sea life? This learning book is as educational as it is entertaining. National Geographic Readers: At the Beach by Shira Evans There is so much to explore at the beach, and this National Geographic book puts it all together for kids to absorb. The next time you go to the beach, they’ll be more insightful than ever. Curious George Goes to the Beach by H.A. Rey Children have adored the adorable monkey for decades, and in this story, he heads to the beach for an exciting afternoon with his friend. Biscuit’s First Beach Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli The first time at the beach is a special day, and Biscuit the dog is ready...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 2, 2019 | Blog, News |
When the kids are off from school and have every day free for fun in the sun, spending can become an issue. We want our kids to have a blast, but before we know it, we’ve blown lots of money. Summertime doesn’t mean that the bank account has to dwindle. We can have plenty of memorable times with the kids without wasting money in the process. Of course, not everything comes cheap (or free), but with planning and a positive attitude, there are plenty of ways to spend those summer days on a dime. Here are some inexpensive ways to make it through summer without overspending. The kids won’t feel like they’re missing a thing, and you won’t be missing your money! Park Picnic The kids have to eat no matter what, so why not make mealtime an enjoyable outdoor activity? Pack up a picnic basket with plenty of goodies and drinks – snacks, sandwiches, juice, fruit, etc. – and bring a big blanket to sit on. Find a nice cool shady spot on the grass and dig in. Once the food is finished, the kids can play in the park. It sure beats sitting around the kitchen table when the weather’s so lovely. Indoor Ice Cream DIY Bar Kids love to eat ice cream when the weather’s warm, but taking everyone to the ice cream shop can add up. You’ll save a lot of money by buying a big container of ice cream and a variety of toppings to bring home. Set all the toppings out in small bowls and give the kids a scoop or two. They...
by Melissa Kay | May 20, 2019 | Blog, News |
Wintertime means cozying up to a piping hot bowl of soup to soothe the soul and warm the body. But winter is well behind us and the warmer weather is making us smile. We still love soup, but a hot bowl isn’t what we’re craving…we want something cool and refreshing. That’s why chilled soup is so satisfying. You get all the flavor and goodness of a hot soup, but you won’t sweat while you’re slurping! Plus, making chilled soup is simple, especially when you use a blender and whip it up in a snap. These three chilled soups are great for kids and adults alike, filling bellies with deliciousness spoonful by spoonful. Read below for the recipes – each makes two servings. Chilled Creamy Chickpea Chickpeas are high in protein and delicious. This soup is filling and flavorful, similar to hummus. Ingredients: ¾ cup canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans) rinsed ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk) ¼ cup vegetable stock 3 hard-boiled egg yolks 1 tablespoon dried parsley Salt and pepper to taste Incorporate everything well in the blender and place in the fridge to chill for a few hours. Serve up with warm pita bread or carrot and celery sticks and enjoy! Roasted Red Pepper Puree Roasted red peppers are complex in flavor, making this soup interesting to the palate. Makes for a great marinade too. Ingredients: 2 large red peppers, sliced and roasted (you can get this pre-jarred if you don’t want to roast yourself) ¼ cup vegetable stock ¼ cup tomato juice (unsalted) ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream 1 teaspoon paprika Pinch of...
by Melissa Kay | May 16, 2019 | Blog, News |
Father’s Day already? Sure, Mother’s Day was just last weekend, but now it’s time to put a focus on fathers. June is dad’s big month, so preparing with a special present means planning ahead. For dads who love to read with the little ones, getting a book about dad is the perfect match. With so many books to choose from today, make Father’s Day extra special by selecting a book or two that puts dad front and center. These five books do just that. Dad By My Side by Soosh Perfect for that unbreakable and everlasting father-daughter bond, Dad By My Side will make reading time for “daddy’s little girl” all the more special. I Love My Daddy by Sebastien Braun A papa bear and his cute cub are the main characters of I Love My Daddy, a story about the loving nature of dads and the bonds they have with their children. Superhero Dad by Timothy Knapman Dads may not wear capes to prove their power, but Superhero Dad shows us that everyday dads are just as amazing, perhaps even more so, in their own special way. How To Surprise A Dad by Jean Reagan What better occasion than Father’s Day for the kids to read up on how to give their pop a super surprise? How To Surprise A Dad will give tips and ideas on how to do something special for dad. Spot Loves His Daddy by Eric Hill The bond between puppy and dog dad is just as loving as the human connection, as told by the story of Spot in Spot Loves His Daddy....
by Melissa Kay | May 2, 2019 | Blog, News |
When kids are “wired” or overtired, or perhaps in the throes of a tantrum or fit, calming them down and doing it quickly is on the mind of any parent seeking peace. Perhaps the kid’s not listening or paying attention or they’re running around when you want them to settle down. This is the perfect moment for a fast fix, getting them to calm down without a battle. Parents know that it’s not always a breeze to get a child to go from full speed to slow motion. Even if they can get there, it usually takes a while. But when time is of the essence and calming the child down quickly is a necessity, here are some tips to try that may just do the trick. Turn Off the Lights Obviously, this tip is only doable at home, but isn’t that where we often need the kids to take a breather? The sudden change of ambiance will startle the child and get them to refocus for at least a moment as they try to get a grip on why the lights went out. You can take this time to huddle everyone together, get quiet, and perhaps even sit on the floor. With no bright lights to keep the kids going, they’ll calm down for the moment so you can say what you need to or ask them to do what you’d like them to do. After a couple of minutes, everyone is ready to move along, but this jolt will take them on a new path. Give it a try and see what happens in the dark! Beverage...
by Melissa Kay | May 1, 2019 | Blog, News |
Hey moms! Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and as a busy and dedicated parent, you deserve some “me time.” While one day per year to celebrate mom doesn’t even come close to what you’re worthy of, taking this day to give yourself a break is a gift you’ve earned. You may have some presents coming your way, but what about a little pampering? A piece of jewelry or a bouquet of flowers are lovely gestures of gratitude, but you’re tired and could use some relaxation, right? While you won’t want to spend a lot for a little luxury, there are ways you can unwind without breaking the bank. This Mother’s Day, thank yourself for being such a great provider, role model, teacher, shoulder to cry on, and so much more. You do it all, so now it’s time to “do you.” Foot Massage You may go to the nail salon for mani-pedis every now and then, but you can go in just for a tension-relieving foot massage. Most places don’t charge much for this service, and as little as 15 minutes can make a world of difference. Sit back, close your eyes, and let the masseuse tenderize your toes, heal your heels, and soothe your soles. A Decadent Dessert Perhaps you’re watching your weight or just don’t indulge much, but this Mother’s Day, dig into something sweet and sinful. Go out and grab a slice of the richest chocolate cake you can find. Maybe cheesecake is your thing, so slowly savor every forkful. If ice cream puts you in a great mood, go to the nearest parlor...
by Melissa Kay | Apr 15, 2019 | Blog, News |
Delish! What’s more wholesome and belly-filling than a piping hot bowl of oatmeal first thing in the morning? Indeed, oatmeal is healthful, hearty, and makes kids happy. They love to swirl in some milk and enjoy it by the spoonful. But what if a basic bowl of oats can be taken up a notch with mix-ins that make it even better than before? With some amazing additions, a plain bowl of oatmeal can be outrageous. Your kids already love it as is, so imagine how thrilled they’ll be when their bowls get a boost. Here are three ways to add some “oomph” to oatmeal. Unique and unbelievable, these recipes will rev up the morning with mouthwatering excitement. Kids won’t ask for that sugar-laden cold breakfast cereal ever again when their oatmeal is taken to the max. Check out these easy-to-prep recipes and give breakfast the star treatment. (Each recipe is for one bowl of oatmeal). Easy Cheesy Oatmeal For kids who like something savory before school, cheese is always ready to please. This bowl of easy cheesy oatmeal is so tasty and tangy. And for cheese lovers, this dish makes for a great lunch or dinner too. Here’s how to make a bubbling bowl. Ingredients: 1 pack of instant oatmeal (plain) 1/8 cup low-fat milk ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (use Swiss or another style if you prefer) 1 teaspoon dried parley Salt and pepper to taste Prepare oatmeal as directed and swirl in remaining ingredients. Serve hot. Top with some extra shreds of cheese for garnish. If you want to sneak in some veggies, cooked chopped broccoli tastes...
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