MiraBest http://www.mirabest.com/mirabest/ Kids Stuff, NJ Party Planning & Good Deals 2012-02-08T23:59:14-05:00 Events to check out this weekend (Feb. 10th to 12th) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mirabest/~3/UVA4XMe-vKk/events-to-check-out-this-weekend-feb-10th-to-12th.html Aahh, l'amour! This weekend there are plenty of hearts stirred up and what better way to celebrate than at one of the many fun activities available right in our neighborhood! Whether love for pets at a pet expo, love for... Aahh, l'amour! This weekend there are plenty of hearts stirred up and what better way to celebrate than at one of the many fun activities available right in our neighborhood! Whether love for pets at a pet expo, love for chocolate at a chocolate festival, a girlish love for dolls and tea, love for the outdoors at a hot chocolate hike, or love for Chinese culture at a Dragon Celebration, there are plenty of options to satiate all your desires! Have a great weekend. 

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This issue of WEEKEND EVENTS is sponsored by Tutu Spoiled. Read about this new company here. 

WEEKEND

Pet Expo. A shopping extravaganza for pet owners and lovers. $13 adults; $6 kids 12yrs and under; Free 3 & under. NJ Expo and Convention Center, Edison. Link here. 

Circus Science 2012. They will explore the physical activities that make circus magic possible. Acrobats, clowns, tumbling and swinging from a trapeze! Newark Museum, Newark. Link here. 

FRIDAY

Sweetheart Princess Ball. 5:30pm to 9pm. Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Jasmine and Tiana will be available for meet and greets. DJ entertainment, and hot buffet dinner. $19.95/person. NJ Children's Museum, Paramus. Link here.  

SATURDAY

Chocolate Festival. 11am to 4pm. Chocolate making demos, tastings and samples, crafts, & more! Morris Museum, Morristown. $10 adults; $7 children. (under 3 free). Link here.

Cutie Patooties Valentine's Day Party. 10am. Crafts, cookie decorating, music and Love! Special trunk show with Tutubell. Call to reserve a space. Englewood. Link here. 

Family Fun Day. 10am to 2pm. Think Newspaper will host an event at Whole Foods, Paramus. Link here. 

Star Wars 3D Release Party. 11am. Anakin Skywalker Podracer 3D glasses with ticket purchase, Fighter Pods collectible toys, LEGO feature area, face painting, and character experiences. Also demos of Xbox Kinect Star Wars. AMC Theater, Garden State Mall. Link here. 

Valentine's Doll Tea Party. 3pm and 4pm. Bring your favorite doll or teddy bear and dress up in cute clothes for a tea party! Refreshments, stories and crafts. Pottery Barn Kids, Hackensack. Call to reserve your spot. Link here. 

Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood and Other Tales. 3pm to 4pm. Classic tales will delight your little ones. Saddle River Valley Cultural Center. $12 in advance. Link here.  

Valentine's Storytime Event. 11am. Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal will be read and treat afterward. Barnes and Noble, Riverside Mall.

Kids Love Chocolate. 1pm to 3pm. Giant chocolate cookies, best ever brownies, ultimate chocolate cake, chocolate souffle, hot cocoa are on the menu! Kings, Short Hills. Pre-register. Link here. 

Valentine's Day Hot Chocolate Hike. 12pm to 1:30pm. A winter hike around the environmental center's forest, hot cocoa, and roasting marshmallows over the campfire! $6/child and $8/adult. Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland. Link here. 

Goddard Community Games Event. 10am to 12pm. Hands on activities will demonstrate the power of playful learning. Anti-bullying will be the focus. Goddard School, Norwood. Link here. 

BASF's Kids Lab. 10:45am to 1:30pm. Sign up to enjoy fun, hands on experiments. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City. Ages 6 to 11yrs. Link here. 

Valentine's Day Crafts. 11am to 3pm. Paper flower bouquet or personalized cards--your child can explore their crafty side! Lakeshore Learning Store, Hackensack. Link here. 

SUNDAY

Chinese New Year Dragon Celebration. 12pm to 5pm. Chinese Service Center will kick off a yearlong series of 40th Anniversary events. 12pm: Food Fair; 1:30 Lion Dance and New Year Show; 3:30 Raffle/Prizes. Also, food drive for Center for Food Action. Free! Hackensack Middle School, 360 Union Street. Link here. 

Maple Sugaring. 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Discover the history of syrup making and see how trees are tapped and the sap is boiled down. Dress warmly as program is indoors and outdoors. Tenafly Nature Center. Link here. 

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I also created a discussion board on my FACEBOOK PAGE. See what hot topics there are or start one! Link here. 

NYSC (NY Sports Club) in Ramsey: Naked man in women's locker room!

Diaper Changing at Restaurants

 


]]> Events This Week Mira 2012-02-08T23:59:14-05:00 http://www.mirabest.com/mirabest/2012/02/events-to-check-out-this-weekend-feb-10th-to-12th.html Events to check out this weekend (Feb. 3rd to 5th) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mirabest/~3/urjzzklsYZA/events-to-check-out-this-weekend-feb-3rd-to-5th.html There are some wonderful events all over the Garden State this weekend. Whether celebrating Groundhog Day, Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day cardmaking, or Superbowl fun, there is an activity to satisfy every holiday! There's also a great local fundraiser for... There are some wonderful events all over the Garden State this weekend. Whether celebrating Groundhog Day, Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day cardmaking, or Superbowl fun, there is an activity to satisfy every holiday! There's also a great local fundraiser for a family need that I will certainly be attending. Hope to see you there!

Thurs thru Sat: Grease. Fri: 7:30pm; Sat: 1:30pm. Over 40 Glen Rock High School students will be performing this popular musical. Tickets available 30 minutes before showtime. $15 adults; $10 students. Link here. 

FRIDAY

Candy Card Class. 3:30 to 4:30pm. Make your own candy mosaic valentine cards! $25/child, pre-registration required. Includes drink and waffle bites. Sugar & Plumm, Paramus. Link here. 

Spa Experience. 7pm to 9pm. Kids will enjoy manicures, facials, spa crafts and a chocolate fountain. Parteaz, Maplewood. $50 one child; $40 each for add'l. For ages 5 to 12.  Link here. 

Spring Lake Day Camp Open House. 11am to 1pm. Sports, zip line, cooking, arts, swimming, travel and more are included at this wonderful day camp. Ringwood, NJ. Link here. 

SATURDAY

**Helping Hands Fundraiser. 11am to 5pm. Anna C. Scott's 4th grader, Grace Kim and her family needs your help! Grace's mom is fighting ovarian cancer and this fundraiser will help with their medical expenses.

There will be a food fair, nail art, mini lot for kids carnival games and activities. American Legion Hall, 399 Broad Ave, Leonia. If you would like to donate food, drink, prizes or items to sell contact Sally Kim at 201-960-6051. What a great gesture by the community and friends of the family to support a family in need! Hope you can make it!***

Groundhog Day Celebration. 10:30am to 12pm. Visit animal burrows, learn about their natural history. Families welcome but bring boots! Registration required. $5/person. The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Reserve, Pennington. Link here. 

10th Annual Cabin Fever Festival. 10am to 2pm. Sample activities like dance, gym, sports, Valentine's Day crafts, face painting, etc. Raffles and performances by local favorites like Polka Dot, Preschool of Rock and more! $20/family. Hoboken High School. Link here. 

Science of the Circus. 12pm and 1:30pm. Circus stars will bring aspects of physics to life such as balance, gravity, momentu and more. Free with paid admission. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City. Link here. 

Chinese New Year Celebration. 9:30am to 8:30pm. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon! Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill. Link here. 

Matilda's Tea Party. 1:30pm. Little ladies will learn to pour, fold fancy napkins, and enjoy delicious tea sandwiches. Favors included! Ages 6 and up. Adults $25; Children $30. Freylinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown. Link here. 

Superhero Breakfast. 10am to 5:30pm. Includes super breakfast snack and meet n greet with your favorite superhero! $13.99/child and $10.99/adult. Then, stay and play. Imagine That Museum. Link here. 

SUNDAY

Kidz Cabaret Story Pirates. 1pm and 3pm. The Story Pirates encourage creative thinking through sketch comedy. They use puppets, songs and outrageous sketches! $17. BergenPac, Englewood. Link here. 

Funplex Super Bowl Party. 5:30pm to 11pm. Unlimited activities, 40 tokens and a buffet. $29.99/person. East Hanover. Link here. 

Nate the Great. 2pm to 3pm. Based on the classic children's books by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. Nate can solve mysteries like lost pennies, balloons, and even a lost goldfish! For ages 3 to 10. $10 in advance. JCC on the Palisades, Tenafly. Link here. 

Winter's Day on the Farm. 12pm to 4pm. Watch ice as it's harvested on the pond, assist with maple tapping, saw wood, crack corn, collect eggs and churn butter. Meet the farm animals too! Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morris Township. Link here. 

Pancake Brunch and Maple Sugaring. 10:30am to 12:30pm. Learn all about the history of syrup making, then participate in tapping trees, boiling sap, and then eat it with pancakes. Coffee and hot cocoa will be served. For families with children 5 and up. Pre-registration required. Tenafly Nature Center. Link here. 

Year of the Dragon. 2pm. Learn about the customs and traditions that are celebrated on the Chinese New Year. Meet our resident dragon and enjoy crafts, stories, etc. $3 admission for all participants & regular admission for others. Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison. Link here. 

]]> Events This Week Mira 2012-02-01T23:08:50-05:00 http://www.mirabest.com/mirabest/2012/02/events-to-check-out-this-weekend-feb-3rd-to-5th.html Events to check out this weekend (January 27th to 29th) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mirabest/~3/_90z7OUG7O4/events-to-check-out-this-weekend-january-27th-to-29th.html So far Mother Nature has been kind with us this winter. Whether you want to stay indoors or venture outside there are plenty of activities to keep you busy in the Garden State! WEEKEND Kidz Film Festival. Independent films from... So far Mother Nature has been kind with us this winter. Whether you want to stay indoors or venture outside there are plenty of activities to keep you busy in the Garden State!

WEEKEND

Kidz Film Festival. Independent films from around the world. Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan. Link here. $5. 

Pump it up for Charity. (Jan 23rd to 28th). 6pm to 7:30pm. Help raise funds for the Pajama Program--which provides pajamas and new books for underprivileged kids throughout NJ. all proceeds from ticket sales goes to this cause! $10/child but half price if you donate pj's. Pump it Up, Piscataway. Link here.

Beauty & the Beast Jr. Fri/Sat: 7pm, Sun: 1pm. The popular Disney tale comes to life! Porch Light Productions, Glen Rock. Link here.

FRIDAY

Open Workout. 1pm to 3pm. For children ages 1 to 5years, work on the floor, bars, beam, obstacle course and trampoline. US Gymnastics Development Center, Leonia. Link here. 

SATURDAY

Babyfest. 10am to 1pm. Giveaways, raffles, complimentary consultations with prenatal professionals, cooking demos, nutrition services and more! Whole Foods, Paramus. Link here. 

Indoor Carnival. 12pm to 5pm. Games, Prizes, food and Bubblemania show by Casey Carle. Help raise money for a worthy cause--a seven year old boy named David Jacob who has a rare form of cancer. All proceeds go to TEAM DAVID. Memorial School, 764 Grant Avenue, Maywood. $10 advance tickets with 5 free carnival tickets. klacey@teamdavid.info. Link here. 

Preschool of Rock. 10:30am. A musical experience for children from birth to 5 years old. Free with open play admission! Cutie Patooties, Englewood. Link here. 

Winter Family Fun. 11am to 12pm. Make crafts from nature. Advanced registration required. $6/child; $8/adult. Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland. Link here. 

No Name-calling Storytime. 11am. Recommended for ages 2 to 8, selected texts will be geared towards the anti-bullying theme. 

John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean. 2pm to 3:30pm. A glow in the dark musical of an undersea adventure, using puppets. Family Workshop between 11am to 2pm. Space is limited to 35 ppl/workshop. NJPAC, Newark. Link here. 

Dragon King. 3pm to 3:45pm. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a colorful marionette puppet show. Saddle River Valley Cultural Center, Upper Saddle River. Link here. 

Ultimate Chef Bergen County. 11am to 1pm. Watch NJ's best chefs square off in Round 2 of the competition. Chef Central, Paramus.Link here.

Apple Montessori Open House. 11am to 1pm. Learn all about their program for the Junior Class (grades 1 thru 6). Wayne. Link here. 

SUNDAY

Live Party Showcase. 12pm to 3pm. Live performance of the emcees and dancers (1pm). At 1:30 will be a live performance by the band REVERSE ORDER. There will also be delicious food, videography & photography specials, favor & entertainment options and much more! This event is free and open to the public. Powerhouse Studios: 49 E. Midland Ave., Paramus. Link here. 

Wassailing the Apple Trees. 1pm to 4pm. "Wassailing" is the tradition of protecting orchards and ensuring the crop for the next season. Dancing, singing, and reenacting of old English traditions. Hot cider, farm wagon rides and live music. Free! Terhune Orchards, Princeton. Link here.

Casey Carle's Bubblemania. 1pm, 3pm, 5pm. Visual comedy, quick wit and big band music. $17. BergenPac, Englewood. Link here. 

]]> Events This Week Mira 2012-01-26T00:15:43-05:00 http://www.mirabest.com/mirabest/2012/01/events-to-check-out-this-weekend-january-27th-to-29th.html Q&A with Powerhouse Studios! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mirabest/~3/zbuqjsd-_SI/qa-with-powerhouse-studios.html Get to know the amazing services that our sponsor Powerhouse Studios offers! 1. How long has Powerhouse been in the party business? Powerhouse Entertainment, our off site entertainment company has been in business for over 30 years. 2. How many... header DecShowcaseCombo590

Get to know the amazing services that our sponsor Powerhouse Studios offers!

1. How long has Powerhouse been in the party business? 

Powerhouse Entertainment, our off site entertainment company has been in business for over 30 years. 

2. How many locations are there and how did it grow over the years?

We currently have two locations in East Hanover (opened 2001) & Paramus, NJ (opened 2004), plus a traveling off-site division that sends entertainment all over the United States. We opened Powerhouse Studios because there was a need for an alternative event space and both locations have been an over the top success. Our off site company, is extremely busy as well and our entertainers are creating wonderful memories for families all over the tri-state area.

3. What kinds of parties do you specialize in? What kinds of parties can we hire you for?

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and Sweet 16’s are two of our top markets, but we host all types of events: First Birthdays, Corporate Events, Reunions, Fundraisers, School Events, Children’s Birthday Parties & many other types of social events. Our off site, entertainers are well versed in running all types of events. 

4. What off-site entertainment options do you offer? 

DJ entertainment & Interactive Game Shows are two of our most popular offerings. Next is arcade and game systems, video screen rentals & photo favors. However, we have hundreds of options to choose from, and most are listed on our website at www.powerhousestudios.tv , for both in house and off site events.

4. Who are your DJ's and what are they known for? 

Our company is known for reliability and for having the know-how to run a party. From playing the right music to interacting with the crowd, our entertainers and staff are experts in the party industry and know how to create the atmosphere for a successful event. All of our DJs, Emcees and Dancers are super high energy, personable and very interactive. We make the guests the focus of the party so they have the time of their lives. 

5. How do I pick an emcee for my party?

As far as our Emcees go, it’s really a personal choice who a client likes best. You may have seen one of our Emcees in person at someone else’s party, or you can attend one of our LIVE PARTY SHOWCASES**. Our next showcase will be Sunday, January 29th from 12-3 pm at our Paramus location with a live performance of our emcees and dancers at 1 pm. If either of those options do not work, we have live videos and interviews with our emcees on our website at www.powerhousestudios.tv and click on the Party Channel link or the Bar/Bat Mitzvah link.

7. What's the background of your dancers? Why should I hire dancers for my party?

Most of our dancers come from a professional dance background. Many of our dancers have either studied dance, teach dance at dance schools, have toured in musicals and productions, performed in off Broadway plays or are just really great dancers with super party personalities. We also have quite a few Break Dancers / Motivators that have been in music videos, commercials and toured for major sponsors. To see photos and other info on our dancers you can go to our website at www.powerhousestudios.tv and click on the Dance Channel link.

8. What photographers/videographers do you work with? What are their backgrounds and why should I use them?

We have our own in-house video and photography division. Our photographers & videographers have been in the industry for over 20 years, and we offer top quality at affordable prices. 

9. I need favors for my party. What options do you have?

When it comes to favors, there are many different options. Photo favors are the most popular, with airbrushed t-shirts coming in second, and the list goes on. There are endless choices. Visit our website at www.powerhousestudios.tv and click on the Entertainment Channel link to see videos and photos of many of the different options available. 

10. What's "hot" in terms of parties these days? What can I add to my party to make it memorable and fun?

All inclusive packages are the trend today, where it’s made easy & affordable for the customer. Clients today are really busy and have hectic lives. We can offer packages that can included venue, catering, entertainment, video, photography, favors and more for a one-stop-shopping experience with top quality offerings at reasonable all inclusive packages prices. We can also put together all inclusive packages for our off-site clients with many of the offerings listed above as well.  

There are many ways to keep up to date with Powerhouse Studios & Entertainments events and specials:

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/powerhousestudios.tv 

TWITTER:  @tweetpowerhouse

WEBSITE:  www.powerhousestudios.tv 

OFFSITE INFO: 1-800-287-4613

East Hanover location call 973-560-9560

Paramus location call 201-265-9060.

 

**DETAILS FOR THE LIVE PARTY SHOWCASE on Sunday, January 29th...

What better way to experience Powerhouse Studios firsthand than through a visit to the space and viewing a live performance of the emcees and dancers (1pm). At 1:30 will be a live performance by the band REVERSE ORDER. There will also be delicious food, videography & photography specials, favor & entertainment options and much more! This event is free and open to the public. 

Powerhouse Studios is located at 49 E. Midland Ave., Paramus, NJ 07652 
We are located in the back of the building behind to Monster Golf. 

 

]]> Food/Entertainment NJ Party Guide Mira 2012-01-24T23:46:09-05:00 http://www.mirabest.com/mirabest/2012/01/qa-with-powerhouse-studios.html Mom-owned Business: Tutu Spoiled http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mirabest/~3/fnk3d9oJtok/mom-owned-business-tutu-spoiled.html Looking for some cute clothes for your little one? Well, what better way to dress your cutie-pie than with clothes from local momma's new web site? In the interview below, find out all about a mompreneur who is bringing posh... Ad banner

Looking for some cute clothes for your little one? Well, what better way to dress your cutie-pie than with clothes from local momma's new web site? In the interview below, find out all about a mompreneur who is bringing posh fashion to Bergen County. 
 When did you start the site? What inspired you to start it? 

My name is Jessica and I have been a South Bergen County resident the majority of my life. I stepped into the world of Bows, Bling and Tutus after becoming a mommy to my two amazing little girls.  I would spend endless hours searching for that perfect outfit and accessories.  It was then that I began to see the need for a one-stop shop. Soon after, in 2010, Tutu Spoiled was born.

Why should moms shop on your site? 

Little Girls, Big Style..is the motto I’ve been following lately. I’m absolutely addicted to my site and keeping it up-to-date with the latest trends and seasonal items for girls. I'm constantly looking for ways to expand, and I take great pride in stocking top quality merchandise. I like to help all of my customers achieve their goal of transforming an ordinary outfit into that “Wow, that’s so cute!” reaction.

What are your top-selling products? 

Aside from some of our best selling seasonal items, our top sellers are “The Princess has Arrived” – a newborn take home outfit, “Sweet to Be Birthday Pettiskirt Set” – for birthdays and all hair bows especially custom matched for  an outfit. Another popular item is our Bow of The Month Club – it is a subscription program in which all members receive one bow a month.

I'm looking for cute Valentine's day clothes...what should I buy? 

We currently have a Valentine Heart Skirt Set that's just adorable, and you can select a bow (any size) to match. Or if you really really want to stand out - we have vintage lace rompers and a lace headband that would make any picture look perfect!

Do you have any local hot tips? Favorite restaurant? Valentine's dinner spot? Kids Activity?

With a toddler and soon to be 1 year old I am always looking for different activities and new places to keep them occupied. Our recent finds are, The Craft Clique in Secaucus  which  has arts and crafts and The Geyer Family YMCA  in Montclair. They both have a wide range of classes from ages 2 and up. Our new favorite spots are also the Chuck E Cheese on Rt 4 and Kidz Village.

If we're looking for a nice dinner we always like to go to Cuban Pete’s in Montclair, it is BYOB and nice atmosphere. But be prepared to wait during there peak times!

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By visiting www.tutuspoiled.com moms will find products ranging from beautiful gift ideas, everyday wear, birthday outfits, bows of all sizes, and tutus of all colors. Use coupon code: MIRABEST to get 10% off purchase.

 

]]> Food/Entertainment Mira 2012-01-24T01:50:04-05:00 http://www.mirabest.com/mirabest/2012/01/mom-owned-business-tutu-spoiled.html