ML Interest Tag: transformative-power

NYC Asian American-Owned Businesses for Kids & Families

by Lambeth Hochwald

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and New Yorkers are fortunate to live in a place that is home to so many thriving AAPI communities. So we’re taking a minute to spotlight some of our favorite Asian American and Pacific Islander businesses. These local entrepreneurs make being a parent in the city easier, more fun and more delicious (among many other things.) And of course, many owners are parents themselves. Want to support other NYC parents who run small businesses? We love these women-owned businesses in NYC, and these NYC Black-owned businesses and these parents are kind of our heroes.

Nguyen Coffee Supply

At Nguyen Coffee Supply, it’s all about the experience of brewing a cup of coffee. This, the first specialty Vietnamese coffee company in the U.S., opened its doors in Fall 2018 and prides itself on importing and roasting single-origin Vietnamese coffee beans. Apparently, compared to Arabica beans, its Vietnamese Robusta has twice as much caffeine (without the jitters), 60 percent less sugar and up to 80 percent more anti-oxidants. Co-owner Sahra Nguyen encourages people to support the small businesses in the city. “Especially immigrant-owned mom-and-pop shops that may not be so social media savvy. We need diversity in businesses, experiences and culture so that our city remains the dynamic place we love.”

Lo & Sons

For the past decade, the Lo family (Jan, Derek and their mom Helen) has been designing stylish travel bags from their Dumbo studio. (During the pandemic, they pivoted to helping healthcare workers by donating almost 4,000 bags to those on the frontlines.) The company's timeless, thoughtfully designed bags are created with eco-friendly materials and plenty of organizational features and pockets to keep your trip as streamlined and seamless as possible.

Dopple

Love cute, fashionable and distinct kids' clothes but not so into the cost (or trying to find them in the right size?) Check out Dopple, the creation of co-founder and CEO Chao Wang. This subscription service for stylish and affordable clothing for children, which offers pieces from brands such as Stella McCartney, Chloé, Bonpoint and Dôen, makes it easy to up your kid's look without going broke. You can also order a single "Dopple Drop", a cute starter outfit set for newborns (in various styles) as a gift for new parents. The latest rollout from the company is ReDopple, a peer-to-peer marketplace where users can buy or sell any of the 380 plus brands in Dopple’s inventory.

Yu & Me Books

lucy Yu owner of Yu & Me Bookstore nyc
Lucy Yu

Lucy Yu is not even 30 yet, but she's opened NYC's first female-owned Asian American bookstore in Chinatown. The shop, which is also a cafe and bar debuted in late 2021. It highlights works by Asian authors and books that feature the stories of immigrants. Closed Mondays. 

Korean K9 Rescue

At Korean K9 Rescue in Astoria, the mission is all about building awareness and compassion for dogs, especially those that are rescued from dog meat farms, high-kill shelters and puppy mills both here and abroad. Gina Bohler, executive director and founder started the organization in 2017. These days, New Yorkers in all five boroughs—and around the Tristate area—are happy adopters.

“We are so thankful to the NYC community for embracing our rescue organization and giving these homeless and mistreated dogs a second chance here,” she says. “We also have a Patreon page where you can get a sneak peek inside our facility in Bundang, South Korea, while supporting our rescue efforts monthly for just a few dollars.”

Pink Moon

When Lin Chen, a second-generation Asian American, launched Pink Moon, an online beauty site in mid-2020, her focus was on curating exclusively female-founded, sustainable self-care, well-being and lifestyle brands. “Practicing self-care/love has positively changed my life and this is why I want to offer other women the opportunity to experience this, too,” she says. These days Chen runs her business from her office in Midtown East, with hopes of opening a flagship well-care and community site for women through every phase of life some day. 

Rooted

Rooted may have started out of Ryan Lee and Kay Kim’s apartment in Williamsburg in 2018, but it’s soaring now with a greenhouse in Florida, a Brooklyn team and a commitment to doing everything through a lens of sustainability. "We’re adamant about doing things as green as possible, even if it’s much harder, for the sake of our environment,” Kim says. The online nursery offers plant subscriptions, as well as one-off orders. 

Madame Vo

Jimmy Ly, co-owner of Madame Vo, a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant in the East Village that opened in 2017, began dreaming up his vision when he met ‘Madame’ Yen Vo and the two connected over their mutual love of Vietnamese food. A Queens native, Ly had grown up as his family’s designated sous chef for family gatherings, and later worked in his parent’s banh mi shop. Vo grew spent her youth eating traditional Vietnamese food in her native Houston. When Ly introduced Yen to his family’s cooking, the inspiration for Madame Vo was born—and, since then, the couple became the proud parents of two boys.

“Vietnamese food is more than just the national cuisine of Vietnam—it is a way of life and an integral part of the culture,” Ly says. “At Madame Vo, we strive to honor the tradition of Vietnamese food by providing New Yorkers with the familiar and nostalgic flavors of southern Vietnamese cooking. Whether you're ordering a savory Com Suon Nuong or a delicious bowl of The Madame Pho, you can rest assured that your meal has been made with the utmost care and best ingredients, following recipes that have been passed down through generations of the Ly and Vo families."

212 E. 10th St. 
East Village 
917-261-2115

Kim’C Market

In 2019, Ryan Kim opened Kim’C Market, an e-commerce business based in the Brooklyn Navy Yard with the express goal of helping people stay healthy by providing healthy Korean foods and ingredients. “I was inspired to start Kim’C Market after my uncle passed away from cancer in 2018,” Kim says. “Having grown up without a father, I felt the need to be able to guide my late uncle’s children and ensure that the whole family would be able to have access to clean, healthy foods.”

“Whether you’ve been cooking with Korean ingredients your whole life or would like to dip your toes into the world of Korean cooking, our mission is to connect people with tasty, wholesome Korean and Asian ingredients and ship or deliver them fast to you. Food has an innate transformative power, from the nutrients inside it to the people who make it and the cultures which influence it, and it is our goal to make these clean ingredients accessible to all kitchens. To see how our products can be used not only in Korean cooking but your own cuisines, check out our cooking videos on YouTube.com.”  

Aoko Noko 

This family-owned and operated kids’ clothing line is known for its modern and thoughtfully crafted designs. Inspired by their own kids, the owners have over 18 years of experience in the fashion industry; they’re passionate about creating lasting, neutral unisex pieces that can be handed down again and again. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc8N8HYOj1c/?hidecaption=true

Piccoliny

Founder Alex Zagami Ng comes from a long line of business owners. When she opened her shop in Little Italy, it quickly became a favorite for NYC locals and visitors alike. Ng curated a wonderful selection of toys, clothing and books, and also designed her own line. Find Piccoliny gear online (including a special collab with legendary dim sum spot Nom Wah Tea House, pictured above) or if you live in NYC, from these select retailers as well as Saks Fith Avenue in midtown Manhattan. 

Little Moony

Little Moony is a designer daughter and master tailor mother team. The idea to launch a children’s clothing line was born out of an afternoon watching their niece/granddaughter play in a cute but comfortable dress (which mom had made!). From there, Little Moony has become known for comfortable, well-designed clothes that range from bright and colorful to calm and cool. There’s a brick-and-mortar store in the SOHO neighborhood of NYC, but you can purchase everything from onesies to dress and jogger pants from the website too. 

230 Mulberry St. 
Soho
646-852-8330

 

Hudson and Bleeker

Founder and CEO Eram Siddiqui launched Hudson and Bleecker when she couldn’t find stylish travel accessories. What started as a single shoe bag has expanded into a line of multi-functional, well-crafted travel accessories. Take a peek at the website, and you’ll find garment bags, cosmetic bags, packing cubes and more. 

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Show Support for These NYC Black-Owned Businesses for Kids & Families

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Sesame Workshop Debuts First-Ever Rohingya Muppets

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Families living in a refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh are receiving critically needed early education resources. Sesame Workshop unveiled its first Rohingya Muppets as part of its Play to Learn Humanitarian Program. The new characters, Noor and Aziz, are 6-year-old twins that love to learn and play using their creativity and imagination.

The new Muppet characters will be featured in groundbreaking Rohingya-language educational media as part of the Play to Learn program in partnership with BRAC, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and New York University’s Global TIES for Children. Made possible by the LEGO Foundation this program aims to support children and families affected by the Rohingya Refugee crisis. The Cox Baxar refugee camp is home to more than 800,000 Rohingya refugees who fled conflict in neighboring Myanmar. More than half are children. 

Muppets

“Noor and Aziz are at the heart of our efforts to bring early education and learning through play to children and caregivers affected by the Rohingya refugee crisis, who have been impacted tremendously by the dual crises of displacement and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sherrie Westin, President of Social Impact, Sesame Workshop. “These are two very special Sesame Muppets—for most Rohingya children, Noor and Aziz will be the very first characters in media who look and sound like them. Rooted in the rich Rohingya culture and informed by extensive research and input from Rohingya families, Noor and Aziz will bring the transformative power of playful learning to families at a time when it’s needed more than ever before.”

Noor and Aziz

Noor Yasmin, known as Noor for short, is a 6-year-old Rohingya girl who loves to learn and play.  She lives in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp with her twin brother, Aziz, and their family. Noor loves to make up fun and funny new rules for the games she plays with her friends and family. She is deeply curious about how the world works and uses play to help her understand her world. Her passion for asking questions and finding answers often inspires her and Aziz to try new ways of playing (and learning). She’s a confident girl who believes that there is no problem too big for her to try to solve. 

Aziz, Noor’s brother, is a playful 6-year-old Rohingya boy. Aziz is a natural performer and storyteller; he loves to use his imagination to create and act out stories about kings, queens, and animals. His creativity sometimes distracts him from accomplishing a task, but Noor and friends help him focus. He enjoys assisting others with tasks like household chores and values the importance of helping his family and friends. He relies on his sister for support, laughter – and finding new ways to play.

Elmo

The two new characters, along with familiar Sesame Street friends like Elmo and Elmo’s dad, Louie, will be featured in new video segments on social-emotional learning, math, science, and health and safety. In every segment, the duo will engage in a learning activity centered around the five characteristics of playful experiences that help children learn best—experiences that are joyful, meaningful, actively engaging, iterative, and socially interactive. In partnership with BRAC, video segments will be shared through BRAC’s Humanitarian Play Labs and additional direct services. Facilitator trainings, storybooks, and printed educational resources will accompany the new video segments and be integrated into BRAC and IRC’s direct services in the coming year.

“Investing in learning through play is even more crucial now, where thousands of children affected by the Rohingya refugee crisis, now face the additional unforeseen challenges posed by the global pandemic. Noor and Aziz not only share similar experiences with many of the children who find themselves in this crisis, they will also help these young children to overcome trauma and stress, and build resilience, while engaging in fun play-based learning activities,” said Sarah Bouchie, Chief Impact Officer at the LEGO Foundation. “Learning through play also helps children to develop the holistic skills, including creativity and social-emotional skills, which are vital to survive and thrive in this rapidly changing world.”

Grover

In addition to supporting families affected by the Rohingya refugee crisis, both in displaced and Bangladeshi host communities, Play to Learn is also reaching children affected by the Syrian refugee crisis in Jordan and Lebanon as part of Sesame Workshop and the IRC’s Ahlan Simsim program. In both Bangladesh and the Middle East, Play to Learn combines educational media with direct services reaching families in their homes, community centers, and play spaces to infuse children’s daily lives with playful learning opportunities that are essential to their healthy development and empower them to become creative, engaged, lifelong learners. By designing program approaches and educational content that can be adapted for different contexts around the world, Play to Learn is laying the foundation to transform how the world supports children in humanitarian crises, wherever they may be, for generations to come.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Sesame Workshop

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The Broadway League Announces Fall Performance Cancellations

by Jennifer Swartvagher

The Broadway League announced that Broadway performances in New York City will be suspended through the remainder of 2020 due to COVID-19. They released updated information regarding performance cancellations and ticketing. Broadway theaters are now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for all performances through Jan. 3, 2021.

Broadway

While continuing to work with city and state officials along with leaders in science, technology and medicine The Broadway league is trying to formulate the best plan to restart the industry. Some of the logistics being reviewed include screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding in theaters, backstage protocol and much more. 

Returning productions are currently projected to resume performances over a series of rolling dates in early 2021. Tickets for performances for next winter and spring are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks. For regular updates on ticket sales, individual show announcements, performance dates, and more, please check Broadway.org for information as it becomes available.

“The Broadway experience can be deeply personal but it is also, crucially, communal,” said Chairman of the Board of The Broadway League Thomas Schumacher.  “The alchemy of 1000 strangers bonding into a single audience fueling each performer on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theatres can safely host full houses.  Every single member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience.  The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority and we look forward to returning to our stages only when it’s safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be stronger and more needed than ever.”

“Our membership is working closely with the theatrical unions and in concert with key experts and some of the greatest minds inside and outside of the industry to explore protocols for all aspects of reopening. We are focused on identifying and implementing necessary measures that will enable us to resume performances safely for Broadway audiences and employees,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League. “We are determined to bring back the people who rely on this industry for their livelihood, and to welcome back all those who love this vital part of New York City, as soon as it is safe to do so.  As so many of us in the Broadway community have been saying during this time – We’ll be back, and we have so many more stories to tell.”

Those holding tickets for performances through Jan. 3, 2021 will receive an e-mail from their point of purchase with detailed information regarding refund and exchange options. Any customers holding tickets through Jan. 3, 2021 that have not received an e-mail by Jul. 13 are advised to contact their point of purchase for assistance after this date.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

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How One Mom Stopped Second-Guessing Herself (& You Can, Too)

By Courtney Myers

I filled out the paperwork this week to enroll both of my children in preschool. The packets were thin and should have only taken me about five minutes to do, maybe 10 if I practiced perfect penmanship. Yet, it was nearly midnight when I finally sealed them up for good.

Between the open-ended questions and the medical history reports, I found myself pouring over every single detail. Finally, I had to remind myself that while the packets were important, so was my rest, so I did my best, finished them off, and called it a night.

I wish I could say that was an isolated incident, and that I didn’t stress over everything, especially when it came to my kids. The truth is, though, that it’s a daily (and nightly) battle not to second-guess every single action I take. I think it’s because now, those actions hold so much more weight than they used to.

If something goes awry these days, it’s not just me who’s affected. It’s also those tiny little faces that look up to me for answers, car rides and cheese crackers. I’m more responsible than I’ve ever been and in many ways, it’s a blessing and it certainly keeps me accountable.

Yet, science has proven that going back over situations in your mind again and again is detrimental to your health and can quickly snowball into more chronic mental health issues. So, I’ve decided to put the self-doubt on a shelf, and these are a few tricks I’ve found that truly help.

Find your tribe.

You’ve heard about the tribe of motherhood, but do you have one? Did you know that having just one other person who you can call and vent to is considered a tribe?

Finding my small circle of mamas who got what I was going through and could talk some sense into me when I started down the rabbit hole of hesitation has made all the difference to me. For me, my tribe is my own mama, my sister, and two friends from school who are also juggling the challenges and joys that young children bring.

Lean on them when those misgivings creep in and listen when they remind you that you’re doing a great job.

Step back for a minute.

When we were renovating our house a few years ago, my second-guessing tendencies were kicked into high gear. Did you know there are about 1.2 million shades of white and just as many sink materials? I sure didn’t, until we decided to tackle a major DIY remodel when I was nine months pregnant and hormonal.

I spent way too long at my local hardware store, desperately keeping my daughter busy with Cheerios all the while obsessing over knobs and drawer pulls. On one particularly hard day, I got stuck choosing between a stainless steel faucet or an oil-rubbed bronze one. I spent so long on Pinterest my head actually started to ache and my eyes burned.

Finally, I shut my laptop screen, took a walk in our backyard, and had to just laugh at how frivolous it all was. When you consider the burning questions on the greater scale, most of the time they tend to look a little smaller than they did in your mind.

Show yourself some love.

I’ve found that my self-doubt is highest when I’ve been neglecting my self-care. Run down from making meals, cleaning, show-and-tell prep, laundry and everything else under the sun, it’s easy to forget to take some “me” time.

As a result, I wear myself ragged and become nit-picky about the tiniest things. After a hot bubble bath, something chocolate, and a catch-up session on my favorite show, however? I’m suddenly much more inclined to let the little things go. I don’t have the luxury of applying all of those indulgences every day, but I do try to carve out some time, even if it’s just 10 minutes, as a mini “time-out” for myself to re-focus and re-center.

Most of the time, this looks like popping my cold coffee in the microwave to reheat, then sitting in the kitchen and breathing deeply for a second while the kids play in the living room. Schedule a break for yourself the same way you schedule every other to-do, and witness the transformative power it holds.

This little list isn’t revolutionary, but it’s done wonders to help me reclaim that little part of my mind that tends to venture all too often into a negative and indecisive territory.

By surrounding myself with the right listening ears, focusing on the bigger picture, and giving myself a little grace when I need it, I’ve discovered how to silence, or at least quieten, that voice that wants to whisper, “Are you sure?”

I’m trusting my gut more and listening more to that other voice that says “Yes, of course, you’re sure. You’re doing your best and that’s for certain.”

Featured Photo Courtesy: Ariel Lustre/Unsplash

Hi, y'all! I'm Courtney. I'm a mama of two, married to my high-school sweetheart and making a life in the little town I grew up in. I'm a writer by trade, but a mama by heart. I love chocolate and I love family. Let's navigate this crazy, messy, blessed journey together! 

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10 Face Painting Ideas That Are Totally Doable

by Jennifer Massoni Pardini

With Halloween around the corner, your little ones may still be deciding … dragon or dinosaur? Moana or Maui? Too many trolls to choose! With the transformative power of face paint, a last minute mind change will never mean you have a costume to return. We rounded up easy ways to trick out your Halloween and keep imaginations spinning all year long. Keep reading to see them all.

photo: Clare Jeffery via Flickr

1. Keep their eyes on the prize.
Whether your trick-or-treater wants to be a wizard or a witch, an eye mask always completes the makeover. You can find a slew of eye inspiration here, or design your own fun shape and embellishments for a truly unique look.

photo: Donnie Ray Jones via Flickr

2. Try out a prowl.
Does it get any easier than a set of whiskers? We don’t think so. And really, they’re all your shy cat or fierce lion needs to play the part. Any black eyeliner will do the trick. In fact, look no further than mom’s makeup bag for tons of fun ways to use everyday makeup as face paint.

photo: Lynne Bailey via Flickr

3. Color inside the lines.
If freestyling is leaving you uninspired, invest in a stencil set like this one from Create A Face for dozens of great ideas. With plenty of options on hand, these can be reused for birthday parties or rainy-day dress-up down the road. And don’t forget about arms and legs—you can stencil on temporary tattoos too!

photo: clappstar via Flickr

4. Face off with a friend.
A partner in candy crime can double the fun. For any full-coverage commitment, be sure to go with natural, non-toxic paints like these from Elegant Minerals. In general, check that any face paint you buy is water-soluble and free of lead, nickel, chromium, or any other skin allergens—the only Halloween heavy metal we’re interested in is of the musical variety.

photo: Nathan Rupert via Flickr

5. Go abstract.
Bold colors and swooping lines are a simple way to pull off a strong, dramatic, and one-of-a-kind look. And if you only need a handful of colors, Go Green Face Paint’s organic, stackable kit packs in plenty o’ paint to get the job done.

photo: Becky Baran

6. Add a little lip.
Nothing is cuter than when your pup starts talking like a toddler. If you want to make the mouth a key part of the animal fun, again ensure safety by going with food-based ingredients. It will take a little extra prep work, but you’ll save a lot of time worrying! This recipe by Mommypotamus largely consists of cornstarch, flour, honey, water, and natural food dye.

photo: Diana Beato via Flickr

7. Bling out.
If you have a kid who will jump for gems, they are a perfect way to add that little extra pizazz. Mama Clown’s assorted self-adhesives make it easier than ever to bedazzle your design. Try adding a necklace or forehead hat or crown to complete the look.

photo: James Kim via Flickr

8. Get in the hot seat.
Why not take the first spin? Your Halloween artists may come up with ideas they never would have thought of without brushes in their own hands. If you’re in need of the right tool for the job, check out Silly Farm’s extensive assortment of supplies.

photo: Jessie Bailey via Flickr

9. Remember a ‘stache.
Second to whiskers, little is easier than adding a mustache. Consider going multi-colored to kick things up a notch. Extra points if you make use of eyebrow real estate! Dress Up America’s Face & Body Crayons will give you extra control with color and are another great option for kids to use themselves.

photo: USAG- Humphreys via Flickr

10. Cheek to cheek … and sweet.
Less can truly be more. Give everyone you trick or treat a reason to smile with something as simple as a rainbow, heart, or peace sign. The Klutz Face Painting Craft Kit has several step-by-step cheek designs to pull off that most classic look of all.

 

 

Plan to face paint this Halloween? Share your ideas in the Comments below!

—Jennifer Massoni Pardini

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Love in Marriage When You Have Littles

By Lizzie Carlile

When my husband, Sam, and I first got together our love was easy. We’d go to dinner, get drinks, or jump in the car on a whim and go camping for the weekend. We knew that when we had kids, things would change, but didn’t really dwell on it. I had co-workers tell me to wait at least five years after we married before having kids, so that we’d have our own time to enjoy each other and our freedom. Of course, me being me, I did the exact opposite and we became parents as soon as possible. If it weren’t for conception issues, I’m sure I would have been pregnant within months of our wedding.

What I learned soon after having Nash, was that love in a marriage is an organic, ever-changing animal. During those early days and weeks, I knew I loved my husband, but when I was the only one getting up every night to change and feed the baby, the only one struggling with Nash all day while Sam went off to work where he had long lunches and happy hours, our love began to deteriorate.

I realized I didn’t need or want a romantic partner, I wanted a partner that could work and relieve me from some of the drudgeries of parenting. My husband hadn’t had to go through 10 months of pregnancy like I had, and wasn’t yet mentally prepared for taking care of another life. I understand this now, but at three in the morning after being around a crying baby all afternoon, that logic didn’t translate. We went through a period of struggle those first several months, and there were times I wondered if our marriage would ever feel like it used to—happy and free, not an endless debate of who changed the last diaper, or whose turn it was to wash the bottles for the next day. I wanted to love and be loved, and not feel forced to make it work because we had decided to have a baby.

We went through a period of struggle those first several months, and there were times I wondered if our marriage would ever feel like it used to—happy and free, not an endless debate of who changed the last diaper, or whose turn it was to wash the bottles for the next day. I wanted to love and be loved, and not feel forced to make it work because we had decided to have a baby.

To give you some background, I grew up in a home where my mom did everything. My dad worked 18 hour days as a Marine and was often deployed for months on end, so my mom had no choice but to rise up and take care of everything. I am still amazed at her strength and selflessness. I know myself and my weaknesses well enough to know that I would not have been able to do it with such grace and love. I’m still amicably called a shark in our family, and for good reason. But I never had the impression that mom resented the fact that dad was gone so much working, in

I’m still amicably called a shark in our family, and for good reason. But I never had the impression that mom resented the fact that dad was gone so much working, in fact, she carried on like it was normal. If she ever felt like things were unfair, I still don’t know it. Growing up that way didn’t make me want to be like mom, however, I resented the idea and fought it every day which didn’t make things easy at home.

Our marriage, after surviving the first real rough patch following Nash’s birth, began to get better once he was older and began to form a true bond with Sam. It was then that our love changed again. I saw Sam as someone who loved Nash as much as I did, and would spend hours with him after work playing, reading and goofing off. Then after Nash went to bed happy and tired, Sam would cook dinner and we’d drink wine and talk. As rough as the beginning had been, this new stage of intimacy was so unexpected and fortifying. I looked at Sam with new eyes, or maybe I just saw who he had become through the transformative power that becoming a parent has on someone. I was smittened all over again, and with someone familiar but also completely new.

If there are any takeaways from this, it’s that in any relationship, there are highs and lows, but that if you can hold on to each other and push through the tough times, you will be so rewarded in the end. I’d never dreamed that I’d feel as close to another person as I do to Sam—in fact as much as I moved around growing up, I never really felt that I belonged to any place or person. Sam has been the avenue to finding myself and a home, and all the hard times and arguments were the resistance needed to realize that and find true peace and happiness.

Lizzie Carlile is an Atlanta based mom, wife, and writer. She makes meditation and yoga a priority everyday so that she can bring mindfulness into everything she does and be a role model for her two young boys.

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10 Things You HAVE to Do in Chicago This November

by Maria Chambers

Halloween is behind us and all we can think about is the turkey and all its fixings we have coming. Hold off on slipping on your turkey pants just yet – Chicago is keeping us busy while we wait for that savory goodness. From gator encounters to miraculous journeys with dapper rabbits, read on for our Editor’s picks for family fun to make it a November to remember.

photo: World Pet Association’s Aquatic Experience

(1) Gator Encounters for the Reptile Lovers
Get up-close and personal with alligators at the world’s only traveling gator experience, Gator Encounters, at the World Pet Association’s Aquatic Experience. Show attendees can interact with gators at a touch tank and see new live octopus and piranha tanks. Check the website for details on the Kids Aquarium Contest where entrants are challenged to design an aquarium that reflects their personality.

When: Nov. 6-Nov. 8
Hours: various dates (check show schedule), 10:30 a.m.
Where: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Dr. N., Schaumburg
Cost: $25/family; $10/person; free for ages 4 & under
Online: aquaticexperience.org

(2) LEGO Star Wars Day
May the Force Be With You at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago for LEGO® Star Wars™ Days. Help build a large model of Yoda to display in the Center, make themed creations, compete in themed speed build competitions, take photos with life-sized LEGO Darth Vader and LEGO R2-D2 and participate in the MINILAND Scavenger Hunt. In addition to all that fun, you’ll have a chance to win prizes and giveaways.

When: Nov. 7-8
Hours: noon-7 p.m.
Where: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, 601 N. Martingale Rd., Schaumburg
Cost: starts at $13.50
Online: legolanddiscoverycenter.com

(3) National Neighborhood Toy Store Day
Help local mom-and-pop toy stores across Chicago celebrate National Toy Store Day! Check in with your favorite toy shop to find raffles, giveaways, demonstrations, character visits, games and displays of the season’s hottest toys.

When: Nov. 14
Hours: Check the hours of your favorite small toy store
Where: Independently owned toy stores across Chicago, check with your favorite!
Cost: Free
Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net/chicago/neighborhood-toy-store

(4) Secrets, Lies, and Superspies: Fall Youth Circus
The Actors Gymnasium Youth Circus presents: Secrets, Lies, & Superspies. Leading a double-life can be tough, especially when all of your friends are doing it too! Join the world’s finest secret agents, who have no idea that their civilian best friends are actually their colleagues until a power-mad villain plots to turn them against each other. Will their friendship prevail or will the secrets and lies destroy them all? This mission- should you choose to accept it- includes: espionage, acrobatics, live rock music, comedic spyjinx, and DEADLY LASERS!

When: Nov. 14-15, Nov. 21-22
Hours: Sat., 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.
Where: The Actors Gymnasium, 927 Noyes St., Evanston
Cost: $15/adults; $12.50/ages 12 & under
Online: actorsgymnasium.org

(5) The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is the story of a very dapper china rabbit named Edward Tulane who gets lost at sea, bounces from person to person and decade to decade until the audience is shown a true miracle, and Edward discovers the transformative power of love. Stuart Carden returns to CCT after his critically acclaimed debut outing last fall with Leo Lionni’s Frederick.

When: Now through Nov. 15
Hours: Various showtimes
Where: Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Magnificent Mile
Cost: $10-$39
Online: chicagochildrenstheatre.org

(6) Get Lost in the Magical World of Alice in Wonderland
Chicago Kids Company – Theater for Children (CKC) presents Alice in Wonderland, a musical adaptation of the classic tale! Discover the magic of Wonderland alongside Alice. Meet characters who grow “curiouser and curiouser,” including the White Rabbit, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts.

When: Various dates through Nov. 25
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago
Cost: $12
Online: chicagokidscompany.com

(7) Play On! Chicago Toy and Game Fair
Navy Pier is hosting the 13th annual Chicago Toy and Game Fair! Preview and play with toys and games from around the world and meet Toy and Game Inventors! Check out the PAW PATROL Bus, Lifesize Tonka Truck, Giant Jenga, Settlers of Catan Tournament, Star Wars Lunch, GameTruck, Stage Events, Magic, Giant Bubbles, Contests, Giveaways, Maker Stuff, Game Café, Mascots, Laser Tag, Ride-on vehicles, Adventure Sandwich, Characters, ChronoBomb, Electronic Petting Zoo, Puzzle Hunts, Robotics, Young Inventor Challenge, and so much more!

When: Nov. 21-22
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Navy Pier Festival Hall A, 600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier
Cost: $10/adults; $5/children; free for ages 3 & under
Online: chitagfair.com

(8) The Snoopy Snow Ball
Celebrate the season with this ultimate holiday experience, including a private performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and a delectable lunch reception, just steps away at the Ritz-Carlton and a meet-and-greet with the Peanuts gang. Enjoy musical entertainment and dancing, live and silent auctions for grown-ups and crafts and activities for kids.

When: Nov. 22
Hours: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: The Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut St., The Magnificent Mile
Cost: $125/single tickets; $450/family of 4
Online: emeraldcitytheatre.com

(9) McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Ring in your holiday season with the 2015 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade! Enjoy gigantic balloons, the nation’s finest marching bands, majestic horses, festive floats, incredible performance groups, celebrities, and even an appearance from Ronald McDonald ® and Santa Claus! Individual Sponsorships for the VIP Experience are available, check out the website for details. Can’t make it down to State Street? Enjoy #ChicagosParade at home by watching the live broadcast on WGN 9 Chicago or WGN America.

When: Nov. 26
Hours: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
Where: State St., Congress to Randolph, Downtown Chicago
Cost: Free
Online: chicagofestivals.org

(10) Holiday Fun Farmsgiving
Angelic Organics Learning Center invites families to mingle with and care for their livestock and makes gifts with materials from the farm.

When: Nov. 28
Hours: 10:30 am.-2:30 p.m.
Where: Angelic Organics, 1547 Rockton Rd., Calendonia
Cost: $20
Online: learngrowconnect.org

Big plans for November? Tell us all about it in the Comments below!

—Maria Chambers

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