Entries Tagged 'Activities' ↓

Everyday I receive countless emails, flyers and the like devoted to nothing but things for kids to do in New York City. I have been to the cat circus, a bubble extravaganza, a number of “favorite tv character” come to life revues and anything within a ten mile radius that you can put a li’l in front of. All well intentioned, some entertaining, a few just plain out there. I realized that all this activity was a search to connect with my kids and maybe that was simpler than I realized. Our best moments always seemed borne of slowing down, of interaction, of noticing them.

Moomah was created to give parents, children and caregivers that opportunity. We wanted the space to be inviting and to nurture creative stimulation not over-stimulation. The color palette was inspired by nature and the seasons. You won’t find wacky clowns with oversized eyes and primary colors and you won’t be forced to listen to “kids music”. Moomah is a space where both parents and kids can bond over a great song, a fun project or new treat. A place where you can just be together.

It’s time, finally, to pause, slow down and lower the volume. And remember that in a quiet moment, a child can discover a world of delight. It’s in your smile, a word of praise, a quirky little rhyme, a silly song, their own personal fairy tale. At Moomah our serene space, the music we play, our games and classes, the food we prepare, indeed everything we do is designed to bring you and your child closer together. To encourage conversation, reflection, sharing and careful attention. And to understand that years from now, you will cherish this intimate moment.

Toys and craft kits, all informed by the palette of patterns, forms, hues and elements found in nature, will delight and intrigue them. Exploring earth-born objects – pebbles, feathers, seashells, wool, tree bark, sand – they’ll question the why and how and where did they come from, learning of an unbroken cycle that connects each object to them, to their place on the planet, to you and to everyone they meet. Puzzles and storybooks, filled with imagery of exotic menageries, farm and woodland animals, intriguing objects, and antique curiosities, help them to daydream and discover. They can take a safari deep into their imagination, or learn something new about a favorite pet.

Moomah serves it up yummy and wholesome, for kids and grown-ups. Delicious pastries, fair trade coffee and teas, savory meals, snacks, sweet treats and finger food, all made from the finest natural ingredients and sourced from local and organic farms, delight the senses and encourage little ones to taste something new. And we’ll even show them how proud we are of them for trying.

At Moomah, art materials and projects illuminate universal themes: the five senses, the seasons, the animal kingdom, the body, mythical creatures. Your child is given the freedom to explore, to trust their impulses and admire the beauty of their expression. You learn the full sum of how their feelings and thoughts were brought to shape, and brought to life in their artwork. In this way, their artwork becomes the story of their emerging self and development, a document of that particular moment, and a treasured keepsake. You and your child can create a world filled with promise and possibility.

Downtown on Ice

The tradition continues celebrating its 13th season with holiday fun under the sun and stars DOWNTOWN ON ICE. La’s largest outdoor skating rink at the picturesque Pershing Square framed by towering skyscrapers and stunning historical landmarks.

When: November 18, 2010 – January 17, 2011

Where: Pershing Square, 532 South Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Hours: www.laparks.org

Cost: Rates are $6.00 for 1 hour skate session, plus $2 skate rental.

Parking: Discounted underground parking is available under the park with validation.

W Hotel’s “Chill”

Bundle up and take a spin on “CHILL”, The W Hotel in Westwood pool deck has been transformed into a winter playground featuring a hybrid ice skating rink called “CHILL”. For the 2nd year in a row, join in as they bring the magic of the holidays to life. Surprises are in store including lessons and performances every Saturday by BH Skating Park’s Cabaret Ice Theater and Gingerbread house decorating. The Curveball: I mentioned the “ice,” but the rink is actually made of so-called “hybrid ice,” a synthetic material approximating a high-tech plastic. Sort of a bummer, given that one of the joys of ice skating is the brisk temperatures that necessitate a chunky sweater. But at least the skates are real, and the rink doesn’t require power for refrigeration, so you’re doing our Southern California environment a favor.

When: November 19, 2010 – January 24, 2011.

Where: W Hotel 930 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles.

Hours: 3:00 p.m.to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Cost: $10 per hour. (The rental skates are included)

Parking: Parking in Westwood is tricky—but we’re not telling you anything you don’t already know. To save a little cash, hunt for a two-hour meter, many of which are free after either 6 or 8 p.m. There are additional public lots a block south of the hotel, too. Otherwise, you’re stuck with hotel valet, which runs $10 for the first hour and $4 for each hour after that.

Santa Monica’s “ICE”

ICE at Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica’s premiere outdoor skating rink, returns for its third year as a part of Winterlit. Thousands of sparkling lights set the stage for festive cheer that will last throughout the holiday season. ICE at Santa Monica boasts 8000-square-feet of real ice and this year, brings the addition of a 400-square-foot for children aged six and under. ICE is the perfect choice for a family outing or memorable night out. Also both arenas offer skating lessons, season passes and special event options for birthday or holiday parties.

When: October 30, 2009 –  January 18, 2010.

Where: Located less than two blocks from the Third Street Promenade at Arizona and 5th Street in the heart of Santa Monica

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Including Halloween, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Cost: $10 admission (Includes Skates)

Parking: Public Parking Structure or Street Meters

Always charming and quaint, Larchmont Village, near Hancock Park will be hosting  a “Family Fair,” complete with talent and costume contests, as well as rides, games, and food suitable for the kiddies. The Larchmont Family Fair takes place on Sunday, October 24th from noon to 5 p.m. and is free, with all proceeds  going to various local non-profits.  Be sure to visit the pumpkin carving station and grilled corn with all the fixin’s. See you there!

Angelenos can come out to watch world-renowned polo player and event co-founder Nacho Figueras and his team, Black Watch, go head-to-head against some of the best polo players in the world, all while sipping champagne and enjoying fare from some of Los Angeles’ most beloved gourmet food trucks. To further support the preservation of the park, one dollar from each champagne flute sold will be donated to The Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, which aids the maintenance of the park’s grounds. Set on the idyllic grounds where Hollywood celebrity and polo connoisseur Will Rogers used to play polo himself, this historic site is located just outside Rogers’ former private home. Veuve Clicquot and Nacho Figueras are excited to bring professional polo back to the spot where Hollywood luminaries including Clark Gable, Walt Disney, and Spencer Tracy once enjoyed the ‘sport of kings.’ Offsite public parking areas will be provided with complimentary shuttles running continuously to and from the Will Rogers State Historic Park polo field.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, October 10, 2010

Location: Will Rogers State Historic Park– 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road.  Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

The event is free and open to the public

Time: 12pm to 4pm

Schedule of Events

12pm: Gates open to the public.  Champagne bars and food trucks begin serving.
1:30pm: Match Begins
3pm: Match Ends and Awards Ceremony
4pm: Event Ends

Polo style tips for Women:
• Wear a hat and wear it proud. The bigger the better.
• Shoes need to be sensible and stylish. Go for a wedge and avoid a stiletto heel and avoid sinking into the lawn.
• Prints are your new best friend. A floral tea dress paired with a cashmere cardigan creates a great sophisticated, retro look that’s very Polo-esque.
• Dress the part: Throw on a pair of jodhpurs into your riding boots with a crisp polo shirt. Don’t be surprised if you end up on a horse, however!
• This isn’t a night club – leave the all-black wardrobe for the after-party!

Polo style tips for Men:
• Ask yourself, “What would Cary Grant wear?” Buy a grown up suit and dress to impress.
• Step out of the box and add some color to your wardrobe. An Etro print tie or pocket square with a colorful shirt exudes a bit of English-inspired eccentrics.
• It’s polo after all: When all else fails, a fresh pique polo shirt, slim flat front khakis, a cashmere pullover, and a gold Rolex will work wonders. Top it off with a fedora and aviators for a sense of mystery.

Every year, it is the Cox Family tradition to go apple picking in the Fall. We get up early and drive out to Glen Oak… normally to wait in line for mini apple cinnamon donuts at Snowline Orchard. But this year to our surprise there was no line and no crowd! How lucky! After asking it seems apple picking season tends to get very popular and crowded the last week of September and into October. So I would highly suggest if your planning on going, the first 3 weeks of September are best.

Mama Jam picking Gala Apples

Lift, Twist and Pull… The suggested etiquette for picking apples. I do my best to follow suit.

Beautiful day in Glen Oak for Apple picking at Riley’s Farm.

My mom and I browse the bushes for fresh raspberries.

Delicious Fresh Picked Raspberries.

I sense a Christmas Card Photo… Ha Ha! Now Home to make all the sweet apple treats we can gobble up! – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.