MiraBest

Welcome!

UPDATES AND NEWS

First Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten Pumpkin Patch, Englewood

It's been a freaky October--with snow disrupting our Halloween festivities and making trick or treating treacherous. We headed to Paramus Park Mall where many retailers ran out of candy early but it was a good opportunity to see some cute costumes!

• I've added a press page since I got some notice in a local magazine recently. Also, I've started to blog for A&P's Better Baby blog. Here's my first post on the challenges of feeding my youngest son (posing above) who is a picky eater: Live Better Baby blog. 

• If you're a local expert and always out and about, checking out new places with your child I need your input! I've created a yahoo group so that active local moms can share deals, hot tips and offer their words of wisdom as well. This will be my "go to" group for advice on posts and to see what's going on in the mommy world. I want your rants and raves, mommas!


Click to join MiraBestMoms

• And, I finally realized that I can't take MiraBest to the next level without investment from YOU, my readers! This is truly a labor of love on my part but so much goes on behind the scenes that I don't have enough time to pursue ad sales (maybe you noticed only two advertisers since I've started two years ago??) I would love to continue to provide great content and extra features BUT that requires money to invest in a web person which I just don't have. So, if this site has helped you in any way and if you can afford it, please donate to MiraBest and help make it a better site, better community and great resource. Top donators will be eligible for prizes :)

Enjoy your time here and don't forget to sign up on my email list (left sidebar)!

Quick Guides

• I need to go someplace INDOORS with the kids...
• I need to get OUTSIDE with the kids...
• I need to research SCHOOLS   or   SUMMER CAMPS
• I want your opinion on a local BUSINESS (COMING SOON!)
• I want to find a TOWN to live in (COMING SOON!)

 

Events to check out this weekend (January 27th to 29th)

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. 

Q&A with Powerhouse Studios!

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 29^th 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. 

 

Mom-owned Business: Tutu Spoiled

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!

************

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.

 

Events to check out this weekend (January 20th to 22nd)

Got cabin fever? Then head out to a great show like the Nai Ni Chen one at NJPAC or think about summer by going to a summer camp fairs on Sunday. Get in touch with nature or science in Jersey City or head into NYC for the first ever Kids Food Festival. Before you know it, winter will be over (ok, that's wishful thinking!). 

WEEKEND

Disney on Ice: Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey. Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Peter Pan and Lilo & Stitch will be brought to life. Izod Center, East Rutherford. Link here. 

1st Kids Food Festival. Sat/Sun: 10am to 6pm. Learn about making balanced food choices through fun and flavorful activities. Also, a performance stage with various acts throughout the day. General admission is free but events are $25/child. Link here. 

SATURDAY

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.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: Year of the Dragon. 7pm to 8:30pm. Flowing lines, twirling ribbons and the motion of martial arts will dazzle all! Ages 8+. NJPAC, Newark. Link here. 

Are You My Mother? 3pm to 4pm. A musical adventure based on P.D. Eastman's well-loved picture book. Saddle River Valley Cultural Center. $12 in advance. 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. 

Nature Discovery Day. 10am to 12pm. Which tree did that leaf come from? Hands on activity stations will allow you to answer these questions. Free. Pre-registration required. Liberty State Park, Jersey City. Link here. 

Royal Princess Breakfast. 10:45am. Meet your favorite princess, take pictures, and have a royal breakfast snack.  Imagine That! Museum, Florham Park. Reservations required. Adult $10.99/Child $13.99. Link here. 

SUNDAY

NJ Summer camp fair. 12pm to 3pm. Meet camp directors and get info on programs. Landmark Catering, East Rutherford. Link here.

Winter Concert. 3pm. Teaneck Community Chorus presents songs from animated movies, cartoons and video games. Teaneck High School. Link here. 

Chinese Theatre Works Dance and Magic. 2pm. First come, first serve. Free! Mahwah Public Library. Link here. 

Rockin Rocket Ride. 2pm. Put on your space suit and blast off into outer space! Planetarium. Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg. Link here.

Little Gym Open House. 3pm to 6pm. For 4months to 12yrs: games, tours, giveaways, raffles, demos and more! Englewood South. RSVP at 201-567-8880.  

Events to check out this weekend (January 13th to 15th)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a great holiday to share with your kids...teach them about accepting others' differences, giving back to the community and enriching our communities. You can find many ways to celebrate this weekend in the Garden State!

WEEKEND

All Aboard the Fun Express Weekend. 10am to 5pm. Hunt for your favorite friends of the Islands of Sodor hidden in the museum and win a prize. Make a train craft, hear train stories, join train parade and more! NJ Children's Museum, Paramus. Link here. 

Grand opening Maxfit. Sun: 6pm thru Jan 15th 9:15am. Free Spinning classes via online registration. Cresskill. Link here. 

SATURDAY

Disney on Ice: Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey. Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Peter Pan and Lilo & Stitch will be brought to life. Prudential Center, Newark. Link here. 

Laser Light Show. 4pm. Listen to songs while lasers draw pictures above. $6. Raritan Valley Community College. Link here. 

Dragon Tales Pajama Party. 4pm to 5pm. Come in your pj's, make dragon crafts and hear a dragon puppet, Hermione, recite stories. $3 participants. Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison. Link here. 

Winter Carnival. 6pm to 8pm. Play Wii Winter Sports, create a winter wonderland, conquer the climb wall and more! Free. Summit YMCA. Link here. 

LEGO Building Blocks Workshop. 2pm to 4pm. Stephen W. Schwarts (architect), with 50 families, will create a giant map of Morristown using 50,000 LEGO blocks. $40 per family, up to 4 members. Morris Museum. Link here. 

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

SUNDAY

Living Rich With Coupons. 7:30pm. Blogger Cindy Livesey will provide resources on how to shop smart: where to get coupons, coupon organization, lingo, drug store deals, stockpiling and more! Mothers & More Bergen County, Cupola Senior Residence, Paramus. Registration required. Link here. 

Clifford the Big Red Dog. 1:30 and 4pm. This musical will celebrate 50 years of Clifford! $20 to $30. Morristown Community Theatre, Morristown. Link here. 

8th Annual ACA summer camp fair. 12 to 4pm. Free giveaways, snacks, brochures and even Jobs. Free parking. Grand Summit Hotel, Summit. Link here. 

MONDAY

MLK at Newark Museum. 12:30pm to 4:30pm. Design a memorial, see a film screening, workshops, performances of "The Sword that Heals" and "Letter from Birmingham Jail." (1 and 4pm). Newark. Link here. 

Tomorrow's Leaders. 2:30 to 4pm. Learn about good stewardship and how to lead others on the trail. Drink hot chocolate by the campfire too. Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland. Link here. 

3rd Annual Jersey Cares MLK Day of Service. This event will mobilize 2,000 volunteers in over 40 service projects including one public school revitalization project in Jersey City. Also, paint murals, assemble First Night kits, create mobiles, build seats, serve hot meals, etc. Join in this great activity! Check site to register for a project. Link here. 

Snow Week at High Point Cross Country. (Jan 16 to 22nd) Enjoy cross country skiing or snow shoeing with the whole family! Parent ski free w/their kids. Sussex. Link here.