Letter From the Publisher P. 4
PB Picks -Science of Chocolate at the Cox Science Center - P. 6
Eco-Friendly Party Planning P. 8
14th Annual Party Planning Guide P. 14
Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day with Kids P.16
Sweet Treats for Valentine's Day P. 18
Palm Beach County: Events and Things to Do P. 20
London, 6 years old, looking adorable in her pink dress, spreading love this Valentine’s Day! Cover photo by Lynn of Lynn Studios. www. lynnstudios1.com.
Dear Readers,
Greetings, and welcome to February! It feels like we just wrapped up the longest January ever, but with the arrival of February, we're diving headfirst into a month of celebrations in my family. My oldest child's birthday is in February, and next month, we'll be gearing up for my youngest child's special day. Planning back-to-back birthdays can be a challenge in terms of time and the strain it puts on the wallet!
In our quest to throw the BEST BIRTHDAY parties ever, we've compiled our 14th annual Party Planning Guide. We believe that party planning doesn't have to be daunting, and we've gathered the best spots in the area to help you make your celebrations memorable. Dive into the guide starting on page 12. On page 8, you will find some tips on how to keep your party Eco-Friendly from professional organizer extradonaire, Amy Bergman.
Believe it or not, we're already discussing Summer Camp plans! Next month, we'll be launching our updated Summer Camp Directory. As many camps fill up quickly, it's wise to register early. While January may have felt slow, the next few months are likely to zoom by, and summer will be here before you know it!
Happy Parenting,
Volume 14, Issue 2 | February 2025
PUBLISHER
Felonice Merriman
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Jennifer Preville
GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION
Felonice Designs, LLC
Stephanie Davis
COVER PHOTO BY: Lynn of Lynn Studios www.lynnstudios1.com
WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Bergman
Felonice Merriman
Florida Dairy Farmers CONTACT PB PARENTING BY MAIL11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Suite 10A-146 Wellington, FL 33414 To advertise: 561-223-9223
At Nicklaus Children’s, children like Jamie—who was diagnosed with a serious heart condition following a free EKG screening—find hope in our specialized care. Jamie underwent a heart procedure that successfully repaired his heart, thanks to our dedicated team of pediatric cardiology experts. We lead with compassion and deliver extraordinary care, emphasizing why this is the place where your child matters most. Free EKG screenings for children and teens are offered in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties.
nicklauschildrens.org/Heart
Appointments with board-certified pediatric and prenatal cardiologists are available in: Boynton Beach Palm Beach Gardens * Palm City Wellington *Walk-in urgent care for minor injuries and illnesses is offered at this location.
Explore the sweeter side of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium at the 17th Annual Science of Chocolate on Saturday, February 15th from 10 AM - 4 PM.
Activities throughout the Science Center:
• Layers of the Earth (Chocolate Edition!)
• Aluminium Raft Challenege Timed Activities:
• STEAM Cart - Chocolate Play-Doh Activity at 10:00am-12:30pm
• STEAM Cart - waterproof Coco Powder Experiment at 1:00pm-3:30pm
• Sign up for the DIY Chocolate Oobleck Lab taking place at 11:30am, 1:30pm, & 2:30pm. This lab fills up quick so please sign up at our sign-up table located behind our Front Desk.
• Liquid Nitrogen Chocolate Ice Cream Demonstration at 1pm on our outdoor Amphitheater.
Please note: While we strive to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, the Science of Chocolate event involves the handling and presence of chocolate products that may contain or come into contact with peanuts and other allergens. Guests with peanut allergies are advised to exercise caution and attend at their own discretion, as we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
This event is included with paid Science Center admission and free for our members. Tickets purchased at the door or ONLINE. For more information, please call (561) 832-1988. https://www.coxsciencecenter.org/scienceof-chocolate
In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the act of decluttering and organizing transcends mere tidiness; it becomes a powerful tool for eco-friendliness. By thoughtfully evaluating our possessions and reducing excess, we not only create more serene living spaces but also diminish our ecological footprint. This is also true in how we organize our parties. Every celebration can have a positive impact by adopting eco-friendly practices. While birthday parties can often involve excessive waste and environmental strain, planning a sustainable celebration—especially for kids—doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun and excitement. Below are some practical tips on how to organize and throw an environmentally conscious kids' birthday party, covering everything from pre-party planning to post-party clean-up.
Pre-Party Planning: Setting the Green Foundation
1. Choose a Sustainable Theme
Start by selecting a theme that encourages eco-
awareness. Themes such as nature, wildlife, or even recycling can not only be original and fun but can also be educational for children, offering lessons about the environment as part of the festivities.
Instead of traditional paper invitations that often end up in the trash, consider sending digital invitations through platforms like Evite, Paperless Post, or Canva. If you prefer physical invitations, use recycled paper or seed paper, allowing guests to plant the invites once they have RSVP'd.
Keep the party modest by limiting the guest list. Fewer attendees mean less waste in terms of food, decorations, and party favors. Explain the reasoning to your child in a way they can understand, emphasizing quality over quantity.
Use natural decorations that are both beautiful and sustainable. Opt for items such as potted
plants, flowers from local markets, or even fruits and vegetables as centerpieces. Not only do these décor pieces look great, but they can also be composted or repurposed afterwards.
Engage your child in some DIY decoration projects. Create banners, garlands, or centerpieces using items you already have at home or materials that can be recycled. For example, old magazines can be transformed into colorful paper chains, while fabric scraps can make festive bunting.
6. Minimalistic Approach
Embrace a minimalist approach to decorating. A few well-placed decorations can create a festive atmosphere without clutter. Focus on reusable items rather than single-use décor, and strive for a clean, tidy aesthetic that reduces waste. At the Party: Zero-Waste Catering
7. Plan a Simple, Eco-Friendly Menu
Select a menu that prioritizes plant-based options, as these tend to have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to meat-centric meals. Offer fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and locally sourced foods.
8. Use Reusable Tableware
Avoid disposable plates, cups, and utensils by using ceramic, glass, or compostable options. If you don’t have enough, consider borrowing from friends or family to keep everything reusable.
9. Implement a Zero-Waste Approach
Communicate with your catering team about your zero-waste goals. Plan for the exact number of servings and encourage guests to take what they can eat. Utilize a “take-home container” station, allowing guests to use containers they bring to take leftovers home instead of throwing them away.
10. Eco-Friendly Party Games
Choose games that promote connection with
nature. Activities like scavenger hunts, nature crafts, or outdoor adventures provide fun while fostering an appreciation for the environment.
Instead of traditional party favors, consider ecofriendly alternatives such as seed packets, small potted plants, or homemade treats. You could also suggest that guests bring contributions for a local charity rather than gifts to minimize consumption.
As the festivities wind down, ensure that a clear recycling and composting system is in place. Create designated bins and encourage guests to dispose of waste accordingly. Instruct your child and their friends on how to sort waste properly, making cleanup part of the fun educational experience.
Follow up with sustainable thank-you notes. Just like the invitations, opt for digital thank-yous or use recycled paper for handwritten notes. This reinforces your commitment to sustainability and shows appreciation for your guests’ participation.
After the party, share the experience with your child. Discuss what worked well and what could be improved in future celebrations. This provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce the lessons learned about environmental responsibility and the fun of celebrating sustainably.
Planning a kid's birthday party with an eco-friendly approach is not only achievable but can also be a rewarding experience filled with joy and learning. By focusing on sustainable decor, zero-waste catering, and eco-friendly invitations, parents can impart valuable lessons to their children about
love, respect for the planet, and the importance of making conscious choices in our celebrations. Celebrate within the spirit of environmental responsibility—one party at a time!
XOXO, Amy
Amyzing Spaces provides professional organization for your home & office! Amy Bergman is a professional organizer serving Palm Beach County who has always had a passion for organizing & simplifying things in life. She would love to help you make your space Amyzing!!! Check out her website at www. amyzingspaces.com, and you will see how she works with her clients to organize spaces in their homes & offices, creating systems that work for them so they can achieve more calm in their space and be even more productive & efficient with their time.
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Celebrate your kid's birthday artNEST® style! Birthdays deserve to be special, not stressful. With us you have all the memories with none of the stress. We have different options of celebrations including our Splash parties, customized canvas painting, slime, magic potions, fairy jars, tie dye and more! Let’s talk – we will make it EPIC! Located in Delray Beach and Boca Raton. For more information visit artNESTstudios.com or call 561-562-8897.
Make your child’s next birthday a memorable one by hosting your party at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium! With more than 100 handson educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon aquarium, a full-dome planetarium, outdoor science trail, an 18-hole mini golf course, and much more, the Science Center provides a unique venue for your upcoming birthday party. We have a variety of birthday themes to choose from including: Diggin’ Dinosaurs, Kabam! Chemistry, Shark Adventure, and
more. For more information, please contact Brianna Hernandez at bhernandez@ coxsciencecenter.org or (561) 370-7731.
Come and celebrate the fun with us! The basic package includes one hour of gymnastics fun for all your guests; and a half hour of party in our lobby area. Additional time is optional. The cost for a party starts at $275. Call us to check on availability. First come first serve basis, so reserve your day ahead of time. Located in Lake Worth. For more information call 561-868-0288 or visit www. geniesgymastics.com.
Let us give you the full “Star Treatment” for your special day filled with fun and games! Choose a Gymnastics or Ninja party. Party times are available on Saturday and Sundays. Parties include: 1 hour in the gym: warmup, games, obstacle course/ circuit, bars, beams, vault, parachute. ½ hour in party area. Packages start at $385. Located in Boca
Raton. For more information please email us at info@gokidschoice.com or call us at 561998-4225.
Palm Beach Skate Zone
Celebrate your next birthday at the COOLEST PLACE IN TOWN! We have fully customizable Ice Skating Party Packages to fit all your party needs. Choose from a wide selection of party platters, add on a private room, fun LED glow necklaces or cotton candy for your guests! Palm Beach Skate Zone is conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike exit at Lake Worth Road. For more information email Diana Noethig at skating@ pbskatezone.com, visit www.pbskatezone. com or call 561-963-5900.
Specializing in Dentistry for Infants, Children, Adolescents and those with Special Health Care
Specializing in Dentistry for Infants, Children, Adolescents and those with Special Health Care needs
Michael J. Roseff, DMD, LLC Canyon Town Center Boynton Beach, FL 33472 561-732-8333 www.roseffpediatricdentistry.com
Pediatric Dentist Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 8784 Boynton Beach Blvd, #103, Boynton Beach, FL 33472 ph# 561-732-8333 fax# 561-732-8375 roseffpediatricdentistry@comcast.net
Sandoway’s shell room is available to rent for birthday parties and special events for up to 25 people. It is a great way to have fun and learn about the local environment at the same time! Choose from many great educational talks including: Macaw Talk, Freshwater Turtle Encounter, Gopher Tortoise Encounter, Box Turtle Encounter, Stingray Touch Tank, Snake and Lizard Encounter, Shark Tooth Necklace Craft,
Touch Tank, Shell Talk, or Alligator Meet and Greet! For more information call 561-2747263 or visit www.Sandoway.org/birthdays. html.
Make your child's special day one to remember with a party at The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum! It's truly a unique destination for your next birthday or special occasion! Our colorful, interactive
Birthday parties at Sandoway Discovery Center are fun and exciting!
Choose from a variety of personalized animal and nature educational encounters such as:
galleries provide the perfect backdrop for celebrating your special day! We can help you to make your party a memorable and fun occasion for all your guests – parents and children alike! Party hosts have use of the party room for two hours. All party attendees have free play in our awardwinning museum during your party, accompanied by adults. Parties also include e-invitations, birthday balloons, free return pass for each child & more! Visit www. schoolhousemuseum.org or call 561742-6780 for details.
Don’t forget to tell them you saw their listing in PB
Valentine's Day doesn't have to revolve around romantic love or relationships with friends. Now that you're a parent, there are numerous delightful ways to celebrate your cutest Valentine of all – your kids! Demonstrate your love by engaging in these enjoyable V-Day activities together.
1. Host a Petite Picnic Party - Elevate the traditional tea party to a picnic affair. Explore the latest Valentine's-themed items at the Target dollar spot. If the weather allows, take it outdoors or create a cozy atmosphere in your dining room. Don't forget to add some fun hats and accessories!
2. Adorn Their Door with Love - Spread love daily by attaching heart-shaped notes to your child's door. Start either at the beginning of the month or the week leading up to Valentine's Day. Express your feelings or share what you love and appreciate about them. Examples include "you are a good friend," "you are smart," or "you make us laugh."
3. Read Valentine's Day Themed Books Together
- Strengthen your bond through storytelling. Pick your favorites or discover new ones like "Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day is Cool," "Llama Llama I Love You," "Guess How Much I Love You," and "Sesame Street: My Fuzzy Valentine."
4. Indulge in Pampering Time - Create an athome spa day with fun masks, and try out unicornthemed sparkling masks. Enjoy mini manis and pedis, or get creative with nail art pens for heartshaped designs.
5. Capture the Moment with a Family Photo Shoot - Set up a photo shoot with props like chalkboards, balloons, tutus, and candy. Alternatively, hire a professional photographer for a more polished session.
6. Spread Kindness
Coinciding with Valentine's Day is Random Acts of
Kindness Week (Feb. 14-20). Extend love beyond your family by surprising friends, neighbors, or first responders with homemade cards, candy, or flowers. Find more ideas at www.randomactsofkindness.org.
7. Design Gift Certificates for Each OtherCreate personalized gift certificates with promises like "I will do a chore for you" or "Play your favorite board game." Encourage creativity with options such as "Make Pancakes together" or "Pick Dinner tonight."
8. Stay "Heart Healthy" Together
Given that February is American Heart Month, Valentine's Day is an opportunity to engage in physical activities as a family. Plan a walk, hike, bike
ride, or have an indoor dance party if the weather is unfavorable.
9. Culminate the Day with a Special Valentine's Family Dinner - Cap off the celebrations with a special family meal. Whether preparing dinner together or opting for takeout, make the evening memorable with beautiful place settings and table decorations. Consider dressing up for an extra touch of festivity.
Remember, if you have plans with your partner on Valentine's Day, these activities can be enjoyed leading up to the celebration. Cherish the opportunity to express your love, especially to your little ones. Happy Valentine's Day!
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these sweet treats that warm both the heart and the taste buds. From creamy milkshakes to yummy strawberry breakfast bars, dairy is the star ingredient that brings richness and comfort to every bite and is sure to make your celebration even sweeter. Recipes provided by Florida Dairy Farmers.
Looking for a creamy, dreamy drink to share with your sweetheart? This Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake is a decadent mix of milk, strawberries, and vanilla all in one glass.
Ingredients
3 cups Vanilla Ice Cream
1⁄2 tsp Vanilla Extract
3/4 cup Chopped Strawberries
1 cup Milk
Optional Crumb Rim:
6 Golden Oreos
1⁄2 cup Freeze-Dried Strawberries
2 Tbsp Butter
Frosting
Preparation - To make the milkshake, start by adding all the ingredients (such as ice cream, milk,
and any flavorings) into a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
For the crumb rim, begin by crushing Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until they are finely chopped.
Add a bit of butter to the mixture and pulse until it forms a crumbly texture.
Take some frosting and spread a thin layer around the rim of the glass. Dip the frosted rim into the crumb mixture, ensuring that it sticks and creates a decorative edge.
Next, carefully pour the milkshake into a tall glass, leaving some space at the top for toppings. Finally, garnish the milkshake with whipped cream, more crumb mixture, and extra toppings if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious treat!
These Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are the perfect way to start Valentine's morning on a sweet note. Packed with fresh strawberries and creamy dairy milk, they make breakfast feel like a treat.
Ingredients
1 large banana, mashed
1 large egg, room temperature
1/3 cup honey/maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups rolled oatmeal
1 cup oat flour
2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup strawberries, diced
Preparation - In a small bowl, mash banana with a fork. Combine mashed banana with egg and honey in a large bowl. Mix until combined. Mix coconut oil, vanilla extract, & milk into the batter. Mix until combined. Add oats and flour to the batter, mixing well. Mix cinnamon powder & baking powder into the batter. Fold diced strawberries into the batter, mixing well.
Pour batter into a parchment paper-lined 8x8 baking pan. Sprinkle over top with additional diced strawberries as desired. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove & let cool before slicing.
Notes: Best kept stored in the refrigerator. Recommend heating up prior to serving.
Sensory Saturdays: Special Exploration Aquarium on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., offering a sensory-friendly experience for families affected by autism, sensory processing, cognitive challenges, or disabilities. Cost: Half off regular admission, purchased at the door. Learn more: https://www. coxsciencecenter.org/sensory-saturdays.
Bright Horizons at Boynton Beach -1490 Gateway
Bright Horizons at Military Trail - 7245 S. Military Trail, Lake Worth, FL 33463
Bright Horizons at Wellington - 3220 S. State Road 7, Wellington, FL 33414
Celebrate Black History Month at the Palm Beach County Library System! Celebrate Black History Month with us! Dive into inspiring stories, cultural performances and engaging events for all ages at the Palm Beach County Library System. Let’s honor Black excellence together! Check out our lineup of activities here: https://ow.ly/ vTKT50URiXH
Come to our special Bright Horizons® Storytime event, where we’ll set the stage for a love of reading and spark your child’s imagination. Participate in hands-on activities together and get to know our community. All families are welcome! Experience the magic on February 6 - Register here! https://bit.ly/BHStorytime Check out these locatons!
Bright Horizons at Boca Raton - 10085 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, FL 33498
Bright Horizons at Coconut Creek - 5601 Regency
Now through May 4, 2025 Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! Made with LEGO® Bricks at the McKee Botantical Gardens - Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! Made with LEGO Bricks is set to make its world premiere at McKee Botanical Garden from January 24 to May 4, 2025. This new exhibition from acclaimed artist Sean Kenney features over 40 sculptures made from more than 800,000 LEGO pieces and explores the beauty of nature through highly stylized, colorful displays that stand in striking contrast with their surroundings. Produced by Imagine
Exhibitions, Nature POP! blends art, science, and innovation in the display of the artist’s newest, never-before-seen sculptures. Learn more at www.
Science of Chocolate at Cox Science Center and Aquarium on Feb. 15
Discover the intriguing journey behind the origins of chocolate. Read page 6 for all the details or visit https://www.coxsciencecenter.
The School District of Palm Beach County Job Fair - Sat.
Transportation, Maintenance and Plant Operations, School Food Services, School Police and more will be hiring. The event will be at the Fulton-Holland Educational Services Center located at 3300 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL
Daily Adventures Await at Sandoway Discovery Center
Every day is a new opportunity for discovery at Sandoway Discovery Center! Check out our program and feeding times to plan your next visit. From fascinating exhibits to interactive experiences, there's always something exciting happening. Don't miss out on the wonders of science and nature – join us for a day filled with exploration and fun! Admission is $10 ages 3+ Learn more at www.sandoway.org.
NO SCHOOL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Science Adventure Camp at Cox Science Center and Aquarium - for , ages 5-6 and 7-11:
They’re everywhere! With so many legs and so many eyes, invertebrates and insects are truly exceptional creatures. Come with us as we try to better our understanding of our creeping, crawling, and occasionally flying neighbors!
Non-member price: $61 | Members price (10% discount): $54.90For more information, visit: https://www.coxsciencecenter.org/camps
Join us Fridays at 9:30 AM for our NEW bilingual storytime class: Cuentos Sensacionales y Más
FREE with paid admission! Bring your little ones and let them explore the wonderful world of reading in Spanish. Check out all the fun calednar of classes at www.schoolhousemuseum.org.
FEBRUARY ALERT!
So Many. Awesome Things. Happening This. Month. Slide through to see all the fun! Boca & Delray Studios = Art, slime, & creativity galore! Special Valentine’s events you won’t want to miss! Non-School Day Camps = The ultimate day-off adventure! Check out www.artneststudios.com.