June 2020
westchesterfamily.com
Summer Eats
That the Whole Family Will Love
Gifts for Dad Under $25 Celebrating Milestones:
Congrats Grads!
contents
June 2020
WestchesterFamily.com
pg. 24
pg. 26 pg. 10
pg. 28
FEATURES 12 | Education Coding and creativity: Learning to code develops resilience, and instills self-confidence in kids
20 | Family Fun The latest kids movies to watch during quarantine 22 | Gifts Father’s Day gifts under $25
pg. 20
Stories & columns 4 | Editor’s Note June Summer State of Mind
14 | Family Fun Birthday cake kits that come with ready-made ingredients
24 | Baby Nurses Two pediatric nurses run service for matching up new parents with registered baby nurses
6 | Mom Stories Writer and Westchester contributor Serena Norr shares on how quarantine has given her the ability to slow down and reconnect
16 | Education Navigating schools virtual admissions and what they are doing to make the process easier for parents
26 | Virtual Travel Travel to these fun spots without leaving your couch
8 | Graduation With social distancing still in place, we will be celebrating differently this year
18 | Mom Hacks Bring the salon to your home with our favorite at-home hair color kits
10 | Ask The Expert A psychologist’s strategies and tips on dealing with kids while home 24/7 28 | Food Nicole Berri of Bonberi.com shares on how qurantine has given her the ability to slow down and reconnect
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June 2020 | Westchester Family
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Editor’s Note
President Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO Joshua Schneps
Westchester Family WestchesterFamily.com Publisher Clifford Luster cluster@schnepsmedia.com Executive Editor Donna Duarte-Ladd edit@westchesterfamily.com Digital Editor Katarina Avendaño Contributing Editor Serena Norr Digital Director Erik Bliss
Nina Gallo Photography
Summer State of Mind As we segue way into summer, the Westchester / New York Family team, like most parents in New York, are working out how to enjoy a quarantine summer. A time most of us spend recharging. Whether you map out a plan or take it day by day, we have plenty to get you through the summer. Is it one of your kids’ birthdays? No problem. We have an impressive roundup of Birthday Cake Kits (page 14), so you can bake a swoon-worthy cake. For delicious food, Nicole Berri, founder of plant-based Bonberi.com, shares three of her Easy Summer Recipes (page 28) for the family. And while social distancing is still a work in progress, we have helpful parenting
tips from therapist and author Stephanie Newman Ph.D. (Barbarians at the PTA) on A Psychologist’s Strategies for Lockdown Life (page 10). And of course, there is Dad! We have Father’s Day Gifts (page 22 ) all for under $25. Lastly, writer and Westchester Family’s, Contributing Editor, Serena Norr shares on how she has slowed down and reconnected with her kids in What I Learned During Coronavirus (page 6). Here is to a grateful summer! Donna Duarte-Ladd Executive Editor
ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@schnepsmedia.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Roberto Palacios 718-260-4531
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mom stories
What I Learned During Coronavirus This time has given me the ability to slow down and reconnect with myself and my kids By Serena Norr
L
ife, as we all know it, has drastically changed. Over the past seven weeks (and counting), this has involved a lot of ups and downs as I’ve had to adapt our family life to a new and unknown way of living. I’ve had to adapt to becoming a teacher to my three kids while also personally navigating this new terrain and confusing time. But as with everything with motherhood, I also think that this time has given me the ability to slow down, reconnect with myself and my kids, and, hopefully, learn some valuable lessons. Below, I’m sharing some of the things I’ve learned (so far), and things I’m hoping to pass along into our post-quarantine lives. Kids are so resilient: Quite simply: being in school with their friends and having a normal routine, and then suddenly being thrust into quarantine life initially sucked. But within a few days, the kids really “got it” and understood that this was all for the greater good. We talked about it a lot (and still do) to keep the conversation going so that they understood what’s going on and also to reiterate the importance of staying home. And through it all, it has been amazing to see them roll with the punches and follow the “rules” of what we are supposed to do during this time. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, but they have adapted in a way that’s really remarkable and inspires me to be strong and resilient like they are. I value time: I used to let time and all of the never-ending list of things that I had to do control my day, and really every thought. I was so busy doing this and that and sometimes felt that I could never get my head above water to simply breathe. As everything has slowed down and being out of work, I have been able to appreciate the time that I do have and I’ve been using it as a gift to do things that I enjoy such as taking Zoom playwriting classes, Zoom calligraphy classes and various free talks. I try to value this time as a gift to appreciate the slow down and enjoy the things I never seemed to have time for before this all happened. I’m amazed by the strength of our essential workers: In our day-to-day worlds, it’s easy to stay in our bubbles without connecting to the complexity of what certain people do. During
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this time, I have a newfound appreciation of the dedication, commitment, and endurance of our essential workers and health care professionals. We did what we could by creating a ‘thank you’ sign Homeschooling is hard: Like most parents, I discovered how challenging homeschool was on day one. Navigating three kids with different abilities and worksheets and Google schedules is akin to managing a small team. I feel particularly challenged by my five-year-old who is resistant to following this new structure at home. I’ve also had to learn to give up the notion that our homeschool situation is going to be perfect (whatever that means) and roll with the punches. Some days this means modified schooling and others this means no school. Nature walks revive us: Living in Westchester, we are so lucky to be surrounded by so many gorgeous paths and hikes. While we did enjoy some of them in the past, these hikes have now become a part of our new routine as we try to drive to a new area for a mini outing. This has been a really fun way to be together and unplug from all the tech and TV that we are constantly surrounded by. It’s been a great way to see my kids, who initially complain about the hikes, end up having a good time in these surroundings and with
each other. I miss alone time: As someone who actually usually works from home, I’m used to routine of that life but I am not used to having people around me all day, demanding food and my attention. I miss having my routine and time without my family when they are at school/work. We have exactly what we need: Like most people, our days often feel like an endless cycle of school, eating, walks, TV, computer time, and reading. Some days an errand, writing, or an online class is thrown in there, but other than that we have very predictable and simple days. While this does get dull, I try to keep the perspective that we are so lucky to all be healthy and have this time together, which is all we really need. I love movement: Prior to the quarantine, I was an avid runner (I ran the 2018 NYC marathon – whoo hoo!), which has been a saving grace for me to have a little bit of alone time. I’ve also used this time to try new exercises and have been in love with the home fitness program from obe that includes everything you need to tone up and move. Some favorites are pilates, HIIT, and mediation, which I love to listen to on a particularly hard day.
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Hold that Graduation! With social distancing, we will celebrate differently this year By Donna LaDD
T
his year my oldest son, ‘graduates’ fifth grade. I am the first to admit that since his first graduation from nursery school, I have always been a bit of a hot mess. My fellow mom friends think it’s amusing that these ceremonies are important to me, and perhaps it has something to do with my youngest child being special needs. I am not sure he will have the privilege of school milestones, so I cherish them all. Time moves quickly, and all those wise aunties and family friends who said to savor each moment as “it goes fast” were one hundred percent on point. Now, my boy is almost as tall as I am, and when I toured middle schools prepandemic this year, my friends and I were a bit shell shocked that our ‘babies’ are now tween-agers. When COVID-19 entered into our world, most of us parents assumed (we were all pretty naive at this stage) that graduation would still happen come June. Although I wasn’t looking forward to sweating it out in a crowded auditorium, I love all the pomp and circumstance that comes with these ceremonial milestones. As a working mom who saves her personal days off for special school events, this is one that I would pass up a big meeting for or even something that may lead to a promotion. Yup, I am out of the office that day and won’t answer emails. I am busy watching my child celebrate his achievements with joy and tears. Like many of our kids and young adults experiencing this school year with a mid-year pandemic, consequently, they will not have graduation this year with their classmates — if lucky, some will have a virtual celebration. We know it is not the same, and although I seem to be more disappointed than my son, we will celebrate the things that matter. For if the last few months have taught us anything, it is what matters most which
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is that we are together, the kids are still learning, and teachers have been amazing . We have breath, hope, joy. We have each other. And we’ll get back to celebrating the
milestones in our children’s lives. They may look different, but we are adaptable creatures and will celebrate it all once again. Congrats to all 2020 graduates!
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ask the expert
A Psychologist’s Strategies for Lockdown Life Tips on dealing with kids while home 24/7 By Stephanie Newman, PhD
I
’m a practicing psychotherapist, which means I’m killing it at parenting. Obviously. My days flow seamlessly. Late morning. Having finished several virtual therapy sessions, I now stand over a pot of soup — Grandma’s recipe — stirring vigorously. An alert on my phone grabs my attention: time to nab an Instacart slot. Still stirring, I log on with my other hand while glancing over at the laundry (not finished drying yet). Now it’s time for homework review. Linear algebra? No problem! I settle in, lost in equations until the pot begins to boil. Tensions are erupting: two kids, 1 Oreo. I place a hand on each child’s shoulder, being sure to use a voice that is more soothing than scolding: “These are unprecedented times; let’s not argue over minutiae.” My daughter’s face splits into a wide grin, “You’re so right, Mom, I’ll just have the Twizzlers! As she reaches for the candy, her brother waves her off: “Take the cookie, I don’t mind.” Great kids, I think, as they walk off, arm in arm. Before the health crisis, I worked mostly in my city office, a somber space in the lobby of a high rise. While there I often fielded questions about the contents of my bookshelf and use of the analytic couch (yup, people still lie down!). Conventional wisdom in my field holds that exploring thoughts and fantasies — even those in the form of questions — can offer insight into the patient’s internal world. Inquiries present an opportunity for learning. I’d nestle in, buffeted by the tools of the trade: Freud’s Standard Edition, a set of matched chairs and ottomans, woven area rug, and black leather sofa. The neutral set-up offered relative anonymity. But now with families locked down, parents working from home and kids engaged in remote schooling, we’re all around all the time, with everyone on the Wi-Fi at once.
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How times have changed. And psychotherapists have changed with them. We are Zooming and Face Timing, along with the rest of the world — and in so doing, confronting challenges that emerge when daily realities bump against the treatment frame. During face time sessions, I see my own empathizing eyes, squinting back at me from a corner of the screen. Looking at myself during emotionally poignant moments is the last thing I want to do! It’s jarring to see me starting back at me. Today I lean in for a closer view. I should have combed my hair and that scarf! I’m never wearing it again! Virtual engagements are assaulting our boundaries. Most recently I’ve dealt with an onslaught of unexpected background noises. Leaf blowers and family arguments have come out of nowhere, punctuating sessions. I’ve learned to mute my call when stressed
voices emanate from the room below. I pound on the floor three times, feeling like a guest at a seedy motel where rooms rent by the hour. And even though my engagements are virtual, I always make it a point to look professional. I may be cleaning sinks and scrubbing porcelain unmentionables, but I am sure to dress for sessions: black suit jacket, string of pearls, even a pin on my lapel. Below, faded jeans and mocs. In my constant state of mismatch, I’m aware of the stares that follow as I walk the dog outside in between appointments. And that soup-stirring, delivery-timereserving, math-reviewing, and peacebrokering moment… never happened, never will. As to the issue of whether my expertise makes me an expert in my own parenting…. Here are some go-to strategies for handling child-rearing and its myriad dilemmas.
PARENTING TIPS When in doubt, rely on the experts—especially at 3 am when your four year old shakes you awake for the 3rd time in as many nights. Nod vigorously: “Of course you can come into my bed, Sweetie. Just like Dr. Sears says in his book, ‘a need that’s unmet never goes away.” Use stress-reduction techniques before disciplining. Breathe in and hold… exhale. Repeat. Now you are ready to explain patiently exactly why it’s a bad idea to give the dog pop rocks. “I know you think it’s hilarious the way he tilts and shakes his head as a fountain of spittle erupts inside his tiny terrier mouth, but Daddy will go full blown Krakatoa when Bowzer needs a root canal. Your pleas didn’t even make a dent? Back to Stress reduction. This time do it before, during, and after disciplining. When met with a shrill scream: “Stop. I already told you—this is hurting him. He’ll get cavities. Excuse me? Don’t raise your voice. Be respectful.” “Breathe in. Relax. Exhale and hold. Repeat.” Still, struggling to find the right way to
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deal with your young ones? Talk to them like they are little adults. Explain the reasons you’ve taken a hard stance. Treat children with respect, appeal to their strengths and maturity, and they will rise to the occasion. “Copying Lilly’s history homework was not ok. It’s a kind of cheating called plagiarizing. No, it’s different when people write speeches for famous people. They pay others to do it…. What’s that? No, you cannot pay Lilly to do your work for you.” Sick of always being the adult (even though, let’s face it, you are), why not write a humor piece about parenting? Just don’t quit your day job. It’s always an option to pass the buck. Let your child’s [daddy, other mommy, caregiver] handle the discipline, while you hide in the bathroom. Assuming you’ve tried it all: explaining, using relaxation strategies, getting your coparent involved and you’re still flummoxed? If all else fails, go for the Hail Mary: get down on your knees. Light a candle. One final tip: don’t be shy about seeking professional help. Say it’s been 67 minutes
and your teenager is still in the shower. If you’re feeling totally out of your league, thinking when did my kid become a Philip Roth cliché–I’m not touching this, just ask. “I’d like to use my lifeline, Regis, or maybe phone a friend.” And as to that question of whether we therapist-moms are sitting on a stockpile of trade secrets that allow us to handle parenting better than the rest of the world? You be the judge. Stephanie Newman Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist/ psychoanalyst with offices in New York City and Westchester, NY. She is a Visiting Scholar/Clinical Supervisor at Columbia University, a Member of the Psychoanalytic Association of New York, and the author of an upcoming novel, Barbarians at the PTA. Barbarians at the PTA is available on Amazon June 2nd.
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education
Coding and Creativity Learning to code takes time, but it also develops resilience, and instills self-confidence in kids By Katy Lynch
S
hake the preconception that coding is about math or science, or about learning the nuanced syntax of a specific language. In the real world, coding is an extremely creative activity. It’s about bringing ideas to life and sharing them with massive numbers of people. Shake the preconception that coding is about math or science, or about learning the nuanced syntax of a specific language. In the real world, coding is an extremely creative activity. It’s about bringing ideas to life and sharing them with massive numbers of people. Kids are obsessed with digital. It’s their medium of choice — one which enables a single person to have an idea, bring that idea to life, distribute it to millions of people, and change the world. Learning to code introduces kids to a whole new world of creative possibilities. Coding bridges the gap between imagination and reality, between conceptualization and tangibility. Think back to when you were a child. You may have fantasized about building your own multiplayer video game. You may have even drawn out what the game looked like, level-by-level, and included all of the different characters, objects, and obstacles featured in your game. Now, imagine being given the tools to actually create that game. Coding allows kids to take their creative ideas (like a multiplayer video game) and bring them to life on their computer screens. For many kids, their first introduction to code is playing drag-and-drop games to see how code snippets fit together to move characters on a screen. These games are great for getting kids excited about learning to code and teaching basic concepts like sequencing and conditional logic. In addition to playing these types of coding games though, it is important to give kids the tools to actually be able to create their own games. This is what flips kids from being just video game and app consumers to creators. Learning to code develops resilience. Every single coding project involves problemsolving. Whether kids are trying to fix a bug in their code, or perform an arduous task,
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coders spend a fair amount of time analyzing, testing, experimenting and iterating. As kids develop mastery in coding, it increases their understanding of how technology is built and how it functions. It is a very rewarding, fun, and fulfilling activity when kids can see (and witness of the impact of) the fruits of their labor — whether they are building an app, a mobile game, or a website. And, as a result, they become more resilient, independent, and resourceful. Learning to code instills self-confidence. Self-confidence is about believing in one’s abilities, skills, and experience. Coding, like any activity or hobby, takes time, effort, patience, and determination to become good at it. As kids develop their coding skills over time, they gain more confidence and self-esteem, which encourages them to take more risks, express their creativity, and continuously invest in the work they produce. At Codeverse, we maintain a 1:1 childto-instructor ratio during virtual classes to ensure that every kid has ample opportunities to ask questions, receive guidance and feedback, and be challenged creatively and technically. When students feel their voices are heard, they learn that their questions and input are important and that speaking up isn’t scary, but rewarding. This inspires them to confidently seek solutions to academic
challenges both online and at their school. Katy Lynch is a British-born entrepreneur, marketer, and investor. Shortly after graduating from the University of Manchester in 2005, Katy moved to Chicago and became the Head of Social for Where I’ve Been, Facebook’s largest travel application. Lynch spearheaded all marketing initiatives for the company before TripAdvisor (NASDAQ: TRIP) acquired the company in 2010. Shortly after the Where I’ve Been/TripAdvisor acquisition, she launched SocialKaty, her explosively popular digital media consulting business. With over 70 clients including large national brands such as AAA, Firestone, Shopkins and Beanie Babies, Lynch grew the business into the largest social media marketing agency in the Midwest before being acquired by Manifest in July 2014. Her successes positioned her to become the first female CEO of Techweek, the nation’s leading technology conference and festival. Today, Katy is the Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Codeverse -- the world’s first interactive coding studio for kids ages 6-13. Codeverse is founded on the mission to “teach a billion kids to code.” Katy is the recipient of the Smart Cookies Award by Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, and has appeared on Forbes, NBC, Inc, WGN, Huffington Post, FOX and Today.com, amongst others.
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family fun
Birthday Cake Kits
If your kid will be celebrating a birthday in quarantine, these kits of ready-made ingredients can make the day more fun! By IsaBelle Bousquette
I
f your kids are about to celebrate a birthday in quarantine, these Birthday Cake Kits can make the day more special and fun! The kits come with pre-measured ingredients and decorations for all kinds of cool cakes. They take all the hassle out of baking (and you never get halfway through a recipe before realizing that you don’t have any vanilla extract). Best of all, you can eliminate the perilous journey to the grocery store, where, let’s face it, they won’t have any flour left anyway. Making the cake can be a great birthday activity. (Eating the cake can be an even better birthday activity!) So check out our roundup of the best Birthday Cake Kits now delivering to NYC families. But first, a few tips for stress-free family baking with the kids:
Tips for Baking with Kids Yes, Birthday Cake Kits are supposed to take all the stress and drama out baking. But for some, we know there’s always stress and drama involved in baking — especially in tiny New York City kitchens. That’s why we spoke to Anna Helm Baxter, Co-Founder of the DIY cake and baking kit company, Poppikit. Here are her top tips for baking with kids (and baking with parents that don’t have much more culinary experience than kids): 1. Let the kids crack the eggs. If you’re looking for ways to involve kids in the baking, then task them with cracking the eggs. (You might have to fish out one or two pieces of eggshell afterwards). Or, if you want to limit the eggshell liability, just
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All-Natural Candy Cake Kit from Poppikit Poppikit has loads of colorful kid-friendly cake kits topped with everything from mermaid tails to rocket ships. But we’re crazy about the all-natural Candy Cake. Choose between hot pink, white, blue, purple, yellow, orange, green or red for the cotton candy frosting (and between chocolate, vanilla and gluten-free vanilla for the inside). But the real fun is decorating the cake! The kit comes with lollipops, jellybeans and confetti sprinkles for a super sweet birthday party! From $40. To browse the full selection visit poppikit.com.
let them stir together the ingredients. 2. Chill the cake before you decorate it. Once you’re done baking, Helm Baxter recommends you “refrigerate or freeze your cake for about 30 minutes” before you start adding frosting (and piling on the sprinkles). According to Helm Baxter, “A chilled cake is easier to decorate (and will create fewer crumbs).” 3. Don’t have a turntable? Substitute parchment paper. Putting a cake on a piece of large parchment paper means you can still rotate while you decorate! Helm Baxter says it also helps to “Frost the sides of the cake first and place one hand on top of the cake to keep it steady.” 4. Don’t scrimp on the frosting. Helm Baxter says you shouldn’t worry about “getting super smooth frosting.” Instead
“load the frosting onto the cake and use swirling actions with the smooth side of a butter knife to purposefully create texture.” 5. Use a baking sheet to catch lost sprinkles. According to Helm Baxter, “Sprinkles fix everything!” And she’s so right. So let kids pile them on during the decorating stage. But make sure you’re decorating the cake over a “large rimmed baking sheet” that can catch any lost sprinkles. 6. Have fun! Whether or not your cake kits end up looking exactly like the pictures, you can still enjoy the baking process. Helm Baxter says that “baking with kids is unavoidably messy and you may not end up with a Martha Stewart-like creation.” But the important thing is that “your kids will feel a sense of pride in baking and sharing their creations.”
Flour Shop Rainbow Explosion Cake Kit from Williams Sonoma Black Glam Birthday Cake Kit by Sheri Wilson from GlobalBelly Step-by-step guided instructions (with pictures!) will help you construct this gorgeous birthday cake. The pink gel frosting on the top is deliciously chic. Meanwhile, the oreo-flavored buttercream on the bottom is just plain delicious. The kit also comes with a signature pop sprinkle mix and six gold candles. This cake will bring a total pop of glam to any quarantine birthday! $49.99, globalbelly.com
Those a little more adept with the whisk can try their hand at the Instagramfamous Rainbow Explosion Cake. Williams Sonoma teamed up with the Flour Shop in Soho to create this truly original over-the-top cake kit. You’ll use premium cake mix and coloring gels to bake each whimsical layer. Then you’ll fill the cake with it with a million sprinkles (included) that burst out when you cut it open. This kit takes a little extra effort, but it’s a truly unforgettable experience (and not just cause it’ll live forever on your Instagram). $59.95, williams-sonoma.com
Madagascar Vanilla Chocolate Caramel Cake from KékiCake If you’re a fan of the Great American Baking Show or Cupcake Wars, then your refined palate will appreciate any kit from KékiCake. And this decadent chocolate caramel cake is no exception. The ingredients include honey bittersweet chocolate ganache, brown butter caramel and 100% cacao bittersweet french buttercream. So, if your kids are burgeoning baking enthusiasts, they’ll definitely appreciate this as a birthday treat. $54.95, kekicake.com
Carrot Cake from Red Velvet NYC Red Velvet has been making DIY baking kits in New York City since 2015. Their chocolate pecan torte and flourless chocolate cake look delicious. But if you want to take a break from chocolate or vanilla sheet cakes, then try this scrumptious carrot cake. It’s topped with cream cheese frosting and a few walnuts. And although there are no nuts actually inside the cake, we’re still nuts about it! $32, redvelvetnyc.com
Little Chef Birthday Baking Kit from Butter + Whisk If you’re not a skilled baker, then Little Chef Birthday Baking Kit will hold your hand through this process. The kit includes access to an easy-to-follow video tutorial you and your kids can watch together. It’s recommended for ages 5-13 (but there’s no shame in following the instructions as a grown adult). Afterwards, you’ll have a delicious two-layered vanilla confetti birthday cake to celebrate the day. $36.99, butterandwhiskco.com
June 2020 | Westchester Family
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Education
Virtual Admissions What schools are doing to make the process easier By Courtney Ingalls
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he coronavirus has created a roadblock for schools all around New York City. Admissions teams have been struggling over the last few months shifting from in-person meetings and interviews to strictly online. Although this transition might be difficult, schools have been working on creating virtual admissions that will be easy and helpful for both students and staff! Not sure how virtual admissions will work? Here are a few tips and tools that admissions teams are using to helping students and parents learn about schools for the upcoming season! Virtual Tours When trying to decide which school students would want to attend, one of the best ways to explore different options is by visiting and touring the campuses. Even though campuses across the country are closed down, admissions teams are
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setting up virtual tours that kids and parents can sign up for. “We have a 360 virtual tour that we got shot just about a month after we started to shelter in place,” said Jim Gaines, the Director of Admissions at Green Ivy Schools. “That has been hugely beneficial in terms of being able to take parents on an actual tour of the school, everywhere from walking in the front door, up the steps into their child’s classrooms, seeing all the different specialist rooms, etc.” Through virtual tours, you can get an idea of whether or not your child will feel comfortable at this particular school and feel like they will be able to fit into the environment around them. Video Interviews One of the most important parts of the application process is the parent and student interviews. These interviews allow both the admissions team and the student to get to
know one another while also seeing if this certain school will be a good fit for them. Phone interviews can be a good alternative, but admission teams prefer doing interviews via video platforms, such as Zoom, in order to stimulate a proper interview. Alex Ragone, Director of Enrollment and Marketing at Williamsburg Northside School, said, “Depending on the age of the child, if the child who is three to first or second grade we will do a parent conversation with the child there so we’ll get to know the child and the parent. For older students, for middle school applicants, we will do an application process that has a parent interview as well as the student interview.” When it comes down to how interviews are conducted, every school is different depending on grade levels. “In those older ages, a lot of times we will have a couple of students come along in the Zoom conversation to answer questions and have a conversation with the child who is applying. That gives us a view into kind of how they [the applicant] would engage in the community,” said Ragone. Make Sure to Do Your Research You might not realize it, but many of the schools you might be looking at usually have
tons of information that could be beneficial when it comes to picking a school. Especially since coronavirus has caused in-person visits to be canceled, schools have been reviewing and updating their websites to make sure they have the right information that people will need such as tuition and financial aid, as well as lists of virtual events that schools will be hosting. “Definitely do as much research as they [parents] can by visiting the websites. A lot of the website indicates what the school is about,” said Emily Benson, Director of Admissions at International Academy of New York. Research can feel repetitive and challenging for some people, but the benefits of having some of your questions answered early on will make the admissions process a little less stressful Communication Is Key Since there isn’t an option to meet one on one with administrators and potential students, being able to have good communication is a good factor when it comes to choosing a school. Once the potential students and parents
Virtual Admissions at the Harvey School The Harvey School Admissions office is open and excited to speak to prospective students and their families on a daily basis. The Admissions team will hold Virtual Admissions Visits throughout the month of June via Zoom. June 10 will be a Middle School Chat, June 17 we will discuss how we are keeping students engaged in the classroom and through eHarvey distance learning, and June 24 will feature Coffee with Academic Leaders. Register for these events at www.harveyschool.org/visit. In addition, families can email admissions@harveyschool.org or visit our website to start an online chat or learn more about our school at www.harveyschool.org. We look forward to welcoming you to Harvey!
do research and see what the different schools have to offer, the next step is to relay questions that you still might have to administrators. Benson said “Something we’ve always had in place is strong communication, so if a parent asks us a question we’ll answer it right away. We make it very obvious from the beginning that we’re really transparent and open to answer anything.” Asking as many questions as possible will not only help the school get to know what
kind of person the student and their parents are, but also help the students get to know the school’s values and how they function. “Have your list of questions ready. Be very thoughtful, deliberate, and intentional about what your values are as a family, what is important to you in terms of education, [and] how you perceive your child as a learner,” said Gaines. The better communication you have, the better experience the student will have at the school that they choose.
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mom hacks
At-Home Hair Color With most salons closed because of COVID-19, we’ve found 7 color kits to update your look By Donna LaDD
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t is happening. We are winning at self-isolation and have come to terms with the lack of many things. We are embracing what matters in life, yet, we all have mirrors. There are dark roots of natural color most of us haven’t seen since college now forming some sort of halo around our heads. Or gray hairs peeking out. Uh oh. And with quarantine still happening and salons closed for however long, it may be time to take self-care to the next level and do some at-home magical care and update our hair color!
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Hair Coloring Tips First, tips from writer and beauty pro Melissa Brown (follow on Instagram @ missyb823): 1. Skip shampoo for 24 hours before coloring your hair to prevent stripping the natural oils that help protect your scalp from chemicals used to alter your hue. 2. The trick to even coverage is to section your hair before applying color. Divide your strands into four or five sections using clips or elastics. When applying color, start with the back (or lower) sections, then move
your way up towards your hairline. 3. Don’t go changing! Never attempt to make your color more than three shades lighter or darker than your natural base. Drastic changes are best left to the pros since they know how to customize formulas. 4. Not ready to commit? Select a semi-permanent kit, which is a colordepositing-only formula (meaning you can’t make hair lighter) and will wash out after several shampoos. 5. Hair dye can stain your skin, so prevent this by swiping a thin layer of petroleum jelly along your hairline before coloring. This creates a barrier that dye can’t penetrate.
Best for Base Color & Highlights: L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color & Highlights Kit A great kit if you have gray and only want to cover with a base and add highlights. Solid color is applied first; the only complaint is the small fingertip applicator doesn’t always stay on securely. Color comes out naturally, and highlights are a bonus that gives the overall hair color a vibrant and natural tone. This is a permanent dye, so we recommend testing a strand of hair before application. $14.99 , lorealparisusa. com
Best Color for Overall Shine: L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Color + Shine System If looking for a color that results in shine and gives hair a lift — this is an excellent choice. Enrich with camelina oil, Vitamin E — hair looks healthy and shiny afterward. Perfect if you are finding yourself in a hair rut while in quarantine and want to get hair back to a healthy look. $9, amazon.com
Best Custom Hair Color: eSalon If you are in search of a custom color similar to what a hair colorist can achieve, then choose a home kit brand that knows what they are doing such as eSalon. A digital hair color resource that has been in business since 2010 — like a physical salon, you will have a questionnaire to fill out. After submitting a hefty amount of information and a photo of your current color, a colorist will jump in with your custom color. The result is a custom color formula that is not only affordable but looks salon-worthy. Our tester Erin shared, “When I used eSalon, the results were better than when I get my roots done at a salon.” Color kits start at $27.50, eSalon.com
Best for Highlights: Revlon Color Effects Frost & Glow Highlights What quarantine? With this kit, you can add some summer glow to your mane in less than an hour. Add to existing highlights or brush on for those sun-kissed strands. This kit is a bit old school with its LightZones cap, but this will help you to set where you want to place the highlighting formula for the perfect “been to the beach” look. $12, revlon.com
Best Foam Hair Dye: John Frieda Precision Foam Colour If looking for minimal steps to dying your hair, yet still achieving vibrant color, this John Frieda Precision Foam Colour goes on easy with little mess and directions. This aluminum-free dye is perfect if you are looking to boost up your natural color or pair with your salon shade until your next beauty visit. The average color dye time is around 30 minutes. $9, johnfrieda.com
Best Overall Color for Gray Hair Coverage: Revlon Total Color This vegan cream formula is without parabens, sulfates, silicones, ammonia, phthalates, or gluten. It is a permanent color and lasts for about six weeks. It is infused with hemp seed oil which helps nourish the hair, making it look glossy and rich in color. $8, amazon. com
Best Kit for Temporary Hair Color: L’Oreal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Gray Concealer Spray If you are not ready to take the permanent color plunge and want to wait until you can get to your colorist, this cover spray is a useful solution. This goes on in seconds (check out spokesperson Eva Longoria‘s tutorial on Instagram) and does a great job of concealing. $7.86, amazon.com
June 2020 | Westchester Family
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family fun
New Kids Movies to Watch in Quarantine
By IsaBelle Bousquette
T
he movie theaters are closed (for now), but that doesn’t mean there’s a halt on new and recent releases. Instead, the best new kids movies to watch in quarantine are already streaming. Even as the lockdown drags on, there’s no shortage of fun, kidfriendly content. (Which is great news for parents who are exhausted after a long week of homeschooling). So hop into the Mystery Machine, belt out your favorite song with some trolls, or set sail with a talking polar bear as your first mate. You might be stuck in your living room for the time being, but these movies will still take you on some wild adventures. Scoob! The latest installment in the mystery gang franchise cements one universal truth: Scooby-Doo never gets old. So pull out your Scooby snacks and dive into the gang’s next adventure. This time, they’re investigating a plot to release the evil dog, Cerberus, into the world. On their way, they discover chilling secrets about Scooby’s own legacy. Featuring an all-star voice cast of Zac Efron, Gina Rodriguez and Amanda Seyfried, this film truly has something for everyone. $19.99 rent, $24.99 to purchase on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV, Vudu and Google Play. The Willoughbys Based on the book by Lois Lowry, The Willoughbys tells the story of four siblings who decide they’d be better off raising themselves. After their parents set out on a “no kids allowed” vacation, the siblings begin their own adventure. They spin through high-speed car chases, flying spaceships and candy factories, all in pursuit of the family they’ve always dreamed of.
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Included with Netflix subscription. Trolls World Tour Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake return, bringing the characters of Poppy and Branch to life once again. This time, the trolls are on a mission to protect their kingdom. They have to unite trolls from all six tribes that play all different kinds of music, from funk to country, pop, classical and rock. Ozzy Osbourne and Kelly Clarkson also lend their voices to this colorful musical adventure with an unforgettable soundtrack. $19.99 to rent on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play. Sonic the Hedgehog Everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog is finally heading to the big screen. In the highest grossing video game movie of all time, Sonic finds himself adjusting to life on earth. That is, until he’s forced to battle an evil supergenius in order to save the planet he now calls home. Flanked by Jim Carey and James Marsden, Sonic is the perfect flick to bring a little supersonic magic into your quarantine family movie night. From $4.99 on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play. Dolittle Robert Downey Jr. takes on the title role of the beloved doctor who can talk to the animals. But the real stars of this movie are the animals. Jip, the dog, Polynesia the parrot, and Chee-Chee the Gorilla all join Dr. Dolittle on his quest to find a cure for the disease that plagues Queen Victoria. As they race against the clock, each creature lends his special skills. Dolittle and his crew ultimately discover that the outside world can be quite a zoo. From $5.99 on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play.
Frozen 2 The highly anticipated followup to Disney’s Frozen is now on streaming for all to watch (and sing along to)! Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven set foot into an enchanted forest in search of ancient secrets and spooky voices. Once again they have to face the fact that in order to save Arendelle, they risk losing each other. The sequel also boasts some iconic tunes, including “Into the Unknown,” and “Reindeer Are Better Than People.” Included with Disney+ subscription. From $4.99 on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play. Lady and the Tramp Disney’s classic canine flick has now been reimagined with real-life dogs. It’s the story of what happens with a pampered cocker spaniel falls for a mutt from the wrong side of the tracks. There’s adventure, there’s howling at the moon, and of course, there’s spaghetti and meatballs. The live-action version includes all your favorite songs from the classic 1955 version, plus it adds a few fun twists! Included with Disney+ subscription. Dora and the Lost City of Gold The classic cartoon heroine, Dora the Explorer, is all grown up and appearing for the first time in live-action. Fans of the original TV show and those that have never seen it before alike will enjoy this 2019 reboot. When Dora moves away from her explorer parents in Peru, she faces her biggest challenge yet: high school. But soon she finds she can’t escape her destiny any more than Swiper can escape with her singing map. Included with Sling TV subscription. From $4.99 on Vudu. From $6.99 on Amazon Prime Video, Youtube and Google Play. The Missing Link This nominee for Oscar Best Animated Pic-
ture is a stop-motion instant classic. It tells the story of Sir Lionel Frost, an explorer aiming to make his mark on history, and Mr Link, a big-foot-esque creature searching for his place in the world. They team up with fellow adventurer Adelina Fortnight and set out on a perilous journey in search of Mr. Linkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeland. Instead, they discover the power of friendship and what it really means to belong.
Included with Hulu subscription. From $3.99 on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World The final film of the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy is arguably the best of the three. Hiccup, now a young man, has become
the Viking leader of Berk. He thinks heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll always have his pal, Toothless, by his side. But things change when Toothless meets a mysterious white dragon. Ultimately, Hiccup has to make a decision that will forever affect the relationship between humans and dragons. Included with Hulu subscription. From $3.99 on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play. June 2020 | Westchester Family
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gifts
Father’s Day Gifts
Under
$25
by Katarina avedaño
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his Father’s Day we have gifts for every dad, from the dad who lives outdoors to the dad who appreciates a new tech item, these gifts are perfect for his special day. If looking for a gift within budget, we have you covered with affordable options! Browse through our roundup of gifts under $25 and get a thoughtful present for Father’s Day!
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1. Hiker Micro Crew Cushion For the dad that craves the outdoors, make sure they are well equipped with these rugged socks ready for the trails. These socks pull moisture away from the skin, quickly dry, and are made from Merino Wool for breathability and comfort. Whatever season he wants to go hiking, these socks will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. darntough. com, $23 2. Bourbon Infused Coffee For a little pick-me-up, dads will love this bag of 100% Arabica coffee beans that are infused with bourbon. These coffee beans have a delightful aroma and unique flavor profile — great for a post-dinner sip. uncommongoods. com, $20 3. BOOST UP™ Wireless Charging Pad 5W For the tech dad, gift him this wireless charging pad for easy charging around the house. It’s affordable and also highly compatible with any device with Qi technology. It will power devices from Apple, Samsung, Xperia, LG, Sony, Nokia, Google, and more! He won’t even have to remove the case for charging as long as it’s a lightweight plastic case up to 3mm. belkin.com, $24.99 4. Ultra-Soft Breathe ON Tee for Men After being at home for the last few months, comfortable clothing has come to the rescue. This breathable material is great for all movement and has Go-Dry Cool wicking technology which is perfect for warmer weather in New York City. This versatile tee is great for working out, for on the go, or if you need a comfortable go-to shirt. oldnavy.gap. com, $18
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5. HoMedics® Thera-P™ Total Body Massager Get an easy at-home massage at any time while we are still at home. This hand-held massager is great for achy muscles that need to be worked out. Adjust the intensity from gentile to vigorous and customize the massage with three different attachments: roller, spot, and wide area. homedics.com, $14.99 6. Cord Wrap Dads can keep all their cords neat and tidy with this Leatherology Cord Wrap. Loop your earbuds, phone charger, or other thin cables, and snap the leather wrap to keep everything together and tangle-free! leatherology.com, $15 7. Rambler 16 oz Stackable Pint Keep your cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot with this double-wall insulated pint glass. Ditch the plastic cups for this stainless-steel, stackable pint glass — great for camping trips or whenever you need a reliable, insulated cup to keep your favorite beverages just right. Dishwasher safe. yeti.com, $24.99
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The Baby Whisperers Two pediatric nurses run service for matching up new parents with registered baby nurses By IsaBelle Bousquette
T
he process of finding the right baby nurse is kind of like the process of looking for hand sanitizer in the middle of a pandemic: stressful and complicated. You might know what you want, but you have no idea where to find it. Kayla Loschky and Jeri Ford’s business is a remedy to that problem (the baby nurse problem, not the hand sanitizer). They founded Baby Whisperers (yourbabywhisperers.com) with the goal of making a family’s search for a baby nurse more clean cut and straightforward. Loschky and Ford run almost like an eHarmony of baby nurse services. They interview families. They interview nurses. And then they pair them up based on expectations, personality types and whether they’re looking for part-time or live-in work. The process is smooth and easy, and unlike eHarmony, you never have to rank your top five romantic comedies. Loschky and Ford met while they were both pediatric graduate nurses working at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. When Loschky was hired as a private baby nurse, she gushed to Ford about how much she loved the job. Together they realized there was a market for a respected and official baby nurse selection service. They also had something unique going for them: most people hired as “baby nurses” aren’t technically Registered Nurses (RNs). They might be experienced nannies or newborn care specialists, but they lack the official medical training of an RN. Loschky and Ford, on the other hand, (and all the nurses they work with) are full Registered Pediatric Nurses. Being an RN isn’t technically a requirement for baby nursing. However, Loschky explains that families find comfort knowing that their baby nurses “are more well-rounded in the variety of experience they have and thus able to give better care and education.” She adds, “Our nurses can
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“A new mother and father are always worried that they know nothing about babies. It is a wonderful bonus to have a medical expert already in the home.” provide holistic care while also being able to act quickly and responsively in emergencies.” Loschky and Ford agree that there’s been a lot of confusion over the role of baby nurses. Ford attributes it to the fact that “there are many different types of help and assistance for babies and kids within the home. It is easier for most people to just say “baby nurse” because that is all they know.” The Baby Whisperers offer a range of different services designed to cater to the needs of each family. Ford says, that for the most part, their nurses “do everything from teaching basic newborn care to assessing and looking for potential issues.” They can also advise on “sleep training techniques, feeding cues, importance of routine, when to call the doctor, safety measures, lactation management, rest breaks [and] tummy time.” Still, perhaps “Parent Whisperers” would’ve been another apt name for Loschky and Ford’s company. Ford explains that her ultimate goal as a nurse is always to “empower [the] parents.” “A new mother and father are always worried that they know nothing about babies,” Loschky says. Now, during a worldwide
health crisis, those anxieties are only amplified. That’s why, she adds “it is a wonderful bonus to have a medical expert already in the home. Many clinics and offices are limiting in-person checkups and therefore having a baby nurse in the home can help identify potential issues before your pediatrician could.” Loschky describes her most recent job in Los Angeles as an example of the apprehension most new parents feel. She says, “The mother thanked me countless times throughout my stay with them. She was a first-time mom and was so scared to hold her baby, change him (diaper and clothes), and put him in the car seat.” She adds, “I did a lot of teaching and showed her how to safely do all of the newborn care he needed.” Ford agrees that the transition from hospital to home postpartum isn’t a smooth one for many families. It’s partially because, she says, “The education at the hospital is nowhere near enough.” She adds, “Many families are left tired and nervous immediately after birth, and it can put a real strain on the family dynamic.” Ford explains that those first few weeks at home can truly set the tone for parenthood and babyhood alike. She says, “We have seen first-hand how education and recuperation in the home can dramatically change the parent’s experiences with their newborn. This also helps the baby live a happier life.” For Ford, that is one of the things that makes this career so distinctly rewarding. Nevertheless, the life of a live-in traveling baby nurse of course comes with a particular set of challenges. Loschky explains that the most difficult part of it all is “learning the family’s unique style of adjusting to newborn life and what they expect.” However, this is also what motivates her to be so meticulous about matching nurses to families. Loschky and Ford’s first step is to conduct a phone interview with parents interested in Baby Whisperers. Then they search for the most qualified nurses and verify their credentials. (These are usually nurses that Loschky and Ford know personally or have
worked with). Baby Whisperers then set up an interview between the family and the nurse to discuss expectations and payment (a live-in nurse can cost between $400 and $700 a day whereas a part-time nurse might charge between $30 and $40 per hour). If all goes well, Loschy and Ford draw up a contract for both parties. They work with families and nurses all over the U.S. Loschky says of the COVID-19 crisis, “Thankfully, our business is almost totally virtually operated, so not much has changed.”
Her job has always been about transitions: the transition “from womb to world,” the transition from couple to parents, the transition from pregnancy to a family. Now, as the world is on the brink of a once-in-ageneration transition from the coronavirus, Loschky and Ford haven’t missed a beat. Their job requires them to be cautious and calm at the same time. They soothe irrational fears and validate rational concerns. They provide solace and reason in equal measure. That’s exactly the type of spirit they’ve learned
to appreciate during the pandemic. So as the world copes with the aftermath of coronavirus and slowly begins healing, Loschky and Ford will be doing what they’ve done all along: “Helping a family feel empowered and….[building] confidence that will span the rest of their lives, not just the couple weeks we spend with them.” Baby Whisperers travel throughout the country including New York and can be reached at yourbabywhisperers.com. June 2020 | Westchester Family
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travel
Take Off on a Virtual Vacay Travel to these fun places without leaving your couch By Jana Beauchamp
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raditional family vacations (and everything else) the way we know and treasure them are on pause. We can still plan a virtual vacation and don’t need to factor in what to pack, travel logistics, or transportation plans. It’s easy peasy to have a super fun trip at home. Here are some perfect places for families to travel to from home sweet home until we can hit the road again.
1. Disney Everyone needs Disney magic from the happiest place on earth right about now and there is so much new magic to discover on the Disney Parks Blog. They offer opportunities to learn, create, play, and take care. There are virtual views for select Disney attractions on the Disney Parks YouTube Channel and #DisneyMagicMoments content and activities on the Disney Parks Blog. We especially enjoyed the theme park recipes and tutorials like OOOoooOOOooo! Learn from Pixar animator Ben Su how to draw a Toy Story-style alien. Disneyparks.disney.go.com/ blog/topics/magic-moments 2. Dolphin Quest Travel virtually to Dolphin Quest Bermuda, Dolphin Quest Hawaii, or Dolphin Quest Oahu, for your family and friends to interact live with dolphins and Marine Mammal Specialists. There is a free Dolphin Quest LIVE on their Facebook page daily for a fun and informative live interactive broadcast with Marine Mammal Specialists and dolphins. Families can also schedule private dolphin encounters via Zoom for an engaging, interactive visit with Marine Mammal Specialists and their favorite dolphins. Dolphin Quest provides a guided, personalized experience to meet and interact with the dolphins (they dance, leap, and more) from the safety of your home. Participation in the paid virtual program supports the continued professional care of the dolphins while Dolphin Quest’s onsite interactive programs are on pause. Dolphinquest.com/bermuda/bermuda-
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Wildearth allows kids to explore on a virtual african safari. exclusive-virtual-encounter 3. Hershey, Pennsylvania You can make sweet memories at home with Hershey-themed virtual experiences, like takeout dining, recipes, and more by visiting One Sweet Minute: The Stay At Home Edition (stories.hersheypa.com/ one-sweet-minute-experience-hershey-paat-home-in-may-2020). There’s a delicious collection of virtual experiences that cover the destination of Hershey, PA, like trivia and coloring pages. Our favorite is to grab the family, take a seat, and get ready to ride front row on your favorite Hersheypark coasters (hersheypark.com)! Take a ride on all 15 mild to wild coasters, including the new and thrilling Candymonium, and pick your favorite. It’s a sweet sensation! Hersheypark. com/chocolatetown/coaster.php 4. Africa Head to Africa with Wild Earth Kids(wildearth.tv/2020/03/wildearth-kidssessions-kids-at-home)by hopping in the back of a jeep for a virtual action safari. Kids of all ages will enjoy this free, live, and interactive safari experience as they join safariLIVE(wildearth.tv/kids) and tour
some of the famed wildlife areas, interact with experts, and drive through the African wilderness. Lions and tigers and elephants, oh my! 5. Australia Travel to the land down under with Live from Australia (australia.com/en-us/ travel-inspiration/live-from-aus.html) and virtually experience the one-of-a-kind events hosted by some of Australia’s most iconic personalities. Explore across the continent from the Great Barrier Reef (queensland. com/en-us/explore-queensland/greatbarrier-reef) to the Sydney Opera House (sydneyoperahouse.com), and along the way plan to dance with The Wiggles and learn Aussie BBQ secrets from Hayden Quinn. What a way to say g’day mate! 6. The Bahamas Visit the Bahamas with ‘At Home with Baha Mar.’ There’s a digital care package with ways for families and friends at home right now to get creative, relax, and connect with loved ones – all inspired by the Bahamian islands. With themed coloring pages, playtime with kids’ crafts, Happy Hour the Baha Mar way, and family game
private tours of The Louvre (louvre.fr/en/ visites-en-ligne) and Chateau Versailles (en.chateauversailles.fr) to marvel at the grandiose structures and ornate masterpieces. You can also visit Provence, Mont Blanc, and so many more famed French destinations. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to France without a visit to the Eiffel Tower (toureiffel.paris/ en/news/130-years/virtual-tour-eiffel-tower). Enjoy the panoramic views and soak in the City of Lights! 9. Japan While we count down until Japan hosts the Olympics in 2021, in the meantime, we can visit virtually. Enjoy the springtime cherry blossoms blooming in Chidorigafuchi Park, visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, or spend time on Kids Web Japan (web-japan.org/ kidsweb) complete with history, culture, legends, ninjas, and games. You may even be able to catch some traditional sumo wrestling.
Dolphin Quest offers both public and private sessions with their amazing dolphins. night ideas, Baha Mar provides families with a little Bahamian-inspired escape. You’ll practically feel the island breeze! Dropbox.com/s/vkdm1dq01j7mz21/BHM_ ATHOMEWITH_20200416.pdf?dl=0 7. California It’s never been so easy take a trip across the country to California (visitcalifornia.com). Many family-friendly California institutions from LA to San Fran are posting virtual experiences and fun lessons online, bringing celebrated Cali attractions to families at home and almost all of them are totally free dude.
Some family favorites that will especially delight the kids include SeaWorld San Diego (seaworld.org/teachers/classroom-activities), LEGOLAND California (https://www. legoland.com/llcbuildingchallenge), Spitzer Space Telescope (http://www.spitzer.caltech. edu), Monterey Bay Aquarium (https:// www.montereybayaquarium.org), and The Exploratorium (exploratorium.edu). 8. France Feel the love in the air and travel to France, the most visited country in the world, without leaving home. Take your own
10. London Thanks to Visit London (visitlondon. com) we can hop across the pond and experience London at home. There are countless city web cams (like Westminster Bridge and River Thames), virtual tours of famed attractions like the Buckingham Palace and Kew Gardens, plus a regular listing of weekend activities in London from home. Also, Rosewood London (and all Rosewood properties,instagram.com/ rosewoodhotels) has been keeping travelers inspired during this time with its Instagram series, #JourneyInPlace. It aims to unite people around the common idea of an undying love of travel, encouraging followers to keep exploring, virtually for now, with at-home tips, tutorials and activities from the brand’s properties around the globe. Some kid-friendly activities include Kid’s Hot Chocolate Turndown Service, inspired by the hot chocolate offered at Rosewood London’s Children’s Afternoon Tea Experience, and the Rosewood Explorer club tips on how to build an indoor fort. 11. New York City! We love NY and love to visit Virtual NYC because we can relive our glorious city the way we love it most. While you can still explore NYC while socially distancing, you’ll also enjoy taking virtual visits to your favorite museums, theaters, historic landmarks, and attractions to experience the best of New York City at home. June 2020 | Westchester Family
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Food
Easy Summer Recipes With fresh food in abundance theses recipes are easy to make, and of course, kids love them By Nicole Berrie of BonBeri.com
W
ith summer about to be in full swing, and keeping social distancing in mind, the kids are outdoors more. Read: I’m in the kitchen less. This means easy, fresh recipes that don’t require a lot of cooking! (You’re welcome mama.) Enter three of our fave summer recipes that incorporate lots of seasonal ripe fruits and veggies and not much else. One of my favorite things about summers in New York is all the bountiful fresh produce you can find at the farmer’s market and local grocer. Whether it’s sweet melons, punchy herbs, or juicy tomatoes and cucumbers, it’s easy to eat local! Now that we’ll be hunkering down a lot, I’ve never been more grateful for simplicity in all its delicious forms.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
These are some of my daughter’s favorite things all rolled into one. It’s full of crunchy juicy veggies so I like to call it a “training” salad for toddlers. Can omit the mint or it might work for some more “sophisticated” palettes 4 Persian cucumbers, sliced then cut into 1/4 inch half moons 4 small tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup of pitted black olive, chopped 3 pickles, sliced then cut into 1/4 inch half moons 4 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon sumac Juice of 1 lemon Sea salt to taste Optional: A few fresh mint leaves, chopped Combine all veggies in a medium sized bowl. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt and sumac. Pour over vegetables and gently coat with hands. Top with mint leaves and serve!
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WestchesterFamily.com | June 2020
Nicole Berrie at home with her children Jude and Sea.
All photos by Nick Moshkovich
June 2020 | Westchester Family
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Food
Cantaloupe Banana Shakes This was my favorite combination smoothie growing up. It also reminds me of the kind of smoothie I get from the street vendors in the summer. I like to add some chlorophyll-rich veg like celery and romaine. Don’t underestimate the power of a crunchy green! 1 organic cantaloupe 1 ripe banana, frozen 2 cups raw coconut water 1 stalk celery 2 leaves of romaine Blend all ingredients in high-speed blender. Serve!
Tie-Dye Watermelon Ice Pops The undefeated biggest hit of the summer in my family, watermelon ice pops. Refreshing, hydrating and delicious! This version includes swirling together coconut water and watermelon puree for a cool tie-dye effect. I love including raw coconut water for natural electrolytes and minerals, aka natural “Gatorade”! Hardly a recipe but you can get creative and add herbaceous flair like basil, cilantro or mint. My kids like it classic. 1/2 of a whole watermelon 4 cups of raw coconut water (I like Harmless Harvest or Copra) Few leaves of basil, mint or cilantro (optional) Remove rind and seeds from watermelon. Blend watermelon until a smooth consistency, set aside in a pitcher. If adding herbs, chop herbs and add to watermelon mixture. (Blending them will muddy the color.) Pour watermelon mixture into popsicle molds 1/3 of the way, then pour in coconut water. Follow with watermelon puree until full. The mixture will naturally swirl but you can also use a little spoon and do a quick swirl to achieve more of the “tie dye look” Freeze overnight. Voila!
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