by That's IT Mommy on July 29, 2010

We attended opening night of Ringley Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Funundrum at the Staples Center. This was my daughter’s first visit the circus. All aspects of the show fascinated her. She applauded and cheered along with the captivated audience. I haven’t been to the Ringley Brother’s Circus since I was a little kid. My favorite memories are of the trapeze artists and animals. Funundrum was a totally different experience. The production was amazing! Exciting visual effects as well as amazing costuming and perfectly timed routines and set changes. The Ringmaster had a booming voice and infused an exciting flavor through singing and announcing!
I don’t particularly care for the animal segments. I prefer acts where the talent is what people can do with their bodies! I was totally impressed by the Body Benders. Can you imagine three women stuffed into a glass chest? But my favorite and my husband’s was the Globe of Steel portion. Talk about The Greatest Show on Earth!! I was on the edge of my seat when seven motorcyclists entered the globe. The motorcycle group is from the same family and they had audience members on the edge of their seats shrieking!! I also liked how they used black lights in the beginning of their segment. No detail was over looked!
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by That's IT Mommy on July 28, 2010

Last week was pretty awesome. A great opportunity to enjoy all my loves – eating, writing and spending time with my family – came together when our blog was invited by Henry Rinehart to try out his family-friendly bistro on Manhattan’s Upper West side. (Check out our Q&A section soon for an interview with Henry – the proprietor of HENRY’S on how he balances running a restaurants, family and his personal commitment to improving school food.)
Me, my husband, our 4 year-old and 22 month-old had a great time eating together and meeting the staff at HENRY’S. My children eat well at home, but it’s always a gamble as to how well they will eat and behave when we are in a restaurant. Thankfully everyone was happy and relaxed which I think is due both to good nap times and the easy going and attentive staff at the bistro. They happily greeted our entire family putting everyone at ease. The kids had a three-course meal featuring an edamame starter, macaroni and cheese entrée and vanilla ice cream finale. The edamame starter is pure genius. In addition to being nutritious, it is a great distraction. It also seems to exemplify what Henry’s approach – fresh, local food offerings that you enjoy eating and make you feel good afterwards. As our little ones popped out the beans and sucked on the salty pods we were given a five-minute grace time to decide on our drink and menu selections.
READ MORE HERE AND SEVEN GREAT TIPS FOR EATING OUT WITH YOUR KIDS…