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Field Trip: Redford Theatre | The Birds

9/29/2012

The Redford Theatre showed Hitchcock's The Birds, with ultra special guest Tippi Hedren. The Redford Theatre is an awesome venue. It is decorated in a unique Japanese style. The architectural elements have been preserved since its unveiling in 1928. The pipe organ is an impressive piece of art and is raised and lowered using a manual crank by the organist. He takes a seat and plays a number of selections. Then, with sweeping drama the curtains open to reveal a giant American flag, the signal for the crowd to sing 'The Star Spangled Banner.'

The film was excellent, made even better by the Q&A session with the star of The Birds, actress Tippi Hedren. She was poised, gracious, and charming. She told stories about her time on the set with Hitchcock, and reminisced about her big move from Manhattan to LA. This was a truly memorable, fun event that my child will remember forever. Even the popcorn was exceptional.

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Field Trip: Detroit Design Festival

9/23/2012

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Took everyone- baby included, to the sights that were created for the Detroit Design Festival. There were a ton of installations to look at and activities to check out all over town. Especially cool for kids was the city-wide Hopscotch that was chalked all over the city streets and sidewalks.

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Field Trip: The Story Garden

9/12/2012

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Tucked away in Binghamton, New York is one of the most outstanding places for children ever imaginable. Located in the same vicinity as The Zoo at Ross Park is The Discovery Center & The Story Garden.

Every step you take will lead you to somewhere amazing. The Story Garden is a wonderland of learning and non-stop fun for a wide range of ages. The entrance itself is stunning and gives you an inkling of things to come. There is a pathway to follow throughout the garden, bringing you through impeccably landscaped areas. Chill with a book, which can be found at different sections in the garden. The books are grouped together by themes, each correlating with the activities offered. The books available fit different reading levels.

The entire garden was impeccably designed. There is Peter Rabbit's Garden, where actual vegetables are grown & donated to a non-profit organization. Children can learn about gardening by helping water the garden with a fish watering can that is set up by the waterfall.

There is a miniature golf course for the kids to try, with a bench adjacent to the astro-turf for kids to read a book. Steps away, sits a lovely castle structure where children can let their imaginations run wild.

Further down the path is a stage for role-playing and an awesome jungle gym + a rock-climbing wall! Both areas offer more books to read and areas to sit and enjoy them. A hidden path with another place to lounge can be found after you have reached the top of the climbing wall. Next to this area is a treehouse; it is pretty spectacular.

There was a tiny house along the path. The roof was made from living plants- kids could learn about the process & see it in action for themselves. Small details added to the experience- there was a broom available for little ones to help clean the home. Located nearby was a paddle boat that really worked and a tiny bridge that little feet could explore.

The Three Bears cottage sits near the edge of the park. Both the exterior and interior design were outstanding. The interior was painted how one would imagine the home of the three bears to be. Children can share stories at the table or climb up the ladder to the 2nd level and check out the layout from above.

To make long story short: No details were overlooked. There were places to climb, explore, learn, and discover. Children were able to exercise both physical and mental strength. This place is well-done and other places throughout the country please take note. City planners should visit & make great efforts to replicate this project for their region. I cannot say enough good things about this playscape/learning area- it is fantastic beyond belief. Access to the Storybook Garden is compliments of The Junior League of Binghamton.

p.s. After you reach the end of the Storybook Garden, you can make your way to the Zoo at Ross Park, then to the historic carousel, which anyone can ride for free. There is also a playground. I will have to devote another post to the Discovery Center, located at the entrance of the Storybook Garden.

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WoodLand Teepee

9/7/2012

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Having seen the 'beanpole teepee' making the rounds on pinterest, I thought it was awesome. However- summer was already in full swing when I discovered it, & the beans had already been planted. So we got to work & constructed an old stand-by that my sister & I used to make in the summertime: A Teepee of Branches.

This is very simple to do. Enlist some helpers & set your sights on a woodland adventure. Collect some long boughs* and lean the branches against each other to form a triangular shape. Leave an opening for the doorway. [see image below]

After you have placed approximately twenty sturdy sticks to form the base of the structure, you are ready to cover with greenery. This will serve as a barrier against rain and also keeps the interior space cool in the hot sun.
*easier said than done in urban areas

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New Arrival: The Natasha Bunting

9/4/2012

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We are pleased to announce the latest addition to Monkeys and Mayhem: The Natasha. Sophisticated and edgy, this bunting is as unique as it is stunning. Please drop us an email to special order this Limited Edition style.

Answer: *Natasha* Khan of Bat for Lashes!

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Field Trip: Redford Theatre | The Birds

Field Trip: Detroit Design Festival

Field Trip: The Story Garden

WoodLand Teepee

New Arrival: The Natasha Bunting

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