Happy Spring to everyone! Even though there's a little bit of stormy weather, we love the rain and all that it does for the plants, trees, etc. Plus, I'm loving my new rain boots I just got...so fun! I'm not loving the sneezing and itchy eyes though. It seems every Spring, my allergies are the first thing to bloom.🌺 I know some great kid's allergy doctors in and around Santa Monica though because I used to be a pharmaceutical sales rep for ....allergy medicine. So if you need some names, shoot me an email.
A couple exciting things happening over at Santa Monica Place right now. First, the interactive, sweets-filled art exhibit called Candytopia has taken over two floors where the CB2 store used to be located and it's such an awesome, fun place to take your whole family. You can read all about my little adventure to this land of confectionary happiness right HERE!
Also on the second floor near Nordstrom is the cutest baby clothing company called Monica + Andy and their "guideshop" is now holding classes for babies and toddlers. On Wednesdays, BABY DJ hosts a class there, with the purpose of empowering the super young to mix music that is super dope. I just love the idea of babies moving and grooving to some cool tunes...adorable. On Thursdays, Stroller Strides / Fit4MOM finishes up their exercises around the mall and heads to Monica + Andy's for a little after party. Chudney Ross, with her Books and Cookies basket of goodies is there with tons of books and songs for story time. AND THEN...WAIT FOR IT...THIS IS THE BEST PART... Santa Monica Macaroni Kid will be there Thursdays at 10:45 in April to do some fun crafts after the story time and we'd love if you would visit us and join in on the fun. Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers welcome! You still should check out the shop though for the softest baby clothing and layettes around. You can see the schedule for MONICA + ANDY HERE!
Finally, The Gourmandise School, best known for their highly specialized cooking courses like chocolate workshops, cheese-making, world cuisine courses and special foodie events, is also located at Santa Monica Place. The will have a new location there, set to open late March and will bring the culinary education capabilities to a whole new level. The foodie enthusiasts and chefs of all ages and skill levels will get to go into the kitchen and learn how to cook and bake using local and sustainable ingredients. We are attending one this weekend, so excited to post photos as soon as we take them. Be sure you're on all of our social media so you can stay up to date on all our fun activities, that you may be interested in as well.
In other happenings this weekend, the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica is now playing the Broadway version of "Little Women: The Musical!" I went to the show Opening Night and was definitely blown away by the talent of the cast, as well as the musical itself. To be honest, I was bracing for an emotional, yet lackluster version of the Louisa May Alcott classic that I grew up with, but was pleasantly surprised that it was nothing like what I had imagined. It was actually a bit inspiring. From the opening number, you could tell this was different. This story of the four sisters was a bit more interesting and spirited as it was a musical. Jo March, played by Alicia Reynolds-Luoma, is the main character, writing her novels and doing everything she can for her family, but she sings and she's also very funny. The songs are clever and really seemed to create a connection with the characters. Although the musical was somewhat longer than I thought it was going to be, the songs and the cast kept me entertained for the whole 2 1/2 hour show. We really have to thank Raymond Zachary, whose portrayal of Aunt March was off the charts hysterical and we just loved him/her. A classic novel like Little Women, with it's themes of friendship, family, love, and loss, never gets old and it was nice to be able to reconnect with it. I probably last read it in high school...oh my! Although this is considered a family theatre experience, it is recommended that the show is not for children under 10 as there might be some sensitive subject matter. Grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants and head to the theatre; you only have until April 1st. Showtimes are every Friday and Saturday at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM. Tickets are $28 for adults and $23 for students and seniors. The Morgan-Wixson Theatre is located at 2627 Pico Blvd in Santa Monica with FREE parking.
Don't forget, ALADDIN is also playing at the Pantages Theatre until March 31st. Read my review HERE!
In other fun party news, Mom.me & Stonyfield Organic threw an epic 6 month birthday celebration at the London Hotel! There were omelette bars, yogurt bars, of course, Books & Cookies doing story time, Amy Tangerine doing the coolest calligraphy of all the baby names, and famed pediatrician Dr. Tanya Altmann was there to answer questions about the perfect things to feed your baby. I'm giving away an autographed copy of her book, "What to Feed Your Baby" full of lots of useful information to the fifth (5) person that emails me asking for it.... so GO! chaninv@macaronikid.com The party was so fun so check out my Instagram page to see pix.
Some new movies coming out in April that we'll be reviewing soon and so many things lined up for the calendar so check it daily in case something is added last minute.
My family and I are actually going to Iceland over Spring Break so there may not be a newsletter, we'll see how much time I wind up spending in the Blue Lagoon. If Iceland is on your bucket list, you'll definitely want to read all about it when I get back and write about our adventures. If you've been to Iceland and have any suggestions or must-see must-do things, please email me at chaninv@macaronikid.com with some travel tips; it would be so appreciated!
Lastly, check out the calendar for our listings of where to take photos with the Easter Bunny as well as some local Passover/Easter celebrations and egg hunts.
AND OF COURSE, CHECK OUT OUR 2018 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE...Special Discounts are being offered to YOU, Santa Monica Macaroni Kid readers!
Hope your spring break is fantastically fun and safe travels if you go anywhere. Happy Nowruz! Happy Easter! Happy Passover! and Happy Spring!
XX,
Chanin
