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Mama Kim at Moms at Work has some great suggestions for making sure your high-schooler gets his/her daily allowance of vegetables.

Under the category of why-didn't-I-think-of-that comes the tip to create a Chopsticks night. "Asian cuisine is so vegetable friendly, you won’t need to do as much persuading. And soy sauce makes everything better. (Just make sure it’s low sodium!)," writes Kim.

Check out the six suggestions and you smart mamas and papas out there share your tips for getting the kids to inhale vegetables.

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My days of masquerading as a stay-at-home mom have come to an end.

For months, for one weekday, I have been able to frequent the haunts of stay-at-home moms: Parks, indoor playgrounds, children's museums, water parks.

I marveled at their ability to call a girlfriend in the middle of the day and talk for long stretches. (What luxury to have a friend available!)

I marveled at their firm bodies. (Who has time to work out?)

I marveled at their expertise. (No, I didn't know there was an indoor playground four miles from my house.)

My time spent with the moms reinforced three things about parenting:

Be prepared. I'd see the mom with the jogger stroller and exercise clothes and think: brilliant idea. Darting from swing to slide is exercise, right?

Have a support system. Many of the moms came in twos and swapped tales and advice on carving out personal time and the latest oddity their child exhibited.

Diversity is the spice of life. In talking with some of the moms, I found that their routines didn't break away from the cycle of park, library, nap time, museum. I was able to share tips for places and restaurants that didn't scream kids but would satisfy both parties. Kids need exposure to things that aren't tailored to a T for them, too.

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I didn't realize the bliss that comes with an after school snack until my days as a latch-key child ended and I started staying with Mrs. Fort.

It was then that I had a choice of a Snickers bar or strawberry-flavored milk. For a girl whose sugar rush was derived from raisins and toast-and-honey this was a treat.

The afternoon snacks I make for my girl aren't as likely to send her into a diabetic coma. However, I try to recreate the pleasure that comes with eating something unchartered; hence last week's creation of Jello-filled Orange Halves.

My daughter found it to be a culinary curiousity; our 13-year-old neighbor quickly declared the wedges "cool."

If you have a favorite snack you like to share with your kids, tell us about it.

Here's how to make the gelatin-filled orange wedges as plucked from American Girl magazine:

Ingredients

1 package of flavored gelatin

3 oranges, halved hortizonally

1 muffin tin, or container to hold the orange halves upright

Knife

Spoon

Slice three navel oranges horizontal. Use a knife to score out the orange, cutting between the pith and flesh. Use a spoon to scoop out most of the orange.

Prepare the flavored gelatin as the package directs. Pour gelatin mix into the hulled orange halves and set oranges in a muffin tin to keep the liquid upright until its firm. It can take 2 hours for gelatin to harden. We used ice cubes instead of cold water to hasten the firming process.

Once gelatin is firm, remove orange halves from fridge and slice in fourths. Dig in.

Note: We used raspberry gelatin which blended well with the orange flesh that couldn't be dug out of the halves.

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The Duggars seem to have no problem juggling family and friskiness -- with baby number 19 on its way. Where do you stand?

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Homework is to school as good times is to a glass of mojito. What, mojito is a bore you say?

Getting the kids excited about homework can be difficult, one friend found a great way to get her 7-year-old interested in completing his worksheets and reading assignments. I think the idea, copied from Family Fun magazine is genius.

Here what my friend Vanessa had to say about the Homework Station (pictured)

"We got our fav magazine Family Fun and found the Homework Station. Ojore thought that it was like his own cubicle and loved the idea of having a special space to do his homework. By the time we finished creating the board, Ojore couldn't wait to get his first homework assignment."

You'll need:

1 Tri-fold foam board. The kind used for science projects.

A stapler and staples

Glue dots

1 strip of magnetic tape

A few magnets

2 clothes pins

A calendar

A craft knife or scissors

A zippered pencil bag

The instructions

We cut the board in half with a craft knife. (It can make two work stations.) We first put the magnetic tape in the center the board and then added clippings from magazines based on my son's suggestion we picked out words such as homework, school and glued them all over the board.

On the left side of the board we cut holes to insert the clothes pins to secure his weekly assignments. The calendar was placed in the center of the board with glue dots to mark activities and important dates.

We also adhered a pencil bag with staples. The right side of the board was decorated with cork squares for personal notes.

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Our July trip to the home of Mickey and Minnie was a super-success. The 2-year-old was thrilled to meet the "princesses": Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Belle. And tickled at the mess Goofy created in Mickey's kitchen.

This weekend we're hoping to welcome Mickey and Minnie to our South Florida home with a hug.

The longtime couple will be on hand for the opening of the remodeled Disney store in Aventura Mall on Saturday. The mousekeeters will greet their public from noon - 4 p.m. at the mall's center court.

Coupons for 20 percent off will be given to families who have a chance to shake the mitts of Mickey and Minnie. The catch: You have to use the coupon this weekend.

Other treats lined up for the grand-opening include free Mickey Mouse ears to the first 100 children to enter the store. The festivities begin with a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m.

Radio Disney will pitch in with music and games.

I popped into the store over the weekend, and spotted cute Wall-E, Buzz Lightyear and Minne gear from cups to sleepwear; some of it discounted by 40 percent. I'm sure I'll make it out of the store for less than what we spent at Disney World this summer.

The store is on the lower level of Aventura Mall, 19575 Biscayne Blvd., near JC Penny.

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Does baby love to drop it like its hot?

Then take thee little one to Baby Loves Disco on Saturday.

Scratch that.

The traveling party, which put up stakes at the Fort Lauderdale nightclub Revolution for nearly two years, featured a DJ, juice boxes and cool vendors such as Yummy in My Tummy, a local maker of organic baby food.

For South Floridians, the party has ended.

Baby Loves Disco "decided to downsize and keep fifteen cities, including Orlando," said Ellen O'Halloran, the local co-host.

The Philadelphia-based company, which has been throwing these fiestas for about five years, had about 30 host cities.

"It's very unfortunate because we just had a Kids Crown award from South Florida Parenting, and now I'm getting all this feedback about the need for a party" like Baby Loves Disco.

Ellen is looking for locations now to host a similar party for kids and their parents in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

"I definitely feel that its necessary to have an outlet for families," she said. For more info on the planned September and November dates, email Ellen.

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For mamas, going from day wear to night wear usually takes a change in jewelry or the slipping on of a pair of sexy heels.

But what's a kid to do when going from the beach to a playdate?

A collection of cute sun hats by Purple Alex solves that dilemma. The playful beach hats are cotton-lined, machine washable and come in five sizes from newborn (13 inches) to big kid (18 inches).

But will kids LOVE it?

We gave a Purple Alex hat to a South Florida 1-year-old and here's what her mother reports:

After spending a long day at the pool in which my daughter, Madison,
surprisingly kept this adorable hat on, she didn't even have rosy
cheeks! This made Mommy very happy.

It doesn't get any better than that.

Is your kid attached to a piece of clothing? Tell me about it. (My 2-year-old wants to wear her hand-me-down ladybug rain boots all the time. Rain or Shine.)

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New parents get mounds of "essentials," which mainly amount to junk: teeny blankets, stuffed animals and fancy outfits that will only be worn once.

For new mothers (and the dads) these five books are the new essentials:

Modern Girl's Guide to Motherhood. This frank and cheeky book has advice on feeding a baby with a stuffy nose (turn on the hot water and close the door), getting your sexy back (lose the maternity pants) and what to do with those egg cartons (turn them into paint palettes).

Baby, Make Me Breakfast. This picture board board has clear instructions to help your child be a caring and helpful addition to the family. For wry mamas and papas, Lisa Brown's series includes Baby, Mix Me a Drink.

What to Expect: The Toddler Years. The compendium covers it all -- from dealing with tantrums to introducing "adult" foods.

Good Dad / Bad Dad: Do's and Don'ts from the Trenches. This straight-forward guide to parenting includes instruction on baby-proofing the house and setting up college funds.

How to Potty Train a Monster. There are a gazillion books on how to get the little one using the bathroom, but few books address the real spoke in the wheel: Parents.

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This Fourth of July shake up your tradition of grilling and gathering with the family by checking out a fireworks show outside your neck of the woods.

Here are six shows in the tri-county that seem worthy of the trek. If you know of a Fourth of July festivity that uniquely caters to kids and their parental units, let me know.

All events listed are on July 4.

In Broward County:

Davie: Cool off at 10 a.m. with a free family splash pool party featuring a DJ. Plus World War I and II military equipment show, bounce houses, climbing wall and free birthday cake. Purchase food or bring your own; grills and tables available. Country music group Shadow Creek kicks off festivities at 6 p.m. in the ball fields, fireworks at 9 p.m. Pine Island Park, 3800 SW 92nd Ave. davie-fl.gov. 954-797-1163, 954-797-1000.

Get to Vista View Park early to get the best seats to see fireworks displays across Broward County. Bring beach chairs and blankets. Food vendors on site. 6-11 p.m. at 4001 SW 142nd Ave. $5 per vehicle or $1.50 for walk-ins, bicycles and motorcycles. 954-327-8797.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: Beach Blast begins with a parade at 10 a.m., headed north on Bougainvillea from Town Hall to Pine Avenue. Join the fun 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at El Prado Park, El Prado and El Mar drives. Amusement park, classic car show, DJ and steel drum music. Fireworks shot off at the beach at El Prado Drive at 8:30 p.m. 954-772-3336.

In Miami-Dade County:

Coconut Grove: The All-Day Celebration kicks off with an old-fashioned picnic 11 a.m. at the Barnacle house. Lawn games, kite-making and knot-tying demonstrations are highlights. 305-442-6866. Scavenger hunt registration begins 2:15 p.m. at Mayfair Passage, Grand Avenue near Mary Street.

Hot dog eating contest happens 4:30 p.m. at CocoWalk. Concert featuring bands Ryan Stone Music, First October, JT4 and Campo Deluxe Jazz Quartet will be 4 p.m. at Peacock Park, fireworks at 9 p.m. 2820 McFarlane Road. 305-444-7270.

Miami: America's Birthday Bash includes 3-7 p.m. Kids' Zone with inflatable slides, carousel, hoops and face painting. The park will be open all day. Fireworks over Biscayne Bay at 9 p.m. Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd. 305-358-7550.

In Palm Beach County:

Delray Beach: A sand sculpture contest, bicycle and scooter parade, music, food and fireworks. 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. at the intersection of A1A and Atlantic Avenue. 561-279-1380 ext. 3.

Wellington: A patriotic pool party with music, games and more from 12-5 p.m. at Aquatics Complex, 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Games, rides, face painting, food and more from 6-9 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road. 561-791-4733.

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If it rains on your parade this weekend, don't despair. Regroup, pack a snack for the kids and head to one of these 10 places for indoor fun.

TODAY: It's happy hour, but not that kind, with free admission from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 3 at Young at Art Children's Museum (11584 State Road 84, Davie, 954-424-0085). Activities, stories, refreshments and giveaways are tied to the museum's exhibit, "Alice's Wonderland ... A Most Curious Adventure."

SATURDAY: Rain? Ice? Big difference. Especially when the ice is indoors -- and free! Glacier Ice and Snow Arena (4601 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, 954-943-1437) will have free ice skating from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be music, games and sleigh rides, too. Skate rental is $3, or bring your own.

ANYTIME: The little scientist you're raising might enjoy the Children's Science Explorium at Sugar Sand Park (300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton, 561-347-3913). Currently on display is "Pattern Wizardry," a hands-on exhibit meant to help kids discover how patterns organize and enrich their lives. It's perfect for kids ages 5-12. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Read the story for seven more options for where to go with the kids this weekend.

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Once upon a time there was a board game that families played until the cows came home. Not so much because they enjoyed playing Monopoly, but because that's how long it took to crown a winner.

Now there's a version of the classic Parker Brothers game that can be played in 15 minutes.

My savvy 12-year-old neighbor, Chabella, recently tested out the card game with three other preteen friends (two boys and a girl) here are her impressions on Monopoly Deal card game:

• First impression: "This looks like a confusing game to play."

• What's cool: The game doesn't last as long as other Monopoly games.

• What needs improving: Nothing.

• Would you recommend it: "Yes, it's easy to play and you can play it anywhere." No need to collect teeny board pieces.

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Anthony is a creative type. He likes to draw and pal around with younger kids.

The 12 year old is one of nearly 1,000 children in Florida in need of a stable family life.

Taking in a child from foster care is an awesome thing to do. If you're considering opening your home to a child now in the state's care, check out the traveling exhibit Children's Trust Heart Gallery on Saturday at Dave & Busters in Hollywood from 4 - 6 p.m.

During the exhibit, potential parents can "meet" some of the children available for adoption and get answers to some pressing questions, such as what financial and emotional support is available, how long does the adoption process take, do the birth parents have rights?

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The next birthday party I need to plan is months away, but I'm already starting to think about the theme and I was gravitating toward something grand like a morning at the movies, or a spa day at Le Petite Youth Spa or a tea party at The Breakers. (I jest, sort of.)

Then comes a story about how to reduce the cost of hosting a birthday party. And another about parents hosting parties during the week instead of on weekends because the rates at places like Chuck E. Cheese are cheaper.

I'm all for making sure the birthday party is about the KID and not pleasing the adults so the tips make sense:

1. Limit the number of guests.

2. Skip the goodie bags. (Whoa, pump the brakes! No goodie bags, really?)

3. Have a plan. (A good resource is PBS.)

4. Have age-appropriate games.

5. Don't go overboard. No limos or red-carpets.

What do you think? Are this tips on-point, or is the writer off her rocker saying parents should ditch the goodie bags?

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It's raining, it's storming, the kids are going batty.

Here are four fab things to do:

• Go out. Head to Chuck E. Cheese (just don't forget your headache-busting pills). There are games suitable for children as young as 2. Entry is free. Most games require one token at 25 cents a turn. Go bowling, window-shopping at the mall or to an arcade such as Boomers.

• Get baking. Dig the frozen bananas out of the freezer and make banana bread. Or whip up a batch of cookies. Recipes for peanut butter, chocolate chip and sugar cookies.

• Bond. Create a wacky story. One person starts a sentence, the next person finishes fills in a verb or adjective; the next person completes the sentence. Break out the board games, such as Apples to Apples.

• Break the rules. Hand one of the kids a can of whipped cream and send him/her off to start a food fight in the bathroom or on the patio.

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A Georgia father is in the running for Bad Dad of the Year award for poisoning his young children in order to extort money from soup-maker Campbell's.

The man was ordered to prison for 100 years. Following the charges his wife divorced him, the Associated Press reported.

I'm nominating this sucker to FloriDUH, which chronicles wacky antics of folks in the Peninsula state. He's not from Florida but he deserves special mention in their upcoming Bad Dads round-up that will be done in the same vein as the Worst Moms of the Year.

What do you think of the sentence for this Dad just to the north of us?

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When it's not raining this weekend, the kid will be in a body of water or with her blades of grass between her toes.

Funtastic Fridays in Hollywood is on our to-do list. It's a free party just for kids.

Saturday is looking good for a Florida Marlins game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Salsa great Oscar D'Leon is performing a free concert after the last run.

Another good bet for your budding movie critic, is the Delray Beach Film Festival, which is showing five films for FREE. One of the showings is a collection of puppet shorts by the daughter of master puppeteer Jim Henson.

Here's a round-up of things to do with the kids this weekend:

BROWARD COUNTY

Free Math Trial Class: Weston. This hour-long class for ages 6 to 11 is an opportunity for parents to observe their children in a real classroom setting. Parents will see firsthand how their children perform, think and respond to new ideas. To register, call 954-791-2333 or visit www.imacs.org. 4 p.m. IMACS, 2585 Glades Circle, Weston.

Funtastic Fridays for Kids. Music, magic and more are in store for youngsters and their families. Every Friday from 5-9 p.m. Anniversary Park, 20th Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood. 954-921-3016. Free.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Pre-K Make and Take: World Turtle Day. Did you know that there are 25 types of turtles in Florida? Pre-k kids and their families will learn more about our shelled friends while making a paper turtle craft. Loggerhead Marinelife Center will be joining us with a special presentation. 6-9 p.m. Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, 129 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-742-6780. $2.50 fee per child in addition to admission; members receive 10 percent off.

Science Club: Airplanes. Make paper airplanes and watch them fly. Age 8 and older. Register. 3 p.m. Wellington Branch Library, 1951 Royal Fern Drive, Wellington. 561-790-6070.

The Commedia Cinderella. May 22-23. The players Arlequin, Columbine, Punchin and Rosetta will infuse new life and energy into the classic tale of Cinderella using the theater art form commedia dell’arte. The troupe’s players will thrill audiences from young to not-so-young with acrobatics, dance, music and quick wit. May 22 at 7 p.m. May 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sol Children Theatre, 3333 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. 561-447-8829 or www.solchildrentheatretroupe.org.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Greynolds Park: Creatures of the Night Hike. Come learn about the mysteries of the night and what lurks around the park when the lights go out. A naturalist will take you on a night hike through the park in search of its nocturnal residents. A walk through the park will follow a presentation. 7:30-9 p.m. Greynolds Park Boathouse, 17530 W. Dixie Highway, Miami. 305-948-2891. $6 per person.

Read on for Saturday and Sunday happenings.

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A hankering for fried chicken led us to a Piccadilly in Hollywood.

The cafeteria-style restaurant is the closest I can get to Morrison's Cafeteria. There were many Sunday afternoons spent in the carpeted dining room of the Skylake Mall restaurant "dining" on the Blue Plate special or inhaling the fried shrimp.

At Piccadilly, I had the three-piece chicken dinner with two sides for $7.49. A drink and side order of fresh fruit tipped my portion to $11. My husband had the chicken pot pie topped with a biscuit and two sides for $4.99.

A fantastic deal for a family, right?

We shared portions of our meals with the toddler.

Do you know of a better place for a family to get a great meal for less than $10 per person?

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In April I wrote about three iPod applications that every parents should have: one for the kids (KidArt); one for the home (AllRecipes.com); one for the couple (FS5 Air Hockey).

And then there was the uproar over the inappropriate iPod app that allowed users to shake babies. (WTHeck, indeed.)

This week blogger Mama Sass at MomsMiami came up with apps that SHOULD be created just for moms, including "an app that provides an answer to some of those killer kid questions like "Mom, did you ever smoke pot?"

What's on your wish list of "must-have" apps for parents?

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Make this weekend all about peace, love and happiness at the Greynolds Park Love-In in North Miami Beach on Sunday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Or take the little ones to see a movie in the park. For a buck per head! Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton will show Finding Nemo Sunday at 11 a.m.

On Saturday, there's the Haitian festival Al Compas in Lauderhill, a robot-building workshop in Fort Lauderdale and an interactive planetarium show in West Palm Beach.

More stuff to do with the kids this weekend:

Saturday, May 16

BROWARD COUNTY

Al Compas Festival. A Haitian festival for all ages. Call the park for more information. Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill. 954-321-1170.

Aquarium: Behind the Scenes. Learn about the inhabitants of the aquarium in the exhibit hall and observe them feeding. Every Saturday and Sunday. 2-3 p.m. Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood. 954-926-2480. $1 per person.

ArtWalk. Visitors to downtown Hollywood’s monthly ArtWalk will be treated to a free concert by Anthology, “South Florida’s Beatles Party Band.” In keeping with the spirit of the event, concertgoers are encouraged to dress in ’60s-style attire. 7-10 p.m. Balcony of Harrison Court, 2028 Harrison St., Hollywood. 954-921-3016. Free.

Build-a-Bot. Bring the youngsters over to the Build-a-Bot activity to construct robots out of paper and recycled products. Kids can design their own robot and take it home after it’s assembled. Also on May 17. The Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale. 954-467-6637.

Family Movie Day: Speed Racer. Rated PG. Live-action version of the famed Japanese animated series. Free refreshments will be available, or you may bring your own. Sponsored by the Weston Friends of the Library. 2-4:15 p.m. Weston Branch Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd., Weston. 954-389-2098.

Mark Twain’s Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. Smiley, the gambler, bets his frog can out-jump the frog in Calaveras County but the mysterious stranger has something up his sleeve! The story is told through Mark Twain’s prose, bluegrass and country music, colorful costumes and high-jumping dance movement. 2 p.m. Nova Southeastern University Library, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. 954-262-4600. Free.

Robo-History. This presentation will give visitors a glimpse at the history of robots. Learn what a robot is, why we need them and what the future has in store for the world of robotics. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. The Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale. 954-467-6637.

Under the Sea. The underwater world is full of interesting animals. Learn about some these fascinating creatures through displays and crafts. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood. 954-926-2480. $1 per person.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Auditions: West Side Story. Auditions for the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s Conservatory of Performing Arts Summer Camp production of “West Side Story.” Students must audition in order to register for production. Ages 13-20. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter. 561-575-2672, ext. 2.

Girls’ Day Out. Bring your mom or grandma along and decorate a keepsake, wooden handle purse and enjoy some girl time. Materials provided. Age 8 and older. Register. 2 p.m. Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach. 561-894-7500.

Giselle and Art Comes Alive. May 16. First act is the ballet, Giselle and second act is the dance concert, Art Comes Alive where famous works of art are interpreted through jazz, tap and hip-hop. 7 p.m. at the Maltz Jupiter Theater, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter. 561-575-4422. $20.

Spirit of America. Joining the Symphonic Band will be “the world’s oldest musician,” historical artist Scott Shelsta who portrays 1890s Americana. Experience a real old-fashioned Sousa concert -- a simpler time of concerts in the park and toe-tapping, hand-clapping patriotic music. 7:30 p.m. Duncan Theater, 4200 Congress Ave., Lake Worth. 561-832-3115. $15.

The Friendly Stars. Meet Sol, the sun, in this all-digital, interactive planetarium show for ages 3 to 6. Get to know the “star” and meet some new ones. Every Saturday at noon. South Florida Science Museum, Planetarium, 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach. 561-832-1988. Adults, $4; Children, $2.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

‘Miss Nelson Is Missing’. Actor’s Playhouse will present a live preview performance. 11 a.m. Kendall Branch, 9101 SW 97th Ave., Miami. 305-279-0520. Free.

International Museum Day: Family Fun at the Bass Museum. This fun-filled afternoon will focus on the museum as a public space and resource, encouraging children to observe the structure, content and public function of an art museum, and drawing parallels between museums and other public spaces such as parks and libraries. 2-4 p.m. Bass Museum of Art, 2121 Park Ave., Miami Beach. 305-673-7530. Free.

Super Saturday: Florida Marlins. Get your photo taken with Billy the Marlin. First 15,000 fans will receive a Marlin’s pompom. Special guests include Freestyle Flashback with Stevie B and TKA. First pitch against the LA Dodgers is at 6:10 p.m. Dolphin Stadium, 2267 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami. 305-626-7378. $12 and up.

Read on for stuff to do on Sunday, May 17

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The universe created mosquitos. Worker bees created citronella, foggers, and ultrasound zappers to combat the blood-suckers.

But those buggers are still winning, at least at my house. Here's a tip sheet that tackles how to control the 'squitors (calibrate sprinklers, repair screens) and how they are made.

If you have some "green" tips to keeping the buggers at bay, SHARE!

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I cast my vote for throwing an impromptu Kentucky Derby party for your kids and a few of their friends. The race is 6:04 p.m. Saturday.

You could have the kids make derby hats, the more outlandish the better, and parade around the backyard. Have them race to a finish line to burn off energy.

For things to do beyond your yard, there's the SunTrust Jazz Brunch on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale along the riverwalk from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., and the staging of Sleeping Beauty by Boca Ballet this weekend at FAU.

For more things to do this weekend, keep reading.

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Old Man Winter taught me two things.

1. When doing a 360-degree turn on snowy/icy roads don't pump the brakes.

2. Keep a winter safety kit in the trunk. Said kit was for the unfortunate incident of being stranded in a car. On the side of the road. In hypothermic conditions. (Curses to Old Man Winter!!).

I have happily adopted Lesson No. 2 for the warmer clime of South Florida and built a summer emergency kit over the weekend for those spontaneous jaunts to the beach, county water park or pool.

Those looking for ideas on what to pack for real emergencies such as hurricanes, can find info here.

For those who sweat the small stuff, here's what you'll need for your Summer Emergency Kit:

• A square, sturdy container to store all the goodies.

• A beach towel (or two). Target has beach towels on sale for $5.50. Check out thrift stores, Anna's Linens, your closet for a towel that can be stored in your car's trunk.

• A roll of quarters for plugging city meters. Better yet, get a beach parking card from your city. Fort Lauderdale residents can park at the North and South beach lots and at the Intracoastal/North Birch lot for $5 all year vs. paying 75 cents to $1.75 an hour.

• Sunscreen.

• An inexpensive beach bucket and shovel for the kids to use.

• A pair of flip-flops.

• A brush for cleaning the sand off. (A large nail brush does the job).

• A magazine. (I stuck an Elle Decor in the cube because it has pretty things to ponder in short form for those two seconds I have to read between watching the little one.)

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Here are three applications every iPhone/iTouch-equipped parent should have.

1 A distraction for the kid(s). My 2-year-old likes KidArt, which allows her to choose from 10 colors and four "canvases" for finger-drawing. Drawings are limited to stick figures and outlines. Cost: 99 cents.

Other kid distraction options:

Koi Pond. See three koi swim, "feed" the fish by shaking the iPhone/iTouch and watch them snap up the food. Cost: 99 cents.

Art Gallery is a mobile museum. For younger children it's a good tool for identifying shapes, animals and colors. For older kids, it's a good introduction to popular artists and art forms. Cost: Free

2 Something for the home. I've fallen head over ladle for All Recipes.com's DinnerSpinner. Select a dish type (appetizer, entree, breakfast), an ingredient (vegetable, fish, grain), and how long you want to be in the kitchen cooking (20 minutes or less, 45 minutes or less). Presto, a meal option is presented.

I made the pineapple chicken (substituting pork) last night, which was ready in 40 minutes.

Other home app options:
A "virtual" friend at the Palm Beach Post recommended Zenbe, which allows users to share task and grocery lists with family/co-workers. Cost: $1.99.

Grocery IQ has made shopping for groceries much easier with its favorites, history and list queques. I simply check off the grocery item as I pluck it off the shelf. I've seen a reduction in impulse buys when using the gizmo. Cost: 99 cents.

3 A distraction for you (and your partner). During intermission at a theater production, my sister and I passed the time playing air hockey courtesy of FS5 Hockey. Cost: Free.

Other adult distraction apps:
Word Warp has kept me and my husband busy while out at restaurants during the lag between ordering and diving into the grub. Cost: Free.

A friend swears by Scrabble, but I can't imagine plucking down $4.99 for an app. Yet.

What's your favorite app for distracting the kids, or the one you and your beloved get a kick out of? Let me know!

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VH1 is the only one who can have the best week ever.

These blog entries were bright spots during the daily grind that was this week.

5. Mom orders bickering kids out of the car, by Whoa, Momma. How many times have we threatened to pull over this car if you kids don't stop bickering over who gets the window seat or who has been called a boogerhead? Well, a White Plains, N.Y., attorney/mom did it. She booted the kids out of the car three miles from home and drove off. To find out what happened to the mom, read on.

4. Sex is the new green, by Moms Miami. These are by far our favorite ways to help the planet:

Lube up organically -- say goodbye to parabens & chemicals and hello to natural aloe & flowers.

Bamboo sheets -- style your bed in silky bamboo & enjoy a pesticide and chemical-free romp.

3. Mother Suckers, by The Big Money. Vampires are having their moment in, well, if not the sun, then certainly the Twilight. The real-life plot twist here, though, is that it's not 'tween and teen girls who make up Twilight's ardent -- and profitable -- fan base. It's their mothers.

2. Baby T-Pain likes fish sticks, by Daddy Types. The video is the blog entry and it's a hoot. A boy's cries are produced like a T-Pain song.

1. A touching moment, by Hipster Mom. (Boy says to mother:) "Hey mom?" "Yea?" It's crazy how when you cry it's kind of like you have "sweat buds" inside your eyes!"

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Mystery solved: It's a boy for Jill Scott.

The singer and actress in the The No. 1 Ladies' Dectective Agency on HBO welcomed Jett Hamilton Roberts on April 20, People.com reports.

The singer is engaged to drummer Lil John Roberts.

This is the first child for both.

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Mani-pedis for 4-year-olds?

Um, I don't think so!

Or so was my initial reaction to the Miami Herald story about kiddie salon Le Petite Youth Spa.

But the girly-girly mamas, clearly with a credit line that is stronger than mine, have swayed me. It's just for fun. It helps the girls with self-image, they say.

I mean how can you argue with Mom's perspective: "At school, they do what they see. But here she learns how to be different, like not running [inside] a place like a little boy.''

Plus, the salon doesn't cut cuticles -- just puts pretty paint on teeny toes and fingers.

The girls are playing dress-up. No harm, right?

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A tisket, a tasket, a bountiful Easter basket.

Here are some ideas for filling baskets for children younger than 5.

11 Great Non-Food Items

Peeps bubbles (found at discount stores such as Dollar Store)

Balls such as tennis balls, small Nerf balls.

Toddler-sized utensils, cups and bowls