Kids Miami - September 21, 2009

Nesting Instinct

Green Nest/Nido Verde Organic Child Care

Every mom knows, once you’re struck by the urge to nest, everyone better get out of the way.

Or, in this case, get in line for Green Nest/Nido Verde.

The newly opened bilingual, DCF-licensed, family-home child care facility was started by Carla Paz y Miño, an early childhood education teacher (who’s trained in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and spent time at the Miami Children’s Museum Early Education Institute), itching to build the kind of daycare she’d want for her own kids.

The green and nontoxic spot serves only organic, allergy-free snacks and incorporates positive lessons like recycling into the programming. Choose from half- or full-day options (with before and after hours available) and take advantage of weekend babysitting services for tots 18 months to 4.5 years.

Activities (music jams, lizard watching, crafts with recycled materials) are child led and project driven to inspire curiosity.

And prepare them for the day they’ll fly the coop.

Green Nest/Nido Verde Organic Child Care, 2301 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach (305-798-3376).

WEAR
Southern Brand Tees
What: T-shirts that don’t leave any question where you make your home.
Why: You’re a little bit country.
When: You can’t make it to the rodeo.
Where: Do-Overz, 5785 S. University Dr., Davie (954-530-5364); Mona’s, 220 S. University Dr., Plantation (954-236-0850).

DRAW
Stories and Sketching Event
What: A family tour of the Glackens as Illustrator exhibit, followed by storytime and drawing in the galleries.
Why: Make a young impressionism.
When: Sat., 2 p.m.
Where: Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, 1 E. Las Olas Blvd., at Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale (954-525-5500).

CHOW
BunnieCakes Organic Vegan Cupcakes, Cakes & Treats
What: Yummy cakes (vanilla, ginger, red velvet, Key lime, coconut, and more) with no eggs or dairy; gluten-free and sugar-free alternatives, too. Catering and special orders available.
Why: Makes being vegan a cakewalk.
When: The sweet tooth calls.
Where: Juice & Java, 1346 Washington Ave., Miami Beach (305-531-6675).

  Ecofriendly