El Chavo del Ocho!

Most, if not all, Hispanics in my age range grew up watching El Chavo, one of the most adored characters in Spanish-language television. Which is why I'm kinda excited that Jakks Pacific has partnered with Univision to launch a line of El Chavo toys that will include action figures, plush, dolls, role play products, dress up, seasonal toys, table top games and novelty items that celebrate the world of "El Chavo".

Jakks is expected to launch the line Fall 2013.

Our Beloved Community: The DREAM realized

“Our Beloved Community: The DREAM realized is a youth arts exhibit presented by the Police Athletic League and AffirmationArts.

For one evening, Tuesday, February 19th, the exhibit will feature works from the youth participants and staff of the William J. Duncan Center. This project has been influenced by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. andother historical figures of the Civil Rights movement. The pieces in thisexhibit will showcase an array of artwork in the form of sculptures, paintings and videos.

Staff members developed this particular exhibit from the deep desire to showcase their kids' art work. They want them to feel proud and excited to have been in involved in this creative process and to continue spreading Dr. King's message of the "beloved community". 

Come out and support these young artists on Tuesday,February 19^th from 6pm – 9pm at the Affirmation Arts Gallery – 523 West37^th Street, NYC.

To learn more about the Police Athletic League and find out about other events through out the city, please visit www.palnyc.org. Like them on Facebook as well!

Sunday's are for Brunching: Harry's

I rarely travel all the way downtown on the weekends, unless it's for brunch! I met up with a couple of friends for brunch a few weeks ago and I'm so glad they dragged me from Wash Heights all the way down to Hanover Square. Bottomless brunch is the way to get me in the door and keeping my glass full to the brim during my meal is the way to get me to go back! Good food? check. Good service? check. Nice space? double check. 

My one piece of advice is to make a rez and get there early around 12pm - 12:30pm because it gets packed. This is not one of NYC's little secrets, tons of people know and tons of people like!

For more info on Harry's, visit www.harrysnyc.com.

Family Movie Night with The Jungle Book

Friday nights are often family movie night, whether at the theater or at home. With the snow storm we had no choice but to make it an at home family movie night. 

This Friday, movie night was with my nieces Breylin and Franchesca, and the movie of choice? The Jungle Book: Rumble in the Jungle. As soon as I showed them the DVD package they were crazy with excitement. Breylin grabbed the Mowgli figurine, Franchesca grabbed Baloo and I grabbed the popcorn!

Plot synopsis: There's trouble in the jungle, and as usual, Mowgli and Mani are at the center of it all! While they enjoy their time drumming away at logs in the jungle, Shere Khan plots to put an end to the noise. Meanwhile, Tabaqui is stuck in a well, Appu gets lost, and there's something fishy going on at the Cold Lair… Will Mowgli escape the clutches of the evil Shere Khan, and manage to still have time to join his friends in the jungle rhythm? This action packed feature length film promises to bring you the best of The Jungle Book.

Franchesca is 3 and she wasn't so interested, she kept walking in and out of the room. But Breylin, who is 5, was so into the movie right from beginning to end. She gave it two thumbs up and said her favorite part was the whole movie. She wanted to watch it a second time and we did! It's not like the original movie, but it's definitely good to watch. It's a cute movie for the family to enjoy together, especially kids 4-6 years old. I give it two thumbs up as well. 

The DVD comes with a downloadable activity kit. Breylin and I are saving that for this weekend. The DVD releases exclusively at Walmart for $14.86 (DVD and collectible toys) today, February 12th! The national release is this May 2013.

To learn more about The Jungle Book and other great family movies, visit Phase 4 Films at www.phase4films.com/kaboom.aspx.