Created especially for kids and their parents, COCA presents Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s Treasured Stories by Eric Carle Friday March 16 through Sunday March 18. Performances will be held in the Founders’ Theatre.

According to COCA, “The retelling of the popular Eric Carle storybooks uses music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry.” Plus, the ‘non-shushing’ shows have received critical and audience acclaim across the country. What an amazing way to introduce youngsters to the arts, yes?

There are still tickets left for the 7 p.m. show on March 16 as well as the 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. show on March 17. If Friday or Saturday doesn’t work out for you, Sunday might. There’s seats available for the 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. March 18 performances.

Tickets, which cost between $14 and $20, are available at www.cocastl.org. Or call 314.725.6555.  The non-profit community arts center has more surprises planned for the 2012/2013 Family Theatre Series. The season line-up will be announced this weekend.

COCA is located at 524 Trinity Avenue, just off of the Delmar Loop in University City. If you’re unfamiliar with the area you can find directions here.

Kakao 2301 S. Jefferson Avenue, 63104
Three words: Sea Salt Caramels. So yummy. I have yet to try the Bacon Brittle.

Bissingers 32 Maryland Plaza, 63108 or in 97 Plaza (in Frontenac Plaza), 63131
For those watching your waistlines, they have 100-calorie chocolate bars too!

Baileys’ Chocolate Bar 1915 Park, 62104
Wonderful goodies, plus martinis! Great place to take a date or gab with friends.

Merbs Candies Three locations: 4000 S. Grand, 63118, or 11644 Concord Village Avenue, 63128, or 14560 Manchester, 63011
I am much more familiar with the West Co locale. And since I am, trust me, it is very difficult to not swing into the store every time I’m running errands in that area.

Crown Candy Kitchen 1401 St. Louis Avenue, 63106
Indulge in a chocolate shake while you’re there!

Also, Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Cafe 8509 Delmar Boulevard, 63124 and 1131 Colonnade Center, 63131
Tried their Des Pere location’s treats recently. Get the Chocolate Thunder. My oh, my!

Care to share your favorite STL “sweet spots?” Leave a comment to let me know.

*I only know this because I saw it on Twitter. I don’t have any official confirmation. But really. Who needs to confirm the existence of a day devoted to celebrating chocolate?

If you’re looking to make some strategic shopping decisions in 2012, you might want to check out Stephanie Nelson’s website. She’s the founder of CouponMom.com, a 5.5 million member site that offers tutorial videos showing step-by-step directions for saving smart.

I don’t know about you but I don’t typically clip coupons. But that’s why we’re here today. You don’t have to spend hours scouring the Sunday newspaper’s circulars with a scissors in hand to save money. Nelson offers a few tips on how you can make the most of what’s in your wallet.

*Make a meal plan. That way, you can focus on buying the foods you need. You also ensure you will eat/use the foods you buy.

*Spend a few minutes flipping through your store’s weekly sales ad flier. Get a loose idea of what’s on sale then plan your meals and organize your shopping list around the discounted items and brands.

*Buy only the items your family needs. This may sound like common sense but you’d be amazed at how often those impulse buys magically jump into your cart.

*Set a spending limit, not a “percentage saved” goal. Don’t get caught up in a numbers game that leads to buying too much salad dressing and not enough salad!

*Try to shop alone. This tip isn’t from Stephanie. It’s from me. I can tell when my son has gone with me to the grocery store because my bill is much bigger. This goes back to the last thought. Children will wear you down with “Hey Mom! Can I have…”  Or if they behave, they angle for a reward. That’s fine to do, if you feel it is appropriate. But those little extras can add up.

Stephanie has tons of ideas on how to save money on groceries, gifts, gadgets and getting out. For more information check out her site. And for those looking for a local slant, Kim of StlMommy has a wonderful site devoted to finding the best deals within our fair city and beyond.

The Christmas Gift Toca Boca app is brought to you by Toca Boca. The premise is simple and fun–you, or the kids, can give Santa a makeover. With the tap of a finger, you can comb his hair or trim his beard. You can even use a clippers, hair products and spray paint to give Santa the ultimate make-over.

I spent far more time playing with this free app than I should admit. (What? All in the name of research!) At one point, I gave Santa a fu manchu. The app is kind of perfect for a Friday afternoon, especially when you’re brain dead from the past week. And if you need some mustache inspiration check out the American Mustache Institute’s style guide.

If you get tired of styling Santa, you can also work your magic on a tree. Or spring for the version where you can makeover six characters. (On an iPhone the latter version is $1.99.)

P.S. If you’re clumsy like me or let your kids handle your phone you definitely need a protective cover. Geek Sugar’s got some cute ideas for iPhone covers.

A number of area malls are offering kids the chance to spend a little quality time with St. Nick.  Click on the names of the mall if you need location details or information about photos.

Chesterfield Mall (Santa will be at the lower level in Dillard’s Court)
HOURS: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Santa needs a breather from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday 
and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Although from what a popular reindeer told me, breaks are subject to change.)

Galleria (In the Garden Court)
HOURS: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

MidRivers Mall St. Charles (Located at the lower level in Center Court)
HOURS: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Like parents, Santa needs a break sometimes, which for this mall is
 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday 
and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. 
Breaks are subject to change.

South County Mall (Below the Starbucks)
HOURS: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Santa leaves to feed his reindeer
from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday 
and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

St. Clair Square, Fairview Heights (Look for Santa in Center Court)
HOURS: Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

West County Mall (Near Macy’s) North Court
HOURS: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Santa leaves from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday 
and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays
. But breaks are subject to change.)

When Amy moved out of the area to attend a different college, we stayed connected via snail mail, comparing classes and planning our get togethers during school breaks. Over time, we graduated, started careers, danced at each other’s weddings, bemoaned pesky pregnancy problems and delighted in our new roles as moms.  No matter what life has thrown my way,  I’ve always felt a little stronger with Amy in my corner.

Recently, she died.

I’m still trying to wrap my brain around a life lived without Amy’s advice or her hilarious emails. I tear up at the oddest times. When I’m alone, I don’t have to stay composed. When my son’s around, it’s been a whole different matter.  I was conflicted. I wasn’t sure if I should let him see me cry.

I remember watching my mom openly sob twice throughout my childhood. She was always so strong and in control. Seeing her so vulnerable and obviously hurt, scared me. On one hand, I don’t want my child to worry or freak out. But at the same time, I do want him to realize that even parents can feel a little lost or sad as a result of a heart-breaking circumstances. We’re not butt-wiping, dishwasher loading, homework-checking machines.  Parents are people too!

I posed the quandary to Judy Koehler, M.A., LPC, NCC of The Marriage & Family Institute in Clayton. She said, “I think it is important to be real with all the significant people in our lives no matter their age. Not only age, but disposition, should be taken into consideration when explaining emotions.”

Why?

“Children need to see parents experience the full range of experience in their role models in order to grow into adults who can handle adversity using their thinking, emotions, and behaviors combined,” Judy explained.

Judy’s words are comforting in that it helps to know I don’t have to “put on a happy face” in the name of being a parent. I don’t have to hide in the bathroom if I get misty-eyed. I can say, “I miss my friend and I’m sad.”

My son is nine years old. After hearing Judy’s words, I’ve shared bits and pieces with my son about the qualities that made Amy such a remarkable friend and how she’ll always be in my heart. In response, he’s offered extra hugs when he thinks I might need them. So for now, I grieve but I stay mindful–he’s watching me navigate through these waters. My loss is his life lesson.

Like sleep. Or camping out on the couch to watch mind-numbingly cheesy TV.  Or reading something other than Pat The Bunny 600 times a day.

(Side note. Have you ever seen Pat the Husband? Much more fun to read though less child-friendly.)

Bit by bit, you eventually find whole minutes of free time. And then, one day, you realize you have 10 minutes of spare time, IN A ROW. (Congratulations when you have enough time to shave both legs when you shower.)

Take those minutes where (and when) you can get them, sister.  And if you’re an avid reader may I suggest Little Black Dress by my friend Susan McBride.

Susan, a St. Louis resident, has written a host of books over the years.  Her last one, The Cougar Club, is now an international hit. Little Black Dress, which was released last month, is already in its second printing and is currently one of the most sought after books in the ‘Lou.

I’m reading Little Black Dress now.  The story is about a woman named Antonia Ashton who’s an event planner in St. Louis.  She’s forced to return to her hometown of Blue Hills after her mother, Evie, suffers a stroke. As she’s getting Evie’s house in order, she stumbles upon a magical black dress. The frock, made of the silk spun of spiders, gives the wearer a glimpse of her future.  Throughout the story, she discovers some family secrets. And she learns a great deal about herself in the process.

The story centers on Antonia, her mother Evie, and Evie’s sister Anna who vanished 50 years prior to the day of her wedding.

I love the characters and how a great deal of the story unfolds in the midst of Missouri’s winemaking industry. When I have to put the book down, I find myself wondering what’s going to happen next — especially now that a handsome organic winemaker has entered the picture.) I love the references to so many St. Louis places too.

You can find her book at a number of book stores throughout St. Louis like Left Bank Books, Puddin’ Head Books, Subterranean Books, Main Street Book as well as at Target, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Between doing press for LBD and writing another book, Susan’s been pretty busy. But I had to ask her one burning question. If a girl gets some time to unwind and read the book, which wine would Susan recommend to accompany the storyline?

“I’m thinking since there’s an ice grape harvest in the book it should be ice wine paired with something chocolate,” she says.

Definitely.

For instance, did you know that for each month out of the pool, it takes 1-2 swimming classes to relearn those skills? And did you know kids who lack water comfort need consistent and regular exposure to overcome their fear?

“Depending on the child, this can take longer than one swim session,” says Coach Ruthie Zarren, the founder of Little Fishes Swim School. “Fearful children starting a swim program in the spring are not usually comfortable or ready by summer to give up their flotation devices and learn to swim.”

That’s where Little Fishes Swim School comes into play.

“Our classes are small (no more than five children with two instructors), The instruction is individualized to be developmentally appropriate and to insure each child progresses at their optimal pace. We are building self-confidence while teaching swimming skills,” says Zarren, a mom and Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructor, with coaching certifications from the American Swimming Coaches Association. “Our experienced instructors are required to have education and/or childcare background. They are all adults (college students, moms etc.) and love working with young children.”

Kids as young as six months can start swim lessons. Little Fishes has two levels for the their itty-bitty kiddie clientele. There’s the parent/baby classes (ages six months through walking) as well as the parent/toddler classes (walking through three years).

Beginning swimmers (ages three and up to “typically” six years) are five students to two instructors. In this age group, depending on the child’s comfort, skills and abilities, there are four different levels.

If you’ve got a temperamental toddler (like I had years ago) don’t worry about the sensory overload. “Our environment is designed to put children and parents at ease with our healthier, salt water pool that we keep at 90 degrees.”

Classes are 30 minutes once a week for 10 weeks. The school is open seven days a week. Little Fishes is located 8200 Brentwood Industrial Dr., about a quarter mile southwest of the intersection of Hanley and Manchester (not Hanley Industrial Court).

For more information check out their website. Or give them a call at 314-647-SWIM (7946).

According to Celebrity Baby Scoop, “Twitter is the word on the streets of Hollywood these days with the likes of Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Tori Spelling, Victoria Beckham, Russell Crowe, Scott Baio and David Schwimmer just to name a few. …Hollywood moms and dads routinely tweet about fun family moments and even photos of their adorable children.”

I know some people, as well as celebs, like to post photos to their Twitter account. But I typically don’t. It’s a hassle. Which is why I’m loving Instagram.

Instagram is a photo service allowing iPhone users to post pics and share them through social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. The Instagram app is quick to download and free of charge. Plus, the app is extremely user-friendly and contains some cool filters for enhancing photos.

People can check out your photos and “like” or comment on them via Instagram or you can choose to connect your photos to your Twitter or Facebook page. (If you don’t feel comfortable posting pics of your kids for public view, you can keep your account private.)

Instagram is still fairly new but is growing by leaps and bounds. They launched in October. By last month, more than six million people had shared more than 100 million photos with one another on Instagram.

I love how Instagram has a more “intimate” vibe. People share their lives in photo form, taking pics of everything from their kids and friends, to their pets or what they’re eating. Plus, if you follow users on other continents, you get some unique insights into other people’s cultures, landscapes and day-to-day life.

Celebrities like Elizabeth Shannon, Snoop Dogg, and Justin Bieber have jumped on the Instagram bandwagon as have brands like Kate Spade.

Check it out. You might discover you love watching the world through a Hefe or Poprocket filter.

(Oh yeah, that photo? My son. Compliments of my iPhone and Instagram.)

The slew of laboring celebrities brings lots of baby name ideas.  (Maybe you’re liking the moniker “Alef” now thanks to Natalie Portman?) The quest for a baby name can be a  fun challenge or a stressful endeavor.

If you’re searching for ideas, there are a number of websites that can help you. For example, BabyCenter is a great resource. And Baby Names is always fun to peruse.

If there aren’t any ideas that really grab you, head out to a place where there’s lots of kids of varying ages. If you’re searching for names in the spring or summer try the base/softball fields on a weekend. If you’re scouting in the fall, try a soccer park.  Younger kids running around the fields often have their names on the back of their t-shirts or jerseys. You’re also bound to hear people shouting out names along the sidelines.

The soccer park is where I first met a Josephine. I watched the little girl dressed in a pink soccer uniform, sporting bouncy blonde curls tied in pink ribbons. As she darted in and out of the crowds toward her teammates, I saw the name “Josie” on her jersey and I fell in love with the moniker.

Of course this might also be a way to narrow down your list. If you hear a parent shouting “Pay attention Forest”  three to five hundred times in the middle of soccer practice, or you watch a little Lucy meltdown momentously at a Vetta Sports, the names might lose their luster. But then again, if you’re torn between two names, listening to strangers cheer on a child with one of your top picks might break the tie!

Photo found here.