CATHY'S CORNER: Cabin Fever?

 “To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” 
Dr. Seuss

Just when we had enough of this cold weather, it keeps coming back just like that famous Cat in the Hat. What the heck do we do with all this snow? We’ve eaten it, made snowballs and an igloo, sledded, snowboarded, shoveled it and painted it blue. Are your kids going bonkers like mine? If so, please check out my Winter Activity Guide, but here’s some ideas to get you started:

• Get outside during breaks of sunshine. Go ice skating at Longshore or Dorothy Hamill. Or check out a few good indoor farmer’s markets, or the upcoming Maple Syrup Festival at the Stamford Museum. 

• Go to the movies. Haydn saw "Jupiter Ascending" and said it was great. I want to see "Boyhood."

• Enjoy indoor spaces. From the Stamford or Trumbull Mall to Chelsea Piers, Rockin Jump, Pump It Up, Great Play, Kidville or your local Y and JCC – at least you and the kids can get some exercise. How about bowling? Try Nutmeg Bowl or the new BowlMor in Norwalk.

• Learn something new. How about indoor rock climbing at Carabiner's in Fairfield or Chelsea Piers, or indoor tennis at Intensity in Norwalk.

• Read. Check out the library or Barnes & Noble. There’s always something going on – especially this week with Dr. Suess’s birthday and National Read Across America Day on March 2.

• Build skills. IMG Academy proudly partners with Chelsea Piers Connecticut to bring their Elite Clinics to athletes ages 10-16. Chelsea Piers will host three-hour IMG Academy Elite Clinics in tennis, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse between March and April. 

• Make plans. Why not plan a trip for spring break? For an easy getaway, check out Eau Palm Beach...unbelievable hotel with great food and service. 

• Eat well. If you can't get away, at least you can taste the flavors of sunnier places. Visit Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk, Bartaco in Westport and Stamford, Box Car Cantina in Greenwich, Barcelona in Norwalk and Greenwich, or Bodega and Geronimo's in Fairfield. All restaurants have delicious salsa and guacamole…without having to deal with airport security.

Stay warm and have a great week ahead, and let me know your thoughts. Cathy

How do you escape the cold? Please share your comment below.  Also, please check out my Macaroni Kid FORUM where you can post questions to other readers, provide answers and donate and sell stuff - at no charge. Please also check out my local birthday party guide, as well as my facebook page for more updates, deals and goodies.  

Experience Bereavement Camps are one-week summer camps for children who have lost a parent, sibling or loved one that help build confidence, encourage laughter, and navigate grief through friendship, teamwork, activities, and the common bond of loss. They also provide support with year-round programs and online support. If you or someone you know has experienced a loss, please share this info with them. 

Got a great time saving tip? Look for #MomHackMonday where Macaroni Kid will be posting, and encouraging others to post their favorite mom hacks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Can't wait to see what other mom hacks you all have up your sleeves!

Fairfield County’s Giving Day makes it fast, easy and fun to support your favorite local nonprofits. On Thursday, March 5, support your favorite local nonprofit, a cause you’re passionate about, or a program located in your town or city. And you can help them win grant prizes throughout the day, just by making a donation of $10 or higher. #FairfieldCountyGives

Support Groups for Parents of Preemies on the first Monday of each month. This is a “call in” group, making it possible for parents to participate. The call-in number is (641) 715-3635 with an access code of 729997#.  The Playgroups for Parents of Preemies is offered every other Wednesday. To respond call (203) 202-9714 or e-mail info@ttmf.org.