Pregnancy-Safe Polishes

When you have a baby on the way, pampering is definitely your prerogative. But if getting a mani-pedi is one of your favorite ways to relax, better check those polish labels. Various studies have discovered that three chemicals typically found in nail polish may be linked to birth defects. Though more research is needed, it’s still a good idea to steer clear of polishes with ingredients referred to as the “toxic 3”: phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde. That doesn’t mean your toes have to go unpolished, though. Try one of these pregnancy-safe polishes for your next at-home manicure, or bring one along with you to the salon.

Piggy Paint
A concerned mom created this line when she saw her young daughter spill nail polish on a Styrofoam plate–then watched as the polish burned a hole straight through it! Piggy Paint has both a princess-friendly line for girls and a series of colors called “Refined” that are perfect for expectant moms.
$6.99-8.99; piggypaint.com

Knocked Up Nails
The inventor of this line wanted moms-to-be to know it was made just for them. That’s why she came up with hilarious names like Craving a Creamsicle, O-Blue-GYN and Prenatal Princess.
$10; knockedupnails.com

Scotch Naturals
Another mom-created line, this brand extended out from Hopscotch Kids, which makes popular child-safe polishes. Besides offering luxurious colors with names like Paisley Martini and Morning Glory Fizz, Scotch Naturals also created its own soy-based nail polish remover.
$11.99-14.99; scotchnaturals.com

Zoya
This toxin-free makeup company has over 300 colors to choose from. Check out the cheerful and beach-ready Surf Collection, ideal for summer.
$8; zoya.com

Karma Organic
Find a wide selection of non-toxic polishes in feminine shades from this New Jersey-based line. Some of the colors even have New York-themed names, like Central Park West, a shiny metallic, and Rowboats in the Park, a cheerful blue.
$9.99, karmaorganicspa.com

Nancy Ryerson is a freelance writer whose works have appeared in New York Family, Psychology Today, Prevention, and South Magazine in Savannah, GA. When she’s not blogging about health and family, she’s stir-frying vegetables, exploring New York, or playing the bassoon.

LIU Summer Sports Camps

This July and August, young athletes will have the chance to participate in week-long athletic camps at Long Island University designed to connect them with NCAA Division I coaches to learn fundamentals and help improve their skills -- all while having fun and making lifelong friends. Camps are open to children entering grades 2-8 at any skill level. Select from 18 camps at one of our two campus locations in Brooklyn or Long Island. &nbsp; &nbsp;Sports include: Baseball, Basketball, Cheer, Dance, Esports, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Lacrosse, Marching Band, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling.

Extreme STEAM Science Kids at Park Shore

If your child has a passion for science and technology, our unique educational summer program is tailor-made for them! Immerse your young scientist in a world of robotics, mechanical and electrical engineering, coding, science, art, and mathematics, all while ensuring a fun and engaging learning experience. Housed in our state-of-the-art three-story STEAM Science Center and Hydroponics Grow Lab on our expansive 15-acre campus, the program goes beyond the ordinary. Our thematic 2-week sessions, designed for grades 1-5, are carefully crafted to stimulate curiosity in science and foster the development of essential 21st Century Skills. From hands-on experiments to exciting projects, your child will explore the wonders of STEAM subjects in a dynamic and supportive environment. The learning experience extends beyond the classroom with scientific field trips that enhance the understanding of real-world applications. These excursions provide a valuable opportunity for students to witness the practical implications of the concepts they learn in the program. The morning program is just the beginning; we offer the flexibility to extend the day, allowing your child to delve into all the amazing activities Park Shore has to offer. From engaging in outdoor adventures to participating in creative arts and athletic activities, the options are vast, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching summer experience. Enrolling now for the Summer of 2024 comes with the added benefit of Early Rates, making this educational journey not only enriching but also affordable. Don't miss out on the opportunity to spark your child's love for learning and exploration. Join us for a summer filled with discovery, creativity, and endless possibilities!

Enforex

Students 5-18 years old learn Spanish living with Spanish students while having fun at one of our 8 Immersion Summer programs in Spain. Children will make new friends from all over the world, learn languages, play sports and more, all in a supportive, friendly and diverse environment where students open their minds and immerse themselves in the Spanish culture and language.