NYC Moms

Surviving Spring Break at Home

Many schools are on recess this week for Spring Break.  Some families are traveling to visit relatives (that deserves a survival list of its own), but if you're a mom at home with more children than usual--especially little ones--here are some survival tips just for you. 

Tip #1: Do you know any middle schoolers who'd like spending money?  Hire one as a Mother's Helper.  You don't even have to leave the house, but someone else can be in charge of making and cleaning up lunch, walking the dog, and running Tip #2.  It could be the best $20 a day you ever spent.

Tip #2: Try an art or craft you don't usually offer.  This week we're using fabric markers to decorate T-shirts.  Another option is to lay down a drop cloth or waterproof table cloth and bust out the paints.  Yes, I know--the mess--but, this is Spring Break, and if you have a Mother's Helper, schedule this project for that day.

Tip #3: Sneak in some of your favorite foods or drinks for yourself.  While you enjoy it, repeat this thought: I take good care of myself, too.

Katie Couric and the Mom Bloggers Video

As you have probably heard (cause gosh, we can't stop talking about it!!!), a few "Parent Bloggers" from  Silicon Valley Moms Blog, New York City Moms Blog, Chicago Moms Blog and DC Metro Moms Blog had a rare (and wonderful) opportunity to spend a Friday afternoon with Katie Couric.  Here is a video of our visit with Katie Couric from CBS, from her You Tube channel: 

... and just in case you missed Katie's writeup on CBS.com, here is what she said about our meetup: Meet The Parents (Who Blog)

 

Grand Central: Your Ticket for Adventure

This time of year my children and I miss our warm weather adventures.  A fresh destination, like a well-timed afternoon snack, can tide us over until spring comes to quench our appetites.  Our day at Grand Central Terminal relieved our cooped-up crankiness, and will be one of my go-to spots when the weather isn't welcoming.

If you're trying to stay dry and warm, you can take the 4, 5, 6, 7, or S subways to Grand Central, and arrive right inside.  With over eighty stores and dining spots, there is plenty to stroll and see.  Get the big picture by visiting the Main Concourse first.  You can pick up a map and directory at the Information Booth.  Ideas for self-guided walking tours (or highlights you might want to hit) can be found here.  An architectural delight that your kids will love is the Whispering Gallery in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant--go to opposite corners and whisper, and your partner will hear you on the other side.  (At the end of the day, my four-year-old cited this as her favorite part.)

Lions, tigers and elephants

The Big Apple Circus is in full swing at Lincoln Center, through January 13th, before heading to Atlanta. We went to see it with Matt's family this past weekend. Running two hours and ten minutes, with a brief cotton candy, popcorn, and crackerjack intermission, it managed to keep my one-and-a-half year old entertained to the end. My two-and-a-half year old and 5 year old nephews loved it, too. The only thing missing were the lions, tigers, and elephants. Ponies and horses made appearances, along with some very talented poodles, but no other animals represented.  If it doesn't smell like a circus, how do I know I'm there?

There were clowns, acrobats, guys on stilts, and incredible feats of strength by both men and women. As I looked around the audience, only a few parents had their eyes closed gently, just to rest them for a few minutes. But that was no fault of the show.

The Empress Has No Clothes

I recently received an e-mail asking why I haven't commented about children's clothing stores in my neighborhood.  A good question.  I'll tell you why: it's because I rarely buy anything at any of the lovely local shops.  They are, for the most part, filled with beautiful children's items that are nice-fitting and made of all-natural fabric.  So why don't I patronize these establishments?  It's the same reason I never buy clothes for myself at any boutiques on the UES: they are just too freaking expensive.   I can't justify spending $200 (or more) on a wonderful little sweater for Bunny that she'll wear for one season and then we'll pass along to Room to Grow.  But here's what I have, little though it is.

Baby Gap: 3rd Avenue between 86th and 87th.  Baby Gap is great, especially the sales.  I've gotten some adorable items for $3.99.  Can't beat that with a stick.  Occasionally I find the girls stuff to be a bit too teeny-bopper-y for a 15 month old, but I'm an old fogey that way.And here is a question to the entrepreneurial of spirit out there: can we make any money by opening a children's used clothing store here in Yorkville?  I would love love love to have one!  I hear that Jane's Exchange is terrific, but it is way too far away for us (see If I Can't Walk, I Don't Go).

I recently received an e-mail asking why I haven't commented about children's clothing stores in my neighborhood.  A good question.  I'll tell you why: it's because I rarely buy anything at any of the lovely local shops.  They are, for the most part, filled with beautiful children's items that are nice-fitting and made of all-natural fabric.  So why don't I patronize these establishments?  It's the same reason I never buy clothes for myself at any boutiques on the UES: they are just too freaking expensive.   I can't justify spending $200 (or more) on a wonderful little sweater for Bunny that she'll wear for one season and then we'll pass along to Room to Grow.  But here's what I have, little though it is.

Baby Gap: 3rd Avenue between 86th and 87th.  Baby Gap is great, especially the sales.  I've gotten some adorable items for $3.99.  Can't beat that with a stick.  Occasionally I find the girls stuff to be a bit too teeny-bopper-y for a 15 month old, but I'm an old fogey that way.And here is a question to the entrepreneurial of spirit out there: can we make any money by opening a children's used clothing store here in Yorkville?  I would love love love to have one!  I hear that Jane's Exchange is terrific, but it is way too far away for us (see If I Can't Walk, I Don't Go).