Posts filed under 'New York'
Williamsburg is seriously as cool as it gets. In fact, I used to joke with a friend of mine that they should just plaster a picture of either Beck or Moby on the front of all the Subway cars to identify that the “L” train to Brooklyn was for hipster transport only.
I guess now, with time being what it is, those young men and women with the complicated haircuts and ironic t-shirts are getting older and having kids of their own. And thank goodness they are because the children’s stores there are really just so darn cool!!!! If you have not been, you must go. Make a day of it as there are so many amazing shops and little places to eat.
Mini Jake – is kind of like the Brooklyn version of the popular Giggle chain. It’s a huge space filled with all things modern and cool — strollers, cribs, bedding, feeding stuff… you name it. In a nutshell, it is a modern parents dream as it is chock full of all those eco-fashionable brands that they go gaga for (Oeuf, Stokke, Bloom etc;). The store also has a huge selection toys (think Plan Toys and Playmobil) and a book nook with all the classics.
Sweet William – an absolutely gorgeous store carrying brands that I simply can’t find anywhere else. I am obsessed with under the radar brands like Makie and Talc and they carry both. The well edited selection caters mainly to the younger set — newborn to 5 yrs and has the type of stuff that you will hold on to for years just because it’s all too beautiful to part with. A perfect place for gifts for a newborn.
Flying Squirrel – One word: GENIUS. Flying Squirrel is a consignment shop for gently used kid’s clothes, gear and toys. I bought an amazing fleece jacket here in perfect condition for $10 dollars which retails for like $100. There is a small selection of new items as well but that is not the draw here. Although you have to sift through the racks a bit, all of the clothing that they carry is “higher-end” stuff in perfect condition. When I stop hoarding all my girls’ clothing I might go here to unload.
Smoochie Baby – Another lovely modern store with a well edited selection of clothes and shoes. I was happy to find the tunic top that Emilie wrote about here and it was on sale! I also picked up an adorable dress (pictured) from an Australian line that they carry there called LittleHorn. So cute right?
-Dina
Dina in New York
March 12th, 2010
Soul Cycle just opened an amazing new space in Tribeca and while I totally TOTALLY dread working out I decided to just suck it up and force myself to go. After all, as mentioned before, the only cardio routine I have these days is courtesy of the Dancey Dance segments from Yo Gabba Gabba.
So anyway– Soul Cycle has had a following for quite some time in other areas of the city and I was nervous as hell to go. I had never done a “spin class” before and I was pretty confident that I was going to die on the bike and make a total scene. As I stood in the lobby waiting for class to start I tried my best to look like a pro but when I saw the sweat drenched people emerge from the prior class I started to panic.
Anyway – long story, longer… I snapped my shoes into the bike, said a prayer, jumped on and just did it. The teacher was amazing and led the class on what felt like a 45-minute spiritual journey through the mountains. The music was loud and excellent, the dark room and the vibe made you want to really push yourself. It was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be and I felt like a new human being when it was over. I am now hooked and I would highly recommend it to all the sluggish, sleep deprived moms and dads out there. It’s a boost both physically and mentally.
-Dina
Dina in New York
March 10th, 2010
While I would really love for my kids to play with handcrafted, eco-friendly and artistically stunning toys, I also know full well that I might as well just set a pile of money on fire. The beautiful wooden farm house with hand painted animals is coated in a layer of dust. The hand-sewn finger puppet theater has yet to be touched by a human hand. That being said, I don’t want a house full of flashing plastic junk but I do like to find items that my kids will actually play with.
Kidding Around is a toy store in Chelsea that I really love as it does a great job stocking toys which are both parent savvy and ones that your kids will love. The website is in dire need of a makeover but if you visit the store in person you will be extremely pleased with what you find inside. Not only is it huge but it has everything that a child could want from birth through the teen years — all of which is thoughtfully edited and categorized. It is my go-to place for amazing birthday gifts and I always stumble upon something new when I go.
I have my sights set on this little red accordian to buy as a gift for someone who bought my girls two recorders last month. Payback time!
-Dina
Dina in New York
March 5th, 2010
I do love New York but there are also a lot of things that I really hate about it.… the lack of parks and open spaces, and the complete absence of places to just sit down. The other day I took my girls to the New Museum on the Bowery. I have been wanting to go since it opened and there was an exhibition by Urs Fisher which looked bizarre and cool. There was, after all, a croissant hanging from the ceiling on fishing wire with a butterfly on it! Anyway– the exhibition was indeed cool but the best discovery of the day was the little cafeteria with tables and chairs that they had in the back of the main lobby. It’s a nice place to sit (for free!) and shockingly, it was very kid friendly – they even serve peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. So for those roaming around Soho or the East Village with a stroller looking for a place to just sit for a few minutes — stop in. Admission is free for everyone under 18.
-Dina
Dina in New York
February 27th, 2010
Seems like everyone I know is having a baby all of a sudden. Funny how it always happens in waves.
With “three being the new two” and “twins being the new singleton” in NYC, the maternity business is booming! When I was pregnant I was determined to remain somewhat stylish (well with the roots growing in and the adult onset acne, the least I could do was wear a semi-decent outfit.) One of my very favorite brands to discover along the way was Nom de Naissance, which is based out of LA and is carried at my very favorite maternity store in NYC, Belly Dance Maternity. This adorable West Village shop carries a well edited selection of labels like Splendid, Diane Von Furstenburg and Ripe with the premise being that you can still dress like you did before you got prego. Two other amazing stores that I discovered along the way were Cappucine in Tribeca which does not have an on-line website but is definitely worth the visit. The owner carries both maternity wear and adorable regular clothes in larger sizes (and the owner is French so you know it’s cool). The other place that I found was Bump in Brooklyn which opened after I had the girls but it looks ultra, ultra swank. For the gals that are not into “Pea in a Pod” and “Liz Lange” – these stores are for you.
-Dina
Dina in New York
February 22nd, 2010
I always like to find special gifts that are useful and practical for friends with a new baby. In a cramped NYC apartment the last thing you need is more stuff, especially if you are on kid number 2 or 3, which is why I love these adorable little square quilts from Pomme. They are small, plush, easy to wash and cheery.
Pomme is an adorable little store in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn that carries a well-edited and unique array of items for young children. You can call the store direct to get matching pillows or if you are feeling particularly fashionable there are booties to match!
-Dina
Dina in New York
February 18th, 2010
This adorable little West Village shop is a perfect place to go for kid’s haircuts – especially the very first one when most kids have the potential to totally flip out. Courtney wrote a post some time ago about a place called Tantrum which we visited during our stay in London and absolutely loved! Doodle Doo’s is its New York equivalent. The staff is beyond nice and when we went last week my daughters left not only with adorable new chic hairdos but also with a barrette, some sparkle hairspray and a lollipop. The premise is simple… place kid in car or boat seat… insert princess video… bribe with future delivery of treat… snip away. It just makes the whole experience a win win. They also have a wonderful selection of toys and children’s clothing for parents to browse while you wait and if you are up for it, it’s a block away from New York’s famed Magnolia Bakery.
-Dina
Dina in New York
January 26th, 2010
My name is Dina, I live in New York and I am a Moomah-holic.
When I was in the other day I finally asked who did the graphics for the place as I love everything on the walls. The owner, who is the mom of two young children in the neighborhood, has clearly thought of every little detail of the environment down to the take-away coffee cups (which are almost too beautiful to toss.) I always go there to buy little note cards and I was so excited to see that the designer of all the amazing stuff in Moomah has a website. Screech Owl Designs has beautiful prints, t-shirts and stationery. I especially love their note cards – I think it would even be nice to frame a few and hang on the wall, and I am planning to get some as birthday invitations this year.
-Dina
Dina in New York
January 6th, 2010
I wish it wasn’t the case but I don’t like to work out. I loathe the gym. The few times I dabbled in Yoga and Pilates I would be all gung-ho for a few months only to eventually find myself watching the clock like a hawk the entire time (is it over now?….now? …what about now?….)
Last winter however, I started taking classes at Physique 57 and everything changed.
Physique 57 has a major cult following in New York. In a nutshell, it’s 57 minutes of upbeat music and fluid, muscle crunching movements that hone in on all the key areas. Based on the famous Lotte Berk method, P57 classes focus on core strength and flexibility and the classes are taught by adorable professional dancers who really motivate you to keep going even when your insides are screaming. What I love about it is that it is comprised of short routines – every five minutes or so you work on a different part of the body. And before you know it, the class is over — yay!
They have locations in Soho and Midtown and a great deal of the people I see here are working professionals or moms with young kids. Too often moms run around like crazy and don’t take time for themselves — P57 is a good one hour break to do something to let you regroup and re-energize. I would definitely try a class if you can, especially if you are not a “gym” person, like me.
-Dina
Dina in New York
December 2nd, 2009
As mentioned in an earlier post, I am not a huge fan of eating out with young kids. It’s not good for the digestion. But then again, there is Pop Burger.
This unassuming and very hip burger joint in the trendy Meatpacking district is actually one of my favorite super duper secret places to grab a special lunch with the girls. The burgers are delicious, and they come in sets of two which are perfect for teeny hands. They also have a nice selection of healthier items like a salad or an excellent chicken burger which pair nicely with a thick classic milkshake and crispy fries.
Pop Burger is actually a popular late night club /hangout for the young and fabulous, but during the day they play upbeat ’80s and ’90s classics and my girls love to dance and flail around the place like Beyonce. Warning: the music is loud! So don’t send them with the grandparents because they will totally hate your guts but I assure you, if you were born in the ’70s or ’80s you will love it. I have caught myself singing out loud and seriously, who would have guessed I know all of the words to “Rhythm Nation.” I have vetted this place many times and always leave happy. The only downside is that they have the most terrible flimsy cheap napkins known to man – bring a packet of wipes – it does get messy.
ps: There is also a location in Midtown.
-Dina
Dina in New York
October 28th, 2009
I really try to avoid taking my twins out to eat. It is nothing short of torture for me. Seriously….it’s like the minute they see that dilapidated cup of crayons and sad coloring placemat coming at them they start to make a scene. Chelsea Market, on the other hand, is now a destination of mine to eat with the girls on sunny days with the stroller in tow. I can only describe it as an underground culinary fantasy land and one where I am at complete ease dining with two three-year-olds. There’s a huge selection of delicious gourmet places to eat – all in a cool and low key setting. Kids can choose from homeade soup, sandwhiches and pasta and then watch fresh bread being baked, visit a fish market and toss coins into an indoor waterfall. Even better are the places to grab dessert – Eleni’s cookies, Sarabeths and Fat Witch Brownies. On the weekends they oftentimes have musical performances for kids so check the schedule and make a morning of it. And while the weather is still nice grab a coffee and check out the new and ultra-swank Highline where you can sit and watch a parade of New York’s hipsters saunter by.
-Dina
Dina in New York
September 30th, 2009
When it rains in NYC a day at home can seem like an eternity. Wee Arts drop-in classes at Children’s Museum of the Arts is a wonderful way to spend the morning doing something that everyone will be happy about. For $22 a family, children can rotate from play dough to paint to stickers to block building. Young and engaging teachers walk around to help the children explore various materials and the program ends with a fun and upbeat session of sing-a-longs, drumming and a farewell book.
Wee-Arts DROP IN
(ages 10 months to 3½ years)
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10:45am-12pm.
-Dina
Dina in New York
September 9th, 2009
I started going to Music Together when my girls were 6 months old. They sat on my lap like two blobs back then and we continued to go once a week until they started pre-school. While NYC offers a million “mommy and me” type classes I found that we enjoyed Music Together the most. Its grassroots, back to basics approach is the type of class that I love. No flash, no bubble machine, just good old catchy tunes sung by a teacher, in jeans, with a guitar. Take a trial class to see which teacher you like as some are better than others. I would say that it is mainly geared for the younger set but it’s a great way to start kids out on a life long love of music and they offer classes everywhere. It also gave me a wide repertoire of kid’s songs to sing at home freeing me from the shackles of what seemed like a never ending loop of “Wheels on the bus”.
-Dina
Dina in New York
September 1st, 2009
First it was low-carb, then it was no-carb and now it’s all about doing a “cleanse”. We all know of someone who has done it, wants to do it or plans to do it. A juice fast can do the body good every once in a while – even if it is just for a few hours (which is about all I can manage to do). It is especially great for kicking off a new eating routine (i.e.: breaking the coffee/sugar habit) and for those of us whose meals consist mainly of discarded nuggets and pre-chewed food that your kids have flung on the floor. The juices at liquiteria are the best in the city – fresh, delicious and extremely well priced, and if you swing by to talk to one of the owners they will customize your very own cleanse. I highly recommend ‘The Grasshopper’, ‘Beets Me’ and ‘The Killer’.
-Dina
Dina in New York
August 27th, 2009
My husband cringes every time he sees a tiny empty shoebox in the trash, knowing full well that I have just purchased something with a shelf life of approximately two months…. But heck – I ask you – is there anything cuter than a toddler shoe? I discovered The Shoe Garden a few years ago and it is still my go-to place for adorable and affordable children’s footwear. They have an amazing selection of high quality and stylish shoes for kids of all ages with a large selection of hard-to-find European brands. Like moth to flame I need to walk into the store every time I am in the neighborhood, and I usually leave with a tiny box in hand, but like I said, is there anything cuter than a toddler shoe?
-Dina
Dina in New York
August 22nd, 2009
I kid. I am after all a New Yorker and it’s in my DNA to pick on New Jersey. Truth be told however, I find myself going there quite often with my kids on day trips. One of my very favorite go-to spots is the Liberty Science Center, which (dare I say) blows all of the kid’s museums in NYC out of the water. There are tons of things to do there and there is a separate contained Toddler play area with animal displays and all sorts of things to touch and climb on. One of our personal favorite exhibits is “My Hudson Home” which has giant tanks filled with fish and turtles and a water table with sand to scoop. It appeals to all ages beyond the toddler years and there is something for everyone to enjoy. The place is absolutely immaculate to boot and they have an incredible cafeteria with organic and healthy food for adults and children. Go early or late afternoon to avoid the school crowds and I guarantee a good time for all. Please note: bring blindfold for when you leave if you want to avoid the gift shop.
-Dina
Dina in New York
August 17th, 2009
I was asked to bring a treat for a birthday party at the girls’ pre-school last year, but with all the food allergies out there these days filling that request can be downright terrifying. Ok…so let’s see….that leaves me with what options?….rice cakes? …a fistful of raisins? What “treat” on earth is going to be wheat, nut, egg and dairy free?
I then remembered BabyCakes – an adorable little shop on the Lower East Side which is, incidentally, New York’s first and finest dairy, egg and gluten free bakery! They make picture perfect cupcakes, cookies, brownies and even pie – all of which can be scarfed down guilt free. But how do they taste you ask? Delicious! And what’s better, I feel like I am beating the system somehow when my kids eat them.
-Dina
Dina in New York
August 3rd, 2009
I have been watching……waiting…..okay, technically “stalking” out this place for weeks now and as of last Monday the doors to paradise have finally flung wide open. Moomah – which dubs itself a “creative arts café” is the brainchild of Tracey Stewart, a Tribeca mother who took a delightful detour from the over-stimulating child play spaces that have been cropping up around the city to create a community space where adults would feel just as much at home as their kids. One part adult café, one part earth-conscious art/exploration space for kids – Moomah offers something for all of the senses and serves as a place where the adults don’t have to just sit awkwardly on the sidelines. From big tables for impromptu art projects to cozy couches where you can grab a light meal and read a book, the rustic-chic space offers cool activities for families to do together.
One of the main draws is a fantastic, high concept, interactive light forest where the kids can explore while you drink a cup of coffee and read the paper nearby. They have also recently launched a “High Tea” where for $10 kids can dress up in costumes and eat finger sandwiches. In addition to delicious coffee, Moomah offers daily baked treats from Balthazar bakery and a nicely edited selection of books, clothing and toys.
It’s always such a joy to go somewhere without people getting upset that your kid is wandering around touching things and even better to go to a place where they actually encourage that to happen!
-Dina
Dina in New York
August 3rd, 2009
I am thrilled to be writing about all the great things going on in New York City for kids (and parents!) right now. As a child who grew up here in the ’70s I can attest to the fact that New York has come a long long way and is as livable and kid-friendly as ever.
While my memories of being young in the city were filled with good times, I also live with flashbacks of being scalded on hot metal slides and living in fear of getting poked with a hypodermic needle in the sandbox. True…my twin girls still have to contend with the grit of city living but they also have amazing indoor play spaces on cold rainy days, classes to take for every interest imaginable and kid-friendly places to eat.
Every day something new crops up and I love exploring the off-the-beaten-path things to do, eat and explore. I’m excited to share what I have found with you!
-Dina
Dina in New York
August 3rd, 2009
A common question we receive at Babyccino is ‘why don’t you have a New York contributor?’. It seems we have many readers living in New York or hoping to travel there who are looking for tips for where to go and what to do in the city. New York City is an obvious choice, and I suppose it was just a matter of finding the perfect person for the job.
Drum roll please… We are excited to introduce Dina — a native New Yorker and former Wall Street banker turned writer turned mom (of twins)! Dina is cute, she’s funny, and her enthusiasm and love of NYC is infectious. I met with her a few weeks ago while she was on holiday in London, and the way she described having kids in NYC had me nearly packing my bags to move there!
Dina is the perfect person to fill us in on all that her city has to offer, and we are thrilled to welcome her as a regular contributor on Babyccino… finally!
-Courtney
Courtney in London
August 3rd, 2009
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