salsa baby brunch

Last Sunday, we joined friends for a "salsa baby brunch" at Ideya in Soho.  I read about the event thanks to my weekly Macaroni Kids newsletter and knew we had to check it out... for starters, I'm sort of obsessed with brunch and b) Baby S has developed a fondness for music which also includes "dancing."  Sure, her definition of getting down is more of a bounce/wiggle type movement, but whatever works, right?

In typical Ellen fashion, I waited until the last minute and made reservations on Saturday.  We were able to grab their last table of 6 for the 12 noon seating (note to self & others: don't wait till the last minute to make a reservation).  We sat up front, against the window, with the band directly opposite.  Front row seats, baby!  The music started almost immediately and was SO fun and energetic -- it didn't take long for kids young and old to start shaking their money makers.  They played a variety of Latin tunes, in addition to a few songs especially for the kids -- Old McDonald, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, etc.  I found it refreshing that the band members seemed to really enjoy themselves, not wondering how they ended up playing a gig in front of a bunch of children.

Each table was adorned with a few musical instruments, stickers and crayons for the little ones.  A nice touch.  Brunch itself was delicious -- I shared a spanish omelet with Baby S and Husband chowed down on the huevos ideya (poached eggs on corn arepas) and a nice-sized Bloody Mary.  Long story short, our group had a LOT of fun and we'll definitely come back again.

The next Salsa Baby Brunch takes place on March 20th -- I highly recommend it!

big apple books giveaway winners...

Congratulations to Tara Beth, Me, Myself & I and Prideland Mama...

you've each won a copy of Where's Walrus? by Stephen Savage! 

The True Random Number Generator on Random.org picked

#12, #6 and #19 respectively.

I will be in touch to collect addresses and soon enough, Walrus will be on his way.

Happy reading... and while we're at it, Happy Friday!

tales from the city

One of the benefits to blogging is that I've "met" other NYC moms through various social media outlets.  It is a camaraderie of sorts, in that we're all caught up in the constant juggling that is motherhood, work, life and side projects (with a little blogging thrown in for good measure).  I am consistently amazed to learn of all the interesting activities people have going on in their lives, & I gotta say, it's downright inspiring. 

Take Tiffany, for example.  We were introduced thanks to Twitter, and I'm excited to share her side project with you.  In addition to being a full-time legal wiz, together with the whole family she produces "Tristin and Tyler: Tales from the City," a web series hosted by her adorable twin boys, Tristin & Tyler.  In short form videos, Tristin & Tyler highlight different environmental projects going on around NYC.  From interviewing an "upcycler" who turns old umbrellas into dresses & accessories, to donating their old denim to a local recycling organization, the boys are discovering talented people all over the city who are doing good for our planet.

The adorable hosts of
Tales from the City

Here's an excerpt from a recent conversation with Tiffany:

How did you get the idea to create a website and webseries around the environment, hosted by your kids?

The idea came about because we wanted a way to reinforce eco-friendly/green themes, as well as a way to allow city kids to really enjoy their environment. Cartoons show a lot of imaginary places and themes, which is great! But it's also nice to have children watch real kids, in real places doing real things they can do too! Another goal of the show is to promote things parents can do with their children for little to no expense. So whether its crafting with household items or visiting ducks in a park, its something the family can do together.

Any particular goal/plans for the future regarding the show?

We would love the show to have a larger audience of parents and children, but really we want the show to help parents think of fun, crafty, educational and green things to do with their children. If we could make one parent make a fun craft, recycle or reuse an item based on their viewing the show, we would have done our job!

How do YOU manage it all as a full-time working mom/producer/manager!?

Great question! It's hard work as I am sure all us moms are used to. I have a full time job, a husband and the twins so it can get a bit overwhelming at times. But, I love my day job and if I have to work hard at something in addition to that, it's nice that I am able to do it with my family. Shooting and editing episodes, doing research for the show and meeting all types of creative people is so worth the work when I see the boys light up when they see it all put together. They are learning so much, and they get to do some really cool activities too!

I encourage you to check out Tristin & Tyler: Tales from the City with your kids, not only because it's a family-friendly way to introduce your children to going "green," but for the momma who's making it all happen from behind the scenes!

big apple books... and a giveaway!

Where's Walrus?

by Stephen Savage

This week's Big Apple Books features a brand new book arriving in stores this month: Where's Walrus? is a word-free tale whose illustrations bring the story to life. In a nutshell, Walrus, bored at the zoo, makes a break for it and escapes out into NYC to see what life is like out of captivity. On each page, you'll find Walrus checking out various NYC landmarks and immersing himself into the fray while hiding from the zoo keeper, who's hot on his trail.

I really adore Savage's illustrations, starting with the font used on the front cover -- it has such a vintage Art Deco look, which I completely love. I have to be honest in that I've never seen a children's book without printed dialogue to tie it all together, and yet I didn't miss it here. There is so much to look at on each page, that I think it gives you the opportunity to create the dialogue WITH your child. For instance, on the page below, several topics arise -- see Walrus painting the zoo keeper while the other painters are working on a landscape -- see the bridge and zoo keeper's reflection in the pond -- see lovely Central Park -- do you think the zoo keeper will find Walrus? Each page keeps the reader engaged and entertained.

I am thrilled to announce that Scholastic is giving away 3 COPIES of Where's Walrus? to Baby Meets City readers! Sticking with the "3" theme, there are up to 3 easy ways to enter:

1-- Please "follow" BMC and leave a comment that you did (and if you are already a follower, leave a comment as well).
2-- Please "like" BMC on Facebook and leave a comment that you did (same as above)
3-- Please leave a comment with your favorite children's book based in NYC and maybe it will make it to the top of my list!

I'll draw 3 winners via Random.org next Friday, February 18th at noon EST and will announce the winners then!

Click below for an adorable look at the Where's Walrus? book trailer:

                                    

baby meets city meets bethenny frankel



Bethenny & daughter Brynn

Last week, I chatted on the phone briefly with the natural food chef/author/yogi/original Skinnygirl and reality show star (seriously, could she have any more going on?) thanks to Pampers and their "Gifts to Grow" incentive program, of which she is now a spokesperson. Basically, the company has created a pretty cool benefit which allows parents to gain "points" as they buy Pampers diapers & wipes. As the points grow, you can cash them in for free products from Melissa & Doug, Shutterfly, etc. -- for your baby AND you. Doesn't get much easier than that, and who doesn't love a deal? Hurrah!

Bethenny was very easy to talk to, and I tried not to babble too much. Umm... I babbled a little bit. And possibly gushed. And laughed a little bit too loud. And did I mention that I HATE the sound of my voice on tape? I can promise you I do not sound like a 8th grader in real life. Other than that, though, it was lots of fun, and if you're interested in hearing our conversation... just click below!



Yes, it is a true story that my office is right across the street from her apartment building. Small world (and no, I'm not a stalker, I promise). 

Thanks once again to Pampers for this opportunity!