that time i stood next to tina fey

Apologies in advance... you're about to read a "pinch me, this was a great blogger day!" post. And if you find yourself getting a little bit envious, please note that I came home to 2 sick kids, one with a bad case of diarrhea. So it's all relative, really.

On the eve of the Great Blizzard of 2013 (not so terrible, despite what the meteorologists' reported), I headed downtown to the Waldorf Hotel for a press junket with Tina Fey and Paul Rudd for their new film, "Admission." The last time I found myself at the Waldorf Towers, I was sitting in the first row of a parlor magic show with Steve Cohen (who's kind of awesome and I'm not even a magic geek. Check him out). 

Escorted into a spacious suite, I met up with some of my blogging cohorts for coffee and breakfast (Focus Features knows how to impress the press). A short while later, we were ushered into another space to await the cast leads and their director, Paul Weitz.

Maybe this is the point where I tell you that like everyone else, everywhere, I love me some Tina Fey. And if you're reading this, you probably love her for the same reasons. I might have squealed a little bit when she entered the room... not sure. In any case, after they took their seats, we began asking questions. What's kind of cool here is that everyone in the room had either a parenting blog or represented a website with a mom-focus. I like to think this says a lot about our value, or at least that companies/industries are realizing our impact and reach. But I digress...

My peers asked a lot of thoughtful questions about the film (which is lovely, by the way. Official review to come), and as is often the case, by the time I'd worked up the courage to ask a question (a two-parter, I might add. One about a scene from the film and one about what Tina is up to next), the question and answer portion was over.

BLERG!

But, a lesson learned (be assertive!), and I had a long, hard conversation with myself on the subway ride home (not out loud, don't worry). Next up: I have a chance to act even lamer. 

As we gathered for a group photo, the photographer asked for tall people in the back (me), and as they decided where to put the talent, they split the line up between me and my blogging buddy Mitch, and dropped Tina and Paul in the middle. Side by side, me and Tina. Ya know, just hanging out. It should be noted that I absolutely heart Paul Rudd, yet I could have morphed into Alicia Silverstone sitting next to him on a grand staircase (Holla Clueless!) and still wouldn't have noticed.

As she approached, I realized this was my chance. My GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY to gush over one of my favorite people.

Here's a list of things I could have said:

1. You and Amy Poehler killed it at the Globes. Ricky who?

2. I loved your book, BossyPants, particularly "A Mother's Prayer." I felt those words more than you could possibly know... thank you for articulating motherhood so well!

3. What an amazing run you had with "30 Rock." How does it feel now that the show is over?

4. Thank you for your Sarah Palin impression. That one will go down in history.

5. My super talented friend, Deidre (whom I met on the subway; such a New York "meet cute") wrote this awesome song about you.

Notice I wrote "could have said." Because for some reason I zeroed in on her shoes (a really fab pair of heels) and, with the slush happening outside, said "Oh my goodness, did you come in wearing those shoes? I'm so impressed, I mean they're really cute, but it's slippery outside!" I simply could NOT STOP TALKING ABOUT HER SHOES. And not only that, it appeared I was slightly reprimanding her choice of footwear. She sweetly responded, "Oh no, I changed when I got here. I was wearing boots like you" (because I rocked snow boots to a press junket).

So there you have it. My 30 second conversation about shoes with the wonderfully talented Tina Fey. Ah, well. It's a memory to file away, along with these:

Oh, I'm sorry. Were you having trouble seeing us? Let me zoom in a bit. :)

a first introduction to the ballet

Making memories: 1st time at the ballet

Like most 3 year olds, Millie LOVES to dance. Sure, it's a combination of jumping, stomping her feet and swinging her arms around, but they're her own special moves and I love them (though our downstairs neighbors might disagree). I've been checking out several dance/tumbling classes for her lately, and I think she's really going to enjoy it once we find a perfect match. Until then, throw on a little 1970s disco music and she's good to go.

Needless to say, I was thrilled to introduce Millie to the ballet for the first time, thanks to The New York Theatre Ballet's production of "Bark in the Park." We were graciously invited to check out the premiere, which was choreographed by Chase Brock of Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, with story and music by Karen LeFrak. The performance, which tops out at 30 minutes (great length for little ones!) features beautiful dance numbers and centers around a family searching for their lost pup in Central Park. It's sweet, upbeat and cheerful, and we loved every minute of it.

If you'd like to introduce your child to the magical world of ballet, "Bark in the Park" is a great way to do it. The show is fun for children and sophisticated enough for adults (which is always a plus). Performances of "Bark in the Park" and "The Firebird" are taking place this weekend at FIAF. Click here for ticket information.

Millie and I give it two thumbs up!

sometimes you just need to laugh

There are many things I love about this little ol' blog, and highlighting small businesses that I've discovered along the way is right up there. Especially when they're doing something extra special. Take Laugh Brand, for example.

My little NYC ballerina

Founded by fashion merchandising executive Laurie Wirgler, Laugh Brand is a children's clothing brand that gives 30% of profits to support non-profit organizations fighting to eradicate child slavery and exploitation. Laurie witnessed this horrible activity firsthand on a trip to Southeast Asia, and knew that when she returned home, she had to do something to make a difference. 

Laurie's mission is simple but groundbreaking -- she wants to become the single largest company providing a consistent revenue stream to non-profit organizations. Kind of amazing, right? And I haven't even mentioned anything about the product line yet!

Laugh Brand's collection for girls and boys is made up of adorable, high-quality tee's and jeans. The"World Traveller" options are just the cutest. Naturally, we love the NYC ballerina tee, but my inner nomad loves Paris and London, too. Laugh Brand's jeans are sassy and soft to the touch, just the way jeans should be. I have to admit I don't look at boys' clothing all that often, but I'm loving these tees as well (great colors)!

Laugh Brand has also recently introduced a "Home Dressing Room." With a $25 deposit (which they will credit towards any purchase you make), they will send you the whole collection to try yourself. Free shipping and returns, although they're pretty sure you'll want to keep everything! Giving back has never been so stylish.

Disclaimer: Laugh Brand provided me with a shirt and pair of jeans for purposes of this review. All opinions expressed, as always, are my own.