tea time with babar at hotel plaza athenee

We had quite the lovely afternoon yesterday at Hotel Plaza Athenee for a special tea time with the King of the Elephants, Babar. I loved, loved, loved Babar when I was little, and we've only recently introduced the series to Millie, so the timing couldn't have been more perfect. I am so happy that this classic character from children's literature is alive and well and being celebrated in such an elegant yet kid-friendly way.

I have to say the girls mastered the fine art of holding their tea cups pretty well (felt sure there would be a spill...) and the menu is filled with tasty treats all kids will enjoy. While Vivian clammed up when Babar himself arrived, she did love the plush-non-moving version we met. Millie loved drawing his crown and the Babar-themed Christmas tree. And Mommy? She really enjoyed her flute of Prosecco.

Tea with Babar officially begins this Saturday, November 30th and will take place every Saturday through December 28th (from 3-5pm). Along with yummy tea sandwiches, scones and cookies, not to mention a meet-and-greet with Babar, your child will go home with a fun goody bag.

Price: $39/child; $45/adult
Reservations are recommended: 212.606.4647

Goody bag contents

Disclosure: We attended tea as guests of Grand Communications and were given a goody bag. All opinions expressed are my own.

so long crib... hello big girl bed

We said goodbye to Vivian's crib this week, and I must admit it made me sniffle a little bit. A brand new two year old, it was time for her to transition to a twin bed (past time... Millie was already in hers at this age), but if I'm being honest with myself, I think I've moved slower with her because I'd like to believe she's still my little baby. Waah! Like it or not, this baby girl is growing up. 

Photos to come once bedding for her new "big girl" bed arrives... in the meantime, so long, crib. Thanks for helping my babies sleep so well. XOXO

kidding around at symphony space

There are many joys (and some frustrations) to raising kids in NYC, but the variety and abundance of cultural activities for children definitely falls into the first category. Just Kidding at Symphony Space is a perfect example, and we are just loving their event series this season.

photo credit: www.nycgo.com

The program, which takes place on Saturday mornings (from October to April), is a great way to kick off your weekend activities. Performances encompass everything from family-friendly music to puppetry, dance and theater. We've had the pleasure of seeing two shows recently -- Charlie Hope (such a beautiful voice & so great with the littles set!) and "Hatched", performed by The Treehouse Shakers.

The girls were completely enthralled with "Hatched," especially when the life-sized puppets came on stage and were available for petting and to help feed a bottle. Such a cute story about life on the farm, and so well-executed by the puppeteers and musicians on stage.

photo credit: Baby Meets City

Darren Critz, Director of Performing Arts Programs at Symphony Space, believes in keeping audiences surprised by what they'll see each week:

"I’m always looking to bring great stuff in from all around the country, and we really cover a lot of ground with our program. This year alone we have  artists from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, California, South Carolina, Louisiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and even Canada and the U.K. are represented. It’s great to be able to have artists who have made such big impacts in their own corners of the world share their amazing talent with us here in New York City."

A list of upcoming Just Kidding events can be found HERE, and you also have the option to order a subscription (which offers deep discounts) or become a family member for special rates and incentives.

Speaking of which, we are SUPER excited about the Elizabeth Mitchell concert coming up on December 14th. Joining her will be Natalie Merchant (my 1st cd purchase ever!) and it's sure to be a really special show. I thank Elizabeth Mitchell on an almost daily basis... it is so nice to listen to music with the girls that isn't Old McDonald. I'm excited about Elizabeth's new Christmas album, too (though I have a strict no-Christmas-music-until-after-Thanksgiving policy... them's da rules).

photo credit: www.parents.com

I encourage you to check out Just Kidding at Symphony Space -- a truly family-friendly cultural experience taking place on the Upper West Side.

review & giveaway: i see me! personalized books

So if you've followed my blog even a little bit, you know how much I love Big Apple-themed children's books. But really, I'm a lover of children's literature in general. I can't tell you how happy it makes me when Vivian and Millie get so excited about a book I'm reading them, and I hope they'll always feel this way -- that there is nothing like the magic of opening a good book.

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Dewing (author) and Mary GrandPre (illustrator) of the latest personalized book from I See Me! -- Goodnight Little Me. Such a treat! We met for lunch at The Morgan Museum & Library, and I got a chance to preview this sweet bedtime story -- the perfect tale to read right before lights out. 

The illustrations are quite beautiful, dream-like and filled with whimsy. GrandPre, who is well-known for illustrating the Harry Potter series, brought her eye for child-like wonder, and it shines through on every page. 

The best part, of course, is that every I See Me! book is personalized with your child's name on it -- both on the front page and throughout the book (and includes an inscription from the sender on the front page). Each book is handmade with great care, truly making it a special gift and keepsake. A friend of mine gave Vivian My Very Own Fairy Tale when she was born, and it remains one of my favorite gifts received, and I feel sure that she will treasure it always.

with Mary GrandPre

So now for the fun part: I'm working with I See Me! on a giveaway of Goodnight Little Me, and I'd love for you to win a copy. Talk about a special baby shower or upcoming gift for the holidays! Please see Rafflecopter instructions below -- 2 easy ways to enter (just follow Baby Meets City and I See Me! on Facebook). Good luck! I'll pick a winner next Monday at 5pm. US residents only, please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the Goodnight Little Me for the purposes of this review. All opinions expressed therein are my own.

fall is beautiful. fall in nyc... spectacular.

We spent an absolutely perfect fall day in Central Park on Saturday. The weather could not have been better and the autumn colors balanced by the city skyline... seriously beautiful. No question about it, this was an "I love NYC" day (which is good, as I've been having quite a few "I hate NYC" days lately...)

First, we stopped by Belvedere Castle (Millie looked for dragons and princesses to no avail). Next up, a meander through The Ramble (it's impossible not to get turned around in there, but what a beautiful spot to get lost for a little while) and finally, we landed at Loeb Boathouse for a ride on the lake. SO happy we did this (you can find out more about row boating in Central Park here).

Lastly, I have to mention that I had the surprise of my life as we were waiting in line. I was approached by 2 actual FANS of this ol' blog (they also follow me on Instagram). Ummm... after I picked myself up off the ground, I had the best time chatting with Isabel and Kazmira. Never in my life did I think something like that would happen, but it truly made my day/week/month. Thanks, ladies!

In the meantime, happy FALL.