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February 29, 2008

March Giveaway: Tot Stops T-shirts

Tot Stops is giving away two gift certificates for one free t-shirt any style or size (shipping included).

My (Kimberly's) older son (the ultimate critic!) received the Brooklyn Bridge tee in blue.  It was so cute that he wanted to wear it immediately (and repeatedly!).  What was interesting to me was that the thing that intrigued him the most was the "car" (taxi) on the tee.  The whole “Brooklyn Bridge” aspect of the tee was lost on him.  That’s kids for you!  As the mom, I liked that it was a quality (American Apparel) tee with a timeless graphic.  I can see this tee being handed down and looking just as cute and relevant on my younger son in the future. 

"From Brooklyn with Love

Tot Stops is for hip kids everywhere. Created by two Brooklynite Moms, Illustrator Selina Alko and designer Jessica Sequinot, Tot Stops brings the energy and electricity of New York City to high-quality, home-grown t-shirts made in America.  Reinventing the souvenir t-shirt with designs from New York illustrators and artists and keeping it sweatshop-free, Tot Stops takes the t-shirt to a new level. Please visit TotStops.com for a family friendly guide of New York City."

Mom in the City members can enter to win the tees simply by sending an email to contests@mominthecity.com with "Tee" in the Subject line.  The winner will be chosen on March 31st.

Posted by kdc521 at 03:26 PM | | Comments (0)

March Giveaway: "The Top Job"

One mom will win tickets for two to Vital Theatre's production of The Top Job.

The Top Job

The true account of what it takes to replace what may be the world’s most important light bulb.

Based on the Children’s book by  Elizabeth Cody Kimmel with illustrations by Robert Neubecker

At Vital’s Theatre Company

The McGinn/Cazale Theatre

2162 Broadway (at 76th Street)

March 8th through April 27th

Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00am and 1:00pm

Special school holiday performances: April 22 and 24 at 1pm

Tickets: $18

Seating is general admission; please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to curtain time to ensure seats together.

Group discount rate: $15.00 for groups of 10 or more

For tickets visit:

www.vitaltheatre.org

Or call (212) 352-3101

Mom in the City members can enter to win the tickets simply by sending an email to contests@mominthecity.com with "Top Job" in the Subject line.  The winner will be chosen on March 31st.

Posted by kdc521 at 03:16 PM | | Comments (0)

March Giveaway: ‘A (Tooth) Fairy Tale"

One mom will win tickets for two to Vital Theatre's production of A (Tooth) Fairy Tale.

A (Tooth) Fairy Tale

When Samuel and the Tooth Fairy arrange to switch places, nothing goes exactly as planned as adventures ensue on the Upper West Side and across New York City.

TRANSFERRED to Soho Playhouse

15 Vandam Street (Between 6th Ave. & Varick)

Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00pm

March 15th through May 25th

Special school holiday performances: April 23, 24, 25th at 2pm

Tickets: $25

Group discount rate: $22.00 for groups of 10 or more

Lap seat policy: Children under 1 who can sit on your lap do not need a ticket

For tickets:

www.vitaltheatre.org

Or call (212) 691-1555

Mom in the City members can enter to win the tickets simply by sending an email to contests@mominthecity.com with "Tooth Fairy" in the Subject line.  The winner will be chosen on March 31st.

Posted by kdc521 at 03:12 PM | | Comments (0)

March Giveaway: ‘Pinkalicious, The Musical"

One mom will win tickets for two to Vital Theatre's production of Pinkalicious, The Musical.

*5/22 Update: Pinkalicious has been extended to all Saturday's in August (2, 9, 16, 23, 30) at 2pm* 

Pinkalicious, The Musical
At New World Stages

340 West 50th Street (Between 8th and 9th Aves)

Saturdays at 2:00pm

Sundays at 12:00pm and 3:00pm

Now through May 25th

Special school holiday performances: March 21 at 2pm, April 23, 24, 25

All Tickets: $29.50

Lap seat policy: All audience members need a ticket, even infants.  Children under 2 may use a lapseat ticket for $20

For tickets visit:

www.vitaltheatre.org

Or call Ticket Master at (212) 239-6200

Mom in the City members can enter to win the tickets simply by sending an email to contests@mominthecity.com with "Pinkalicious" in the Subject line.  The winner will be chosen on March 31st.

Posted by kdc521 at 03:08 PM | | Comments (0)

7 Favorite Things (March)

I'm in a home cleaning/ rejuvenation mood, now that spring is around the corner.  My favorite color for the spring is yellow.  Following are seven home items that I have gotten or want to get for the spring season:

1. Swivel Sweeper: I don't normally order things from tv.  However, I'm often pleasantly surprised when people gift me with such items.  One of the Christmas gifts that we received from my husband's aunt was the Swivel Sweeper. We love it!  It's a quick and easy way to clean the floors and the 360 degree swivel head helps to get in corners and such.  My sons think that it's a game when I turn it on and like to grab/ "catch" the sweeper (they're such funny, weird kids sometimes!).  After I finish with it, my oldest son takes "his turn".   

 

2, Floral pillow covers: I'm a flower and plant killer.  Even when I diligently follow the florist's advice, I kill them.  Spring doesn't seem like spring without flowers though.  I considered fake ones but that just feels so wrong to me.  So, I found a floral pattern that both my husband and I could agree on (the yellow one) at Pottery Barn.

3. Textured Throws: I love throws.  For the spring, I want a yellow one.  No matter what time of the year it is, I like having a throw on the edge of the couch to cuddle up under by myself or with the guys in my life.  Of course, with little kids around, throws take on multiple personalities (i.e. ghost covers, caves, etc.)!

4. Classic Stripe Shower Curtains: It's something nice, clean and crisp about the right striped shower curtain.  For some reason, it reminds me of spring/summer on the beach.  Personally, I like green and white stripes because my bathroom tile is green and white.

5. Seashells in a Vase: I'm going to take a chance and place this in my bathroom.  I'll just have to be especially watchful of little hands not knocking over the glass!

The last 2 picks are my husband's practical home favorites from our recent shopping trip to Wal-Mart.  (We went to use a Christmas gift card.  That store is so huge that it's overwhelming to me!)

6. Rubbermaid Food Storage Containers: My husband has a thing for Tupperware/Tupperware like products.  We had a whole set but over the years, the pieces had been loaned out for various reasons and people forgot to return the pieces.  So, my husband picked out a whole new set and has warned me not to give anyone, anything in them.  (He says that I should keep the "good" Chinese food containers to give food to people.  That way, he won't care if we don't get it back.)  He does have a point.  I'll try to keep this set.  We'll see.

7. Brita Pitcher: Within the last year, my husband broke one Brita.  Then, I broke the next one.  Instead of replacing filters, we seem to be replacing the pitcher every few months (?!)  However, this is one of only a few home things that my dear husband gets excited about.  Also, water is the drink in our home.  (This is one of the best habits that I've picked up from being married.)

Posted by kdc521 at 01:29 PM | | Comments (0)

Movie Review by The Crane Family

Underdog (Review by Toby Crane)

On the first viewing, the kids did not understand all that was happening in the movie, but my 4 year old was able to sing some of the theme song.  His favorite part was the clip of the old cartoon, which helped him to see what underdog was.  This original show, which had its original run in the late 1960s, was my favorite of all.  Viewing the current movie brought back pleasant memories of being 3 or 4 in my old neigborhood while my best friend's mom cut apples and PB & J sandwiches.  Back then, I felt that underdog was a personal hero for me and my friends  as we were not exactly in the social mainstream...

Fortunately, the mild violence and teen concepts in the current movie was a bit over my son's head, but there was enough action to hook him.  My 2 year old daughter also watched and focused primarily on the dog.  Personally, I never knew how the underdog story started, but now I do.  As a family, we look forward to any sequels.  My wife's only regret is that we did not see it on the big screen.  The kids now go around saying, "Have no fear, Underdog is here!" 

The Crane Family will be providing family reviews of movies.  Their family consists of Toby (a teacher); Ana (a flight attendant); and their two adorable kids - Prince (4 years old) and Star (2 years old).

Posted by kdc521 at 01:16 PM | | Comments (0)

Movie Reviews by Lesley Thompson

Snow Buddies
Talking puppies and snow? It’s another heart-warming adventure for the Buddies puppies (Air Buddies). One mischievous decision takes a group of puppy friends from their hometown of Fernfiled, Washington to the Great White North – Alaska! There they meet some new friends, Shasta and his owner Adam who has been praying for five more dogs, so he can secretly enter a dog sledding race. The puppy crew learns that by doing your best, never giving up and lots of hard work anything is possible. By working together these new friends are able to help each other overcome many obstacles and achieve their dreams. This is a fun-loving movie to watch with the kids. Just be warned, they will be asking for a puppy afterwards!!


Bob The Builder: On-site Roads and Bridges
Bob and friends are off on their usual adventures. This DVD adds a little extra fun by taking us to real life constructions sites. Watch as real dump trucks, backhoes and cement trucks work together to build roads and bridges.

Lesley Thompson is originally from Houston, TX. She came to New York in 1989 to attend NYU where she received her B.A. in English. She is married to her wonderful husband Marc and is a full-time mom of two boys Joshua and David. Lesley has recently started back down the writing path and is eager to see what the future holds.

Posted by kdc521 at 12:59 PM | | Comments (0)

ThinkBlocks Review

If you are one of those parents who love innovative, educational toys, you will love the new ThinkBlocks by ThinkWorks.

When we first got the set, I just let my son play with the blocks to see what he would do.  (He is very good at puzzles and games with definite answers.  That’s whey I try to introduce open-ended games so that he won’t become so rigid in his thinking.)  He had fun connecting the blocks (they’re magnetic); stacking them, spinning them around and making up roles for them (i.e. cars) – especially the large blocks.

As I prepare my son for pre-school next year, I like the fact that the blocks can be used to teach a variety of concepts (i.e. similarities and opposites; parts and wholes; relations between objects and more).  I’m not a “flashcard mama”, so this toy is ideal for me.

The set is a little pricey ($79.99) but it is a tool that can be used over time.  As we were playing with it, I thought of how great it would be for an aging relative who is losing her memory.  (Research shows that certain games help to keep the mind /memory in better shape.)

In any event, I recommend the ThinkBlocks for those who are trying to raise (or be!) great thinkers.  The site thinkandthrive.com provides buyers with a large amount of different activities and exercises to use with the ThinkBlocks.

Posted by kdc521 at 12:41 PM | | Comments (0)

Belli Baby Review

Recently, there have been reports finding that phthalates (a commonly used cosmetic ingredient) can be damaging to the ongoing development of a baby’s reproductive system when applied topically in skincare products.

That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Belli Skincare’s new Belli Baby line for pregnant women, new moms and babies.  The line is 100% free of phthalates and other harmful ingredients.

The line includes baby wash Calm Me Hair & Body Wash ($18), Nourish  Me Enriched Body Lotion ($19), Pamper Me Talc-Free Powder ($14),  Protect Me Diaper Rash Cream ($12) and a three-piece Gift Set ($32).  First of all, I love the packaging with its old-fashioned images.  I also like that the products are pediatrician-recommended. The scents and textures are also great.

Belli also offers a Belli Pregnancy line.  Since my pregnancy days are over, I’m going to gift their elegantly packaged acne clearing facial wash ($22) and their bestselling Elasticity Belly Oil ($42) to one of my pregnant friends.

Posted by kdc521 at 12:29 PM | | Comments (0)

Secrets of a Soccer Mom Review

I was able to go see this show with a friend.  The premise of the play is the interaction between three moms at a mother-son soccer game.

Before the play starts, the producers make it more of an “experience” by offering champagne.  There is also a small boutique with various “Soccer Mom” paraphanelia.  My favorite was the note cards that said something to the effect of “I can pencil you in between 9 and 9:15”.

In any event, the play is excellent.  Every mom will be able to relate to the age-old question “how did I get here?” that is raised in different ways by each character who feels like losing themselves is part of being a mom.  One mom contemplates having an affair because of her unhappy marriage (until she realizes that the man of her affections is married with a wife about to give birth!).  Another mom fails to go after her photography dreams and finds it challenging being a part of the mommy club.  She asks a really good question – Why do people assume that moms will instantly become interactive extroverts who volunteer for all sorts of activities if that’s not who they were before becoming parents?  The third mom, was a funny, self-sacrificing “room mom” who did everything for everyone.  The only unstereotypical aspect of her character was her (frequent) sex life. Throughout the show, I saw and heard the other moms nodding their heads and making comments in recognition of the universality of mommyhood.

In any event, both my friend and I had a great time. It was fun to laugh at and with the moms onstage. We both left glad that we still have some time before the team sports years!

Posted by kdc521 at 12:17 PM | | Comments (0)

February 22, 2008

Felled by the flu

So much has happened since the last time that I blogged. I'll write more in detail soon (hopefully), but here are the highlights:

-On Friday, the 15th, I went with a girlfriend to see a really great "every mom" type of play, Secrets of a Soccer Mom

-From Saturday to Sunday, I was away at the much-anticipated marriage retreat.  It was excellent.  Eating and dancing kid-free was as equally rewarding as the classes!

-On Monday, I had my first deep tissue massage at Graceful Serivces.  (Massages are my thing this year.  Last year, it was high teas.  This year, it's massages.)  No one mentioned that it's normal to be sore after such a massage.

-On Tuesday, I woke up with a throbbing headache, body aches and a fever.  Somehow, I had caught the flu!  Note to self: Next year, don't just get the flu shot for the kids - get if for yourself!

So, I've been on bare minimum work, etc. which is a shame, becuase I have several great movies and products that I want to share.

Personally, I'm excited that I was asked to be on a panel speaking at the BlogHer Business '08 conference in NYC in April.  I'll be on the panel of the "We don't know what to do with you" session.

 

Most of all though, I'm excited that my baby son Sean is one today.  Happy Birthday, Dear Sean-y, Happy Birthday to You!

I'm trying to conserve as much energy as possible to give to him.  So, I'll be catching up next week.

Posted by kdc521 at 02:35 PM | | Comments (0)

February 15, 2008

First Birthday Gift Dilemma

I feel bad that I can’t think of any fun gifts for my baby Sean’s first birthday.

Between his older brother’s toys, things that he gets due to nature of my job and the super generosity of family and friends, I’m at a loss.  I’m open to suggestions…

Right now, we bought a few things from Albee Baby to be used for him:
-Feeding items from Boon: utensils, cup and snack ball (I’m not crazy about the orange color, but I love the design.)

-Maclaren Volo Stroller and Universal Organizer: Originally, we had received a “Sit and Stand” stroller, but it was too HUGE.  After looking at, I realized that I would never use it, so we sold it on craigslist!  The Volo is perfect for traveling around on the bus/trains. 
-We’ll get him some clothes and shoes from Stride Rite (they’re the best in measuring little kid’s feet).  That’s about it.

4/7/08 update: The stroller did not look like this (which I expected) when I received it.  It had a white cover instead.  It was fine though.   

From One Step Ahead, family is getting him (or we’ll get):
-Frog Pod Bath Toy Holder: Our bathtub is becoming rubber toy central.  It needs some order!

4/7/08 update: I read reviews about this product and the biggest complaint was that the suction cups didn't work/ it kept falling down.  At the recommendation of a friend (a Mom in the City's husband) who has the product, I purchased two suction cups to use instead of the ones provided.  I haven't had any problems with falling.  The ones that I used can be found at http://www.oogalights.com/Giant-Suction-Cup-Wreath-Holder.aspx. 

-Secure Transitions Baby Tub: This is a great inflatable bath tub that sits in the larger bath.  We had one for our older son Michael until he and/or his dad made a hole in it.  Sean is so excited about the big tub.  He can’t wait to get in there!
4/7/08 update: I'm so disappointed with this item.  We had the same (or a similar) one with our older son, but this one just won't inflate (you have to do a portion of it by mouth only and the other portion by mouth or low pressure pump)!  As much "air" as we have, I can't believe that we can't inflate this tub?!  Although I usually LOVE One Step Ahead's product, I don't recommend this one.

So, as you can see, there’s nothing especially fun for Sean this year.  I guess that I should just enjoy this birthday when he doesn’t really understand or care.  Soon enough, he’ll have his lists of things that he wants.  I should know…Michael’s fourth birthday is next month and I would need to win the lottery AND get a bigger place in order to get everything on his list (and I’m only slightly exaggerating!).

Posted by kdc521 at 09:53 AM | | Comments (0)

February 12, 2008

The Little Gym of the Upper West Side is Great!

Saturday’s event at The Little Gym of the Upper West Side was so much fun!  Personally, I had fun catching up with moms from the past and meeting new moms.  I really didn’t get to experience the inside of the gym, but my husband and sons did.  I must say that (because of the nature of my job) my oldest son Michael is hard to impress.  So, it was a pleasant surprise to hear him rave about the gym's air raft.  My husband was impressed by it too since we haven’t seen it at any other gyms in the city.  (My husband’s description: “kids sit on it; then, the staff blows it up and it rises up in the air; then, the kids get to run or crawl across it; at the end, the kids sit down on the raft; it deflates and comes back to the ground”.)  were the highlights for my sonThe air raft, pizza and Valentine’s day cupcakes by TJ Bakery & Cafe were the highlights for my son.

I also received great input from the other moms in attendance.  The overall consensus was: that their kids had a blast and want to go back; the gym is a great space; the staff was very friendly and attentive; the big air raft/mattress was a hit; and that the Babylegs and Crayola items were  the biggest hits from the goody bags.

Posted by kdc521 at 06:25 PM | | Comments (0)

February 08, 2008

Happy Chinese New Year

Yesterday, I celebrated Chinese New Year (The Year of the Rat) in Chinatown with my kids and their great-aunt.  It was my first time celebrating the Lunar New Year in Chinatown.  (Although I’m a big fan of Chinese food, I get so lost down there.  I can barely keep my sense of direction on numbered streets!)  Anyway, we were able to catch part of the parade.  We especially liked the dragons, the drumming and the kids with the firecrackers and confetti poppers.  There was also a stage with various presenters and two people dressed up as cute rats.  Afterwards, we went to lunch at one of the restaurants down there.  I can’t remember the name, but the food was good.   We had crabmeat and pork buns/soup dumplings, chicken and broccoli, and chicken and shrimp in plum sauce.  Everything was good, especially the dumplings.  Michael, my oldest son, enjoyed the food so much that we had to stop him from eating before he got a tummy ache!  On the way home, “Aunty” bought some Chinese New Year tchotchkes for the kids.  It was a great afternoon.

 

The celebration will be continuing over the next couple of weeks.  Two events of note include the following:
-Chinese New Year Splendor, a celebration at Radio City Music Hall featuring classical Chinese performing arts along with a full orchestra and more.
And
-9th Lunar New Year Parade & Festival 2008, a parade and festival that starts at Little Italy and goes through the main streets of Lower Manhattan / Chinatown. Highlights include floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, antique cars, beauty queens, Asian musical performers, magicians and acrobats, and much more.

 

Enjoy!

 

Posted by kdc521 at 10:45 AM | | Comments (0)

February 05, 2008

Special Offer: SECRETS OF A SOCCER MOM

"DREAMS. AMBITION. SEX. 

And It’s Not Even Halftime.

SECRETS OF A SOCCER MOM

A New Play by Kathleen Clark
Directed by Judith Ivey

In critically acclaimed “Secrets of a Soccer Mom”, three women leave their traditional spot on the sidelines to play in the annual mother-son soccer game. This ordinary day becomes extraordinary as the competition ignites their fierce desire to recapture their spirit, humor and passion. “Secrets of a Soccer Mom” takes a look at a part of life that is rarely explored on stage. It speaks to everyone, no matter age or gender, in attempting to answer that age old question: how in the world did I wind up here?

Every ticket buyer will receive:
A pre-show glass of champagne
Shopping in our theatre boutique
A discounted lunch or dinner

SAVE OVER 35% ON TICKETS! TICKETS ONLY $39.00 WITH THIS OFFER!

The Snapple Theatre Center ( 210 West 50th St. at Broadway, NYC)
For the performance schedule, visit http://www.secretsofasoccermom.com/

To purchase your tickets:
Three easy ways to order your discounted tickets:
1) In person: Bring a printout of this offer to The Snapple Theater Center box office ( 210 West 50th St. at Broadway NYC).
2) By phone: 212-307-4100 and mention code MOM37.
3) On-line: visit Ticketmaster.com and enter code MOM37.

Offer valid for performances through April 13, 2008. There is a $1 facility fee that will be added to the ticket price. All tickets are non-refundable. No refunds or exchanges. Blackout dates may apply. Phone and Internet order subject to regular service fees. Not valid in combination with other orders."

Posted by kdc521 at 12:14 PM | | Comments (0)

Food Allergy Awareness Tees and Buttons

As moms, food allergies can present special challenges to our kids.  Recently, I was encouraged to learn that Wee Wee Wear (a past Mom in the City sponsor) has added food allergy awareness tees and buttons to their collection.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the national organization, FAAN (The Food Allergy & Anaphylactic Network), one of the nation's leading nonprofit patient advocacy organizations providing information about food allergies.  They will also be involved in the 2008 FAAN Walk for Food Allergy: "Moving Toward A Cure".

 

 

 

Posted by kdc521 at 11:53 AM | | Comments (0)

February Giveaway: Bruce Brain

"BRAINCANDY : Little Bruce joins the gang

Check out the newest product from the Braincandy company—Little Bruce Brain! The head of the silly “super sense” gang, Bruce is one smart cookie! Use Little Bruce with your child while your watching our super sweet DVDs or just to entertain him anytime. To receive a free little Bruce Brain puppet, go to www.braincandykids.com/contest, put MITC Bruce Brain contest in the subject line. To find out about future giveaways and contests, go to  http://www.braincandykids.com/new.html and sign up for the Braincandy Kids Club."

Posted by kdc521 at 11:18 AM | | Comments (0)