Archive for November, 2009

Preview artwork from NYC/New Orleans artist and children’s book author Alex Beard. Take in the three bears marionette puppets going multicultural for the holidays (no strings attached). Hit the ice. Or get lucky … fashion-wise. (What were you thinking?)

See
Alex Beard Exhibit and Book Signing
Check out original paintings from Alex Beard’s upcoming book, Monkey See Monkey Draw. Beard, nephew of famed photographer Peter Beard, and the son of a magazine editor, grew up hanging out with NYC luminaries such as Truman Capote and Andy Warhol. The multi-talented Beard will be signing copies of his current release, The Jungle Grapevine.
When: Through 11/29, Saturdays and Sundays, noon-7pm; free.
Where: Clic Gallery, 255 Centre St., 212-966-2766, clicgallery.com

Go
The Three Bears Holiday Bash
at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
The always multi-cultural Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre presents a variety show featuring the three bears and draws from the stories of Hanukkah, The Night Before Christmas and Kwanza tales. So Ursidae.
When: Runs through 1/3/10. Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm (plus performances during the week). Reservations required. Call 212-988-9093. $5 per child, $8 per adult.
Where: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park, at 81st St. and CPW, just South of the Delacorte Theater. cityparksfoundation.org.

Do
The Pond at Bryant Park
The antidote to Rockefeller Center’s crowded ice rink. Bryant Park offers free admission ice skating. Take a spin on Le Carrousel ($2 a ride) or browse the holiday boutiques on the rink’s perimeter. Hot cocoa, nachos plus “real” food available rink-side.
When: Through 1/24/10. Weekend hours - Fridays & Saturdays, 8am - midnight; Sundays, 8am-10pm. Check bryantpark.org for Le Carrousel hours.
Where: Bryant Park, behind the New York Public Library, between 40th and 42nd Sts. and 5th and 6th Aves.

Shop
Shop Lucky Finds
Recession-style retail therapy. Shop Lucky Finds hosts a series of free shopping events. This Saturday’s sale features gently-used, designer children’s clothing plus brand-name toys and gear (for kids 0-8yrs). Vendors will also be selling new items, including hair accessories, belts, tutus, gloves, sweaters and more at sample sale prices.
When: Sat., 11/21, noon-4pm; free. CASH ONLY for sale.
Where: St. Jean’s Community Ctr., corner of East 76th St. and Lex. Ave. shopluckyfinds.com.

Holiday season is when you tend to realize just how space-challenged your living quarters are. With all the shopping catalogs, cards, presents and decorations that accumulate, the clutter factor gets ramped up to an almost unmanageable level. And let’s not forget the stacks of Junior’s art projects teachers send home just ahead of the long vacation. (Thanks for that.) Time to step up and protect your apartment’s precious square footage.

Barbara Reich, the founder of Resourceful Consultants, LLC, is a personal organizer extraordinaire. With her “tough love” approach and ability to comfortably speak her mind (She’s the antithesis of the “yes man/woman”), she can whip your home into shape before, during and after the December influx. Reich offers some tips for “taming the clutter.”

No goodie - The little 75-cent party favors that come in goodie bags can overrun your house. Do the math. A preschooler probably attends about 20 parties; that’s 20 bags, each with a minimum of five favors, for a total of 100 random plastic toys (non-working yo-yos, animals that are easily squashed and never regain their original shapes). Reich suggests paring down and keeping one box of these.

Artist in residence - Get an art file box that’s 12 x 15 x 3 to store your child’s artwork. (Reich likes the art files at exposuresonline.com.) If the box fills up mid-year, edit your selections (translation: prioritize and eliminate.) As for your DC’s cumbersome 3D masterpieces from art class, Reich says take a picture of your kid with said masterpieces and then bin ‘em.

Love actually - Reich’s advice may sound harsh. However, this mother of twins does realize the importance of preserving the sentimental. To that end, she recommends you also include the following in the art file: the family holiday card, a school pic, a class list, the child’s birthday party invitation and ticket stubs from important events (World Series, first Broadway show, first Nutcracker).

School daze - With all the school worksheets that come home, you could probably wallpaper a large portion of your apartment with them. Reich says there’s no point in keeping these. “Not to be overly callous - most kids are going to learn to add, subtract, and divide. You don’t need evidence of this,” she comments, adding, “Think: When I move to Florida, am I going to want to take these with me? So then you wait 30 years to throw this stuff away!” Put another way, “Do you really want the cotton ball taped to construction paper that you did in nursery school?”

Where the wild things aren’t - Exile the stuffed animals before your child gets too attached. In the meantime, keep only a few and get rid of the rest. It’s already a jungle out there; no need to replicate the scene in your apartment.

Toy story - Some toys are far too awkward and bulky to store unless you’re lucky enough to have your own full-fledged playroom with loads of closets and shelves. So, unfortunately, the pirate ship (princess castle and barn) must be left out on the floor. If your darling daughter hasn’t played with these “always on display” toys in 18 months, clear the decks. Reich’s motto: “You can have a museum of toys in your house, or you can have a house.” Words to live by.

Larger than life - Grandparents are all about the bigger, the better when it comes to presents. Not so helpful. Be proactive. Advise grandparents on gift ideas for your gang. Otherwise, you might be the not-so-proud owner of a life-size plush baby giraffe.

Books a million - Around ages five and six, kids’ interests and reading levels change dramatically. So if your daughter is over her princess phase, take those books out of circulation and donate them (unless she’s got a younger sister).

Some no-brainers - Unload your unused wedding presents (Be honest. Have you ever used that picnic basket?) Throw away the holiday catalogs (in a recycling receptacle) before leaving the mailroom. Sell the jewelry from your old boyfriend.

Outward bound!

Visit resourcefulconsultants.com.

Two weeks until Black Friday and the start of the holiday shopping season. And this year, despite all of the empty storefronts throughout the city, we’ve got a number of new children’s boutiques helping to prop up the local real estate market. Here are some of our faves to keep in mind after turkey day:

Lemonade
Former preschool teacher Maggie Eigen brings us a store that will quench your thirst for kids’ duds that are stylish without being too trendy. Chase ‘N’ Sky Hawaii, L.A. Made, Hiho Batik, Kule and Oeuf are some of the lines this cozy, little Lexington Avenue store carries. Lemonade’s well-edited collection is perfect for everything from playdates to preschool interviews. Eigen also stocks a nice selection of accessories for newborns on up (note to self: check out the burp cloths). For the zip code, Lemonade’s prices are pretty sweet.
Lemonade, 1038 Lex. Ave. (at 74th St.) 212-585-4371

Crewcuts
With clothes featuring a modern, preppy aesthetic, J. Crew Junior should feel right at home on the UES. The 2200-square foot Madison Avenue store has all the understated, polished staples we’ve come to expect from Crewcuts plus a whole lot more. The Dressed-Up corner is a treasure trove of formal party dresses for those getting ready to hit the holiday party circuit.
Crewcuts on Madison, 1200 Madison Ave. (at 87th St.) 212-348-9803, jcrew.com.

Baby CZ
Carolina Zapf recently launched her first brick-and-mortar store to showcase her classic lines for babies and kids, including the luxury two-ply cashmere pieces for which she is known. Now you, too, can get in on the act; Zapf has just started a line of cashmere sweaters for women.
Baby CZ, 820 Madison Ave. (bet. 68th & 69th) 212-288-8030, babycz.com.

Bundle
A Soho boutique where the clothes won’t cost you a bundle. Boutique owner and former Wall Streeter Allison McCullough stocks chic brands, including Acoustic, Neige and Velvet & Tweed, that don’t give off that been-there-done-that vibe. Be sure to ask about Bundle’s concierge service.
Bundle, 128 Thompson (bet. Prince & Houston), 212-982-9465, bundlenyc.com.

A little Ailey, an early Nutcracker, a pre-Thanksgiving feast, a pop-up celebration and an Elmo library card. Hey, his show did just turn 40.

Do
CMOM’s Ailey Day of Dance
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting an Ailey Day of Dance. Members of Ailey II (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s second company) will lead workshops teaching kids basic movements and exercises. Ailey II dancers will also perform an excerpt from Isba (choreographed by the great Alvin Ailey) a ritualistic celebration of courtship and marriage with African tribal influences.
When: Sat., 11/14. Dance workshops at 2 & 3:15pm. Isba duet performances at 2:35 & 3:50pm. Free with the price of admission, which is $10. Sign up for workshops one hour before start time at the Visitor Info. Desk. Tickets for performances are distributed one hour before showtimes at the Visitor Info. Desk.
(Ages 5 and up)
Where: CMOM, 212 W. 83rd St. cmom.org.

See
Dances Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker
Get your Nutcracker fix a little early. Check out an excerpt from Dances Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker at the Barnes & Noble on 86th and Lex. The beloved holiday classic is set in 1895 NYC. Dancers will be in full costume and available to meet and greet store visitors.
When: Sun., 11/15, 4pm; free. (All ages)
Where: Barnes & Noble, 150 E. 86th St. at Lex.

Go
Pop-up Celebration
Books of Wonder is hosting its fourth annual Pop-up Celebration honoring pop-ups and other books created through the art of paper engineering. Front and center will be seven authors, illustrators and paper engineers. The book line-up includes The Sound of Music, the three buggy pop-ups (Snow Bugs, School bugs, The Big Bug Book), Christmas Tree in a Box and A Pop-up Book of Nursery Rhymes. Unfortunately, the king of pop-up, Robert Sabuda, had to bow out of this year’s event, but Books of Wonder is selling signed copies of his books.
When: Sat., 11/14, noon-2pm; free.
Where: Books of Wonder, 18 W. 18th St., (212) 989-3270, booksofwonder.com.

Eat
Susie’s Supper Club
The online meal delivery service for busy NY families (and those of us too lazy to cook!) is having a tasting party on the UES. Sample some of Susie’s fall favorites: butternut squash pizzas, sweet potato fritters, apple pie bars and veggie soup shots plus cocktails and more. Nutritional counseling available. Kids can decorate cupcakes and learn some healthy eating basics with fun props.
When: Sat., 11/4, 2-5pm; free. RSVP to rsvp@susiessupperclub.com. Free.
Where: 103 E. 75th St.

Visit
BPL’s Sesame Street Family Day
A three-month long exhibit honoring Sesame Street’s big 4-0 kicks off this Saturday with Family Fun Day at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library. Festivities include Sesame Street arts ‘n’ crafts, reading activities and a screening of The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. The library will be offering limited-edition, Elmo-themed library cards. America’s favorite red fuzzy guy will also put in appearances throughout the day. The special exhibit, Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street, features show scripts, sheet music, animal cels, behind-the-scenes photos and much more.
When: Sat., 11/4, 11am-4pm. Elmo will make appearances for 30 minutes, every hour on the hour. Free.
Where: Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Lipstick (as well as the Lipstick Index “economic indicator”) is getting some tough competition this recession. Apparently our retail therapy these days is all about expensive perfumes and shoes, a hell of a lot of shoes according to a recent New York Times article. Since we’re widening the playing field when it comes to pick-me-up purchases, we may as well look at other options.

Enter Pip-squeak Chapeau Etc. The Brooklyn-based apparel collection - think chunky knit hats, scarves and baby booties - now has its first stand-alone store. Not only can you snatch up these pieces at Barney’s and ABC Carpet and Home but also on Franklin Street in Greenpoint. For Pip-squeak Chapeau designer Sveta Dresher, folk chic is not an oxymoron. Dresher hails from Moscow (and was trained as a geologist and veterinary nurse!). She’s got a knack for achieving an ethnically-infused, effortless aesthetic in her line. Her warm weather headgear for both kids and women is some of the most stylish around. (You won’t even mind getting hat head.) Dresher’s collection, crafted from 100% natural materials, including cotton, alpaca and bamboo, also features wrap tops, loose-fitting tunics and a must-have tie skirt.

In addition to clothing, the Brooklyn store offers home textiles plus jewelry, ceramics (check out the waffles set) and paintings from local designers. Everything is handmade in Brooklyn by local artisans.

Support the local economy.

Pip-squeak Chapeau Etc., 99 Franklin St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 718-302-2302, pip-squeakchapeau.com.

A junior version of Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Film Festival. Climbing aboard NY’s namesake. An early start for S’mores season and a disco milestone in Brooklyn.

See
Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club
From the company that brings us the Tribeca Film Festival comes Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club, a family film series of feature and short films. Saturday the Club will be screening eight shorts in the morning and then Mad Hot Ballroom in the afternoon. Emmy-Award-winning director Jennifer Oxley, of Little Bill and Sesame Street fame, helmed three of the shorts. Following each screening is a Q&A session with filmmakers plus other activities, including arts ‘n’ crafts and live music. (The Kids Club will take place on the first and third Saturday of each month through March 27, 2010.)
When: Sat., 11/7, 10:30- shorts (ages 3 and up); 1:30 Mad Hot Ballroom (ages 7 and up). Kids under 14 - $7 /single screening and $12/double-feature. Adults and older kids - $10/single screening and $18/double-feature. Purchase tickets at tribecafilm.com.
Where: Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick St.

Do
USS New York
The USS New York, which includes seven and a half tons of steel from the World Trade Center’s twin towers, will be commissioned on Saturday. Sunday morning, the ship is open to the public. Climb aboard and remember the ship’s motto: “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget.”
When: Sun., 11/8, 9am-noon. Long lines are expected so arrive early. Adults should bring a photo ID. No large packages or backpacks permitted aboard ship.
Where: Pier 88, 12th Ave. at W. 48th St. ussnewyork.org.

Go
New York Family/ACA-NY Camp Fairs
The Yankees just won the World Series, and yet it’s already time to start thinking about planning for next summer. New York Family magazine and the American Camp Association are co-hosting a series of free camp fairs. Meet directors from sleepaway camps and local day camps. (Summer programs are for kids ages 3-13.)
When: Sat., 11/7, 12-3pm and Sun., 11/8, 12-3pm; free.
Where: Sat., 11/7 - (UES) Lycee Francais de New York, 505 E. 75th St. (and York Ave.).
Sun., 11/8- (UWS) Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 W. 83rd St. (bet. CPW and Columbus Ave.)
(Also, Sat., 11/14, downtown at Friends Seminary School, 222 E. 16th St. bet. 3rd Ave. and Rutherford Pl.)

Dance
Baby Loves Disco Pajama Party
Celebrate Baby Loves Disco’s fifth birthday. Jump into your jammies and get ready to channel your inner Dancing Queen.
When: Sat., 11/7, 2-5pm; “$12 in advance per walking human/$15 at the door” and crawlers get in free. (Ages 6 mths -7 yrs). Tickets available at babylovesdisco.com.
Where: Southpaw, 125 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn.

Europe constantly seems to one-up us when it comes to high-end strollers (Bugaboo, Maclaren, Mutsy, Peg Perego, etc). and maternity leave (Sweden leads with 40 weeks of full-pay). Here in the States, we’re also behind when it comes to professionalizing the nanny industry. But we’re working on it. The only two nanny schools to be licensed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) are right here in NYC.

Absolute Best Care Nanny Learning Center: Recently opened by one of the city’s top-rated placement agencies, the Absolute Best Care Nanny Learning Center teaches the basics such as infant care, CPR and First Aid plus Nanny Management. The latter covers potentially thorny issues that can creep up between employer and employee (and we’re not just talking about personality clashes). The Nanny Manager component focuses on how a nanny can effectively communicate with employers regarding the family’s culture (casual or formal? detail-oriented?), values, discipline methods and means of providing feedback. ABC co-founder Doug Kozinn says that without these discussions, “The nanny doesn’t know what the family expects, and the family doesn’t necessarily know what they’re looking for in a nanny, especially if it’s their first child.” He adds that while “families are looking for a higher level of service … nannies are craving a training system.”In keeping with the times, this nanny school also teaches students how to cook and clean using green techniques and products. The ABC Nanny Learning Center course is 50 hours. Take advantage of the grand opening sale until early 2010.
absolutebestcarenannylearningcenter.com.

The International Resource for Parenting: Uptown on West 215th Street, Claudia Williams’ nanny course is in its seventh year. Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Ph.D. in International Education. A smaller operation, the International Resource for Parenting doesn’t run classes as frequently, with sessions only in March and October, but Williams does customized nanny training for individuals year-round. Her program is 300 hours over the course of 10 weeks and even involves an internship at a daycare center or preschool! Williams’ class also includes CPR and First Aid instruction as well as NY State training to identify instances of child abuse. There are also units on how to teach kids music and movement and how to support language and literacy development. (212) 304-2192.

Because we’re competitive.