Archive for August, 2011

Granted, your little one ought to be in pictures. Too bad decent ones are hard to come by – between the squirming, drooling and bouts of tears, you barely have time to whip out your iPhone.

Learn from the pros and sign up for New York Photo Safari’s Candid Kids sessions. The 90-minute classes teach the how-tos of taking great pics of your babes (under age 3) at their absolute best, anywhere.

Ready to get down to work? Consider bringing another adult with you for back-up (DH or Grandma can distract the kid while you snap away), plus a favorite toy, non-sugar snack and a drink in a spill-proof sippy cup to keep everyone happy. Also, a D-SLR camera is better than a point-and-shoot, since you’ll avoid the “shutter lag” during which little Harper is sure to miss her mark.

To move to the head of class, follow NYCPS’s two tips: Don’t be lazy and don’t get greedy. For the money shot, get down to their level, crawl around and get close. And instead of trying to capture it all in one photo (the baby, the dog, the blankie, the Tiffany rattle), just focus on your tot and forget everything else.

For some extra tutoring on your own time, book these experts for a private session at home – Jack Jr. will have all his fave toys nearby, and you’ll get practice shooting on familiar ground.

That’s a wrap.

Visit photosafarinyc.com.

Visit
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
Future Novaks and Serenas will be captivated the U.S. Open ground action. Kids can see the pros practice and sharpen their tennis skills (even if they’ve never played) at balance, agility and ball-hitting stations (activities until 12:30pm). To catch live performances from Diggy Simmons, The Fresh Beat Band and others, buy tickets to the special kids’ day stadium show.
When: Sat. 8/27, 9:30am-4pm; Free.
Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Queens, arthurashekidsday.com.

Do
Carousolar
Stuck downtown with antsy kids and a battery-dead Blackberry? Stop by South Street Seaport’s Carousolar. Little ones can take a ride on the cool all-white solar-powered carousel, while you charge that iPhone or Droid at a solar charging station.
When: Through Sept. 6; Free.
Where: South Street Seaport, ecomagination.com/carousolar.

See
Goldilocks and the Three Polar Bears
As part of FringeJR, catch this combo musical, puppetry, comedy and rock-n-roll performance about a brat blessed with fab hair who learns what it means to be a part of a family.
When: Fri. 8/26, 2pm; Ages 5-10; $15.
Where: CSV Center Cultural Center, 107 Suffolk St. #312, fringenyc.org.

Go
The Encounter of Juan Bobo and Pedro Animal
In the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre 44th annual summer tour, see this comical play about offbeat characters from Puerto Rican and Dominican folklore who discover self-esteem and friendship from award-winning children’s theatre company Teatro SEA. It’s perfect for tots growing up (or aspiring to be) bilingual: The show is presented simultaneously in English and Spanish.
When: Sat. 8/27, 4pm and Sun. 8/28, 5:30pm; Free.
Where: Sat. at United Palace Theater, 4140 Broadway; Sun. at Central Park Band Shell, 72nd St. & Central Park West, 212-354-1293, sea-online.info.

Whether you’re spending the rest of summer in Spain, Shelter Island or the urban jungle, you want a wardrobe that’s as relaxed as you hope to be. Even if it’s just lounging on your sofa, you’ve promised yourself to at least change out of the ratty pjs. And for your pint-sized fashion plate – more tees, please.

Find both in Two. The Brooklyn-based line for women and kids has all the easy-breezy pieces you and your plus-one will want to wear immediately: for Mom, flowing kaftans, dresses and tunics made of gorg saris sourced from India; for Little Miss, sweet organic cotton tees silkscreened with eco-friendly ink (up to age 4). The owners combined their fashion-design and stylist backgrounds for the ultimate in Mommy-and-me comfortable chic (minus the matchy-matchy).

It’s the perfect two for one.

Visit twonewyork.com.

See
There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly And Other Heroines That Reach For The Sky!
As part of Fringe NYC’s FringeJR festival, see this original kids’ musical that pays tribute to long-lost folk and fairy tales from around the world. Heroic females are in the forefront, as three actresses portray almost 30 characters.
When: Thurs. 8/18, 5pm; Ages 5-7; $15.
Where: The Studio at Cherry Lane Theatre, Commerce St., fringenyc.org.

Go
Tangled at RiverFlicks for Kids
This retelling of the classic Rapunzel tale is good clean fun (recommended for ages 5+). Get there early for a good spot at the outdoor movie — bring your own chairs and blankets, and snack on free popcorn.
When: Fri. 8/19, dusk (usually around 8:30pm); Free.
Where: Pier 46, Hudson River Park at Charles St., riverflicks.com.

Do
Food Truck Rally
Snack your way through the day: Sample some of the city’s best food trucks, like Cupcake Stop, Rickshaw Dumpling and The Eddie’s Pizza Truck, at Grand Army Plaza. Plus catch live entertainment by the Wahoos (12-3pm).
When: Sun. 8/21, 11am-5pm.
Where: Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, brooklyn.com.

Visit
Brooklyn Heights Scavenger Hunt
Test your knowledge of the Brooklyn Heights area and its history in this fun family-friendly hunt. Participants who successfully complete the hunt before 5pm are eligible to win borough-centric prizes like hats, neighborhood guides and postcards.
When: Sun. 8/21, 12-5pm; Ages 5+; Free.
Where: Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn, brooklynhistory.org.

Your kids have already developed an international palette, with gazpacho, pork buns and curry already on the menu of faves.

Expand their tastes: Today, head to the 2nd Annual Korea Day at Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. The foodie-friendly event highlights all aspects of Korean culture, from cuisine to music. Taste specialties like Bibimbap (rice with vegetables and beef) and Jeon (Korean pancake), and watch the process of making dduk or Korean rice cake (the rice cake is beaten up with a giant wooden hammer, how cool). Kids will have fun helping mix a giant bowl of bi-bim bob and seeing displays of sauces. For a little tradition, hear classical music by Chamber Orchestra Camerata Virtuosi NJ and watch a Korean percussion music performance – for pop culture, check out the K-POP singing and dancing competition.

Next time, 32nd Street.

When: Tues. 8/16, 11am-7pm.
Where: Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park (south of Bethesda Terrace bet. 66th &  72nd St.), koreanculture.org.

Hear
Rabbit in the Moon
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a selection of children’s book writer Mingmei Yip’s favorite Chinese stories.
When: Sat. 8/13, 11am; Free.
Where: Rector Park, South End Avenue at Rector Place, Battery Park City, bpcparks.org.

Go
Summer Songs and Stories
Settle under the big tree at Lefferts Historic House for age-old tales from storyteller and musician Tammy Hall.
When: Sun. 8/14, 2pm & 3pm; Free.
Where: Prospect Park, Children’s Corner inside the Willink Entrance, Flatbush & Ocean Ave. & Empire Blvd., Brooklyn, prospectpark.org.

See
Lady Circus
Join this outdoor kiddie party featuring a children’s performer, arts and crafts and neighborhood fun. See Kae Burke redefine the art of stiltdance, plus remarkable glasswalking, fire dancing and belly dance.
When: Sat. 8/13, 1-4pm; Free.
Where: West Harlem Piers Park, West 125th St., nycgovparks.org.

Visit
Erik Johnson at Torly Kid
Keepsake alert: Let the renowned silhouette artist create an original likeness of your little one’s adorable profile.
When: Sun. 8/14; $25; call to reserve a spot.
Where: Torly Kid, 51 Hudson St., 212-406-7440, torlykid.com.

August’s lazy days are best spent elsewhere – but if a staycation is in the cards, why not splurge on a little Madison Avenue stroll.

Take a trip abroad, sans passport: It can’t get any chicer than Bonpoint—except when the luxe French children’s label opens an UES atelier. Inspired by the original Maison Bonpoint near Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, the 3,500-foot, bi-level concept shop is dedicated to art de vivre for boys and girls, infants through teens. Pick up delicate little sundresses in crisp white or coral, breezy-button-downs, heirloom-worthy gifts and hypo-allergenic skincare and fragrances moms can dig into (also look for the Y en a Marre collection, which may just have something in your size). The tree of life “growing” through the middle of the loft-like store, pretty frescos, Elsa Blin cloud sculpture and cool mosaic floor will captivate kids as you work your way through cuddly layette – or let your little one play princess for a day perched on tufted chair, while you pick out her August threads worthy of Provence or Prospect Park.

Call it summer savoir-faire.

805 Madison Ave., near 68th St.,  212-879-0900, bonpoint.com.

See
How to Train Your Dragon
Bring chairs and blankets and camp out on the pier’s synthetic turf lawn to see this PG-rated animated flick under the stars. The best part: free popcorn.
When: Fri. 8/5,
Where: Hudson River Park, Pier 46 at Charles St., riverflicks.com.

Go
Bindlestuff Family Cirkus
This kid-oriented performance includes dance, music, storytelling, acrobatics and variety show-like antics.
When: Thurs. 8/4, 10:30am-11:30am; Ages 7 and under; Free.
Where: Riverside Park, Pier 1 at 70th St., riversideparkfund.org.

Visit
Summer Streets
Imagine a traffic-free world: This Saturday, Park Avenue is a car-free passageway to walk, run, bike or just hang out. Keep an eye out for the family picnic area at 24th St., and performances and live sand sculpting in Foley Square.
When: Sat. 8/6, 7am-1pm.
Where: Park Ave. from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, nyc.gov.

Do
Heart of Brooklyn’s 10th Birthday
Take advantage of free admission and special events at local cultural faves like the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Prospect Park Zoo and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden — plus mini-golf at Grand Army Plaza from 12-5pm.
When: Sun. 6/7.
Where: heartofbrooklyn.org.

Even with an iPhone, you’re more of a pen-and-paper girl. Written to do lists are essential, especially when it comes to prepping for a baby.

Upgrade from lists written on the backs of receipts. May Books notebooks feature a cute canvas cover, so you can discretely tuck one into your Botkier without it screaming, “tacky baby gear on board.” To get through the rest of pregnancy in the heat of August, the Bump Diary helps you track your pregnancy week by week, including exercise, registry items and doctor’s notes. The Baby Diary makes it easy to organize your newborn’s sleep, feeding and diaper schedule. Or, forget the pre-printed pages and customize your own notebook with lined, dotted or blank pages with a chic chevron or monogrammed cover. Plus, the book won’t fall apart from wear in tear in your bag — it’s bound by sewing machine to secure the waterproof cover (read: it’s safe in the presence of sippy cups).

Take note of it.

Visit maybooks.com.