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Bump Fashion Basics

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

Hatch CollectionWhen it comes to dressing your baby bump, leggings can only take you so far. A few disposable duds work well in a pinch (as in, you’ll never wear them again after the 9 months are over) but you’re looking for clothes that will instantly transform you into one of those effortlessly put-together, only-in-New York pregnant women.

Hatch is a chic and comfy new maternity collection, born of a designing mom and founder of twobirds Bridesmaid. These wardrobe essentials — about a dozen key pieces that include a cozy Japanese cotton cardigan, simple striped dress and silk drawstring pants — are classics you can wear from before you’re actually showing through those first few months of post-pregnancy mayhem. Mix and match a wear-with-everything wrap with an extra-fine knit maxi dress, and you’ll achieve a mommy-to-be-style to take you through winter without a fashion mishap.

We don’t know how you do it.

Visit hatchcollection.com.

Showers of Love

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

The Spa at Trump SoHoYour BFF is expecting her first bundle, and you want to throw her a shower that will give her a moment of calm before the insanity starts.

Head to a downtown oasis: The Spa at Trump SoHo will now help you plan the perfect pre-baby bash at its sleek hotel. The selection of party themes is especially enticing to pamper a mom-to-be and her pals: Baby Shower Brunch, where the ladies can indulge in mini 15-minute spa treatments like a seated aromatherapy massage or organic spray tan; Beauty Bar Baby Shower with makeup applications, oxygen facials and hand exfoliations; or Happy Baby Hour, an after-work fete with mocktails and cocktails, and 30-minute treatments like reflexology and scalp massage. Each option includes yummy treats and spa gifts for guests. Parties take place in chic Bar d’Eau, or in the spa’s serene relaxation room or pretty private outdoor area, depending on the size and season.

Nothing but luxe for the baby bump.

Visit trumpsohohotel.com.

The Babysitters Club

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Creative SittersWhile you’d love to believe your sitter morphs into Mary Poppins while in charge of the kids, chances are you spend more time worrying that she’s tweeting, texting or talking on the phone while your DCs are camped in front of the TV.

To engage them in the arts while you’re gone, look into Creative Sitters, which matches NYC families to the babysitter that best suits their interests, whether it’s art, music or other fun activities. After years as a child arts educator for the likes of El Museo del Bario, City Lights Youth Theater and other local institutions, founder Renee Pena started Creative Sitters with the belief that kids should explore, imagine and create through customized childcare. All sitters undergo background and reference checks, interviews, first aid and CPR training and educational workshops, and you can also check them out beforehand at monthly sitter meet-and-greet events (the next one is 11/20 in Manhattan).

Visit creativesitters.org.

Table for Three

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

Cooking for Gracie by Keith DixonThough your little one has developed a taste for homemade organic baby food, you’ve been surviving on greasy takeout for months. But sleep-deprived parents adjusting to life with an infant need not give up their once-refined paletes.

New York Times writer, father and foodie Keith Dixon tackles new parenthood in his kitchen-centric memoir, Cooking For Gracie: The Making of a Parent from Scratch. On sale today, the book speaks to NYC moms and dads who are dealing with the upheaval a baby brings to their lives and their stomachs. As he navigates from infant reflux to first words, Dixon (an enthusiastic home cook) peppers his personal stories with more than 40 simple but delicious recipes he cooks for both his wife and young daughter, from short ribs with carrot-rosemary puree to farfalle with marinated tomatoes and mint oil. To keep you on track, many of his healthy how-tos are arranged in pre- and post-bedtime steps; others (like sole with poached veggies) instruct how to prepare for adults vs. baby.

Slice, chop and saute your way back to sanity.

Available at randomhouse.com.

At Your Service

Monday, January 24th, 2011

If only there were three of you to get everything done before your due date — one to clean, one shop, and one to figure out what you’ll actually do with the baby once you all come home.

Multiple yourself: Sissy + Marley’s baby planner and concierge service just launched to help expecting parents prepare for that big arrival. Launched by a trio of working moms who perfected the art of busy schedule-meets-baby decor (fashion exec, physical therapist and private chef are among their qualifications), the team helps NYC families with everything from setting up a gift registry to helping you whip up homemade baby food. Like the magical fairies you’ve envisioned coming to the rescue throughout your pregnancy, they’ll shop for maternity and nursery gear, babyproof your home and help you set up a photo shoot to capture that gorgeous newborn.

Visit sissyandmarley.com.

Basics for the Bump

Monday, December 6th, 2010

The Pregnant New YorkerYour pregnancy feels like a game of 20 questions: Disposal diapers or cloth? Breastfeed or bottle? If only you had a room full of experts to guide you on the best path for you and your baby.

Get some answers. This Wednesday, stop by the Maclaren store in Soho for the next installation of The Pregnant New Yorker, an event where moms-to-be can gather info on how to feng shui your nursery, green your home and use safer cleaning products. Plus, pick up tips on prenatal yoga, physical therapy, massage and other ways to ease your pregnancy — plus post-natal baby solutions for cloth diapering and breastfeeding. Guest speakers like a lactation consultant, doula and acupuncturist will be on hand to answer your most pressing questions for the next nine months.

No more guessing games.

When: Wed. 12/8, 6:30-9pm; $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Where: Maclaren, 150 Wooster St. (bet. Prince & Houston), thepregnantnewyorker.com.

A Sling Thing

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

City kids are hitting the playground 24/7 as a last-ditch effort for outdoor shenanigans before the deep freezeSling Couture sets in.  Two words: Be Careful!

Hopefully the phrase “break a leg” will only be a wish for good luck, but just in case Junior takes a tumble from the monkey bars, Sling Couture has got you covered. The line of fashionable slings will cradle that less-than-fortunate arm and help brighten the experience. Available in sizes small, medium and large, the exclusive camouflage and denim hearts prints are lightweight, durable and easy to wear. Hopefully you won’t have a need, but just in case they’re available in NYC at Falk Drugs.

Tell him not to test his luck.

Mrs. Clean

Monday, November 15th, 2010

The Glow System by Gisela LowensteinWhether you’ve downsized the cleaning staff or want to get your home in tip-top shape for the holidays, good winter cleaning requires a system. And your routine of Swiffer and Clorox wipes could use a revamp.

Enter Gisela Lowenstein. This Martha Stewart of Miami has introduced her time-saving home management solution, called The Glow System, to NYC clean freaks. Comprised of an instructional DVD and flashcards (in English and Spanish), the program walks you through everything you need to know about proper home cleaning, from daily straightening up to the deep clean (hint: it works whether you’ve got the biggest duplex or a 1BR). Lowenstein, a wife and mom with a background in hotel management, shares her expertise in eight short sections of easy-to-use methodology for the kitchen, kids’ rooms, bathroom and more. Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, you’ll be able to set up a schedule, and (shocker!) even get the DH and kids invoived.

Go for the glow.

Visit theglowsystem.com.  

Going Public

Monday, October 25th, 2010

The intense private-school admission process (and sky-high tuition) is just not for you — that’s not to say that finding a great public school to stimulate your kid’s mind is a piece of cake, either. Finding a great neighborhood school, or gaining admission to a coveted citywide spot, brings back memories of applying to college.

Get help now: Tomorrow, educational consultant Robin Aronow, Ph.D., will moderate a panel of public school parents representing District 3 (Upper West Side), plus citywide options including Hunter, Anderson, NEST + M, TAG and others on “Life After Nursery School.” Hear what fellow parents have to say about their experiences and gain some insight on each school’s special qualities (parents in Districts 4, 5 and 6 may pick up a tip or two as well). Sign up online (do it now before the price goes up tomorrow), hire a babysitter, and take notes.

When: Tues., 10/26, 6:30-8:30pm (registration begins at 6:15); $35 through 10/25, $40 on 10/26.
Where: Ansche Cheshed, 251 West 100th St. at West End Ave., schoolsearchnyc.com.

Babymoon Spa Break

Monday, October 11th, 2010

It may be the city that never sleeps, but you’re pregnant and desperately need a nap. With an urban babyThe Lodge at Woodloch kicking around in your tummy, it’s time for an escape to the country.

Schedule a last-minute babymoon, no JFK required. The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa just about three hours from NYC in Pennsylvania’s lake region, is a scenic car or train ride away. Give yourself two or three nights to enjoy the serene spa, which includes prenatal massage, soothing body polish and gentle facial treatments, not to mention a relaxing indoor pool. In between appointments, schedule a mani/pedi at the salon (try the autumnal harvest-inspired options) or stop by one of the many classes going on throughout the day, from meditation and nature walks on the pretty outdoor trails to watercolor painting and cooking demos. Or, simply curl up with a good book and comfy robe in front of a stone fireplace. If you’re bringing the DH, keep him busy with cocktail mixology lessons, golf at nearby Woodloch Springs or couple’s massage. The Lodge is quiet as can be, which means you’ll (finally!) be able to detox from city noises, dream up a few new baby names, and get ready for that special delivery.

Relax and say spaaa.

Visit thelodgeatwoodloch.com.