Happy Birthday!

I decided to keep the boys birthday party really small this year. I just invited our cousins in Harlem. The last thing I remember saying to Rob before I went to bed on Friday night was, "Shouldn't we plan something for tomorrow. For the boys party?" He replied, "Naw. It will work itself out." Here's the only thing I planned going into the party.

1. Starts at 4pm.
2. Eat pizza at Patsy's.
3. Ice cream at Serendipity 3
4. Call it a "Transportation Party" and get everywhere by using different modes of transportation.
5. Give the boys MTA trains  or something similar.

That's it! I never imagined it would go so well. With surprises along the way!

First Surprise: On our way to Patsy's, we happened to catch the vintage 1920's subway car sponsored this month by Boardwalk Empire. The sound of riding a subway with the windows down, the way it felt to sit in the wicker seats, the hooks, the ceiling fans, the light bulbs. We were in awe.

The pizza at Patsy's was great! No surprises there. It's been around since the 1930's so they know exactly how to make a pie. We ordered two! When we got out, we tried desperately to find a minivan taxi cab to get to our next destination: Serendipity 3. No such luck. Enter the next surprise: An impromptu party game. Boys against girls: Who can get to Serendipity 3 first? The boys caught the first cab, but the girls were able somehow crush them in the end!

Serendipity 3 had a whopping 1.5 hour wait, so the kids went to a nearby playground. While there, they discovered the Roosevelt Island Tram. Surprise #3! The whole ride took a standard subway fare and round trip was around 10 minutes. Best part: Sweeping views of the city. I felt like I was in the Peter Pan ride at Disney World. It goes so high up and has surround views. I really felt like I was flying! Incredible. Go now go!

We finally got our name called from the wait list at Serendipity 3 and got to eat gigantic sundaes! So good. Tip: Get a sundae, not their famous frozen hot chocolate.

For the record: Forms of transportation used at my very thought out party: our feet, a vintage subway, taxi, tram, bus.  Pretty good!

Happy Birthday boys! I hope you had fun!

Lombardi's

Here's a bunch of pictures starring Owen and a Lombardi's pizza. Lombardi's is known as the birth place of NY Style Pizza. Ah, yes, another assortment of pictures I post on my blog to give the illusion of bliss and beauty. Enjoy!

Congratulations for strolling this far down!  Now for your reward, a dose of reality: After we ate our pizza, we took the kids to a nearby playground, and Oscar crapped his pants. Rob cleaned it up in a Port-a-Potty. Luckily, Oscar's jeans were sparred. We carried on. 15 minutes later, while waiting in the subway station, Oscar started to complain about a stomachache. And that was that. The $30 dollar cab ride home was totally worth it. Stinky, but worth it. We couldn't stop laughing! The poor kid.

Macrobiotics at the Natural Gourmet Institute

Remember when I went to Ithaca and dicovered Macrobiotics? When I got home, I emailed the Natural Gourmet Institute and asked if they would let me take upcoming Macrobiotcs Demonstraton for free if I promised to write up a post. The school agreed!

While I watched and listened to the instructor Jill, I felt like I was at a live taping from the Food Network. Jill and her five assistants preformed a smooth dance of sliding dishes in and out, into the pot, onto a plate, then straight back to the sink to clean. Jill weaved stories and tips and food philosophy as she effortlesly prepared 9 recipes. As I sat there, I wondered for moment why I wasn't just watching a cooking video. And then! The food started to steam up. I could smell all the vegetables, vinagers, and flavors in the air and I knew I was exsperiencing something completely different than the TV offers. I could hear everything simmering, and finally, got to taste the food! So satisfying. My favorite recipe she made was the Quick and Easy Pickles. The flavor was light and the vegetables had a great crunch. The secret ingredients? The Umeboshi Vinegar and Sweet Brown Rice Vinegar! Pictured below.

So the Macrobiotic Diet.  It has a lot a large list of approved foods. Even it's own Food Pyramid. And while Jill touched about all those things, she also was adamant about making sure that we didn't become too dogmatic about our food philosphy. Whether claiming to be Vegan, SouthBeach or Macrobiotic, or (insert whatever I call myself--I'll eat whatever), she wanted us to eat in a way that made sense.  She stressed that it's important to hear everyone's point of view because there's many pros and cons to every approved eating styles. Her approach to food was forgiving and unjudgmental. I was worried about that before going into this class about Macrobiotics.  I was surprised that rather than feeling weighted down with the feeling that everything I feed my kids is killing them, I came out of the class feeling uplifted and motivated.

The most practical advice Jill gave was about soup. She makes them all year long because soup helps slow everyone down. Basically, she says, it's hard to eat hot soups quickly. I like that. Since taking the class, I've tried to incorporate more soups in my family's diet. Even if it's from a can. It has actually helped to slow us down a bit.

I completely recommend this class if you want to learn how to add a few Macrobiotic recipes to your diet.  This hands-on class looks great too. Or this seasoning class. And doesn't this Artisanal Bread Workshop look tempting? Mmmm. Thank you Natural Gourmet Institute for letting me take a class! I hope to go back again!

High Line Picnic Lunch

Ever see this video on Symmetry? It shows things that go together like peanut butter and jelly, a cat and a mouse, etc. But it's missing one match: The High Line and Chelsea Market. These two attractions are a must do together when visiting the city. Buy a boxed meal at one of the many Chelsea Market restaurants and eat it anywhere on The High Line. And look at the sweet lunch baskets you can buy on your way out. Only $3!

Follow Up: My Job Hunt

Thanks so much for the advice yesterday. I spent a lot of time checking out the links you suggested and sending out resumes. You know what I learned? I have the best readers. Period.

I was also stoked when Liz Jacob over at Course Horse contacted me. She thought it might be helpful if I took one of the classes offered through Course Horse. And she even gave me a coupon for $100 off! So nice, right?

As I checked out the site, I was looking classes that could teach me skills that prospective employers want to see. Out of the many I found, the one that stood out was the Intro to Excel class. Perfect. Almost every position I've seen is looking for Excel skills, a program I haven't used in years. But then...

But then! I stumbled on a Friday night Couples Cupcake Decorating class! And it's within my $100 budget! I couldn't resist. Please don't be too mad at me for signing up for it. I'm absolutely hopeless.

Ella's Fourth Birthday. Cupcakes! 

At least I know that after taking the cupcake class, Rob and I will always have jobs waiting for us at Magnolias. There's something comforting in that. Sort of. 

How to get kissed on top of the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is known as one of the most romantic places in NYC, but it has to be done just right or else it could feel like any other tourist trap. I went with my kids and parents once. It was fun. But romantic? No way. So last week for our anniversary, I wanted to try it again. And this time, I wanted do things differently to see if the Empire State Building really could be romantic.

1. Timing. This is most important. Go after the crowds die down at 12am. Last elevator up at 1:15am and everything closes at 2am.
2. Bad Weather. Go on a rainy day/cold/imperfect weather day. You'll have the place to yourself. We went on a day that I swore we would cancel due to rain, but right before we went up, the sky cleared.
3. Plan ahead. Buy tickets before you get there and avoid the hassle of waiting in line. Thanks NYCTrip.com for sending me tickets ahead of time! When I got to the building, I felt like Meg Ryan breezing right to the 86th floor at the end of Sleepless in Seattle. She must have planned ahead too. ha
4. Your date. Go with your favorite person in all the world.
5. Wait for right moment. There will be people asking you to take their picture and a few packs of giggling girls, but I promise you'll get a moment that can only be filled with a kiss. Wait for it.
6. Exit Though the Gift Shop. Afterwards, buy something cheesy from the gift shop. We bought an Empire State Building cookie and a coke. When we walked out of the building, we found a bench and tried to look all the way to the top of the building. The cookie was surprisingly good.
7. Flowers. Flowers on the walk home completes the night.  Even if they are carnations.

So did my plan work? Of course. The kiss? As good as any movie. Happy Anniversary Rob. Love you.

Doughnut Plant in Chelsea

Will the real doughnut please stand up?

I was the tourist taking pictures of the doughnut pillows. I was the mother with the screaming overtired kids. I was also the woman stuffing my face with these absolutely amazing doughnuts. The roles I have to play at Doughnut Plant are exhausting. But totally worth it.

Is this not the perfect doughnut face?

Jenn from Much to My Delight wrote me this: What was your favorite? I dream about the coconut cream doughnut there every night, I swear.

I responded to her question in the comments! I would love to find out your favorite too!

My NYC Guide: The Metropolitan Museum of Art with kids: Part 3

There are a million ways to have fun at the Met with kids. Here's one of my ideas. And another. And some official ideas. And here's what I did yesterday:

1. Spotlighted an Artist: I introduced the kids to Chuck Close. I asked them to make the same faces as the people in the portraits. Of course Owen wanted nothing to do with my art lesson.
2. Took a Break: Ran up to the Roof Garden, bought lemonade and chugged it. Owen won. Ella was disappointed there were no flowers in the roof garden. The sculptures let her down.
3. Took another Brake: Got out of the museum, crossed the street to William Greenberg Desserts for the best black and white cookies this city makes. The boys slept threw it.

4. Lived our Life: Headed back towards the Met and walked north to Ancient Playground.  Forgot to apply sunscreen.
5. Played: Played until their shoulders turned pink.
6. Finished: Pushed the boys home in the stroller. Ella used her scooter.

The reason for yesterday's trip to the Met was to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit but the line was 2.5 hours long . . . not worth it with the kids. But it's worth it to me! I already have a babysitter lined up so I can see the exhibit before it closes on Friday. I can't wait!

*You know the Met's entrance fee is a suggested donation, right? Pay whatever you want and the employees never flinch.

NYC sans kids

Kids are great, but so risky. Look at my boys scaling the rocks along the East River. Someone hire a babysitter stat. I'm obviously not taking proper care of them. I'm too focused on my shot of the Brooklyn Bridge!

When parenthood gets to this point, it's time to discover the city sans kids. Here's a list of my recommendations for a couple visiting NYC. Times Square, The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, shopping on Madison Ave have been left off on purpose. I'm sure my list will evolve over time. Did I miss anything?

1. Go to Lincoln Center to see the ballet, opera, or symphony. Even if you don't love either of those things, the experience is worth it. Dinner: Across the street Cafe Fiorello. Must order the fresh mozzarella sampler and the chocolate moose. And then choose anything off the antipasti menu. Not the spaghetti.
2. The MET, buy an audio tour, afterwards walk a few blocks and eat at E.A.T.
3. The Museum of Natural History. Afterwards eat at the Shake Shack across the street. Order hamburger, french fries, and a milk shake. Not a hot dog.
4. The NY Botanical Garden. Take the 20 minute train ride out of Grand Central Station. Before you leave, take a quick tour of the station.
5. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Afterwards eat at Tom's (not to be confused with Tom's Restaurant from Seinfield--don't eat there! horrible!)
7. See a Broadway Show for cheap! (click on link for details)
8. Go to Top of the Rock. totally tourist thing to do, but I've been 3 times and love it!  Go to the basement and eat at Hale and Hearty Soup.
9. Buy lunch foods at Zabar's, walk to Central Park, picnic at the Great Lawn, walk to Belvedere Castle.
10. NYC Public Library, buy a sandwich from 'wichcraft, and eat it outside at Bryant Park.
11. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge!
12. The High Line Park. A Must! Afterwards eat at Chelsea Market. I can't believe I forgot this one. Thanks Amanda.

about Zabar's

Today we ate lunch at an Upper Westside institution: Zabar's.  This grocery store has been here for over 70 years and it's around 12 blocks from my house and it's mentioned in just about every New York sitcom/movie.  When I spot places like this, I note it for when guests come to town.  I want them to try it all: A baguette, smoked salmon, bagels, something from the cheese counter, and for dessert: Zabar's cinnamon rugelach.  Then walk to my very own Riverside Park for a picnic.  I'm beginning to think of that park as my own vs Central Park. That's another post. 
Next to the grocery store, they have a small deli with tables to eat lunch. Space was tight so I was glad I didn't have my stroller with me. While we ate our grilled cheese sandwiches (which were amazing) and lentil soup, I got a sense of community inside the place. Not that I was apart of it, it was my first time there. But I could tell people were interested in what each other were saying without them joining in on their conversations.  The mom across from me feeding her kid tuna salad looked familiar.  I witnessed old friends being reunited on a whim. The workers were really nice with a NYC edge.  
It's right next to a subway entrance so the pace of the restaurant ebbed and flowed with the coming and goings of the subway lines. I loved lunch and can't wait to go back to explore the grocery store. I can't imagine anything but great things. 
Here's a picture of Owen eating his soup in the corner alone. He preferred it that way. When he saw me take his picture he shouted, "You're ruining my soup, Mom!" It's the only picture I took inside the restaurant.