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Posts Tagged ‘Living in Manhattan’

Sometimes in NYC, it takes a little bit longer to master an outdoor sporting skill than in the ‘burbs. Although, if there was an Olympic sport consisting of fast walking while dodging cabs and tourists AND holding on to an umbrella and coffee, we would win every time 😉 One of those things that take a bit more effort to do is learning to ride a bike without training wheels. It is pretty hard to find a cul-de-sac with no traffic to run up and down beside a kid on a wobbly bike 😉 Luckily we live very close to Riverside Park which offers beautiful straight pathways and lots of wide open spaces to practice. Our youngest recently mastered the no training wheels skill and is happily cruising around on two wheels. Yesterday it was the perfect summer day for getting out and going for a ride. ‘R’ is still a little wobbly but is gaining confidence as she covers more and more pavement. It won’t be long until all of us are zipping around Manhattan on family biking tours. Woohoo!!! Here are some pics from the adventure. Enjoy and have a fabulous Wednesday!

She’s got this!

Big sis showing off her new bike

Long, open pathways perfect for new cyclists

Pausing to enjoy the view along the Hudson River

Doing their thing!

Stopping to smell the flowers

Loving the beauty of the parks in the city

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LOVE this!

Tomorrow Ron and I will be going to pick up the girls from camp. They have been gone for two weeks. For two weeks while at sleepaway camp we have not spoken to them at all. I have received 1 letter from each child, where, thankfully, they both said that they were having an AMAZING time. I have even become one of those moms who checks out the camp website and Facebook page hoping to get a glimpse of my children in a photo. It has been both a strange and wonderful experience. I have to admit that I have really missed them, the apartment has been quite lonely without them and even Dopey has been wandering around wondering where they are. I am bursting with excitement to see them. I can’t wait to hear all about their stories and adventures. I am sure they will have grown up immensely in two weeks. I can almost physically feel that first hug!

Now, that being said, that doesn’t mean that I have not enjoyed the two weeks of freedom in NYC without children. Fun has definitely been had 😉 The BIG thing is just being able to spontaneously go out and not have to worry about childcare. This, truly is a vacation in itself. Ron and I have gone for walks, enjoyed dinners out and even went to a movie that WE wanted to see on a Sunday afternoon, I know, crazy, right?? (BTW, “The Dark Knight Rises” is a seriously awesome movie!)

At the Yankees/Sox Game

It has been wonderful not having to worry about scheduling, making lunches and what we are having for dinner. Our fridge has been empty. The only items in it, are beer and milk for cereal. In many ways I think we have reverted back to our University days!! I have enjoyed the simple pleasures of “me” time- heading out for a run and to the gym on my schedule, having a clean apartment that stays clean and being able to leave the Olympics on t.v. all day without a little person asking to change it to one of their shows.

Ron has been able to work late mostly guilt free 😉 and I have been catching up on my guilty pleasure of “The Vampire Diaries”. I even escaped the heat one day by indulging in the wonderful pleasure of an afternoon movie. Unfortunately the only thing playing was “Step Up Revolution”. No judging, if you can get past the non-existent acting the dancing was incredible, no really, it was!!

We really have had a wonderful time as a couple and hanging out doing “adult” type things but I am ready for my little monkeys to come home. I miss the chaos, laughter, love and hugs. I even miss the arguing and nagging… sort of 😉 Most of all I miss the joy that they add to our daily lives and the sparkle that dances around them. So, off to camp we go. Hopefully we can get some pictures this time!! Hope summer is treating you well, S xo

My crazy girls dancing in the streets!

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On Monday a few of my girlfriends and I made a quick road trip out of the city to our friend’s house in Sherman, CT. It was a fabulous day filled with the warmth of good friends, much needed laughter, relaxation and of course a little bit of wine and food =) We had fun cruising around Lake Candlewood, cooling off in the water and enjoying the beautiful countryside on the stunning grounds of The White Silo Farm & Winery. It was a fabulous escape from the city and a spectacular day with cherished friends. A big thank you to Rena, for her incredible hospitality xox. Here are the pics from the day, hope you enjoy them. Happy Olympic Wednesday my friends 😉

Pre- boarding of the boat =)

Captain Rena!

Getting comfortable

Boat beauties

It’s a rough life 😉

Beauty on the water

Gorgeous!

Jen jumping off cupcake rock!

My turn!!

Apres Swim

Clouds over the lake

Off to the Winery

The White Silo Winery

Getting ready for a little taste

Cheers!

The incredibly beautiful grounds

Love under a tree =)

Breathtaking

The White Silo

Truly, a breath of fresh air!

A perfect day!

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The girls have been at sleepaway camp since Sunday and yes, it has been VERY quiet around here. No kids for two whole weeks, a mini vacation. And what better way to spend it then by enjoying some of New York City’s best spots without children. So, this morning I took advantage of the “me time” and explored the MET- Metropolitan Museum of Art  with my good friend Rachel. We didn’t have to listen to one “I’m bored” as we leisurely strolled through the exhibits that WE picked out. It was wonderful! Here are some of my favorite pics from our very civilized adult outing. Hope you have a fabulous Wednesday!

P.S. I did however, buy postcards to send to the girls, I haven’t totally forgotten about them 😉

The MET

Beautiful sun filled galleries

Joan of Arc

Love this!

Rodin

Rachel and I on the rooftop garden

View from the rooftop garden

The Cloud (an exhibit on the rooftop)

Looking up into the Cloud

Reflection!

Checking out the Modern Art

Pausing to enjoy the view 😉

More modern art

Warhol

Couldn’t take my eyes off of him!

Just hanging out at the museum

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The air is oppressive today in the city. In fact as I type this a big old thunderstorm is rolling in and I can’t wait. Hopefully it will clear out the soupy 100 degree weather and the whole of NYC will be able to take a collective less stinky deep breath 🙂 Luckily, I have a few good connections and my friend Rebecca from the amazing tween website KidzVuz (if you have tweens and they haven’t visited the website yet, I ask why not??!!) invited me and the girls to go see a sneak peek of the AT&T Dumbo Arts Festival at the Children’s Museum of the Arts. I have never been to the CMAof NY and I have to tell you it is a pretty impressive space where kids can truly explore all areas of creativity. The girls had a blast trying out self portraits, painting, still life drawing and animation. I loved wandering around in the space checking out the incredible artwork and leafing through brochures that showcased fabulous looking art classes and camps. And… big bonus it had Central Air- Woot!!

I think the fam will definitely have to head on down to DUMBO at the end of September to check out the festival. Right now, I am posting these pics and then heading back to my seat on the couch infront of the A/C. Hope you are all well and surviving another Wacky Wednesday 😉

R very excited to start painting

Beautiful work spaces

Working on the masterpiece 😉

A making a horse to place in her animated carousel

Awesome kids artwork

The bright and sunny room showcases the beautiful art

Wowza!

So incredible

R working on her still life drawing

Putting the finishing touches on the animation

A working on her realistic self portrait

After leaving the CMAofNY we saw this super cool poster of Paranorman

And then we went and saw Daddy’s office and hung out on the roof and took some city pics…

View across the Hudson to New Jersey

Looking downtown

Hello Empire State Building peeking out!

A litte Freedom Tower

Staring at this ad in a hot subway car is just pure torture 😉

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Today I had to suck it up and brave going to Times Square to go to ToysRUs. R’s birthday is rapidly approaching and there is one thing that she wanted that could ONLY be found at ToysRUs. So, because I am such an amazing mom, I braced myself with caffeine (should have been a shot of tequila), hopped on the subway and headed to Times Square. I was there just before the store opened and was already amazed by how many tourists were out and about. My visit to midtown lasted all of 45 minutes- stealth- in and out, no ferris wheel rides, pics with characters etc. but I did snap a few shots of what Times Square looks like on a summer morning in July. Hope you enjoy and have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Can’t wait for this movie!

Rotating advertising

Showing some patriotic spirit!

Coffee among the billboards

Updated news stories scrolling…

More love for the Red, White and Blue

Traffic and more traffic- Taxi!

A little Lion King

More Street Views

Standing on line for discount Broadway tickets- whoa, that is a LONG line already!!

Distracted by shiny objects!

Oh, la, la!

Always looking up!

Take a little piece home with you

Lining up to the get the perfect shot 😉

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June is turning out to be a blur. All of the days seem to be running together… one end of year presentation, picnic, get-together, meeting into another. I have to constantly be looking at my calendar and setting reminders for myself so that I will not miss something. I wish I had the technology to divide myself into two, but no huge science brain has figured that one out yet, so instead I gulp caffeine at an alarming rate and sprint from one activity to another =) I know that we are all in the same barely remaining afloat boat. Luckily these events are the fun ones, the culmination of hard work, the showing off of all of the great stuff that our kids have been doing throughout the year. As much as I complain about the crazy, I love watching every single presentation and going to every get together, the smile on the kids faces makes everything alright in the world. Here are a few pics from our recent insanity, the blur that June has become. So, if I owe you a phone call, a lunch date or if I simply passed you on the street in a bit of a daze, I apologize, the hazy lazy days of summer will be here soon ;)!

Opening night of “The Music Man”

Our Drama Queen being dramatic!

A proud school board member 😉 Such a great show!

A dramatic reading in the first grade

Just for fun let’s run a little 10K- no biggie, right ladies??!!

Always time for a little ice cream with a friend

Stalking the stars on the UWS =)

Hanging with a friend

Girls in hats

Strolling down the west side…

Enjoying the view!

Ron and his city

Hop, skip and a jump!

Streets of Tribeca

Another street view of Tribeca

Dunch (Lunch/Dinner) at Bubby’s

Always making time for happy feet =)

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I am always amazed by how closely Manhattanites can parallel park their cars. I often wonder how they get out of such tight spots. Although, judging by the bumpers on most cars there is a lot of nudging. The other night as I was walking Dopey, I paused to look at the beauty of an older Porshe and then had a mini panic attack on behalf of the driver when I realized how closely the other two cars were parked in front of and behind it. I really hope he or she did not want to get out of that parking spot in a hurry. Yikes. Here are the pics and proof again that driving and especially parking in NYC is NOT for the faint of heart. Have a great Wednesday 😉

Nice Car!

Front view of the bumper

Back view- inches to spare??!!!

A more practical driving choice for the city? At least you could probably pick it up and move it 😉

Much easier to park!

Alas, I think I will stick with this option =)

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The big day has passed. Yesterday I turned the big 4-0. Yep, I have entered into a new decade. And, I have to say, I was pretty spoiled. Last weekend I hung out with some fabulous friends in Mt. Tremblant, on Wednesday my incredible NYC girlfriends took me out to a wonderful dinner at TAO, on Friday Ron and I ate ourselves silly at Scalini Fedeli and yesterday I was showered with love by the girls. I am definitely feeling like a very lucky woman. But I guess it would be a little bit weird if I turned forty and didn’t take a bit of time for some reflection.

Here I am around 1, I know I was pretty darn cute 😉

The other day someone said to me “Are you okay with turning forty?”. I thought that it was a bit of an odd thing to say. Whether I am ready or not the reality is I AM turning forty and really there is nothing I can or could do about it. I could try and lie about my age but once you have kids that is definitely impossible, my girls went around telling everyone all weekend that it was their mom’s birthday and that she was turning forty… thanks kids =) And then of course there was a lot of people telling me that 40 is the new 20 and that is what really got me thinking and reflecting. Is 40 for a woman really that freaky, am I old, do I wish I was 20 again? Good questions.

A few weeks back I tried to watch the show Girls on HBO and I tried, I really tried but I just didn’t like it. I think one of the reasons I couldn’t even get through the first episode was because I just couldn’t relate to that whole crazy 20 something lifestyle anymore and I didn’t want to go back there either. The whole awkward dating, casual sex, trying to find yourself, getting your first job, trying to be independent… NO thank you. Also, I see enough of those girls on the subway, the ones that only talk in questions, you know what I am talking about -“I am going to this party this weekend?”, “there is a new store on fifth avenue?”, “Steven and Katie are fighting?”(insert annoying lilt at the end) that I really didn’t need to watch it on my tv. Don’t get me wrong there could be a bit of jealousy involved too- sleeping in on weekends, running without a sports bra, never needing a babysitter, all envious things but not nearly enough to make me want to be 20 again!

I mean there are definitely times when I am feeling the whole age thing. How many times can I possibly get a Groupon for botox, teeth whitening, magic diet pills or laser hair removal before a little bit of anxiety about the appearance doesn’t start to settle in. And of course there are subtle changes to the old bod, for those of you in my generation and beyond, you know what I am talking about, all the rest, I will spare you the details and you can keep the romance (and denial) alive for a few more years 😉 Today I had to google YOLO because I didn’t know what it meant. The irony is it means You Only Live Once.  So, yes there are somedays when getting old(er) is a bit scary. Although, c’mon twenty somethings it is our age bracket that has brought back a little bit of sexy with “50 Shades”…

On the whole, 40 you are looking pretty damn good. I am living in a city I love. I am surrounded by incredible family and friends. To me 40 brings with it confidence, compassion, acceptance, understanding, strength, lessons learned and of course a willingness to tackle new adventures even if it scares you. I have many 40+ role models to follow and I think I will be looking forward rather than back.

Thank you for all of the well wishes. Cheers to many more years of fun and adventure, S xoxo

Blowing out the candles! Here’s to many, many, many more years to come =)

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A girls weekend away is truly refreshing for both the body and the soul. Especially if the weekend takes place in a beautiful setting, with some of your best girlfriends and is partially in celebration of an upcoming milestone in one’s life. Ahem, yes, my little 40th birthday is getting very, very, VERY close 😉 This past weekend I hopped on a plane and headed to Ottawa. On Thursday, I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to re-connect with some incredible women from my old hood and then on Friday after a brief visit to check on my favorite peeps at GHS, a few of us headed up to the stunning Mt. Tremblant resort village in Quebec. The weekend was filled with giggling, sharing, reminiscing, eating, drinking, dancing, relaxing and more laughing. It made my heart soar. After all if you are going to be stuck in a zombie apocalypse in Quebec, there really is no other group of women I would rather be with! (Yes, every once in awhile there can be inside jokes on the blog) So, here are the pictures I am allowed to share with you, hope you enjoy them. And to my amazing fluffer-lover girlfriends, I look forward to our next adventure together!! xoxox

To the girls!

Beautiful Mt. Tremblant, QC

Hide and Seek, anyone?

Gondola girls

Gondola girls part deux

Want to go for a hike?

Ready to go!

View from the top of Mt. Tremblant

Heading down… way down.

Pausing to enjoy the sights

Rock etchings of the ski trails on Mt. Tremblant by artist Bill Vazan

Tremblant Village

A little R and R on the balcony

The fantastic four 😉

Until our next girls adventure…

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