We went to F.A.O. Schwartz today because Cassie's grandma wanted to get her some blocks (what a nice lady, huh?). I always picture that store being a madhouse, but it was totally calm today. Then I realized I have only gone during the holiday rush. Now I think I might actually take Cassie back to play some more!
They have a changing room in the lower level baby toy section, which made me think about the coming cold months and how life is so much harder when you have to feed and change a baby indoors instead of at the nearest plot of grass. Hmm. Here is my list of diaper changing spots and quiet, nursing friendly areas in Manhattan:
1. Baby's R Us - Union Square area - On the second floor there is a "Mother's Room" with glider rockers, couches, and changing tables. The bathrooms also have changing tables.
2. Le Pain Quotidien - Bryant Park area - The bathroom has a changing table and the coffee area provides some space with reasonable quiet.
3. F.A.O. Schwartz - Midtown area - The lower level has a diaper changing section with changing pads and complimentary wipes. There is also a chair for nursing.
4. American Museum of Natural History - Upper West Side - has changing tables in both men's and women's rooms. You can access them without paying admission. I'm guessing the Children's Museum would be another good option to try.
Does anyone know of any other good places for breastfeeding and diaper changing in Manhattan?
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thrift Shopping in NYC
My mom and sis are still in town for a few more days. One of our favorite things to do is go to thrift stores. Every time I go home to CA for a visit, we go to the ultimate thrift store. It's a requirement - along with going to In 'N Out, getting Mexican food, and going to the beach. Nothing in New York compares to that one, but here are some of my favorite thrift shop routes in NYC:
1) Housing Works - The 17th St one consistently has good stuff. Almost all of the Housing Works have high quality, moderately priced items. Come to think of it, I'm gonna check their online auction now.
2) City Opera Thrift - This shop has a ton of women's clothing and often gets samples. They also tend to have some nice furniture and accessories.
3) Goodwill - 25/7th Ave, 79th/Broadway, 23rd/3rd. Goodwill has the best prices on books and also gets new Target merchandise.
I know there are a bunch of thrift shops on the Upper East Side, but have never found anything too exciting at any of them.
Am I missing any good ones?
1) Housing Works - The 17th St one consistently has good stuff. Almost all of the Housing Works have high quality, moderately priced items. Come to think of it, I'm gonna check their online auction now.
2) City Opera Thrift - This shop has a ton of women's clothing and often gets samples. They also tend to have some nice furniture and accessories.
3) Goodwill - 25/7th Ave, 79th/Broadway, 23rd/3rd. Goodwill has the best prices on books and also gets new Target merchandise.
I know there are a bunch of thrift shops on the Upper East Side, but have never found anything too exciting at any of them.
Am I missing any good ones?
Baked French Toast
For the third time in 10 months, Steve and I have gone out without Cassie. She got some quality time with her grandma and aunt and we got some time to troll around downtown. We went to a bunch of thrift shops and ended the afternoon at Nolita Cafe for bluegrass brunch. And there is where we had the best french toast EVER. Holy moly migoli. It's baked. It's actually brioche soaked in brandy, vanilla, half and half and egg. Then it's topped with brown sugar. We decided we are going to try replicating this and making it our traditional dish we eat on Christmas morning. Mmm.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
It's not cold once you're in.
I know it sounds sil
ly to say it hasn't felt like summer until today. I've eaten watermelon, gotten sunburned despite my best efforts, and have eaten my token Mr. Softee ice cream. But today was the day I finally felt that little kid feeling that only summer brings. You see, I got to go swimming. In a lake. I experienced the exhilaration of diving under the cold water and having the satisfaction of saying, "It's not cold once you're in." Ah yes, now it's summer.
That alone would have been wonderful. But it was also little Miss Grace's first real go at swimming. She's almost 10 months old now. To think we've been depriving her for so long! This little lady likes water. I should have known by the fact she is always making a beeline for the cats' water dish. It was so fun to see her enjoying herself so much and was even more special that Grandma and Auntie Woogie got to be there, too.
After the HarryMan state park, we went to Cold Spring (not Cold SpringS, for all you people who like to add an extra letter 's'. It's not Barnes & Nobles people!). I'm pretty sure we could have spent hours looking through the antique stores, but we got there at 4:00, so most of them were starting to close.
So, if you're looking for a great swimmin' hole near New York City, I highly recommend going to the Seven Lakes in Harriman State park. It's not far from NYC. Maybe 45 min? We got a little lost since thanks to the iphone and ended up at some summer camp getting directions from a camp counselor while being stared at by 10-15 tweeny campers. Anyway, it's easy to find if you're paying attention...And the water temp. was perfect - not cold once you're in! Just wanted to say it one more time before I go to bed.
ly to say it hasn't felt like summer until today. I've eaten watermelon, gotten sunburned despite my best efforts, and have eaten my token Mr. Softee ice cream. But today was the day I finally felt that little kid feeling that only summer brings. You see, I got to go swimming. In a lake. I experienced the exhilaration of diving under the cold water and having the satisfaction of saying, "It's not cold once you're in." Ah yes, now it's summer.That alone would have been wonderful. But it was also little Miss Grace's first real go at swimming. She's almost 10 months old now. To think we've been depriving her for so long! This little lady likes water. I should have known by the fact she is always making a beeline for the cats' water dish. It was so fun to see her enjoying herself so much and was even more special that Grandma and Auntie Woogie got to be there, too.
After the HarryMan state park, we went to Cold Spring (not Cold SpringS, for all you people who like to add an extra letter 's'. It's not Barnes & Nobles people!). I'm pretty sure we could have spent hours looking through the antique stores, but we got there at 4:00, so most of them were starting to close.
So, if you're looking for a great swimmin' hole near New York City, I highly recommend going to the Seven Lakes in Harriman State park. It's not far from NYC. Maybe 45 min? We got a little lost since thanks to the iphone and ended up at some summer camp getting directions from a camp counselor while being stared at by 10-15 tweeny campers. Anyway, it's easy to find if you're paying attention...And the water temp. was perfect - not cold once you're in! Just wanted to say it one more time before I go to bed.
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