November 5 – 6: Weekend Links for Brooklyn Mamas

Tea time! (photo by Leslie Kalohi)

Thanks to Halloween, jury duty, and some fun new freelance ventures, I’ve had precious little time to blog this week. But I’m pulling my crap together today to get something short and sweet out — since I know there are, like, three of you sitting on the edge of your seats out there wondering, “God, when are they going to post again?!”

Well, my dears, here you go.

It’s pricey — $25 a kid — but dying to take the kids to this DIY (but with the help of a NYC chef) Yummy Tea Time Party at lovely DUMBO shop Pomme tomorrow. (Reserve a spot by email.)

Can’t wait to make tracks to the new space for the Children’s Museum of the Arts. Looks awesome.

On tap to cook this weekend — gotta knock out the last CSA squash for the season — is Mark Bittman’s Butternut Squash Soup with Apples and Bacon. If you’re looking to take down a lurker squash or two at your house, I recommend these Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes and Squash — made them last night and yum, yum. The balsamic vinegar adds a ton of flavor. One other late-breaking idea, from a friend I just had lunch with: Butternut Squash Risotto. This one, a Chez Panisse recipe, looks good.

I’m also eyeing this chili, from the fine folks over at Dinner: A Love Story.

Happy cooking, eating, socializing, wine drinking, kid wrangling weekend!

(flickr photo: Leslie Kalohi / never cool in school)

August 27 – 28: Weekend Links for Brooklyn Mamas

High Line / photo by: join the dots

We walked the new section of the High Line this week — dying to go back, do it again, and have lunch at the food trucks parked under the 30th Street entrance. There’s shade and picnic tables — easily manageable with the kids.

But it’s an outdoor activity — wonder what Irene will have to say about that? An earthquake, a hurricane — things are wild around here this week, and I’ve got a twitchy, unpredictable mood to match. Still feeling out of sorts post-sabbatical. Will it ever pass?

Anyway, weekend linkage:

* more on the High Line food trucks. Just say “taco.”

* inspiration: a vintage farmhouse dining room transformation.

* Design Mom’s Work Life Balance Project (love her tips.)

* OpenHouse NY 2011 Preview List.

* culinary fun for the kids at Taste of Brooklyn.

Happy weekend! Hope Irene treats you right!

(photo: join the dots)

 

August 20 – 21: Weekend Links for Brooklyn Mamas

This is M. on her way to summer camp at Curious Jane (she’s loved it, by the way, highly recommend for next summer.) Chrissy‘s been taking Jasper to the bus for pick-up in the morning to Park Explorers, which has also been great, as he’s thoroughly exhausted by the end of the day. Everyone happy and tired = good times for the moms.

Anyway, I do pick-up for both kids in the afternoon, and our route home takes us past 8th Avenue and 8th Street in Park Slope, site of the first apartment I ever stayed in in New York City when I came here to look for a job in book publishing in 1991. I pointed it out to the kids, who’ve been fascinated by the idea that I could be staying in a strange apartment without them or Chrissy, and instead with two guys named Keith and Doug.

I’ve realized this week that means I came to New York twenty years ago exactly — it was August, 1991. In fact, I think there’s a good chance it was even 20 years ago this very week. That brings a few things to mind.

I could go on.

I won’t.

After our glorious month away in July, we’re back. Really back. And while I don’t know that I’m quite ready to get out there and take on the city with the kids, I’m starting to think in that direction.

Via Mommy Poppins, here’s what looks good to me this weekend:

* The Muppets Take Manhattan and Jim Henson’s Fantastic World at the Museum of the Moving Image

* Word for Word Kids: Night of the Butterfly at Bryant Park

* Winnie-the-Pooh’s 90th Birthday Bash at the Children’s Center at the New York Public Library

And what’s more on my mind?

Getting to know An Expat Mom Living in Paris.

Deciding whether or not I need this striped Lazy Maze Tunic by Bordeaux from Anthropologie.

Sampling for myself Gwynnie’s recipe for Grilled Chicken with Peach BBQ sauce; I made the sauce yesterday and the kids gobbled it up with the chicken last night; tonight we’re throwing it on the grill for the moms.

Twenty years. OK.

Happy weekend!

 

March 5 – 6: Weekend Links for Brooklyn Mamas

Old-school fun with Lite-Brite!

The Great Lice Nightmare of 2011 seems to be over — we’re nit-free and lovin’ it, although a little worse for the wear. Still paranoid and itchy. I went up to M.’s room one morning this week to find her holding a little Snow White figurine she loves, with a flashlight poised over its head — “What are you doing?” “Checking for bugs.”

Moving on!

Things to check out this weekend and beyond….

Mark your calendar — Get the kids out of the house to jump around, have fun, and hear some good grooves at the Winter Concert Series at P.S. 295, happening March 13th and 27th. $20 per family per show.

Leave it to Real Simple to distill your existence with a searing coverline such the following: 5 Beauty Treatments That Will Change Your Life. (In the March issue and, well, Jesus, apparently I need these! I have to say, I *was* sucked in by the gel manicure. But, seriously, they’re meant to save you time and money — key for busy moms.)

Always looking for new pasta ideas, so…. 10 Fresh Ideas for Spaghetti from Apartment Therapy’s the kitchn. Also digging their list of Tips for Keeping Kitchen Counters Clutter-Free.

Got a kid with bounce and energy to spare? Find out the best places to take a tumbling or gymnastics class in Brooklyn, via A Child Grows.

Vacation inspiration: They may be pricey, but isn’t it sort of appealing to think about sending your kid to camp while on vacation? See Ciao Bambino‘s Kids’ Clubs That Make You Want to Be a Kid Again.

Old-school fun for your kid: Lite-Brite! (That’s M. with hers, above.) The toy’s been around since 1967, like me, but it’s still a mighty good diversion. It’s gotten a lot of love during the long winter days at our house recently. Buy it here or check out the iPhone app and then get it from the app store.

Last — sexy-fabulous song of the week: “Convince Me” from Blessed, Lucinda Williams’ latest. Get the album and listen to the song cranked at full volume 5 times in a row. You’ll be loving it, too.

Happy weekend!

February 12 – 13: Weekend Links for Brooklyn Mamas, the Rainbow Connection Edition

flickr photo / jordanpattern

Like many 4-year-old girls, Magnolia is rainbow-obsessed. She loves her Rainbow in My Room, a cool toy that projects a colorful prism across the wall or ceiling. She wants to dye her hair rainbow; she wants to paint our house rainbow; she wants a rainbow birthday cake.

So, little bug — this one’s for you! And all the others under its spell: the lovers, the dreamers, and M.

***

The house above may be on Clipper Street in San Francisco — and if a rainbow house belongs anywhere, it’s in SF — but it looks a lot like our little frame house. Wonder how much a house painter would charge for that job?

photo / holamurray

When I saw this on Swiss Miss last week, I knew M. would flip for it — and she did. Could someone really have that for their bed? Really??? I could see the longing in her eyes. (I spotted it on Swiss Miss, but she saw it on Pinterest and looks like it originally appeared on holamurray.)

photo / forever jann

I told M. she has to be a little older before she can rock this look. She asked if I’d dye my hair rainbow now so she could see in person what it looks like. Um, sorry, honey. No.

photo / omnomicon

photo / omnomicon

M. came up with the idea that she wants a rainbow cake for her birthday on her own — she’s certainly never seen one, until now. We’re baking a birthday cake for our friend Helen this weekend — maybe she’ll be the lucky recipient of a rainbow variety?

This one looks fun and kid-friendly — and mixes up all the colors. Martha Stewart (via Whisk Kid) has a fancier version (below) with lemony Swiss meringue buttercream, and a how-to video is included in the post.

Last, Kermit the Frog + Debbie Harry singing “The Rainbow Connection” = a little bit of awesome.

Have a bright and happy weekend!

February 5 – 6: Weekend Links for Brooklyn Mamas

Take a deep breath....

I’m trying to peace out — chill out, really — this week. It’s not going so well, but I’m trying. With that in mind, here are a few laid-back weekend links.

Eat & Drink

Salmon If You’re Sick of Salmon — Dinner, A Love Story

Simple Apple Tart — Brooklyn Supper

City Bakery’s Hot Chocolate Festival Calendar of Flavors for February — NewYorkology

Peek-a-Boo! Hidden Animal Teacups (these are adorable! M. would love them.) — One Hungry Mama

Play & Plan for Summer

Brooklyn Arts Exchange Junior Summer Arts Program Open House This Saturday (J. did a week of creative summer camp here last year and loved it.) — BAX

6 Family Friendly Indoor Swimming Pools — Mommy Poppins

Brooklyn Yoga Classes for Parents & Kids — A Child Grows in Brooklyn

Ever heard of Aviator Sports & Events at Floyd Bennett Field? I hadn’t either, until last weekend’s Camp Fair via New York Family. Check ‘em out! They offer summer and holiday camps, but also “Learn to Skate” ice skating sessions for kids and adults on Sunday mornings at 10am. — Aviator Sports

I posted this week on Brooklyn Birthday Party Places, and Brooklyn Boulders was on the list — consider a family climb session over the weekend (kids 4 and up) to take your mind off winter stresses. Completely diverting. Here’s Jasper happily hanging there….

Think Beyond the Buzz

NYC School Help posted this week about 3 Brooklyn schools that are worth exploring, even if they aren’t the ones that get all the buzz — P.S. 110 in Greenpoint, P.S. 196 in East Williamsburg, and our own P.S. 295 in the South Slope (in case you’ve missed it, we’re happy there!) See why you should consider them if you’re looking beyond the school you’re zoned for. And call to find out about a tour or open house — there’s one next Tuesday, February 8, at 8:45am for 295. — NYC School Help

Happy weekend! Hope it’s nice and easy.

January 29 – 30: Weekend Links for Brooklyn Mamas

Flex Donuts / photo from Keep It Sweet

I’ve now gone completely round the bend with last night’s snowfall, which can mean only two things: brownies and donuts. In that order.

Today, we’re making the best brownies ever, and I’m hoping to score some donuts in the next couple of days. Have to trek to Grand Central for them (see below), but it seems justified given the circumstances.

Now, on to some weekend linky love….

Flex Donuts Pop-Up Shop Opens in Grand Central Terminal. Drown your winter sorrows in flavors like spiced chocolate and salted caramel — I’m hoping for meyer lemon, too. — TimeOut New York Kids

Check out one of the upcoming Summer Camp Fairs to see what the options will be for your kids this year — one’s happening this weekend in my ‘hood, at the Grand Prospect Ballroom (FREE, but you need to register.) — New York Family

The Kings County General Store kicks off its 2011 season this weekend at Southpaw — we went to one of their markets last year (yes, with the kids), and it was fun! Look for cool local designers and yummy food to keep little hands occupied while you browse. — Brooklyn Based

You still have time to get some of the cute Valentine’s Day Cards that Chrissy wrote about — we ordered our Robots (for Magnolia) and Monster Trucks (for Jasper) from ItsyBitsyPaper this week.

And, like summer camps, another warm-weather activity to fantasize about now is taking the kids on an overnight camping trip to the Zoo (The Bronx Zoo’s Overnight Family Adventure Safari.) It’s BYO tent and sleeping bag, but they plan tons of up-close animal-focused activities for the kids (yes, they get to pet some of the zoo residents, too). At $155 a person, it’s splurgey, but also an unusual treat for a city kid. — Mommy Poppins.

Happy weekend! Stay warm.

(Flex Donuts photo: Keep It Sweet)

January 8 – 9: Weekend Links for Brooklyn Mamas

Warm up at the always fun and funky Maker's Market this weekend.

More snow. Heaven help us. And by us, I mean me.

Lots of indoor activities will be in order then — here’s what’s on my mind:

Desperate ideas for indoor family fun — ignore the tired dance party and crafts suggestions, and try out the other tips instead. Yahoo! Shine

It’s the last weekend to catch the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Mommy Poppins

On Sunday, head to the indoor farmer’s market at the Old American Can Factory for some cooking demos and a performance by kids’ band Rolie Polie Guacamole from noon — 2pm. Brooklyn Based

Treats at The Maker's Market.

Angelina Ballerina the Musical leaves Broadway and heads to the Union Square Theatre. TimeOut New York Kids

Nutcracker Sweets and The Steadfast Tin Soldier are on at Puppetworks. Puppetworks, Inc.

Eats from food truck Mexicue — the “sweet, sweet love child of red-hot Mexican cuisine and down-home barbeque goodness” — can usually be found in downtown Brooklyn on Saturdays. Check Twitter to be sure, and for exact location and times. (I haven’t tried Mexicue yet, but I’m dying to, and given the weather, seems like this could be the weekend.) Mexicue

Last, I’ve been obsessed this week with a clip The Viper Room posted on Facebook of Lucinda Williams performing there on New Year’s Eve (scroll down to get to it, I couldn’t find it on YouTube.) She’s singing “Make the World Go Away.” The lighting is stark; she’s wearing glasses; she looks weathered and vulnerable and fabulous. I’m in love all over again. She has a new album coming out, and I see she’s playing Webster Hall March 11 and 12. Seeing the clip reminded me how much I *miss* going to see live shows. Think I need to book a babysitter and buy tickets to this one.

Happy weekend!

First me, then you.

September 24 – 26: Weekend Links for Brooklyn Mamas

photo by rosy outlook on flickr

The High Line, already one of our favorite places to take the kids, gets even more appealing for fall — Colicchio & Sons just opened up a temporary donut stand there! Now through October 13th, order cider or pumpkin spice (with a side of cream cheese frosting) donuts and Stumptown coffee. Then let the kids roam and enjoy the plants, old train tracks, and views. My kind of outing. (Thanks to Katherine for the tip!) — the strong buzz

Lots of new deal sites for NYC moms seem to be popping up: Last week, I wrote about Plum District, and Cool Mom Picks just wrote about Gaggle of Chicks. Here’s one I can vouch for first-hand: doodledeals My friend Maureen turned me on to it and, though I just signed up last week, so far so good. Today’s deal? 50+% off at Moomah Creative Arts Cafe, which we’ve visited, written about, and love. And last week: half-off a pedi at our fave nail spot, Sweet Lily in Tribeca. (Snapped that one up in a hurry.) I feel like the deals I’m seeing pop up in my in-box are pretty tempting — so sign up and take advantage! — doodledeals

ad hoc MOM MADE interview with Ada Calhoun, former Editor-in-Chief of Babble.com and author of Instinctive Parenting. – ad hoc MOM

Fall festival round-up: the first-ever NYC World Maker Faire (sounds fun and impressive!), DUMBO Arts Festival, the Atlantic Antic, and more. — A Child Grows in Brooklyn

I’ll see you at… none of them! A fairy godmother has, for the second weekend in a row, magically made a quiet little house outside the city appear for us. The kids can run around barefoot. The sound of the beach is *right there.* We’d be fools to say no, so we didn’t.

Happy weekend!

(rosy outlook)

September 17 – 19: Weekend Links for Brooklyn Mamas

First full week of school down — and damn…. It was pretty great! Now on to the weekend. Here, I give you my highly opinionated list of faves. Enjoy!

100 Stylish Baby Names (boys + girls) you won’t find in the Top 1,000 (Magnolia comes in at 1,599.) — nameberry on HuffPo

The popular Big Movies for Little Kids adds a new outdoor Brooklyn location — and it’s FREE! The fall season kicks off with a Monday, September 20th screening of Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid” at Cobble Hill Cinemas, 4pm. And the first movie in the new spot — Toren Condo Garden Terrace — will be “Spirited Away” on Friday, September 24th. 6:30pm. With complimentary snacks! And stroller valet! — A Child Grows in Brooklyn

Plum District, a new daily deals site for moms, launches in NYC. Sample deals include goodies from Buttercup Bakeshop and more. — The Culture Mom

Crushed Raspberry-Mascarpone Whip, from an awesome-sounding new cookbook by Abby Dodge called Desserts 4 Today. All of the simple recipes have only — you guessed it — four ingredients. — The Yummy Mummy

A sweet paper doll iPhone app. — Cool Mom Picks

Cute kids’ shoes inspired by Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. — Mom Finds

The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival — celebrate with moon cakes + more at the Museum of Chinese in America or in Chinatown, on Sunday, September 19th. — Mommy Poppins