I LOVE NYC

One of my favorite city's, New York has so much to offer!

With a little research before you get there, your trip to NYC with the family can grow to be a fun filled experience for every member of the family & one that will be fondly remembered for years to come.

New York overflows in activities not only for adults but for children as well. Kids can enjoy numerous outdoor sites & visit many educational attractions that spark their interest in the arts, science, music, history and nature. No matter what time of the year, New York has something to offer active and curious children to keep them excited, entertained and buzzing!

Here is a list of my top favorite things me & my Family have experienced in NYC - The list is sure to grow as the possible sites, events and buildings to see are infinite!

Central Park

Central Park is one of New York’s iconic attractions & it’s extremely kid-friendly. Central park covers 843 acres, which is 6% of Manhattan. Within Central Park, you can find the famed Carousel the Carousel is visited by almost 250,000 riders each year! (tickets needed) Enjoy an entire afternoon, or day could easily be spent in Central Park. Pack a picnic and plan your activities carefully ahead of time. The park is deceptively large and you may find yourselves doing more walking than intended. Vendors can be found in the spring & summer. 

Hear some local street music, have your face sketch by charcoal park artists or discover all the parks history with a guided tour (must set up in advance) From November through March ice skating is available in the southern end of the Park and in the northern end. (Skate and locker rentals are available) Visit, stand a reflect at Strawberry Fields - a living memorial to the world-famous singer, songwriter and peace activist John Lennon.

Kids will enjoy seeing Alice and her cast of storybook friends from: philanthropist George Delacorte commissioned the bronze statue as a gift to the children of New York City. Inspired by the zany characters of the Lewis Carroll classic Alice in Wonderland, the sculpture was also meant as a tribute to his late wife, Margarita, who read Alice to their children. Engraved around the statue are lines from his nonsensical poem, The Jabberwocky.

The sculpture is a favorite among children, who love to climb atop it and explore around the statue. Through the years, thousands of tiny hands have polished parts of its patina surface smooth. (taken from the official website of Central Park)

Look on their website calender for events, things to do, maps (which you need!) and ways to volunteer or donate. Map out a list of sites you wish to see and explore one of the most beautiful parks in America! 

Ellis Island Ferry Ride/Statue of Liberty

Visit two of the nation's most historic and iconic landmarks all in one enjoyable ferry ride. The history of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are taught to young school age children, so your kids will most likely appreciate these symbolic monuments with you. (tickets needed in advanced + security check point with bag checks) Lines can be long even with timed tickets so plan your day and be early for the ferry.  As you enter Ellis Island by ferry, you'll experience what 12 million immigrants once felt as they began their journey to becoming Americans. Once on Ellis Island, you can check out the Immigration Museum (great for bringing back books and other real mementos from a great historical land site!)  or eat at the Island's restaurant. You and your family can wave "Hello" to Lady Liberty her self! Tickets can be held for the base which everyone can be on once the ferry docks,  additional tickets are needed for the base and crown. The Statue of Liberty is going to be under construction and renovations for 2012 so check events and calender before hand. Bring your camera for the ferry ride that is one of NYC's best tours! If you are unable to get a ticket for the Ellis Island Ferry also check the New Jersey entrance if this is a MUST see on your list. There are two ferry's one out of NJ (Liberty State Park) & NYC (Battery Park) Still not able to get tickets?! Take the family to Battery Park for a look over the water to see Lady Liberty standing tall - It's a stretch but with binoculars, or a good telephoto lens you are able to see her!  

Times Square

Times Square is packed with activity every day of the year, some more than others and there’s a huge range of things to see and do for any age, taste or budget. Don’t get too caught up in the speed of things. Be sure to take some time to just people watch the other tourists and locals too, that’s part of the fun. Kids will enjoy the lights, noises and ever changing flashy billboards! There is NO WAY kids will never be bored when exploring Times Square. Lots of photo ops for this exciting icon spot but after you have taken a it all in check out some of the city's funnest kids shops like Times Square's  Disney Store & Toys R US. These stores are circus crazy & are beyond "normal" stores! Strollers are tough but do-able, and shops are open late weekends (11pm!) My kids loved all the taxi's that seem to swirl in Times Square!

9/11 Memorial

The highly emotional tenth anniversary of 9/11 was this summer and the long-awaited 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero are now open for reflection.  You are now able to visit nearby venues and learn what critical parts they played during those dreadful first days. Including St. Paul's Chapel, yards away, which incredibly was spared severe damage and served as a hub for relief efforts. Including the Steel Beam Cross (now moved to the 9/11 museum) formed by two steel girders hoisted from the debris to become a shrine dedicated to the heroes of Ground Zero. Plus, many other sights of profound significance to 9/11 history. If you are unable to get inside the grounds to the falls or walk with a guided tour I do encourage families to visit "The Ten House" were an historic 9/11 memorial sculpture to the New York City Fire Department is in place. The memorial wall is dedicated to the 343 members of the NYC Fire Department that lost their lives in the line of duty. It is located at the active FDNY Engine 10 Ladder 10, directly across from the World Trade Center. A special place to go if you have children that yet understand the weight of what happened 9/11. It shows sculpture of fire fighters and offers remembrance. Unfortunate site you have to see to feel what all New Yorkers and the world felt that day the world stop turning.....

Rockefeller Center

Home to the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree with 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights strung on more than five miles of electrical wire, and topped with a Swarovski crystal star, this is a spectacle not to be missed! Thousands crowd the sidewalks for the event and millions watch the Tree Lighting Ceremony broadcast live across the globe.  Each year the world's most famous tree is lit the week following Thanksgiving. Make plans in advance for your family to enjoy this festive site! Strollers are permitted but during the ceremony there are some sidewalk closers and some steps around Rockefeller Center once you get close to the tree. If you are unable to make it the lighting ceremony the tree is up till New Years so head over and view the enormous tree and take a family Christmas card photo in front of it's beauty!

Arguably the world's most celebrated ice skating rink, The Rink at Rockefeller Center offers breathtaking views of the gold gilded statue of Prometheus and the towering tree. Rent some ice skates and take part or enjoy watching all skill level skaters during the holidays!

FAO Toy Store

Feel like a Kid Again at the FAO Schwarz Toy Store in New York City. Located at 767 Fifth Avenue in New York City, FAO is one of the most famous toy stores in the world! Opened in 1870, FAO Schwarz is more than a toy store, it's a fun landmark & experience. The sheer size of the store, along with all of the wonderful displays, make the store a tourist attraction for everyone who goes to the city. Whether you have children or not, you will want to visit. Camera's & strollers are allowed. Take part in playing on the jumbo or "Big Piano" or watch a member of the staff play the famous tune Chopsticks from the movie BIG!

Macy's Christmas Experience

My family's most memorable Christmas yet! Macy's Christmas Santaland kicked off our holidays in NYC and there winter wonder land was TOP notch! Journey through enchanted forest to the North Pole that ends with a private visit with Santa. Along the way kids stare at highly decorated Christmas scenes, model train displays, talking trees, ice-skating polar bears, lavishly decorated Christmas trees, dancing animals, and twinkling lights. The wondrous surroundings make the wait to see Santa pass by in a flash. Try to arrange this experience during the week (Monday-Thursday) we enjoyed Macy's on an early morning in early December 2010 and there was NO line! Weekends can draw crowds with locals and tourist . Camera & strollers are permitted.

Carrie Stoop

After you have done all the family activities find some "you" time and visit the legendary Carrie Stoop of Carrie Bradshaw. Featured in many scenes from "Sex & The City." On the show, she is depicted as living on the Upper East Side, but this active building used to depict the front of Carrie's apartment is really in the West Village. The steps are no longer on the bus tour and you are unable to go up the steps or stand on them, but you are able to pass by, take pics and lust over your favorite girl show scenes! Fabulous!

New York City with my children has been so magical! All the sites, lights and memories are priceless and we look forward to going back as the possibilities for my families adventures are endless there! 

Family Emergency Kit

Starting A Kit Is Tougher Than It Seems

We recently purchase a 4x4 SUV in August 2011. Overall excitement and new ideas/adventures were our intention with this new vehicle for our family. Besides more room for kids and grocery space we were looking forward to road trips, camping, driving on the beach and overall off road capabilities with our Lexus GX470. 

A few items are needed to make these times more enjoyable. I started with a bag for the back of my SUV and began to research things to have in tow. The wish list for the SUV is HUGE and then I started to think about recent snow storms in Northern VA and I wanted a emergency kit for my family.

We had an plastic Rubbermade rack and I cleared it off. I started with some basic everyday household items and then it grew.....you can put as much money as you want into this. Either way the old saying "better safe than sorry" comes to mind or the "what ifs?"

First make a list, being organized and sticking to your budget can save money and space if you are working with a smaller area. Then look around your house for items you may have or not be using. (Ex. duck tape, candles, matches can be found around the house)

So here is my list of what we have so far:

Plastic tarp

Duck tape (for chemical attack or pandemic to sell windows/doors)

2 pairs heavy working gloves

Waterproof matches

Candles 

Canned veggies

Canned beans

Canned fruits

Canned juice

Can opener

Propane tank

Grill

Wood chips or starter wood

2 pots

2 pans

Benchmade knife

Plastic trash bags with zip ties

4 emergency survival blankets (depends on how many people are in your family)

4 ponchos

8-10 hand warmers

Paper Towels

Toilet paper

2 tissue packs

4 toothbrushes and 1tube toothpaste

4 glow sticks

utility rope ( made of twine, not plastic)

Drinking water - 2 gallons

2 plastic flashlights ( batteries)

Coloring book, crayons, playing cards (other kid friendly activities)

First aid kit (small)

Paper face masks (1 pack has 4 masks)

Gas can (keep away from fire, heat or grilling items)

Ok, so some people are like what do you do with all this crap if nothing happens?! Well, concerning canned foods & water if our family doesn't use these items then we plan to donate them to a food pantry before it's expiration arrives.  Other items are needed for camping anyhow and it's good to have most of these items for a storm, hurricane or power outage.

So, in the beginning August 2011 I started this little "stock pile" and it was just a little thing that was for "what ifs" and for my new rustic flavor, until we had an Earthquake hit our area in Northern VA August 23rd 2011. I am taking this emergency kit to a WHOLE new level!

Experiencing 1st hand the lack of cell phone coverage in a 4 hour period and there was no real damage or fatalities scared me even more for the  BIG ONE! Everything we had is now considered post earthquake gear!

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=72c51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

Items I Am Adding:

Shovel

Feminine items

Diapers & wipes 

Whistle

Purified water tablets 

Copies of important documents, papers and files (in case you have to evacuate)

Cash

More gas

Need to know how to change a flat tire

Family meeting area or route (maps)

Power bars or ration bars 

*A Radio

Once the earthquake hit and cell service was jammed I went straight to the tv which was out. I kinda thought it was a earthquake but at first I thought my washer was loaded with too many towels and was rocking the house, then a panic when the tv was out that something worse had happened. I need a battery controlled radio!

I'm bothered by the fact that the flashlights & radios require batteries. What if the batteries die before you us them or what do you do when they run out? I don't want to be completely dependent batteries. Wind-up and/or solar powered equipment is a must now I feel. Also, what about charging gadgets like cell phones or other electric items you might have with you that need energy. I am looking into an inverter for my car as well!

*More Water

A luxury I take for granted and if gas lines, power line or septic is getting into your water you could be out of water fast.  Allow 1 gallon per person per day up to 3-4 days! So I say have at least 5 gallons of water for a family of 4 to start. Whether it's during summer or winter water is a commodity you don't want to have to be looking for, worried or panicked about! Stock up now!

*First Aid Kit

Yea, I have little stuff for my family like band aids & peroxide. But think if you or a family member is hurt or unable to move. You may need some extra first aid for you, a loved one or neighbor. Include medications and personal hygiene items in a separate container. Alcohol, gauze, and breakable ice packs for bumps and bruises. A medical book could be handy since I am not a wiz at symptoms or how to treat certain things. If the power is out no Wed MD so I am going to try and add a medical book to my stock pile! 

*Two-Way-Radio or Walkie Talkies

My husbands work building is 3-4 miles away and we may be able to communicate with some nice walkie talkies if cell service is down.

*A Family Plan

Where would you go? Where would you meet? You need to have a rough plan in mind and everyone in your family on the same page. Get matching maps and highlight some plans to follow or somewhere to meet. Think of friends or family that may live outside your area and email them to let them know if you plan on including them.

God forbid if your child is at school during an emergency but ask the school whats their policy on emergency or evacuations and talk it over with your kids.

This 2011 school year I plan to include a comfort note to my child from me, a blanket and glow stick for my kid to bring with her for her student supply bag. Teachers are trained for emergency but as a comfort ask your child's school if you are able to include something like this with this years schools supplies out of your pocket!

 *MRE's

Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs) are packaged food rations created by the US military which are used to aid soldiers who may not have access to food preparation facilities.

Typically MREs contain an entrée, a side dish, either crackers or bread, margarine or spread for bread, a ration of coffee and creamer, dessert and required utensils. They also contain a ration heater, which tends to work by adding a little water to the MREs. This effectively heats the entrée and the coffee. Most MREs contain about 1200-1500 calories. (this definition provided by wiseGeek)

I want to pick a few of these up!

*Car Kit

Having a small container in your car or trunk with a few of these items are important. How often are you really home? I am home all the time but I am a stay at home Mom. What if I prepare all this stuff and am out one day when a emergency happens. Yea, you can never be fully prepared but it would be silly to spend all this time and money and be stuck in your car during a storm, blizzard or disaster. If I were stuck in my car more than 2-3 hours with my 2 kids I could be in serious trouble - no thanks! 

Some simple steps to make you think - be informed and start to be in control if something were to happen in your area. Like I said in the beginning you can invest in as a little as you want in your family emergency kit. Add things week by week or every other month. Skip the big stuff and just start with canned food, water and a first aid kit. Think about a situation you, a friend or loved one has been in. What could your family really need or could not go without and start from there!

2 Under 2

Having 2 toddlers under 2 years old has no vocabulary word that new Mom's can digest or understand! Whether you plan for 2 under 2 or you had a sneak attack here are some helpful tricks & tips!

Car Seat - Be sure you know how to use your car seat, stroller & other equipment. Have the car seat installation checked by a knowledgeable safety-seat expert. Call ahead to check dates and time for safety checks at local fire or police stations. Most of the time local area fire stations hold check days or weekends. Don't be scared when you look in your review mirror and see 2 car seats now! Eeek!

A Double Stroller - it's a MUST! Either a tandem double or side-by-side invest in one! You can check local adds for a gently used strollers or save each month. You have at least 6-8 months that you know you are expecting! If you waited and you have 2u2 and now realizing there is no way you can go in public without a double stroller check out craigslist or ebay! Go to a local store that carries the brand or model you wish to have and give it a spin in the store 1st! Remember to make sure that the double stroller can A. fit through a standard size door and B. Fit in your trunk! Double strollers help get Mom fit, healthy & out of the house!

Job Charts - having 2u2 is tough and your house doesn’t have to fall apart while you get adjusted. Keep a job chart in the kitchen or a dry erase board on or near the fridge to help share household duties. This way you won’t get to the point of no return on house work! Family & Friends can help follow too when they come over. Great for feedings, medicine and babysitter too! This not only is helpful with 2u2 but if you have older children try weekly rewards & incentives!

 Hospital List/Bag - Your OB or hospital you are delivering at should have a general list of thing you can & can not bring....if this is your second go around you know you may have brought too much stuff or not enough or something else the 1st time! All I can recommend is some good food postpartum! Hospital food - Yuck!

(*see my hospital check list sheet )

If you didn't have a cesarean with your first read up on it & find out details just in case. Every labor and delivery is different. Ask your Dr. questions and the "what if's" as delivery time draws near.  Recovery time is harder after a c-section when there is an excited toddler at home waiting to play. Ouch!

Remember a gift from the sibling to the new baby & a gift from the baby to the older sibling (that you can help pick out before the big day!) This will be a great memory as they may not remember the Birthday so have the camera handy!

Big Sister or Big Brother attire is also fun on the big delivery day!

It's not easy being pregnant while you still have a baby yourself! Here is a list of activities to do with your 1st before baby #2 arrives

Book Basket - Reading in bed with your toddler can pass some time & get you off your swollen feet especially if you are on bed rest! Go to book sales or check consignment shops for gently used books for your collection.

Magna Doodle -  Easy and NO MESS! Create shapes & stories or let your little one play with no worry of stains or clean up!

Flash cards - Take some regular ABC flash cards or animals cards to your local printer/copy store & have them laminated!  This helps with teething or rough toddlers & you can work on animal sounds and letters!

Tea Party/Picnic in bed -  Cover your bed with a fun quilt or favorite blanket. Enjoy some tea (water or pretend) Cheers & sip away!

Blocks - Playing blocks with Mommy or Daddy is a great game that teaches fine motor skills & can also help your toddler practice sharing before the new baby comes!

Bubbles - Weather you have a free afternoon or you are in your kitchen what kids doesn't LOVE bubbles?!

Felt Boards - Entertaining & enjoyable! Create and share stories with the whole family! Let your toddler decide what happens next with a colorful felt board using shapes, animals & people. Some Mommy's even make their own! I found some at a local craft store.

Dress Up - Give your toddler tons of confidence & let them pick out fun, goofy object to dress up in or be silly! A few different hats can work too if you don't have a dress up chest yet.  Also Mom & Dad's closet is a great resource for ties, shoes or scarfs!

Trip to the Farm -  Let your toddler get some energy out while exploring a local farm or park. During the fall many farms are open to the public & have tours or hay rides! Even pick out a pumpkin during months in September & October!

Bounce House -  Yes, I said bounce house.....My kids really enjoy these & bedtime on the night we go is a breeze! It was hard to go to a bounce house the first few month with 2u2 so get your time in before baby comes or keep in mind for after! This can also be a great Daddy & toddler play date if you need a break while pregnant or home with a newborn!

Library - Check your local library for actives & group toddler/preschool reading. In the summer libraries may have groups or events that are geared towards little people! Use as a back up for a rainy day field trip!

Decorate Nursery -  (or to be shared room) Involve your first born in decorating or contributing something for the new baby. Show your toddler the room & talk about how soon someone may be down the hall or sharing a room with them! Sleep over party, Yay!

A Crying Doll - Even though it may have been a short time ago a crying baby will soon be in your house or may already be! A crying baby doll is an easy way to show your toddler that new sounds are coming to the house and it's ok. If you toddler is scared or uninterested keep the baby doll around and randomly set it to cry. You can even have your toddler help sooth the doll & comfort it. It can be his or her's baby to personally be in charge of! This may instill good gestures to be like Mommy or be a helper.  Its good for pets so they too get familiar to a crying sound.

Photo Shoot -  Your first born is always special, new times are ahead along with mixed emotions. "Am I ready for this?" "Can we afford another?" "What if I forgot everything about a baby?!" These voices will stop (maybe not for a while) but you are giving your 1st born the BEST gift ever! A life long best friend! Take advantage of this alone time & capture your first born...cause hey, it went by fast didn't it? Just yesterday you were photographing your newly born 1st baby. Either take a few shots outside in natural light or get Mommy & Daddy together for some intimate shots before the baby comes. You can always do another shoot when the 2nd baby arrives!




2u2 is tough even if you have remaining items that you are using for baby #1 But if at all you are able, invest in a DSLR now! There are FUN times ahead!