Adventure, baby!

Month: January 2014

Burgers For Picky Eaters at The Counter: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Midtown, NY

The Counter: #Kid-Friendly #Restaurants #midtown, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a picky eater. I’ve gotten a lot better as I’ve gotten older and have forced myself to keep trying new foods, but the fact remains that I am indeed annoyingly picky. So nothing makes me happier than to be able to choose every ingredient in my food (A.K.A. control freak syndrome).

Back in Sydney, I used to frequent The Counter, a choose-your-own-burger-adventure restaurant on Sydney’s North Shore. Delighted is an understatement to describe how I felt when I discovered The Counter also had a home in Times Square. I usually avoid Times Square like the G train, but I often end up in the area, starving after seeing a show, and The Counter is my go-to to escape the Times Square crazy and indulge my food OCD with a really fine burger.

The Counter: #Kid-Friendly #Restaurants #midtown, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

We ended up back at The Counter after taking Cheese to see a dance/theatre show for kids called Ballerina Swan that was playing in a theatre nearby. After an hour of watching some very athletic people on stage, we were all famished.

When you sit down at The Counter, you’re handed a massive menu. The top portion is for you to fill out with your burger requirements. Burgers start from $10.95. Choose your size and type of meat, bun type and toppings. Not eating carbs? Select the burger in a bowl, with salad instead. The Counter caters to lots of dietary restrictions, with gluten-free burger buns and a vegan veggie patty. The menu also serves as something for toddlers to scribble all over while you’re waiting for your meal.

The Counter: #Kid-Friendly #Restaurants #midtown, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

The Counter makes amazing shakes. We always order one to share — this time it was Butterscotch with Malt ($6.50). There is no kids’ menu, so Cheese makes do with shake, fries and bites of our burgers.

The Counter: #Kid-Friendly #Restaurants #midtown, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

I always order the same burger — I have it perfected finally, after multiple visits. I get the 1/3lb vegan veggie patty on a whole wheat bun, with baby spinach, tomato, carrot, pineapple and Tillamook cheddar cheese.

The Counter: #Kid-Friendly #Restaurants #midtown, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

Alec had the 1/3 lb beef burger (100% natural angus beef, hormone and antibiotic-free), on a ciabatta bun, with baby spinach, tomato, avocado, and Tillamook cheddar cheese.

The Counter: #Kid-Friendly #Restaurants #midtown, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

It’s important to order fries at The Counter. We always get the Fifty-Fifty ($6) with half regular fries and half sweet potato fries. They are just so good. Trust me.

The atmosphere at The Counter is great for kids. Upbeat music playing, friendly staff and lots of chatting means you don’t have to stress over how your kid is behaving. It’s a low-key, great meal option in an area of NYC that’s devoid of really great places to eat.

Looking for somewhere nearby to play? If it’s cold, let the kids roam around the Disney or Toys R Us stores — endless (warm!) fun.

Last Bite: Build your own burger at this kid-friendly restaurant in Times Square. The Counter delivers on great food and a no-stress attitude. 

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Minimal – bring an umbrella stroller if possible.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

The Counter
7 Times Square (41st & Broadway)
New York NY 10036
Phone: (212) 997 6801
Prices: $$
Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-11pm, Thur 11am-12am, Fri-Sat 11am-1am
Get directions

The Dream Big Academy: Rosie Wants to be a Fireman {Book Review}

The Dream Big Academy: Rosie Wants To Be A fireman {Book Review} via brunchwithmybaby.com

If your little one is at the age where she is curious about where mommy or daddy goes all day when they head off to this mysterious place called “work”, then this new children’s book by NYC author (and mom!) Marissa Klein are for you.

After struggling to find career-related books suitable to teach her own 2.5-year-old about careers, Klein decided to write her own story, The Dream Big Academy: Rosie Wants to be a Fireman. With whimsical illustrations by the talented Brooke Hagel, Rosie Wants to be a Fireman is the first in a series of books that are based on that question that stumps us even now: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Each night when Rosie goes off to sleep, a whole new world opens up for her. In this dreamworld, Rosie can be anything she wants to be. In Rosie Wants to be a Fireman, she helps rescue a cat from a tree and decides that when she grows up, she’ll be a fireman. Tomorrow, however, who knows what Rosie will want to be — you’ll have to follow the series to find out! With gorgeous, fashion-inspired illustrations and sweet rhyming language, little girls will adore following Rosie on her adventures — and hopefully be inspired to find some new big dreams for themselves.

The stories are intended for 4-7 year olds, but 2-3 year olds can enjoy a good read with an older sibling. While this is a children’s book, the message rings true for adults as well – it gives parents an opportunity to explain to their children why they have to go to work every day and how important it is to chase your dreams.

The Dream Big Academy: Rosie Wants to be a Fireman (Rissylyn; June 2013; $12.99, paperback; $19.95, hardcover; $4.95, Kindle) is now available for purchase via Amazon and Create Space. Visit http://www.thedreambigacademy.com to learn more or to buy your copy today.

The Dream Big Academy: Rosie Wants To Be A fireman {Book Review} via brunchwithmybaby.com

 

Daniel Tiger's 3-in-1 Treehouse {Review + Giveaway}

Daniel Tiger Treehouse Review + #Giveaway

We’re huge Daniel Tiger fans in this household (I MAY be guilty of using Daniel Tiger’s songs in our day-to-day lives (“Problem solved!”). So it was a very exciting day for one little toddler when the Daniel Tiger 3-in-1 Convertable Treehouse arrived. Miss E is really into pretend play and dollhouses right now, so this toy is right up her alley.

Daniel Tiger Treehouse Review + #Giveaway

The treehouse arrives set up as above, with three figures  — Daniel Tiger, O the Owl and Katerina Kittycat. Designed to encourage imaginative play, the familiar figures can play with their environment in numerous ways, (The slide! The swing! The stairs!). A rocket in the center of the tree goes up and down between levels, and Katerina Kittycat spins in her bedroom while music plays. Super cute. The pieces all detach and can be aranged however the child decides.

Daniel Tiger Treehouse Review + #Giveaway

With a few changes, the tree house is transformed into a space station (here’s where the rocket elevator is most fun).

Daniel Tiger Treehouse Review + #Giveaway
The third playspace is on the other side of the toy — the front yard. A section of the treehouse flips down for Daniel’s telescope.

What I like best about this toy is how interactive it is. There are so many ways children can engage with the treehouse and the characters within it. At $39.95 it’s not cheap, but for big fans of the show, it will entertain for hours (or at least the length of a Daniel Tiger episode), making it money well spent.

The treehouse is also solidly gender neutral. Boys will enjoy this toy just as much as girls. You can pick up your own Daniel Tiger 3-in-1 Convertable Treehouse from stores like Toys R Us.

GIVEAWAY
The kind folks at Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood are giving one lucky Brunch With My Baby reader the chance to win their own Daniel Tiger 3-in-1 Convertable Treehouse. Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.

Giveaway is open Wednesday January 22 to 11:59pm Tuesday 28, 2014 EST.

Entry open to US mailing addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rosewood Mayakoba: A Luxury Stay In Mexico

Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico

Rosewood Mayakoba is a 1600-acre resort sitting on a mile‐long beach of pure white Caribbean sand, just north of Playa del Carmen. The resort features 130 suites with private plunge pools, rooftop sundecks, garden showers, individual docks and the finest modern design and details.

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com

It’s been a long time since we’ve been on a holiday − not a trip, where our purpose is to see family, but a vacation where our only intention is relaxation.

We booked a stay at the Rosewood Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya, following a recommendation from our close friends who vacation there frequently. Sunning ourselves in the warm Mexican sun by a pool and doing nothing else sounded exactly what we needed.

Travel Guide: #Mayakoba, #Mexico, With Kids via brunchwithmybaby.com

It was the first time in Mexico for all of us. I usually prefer traveling where I see a lot of the local culture and history, but this time, with a very energetic two-year-old, all I wanted to do was relax and swim.

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com
Private plunge pool

Mission accomplished at the Rosewood Mayakoba, where we spent four blissful days doing absolutely nothing.

From the moment we arrived, we were treated to world-class service. On arrival we were presented with cocktails, and escorted by boat to our own personal dock attached to our villa, complete with outdoor plunge pool.

The thoughtful staff remembered our names and greeted us personally throughout our stay, always happy and cheerful, wanting to make our stay as special as possible.

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com

Our routine while at Rosewood Mayakoba: wake up in the morning, take a dip in our plunge pool, then stuff ourselves at the buffet breakfast (there were CRONUTS every day!).

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com

After lunch, stroll on down to the beach and spend the afternoon having lunch, playing with Missy E in the Rose Buds playroom if the sun was too hot, then playing on the beach and swimming in the pool.

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com
Rose Buds play room

We were so happy with our family-friendly Rosewood Mayakoba was. The beachside pool had a special shallow area for small children, and the staff handed out beach toys for the kids to play with, as well as bringing around afternoon snacks like sorbet. The resort features a fantastic kids club, called Rose Buds, which is a big playroom filled with toys and games, a movie screen and crafting activities.

While children must be over a certain age to be dropped off at the kids club in the care of staff, they may use the facilities if they are in the care of an adult – which can include a babysitter, booked through the resort.

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com

The resort also offers a wide range of fun activities for families. Older children may be dropped off, but younger ones must be accompanied by an adult (check with the resort for more details on drop-off ages). Activities available include yoga, an EcoTour (including a tour on a boat accompanied by a biologist who explains everything about the flora and fauna), a scavenger hunt, EcoBingo, pizza class and cookie-making class (during high season),  themed nights such as Mexican Night, Pirate Night, Pajama Party and Mayan Celebration (during high season), Spanish and Mayan lessons (during high season) and Mayan story-telling.

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com
EcoTour

I took Miss E on the EcoTour, which we both enjoyed. We saw an alligator resting on the riverbank, which excited the children and adults alike.

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com
Kiddie welcome pack

At a fancy resort, you expect that little kids might not be welcome. The Rosewood however also went above and beyond to make Miss E feel special (if a spoiled toddler can possibly feel even more special, that is!).

A sweet kids’ kit on arrival, a clean and well-stocked playroom, constant effort by the staff to make sure she was catered for – little things like complimentary whole milk in our room, kiddie cups everywhere we dined and staff remembering her name and greeting her all throughout the resort made Missy E, and all of us, feel comfortable and welcome.

At such a relaxing resort, it was impossible to resist the siren call of Sense, the Rosewood spa, where I had a massage and a pedicure like no other. I was reclined backwards in a zero gravity chair, with a weighted mask over my eyes and my feet pampered. I was so relaxed I think I might have fallen asleep.

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com
Date night at The Banyan Tree

We booked a babysitter three nights out of five so we could have some together time, and enjoyed some amazing meals around the resort at Casa Del Lago, which overlooked the pool, and Punta Bonita, which is a family-friendly restaurant by day, and romantic Mexican-inspired restaurant by night, overlooking the ocean.

We also ventured to the neighboring Banyan Tree resort to dine at Saffron on delicious Thai classics. Our last night we had room service from Casa Del Lago, which I actually thought was the best meal we had all trip. The meal was basically relocated from the restaurant to our hotel,  complete with tiny chocolate truffles.

#Rosewood #Mayakoba #Mexico via brunchwithmybaby.com

We’ve stayed at a lot of hotels and resorts in our years of travel, but this trip to Mayakoba was special. The Rosewood is set up to pamper guests, and help them fulfill their every need. Every staff member went above and beyond to take care of us, remembering our names, that I was vegetarian (!), and continually trying to make our stay the best it could be. The end result – we had never felt so relaxed, welcomed, valued and pampered.

Alec and I both agreed that our Mayakoba vacation was possibly the best trip we’ve had, and can’t wait to visit again.

Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico

GIVEAWAY: Win one of three sets of bowtie + tie from A,Apple Pie!

A, Apple Pie from Pupsik Studio - Brunch With My Baby Singapore

There’s something really ridiculously cute about a little boy all spiffied up. I feel like I just gotta go nibble on their ears and pinch their cheeks until someone pulls me aside and tells me I’m being weird!

A, Apple Pie (a brand created by Pupsik Studio) have just launched their pearlised polka dot fabrics for Chinese New Year, which feature girls cheongsams as well as boys shirts.

But if you think it’s a bit full-on, you can tone it down with just a smart little Bow Tie or TiePsssstttt…… they’re on SALE right now at those links! (Was: S$14.90. Now: S$12.90)

They come attached to an elastic band that you simply pull over your kid’s head, and tuck into their collar. Simple concept, and fuss free.

A, Apple Pie are giving away three sets of bowtie + tie!

a Brunch With My Baby giveaway



You can submit some of the entries more than once a day, so come back tomorrow to get more entries in the draw.

Giveaway will run from 17 Jan – 23 Jan 2014 inclusive.
Winner’s entry(s) will be verified according to the entry criteria(s).
Three winners will be sent a set of bowtie and tie, colours chosen based on availability.

 

And, here’s an extra goodie from A, Apple Pie:

Get 15% off anything from A, Apple Pie’s 2014 collection, using code: BWMB

Valid until 28 Feb 2014.

 

PupsikTie02

PupsikTie03

PupsikTie04

PupsikTie05

 

Angela Santomero: Creating Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Today’s Brunch Special is courtesy of Angela Santomero, founder & executive producer of Out of the Blue Enterprises, creator of Blue’s Clues for Nick Jr, Super Why & Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood for PBS Kids, and Creative Galaxy & Wishenpoof for Amazon Kids. Angela lives with her husband, Greg, and two daughters in New York City. 

An interview with Angela Santomero, creater of #bluesclues & #danieltiger via brunchwithmybaby.com

Tell us about your background, and how you got your break in TV. 
I have a Masters in Child Development & Instructional Technology and Media from Teachers College, Columbia University.  I was inspired by Fred Rogers and the incredible and important work he was doing for kids and parents through television and wanted to make an impact the way that he did.

Tell us about your career path.
Since I have a background in research, I started my career in the revolutionary research department at Nickelodeon working with kids and media.  Research has always been my “secret sauce” and what has shaped my vision and my work creating media for kids. An interview with Angela Santomero, creater of #bluesclues & #danieltiger via brunchwithmybaby.com
How did your ideas for Blues Clues, Super Why and Daniel Tiger come about?
I’ve always wanted a dog. And to be a super hero. And Daniel Tiger was my favorite character on Mister Rogers Neighborhood! I also wanted to teach kids everything they needed to know before they got to kindergarten (Blue’s Clues); to teach kids the power of reading, how to read, what strategies to use when reading and how to get lost inside a book (Super Why); and I am a firm believer that the foundation of all learning is socio emotional skills.  So promoting Fred’s legacy through his groundbreaking socio emotional curriculum was a passion of mine.

An interview with Angela Santomero, creater of #bluesclues & #danieltiger via brunchwithmybaby.com
How hard is it to get a series actually on the TV?

Let’s just say that it took 6 years to get Daniel Tiger on the air!  So, it’s a long laborious passion-filled love project — much like being a mom!

Tell us about your new girl empowerment pilot, Wishenproof for Amazon Studios.
Wishenpoof is a dream project for me, as Bianca, our girl lead, is smart, empowered, and self-assured, persevering through her newfound ability to use her “wishes” to help.  I love who Bianca is: that she’s not afraid to wear a puffy skirt and high tops, and is okay with messing up her wishes, as long as she can keep practicing and, in the end, help her friends.

An interview with Angela Santomero, creater of #bluesclues & #danieltiger via brunchwithmybaby.com
How do you create your characters? Are they ever based off people you know in real life?
Always!  I’m like Taylor Swift – you better be careful because my favorite people and those that have done me wrong are ALL in my shows!  😉

Do your kids think what you do is cool? Who are their fave characters?
My girls liked when they saw my name on a book. That cemented what I did with them.  Oh, and the thinking chair in the basement is cool, too.

Everyone wants to know the “secret” to a maintaining a successful career and being a hands-on mom. Tell us about your balancing act.
So many answers to this question! All I can say is there is NO BALANCE. Every day has its ups and downs, challenges and wonderful opportunities.  I have been fortunate to have a husband who supports me 100% and the best team in children’s media who enable me to do what I do and understand that I’m a mom, too.

You’re raising your two daughters in NYC. What are your favorite things about bringing up kids here?
I love that I never had to close my stroller when I was done with it.  It just stayed outside my door, waiting for me.  I love that I can walk everywhere – the doctor’s office, to all our baby classes, shopping, visiting friends. I love that my kids grew up with Central Park as their “backyard”, and museums and the best classes at their fingertips. I love that my kids are “restaurant kids” as almost all NYC kids are – they knew how to sit and order and be respectful and play “waiting games” in a restaurant before they could walk!

Where are your fave places to go in the city with your kids?
We love to see Broadway Shows – I have Broadway kids!  We just saw Wicked again and Matilda … Fabulous! We love the UWS – Arty’s, Ruby Foos, Café Lalo, Alice’s Tea Cup, Popovers, Jacob’s Pickles, MoMA, Chelsea Piers, Hi Art classes, The American Museum of Natural History and watching the balloons blow up the day before the Thanksgiving Day Parade!

An Interview with Angela Santomero via Brunchwithmybaby.comAngela Santomero is Co‐Founder: Out of the Blue Enterprises LLC. She’s the  Creator, Executive Producer & Head Writer of Daniel Tigerʹs NeighborhoodSuper Why (PBS KIDS), Blue’s Clues (Nick Jr) and On‐Air Host & Executive Producer: The Parent Show (PBS Parents.org). 

Keste Pizza: Kid-Friendly Pizza & Vino, West Village, New York

Keste #Pizza: #kid-friendly #restaurants, #west village, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

In my early days in New York, I was introduced to Kesté Pizza & Vino on Bleeker Street, by my Aussie expat friends. It was a welcome respite from the chaos in my life at that stage — pregnant, moving to New York City and starting my life from scratch. Inside Kesté, life was simpler. It was relaxed and casual, with welcoming staff, a cozy vibe, uh-mazing pizza, and understanding friends.

Missy E ate a lot of Kesté pizza when she was in utero, but none since popping out of it until my last birthday, when we decided to drop in for a casual lunch. As always, the staff was inviting and sat us straight away on an early Saturday afternoon, in a tiny little corner booth, backed up against the open kitchen.

It was pretty squishy at the table, but our location turned out to be a blessing when I realised that the glass behind me peeked straight into the kitchen and that Miss E could be briefly entertained by watching the pizzas being made from scratch, and then being baked in the oven. She also thought it would be fun to play with the wine bottles.

Keste #Pizza: #kid-friendly #restaurants, #west village, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

Even though it was my birthday (or maybe especially because it was my birthday?), Miss E was being a total demon child. Up, down, no, no, noooooooooo. The iPhone and then pizza occupied her briefly, but sadly this was one of the fastest and least relaxing visits I’ve had at Kesté. Ever.

Our visit might have been improved if the staff had been a bit friendlier towards us — especially towards Miss E. Yes, I know she can be INCREDIBLY annoying (such as on this particular day), but it would have made our lunch just that much more enjoyable and less stressful if we’d felt that they liked kids a bit more (or at least pretended to). While the staff were very efficient, we felt like they were really rushed on this particular day and our food was thrown at us, with no effort to make us comfortable, such as offers to get us things like a plastic cup for the child (I think we actually asked for this and it was ignored), or just basic welcoming conversation. It could just have been because we arrived during a busy time and the staff were super busy, so I would absolutely return with Miss E to give it another shot — if only because their pizza is SO FRICKING GOOD.

Keste #Pizza: #kid-friendly #restaurants, #west village, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

At Kesté, they make each pizza to order, from the crust up, so the pizzas super fresh in every possible way. They even make gluten-free pizzas for those who request them.

The tomato sauce on my Margherita ($13) is the perfect sweet tomato blend, with giant gloops of fresh mozzarella and little basil leaves. We ordered a pizza per adult — between the two of us, Missy E and I polished ours off. Alec was so hungry he ate his entire pizza.

We hope to return to Kesté on another day when our daughter is not trying to destroy our souls.

Last Bite: One of the best pies you’ll get in the city, at one of the most reasonable prices. The perfect place to introduce kids to what a quality pizza actually tastes like.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Minimal. Fold up strollers only.
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Kesté Pizza & Vino
271 Bleecker St (between Jones St & Morton St)
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 243-1500
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Thur 12pm-3:30pm, 5pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11:30pm, Sun 12pm-10:30pm

The Expat Life: Where Your Heart Is Always Torn In Two

The Expat Life: Where Your Heart Is Torn In Two - akissgoodnight.co

We’ve been living in New York for almost exactly three years now. Three of the toughest, most exciting, frustrating years of my life (having a tough kid doesn’t make it any easier).

As I near my 3 year anniversary of living the expat life, I’ve been reflecting a lot on how living in this situation, for me, is like living with your heart permanently torn in two. It’s a state of constantly missing those you left behind and who are living their lives without you, and, at the same time, enjoying your new life – with the thought always floating in your head, how long will this last? How long until the good doesn’t outweigh the bad? How long until you make the move back home and settle back into your old life? Sooner? Later? Never?

Living in a constant state of flux
At least, I certainly am. When we moved here, our time estimation for how long we’d live here was one-to-two years. Every year, we say we will give it one more year. Most of our stuff is in storage in Australia, but since we can’t decide whether or not to commit to living here permanently, we don’t know what to do with it all. It’s things like a giant couch that wouldn’t fit into any NYC apartment. My photographs and negatives and books. All my memories and possessions for my life pre 2011 are packaged into small boxes and stuffed into my parent’s house. I find myself missing things. Like a hair clip I was given for my 21st birthday that I still love to wear, but didn’t make the cut for things that we needed to bring over. And having to re-buy everything (PAINFUL!) because it’s cheaper than having the old things shipped over. How long until we can commit to a life here or there? Is there a magic number of years that pass and present the answer?

It starts off really really hard, but gets easier
The first year was so tough that I didn’t think we’d make it through and wanted to fly home almost every day. I missed everything about my old life – our home, our family and friends, the warm weather, and the easiness of life when you know how everything runs and how to do everything without thinking about it. The hardest parts about adapting to life in the US were the little things. Where to buy good Greek yoghurt. Finding a new GP, dentist, seamstress, housekeeper … Working out how medical insurance worked (ok, and some not so little things).

After the two-year mark things went from tough and frustrating to finally comfortable enough to feel like I didn’t have to fight to get little things done every single day. As I near the three-year mark, life has become great. It’s no longer a daily frustration as I can’t work out the little nuances that make life here different. Some still remain (why is supermarket bread SO BAD?! Why is the cheese ORANGE?! Why does tomato ketchup have CORN SYRUP in it?!) but, in general, New York is feeling like home.

Starting your tribe from scratch
It takes a while to make a new tribe. In my case, it took over two years to accumulate a new circle of friends whom I felt comfortable with. Feeling lonely and disconnected, while seeing all my old friends having a blast together was tough. It takes a lot of effort to stay in touch with people, especially as we get older and have more time commitments. One thing that can be said is that moving countries really shows you who your friends are! The ones who reply to your emails with thoughtful messages (and send you notes spontaneously when they’re thinking of you!) are going to be a lot fewer than you think (sadness), but they will be the ones who are your friends for life (happiness).

Missing family
Family is tough no matter where you live. Near them, they can drive you so nuts you wish you lived far, far away, and then if you DO live far, far away, you miss them like crazy and wonder if you made a mistake. Add a small child into that and it’s an even more difficult situation. People talk a lot about “mother guilt” – feeling guilty about everything you do and don’t do for your child. Instead of this, I get “daughter guilt”, where I feel guilty for moving so far away from my parents with their only grand child. We Skype every week and it’s a constant reminder of how much our decision to live this life is causing pain to other people who are missing out on precious moments with their grand child.

The up side
These last three years in New York have been a wonderful experience, despite the hardships – or perhaps, even, in some ways, because of them. Without a doubt, it’s been totally worth it. I’m an introverted person, so being here has pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways that staying in Sydney wouldn’t have. As well as the amazing experiences I’ve had here (not to mention that NEW YORK IS MY HOME!! How cool is that?!), the self-reliance and resilience I’ve built up as a result of this new life have also been positive for my own personal growth.

It’s not just my life
It’s not just about me and Alec. We are constantly trying to decide what is best for E. Little Missy E is having an amazing childhood, by the way. Central Park is her backyard. The American Museum of Natural History is her playground. She has dined at some of the best restaurants in NYC, all before she could walk. Lucky kid. We try to keep her as connected as possible with family back home so she knows who she is and where she comes from. It’s a normal part of her week to Skype Nanna and Pop-pop. E gets older, she will truly reap the benefits of her dual life. As an American and Australian citizen, a world of opportunities are literally open to her.

GIVEAWAY: Elly ‘The Horse Parade’ bermuda shorts (worth $39)!

Elly CNY 2014 - The Horse Parade - Brunch With My Baby

Nothing to spur a parent into action like the words (especially when blurted urgently) Chinese New Year is coming! Specifically, from grandparents that want to be super sure you and the kids have a brand new set of clothes for the occasion.

Fortunately for us, our (extended) family don’t celebrate CNY with a vengeance, so the kids aren’t subject to being dragged around from home-to-home for hours on end (this is what my local friends complain about the most).

Unfortunately for us, it means we don’t have an excuse to get decked out in outfit after outfit of CNY themed stuff!

So we haven’t really gone crazy snapping up CNY outfits, but the range from Elly got me really excited because their CNY “The Horse Parade” range is just so wearable through the year! Check out that link and you’ll know what I mean.

Anyway, both boys ended up with their Red Horses and White Horses bermuda shorts (click that link for more details and photos of the shorts). I personally like these BEST out their whole boys range because:

  1. The fabric is thin but strong. It will last through tumbling around and regular wear and tear.
  2. The style is classic and smart-casual. I love how these are comfy and slip on easily, but still look nice and preppy.
  3. The print is freakin’ cute. It’s subtle enough (ie. not a blinding array of colours) to pair with various tops.
  4. The shorts are actually unisex! Quite a few girls I know are going to be rocking these.

 

Here’s your chance to score a pair of Elly’s new CNY Red Horses and White Horses bermuda shorts! 

 

Elly are giving away one pair of ‘The Horse Parade’ bermuda shorts
(Red Horses or White Horses!)

a Brunch With My Baby giveaway

These unisex shorts are available at $39 for sizes 9M to 3Y and $42 for sizes 4Y to 7Y.

Oh, and Elly have a special promotion going on – they are offering free local shipping this month (Jan 214) – just use the code “FREESHIPPING” when you checkout!

Elly CNY 2014 - The Horse Parade - Brunch With My Baby Elly CNY 2014 - The Horse Parade - Brunch With My Baby Elly CNY 2014 - The Horse Parade - Brunch With My Baby

 

Got a little girl and you’re all “Well this boys stuff is boring. BRING ON THE GIRLY CUTENESS!”? 

Life Is In The Small Things is holding a sister giveaway for Elly’s CNY girls range 🙂 Hop on over!

Thanks Elly!