Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Essex: Where Brunch Includes 3 Cocktails; LES, New York

Essex #kidfriendly #restaurant @lowereastside #nyc via brunchwithmybaby.com

When wanting to book a large table in NYC, your options are limited. For a friend’s birthday with a party of nine, we tried out Essex, a restaurant on the Lower East side with a modern, chic design, lots of natural light and a great value-for-money brunch menu.

The brunch menu is a fixed price, $23.95 for your entree plus three bloody marys, screwdrivers or mimosas. They’re quite liberal with the drinks, particularly mimosas, and several members of our party think they actually ended up with four each. The drinks aren’t super strong, which is good when you’re drinking that many cocktails at noon …

We were seated at our table even though we were waiting on the last two guests. The restaurant quickly filled up — clearly word has gotten around that this is a good brunch bet.

While there wasn’t a kids’ menu, we ordered sides off the menu for Missy E (French Fries and Fresh Fruit) straight away while everyone else decided on their order. Her dishes arrived quickly — two generous servings which we helped her with.

Essex #kidfriendly #restaurant @lowereastside #nyc via brunchwithmybaby.com

 

Our party ordered a variety of dishes: Challah French Toast (bananas foster sauce, fresh fruit), Baked Eggs (crisp black forest ham, roasted peppers, shitake mushrooms, Monterey jack), Omelet (spinach, tomato, sheep’s milk cheese with mixed green salad and home fries), Short Rib Hash (two eggs any style, duck fat potatoes), Grilled Shrimp & Avocado Salad (poached egg, baby spinach, pico de gallo).

Essex #kidfriendly #restaurant @lowereastside #nyc via brunchwithmybaby.com

Essex #kidfriendly #restaurant @lowereastside #nyc via brunchwithmybaby.com

Essex #kidfriendly #restaurant @lowereastside #nyc via brunchwithmybaby.com

Essex #kidfriendly #restaurant @lowereastside #nyc via brunchwithmybaby.com

Essex #kidfriendly #restaurant @lowereastside #nyc via brunchwithmybaby.com

 

The meals were all a great portion size, with generous amounts of fresh ingredients. My omelet was delicious, filled with tasty cheese and tomatoes, and slightly spicy home fries. The French toast “tastes better than it looks!”, and the baked eggs xxxx.

Our server wove in and out of diners with a large jug of mimosas, topping up glasses as soon as they were empty.

Last bite: A great brunch spot for large groups, especially those wanting mimosas with their eggs.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes (folding strollers are best).
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Essex
120 Essex St,
New York, NY
Phone: (212) 533 9616
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm Sun 10am-6pm
Get Directions
Reservations

Chocolate Chunk Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company, LES, New York

#Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company #LES #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

When you want good pancakes in New York City, it’s a well-known fact that you head to Clinton St. Baking Company. The bakery and restaurant was opened in 2001 by husband and wife team Neil Kleinberg and DeDe Lahman, with a mission to make the best baked goods in the city, hand-mixed in small batches.

Fast forward to 2014 and the once tiny bakery is now a bustling restaurant, with their pancakes awarded the title of “the best in the city” (twice!) by New York Magazine. Clinton St. Baking Co. is such a popular breakfast and lunch spot that if you turn up for brunch on a weekend, you’ll often find yourself facing an up to TWO HOUR wait. They have the waiting system down to a fine art, and even have a page on their site devoted to “the wait“.

#Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company #LES #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

Don’t let this dissuade you from going, however. To avoid a wait on weekends, your best bet is to arrive by 8:30am and put in your name for the first seating at 9am. To avoid a long wait in general, visit during the week or at night when the waits are shorter, if at all. Don’t worry — they serve breakfast during the dinner hour. We visited on a weekday at 8am. The restaurant was full by 8:30am, but the wait outside was pretty short, with most diners not having to wait too long for a table. If you find yourself waiting for a table, the surrounding streets have some really cool graffiti/street art that’s worth checking out.

#Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company #LES #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

#Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company #LES #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

Since Alec had to get to work, we ordered and ate as quickly as we could. I ordered the Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter (choice of wild Maine blueberry, banana walnut, or chocolate chunk pancakes, $14) and Alec ordered the Southern Breakfast  (two eggs any style, sugar-cured bacon, cheese grits, and fried green tomatoes, $14). We also ordered a side of sourdough toast for Missy E ($2), which arrived with Vermont butter and the most amazing raspberry conserves I’ve ever tasted. As well as the toast, E shared my pancakes when they arrived — the novelty of chocolate for breakfast was just too exciting for her to handle.

#Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company #LES #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

#Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company #LES #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

My pancakes were fantastic. I chose chocolate chunks, and my three big fluffy pancakes were absolutely chockfull of the chocolate. The pancakes were warm and the butter atop them was slightly melting. I really enjoyed their warm maple butter instead of maple syrup as it wasn’t anywhere near as sickeningly sweet. Alec’s southern breakfast was a bit on the dry side — he would have preferred some kind of sauce to go with it. He did, however, thoroughly enjoy the cheese grits and fried green tomatoes — both novelties to an Aussie.

#Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company #LES #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

#Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company #LES #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

 

So are they the best pancakes in New York? I’m afraid I can’t say as I don’t really eat pancakes often enough to be able to rank them! I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed mine and would absolutely go back for more.

Last bite: How can you resist trying some of NYC’s best pancakes? Be prepared for the wait and you’ll enjoy a really great breakfast.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: No.
Easy access: Yes
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Clinton St Baking Co & Restaurant
4 Clinton St.
New York, NY
Phone: (646) 602 6263
Prices: $
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, 4pm-5pm (pastries/ coffee to go only), dinner 6pm to 11pm; Sat 8am-9am (pastry & coffee to go only), 9am-4pm, dinner 6pm-11pm; Sun 8am-9am (pastry & coffee to go only), 9am-6pm.
Get Directions

Top 5 Sweet Spots on the Upper East Side

When your sweet tooth is a-calling, the Upper East Side is the place to go. Within a few blocks of each other lies a cornucopia of sugary heavens. How’s a sleep-deprived mom to choose?

Dylan's Candy Bar; Top 5 Sweet Spots on the #UES via brunchwithmybaby.com

Dylan’s Candy Bar
Created in 2001 by Dylan Lauren (of the Ralph Lauren family) Dylan’s Candy Bar is the place to go for a serious sugar high. Choose from 7,000 candy treats in the store, then lounge upstairs in a cupcake booth at the Candy Cafe to enjoy lunch or a snack, and perhaps a candy cocktail.
1011 3rd Ave, New York, NY

Baked By Melissa; Top 5 Sweet Spots on the #UES via brunchwithmybaby.com

Baked By Melissa
These mini cupcakes were made with tiny hands in mind! At $1 for each little cupcake, it’s the perfect sized treat when you don’t want the day to get too sugary. Our favorite flavor is the Choc Chip Pancake (totally breakfast food, right?).
784 Lexington Avenue at 61st Street New York NY

Two Little Red Hens; Top 5 Sweet Spots on the #UES via brunchwithmybaby.com

Two Little Red Hens
How can you pass up what’s often called the best red velvet cupcake in the city? The cupcakes come in regular and mini sizes, so you can sample several if you’re not set on one flavor.
1652 2nd Ave, New York, NY

Sprinkles; Top 5 Sweet Spots on the #UES via brunchwithmybaby.com

Sprinkles Cupcakes
If you’re on the go, grab your cupcake from the Sprinkles ATM out the front. We prefer to sit down inside to enjoy our cupcakes – the cupcake-inspired interior and ottomans are a huge hit with kids. Know before you go: Check out their rotating seasonal menu so you visit on the day when your favorite flavors are being served.
780 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

IT'SUGAR; Top 5 Sweet Spots on the #UES via brunchwithmybaby.com

IT’SUGAR
This candy chain store recently opened its doors on the Upper East Side. IT’SUGAR focuses on the fun of candy, from giant 5LB Hershey bars to the World’s Largest Gummy Bear (they recommend sharing this cub, and so do we!)
1542 3rd Ave New York NY
IT’SUGAR Image via Jia J. Yelp.com

This article first appeared on MommyNearest.com.

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NYC Neighborhood Guide: DUMBO

Dumbo-brooklyn-carousel

Take a stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge into Dumbo, to enjoy cobblestones, carousels and cake.

Not to be missed: Jane’s Carousel
Built in 1922, the carousel has been recently restored and is now an iconic part of the Dumbo waterfront. Open year-round, taking a ride is a must-do for every visitor to NYC.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dock St, Brooklyn, NY

Best cake: One Girl Cookies
This delicious cafe serves the cookies they are named for, plus whoopie pies and their famous layer cakes. Ask for a slice of the daily cake (anything with dulce de leche is particularly delicious).
33 Main St, Brooklyn, NY

Best slice: Juliana’s Pizza
Skip the lines at Grimaldi’s next door and instead sit down for piping hot mozzarella courtesy of the Grimaldi family. You read that right, the Grimaldi family own and run this pizzeria.
19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY

Best grab-and-go: Little Muenster
Delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Take one and eat it in nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park.
145 Front St, Brooklyn, NY

Best way to run out the energy: Brooklyn Bridge Park
This 85-acre park stretches along the waterfront, filled with cycling paths, playgrounds, bbqs and breathtaking views of Manhattan.

Best kids’ clothes: Egg Baby
Drop by this cute boutique for some adorable outfits designed by Susan Lazar.
72 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY

Best kids’ store: Half Pint Citizens
Focusing on innovative and environmentally-friendly toys and gear for kids.
41 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY

Best croissant: Almondine
Almondine has recently re-opened after being destroyed in the 2012 Hurricane. They are the go-to spot for croissants and French pastries in Brooklyn. 85 Water St, Brooklyn, NY

Best hot chocolate: Jacques Torres
The hot chocolate at Jacques Torres is like liquid gold. Heavy, rich and decadent.
66 Water St, Brooklyn, NY

This article first appeared on MommyNearest.

A Day With Kids At The MoMA

Brunch Travel Guide - One Weekend with Baby in Midtown, via brunchwithmybaby.com

It can seem like a big undertaking to take little ones to the MoMA. With its small rooms and quiet atmosphere, it can feel like a daunting prospect. However, the MoMA loves kids — just keep strollers and toddlers several feet from the art works and you’ll be fine. Use our guide below to enjoy showing your tiny tot or older child the beautiful of modern art.

Sculpture Garden
This is your best bet with a baby or toddler. Stroll them around the exhibits you want to see (I’d suggest choosing only one exhibit per visit), then release them in the sculpture garden to play.

Bonus tip: The sculpture garden is free to visit on its own every morning from 9-10:30am. After that time you’ll need to buy a ticket, so get in early if you want to do a test run with just a little bit of culture before taking on the entire museum.

Family Programs
The MoMA offers programs for children ages 4 – 14 and their parents and caregivers. All programs are free.

Family Gallery Talks
For ages four and up. These tours are a fun and creative way for children to interact with art.

Gallery Guides
Pick up a free art card or printed guide (you can download the guide here in advance) with activities, questions and ideas for looking at art in the MoMA.

MoMA Audio for Kids
The MoMA has special kid-friendly audio guides.

Hands-on Workshops
Kids ages 4 – 14 learn about ideas and techniques in modern and contemporary art in these free workshops.

Family Films
The MoMA hosts free screenings of family films every month. They tend to show unusual films you might otherwise never see (no Disney here!)

MoMA Art Labs
Adults and kids can experiment, play, and create art in this interactive space. Explore tools, techniques and ideas about art in a family-friendly environment.

MoMA Art Lab App
Live too far from the MoMA to make a visit in person? Download the MoMA Art Lab app (suitable for ages seven and up) and your kids can enjoy creating artworks such as a shape poem, sound composition or group drawing.

Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53rd St. btwn 5th & 6th Ave.

This article was first published on MommyNearest.

Cafe Berlin; Kid-Friendly Cafes, Balmain, Sydney

Cafe Berlin #Balmain #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

A quick weekday lunch in Balmain brought us to Cafe Berlin. It’s the suburb’s oldest and longest-running cafe, having opened in 1984. We were attracted by the pretty display of food at the front counter, including the huge quiches which I ordered quickly after we were seated. Cafe Berlin is known in the neighborhood for its home-style cooking and sweets, made daily by owner Heidi Schmidt and her mum, Jan.

Cafe Berlin #Balmain #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

We ordered a vegetarian quiche and a side of fries, a steak sandwich, a croissant and a babyccino. The babyccino came in a takeaway cup with a marshmallow stuck on the straw — much to Miss E’s amusement and entertainment. My quiche was giant, and really delicious, the fries perfectly cooked, and salad fresh with a touch of dressing. Alec’s sandwich was juicy and well-cooked, and E’s croissant was flaky and quickly devoured.

Cafe Berlin #Balmain #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

Cafe Berlin #Balmain #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

Cafe Berlin #Balmain #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

Cafe Berlin #Balmain #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

 

Our meals all arrived pretty quickly, and the staff were very friendly. It was a quick in-and-out meal for us as we were on the go, and I really appreciated that everything ran smoothly and quickly to fit in with our plans.

Last Bite: A casual lunch or breakfast in Balmain. Kids welcome!

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Minimal – bring a travel stroller or sit at a table outside.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Cafe Berlin
249 Darling St,
Balmain NSW

Phone: (02) 9810 2336
Prices: $-$$
Hours: Daily, 6am-6pm
Get Directions

Cafe Berlin on Urbanspoon

Addie And Me: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Hammondville, Sydney

Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com I’ve been taking yoga classes in Hammondville, and every time I finish a yoga class I walk past Addie And Me back to my car. I always take a peek inside and see ladies with their babies, or old friends catching up for coffee. The cafe looked so sweet, like it had sprung straight out of Alice In Wonderland, so it was only a matter of time until I found someone to try it with me. My dear friend who has a sweet tooth like me, joined E and I with her three kids for lunch on a Friday afternoon. The cafe was packed — the lovely staff looked pretty wiped out by the time we sat down and admitted it was an unusually busy day. Addie And Me is part shop, part cafe. Lining the walls are an array of frilly tulle outfits, baby gifts, and older kid toys. Signs remind parents that these are for sale and not for playing with – so definitely a bit of an uphill battle for me and my curious three-year-old who wanted to explore every single shiny frilly item in the store. Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Thankfully my friend and her crew turned up before I had to buy out the store. We sat down at a large table in the rear, next to another family with two small kids. Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com   Our crowd of kids were like any crowd of little kids — up and down, a bit loud, a bit whingy at times, and always in danger of breaking something. A big thank you to the staff for not batting en eyelid even when their ceramic bunnies were in danger of being smashed to smithereens. Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com   We ordered each of the kids the Tiny Tots Rabbit Nibble Platter ($7). It came with a choice of sandwich (ham, cheese, vegemite, jam or honey), savory and sweet finger food: cheese, fruit, cookies, crackers and a small plain or flavoured milk. Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com   For the adults, we ordered an Iced Chocolate ($4.50) which was DIVINE, a coffee ($3.50), and two sandwiches. While all of the sandwiches on the menu included meat, the staff very happily made me a custom plain cheese and tomato sandwich on sourdough. My friend ordered the Turkey sandwich ($7.50) with Swiss cheese, rocket and cranberry orange relish on sourdough. It was a super busy day and I expected our meals might take a while, but I was pleasantly surprised with how quick they were relative to how many staff were on and how many customers were there. Our sandwiches were simple and really tasty. Perfectly toasted real sourdough — the perfect light lunch for an outing with four kids. It’s also worth noting that when I ordered the turkey sandwich, they said they’d run out of turkey but would run up to the shops to get some more to make the sandwich — really sweet of them considering they were already run off their feet. Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Addie & Me: #kidfriendlycafes #Hammondville #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com Our trip to Addie And Me couldn’t have been better. The staff really made us feel welcome, with big smiles and an easy-going manner. Even with lots of breakables sitting on every surface and two extremely active toddlers, we had a pretty relaxing lunch (well, as relaxing as it can be eating out with multiple young kids!), with so many things to entertain the kids that they didn’t know what to look at or play with next! From the rabbit plates for the kids to the waterproof rose table cloths, every detail was thoughtfully planned with little and big guests in mind. We will absolutely be taking another trip down this rabbit hole again very soon!  Last Bite: A whimsical cafe best suited to non-moving babies or older children who won’t break the pretty tea sets! A delightful lunch or afternoon tea for a special date with your little one. Highchairs: Yes. Stroller storage: Yes. Easy access: Yes. Change tables: No. Kids’ menu: Yes. Addie And Me 7 Stewart Ave Hammondville NSW Get Directions

Addie and Me on Urbanspoon

A Mediterranean "Snack" in SoHo: Snack Restaurant, New York

Snack: #Kid-Friendly Cafes in #SoHo, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

Feeling like some hearty Greek food while shopping in SoHo? We love taking refuge from a cold day to eat up and stay warm at Snack.  A tiny doorway leads to a small restaurant. Be prepared to squish in (umbrella strollers only, carriers preferred!). The staff are welcoming to young diners, and gave us the coveted front window seat, which is great for allowing little ones to occupy themselves by watching the passersby.

Snack: #Kid-Friendly Cafes in #SoHo, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

We ordered food to share: Hummus ($7.50), Pita Bread ($1.50), Spanakopitakia ($5), Tiropitakia ($5) the Soup of The Day, which was Lentil ($8.50), and a sandwich ($10). It was WAY too much food for two adults and one toddler. It was, however, all absolutely delicious and very filling (plus, you can easily take hummus home for leftovers).

Snack: #Kid-Friendly Cafes in #SoHo, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

Snack: #Kid-Friendly Cafes in #SoHo, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

Snack: #Kid-Friendly Cafes in #SoHo, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

Snack: #Kid-Friendly Cafes in #SoHo, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

Snack: #Kid-Friendly Cafes in #SoHo, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

After lunch, we dropped by the nearby Vesuvio Playground (at Spring and Thompson Streets) to let Missy E run her hummus and pita bread off. It’s a huge playground, best suited for slightly older kids.

Snack: #Kid-Friendly Cafes in #SoHo, #NYC via brunchwithmybaby.com

Last Bite: Mediterranean food that’s tasty and filling, tucked away like a delicious secret you’ll want to keep to yourself.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Minimal. Bring a stroller that folds.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Snack SoHo
105 Thompson Street (between Prince and Spring streets)
New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 925-1040
Prices: $$
Hours: Sun 12pm-9pm, Mon-Wed 12pm-10pm, Thurs-Sat 12pm-11pm
Get Directions

Snack on Urbanspoon

Wizzy World Chatswood – Sydney's Best Indoor Play Centres

We’re always in search of clean, big play centres to entertain our energetic kid in cold or wet weathers. We recently joined friends at Wizzy World Chatswood for a play date and were super impressed with the centre.

#Sydney's Best #Play Centres #WizzyWorld #Chatswood via brunchwithmybaby.com

Wizzy World caters for children up to age 12, with a dedicated area for kids three and under. The toddler room was filled with soft climbing blocks, a jumping castle, play house and junior climbing gym. It was still popular with our girls, who are almost three and 3.5.

#Sydney's Best #Play Centres #WizzyWorld #Chatswood via brunchwithmybaby.com

Wizzy World is absolutely huge. It lives in a 1600m² space and has one of the largest indoor play frames in Australia, plus a dedicated sports zone.

#Sydney's Best #Play Centres #WizzyWorld #Chatswood via brunchwithmybaby.com

 

The girls were entertained for over three hours at the play centre, dashing between the little and big kid areas and stopping occasionally to eat. The big kid area is recommended for kids aged four and up, but since there were few if any big kids when we visited, it was perfect for our toddler/preschool-aged kids.

#Sydney's Best #Play Centres #WizzyWorld #Chatswood via brunchwithmybaby.com

The Wizzy World play centre is not only huge, it’s extremely clean and new-looking. There was pretty much zero wear-and-tear on the equipment, with everything working perfectly and no marks/stains to be seen.

#Sydney's Best #Play Centres #WizzyWorld #Chatswood via brunchwithmybaby.com

The cafe has basic food and drinks. All very simple but decent food for families to enjoy while taking a break from playing. I really enjoyed the dual proximity of the seating to both play areas, so we could change seating depending on where the kids were playing. We ordered babyccinos (perfect temperature, huge amount of foam with a marshmallow) and a large bowl of chips ($9). It was piping hot and was enough to feed all of us.

#Sydney's Best #Play Centres #WizzyWorld #Chatswood via brunchwithmybaby.com

Wizzy World
Unit 9, 372 Eastern Valley Way
Chatswood NSW
Prices: Weekdays, over fours are $13.50, under 4s are $11.50, and under 1s are $5 (free with siblings). Adults free. Weekends, over fours are $16, under fours are $13.50. Mon-Thur disconted entry after 12:30pm of $8. Prices change during school holidays.
Hours: During school term: Mon-Thur 9:15am-2pm, Friday, Sat & Sun 9:15am-6pm
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Cheese Turns Three: Frozen Party Extravaganza

#Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co For Cheese’s third birthday party, only Frozen would do. She loves the movie and songs, so I decided to throw her a Frozen at my parents’ house. They have a big property with lots of yard space, perfect for lots of little kiddies to enjoy running around. First step: acquiring an Elsa dress from the Disney store. This was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be. I dropped by the Disney store in Times Square one day after hearing rumors that they had them in stock, and they did actually have them. Easy! I bought the dress and Queen Elsa crown both from the Disney store and saved them for her party to avoid damage. #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co Next step was stocking up on Frozen party supplies. I bought all of mine from Partycity.com, including the plates, cups, snowy background backdrop that doubled as Arendale for the photobooth, the cardboard Anna and Elsa and an Anna and Elsa balloon, and co-ordinated cutlery, wands, tables cloths and crafting activities for the kids. #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co The goodie bags also came from Party City – reusable cups, stickers, bubbles and clear party bags to wrap them all up in. I ordered cookies to look like Anna, Elsa, snowflakes and Olafs to add into the bags as well as put on the dessert table, from Cookie Queen Kitsch’n, a local cookie baker in Sydney. #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co I own zero party goods, so borrowed lots from friends, like the cake stands, water cooler, kids’ trestle tables, kids’ chairs and jumping castle. Thank you girls, I really appreciate your generosity! #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co I was worried about having lots of kids with nothing to do, so I put together craft tables. One with crayons, Frozen-themed colouring in pages that I bought from Etsy, Frozen stickers from Partycity.com and the wands. The other table had craft packs from Partycity.com that were suitable for toddlers and up – an easy project involving sticking together a foam photo frame with snowflakes and snowmen. The frame was a hit with all the kids, even the oldest guest, who was eight. #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co For the centerpiece table, I strung up pompoms and snowflakes from partycity.com, and created a fun table for both kids and adults to enjoy. Water bottles with “melted snowman” labels from Etsy, more of the cookies from Cookie Queen Kitsch’n, Sven reindeer and snowball cake pops (homemade), jelly cups with blueberries, raspberries and fondant snowflakes on top (homemade), Zumbo macarons with homemade fondant snowflakes on top, homemade cheese, vegemite and peanut butter sandwiches cut into stars, flowers and hearts, and popcorn in boxes (boxes bought on Partycity.com with stickers added to the side). #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co The cake was made by Sydney-based Cakes by Rosalie. The top tier was cookies and cream, and the base caramel. Delicious! #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co In the centre of the area we had a table with fruit and savoury food, making sure we had plenty for adults to enjoy. Olaf danced over the table to keep it in theme. #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co To entertain 20 kids of various ages, we borrowed a jumping castle. Best idea ever. The kids had so much fun flitting between the castle, yard toys, craft tables and food that we didn’t need to do any organised games, referee any fights, or soothe any meltdowns. #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co Our Cheesy Elsa had a wonderful party. She was so happy to see her friends and spent most of her party on the jumping castle. #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co #Frozen #birthday #party via akissgoodnight.co Happy birthday darling girl! We’re so happy you enjoyed your birthday and party. Love you to the moon and back.