Children's Place New Spring Line

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Check out the new Children's Place Spring line which will be rolling out to stores February 2. I really liked everything I saw. 

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Wild Wild World: Wolves At the American Museum of Natural History

Last weekend, we took in the Wild, Wild World: Wolves presentation at the American Museum of Natural History. A representative from the Wolf Conversation Center (WCC) in South Salem, New York spoke about these highly endangered predators and their vital role in sustaining a healthy ecosystem. I have to admit that  due to years of indoctrination from fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs, I thought that wolves were bad but they aren't. Wolves are actually shy, elusive and scared of people. They don't actually attack people, when they hear people they go in the opposite direction.

Two interesting facts I learned about wolves:

1. They eat fish and will eat animals larger themselves 
2. A wolf's howl can be heard over a 10 mile radius

As for the lecture, while interesting for the eleven and older set, it  was a little long for elementary school age children. My daughter definitely learned a lot but was a little bored in the middle of the lecture. No matter how you dress it up, it was a lecture and yes there were lots of photographs but it just a tad too long.

That said, the highlight of the presentation came at the end. Save the best for last as they say.

Atka, an Artic gray wolf from the Wolf Conversation Center made her grand entrance and everyone was just entralled by this wolf. She is just beautiful. My daughter could not get enough of the wolf, craning her head as Atka walked by.

Needless to say, it's not everyday you get to experience seeing a wolf up close and personal.

Given that the museum is one of our favorites, I would definitely try another in the Wild, Wild World series.

Wolf Conservation Center 

7 Buck Run 

South Salem, New York 

914-763-2372

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Gift Hero Sale Extended until Jan 31

Gift Hero, one of my favorite go to sites for birthday gifts (my daughter and others) is extending their sale until January 31.

Read my full review from an earlier post.

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ShopRite Partners in Cariing and General Mills

ShopRite Partners In Caring, together with General Mills, has launched a video contest, Expressions of Hunger. The video contest challenges everyday people to submit videos using song, poetry, dance or dramatic reading that creatively express the plight of the hungry or offer solutions to the issue of hunger.

There will be up  to six grand prize winners who will have their stories and photos featured on a special-edition Cheerios box available exclusively at ShopRite stores in September 2010!

Here is a link for www.expressionsofhunger.com  and has all  the complete contest rules.

The contest is open for submissions from January 1 through March 1, 2010.

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Think BJ's For Your Super Bowl (and all your Party) Needs

Last week, I was invited to a BJ's Wholesale Club presentation to showcase all the great food and products that are available for your Super Bowl game day needs or any other parties you may be having.

I was somewhat skeptical at first because let's face it, I live in a one bedroom New York City apartment and what could I possibly get out of going to a BJ's warehouse store.  Surprise, surprise!! I learned two important facts about BJ's that is unique to their store.

• BJ's takes manufacturers coupons. Apparently, the other warehouse chains do not. Huge, huge news. As we know warehouse clubs are known for their savings  but being able to use coupons plus BJ's own house coupons, just imagine how much you could save. The trick is that you can't use one coupon for a muli-pack product but need a coupon for the number in the pack. (e.g. if there is a four pack of toothpaste, you can't use one coupon, you have to use four coupons.) Wow. 
• Many items come in smaller packs - As we all know, if you are a smaller family or single, you don't need a bushel of lettuce so BJ's has smaller sized items. Again other warehouse chains only come in jumbo size. 

Onto the food at the event, BJ's presented a slew of yummy taste treats for us to test out which need minimal prep time.

Berkley & Jensen Pistachios -  3 lb bag, $11.99  - yummy
Vegetable Platter Vegetable Tray and Ranch Dip -64 oz. $11.99 (is it me but isn't that a deal???) - fresh tasting vegetables
Chef inspired cuisine bacon wrapped sea scallops - 20 ct - $9.99 - scrumptious, I had three.
Johnsonville Italian Sausage - $6.99 - oh so delicious
TGIF Spinach/Artichoke Dip -$9.99 - just okay, have had better but you can't beat the price, $9.99 for  four 8 oz dips
BJ's deli 3 Foot  sub (serves 10-12) $26.99 -  As good as any deli sandwich 
Wellsley Farm Brownie Bites - 32 ct. $6.49 - wonderful chocallaty taste, I took some home and my daughter loved them
M&M Cookie - 36 ct. $6.99 - very good and fresh tasting, love the m&m combination

Testing the food in a controlled environment is nice but it's nothing like seeing all the variety and selection in a actual BJ's. So www.gaynycdad.com, our kids and I will be heading to the Grand Opening celebration of the new Flushing Queens store set to open January 30. 

I will report back on my experience and if the savings are really as they advertise.

BJs locations

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Pink and Posh Flip Mino HD Giveaway

Pinkandposh.net has a giveway happening now for a Flip MinoHD. I have to admit, I am dying to get one of these days and hoping I win but if you win, I will be happy for you.

Head to pinkandposh.net for giveaway details.

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Celebrity Manicurist Deborah Lippman Golden Globe favorites

In the vane of "what were they wearing." Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann polished off some of Hollywood’s hottest looks at the Golden Globes on this past Sunday.

Here are the shades that the ladies were seen wearing and a few tips on their award-winning looks:

Penelope Cruz wore Night And Day to compliment her bronzed glowing skin.

Kate Hudson wore a classic deep red called Lady is a Tramp to offset her pure white  Marchesa dress.

Previous Golden Globe winner Marion Cotillard wore Don't Tell Mama, the perfect shade to go with her green Dior dress.

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Leonardo da Vinci's Workshop @ Discovery Times Square Exposition - Buy One, Get One FREE*

Leonardo Da Vinci is one the most famous painters and inventors in history. From painting the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper to inventing machines way of ahead of his time, he was truly a genius. One of the most memorable moments in life is seeing the Mona Lisa in Paris. 

Discovery Times Square Exposition currently has an exhibit, Leonard Da Vinci's Workshop,  showcasing replicas of  Da Vinci's 500 year-old inventions. 

After seeing an eight minute video about his life and works,  the door magically opens into the exhibit. The exhibit includes  life-size models of his flying machines, automobile, robots and musical instrument, along with restorations of  two of his most famous painting, the Mona Lisa and Last Supper. 


There are  3-D interactive kiosks all through out the exhibits that will keep your child engaged with the exhibit. What is really interesting and makes the exhibit worth seeing are the full scale replicas near or above the kiosks. My daughter and her friends were truly engaged. They spent most of the time running from kiosk to kiosk working through the 3-D interactive kiosks. Each of the kiosks depicts a "machine" and allows you to put it together. 


The exhibit was well designed and is sure to keep any adult or child interested and engaged. Y ou will definitely learn about the artist and have fun at the same time. 

Robot and mechanized lion designed to move and present flowers to the King of France. 

Discovery Times Square Exposition is offering NYC Single Mom Reviews readers a special offer. 

Buy one adult ticket, get one child's ticket free.* Use MOMMY code to buy tickets. 

Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop 

Discovery Times Square Exposition 

244 West 44^th St between 7^th  and 8^th avenues
Dates: Now through March 14, 2010


*Use code MOMMY to buy 1 adult ticket and get 1 kids ticket free. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Ten ticket limit per order. Offer expires March 14, 2010. Blackout dates apply. This offer may be revoked at any time. All sales subject to NY sales tax. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. 

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the Best of New York in just 10 seconds guidebook Review and Giveaway - CLOSED

 As a New Yorker, I still use travel guidebooks. Sure there is the internet but there is something to be said about going to the bookcase and flipping through a book quickly to get information and ideas about activities in New York City. 

Recently, NYC Single Mom Reviews was sent the Best of New York  in just 10 seconds guidebook for review. 


In a nutshell, the guidebook was designed to help both locals and visitors find where to eat, where to stay and what to do all in "just 10 seconds." As an added bonus, all the reviews are recommendations based on personal travel experiences. 

What I liked about the best of New York in just 10 seconds:

• Easy to view sections that range from Arts to Entertainment to Shopping to Eating and everything in between and that includes kid friendly activities and restaurants. 
• Easy to pull out tab that covers important information like the chapter sections plus weather and transportation details. All other travelguides include the table contents a few pages in so you spend time having to flip pages which is time consuming and annoying. 
• Concise offerings in each section. Let's face it, when you visit a city, have guests or you are long time resident, odds are, you only want to go to the most popular attractions. You don't need or want a comprehensive list which can be overwhelming to deal with. And honestly, you just fall back to the top attractions/offerings anyway.
• Descriptions are short and sweet.  All you need to know is summed up in only 2-3 sentences. Perfect for busy people. 
• Each section is further divided into upper Manhattan, midtown and lower Manhattan. This makes it easier to plan your day and makes it easier to find information. Nothing is more annoying than searching for a restaurant by type then having to figure out if the neighborhood matches up with the rest of your itinerary. 
• Breakout by neighborhood - there is a quick easy summary of each neighborhood. 
• It's light - who wants to drag along a clunky, heavy guide book all day long,  not me. 

What  I did not like or could be excluded in the best of New York in just 10 seconds.

• It's not comprehensive - We can't everything in a guidebook otherwise you are walking around with an encyclopedia. If you are looking for listings of every monument,  museum or restaurant, this is not the guide book for you.  As I mentioned everything is meant to be found in "10 seconds" and they aren't kidding. 
• Events by month - it's lacks depth and really doesn't add value to the book. 

Two lucky New York City Single Mom. com readers will win a copy of the best of New York in just 10 seconds travel guide (valued at $22.95.)

To win, comment on your favorite New York city attraction.
For additional entries:
1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog and leave a comment with the link.
2. Follow me on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NYCSingleMom
3. Become a Follower
4. Become a subscriber
5. Become a Facebook Fan:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-City-Single-Mom/173390540429  

For a preview of the book, check out www.just10seconds.com - attractions 

Disclosure: A copy of the best of New York in just 10 seconds was provided for review purposes only. 

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Sitter Studio - Quality and (Fun) Child Care Resource

As a single mom without family in the area to pitch in when I have to work late, have business functions to attend or just need a break, finding reliable and consistent child care is the bane of my existence.

Recently, I had the opportunity to check out Sitters Studio, a company that provides families with experienced, artistic sitters.

What exactly does that mean, "artistic"? All their sitters are "artists" who may be actors, singers, writers or painters who just happen to have a child care experience.

What makes the sitters from Sitter Studio unique? Being artists wasn't enough for you. Well, they each come with tote of artistic toys to engage your child in creative and interactive play.

What I liked about Sitters Studio -

• Background check is done for you and they do all the work calling references - They are a bonded and insured company in which all the sitters go through 18 point reference check with three former sitting families. 
• Sitters are CPR certified - With the exception of pre-school teachers, that babysat my daughter in the past, none of my babysitters were CPR certified. Sadly, neither am I. 
• Pick up at school is possible - This has always been a big to do for me, finding a sitter to pick my daughter up at after school and bring her home if I have to work late. 
• VIP Membership Program - $200/year for the membership may sound like a lot  but if you use a babysitter on a regular basis, the program allows for certain privileges like discounted hourly rates and complimentary hours based on accrued hours over time. Sounds like a winner. 
• Application form asks about child's interest - The agency tries to match up your child's interest with the sitter's background. Wonderful. 
• Credit card availability - You can pay by credit card. You may not think this is a pro but I do. One for the points you can accrue and two, you can keep track of your child care expenses which is always tough for me come tax time. 
• Studio Scoop form - The sitter provides you with written update on the day's activities. The form includes if a meal was eaten, nap/diaper change times, homework update,  activities played and the mood of your child. Plus responses to Today I had trouble with, The babysitter had to____ to resolve it., One last thing you should know is:________.  Wow, I barely get more than "everything was fine" from some babysitters. 
• Square One form - Part of the intake process is providing the sitter with all the necessary info. Meal details, naptime/bedtime, guardian's signature allowing the child to leave the building, details on where you will be and your number. 
• Sitter came early - Sounds like this is would be a no-brainer but I have had babysitters come late and literally call me 10 minutes before they were supposed to come and tell me they were going to be late. 
• Sitter was engaging, enthusiastic, perky and could hold a conversation.  Again sounds like a no-brainer. Most babysitters in NY are just either worn down by life, not happy to be there or just can barely engage in a simple conversation and they certainly never ask you questions. 
• Sitter came prepared with her tool kit- She and my daughter played with Project Runway designs, barbie fashion game and pop up books. There were other activities in her big bag but I did not ask to see.. 
• My daughter loved her and was sad to see her go (the true test, right) -  She keeps asking when M. is coming again. 
• Availability - At this moment, I am down to one babysitter and frankly, her schedule is not exactly conducive to mine. I need to be able to consistency when it comes to getting a sitter when I want it and not schedule my activities based on a babysitters. 

What I don't like about Sitter Studio - I will caveat the dislikes as there are not so much dislikes as it's  the difference between engaging a company for child care versus finding your own sitter. There are more rules which I completely understand and you are paying for the administrative costs to do the background checks.

• Cost is more than the going rate in NYC - The going rate in NYC is $15/hour and Sitter Studio is $22/hour and up based on the number of children you have or event. 
• 4 hour minimum - sometimes I just need 2-3 hours
• Cancellations must be emailed in the event of last minute cancellation. - Not sure how that would work if you just could not get to a computer. Things happen, right? 
• 24 hour cancellation policy - Booking is canceled with an hour or less of arranged time, you will be charged the full hour minimum and $35 fee if canceled less than 24 hours.) Yikes! 

Would I recommend them and use them again? YES!!!

Last point that if you are coming to New York City/Chicago to visit, I would recommend them as well because sometimes, you just want go to dinner/shop alone or as a couple.

Sitter Studio Information

Sitterstudio.com 

NYC Phone: 646-246-6024

Chicago Phone: 312-890-8194

In a bind: book@sitterstudio.com

Frequently Asked Questions

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30% off Sale on Select Items at Gift Hero Through January 25th

Gifthero.com is having a 30% off sale of a  great selection of gifts through January 25th.

Don't miss this opportunity to stock up on upcoming birthday parties that you know are going to start happening soon.

Here are a few items I noticed on the site that are sure to please.

For all items that are 30%,  link to the sale category on GIFT HERO: http://www.gifthero.com/Sale/products/106/

Don't miss out, all items on sale until January 25th.

For more information on Gift Hero, here is an earlier review.

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International Delight Coffee Creamer Coupon Offer

For you coffee lovers, a coupon for International Delight Coffee Cream is available to spice up your morning drink.

And for an extra treat, here is a recipe for all you dieters out there. It is January after all, and I  am sure you are trying to get back into those jeans after the Holiday eating explosion.

Mocha De-Light
1 cup freshly brewed coffee
2 tablespoons Fat Free International Delight French Vanilla
1 tablespoon fat free chocolate syrup
Fat-free whipped topping
Chocolate shavings

Combine coffee, Fat Free International Delight French Vanilla and chocolate syrup. Stir to blend, Top with dollop of fat free whipped topping and chocolate shavings.
Serve immediately.

Check for more International Delight recipes.

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Susie's Supper Club -Online Delivery Review

New Yorkers are proud that we can have almost anything delivered, especially food. This town would die of starvation if we could not have food delivered. Even though I am trying to cook more often at home, I do succumb to delivery and I must admit I don't make the best food choices.

Now, there is healthy take-out alternative to Chinese/Thai/diner food, Susie's Supper Club.
Susie's Supper Club is an online meal delivery service founded by Executive Chef Susie Cover who along with a certified nutritionist,  developed a seasonal menu that includes food that is natural, fresh and made with organic ingredients.

You can select any combination of entrees, side dishes and desserts which includes individual kid-sized portions and family meals which are sized for two people. The menu offers a wide range of options that is sure to please the entire family especially the picky eaters.

So how does it actually taste. Recently, I was invited to a tasting party to check out samples from the menu.
Here is my take on what was offered.

Butternut  Squash Pizza - Excellent, I would never have guessed pizza and butternut squash could actually taste good together but it does.
Apple Pie Bars - Yummy and I am not an apple bar fan.
Zucchini Fritters - Ok
Polenta Fries - Excellent, OMG!!! This was by far the best thing I tasted.
Sweet Potato Pancakes - Very good but a tad bit oily
Creamy Tomato Soup - Delicious and really creamy
Turkey meatballs - Excellent, certainly better than what I make or Trader Joe's brand

So who cares about me, I will eat almost anything. The true taste tester is my  6 1/2 year old daughter. I would say that she liked the pizza, the polenta fries (they were that good) and the meatballs the best.

You just have to order 24 hours in advance (online or by phone @347- 529-5259, 9-5 Monday -Friday) which less instantaneous than same-day delivery but I know that there are some days that I just don't feel like cooking and end up with delivery and that day is usually Friday.

Regarding the pricing from the menu, I don't think it looks any more expensive than ordering from chinese/thai restaurants. Now that said, I haven't seen the actual portions yet.

I would definitely recommend giving them a try and add them into your rotation of delivery options.

Just a side note, New York is made up of 10 million people so you never expect to run into people casually at blog events but lo and behold,  we ran into pre-school family that we have not seen in years. Their connection is that the pre-school mom grew up with one of the founders. Good lord, what are the odds?

Susie's Supper Club
112 Harrison Place
Brooklyn, NY 11237
Tel: 347.529.5259
Hours: 9-5 pm, Monday - Friday

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Dumi Shapewear Review

Visible Panty Lines are something I can not stand to see hence I am a thong person (sorry TMI.) Recently, I was sent a pair of Dumi shapewear tummy control thong to try out. Until I win the lottery and can afford liposuction, I am at the mercy of control top anything to suck in my ever expanding gut so this seemed like a win-win situation.

What I liked about the thong was the general feel of the fabric which is super soft. The thong just felt great and comfortable all over when I put it on.   The coverage of my tummy was fantatic versus what I normally wear.

What I did not like was that while the extra tummy coverage was great for dresses and dress pants it was too much coverage if you are wearing low waisted jeans. It looked weird.

 I must admit, while I liked the thong, I did not see any noticeable tummy control going on which is what you supposedly are paying. The thong is $34 which I am more than happy to pay for if it actually sucked my gut in but it didn't.

That said, this is one product in the line. I am curious as to how the other products fit. If anyone has tried the other products and you liked it, let me know.

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Links

http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/lifestyle/shopping/

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Yoga by the Dozen DVD Review

My daughter was introduced to Yoga in her afterschool program last year and she really took to it. I was extremely disappointed that they did not offer the class this year,  since I am also a big fan of Yoga and the positive effects it can have on the mind and body.

Recently, I was asked to review Yoga by the Dozen. Yoga by the Dozen is an interactive DVD aimed at kids ages 2-6, created by JoAnna Ross. The DVD demonstrates a "dozen" fundamental Yoga poses that range from the standard "Warrior Poses" to the more difficult "Crow/Firefly Poses."


I would say that the DVD provides an  excellent and well-thought out way of introducing Yoga to young children. After the beginning warm up in which JoAnna encourages the children to "promise to do your best," she then demonstrates each pose, followed by one friend demonstrating the pose. Then all twelve friends get up to demonstrate the pose. This format works well because it shows the child and the parent the correct way to do the pose and then the child's peer attempting to do the pose. I liked that the children weren't yoga experts.  They obviously knew the names of the poses and how to do them but they weren't "perfect" which could be intimidating for a child or parent to see.

The instructor JoAnna Ross has a happy and open face with a lilting yoga breathy voice that is sure to get your kids in the mood to try something new and have fun.  She emphasizes two key phrases in yoga: "lift your belly" and "lift your kidneys" which adult yoga instructors should remember to emphasize in class.

The DVD is only $12.99 which is quite inexpensive in my opinion. Included in the DVD are the yoga pose names (with phonetic spelling) and pictures of all 12 poses to help guide you and your child.

Although, it is aimed at ages 2-6, I think that kids up to 8 or older can definitely be kept engaged and would enjoy following along.  Certainly, my daughter was. The only thing that I would warn against is that of the 12 poses,  I thought that the crow, firefly and bridge pose might be too difficult for kids. You might think differently but for those poses, I would recommend "spotting" your child as they might not need help balancing and could easily fall over and hit their heads.

The DVD is available for preview at www.yogabythedozen.com.

P.S. As a parent if you are new to yoga, I would recommend that you and your child do the video together. My daughter and I do. Yoga can only help both of you improve your flexibility and coordination.

Disclosure: I was provided the Yoga by the Dozen DVD and t-shirt for review purposes only. 

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Ice Skating at the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers Review

During our winter break, my daughter had the opportunity to take an ice skating lesson at the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. The teacher Ms. Nancy was just wonderful with my daughter, super patient showing her all the moves necessary to ensure her safety. It's obvious she has a lot of experience teaching kids. She has wonderful disposition and was super patient.

My daughter has been ice skating approximately twice but having a lesson really improved her form. She had a ton of fun and was able to put into practice all she learned in the next 2 -1/2 hours of free skate (that's right, 2 - 1/2 hours.)

For the record, I have never even stepped foot in the Sky Rink let alone be able to locate it so I was interested in checking out the facility in general. The Sky Rink is enclosed, who knew?  Smart, no?  Mind you, as the non-skater standing for the entire 2 1/2 hours, I was cold.

And while we went on a day that the schools were closed, I never felt that the rink was crowded. There was plenty of room for everyone to skate. Also, there were plenty of Sky Rink kids skating around keeping an eye out on the kids who fell.

There is also an indoor area right as you enter the Sky Rink where you can get food and hot drinks or plain relax or warm up.

I would so recommend checking it out and in fact, we are both going to sign up for lessons. It's time I learned to skate or at least move slowly around the rink.

The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers for schedule, admission prices and lessons.


Disclosure: Ice skating lesson courtesy of Chelsea Piers for review purposes only. 

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The Body Shop - Body Butters are on Sale for $10

Post Christmas is the best time to stock up on The Body Shop products.

One of the better products, I love and ends up as a stocking stuffer for my very dry- skinned sister is the Body Butter.

Check it out it out as they are not on sale for $10 down from $20. Yes, pricey but so worth it.

The Body Shop


Disclosure:  I love this product and was not paid for my endorsement. 

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Fantastic Four Fall Television Shows

Now that the Fall shows are in hiatus and I have had the opportunity to view the fall episodes, I can provide a yeah or nay as to if the hype was on target. Here are my favorite four New Television Shows that premiered in Fall 2009. Go Hulu or the shows network site to view previous episodes.

1. Glee (Fox)- This show has  so lived up to the hype. I must admit that as hater of musicals, I was skeptical  about a show about an Ohio high school glee club could possibly hold my interest but lo and behold, the fall season is over and I will be salivating until the new episodes. Yes, the creator should be commended but two people who should get the most recognition is the person who chooses the music to move the story along and the casting director. On both counts, it has been pitch perfect. Both should get an emmy or a raise or something. Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch in a role of a lifetime as the head of the Cheerios award winning cheeerleaders,  that's how Sue "Cs" it,  I'm going to my condo in Boca to brown up is so worth watching every week,  Kurt (the wonderfully gay cast member who is so cool, it hurts), his loving dad, Burt (I am not happy your gay but I am willing to support you, no matter what), Rachel (I am  diva wacko whose talent is too hard to ignore), Finn (Cory Monteith, the cute, lovable clueless quarterback, Puck (who knew you were Jewish, can sing and macho fight club footballer), Quinn (former head cheerio, now pregnant), Brittany (I am a confused Cheerio but we love), Santana (feisty, hot latina Cheerio), Artie (the first person on tv in a wheelchair I can remember who can belt out a tune), Mercedes (her incredible voice, I just want to be loved), Mr Shue (I am trying to capture my youth head of the Glee club), Mr. Figgins (the politically incorrect principal you love to hate to love) and of course, Emma (cleanliness obsessed, I have crush on married Mr. Shue, I have no idea where you buy your clothes, guidance counselor) Can you tell I love this show?  I promise you will laugh hysterically and shed a tear or two.

2. Modern Family (ABC) - When I saw the promos for this again, I was skeptical. ABC in my opinion may do comedy but I don't like them (remember that Jim Belushi show that ran forever and I never knew why). In a nutshell, it's about three families with three interconnected families. It's almost too complicated to explain. Family 1 - Patriarch Jay (Ed O'Neill aka Al Bundy, his hot second Columbian (not what you think) wife Gloria and her son Manny who continually try to import their Columbian ways on the old guy. Family 2 - Jay's daughter stay at home mom, Claire her husband Phil (I am trying to be the cool day, NOT) and their kids (the least well written characters on the show.) Family 3 - the domesticated gay couple and their adopted vietnamese daughter.  Again it may not sound funny but it is.

3. Flash Forward (ABC) -  Basically, the entire world blacks out for 137 seconds. During the blackout people have a flash forward or see nothing. It's assumed that those who did not see anything they saw nothing because there dead. It's up to LA FBI agent, Mark Benford  played by Joseph Fiennes. It's obvious that this show was developed to showcase Fiennes (Ralph's brother, I haven't done anything significant since Shakespeare in Love) but frankly I am only interested in fellow FBI agent  Demitri  Noh   (I am so happy John Cho, the hottest man on tv is getting his time in the sun) who saw nothing and is obviously obsessed with preventing his death. He and Gabrielle Union are the hottest couple on tv, right not. On that note, I am surprised about the casting, it is rare that you see an Asian American man/African American woman combo.  Good for the producers for going this non traditional route. My other favorite character is another FBI agent Janis (I am a super badass lesbian) who sees her pregnancy in the future. The show is all about finding out how the blackout happened. There may be a lot of plot holes and comparisons to Lost but I am hooked. I just hope that it does not go the way of Heroes (fast start, ennui and then jettisoned.)

4. White Collar (USA Network) - Another in a long line of "characters welcome" that USA Network has promoted their shows. As you can see, one reason for watching this show, the lead character, Matthew Bomer probably the best looking man on tv right now. That aside, his character Neil Caffrey is a world class thief/con man who is teamed up with straight- laced FBI agent (the FBI is getting a lot of good press this season), Peter Burke to catch white collar criminals. The catch Neil is actually been convicted and is helping the FBI as part of work release program. The show works because of the chemistry of the two lead characters and the New York City real estate locales (real estate porn for some of us) as its own character. It's cute and hope that the writing continues to get better.



These shows are either in hiatus or will be soon, but if you haven't seen them, give them a look, you won't be sorry.

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Madeline's Tea at the Carlyle Hotel Review

Madeline's Tea at the Carlyle Hotel Review

Last weekend, my daughter and I attended the Madeline's Tea at the Carlyle hotel as the guests of Mom in the City. The Madeline's Tea takes place in the famous Bemelman's Bar. The bar is named for the author and creator of the Madeline children's book series, Ludwig Bemelman. The author stayed in the Carlyle Hotel for 18 months and in exchange for the room and board, he painted the murals depicting famous New York City monuments.

Bemelman's Bar is decorated to appeal to the Madeline's Tea crowd, replete with balloons, oodles of Madeline books on top of the grand piano, and Madeline-embroidered napkins. The setting is small enough that everyone has a great seat to see the featured entertainment, Tina deVaron. Tina is phenomenal in getting the children engaged and singing. Once she gets started, all the kids want to gather around the piano to sing along with her and dance to their hearts content. I liked the show because it was so interactive and spontaneous, The guests are able to requests songs which really adds to the playfulness of the show. The day we went, there were lots of requests for Lion King, Mary Poppins, the Little Mermaid and Hannah Montana (to the delight of my daughter and my chagrin.) Although, there was one request for Lady GaGa which was funny and Tina was flummoxed by such an adult request from three year old. Given this was the Christmas holidays, there were lots of Christmas songs that really got the crowd moving and grooving.

The breakfast buffet was excellent and catered to every one's favorites. There were scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast, waffles, cereal, yogurt, fruit and of course, lots of cupcakes. The service was just right. There was plenty of wait staff to provide coffee for the parents and milk/juice for the kids. They even sang along with Tina.

While the Madeline Tea might seem pricey, I think it is worth it to take your child and the reason is the entertainment truly makes the tea. I love high tea and I think as mother's we want to introduce our daughters (and sons) to the concept of dressing up and sitting at a high tea but seriously, at the end of the day without the entertainment and the ambiance of the Bemelman's, it's just a brunch.

My daughter is the ultimate gage of whether the day was a success. I asked three questions.

What did you like best about the Madeline Tea? "I loved the music, the food and the cupcakes."
Would you want to go back? "Yes."
Why? "Because it was fun."

Will she have a pleasant memory from her childhood and always remember the Carlyle Hotel as the place she had Madeline Tea? Yes and that's all you can ask.
Will we go back? Yes, as I do think the Tina deVaron makes the tea something special and memorable and it is a nice treat for your child.

Finally, just two comments.
One is for the Carlyle Hotel, I am not sure why the bar is open to guests at 11:30 am but it's a little weird to have guests drinking at the bar while the show is still in progress.
Two, this is just me but I would not bring a child under four to the show. My daughter is 6 and she will remember the show. A three year old will have fun but I am not so sure they will remember it.


Price: $40 Flat, $20 for children under three
Location: 35 E. 76th Street @ Madison Avenue
Seatings: Every Saturday, 10:00 am and 12:30 pm
Reservations Required: 212-744-1600
Website: The Carlyle

Our favorites in the Madeline series and the movie is worth buying/renting.

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