Yesterday was girlette's birthday. Wary of another kiddie party where I would have to come up with a theme and amusements, all the while spending needless amounts of money, I offered her the option of going into the City for a manicure and lunch and playtime with her brothers in Central Park and FAO Schwartz. Done and done, I didn't have to ask her twice. The manicure would have been enough, as I'm a real girlie-girl grinch and save nail polish for just for special times like birthdays.
We began the day by being dropped off on my beloved UWS, and to our great good luck right in front of Loehmanns! I could definitely not miss the opportunity to share a Loehmanns moment with my daughter, as I had with my mother many times before. It being her birthday no less! We dragged les boys into the store, Boy 1, grumbling the whole time, and almost ruining it. I got her a sparkly long sleeved tee. And for me a woollen winter cap and cat's eye sunglasses. Fun! Despite the boys.
Then off to her first real-life/big-lady manicure. She went straight for the gold colored polish and sat at the table like she'd been doing this for years. I wanted to get one too, as my nails look like some lazy goth girl's . But les Boys insited on acting like the boys that they are- and alas my chipped-off nails remain. Then we met my brother, also a boy, at Crumbs cupcake eporium on Amsterdam and 75th. Wowee! I had a golden cupcake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles YUM! My brother had one named the Artie Lang which was appropriately overladen with junk (but delicious I hear). Here's were the day gets New Yorky but not in a good way. I wanted to take Girlette for the perfect ladies lunch (despite the Boys tagging along). Initially I called to make a reservation at Sweetiepie for the Eloise experience, but like Museums they are closed on Mondays-boo! Then I tried Alice's Tea Cup, despite the fact that I swore never to darken their tea cup again. Well, they showed me- no reservations, not even for a party of six in the middle of a recession. Apparently, Manhattan really is a magical island that is not affected by a recession that gnaws at the rest of the country. Or maybe just parts of NYC?
Next defense was Sarabeth's- and if Alice's Tea Cup doesn't take reservations, her all-grown up sister Sarabeth's sure as hell won't. I'd have to chance it. Suffice to say we ended up lunching with Hub at Le Pain Quotidien which was perfectly fine and the fudge fallen souffle delighted Girlette regardless. However, next time I take Girlette to the City it will be any day but monday.
We then spent time at Central Park, for the children to observe how city kids live and play in their habitats, and to enjoy the differences. We ended the day at FAO Schwartz and by this time Munch had fallen asleep, mouth ajar in the stroller, and Girlette and I had a... disagreement. The perfect time for Hub to pull up and whisk us back home to the country.
Because I'm a guilty Jewish mother, or maybe because you can't take the Celebration out of Celebrationist, tomorrow I'm serving lunch to both Kindergarten classes at her school. Mac 'n cheese (Girlette's fave) and cupcakes are on the menu. Easy, fun, festive, convenient, and inexpensive for everyone. Happy Birthday, Girlette! Life with you is a wonderfully female experience!
We began the day by being dropped off on my beloved UWS, and to our great good luck right in front of Loehmanns! I could definitely not miss the opportunity to share a Loehmanns moment with my daughter, as I had with my mother many times before. It being her birthday no less! We dragged les boys into the store, Boy 1, grumbling the whole time, and almost ruining it. I got her a sparkly long sleeved tee. And for me a woollen winter cap and cat's eye sunglasses. Fun! Despite the boys.
Then off to her first real-life/big-lady manicure. She went straight for the gold colored polish and sat at the table like she'd been doing this for years. I wanted to get one too, as my nails look like some lazy goth girl's . But les Boys insited on acting like the boys that they are- and alas my chipped-off nails remain. Then we met my brother, also a boy, at Crumbs cupcake eporium on Amsterdam and 75th. Wowee! I had a golden cupcake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles YUM! My brother had one named the Artie Lang which was appropriately overladen with junk (but delicious I hear). Here's were the day gets New Yorky but not in a good way. I wanted to take Girlette for the perfect ladies lunch (despite the Boys tagging along). Initially I called to make a reservation at Sweetiepie for the Eloise experience, but like Museums they are closed on Mondays-boo! Then I tried Alice's Tea Cup, despite the fact that I swore never to darken their tea cup again. Well, they showed me- no reservations, not even for a party of six in the middle of a recession. Apparently, Manhattan really is a magical island that is not affected by a recession that gnaws at the rest of the country. Or maybe just parts of NYC?
Next defense was Sarabeth's- and if Alice's Tea Cup doesn't take reservations, her all-grown up sister Sarabeth's sure as hell won't. I'd have to chance it. Suffice to say we ended up lunching with Hub at Le Pain Quotidien which was perfectly fine and the fudge fallen souffle delighted Girlette regardless. However, next time I take Girlette to the City it will be any day but monday.
We then spent time at Central Park, for the children to observe how city kids live and play in their habitats, and to enjoy the differences. We ended the day at FAO Schwartz and by this time Munch had fallen asleep, mouth ajar in the stroller, and Girlette and I had a... disagreement. The perfect time for Hub to pull up and whisk us back home to the country.
Because I'm a guilty Jewish mother, or maybe because you can't take the Celebration out of Celebrationist, tomorrow I'm serving lunch to both Kindergarten classes at her school. Mac 'n cheese (Girlette's fave) and cupcakes are on the menu. Easy, fun, festive, convenient, and inexpensive for everyone. Happy Birthday, Girlette! Life with you is a wonderfully female experience!
1 comment:
i am brother and am extremely impressed with sisters creativity & humor- well done!
i am an 'Adventures In Kookery' fan for life... Mom Power!
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