ON THE LOOSE IN NYC: Giveaways! by Robin Gorman Newman

Seth turned 8 recently, and to celebrate, aside from his laser tag party, we stayed in the city for three nights with our good friend Alli, and painted the town red (Seth's favorite color, ala fire trucks).

We bunked again at the comfy, artsy Roger Smith Hotel on 48th and Lexiington, and gallavanted around all over town, as we did back in December, this time thankfully without the slush and mess from the winter blizzard.

Day 1 included: A visit to Grand Central Market (picked up some amazing cheese at Murray's), Jam Paper (very cool paper products and more), Spy Shop (Seth got an invisible ink device), a Cartoon Store, Sky Ride (details below...enjoyed it) and dinner at the delicious Rosa Mexicano, after trying to get into a dinner spot at Eataly and didn't succeed (too long a wait).  Seth loved that the restaurant was across the street from a firehouse that had it's doors open, so we schmoozed with the firemen and took photos.

Day 2 - Visit to Build-A-Bear Workshop(details below), saw the off-Bway musical (and enjoyed) Freckleface Strawberry (I blogged about the show last week. Discount offer below.), visited yet another spy store, super cool Japanese bookstore/gift shop, the Drama Bookshop (love it there), a major trip to Toys R Us (where Seth picked out bday gifts for himself), culminating in dinner at the Brooklyn Diner (love the thick pea soup strewn with hot dogs chunks).

Day 3 - Walked around Union Square, including visits to the "awesome" Forbidden Planet, Game Stop and the excellent toy store Kidding Around.  Then subwayed it downtown to the Lower East Side.  Brought back memories of years gone by when I used to eat at Ratner's with my folks (my beloved mom loved the vegetable cutlet with mushroom barley) and I used to shop there on a Sunday with my longtime friend Debbie, and we always came home packed with shopping bags full of great stuff.  Things have changed quite a bit since those times, and what you see mostly now are small hip clothing shops and funky art galleries.  Quite a transformation.  We also popped into Economy Candy, a fun retro candy store packed to the rafters with almost anything confectionary and caloric you can imagine.  You truly feel like a "kid in a candy store" there!

After all this, headed back uptown for the 7pm ride on THE RIDE (details below), where friends joined us, and we had a total blast.  This was our second time on THE RIDE, and this time, it was all the more special since the hip hop performance street artist gave Seth a shoutout for his birthday.  If you have yet to experience THE RIDE, check it out! Afterwards, back at Brooklyn Diner in Times Square for Seth's birthday dinner featuring the most massive piece of chocolate cake that everyone enjoyed!  It was a day to remember.

Day 4 - Sony Wonder Technology Lab (free...interesting), Lee's Art Shop (great kids floor), TJ Maxx (57th and 8th...didn't know they opened a branch here)......returned home with loads of memories and goodies....and plenty to talk about.

NYC is truly one of the greatest cities in the world, and it's so easy to take it for granted if you live here, but there's much to enjoy if you take the time to explore and scope it out!

I highly recommend you take in the following in your next visit to NYC.  Here's the inside scoop about four of the top attractions we enjoyed.

SKY RIDE (at the Empire State Building)
New York's only virtual tour simulator.  This is a treat!

• Fly across only the skyline.
• See the real New York.
• Fun for children or adults.
• Nearly 8 million happy vistors since 1995.
• Afterwards, enjoy priority access privileges to the Empire State Building

Actor Kevin Bacon narrates your 30-minute adventure, taking you across the skyline on a unique journey around nearly three dozen famous landmarks. You never have to leave the comfort of the second floor at the famed Empire State Building.

Your tour also includes two special presentations:
• "I am New York” the spectacular history of the Empire State Building
• “Top 10 Things to Do in New York" - a primer on all things Big Apple!

Visit http://www.skyride.com/.

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the leading and only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in 1997, the company currently operates more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop® stores worldwide, including company owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. In 2007, the interactive experience was enhanced - all the way to CyBEAR® space - with the launch of buildabearville.com®, the company’s virtual world.

We had a great time.  Seth made a husky dog he named Patches, and fell immediately in love. There is something for everyone here. And, the cutest, cleverest accessories and clothing for the wide array of stuffed animals you can make and see come to life. 

Check them out at http://www.facebook.com/buildabear to stay abreast of the most current promotions and receive exclusive offers.

NOTE: BULD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP IS GIVING AWAY A $25 GIFT CARD.  TO ENTER, POST A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG, AND THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM AND NOTIFIED BY THE END OF MARCH.  BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND INDICATE THAT YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP.

THE RIDE
THE RIDE, is loads of interactive fun and a unique experience....chockful of jokes, singing, doing the wave, sightseeing and more.

THE RIDE’s specially-designed custom vehicles are the tallest allowed by federal law on city streets. The bus is fitted with stadium-style seating that orients riders sidways to look through massive windows, and two on-board hosts banter comedically as they travel through the streets of midtown Manhattan, commenting on New York’s history and its iconic sites and structures, and giving insider secrets about the city – all while incorporating actors and performers along the route who interact with the vehicle and its passengers. External speakers and exterior lighting allow the on-board hosts to make everyone on the street part of the experience. Surprises show up all along the route, featuring sites from the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal to Times Square and Columbus Circle.

A full schedule for THE RIDE is available at experiencetheride.com. Tickets are on sale now, available three ways: online at experiencetheride.com; by phone at (866) 299-9682; and in person at THE RIDE Box office located at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets. To save $5/ticket, use the code GOMAMA when ordering.  Join them on Facebook to get the latest news.  http://www.facebook.com/ExperienceTheRide.

FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY The Musical
Special Offer:

$45 tickets (regularly $68.50)
or
$39.99 tickets with the Family 4-Pack
(when 4+ tickets are purchased together)

OFFER AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING PERFORMANCES:

Wed at 11am or 2pm; Fri at 7pm; Sat, Sun at 11am or 4:30pm
(offer not valid Sat, Sun at 2pm)

3 EASY WAYS TO BUY TICKETS!

1: ONLINE:
•For 1–3 tickets Visit BroadwayOffers.com and use code FSSWING1
•For 4–8 tickets Visit BroadwayOffers.com and use code FS4SWING1

2: CALL: 212-947-8844
•For 1–3 tickets mention code FSSWING1
•For 4–8 tickets mention code FS4SWING1

3: VISIT THE BOX OFFICE:
Print this blog post and bring it to New World Stages at
340 West 50th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues), New York, NY

For more information visit: http://www.frecklefacethemusical.com/

NOTE: MOTHERHOODLATER.COM IS GIVING AWAY A FAMILY FOUR PACK TO SEE THE SHOW.  TO ENTER, POST A COMMENT TO THIS BLOG AND INDICATE YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE SHOW.  BE SURE TO PROVIDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, AND THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM AND NOTIFIED BY THE END OF MARCH.

*RESTRICTIONS: Limit 8 tickets per order. Valid through April 17. Additional blackout dates may apply. Not valid on prior purchases and cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. All sales are final—no refunds or exchanges. Offer subject to availability and includes a $1.50 facilities fee. Offer may be modified or revoked at any time without notice. Standard Telecharge service fees apply to phone and online orders.






Note: Thanks to THE RIDE, SKYRIDE, BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP and FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY for providing promotional visits.

Birthday Dreamin' -- by Robin

What have you dreamt about doing that you wish you could make happen?

A friend raised the question this week, as I pondered how to celebrate my birthday this summer. This summer? - you're probably saying. I know...I'm thinking WAY ahead, but time goes fast, and it is important to me. I want to mark this particular occasion in a way that feels as satisfying as possible.

Why? Because I'll be hitting yet another milestone. Reaching another decade. And, while I'm grateful, it is a bit hard to swallow, I must admit. I can't quite say it out loud yet. February 11 will be my half birthday...not that I'm counting. :)

So, what to do? How to make it a super cool occasion? One where the excitement outweighs the fact that I feel like I'm aging.

One friend suggested I consider a retreat or spa visit to Tuscany. Sounds tempting.

Another gal mentioned Prague and Berlin. I am interested in Prague. Don't know much about Berlin.

I, myself, am curious about a retreat I had read about in Sedona. But, it will be scorchingly hot there in August.

So, I bought the book 1,000 PLACES TO SEE IN THE USA AND CANADA BEFORE YOU DIE....and I'm perusing it nightly. (I should buy an edition re: overseas as well, if there is one.)

I read about an annual art show in August in Laguna Beach, CA that struck a chord. But, do I really need to go to CA for an art show? (one friend pointed out.)

The same friend suggested I might look at the website Homeaway.com where you can sublet someone's residence, thereby making it a more authentic experience than staying in a hotel. And, maybe I'd want to do that and get a place in Manhattan? she said. I had shared with her that I always regretted not having had the experience of living in the city back in my single days, and perhaps and this would satisfy that urge and curiosity?!

So, I started browsing the site and came upon on a couple of apartments that readily grabbed me. What part of town would I want to stay in? And, what's it like to sleep in someone else's bed? I'd bring my own Egyptian cotton Ralph Lauren sheets, no doubt. And, I am picky about my mattresses. I hate memory foam. I'm a pillow top kinda gal, but I wouldn't be toting my own feather bed, so I'd have to be accepting. The older I get, the more I appreciate my own creature comforts. Would I want a terrace? A gym? What else? Air conditioning for sure, in summer.

It would certainly be an adventure, and I could use that.

There are so many neighborhoods in Manhattan, each with a distinct feel. Do I have a favorite? Depends on what you want to do I guess.

I like Chelsea. I love the West Village. But, how would I want to spend my days and nights, aassuming I'd be there alone? I'd have to arrange child care with Marc, my husband, for Seth....if we can swing it. No doubt he wouldn't be entirely thrilled, but hopefully he'd respect and somewhat understand my need for this experience.

I adore theatre. I'm thinking I might want to be in the Times Square area and see lots of shows.....though some shows play downtown too....and I'm not wedded just to Broadway.

I'd like to consider taking a class. Definitely shop. Eat out. But, if I were to act as if I live there, what would my daily existance be? Certainly I'd bring my computer, as I'd want internet access. But, I wouldn't want to be on the web as much as I am now because then I'd just be in the apartment all the time and defeat the purpose of being in Manhattan.

Would I plan out my activities in advance? That would make sense. How long would I go for? A week?

It's something to think about. And, it does kinda get me excited, which is the whole idea.

Is it crazy, though, since I live in NY? Would I wish I went overseas once my birthday passes? Maybe I can just celebrate the whole year and take various trips (if we could afford it)? Now, that's a thought.

And, how would it feel if I'm in the city (or anywhere) without Seth and Marc? The point would be to reconnect with myself and a desire I've always had. I'm sure I'd miss them...but it could be a good growth experience....and hopefully we'd all appreciate each other all the more once reunited. That's not a bad thing.

Who knows?! One day, when we're empty nesters, Marc and I might get a place in the city. I do think about that. Though, there is something to be said for having a lovely community summer pool and being surrounded by trees as we are in this neighborhood. But, life in the suburbs isn't always stimulating (to me). I suppose there's no one entirely perfect place, which is why some people have summer homes.

In the meantime, one can dream, and I'll be doing a lot of that between now and August.

Stay tuned. And, feel free to share any ideas with me! Or you own personal experiences about how you've marked birthdays to make them feel extra special. I'd love to hear them.

My Former Self

This has been an interesting week.

Seth started camp. Both he and I are adjusting to this new schedule, since the bus comes a bit earlier than it did for school, and returns later. He's been totally loving it and coming home completely ravenous. He walks in the door and announces that he's hungry. Now that I expect it from him, I make sure to have dinner started so he can eat pronto.

We've almost made it through another week with the contractors. The basement is moving along. I've come to realize what a truly blind item it is when you hire workers and you have no knowledge of construction. You come to rely on them completely to do what is needed and best. And, that's as it should be. But, I find it funny when the head contractor calls me downstairs to look at their handywork and attempts to explain why certain pipes have been moved, etc. I listen politely, but don't completely grasp all that he is saying. Fortunately, I know in my gut that he's on top of things, and that's what counts in the long run.

My datebook has been chockful of things to do this week....much minutia, I must say. And, it can get overwhelming at times. I was speaking with my dad today, and he started rattling off all that is on his list. It made me realize that we all seem to be grappling with a laundry list of things that require time and attention. When did life get so perpetually full?! And, he said to me that he's only one person (my mom passed away), and I really felt for him. Life can be busy enough if you have a partner to share it with. And, add to that children, and there's much to juggle and attend to.

I received an email via Facebook this week from a gal I used to work with when I was a Vice President at a NYC public relations firm. It was a true blast from the past and a welcome one. It brought me back there right away to the days of my having an office, wearing panty hose (not that I liked them), ordering in a tuna salad lunch from this delivery place I loved, hanging with office mates, and challenging my creativity on a daily basis, which, though pressured, suited me well. I was in my element. I didn't adore all the powers that be at the firm, but ultimately it proved a great learning ground to build my confidence and have my own practice for a period of time.

I was single most of the time I worked there, and hearing from her reminded me of my dating days, socializing with friends in the city, etc. I didn't love the daily routine of commuting into Manhattan (I lived in Queens and then Long Island), but I did relish the energy when I was there.

Last night, Marc and I got a sitter for Seth, which we rarely do on a weeknight. We had gotten tickets to see the Broadway musical Rock of Ages, since Broadwaybox.com had a special running on a number of shows prior to 4th of July.

The show featured music from the 80s. It's been a long time since I've listened to groups like Quarterflash and Journey. (I still have my record album collection in the basement at my parent's house.) It was a lot of fun, and once again, reminded me of another chapter in my life. Though I wouldn't trade where I'm at presently, there are times I must admit that I miss the days when, despite the fact that I worked fulltime, somehow life didn't feel quite as incessantly busy.

Perhaps part of it is the advent of technology. As much as it has the power to connect, inform and enhance people's lives, it's yet one more thing to do. And, really not "one" thing...but many....since the internet never sleeps.

Speaking of sleep....I'm not getting as much as I'd like/need with all that is on my mind and To Do list. But, I'm so glad it's a holiday weekend. I cross my fingers that the weather holds up and we get to hang at the pool.

There, I am somehow better able to focus on the immediate experience, especially when I'm practicing the crawl stroke. I've ever been one who loved swimming with their head in the water, so this is a whole new arena for me, and I'm enjoying the challenge. When my face is submerged, the world takes on an entirely new perspective, and there's something very freeing about that.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful 4th!