THE STROLLERS OF NEW YORK

This Fall I had the amazing opportunity to partner with Italian stroller company Inglesina in their ‘Strollers of New York’ film series. Inglesina selected 4 NYC mamas and their littles to share a day in their life. A film crew (who by the way were AMAZING) followed Lucas and I around our neighborhood as we headed to all of our favorite spots. It was surreal, magical, and also pretty damn cool feeling like we were being followed by the paparazzi – our 15 minutes of fame if you will. You can also check out our Q&A about motherhood in NYC and more info on our neighborhood. Thank you Inglesina for inviting Lucas and I to share in this incredible experience!

BROOKLYN PLAYDATES

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The sweetest Brooklyn afternoon was spent with lots of friends, Lucas’s included. He adores this duo and I feel the same about their mama. There was lots of chasing, squealing, and collecting of all the acorns. Lucas was such a gentleman he made sure to help keep them safe in Sophia’s pockets ;). Such a charmer this one. We are looking forward to more awesome dates and adventures this month. 

BOATING WITH THE BOYS

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Last Sunday was perfect. I woke up one day last week and decided I wanted to go row boating in Central Park. 29 years in this city and I had never been. I told Ivan that it was a “I need to cross this off my bucket list before I’m 30” kinda thing and he happily obliged. We woke up, walked to The Boat House, and got it done. It was magical and hilarious. Magical in only the way New York City can be. Sometimes it stops me in my tracks, this gorgeous city. Hilarious because rowing those boats are not easy and well, Ivan got a pretty decent work out with those oars. Those biceps are making me all sorts of school girl giddy 😉 Well worth it my love! Lucas had a blast until he didn’t. He lasted a solid 45 minutes on the boat before declaring “time to go home”. Well then.My boys sure know how to make this mama happy. Boating with the boys – the best.

HELLO OCTOBER (PLEASE STAY FOREVER)

On the first day of October we headed to Central Park.  It was perfection. We spotted our first turned trees and it was pretty spectacular. There is nothing like Central Park in Autumn. The deep crimson reds and gorgeous jewel tones are pretty much everything. Did I mention my birthday is in October..and Halloween! It’s the start to all of our favorite holidays. So yea. October I (we) love you. 

SATURDAY WALKS

The weekends are sort of my favorite. Especially Saturdays. We usually wake up, chug some coffee,  and head out wherever the NYC wind takes us. On this particular Saturday we headed to Harlem and wound up at a local BBQ joint for ribs and all the trimmings. Also, leftovers for 2 days? Yes, please! I adore these shots Ivan took during our stroll. Almost 3 years young and Lucas still loves his mami to carry him. My back might be aching but my heart is so very full.

antique silver hair clip c/o luv aj x sunnie brook 

TRIPS TO TARGET AND BOYS WHO WEAR PINK

About once a month we like to mosey uptown to our closest Target. Not because we need anything in particular (good grief walking into that store is a TRAP!) but simply because we enjoy the walk. This trip in particular had purpose – a new Ninja Turtle for the boy. Because you can never have enough turtles. We stopped for a cherry icee and Lucas was nice enough to share with mama (although none was spared for daddy). When we finally made it to Target Lucas couldn’t decide which turtle he wanted. These are hard decisions people! After about half hour of serious deliberation he settled on a turtle lunch box and puzzle. Wins. 
And it must be noted that little boys who wear pink are bosses. I am loving his new tank from Kid + Kind. You must take a moment to check out this absolutely darling shop.

Also, this. A campaign that is supporting and encouraging kids to wear any color they choose – regardless of their gender. Started by Martine Zoer founder of Quirkie Kids, she is using her shop (chock full of PINK!) and campaign to spread tolerance of individual expression amongst kids and their peers – adults included. #freetowearpink

lucas: tank c/o kid + kind | pants c/o nununu | sneakers from converse
nicole: choker from top knot goods 

SUNSETS AT THE BOAT BASIN

The last two weeks have been kind of a blur. With all the packing, unpacking, cleaning, and more cleaning we really haven’t had much down time as a family. We were able to escape the moving madness for a few hours last week and enjoy some r&r at the Boat Basin. It was my mama in law’s birthday and it was a perfect celebration. Beers, tacos, family, and the prettiest sunset I’ve seen in a while. Lucas was totally enamored with all of the boats and made it clear that he has his eye on a yacht for Christmas.

lucas: tank and pants c/o nununu | sneakers from vans
nicole: choker from top knot goods | dress from urban outfitters (old) | sunglasses c/o iweartheheadress

AN AFTERNOON AT THE HIGH LINE

Over the weekend we finally crossed over to to the west side and took Lucas to visit The High Line. I don’t know why we waited so long. Sure it’s a bit touristy and crowded but there’s a good reason for it. The views are spectacular and it’s filled with exciting nooks and grassy areas perfect for toddler exploring. We started off at 28th St. and made our way down to the meat packing district. Somewhere along the walk Lucas started to become extra hyper and I knew it was time for a nap. We were lucky enough to find two empty chaises. The shoes came off and we made ourselves right at home. Within minutes I had a drooling baby on my chest. My city boy can pretty much fall asleep anywhere, anytime. There must be something soothing about all that city noise! Definite highlights were our passion fruit paletas and the water fountain which entertained Lucas for about twenty whole minutes. Looks like we found ourselves a new summer stomping ground.

lucas: tank c/o children of the tribe | shorts c/o appaman | sneakers from converse 
nicole: necklace c/o mourning dove 

SUMMER DAYS ARE NEAR

Summer days are near. Yes, yes they are. We came back from the most delicious weather in Nola (a post coming this week..I promise!) to even better, somehow more delectably scrumptious NYC sun. Low to mid 70’s, sunshine, and a killer breeze to top it off. I can’t tell you how long I (and every other New Yorker) have been waiting for this. I promised myself this winter while zipping up my North Face and putting on my snow boots for the one millionth time that I would NOT be that person. Ya know. The one who complains all winter long how they “just can’t wait for summer!” and then BOOM – one week into the heat proclaims how Fall needs to hurry up and get here. Nope. Mark my word. I will grin and bear the stinky subway (what’s with that anyways? there’s a Duane Reade on every corner stocked with deodorant my fellow NYC peeps. justtttt saying…), my inevitably sweaty back, and the endless applications of sunscreen. Because this winter was just that bad. And FYI. City summers are pretty bad ass. So yea. Summer days are near. I can feel it. 
Lucas’s tee c/o little nuggets