NYC Trip Report continued: Of kicks and toys and American girls

Wednesday was the day set aside for SHOPPING! Only NOT for me - it was time for the kidlets!

The one passion the boy shares with his mom is his love of hats and SHOES! (With all these amazing post-Christmas sales I've been tossing the shoeboxes into recycling and keep my new purchases at the office, in case my husband notices. Shhhh, let's keep it a secret!).

I had promised the Boy a new pair of kicks for his size 9 men's feet (not kidding - he's not even 12 yet!) We thought that Macy's would be good place to start, and given that it wasn't too far from Times Square, another shopping mecca, we headed into tourist land first thing after breakfast. I had scoped out the subway route, but with a family of 4 it made sense just to hop into the nearest yellow cab. We lucked out - we got a clean non-stinky hybrid for our ride downtown.

We didn't luck out so much at the department store - although I'm continually amazed at my son's growing preference for neon bright apparel. The wooden escalator was cool though:

We decided to head into the thick of Times Square to continue our search - but we got hungry (and cold) again very quickly. So we stopped in at the Hard Rock for lunch -we don't normally like the chains when vacationing, but the NYC resto was actually quite good. You can't beat a good burger on a freezing day.

With our stomachs full, we continued on our quest for the perfect shoes. Thank goodness for the girlie that Toys R Us, complete with indoor ferris wheel, presented itself right next to the shoe store.

Lady Liberty in Lego glory...



Barbie, Barbie everywhere...



I still find this Toys R Us more impressive than FAO Schwartz. Maybe it had something to do with the hot chocolate:



Little G wanted make some small purchases, but I told her we were saving up for our visit with the American Girls. That promise and the cookie kept her content. In the meantime, the boys found fancy bright blue high tops - a great NYC souvenir for the boy.

The thing I love about Manhattan is that it is so walkable. From Times Square, the American Girl Store was but a few short blocks away. I'd never been exposed to the American Girl experience - and that's exactly what it is. When I first heard of this phenomenon, I found it a little creepy that the doll could be dressed exactly as its girl owner. On top of that, there was enough experience to occupy four floors - complete with restaurant, doll salon, pet shop ... I knew we would drop some coin once we went through the door. And this was heavenly for a 7 year old girl:



It took us a little while to settle on which doll was our mini-G, but we did it. I had to promise that if we were to go to Chicago I would arrange for an American Girl salon visit for mini-G - $12 for braiding is a little steep ( I offered to do it for $5 but it didn't cut it). When we left the building it was already quite dark and we decided to head back to the hotel. We were actually turned down for pickups by a few yellow cabs before we finally lucked out. Didn't think a cabbie would ever refuse a fare but I guess this was NYC. I guess with so many people hailing cabs they have the luxury of being picky.

At home base, the boy decided he wanted to check out the Urban outfitters across the street - cannot believe that he can actually fit some of those fashions. Hilarious that the boy noted that one of the sales guys was wearing majorly low, I'm talking down to his knees, low-riders. The boy noticed the boxers, but did think it was rather silly. We did score on a couple of cute striped T's for him, though.

Picked up some juice, fruit, yogurt and salmon and bagels for next day's breakfast - and headed back to our UWS headquarters.

For dinner we went around the corner Asian - Fusha West. Amazing pan Asian food and despite the look of the lounge once you enter, it was quite family friendly. We had sushi, tempura, soup - all with a little bit of a twist. We girls enjoyed it - see our shiny happy faces.








(Yes, that is a sari that was fashioned for Mini-G by the fabulous Bigger G. She's still an American girl under all that, after all, the US is multi-ethnic, isn't it? I suppose we should look for some mukluks for her, after all she's now in Canada, eh?)

And that was Wednesday. We didn't have too late a night, as Thursday would be our last full day in the city. So much more to do and see.

Friday Fragments - I need a Bruno Wig#

Check out my girlfriend's place for Friday Fragging( Mrs. 4444)

*****

"If you've ever wondered whether you made a difference in someone's life, consider this as one time that you have".

Wow. I guess things are going pretty well for me at work. And I am so humbled.

*****

As I was driving out of the parking garage last night, I spotted a fellow walking to his car. There was something in his gait, his profile, the way he wore his hair, that was so familiar. He looked a lot like a good friend of mine from highschool and university, who I hadn't seen in over 10 years. Curiosity got the better of me, so I slowed down my oh-so-sexy minivan and with a smile on my face, peered at him as he turned to face me (he must have felt my eyes drilling into the back of his head) ... and of course it was SO NOT him!!!!

Gahhh!!!

So I put the pedal to the metal and I shot out of the garage like a bat out of hell.

Wonderful. Now he thinks he's got this old lady Asian cougar who will stalk him every night.

Yay me.

*****

My boy announced last week that he wants to try out for competitive soccer. Which is actually great news - I mean, at this point, if he shows a passion or enthusiasm for anything, I should be thrilled right?

Looking at the schedule though, we've found out that the time commitment is incredible. We're talking a minimum two to three 2 hour practices a week, plus 2 league games a week. FIVE days a week? When would he do homework? When would the girlie have time for her activities? When would we have a life?

I want to encourage him, and certainly the man does too, but with hubs' work and travel schedule, and with me working full time and likely traveling to Europe four times a year, how can we deal? Or more likely, how will I deal - because this will fall on me. That's the way it is, that's the reality.

I'm the one close to home.

I'm the one who does the scheduling, the pickups, the schlepping...and I'm freakin' out a bit at the prospect.

If I were a SAHM of course, this would be a non-issue.

Shit.

I'm such a selfish thing.

We can't discourage him, though. I guess we'll have to see how he does, and take it from there.

If he's good and he loves it, we will manage.

*****

How was the first week of school for everyone? For my Grade 1 (full-time school-ager now, don'tcha know) girlie, the first day was "awesome". Her teacher is young, pretty and nice. You don't need much more criteria than that! The Grade 5-er was thrilled that he's got his best pals (well, with the exception of a best bud that moved to Switzerland now) in his class. And his teacher does not believe in full class punishment if one or two bad apples spoil things. Which was a huge deal for him last year (and something I was actually pretty pissed about myself, but never got around to raising with that teacher before the year ended-- my bad ...)

So far, so good.

For Mom, well, there's the adjustment of having to make double the number of lunches and snacks. But at least both sandwiches were gobbled up every day.

*****

I've been wanting to get to the Gap for weeks now, ever since I noticed the line of "perfect black pants" that hit the magazine stands in August. And since I'd bought up pretty much every major fashion magazine in August, I was totally suckered in by the advertising.

Today I managed to get there, while I was having my car emission-tested.

And lo and behold, they were on sale for $25 off!!!!

Even better, I took sizes 4 and 6 into the change room with me, thinking that this was, well, wishful thinking.

Can you believe that I was swimming in the size 4?

What up with that???

The sales girl walked by and said, "Oh boy, those are way big for you. You need to go down a size. What do you have there, a 4? I'll pick you up a 2..."

And off she went.

A TWO???? The last time I was a two, I think I was 12 years old.

Something is definitely up with the sizing these days.

But who the hell cares.

I'm a frickin' size TWO!

I love the GAP.

*****

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

#PS. I know the title of this post is totally nonsensical, but yeah, the hubs bought one for some reason, and it would likely serve me well now with my underground parking situation and all...

Fashion Friday- Losing my kool

It's been a while since I've done a frivolous post with pictures of my wardrobe. But dear reader, you know me by now, and realize that retail therapy is one that at least provides me with a band-aid solution for all that ails.

Remember my trip to NYC? I never did a followup to show you how I fared at Century 21, Anthropologie, and in Soho in various retail establishments.

Ever wish you were Carrie Bradshaw, or a talented designer/ shop-owner in an up-and-coming artsy neighbourhood, and had the guts to be attired in fun, funky numbers and wear them well? I think this is what I was thinking when I went with this...

And paired with an almost conservative swingy jacket...



Or with a Michael Stars T, "sleeping on snow" woolen hoodie and knock-off necklace,

Free People ... squeeee!!!

Ed Hardy T, because I'm too chicken to get a real tattoo...

But times have changed. Hitting the clearance racks and warehouse sales for quick drive-by shopping for more "functional" items in light of recent physical events and the recession, these are my recent buys:

Giraffe? Well, not exactly big on the function quotient, but it was only $9 and it seemed like a good idea at the time...

Ecco boots - I wrestled with a 65 year old grandma for these... but they are comfortable...

A good pair of hiking boots, at least they're in red, not so funky, but red nonetheless...

But my sexiest functional item has got to be this,:

Heck, even Ian says it's hawt, in a volleyball player (although I'm thinking more "Crash") like way.

Thank gawd Anthropologie is coming our way soon...please?

No Freedom 55 just yet...

It's White Sale season.

I haven't felt much like shopping in the last little while, for obvious reasons.

But things still have to get done. Kids still need haircuts. Trips to the mall are inevitable.

As we were passing through the venerable Canadian shopping institution known as the Bay this past week, en route to the salon, I noticed that there was a sale on House & Home linens. It's a brand I like; not too pricey, but you get that certain look.

I'm a "touch and feel" type of shopper, so I had to pause and take a look at the many colours they had on display. The kids, of course, had to stop in their tracks with me. Not wanting to delay lest they pulled out the "we're not shopping AGAIN now, are we Mommy?" whine, I stopped for no more than two minutes.

As we continued on our way, the Boy said to me: "So, are you shopping to decorate your fantasy mansion, Mom?"

I had to laugh. "Well, not really, we're just needing new sheets, ours are getting a little old."

To which the boy replied: "That's okay Mom. Think about that mansion. Dad's working on it."

Whip it, kid, whip it real good...

Fashion Friday: Boots and Dora Edition

Last week I mentioned that I didn't have any new additions to my closet because I had gained weight.

But WAIT a minute, that didn't mean I couldn't go out and buy FOOTWEAR!!!

*****

I was reminded just a couple of days ago of one of the benefits of living in the burbs... big box discount shopping malls. Sure, it's certainly not the same experience as walking along Bloor Yorkville, Queen St. West, or Yonge & Eligible (three great shopping districts in Toronto). But one can still grab a Starbucks latte and stroll right on into STYLESENSE. This is a new shoes/bag/accessories emporium that has opened up two locations IN THE BURBS. Brought to us by the retailers who started Winners. Ads have popped up within the last week on the radio, in the paper, on TV.

Shoes?! Bags ?! Why, I just HAD to go to the grand opening which happened yesterday morning. And contrary to what I told my friend Bec that I wouldn't do, here is the evidence for you all to see.

My new BOOTS:

1/ Unlisted - too cute to resist and the price to match (let's just say under $40)...


2/ Tahari - classic boot, not too high, with tuxedo buttons. Salivated and purchased...


3/ Max Studio - not technically a boot, but a shoe/boot. Buckles and all, in a dark antique brown...


Now I also bought a new briefcase because I have work again. Thank God, because how else am I going to pay for all these new items?

(I won't mention my purchases at Lucky Brand Jeans either. My husband may be reading.)

Oh, and in case you were wondering where DORA comes in, this is what she will look like in thirty-odd years, complete with glasses due to the fact that she read too many maps as a kid ...


(yes, my new haircut!)

Happy Weekend everyone!

Fashion Friday: Back to School Edition

I haven't posted a Fashion Friday in a while for the main reason that I haven't added any interesting finds to my closet. In fact, I need to purge it in order to make room for more. And before I make room for more, I must lose the SEVEN POUNDS that I gained in one month. Drinking and eating. Ugh. One month of Bodyjam once a week is just not enough. I'm hopeful that once the kids are in school and I can get back into a routine again of going to the gym at least three times a week, this will change.

Today we focus on the kids' back to school fashion purchases. It's that time of year again. Besides school supplies, my aim for this week was to buy some new shoes for the boy, and to see if there was anything else that struck his fancy. At the ripe old age of eight, he has a definite opinion on what he will and will not wear.

We headed to H & M, which I find is a great place for the kids and myself ... but wait, not about myself today. Can you believe that I did NOT look at ANYTHING for myself? NOTHING. Big pats on my own back.

What we did see right away in the boys' size 8-18 section was a nice selection of argyle sweaters. I bypassed them as usual, but to my utter surprise, the boy called to me and said "Mom, I want THAT look". That look included an argyle sweater.

My boy, who has spent the last year in T-shirts, athletic pants, the occasional jeans, but for summer, only basketball shorts. Not only did he like the look, he ran to the accessories section to find the perfect additions to what he saw. And this is what he came up with:


A tweed cap and scarf? OMG!!!! He had his shades on too ... what a hoot! Combine this with the following OP shoes we picked up at Walmart (which I know will fall apart within a week, but he loved them) and some jeans that still fit him...


And he's set.

Another purchase at Walmart, this graffiti hoodie:


He is stylin', this kid! And it happened over night!

Of course, we cannot forget the girl, because she will not let us. Last season it was My Little Pony, but no more ...


And for dance class:


I am afraid that I have created a couple of mini-me retail monsters. We had such a fun time in the change rooms; the kids were laughing and showing each other their outfits. Not fighting for even one second. I think I need to get more work.

Finally, a little someone is so excited about starting school for the very first time:


And now I'm going to cry.

Fashion Friday - what works?

Now for something completely different.

Working from home certainly has its advantages. You can probably accomplish more in a couple of hours while in your pyjamas and bunny slippers, than if you were in your typical 8 - 5 office environment. If you're so inclined. But occasionally you have to meet the people in the real world.

I worked for a company where the dress code was business casual. I own quite a few suits, for the fall and winter but only primarily for meetings with "external" people. But the last time I was in the office I was, um, quite hugely pregnant.

I have a meeting coming up next week for a potential project. Problem - what to wear?! Did I hear you say "shopping opportunity"? Thought so. You'd be so proud of me... I bought a suit! A navy linen blend pant suit. I just fell in love with the jacket. Too bad there was no matching skirt ... I broke my own fashion rule by not purchasing a complete set of pants and skirt for versatility. But nowadays, anything goes, right?

My question for you: which cami/ top should I wear with it for my meeting? I want to keep it dressed up enough to look professional but not overly business-heavy, in case the company is quite casual. (And thanks to my blog pal Kami for her inspiration on "throwing it all out there for fashion advice" ...)

Here are the options:

a) mod top with geometric print

a bit more close-up:

b) bright pink cami for a flash of personality

c) more subdued tank with green, taupe, white swirls

d) white tank with lacy detail and orange "hello" piping.

Excuse the horrible picture quality. And the fact that I don't do mirrors. The husband took my easy point-and-click digital on his trip to Paris and left me with the kids and his SLR which I have absolutely no clue how to work. As evidenced above.

Happy weekend, hope to see you bloghopping ?!

"Wordless" Wednesday -Low

(Low #1: Just bought 54 hotdogs for 2 kids...54 ...what the...??!!

Costco is evil.)

(Low #2: 3 year old daughter sings the chorus ... and I think it's cute.)

For other Wordless Wednesday Participants go here.

Fashion Friday: Minivans and Coaches

You know the one thing that is so wonderful about the blogging world, other than the fantastic blog community, realworld friends you can keep in the loop, and online friends that you can make? You can WIN things! It's such a great bloggy world, really it is.

In the past few months I have received the following from some great bloggers:

- yummy dark espresso chocolate and a fantastic book for writers, courtesy of the lovely Gina
- a Living the Dream T-shirt via the hilarious Kat
- and now the piece de resistance... a bag. Not just any bag, but a luscious COACH purse from the fabulous Melinda Zook!


So now I'll officially become one of those ubiquitous, annoyingly suburban moms in the minivan with her jug-0-coffee and her mandatory COACH purse. But hey, it's COACH, and it's CUTE and if that's what I'll be labelled, then so be it, because it's, well, it's COACH!!!!

Simmer down, simmer down.

But heh, you know me, always fighting the suburban encroachment into my otherwise cool life (who am I kidding, but please humour me).

I therefore present to you the following items which I just purchased for the summer, to go with my violet hair:

A) To Bodyjam in ...

that's how to stay young, working out with a picture of a much older, cooler woman from her younger years, plastered across your chest.

B) My BOGO purchase from Payless because the girlie wanted Princess light-up sneakers and you should always spend more to save less...

C) And these floaty Buffalo tops ...


I suppose that I may look like one of the Real Housewives of Orange County in these, only without the voluptuous boobs.

Anyone running a boob giveaway on their blog?

OMG, was that a Pick Up Line?

"How many kids do you have? You don't look like you've had even one, you're so young and slim."

"Thanks, I guess I'm just lucky."

"Well you've got great genes, that’s it, that’s for sure."

Thirteen reasons and/or events that should have warned me that was coming…

1/ I've got a big "L" on my forehead. Seems that for each of the handful of cute guys I managed to go out with in my dating years (including the one I finally snagged), I attracted at least two other strange ones. As in stalker-like weirdos.

2/ I spent a little more time on my makeup before going out the door that morning. Why? Only because my husband noticed when I did on the weekend and asked what was different. Made me realize that I need to take the time to make him notice more often.

3/ Because I was having a very bad hair day, I had put on a cute cap which covered most of my hair and my face. I guess I look better with most of my face hidden.

4/ I was wearing my Vans (which my brother thinks is hilarious) so from AFAR I could have passed for younger.

5/ I was in a good mood while waiting in line (to return a top that G refused to wear) at Winners. A good mood while returning something? Unheard of.

6/ The return counter had five customer service people behind it, dealing with two customers. The wait was inexplicably long. And there were only two people waiting – yeah, me and Mr. Fellow.

7/ I was also in a chatty mood. Was it a solar eclipse or what? I’m never chatty when I’m in the return line. Especially not when the wait is excruciatingly long in an empty store.

8/ I unknowingly took the bait. While Mr. Fellow was joking with me about how long it was taking, he began extolling the merits of the return policy. Seeing as he knew so much about the store, I asked him what he thought of the men’s merchandise because while I’m always shopping for me and my daughter there, I was thinking of shopping for my HUSBAND this time.

9/ After I got my refund, I walked past and said good bye on my way to men’s shirts. Just to be polite.

10/ About two minutes later, Mr. Fellow happened to come by as well and told me there were some good selections in the clearance section. Uh-oh.

11/ I popped over to the boys’ section quickly to check out T’s for the L-boy; then with one in hand headed back over to the men’s clearance area thinking the coast was clear. N-uh-uh. Mr. Fellow showed up again and noticed I had the boy’s shirt with me.

12/ The conversation about my good genes took place. Awkward, how do you respond to something like that to a male stranger? It’s one thing to hear that from another mom, but a strange guy? Radar up.

13/ As I whipped into the girls’ section for a quick look, and hurriedly rushed to the cash (had to pick up girlie) he made another passing comment about my success as a shopper.

Perhaps it was just pleasant conversation. Who knows, as I’m so bad at reading the signs. Or maybe I’m just getting overly suspicious in my old age. And I’m wearing the whole “Desperate Housewife” persona a bit too well these days.

When I told Ian about my day and what had happened, he said, “Well that’s OK.”, in a happy “Neat-o, good for you” tone. Who is he, my cheering section? Probably more likely that he wasn’t listening too carefully to my babbling.

Then he asked me what the guy looked like. And I said he wasn’t ugly or anything, just average, a guy in his 40's. Had all his hair, seemed pleasant enough, just mildly stalker-ish.

Unfortunately he didn't look like this... Or this ...
Or this ...


With my luck, he was probably gay.

{Not that there’s anything wrong with that at all. But if he were, that would mean I really have to take my antennae in to be fine-tuned!!}

[images from people.com]

Fashion Friday: 42 going on 13

As they say, the best laid plans...

After the boy's little accident yesterday, it was no surprise that he woke up quite sore this morning. He came into my room at about 6:30 AM feeling tired, and asking if he could sleep in as long as he wanted. Seeing as it was already windy and so very messy outside, I didn't have the heart to make him go to school (and on top of that, honestly wanted to keep an eye on him .... you never know what shenanigans 7 year olds can get into...). I just let him snuggle next to me.

Rather than putting in a few good hours of work, I thought I'd just take pictures of the latest additions to my wardrobe. This activity squeezed in between breaks during my gig as the fetch-all person of the day (OMG, I don't even want to count all the drinks, snacks, meals, mini-meals I prepared for the two of them today).

Last week I tried to recapture my youth by dancing the night away with 20-somethings.

This week, while shopping for hoodies and caps with my almost 8 year old son we also found these....


... for ME!

Sort of funny that I'm trying to reinforce the art of tying shoelaces with my son, while on the other hand picking up these slip-on, prison issue, velcro numbers. And look, those are SKULLS!!!! I didn't even notice that until I bent down to do them up (I think bifocals are sneaking up on me). I asked the salesgirl if she thought I was too old to wear skulls; of course she wanted to make the sale, and "no one's ever too old to wear skulls". I fell for that line, boy did I!

And a liquidation centre recently opened close to my home, selling brand denim such as Buffalo, Parasuco, Mavi, accessories, housewares etc. At $3 a pop I had to pick these up ...

But don't worry, in case you're concerned, I haven't totally lost my marbles. I managed to find these Michael Kors flats a little while back, perfect for spring (at least, once the rain goes away).

And the boy? Well, he got so bored as the day wore on. Luckily for him, the grandparents called in concern, and he was conveniently up for going birthday present shopping.

Wii SuperSmash Bros Brawl ... Miracle cure or what?

Fashion Friday - Haiku

Girlie is not well;
Fever, vomiting, sad eyes
Fashion Friday brief

*****

Snow should blow away;
Colours, prints beckon in shops

Feet covet Stellas

More Haiku Friday here.