Growing up in NYC, a school trip to the Museum of Natural History is a staple in your grammer school days- and you don’t just visit once- the museum is way too big for that. So you visit 2, 3 sometimes 4 times to visit different areas depending on what you are studying at the time.

Today I got to relive those days by visiting the Museum with my family. I expected to see a lot of changes, however to my surprise- it hadn’t changed much at all. The dinosaur bones were still tremendous, the evolution exhibit were still naked apes, and the space hall still held tons of  ‘space rocks’.

The thing that did change? Experiencing it through my 4 year old sons eyes. He didn’t care about the scientific or historical facts. To him this trip was an adventure- an adventure he had seen in the movies- literally.

The movie “Night at the Museum” really set the pace for my son. So instead just walking around looking at items in glass cases and having no idea what they were or what any one was talking about- my 4 year old  walked into the the Dinosaur hall in amazement trying to find the exact Dinosaur that chased the bone in the movie and then ran excitedly to the the Indian exhibits to see the little men who were fighting the cowboys.

His highlight was the Easter Island Head, who in the movie repeatedly said “Dum, Dum… you give me Gum,Gum”.  He looked up and said in wonderment “Gum, Gum”. His face was priceless. He talked about it the whole way home. It is amazing what influence a movie can have, and how beneficial it can for a learning experience like this one.

There are many great shows and exhibits you can see at The Museum of Natural History Year round, but if you have a movie lover like my son, perhaps the most unique and thrilling experience you can attend “A night at the museum“.

The experience gives you the opportunity to explore the museum after dark with a group and flashlights- just like the movie. The experience will give memories for a life time.

The experience cost is $129 and includes the following:

• Evening snack and light breakfast
• Cots for all participants
• Fossil fact finding mission by flashlight
• IMAX film or space show
• Take-home activities
• Live animal special exhibition (seasonal)

Participants need to be between the ages of 7-13 yrs old, so my son has  few more years to go- but I look forward to letting him experience his very own night at the museum when he is able to attend.

Photo credit: Carol Cain

Smell something in the air today? It’s probably all of the delicious meals being enjoyed this week by New Yorkers without breaking the bank.

Restaurant week is one that is both enjoyed and highly anticipated by New Yorkers twice a year- Jan/Feb & June/July. The reason? During Restaurant week you can enjoy some of the most high end food the city has to offer on fixed prices!  Which means at noon you can enjoy a lunch with coworkers at the 21 club like “The Donald” and then meet up with old friends at Smith & Wollensky for a steak dinner fit for a king all on about $60.

This week is a great opportunity to try out some great new restaurants without going broke, but with 260 participating restaurants it can be hard to chose which ones to try out.

So here’s my top “5 Must Try’s” for Restaurant week:

21 Club- I wasn’t being funny before, people like Donald Trump and famous faces dine here. This restaurant is highly exclusive and even has a dress code. Though their restaurant week menu is limited, it does include an appetizer, entree & dessert and the food is excellent. Really? would the Donald dine there if it weren’t?

Ilili- whether you are a huge fan of Mediterranean food or if you have never tried it, but have always been curious-Ilili has something you are sure to enjoy. With prefix options as low as $16 this restaurant is the perfect choice for international dining on a budget! From Delicious Hommus, Grilled lamb, Fallafel & grilled chicken everyone can easily find their favorite Mediterranean dish.

Kittichi- With a heated out door area, this restaurant offers some of the best Thai cuisine around. For restaurant week their pre-fix menus include a variety of seafood, beef, soups & BBQ specialties. Both their lunch and dinner menus include 3 courses that are sure to satisfy even the biggest appetite.

Devi- Touted by NY Magazine as one of the best Indian restaurants in NYC, this high end restaurant is offering 3 course meals for only $25 for restaurant week. The ambiance is beautiful, and in addition to some of the well known Indian favorites, there are some great introductory dishes like Chicken Kabobs offered for those trying Indian cuisine for the first time.

Cipriani- If you are looking for some great Italian food in a restaurant with posh decor and an possibly the most breath taking atmosphere in NYC, Cipriani’s is your place.  With multiple locations, Cipriani’s Midtown and Wallstreet locations are both participating in restaurant week offering prefix menu’s at an unheard of $25!

Cooking dinner is a chore. In my family, my mother’s rule was she would cook a nice home cooked meal every night during the week, except Friday. Friday was pizza night, no matter what.  My mother’s self-instituted day off from cooking may have been out of her own need for rest, but it began my long love with Pizza.

In New York we are fortunate to be surrounded by some really great pizza.  I’ve heard of some out of state pizzeria’s flying in gallons of NYC water in hopes of replicating the delicious taste, but let’s be honest- as hard as they try, its not the same.

Lucky for us- no matter which borough  we are in- we never have to settle.  So, in the honest opinion of a life-time Pizza Friday girl- I have put together a list of some of the best pizza I’ve found in New
York.

Brooklyn

L&B Spumoni Gardens

2725 86th St., Brooklyn, NY 11223

Best known for their Sicilian Pizza, this pizzeria has their signature pie down to a science. Their crust on the thinner side, topped with mozzerella cheese, sauce and a pinch of parmasean cheese- in that order. Per slice price $2 / 24 slice Pie price $36

Bronx

Trattoria Zero Otto Nove

2357 Aurther Ave, Bronx, NY 10458

Personalized pizzas, cooked in a brick oven with a thicker crust and fresh mozzerella, this pizza is nothing short of classic. Priced slightly higher than some, Zero Otto Nove offers a wide variety of specialty pies, including Margahrita, and La Riccardo and makes visiting, well worth it.

Manhattan

Patsys

(various locations)

Originating in Harlem, NY in the 1930′s, Patsy’s Pizzeria has since gone on to open multiple locations in Manhattan. Patsy’s pizza is known for their coal oven pies made with fresh plum tomatoes, soft mozzarella and fresh basil that tops it all.

Staten Island

Deninos Pizzeria

524 Port Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY

On Staten Island, Denino’s Pizzeria is legendary. Reasonably priced, and with some great specialty pies, like the MOR (Mozzarella Onions & Ricotta) and their Garbage Pie (sausage, mushrooms, meatballs, onion and pepperoni ) this pizzeria is always busy on  the weekends and parking is limited, so be sure to get a seat early!

Queens

Nick’s Pizza

08-26 Ascan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375

If fresh is your thing, this Pizza will not disappoint. Made with the freshest tomato sauce and generously covered in fresh mozzarella, Nick’s pizza is fresh as they come. And though this pizzeria only serves its pizza in pies (no slices offered), trust that there will be none gone to waste.

What does Bill Clinton, Fabolous & Danny Bonaduce have in common?

They have all proudly sported the NYC Subway trains that they ride on tee shirts designed by Actress Lynne Lambert

I was first introduced to “NYC Subway Line” apparel at the Sassy City Chick’s Fashion Bash at The Hotel Pennsylvania and instantly fell in love with this line when I saw the adorable Metrocard Tees for babies!

The brand has an exclusive license with New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and specializes in apparel & accessories that display subway lines and maps, and while these items can make great souvenirs for tourists,  it was specifically designed with the city’s proud  New Yorkers in mind. There is something for every NYmetropolista out there ,  so weather its your trips to Yankee Stadium that you hold dear or if you’re a frequent rider of the 6 train, like Jenny from the block- there is a fashionable hoodie, tee or hat that will allow you to share it with the world.

Lambert says she got the inspiration while waiting for her train on her way to an audition.  She was staring at the signs in the station and thought “Why hasn’t anyone ever done anything with these cool NYC Symbols? I think people would wear them” … and she was right!

Since starting up her company 14 years ago,  her trends have been  worn by numerous celebrities both on and off the screen. Perhaps you’ve seen them in shows and movies such as: “You  Got Served”, “Prime” or MTV’s ” Real World”?

You can find these threads online and the good news for ( the tri-state areas, anyway) is that since their warehouse is located in Brooklyn, NY- all items are typically received within 2 business days!

You can check out the styles at www.nycsubwayline.com

Royalties for the brand  also support The New York Transit Museum , so its a great way to support not only our fashion needs, but the city we all love!

The Radio City Christmas show has long been a family tradition of mine, that my husband and I started passing on with our children over the past 3 years, and it’s become an experience we all look forward to every year to “kick” off our holiday season.

We first took our son when he was 2 1/2, which to some may seem really brave- but he sat through the entire performance mesmerized by the singing and dancing going on around him.  We were impressed.

Last year he enjoyed it so much  he took home some of the streamers that shot into the audience as a souvenir and played with them for weeks.

So, it was an absolute honor when we were invited to attend a party before the show this year to celebrate opening week.

Upon arriving, we were escorted to The Rockette’s small rehearsal studio, where Kate’s Papery had set up crafts, and Magnolia Bakery , who this year have a special limited time Red Velvet Rockette cupcake- had set up cupcake decorating tables for the children.

While my son was eyeing up the stamp pads and my husband’s stomach was growing hungry with the sweet smell of the cupcakes. I was in awe of where we were!

Mirrored walls complete with ballet bars in the front of the room, on the side a cork board with notes of formations and rehearsal schedules… and on the floor- a tapped-off stage with a star in the center and the word “PARADE” in the front. It gave me the chills.

What little girl hasn’t dreamt of being a Rockette at some point in their life? Watching them in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is something I’ve done every year since I can remember- and here I was getting a sneak peek into how it all comes together.

As the children, dressed as Rockettes and Toy Soldiers made cards, and drafted letters to Santa, we received a surprise visit from Santa and The Rockettes themselves!

My son, finally realizing where he was, was in awe. He stared at them for a while and then handed them the letters he had. They thanked him and said “Are you a Toy Soldier?” and he robotically uttered “My name is Ryan”, and thats all he said over and over each time they asked him a question. If I thought I was in awe, I can only imagine the magnitude of the event from a four year olds perspective. I mean come on, this is the real deal Santa!

After the meet and greet, we got to decorate our cupcakes and go into The Roxy Suite for pictures with Santa!

The Roxy Suite is the former office of Roxy Rockefeller and almost as breath taking as the lobby of Radio City itself.  Everything from the lighting to the decor was classic and timeless.

When we were done with all of the festivities, it was finally showtime! … and it was a good thing because I don’t think my son could take the anticipation any longer.

The show as usual was amazing. My son changed his favorite part from the Toy Land scene to the Toy Soldier scene. The soldier that pulled out the pillow for the falling soldiers, cracked him up this year.

That’s what I love about The Christmas Show, it leaves you feeling festive and you can come out every year with something new that you love about it.

If you are interested in attending the show, there are discount orchestra tickets available until December 2. (use the code SN22) and if you would like to take a peek behind the scenes, the Music Hall offers tours as well!

Start your tradition this year, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Picture of Author's husband, holding a Sesame Street favorite!

For 40 years Sesame Street, hidden in the heart of Astoria Queens has been secretly bringing a taste of New York  into homes across the country. Even though the program has never outwardly claimed to take place in New York… The city savvy kids always knew that the answer to “How do you get to Sesame Street?” was simple- The N train (… or the E with a transfer to the R or the G… see? simple.)

To us, it seemed so obvious! The parks, the street signs they all screamed NYC.. and really, where else can a kid have the time of their life playing in a fire hydrant-sprinkler like the one shown in the 1980′s title sequence? Which, just for the record- makes Zoe, Rosita, and Prarie Dawn? …All NY Metropolistas.

Just like many historic areas of  The Big Apple,  there are parts of Big Bird’s hometown that have remained the same.  Mr. Hoopers store is still selling everything from birdseed to sandwiches, Oscar is still rooming in a trashcan with Slimy  and occasionally, the street will be visited by celebrities (who are rumored to usually be more excited to meet Big Bird than vice-versa) but as much as the street has stayed the same, it has also has a history of change that has built the neighborhood we all know and love today.

Some changes were small, like The Count’s signature laugh after counting each number, (ONE… “Mwahh-ha-ha-ha”‘) being cut due to feedback  that it may have been frightening  young viewers. And others were bigger, and more serious- like in 1982, when Will Lee- who played Mr. Hooper, passed away from a heart attack and the show dealt with his loss by explaining the natural circle of life in the episode “A Farewell to Mr. Hooper.”  Then there was the marriage of Maria and Luis, and the day Gordon and Susan adopted Miles… do you remember those episodes? I do.

I also remember the day that Snuffy became visable to the rest of the neighborhood (yes, its true- it was invisable for quite sometime).

But perhaps the most over looked changes goes back to the first season, when Grover was brown… and Oscar was - orange! This is baffling to me. How could Grover have ever been Brown? It’s kind of like seeing your grandparents wedding photo and realizing at one time they weren’t grey! Or looking at a baby photo of your preschooler, and wondering where the time has gone?

It seems like just yesterday the 4yr old me was planning my wedding to Bob (yes, Sesame Street- Bob). And although in time that plan also changed, there was something special about the day that my (real life) husband and I we were able to pass on Bert and Ernie dolls to our son and seeing the same excitement in our little boys eyes, that once lit up the eyes of his father’s 25 years ago. Today, Sesame Street is one of the longest running programs in television history, and with its earlier viewers now in their baby booming prime, the show has become not only a piece of American culture, but a childhood tradition passed on through generations.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street— wishing you 40 more years of making of childhood memories.

This past weekend my girlfriends and I headed out (in the rain) for our friend’s birthday to what on the outside appeared to be  just a small Italian restaurant. The restaurant, Mangia e Bevi, (which means Eat and Drink) is located in the Theater District on the corner of West 53rd and 9th Ave.

When we first arrived the line was literally out the door; in front of us, 2 large bachelorette parties of girls dressed up in heels, hair and make up perfectly done- standing in the rain with umbrellas that were only barely keeping them dry. Why?

The reason is simple. While the menu could be described as your typical italian cusine, Mangia e Bevi is not your typical italian restaurant.

Offering reasonably priced pre-fixed options (in addition to their a la cart menu) which include sangria, a parade of appetizers,  a generously sized entree and dessert, it is not until the waiter has your orders- that the fun begins.

Reservations are spaced out every 2 hours like show times. Once all guests have ordered, each table is handed tambourines, and within minutes the waiters are belting out Mambo Italiano and dancing with the guests. These musical outbursts happen about  every 10 minutes or so, with songs ranging from “That’s Amore” to “Just Like a Prayer”.  The guests are not only encouraged to sing along with the waiters, but they are encouraged to get on their chairs and dance too… and nearly everyone does.

These outbursts of songs happen approximately every 10 minutes, during breaks your meal is served… and then its back to dancing on your chair again.

While this may not be best choice for a romantic night out, the over all experience is both memorable, fun, and unlike any itailian restaurant you’ve been to before. Making it the perfect place to grab a bite for a girls night out.

Today begins NYC’s Wine and Food Festival, so if you are a foodie- you will not want to miss this event!

Kicked off with BizBash’s Hors D’oevres house: The Art of Food Party on Thursday – You can begin your exploration of food with learning and tasting canapes and other fine bite sized food from Bizbash editors as well as some of the top local caterers here in NYC.

There are several sponsored events going on both day and evening from Thursday through Sunday including  wine seminars, culinary demos, and coffee lover events.

This year the festival has many celebrity endorsers such as Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Giada, Paula Deen and Guy Fieri to name a few.

If you are seeking fun for the whole family this weekend, this festival offers many events to attend with the kids as well. There are Mini Chef classes, Sushi lessons, and an interactive pasta playground being sponsored by Piccollini. On the celebrity front, in conjunction with the release of Jakk’s Pacific “Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery” set- Ace of Cake’s very own Duff will be taking a break from his Charm City Bakery to teach kids the art of Fondant and cake decorating.

So if you find yourself looking for something to do this weekend, this festival is definitely where it is at.

You can check out the NYC Wine & Food Festival’s official site for the complete list of happenings.

It’s that time of year again. That very rare time, where for once- Relaxation is not only suggested but a  requirement.

It’s Spa week!

For one full week Spas and Salons across the country slash their prices for you to take advantage of some quality “Me time”.

Offering some of the most up scale  spa treatments, such as the Ten Hands Massage (Five therapists massage), the 14 Carat Gold Facial and the Caviar Facial Spa Week will make you feel like you are a socialite. These ritzy treatments typically cost easily over $200, but during Spa week they are offered for just $50!

During this week only, $50 can also get you medical treatments like Chemical Peels, Diamond-tip Microderm-abrasion and even Botox injections!

If you aren’t into massages and skin treatments, mani/pedi’s as well as eye brows are also part of this promotion!

Here in NYC, there are so many participating spas and salons.

Shizuka spa on West 51st, is just one participating salon known for their celebrity skin treatments. Victoria Beckham frequents this upscale salon for their Geisha Facial, that just happens to be on their Spa Week menu!

You can find a full list of over 50 participating spas in the area on Spa Week’s website.

How many times have you hailed a cab after a night out and felt invisable? Cabs wooshing by you as you stand there with your arm in the air…waving. Too many to count?

Well Regine Basha- daughter of jewelry designer Aaron Basha, has designed a clutch to help solve that pesky issue. Thursday, September 17th Regine and her company, 2Enlight10 launched a battery operated clutch with the word TAXI written on in bright yellow letters that light up in the dark- assuring you to stand out on a crowded corner.

When asked about what inspired this unique (genius) item, Regine said:

“I created a clutch that had glowing piping for me and my friends. We would always use it to hail a cab, as you are visible from at least a block and a half away. I had an a-ha designer moment when I thought “how cool would that be to have one that says TAXI?“

This clutch is so New York and so stylish. Retailing for $225, this purse is definitely an investment but a definite fashion statement.  You can purchase your own Taxi Clutch by visiting 2Enlight10′s website

Photo credit: Carol Cain