A few months back when my wife came to the dinner table excited about the opportunity of a suite for a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden I wasn’t ungrateful, but I was hardly enthused. As a native Chicagoan who’s heart is forever rooted, and maybe even stuck, in the Bulls Dynasty of the nineties I’ve only been excited to watch the Knicks lose. My enthusiasm cooled even more when at the last minute, my teenage son couldn’t attend due to a conflict with his schedule and opted not to invite any of his friends.

Stuck with the unfortunate prospect of my wife’s employee perk going to waste I was charged with the task preventing it.  On the fly, I began inviting friends and friends with family and in no time we had a party.

Being an MSG Suiteholder comes at a premium, but with it comes premium amenities that you’ll never get simply sitting in the stands.  There is a Club entrance, separate and apart from general admission that is staffed by courteous and accommodating concierges willing and able to cater to your needs, such as setting tickets aside for late-comers in your group. Private elevator service whisks you to the suite level high above the nosebleed seats. Amazingly the view of the court is breathtaking and not “way down there.” Our suite featured a wet bar, Wi-Fi, bar seating, a private restroom, and three rows of stadium seating to easily accommodate a crowd of twenty. And if you or your children are afraid of heights (or you’re afraid for your children being that high up), you can relax in knowing that the front edge of your suite features a half wall of glass to prevent the unthinkable. Maybe most important, your suite can come as you like it, stocked with food and beverages of your choosing as per MSG’s suite menu. The wait staff is on duty during the entirety of the event and just as accommodating as the concierges at the entrance. My only advice is to order your food in advance so that it’s there for you at the start of your party. No one likes to be a hungry guest.

After nearly four hours, I was surprised how much I enjoyed myself. The Knicks fans were, of course, disappointed when their team lost, but the kids had a blast doing the wave, screaming with the crowd and playing amongst themselves in a safe and secure space. The experience provided most of the adults an opportunity to catch up on old times or become acquainted for the first. All in all, there was something for everyone. And we weren’t the only ones. Many of our neighboring suites that day were filled with families. It was almost like being at a state park in the summertime but without the grass and lovely aroma of barbecue.

What I learned that day is that a suite at Madison Square Garden is good for more than just closing business deals or entertaining clients. If you’re feeling generous, want to go in with friends or simply have access consider an MSG suite when looking for something to do with friends and family. For sporting events and concerts it can be one of the hottest parties in town — tailor made to your liking.

Madison Square Garden
TheGarden.com
4 Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, New York 10001
212.465.MSG1 (6741)

Photo credit E.Payne

Laura Bennett may be best known publicly as the sophisticated clothing designer and finalist on season three of Project Runway in 2006. While NYC parents tend to share the Type-A gene in one area or another, Laura Bennett wins the gold.

Take, for example, that we all earn the ”parent” designation by having one child. Laura has six. Gold star. Many of us know how to sew on a button. Laura can sew her family clothes – from scratch. (And star in reality shows and clothe celebs too.) Gold star. Many would consider being employed in one industry as working. Laura has to decide which job she’s going to focus on that day:  architectural design, clothing design, comic strip writer, QVC saleswoman, or perhaps add book author to her list of employable skills . . . and she does it all in her signature classicly sophisticated style.  Someone please hand her a medal already!

When not selling her Laura Bennett Designs on QVC, or penning the Case Clothed comic strip for iVillage, Laura’s preparing to release her book Didn’t I Feed You Yesterday? A Mother’s Guide to Sanity in Stilettos this week. The book hits the shelves on April 6th, and I’m already contemplating what I’ll wear to her book signing at the Borders Time Warner Center Wednesday April 7th at 7 p.m.

The book  reveals a working mother’s philosophy on having a career, raising a family and enjoying life in The Big Apple. What some may consider a laissez- faire approach to parenting, others will read as a humorous and sane guide to having it all. I enjoyed reading  it: I felt more relaxed about my own parenting, and finished the book inspired to put some of my own goals higher on my to-do list. Then again, I love a book that I can relate to in parts, laugh through in others and easily breeze through for those short bursts of time that I actually have to read.

Last week I had the opportunity for a Q-and-A with Laura about parenting in NYC, and here’s what she said:

NYM: You’ve lived elsewhere, how has living in NYC affected your parenting style?

LB: Kids in New York come in contact with a lot of strangers everyday, in the subways and walking on the streets, so they have a different set of social skills than suburban kids. You have to talk a lot about the different type of people they encounter and how to handle them. In the end though, I find city kids to be tolerant and respectful of other’s circumstances.

NYM: So many couples decide to move to the suburbs after the second or third child arrives. What keeps you in the city?

LB: New York City is my lifeline. It makes me so happy to be out and about on the streets. I am afraid if I lived someplace else, I would be lost. With work and so many kids, most of my time is not my own, but the occasional hour I have to roam the garment district looking for fabric, or pop into a museum to see a mind blowing exhibit, makes that small amount of time energizing for me.

I also happen to think it is a great place to raise kids, especially teenagers because they are not driving. The biggest challenge is a financial one.

NYM: With six kids, are there NYC restaurants you visit as a family? What are your favorites to visit with your kids?

LB: Our group requires a quick in and out, before we’ve had a chance to bother any of the other guests, so we prefer diners. My kids love the classic Empire Diner on Eleventh Avenue.

NYM: In your book you mention finding your first Hermes bag at an upscale thrift shop; do you mind sharing a couple of your favorite Manhattan thrift shops you’ve visited over the years?

LB: I am a big Ebayer. You really have to be familiar with what you are buying, and if you are looking for something specific, you have to be patient, but I have yet to be disappointed. In New York my favorite store is Fisch For The Hip on 18^th Street. The second-hand Hermes bags are not cheap, but the selection is mind blowing, and if you are looking for a specific bag that they don’t have, the owner will track it down for you. She calls herself a “Bag Broker.”

NYM: You always look so fashionable, how do you handle your kids’ clothing choices? What fashion advice do you hope they take with them when they’re grown and on their own?

LB: I don’t get all up in my boys grille about what they wear. They usually look pretty scruffy, which probably makes me look good by comparison. We have a lot of hand me downs, and they seem fine with that. I do have an eight-year old son that has a suspicious interest in fashion, so he requires a bit of extra shopping, but for the most part they just find something that fits without too many holes.

NYM: You mention that there’s almost always someone playing video games in your home. Do you or your husband ever join your kids in playing? If so, which system do you like best: Playstation, XBox or Nintendo?

LB: We are definitely a Wii family. We have the system connected to a projector so the games take up an entire wall. My kids love the Resort Sports and Just Dance. I love the idea that they are not just sitting there. I actually had to build a platform for them to play on so all the jumping around wouldn’t bother our downstairs neighbor.

We used to have an XBox, but the kids were fighting in the car one day on out way back from the country and my husband put it on someone’s lawn, controllers, cords and all. Now we just have to say “XBox” and they work things out on their own. I think they fear for their cell phones. I don’t miss it at all. Some of the graphics are so realistic. I had little ones running through the room watching execution style murders. Even I draw the line there.

NYM: What do you use to accomplish everything: Blackberry, Droid or iPhone?

LB: I am so Blackberry. It makes working possible with all the running around that I do with the kids. I would probably be fine with an iPhone, I love the SAT vocabulary app, but my Blackberry works so well for me, I can’t get motivated to switch. We have an iTouch for the cool apps. I’m also counting the days until the iPad comes, but as much as I love all things Apple, I am tried and true Blackberry.

NYM: What mantra or vision gets you through stressful work/family life balance times today?

LB: I’m going to have to get cheesy on you here. I am actually so thankful for all the opportunities that I have, when I get stressed out, I just remind myself of that. I am also fortunate enough to be in a position where I don’t have to take on projects that I think I won’t enjoy. That is a major luxury.

I actually find the kids to be more stressful than work, so there I just remind myself how fast it all goes by. That little girl I moved to New York with fifteen years ago is about to graduate from college. There’s a real eye opener.

And if all that fails, a piece of Nicotine gum makes me eternally happy.

NYM: Do you ever look back on those initial “lean” years in NYC and wonder how you did it?

LB: When I was single and broke in New York I was where I wanted to be, so I was never unhappy. I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family, so I’ve always had a knack for making do, and being handy with a sewing machine got me pretty far. At the moment, I have more than I ever imagined, but I could do a financial 180 and still be happy.

New York offers tons of activities for children from museums to Broadway which are well-known but there are so many undiscovered family-friendly entertainment options. Recently, I discovered New York University’s Big Red Chair Family Series when I was looking for birthday events for my daughter. We ended up attending “Darwin“, a touching story of Darwin the Dinosaur and his encounters with flowers and pre-historic birds, acted out by cartoon-like characters only seen by their outlined lit bodies, all set to a moving and entertaining soundtrack.

While Darwin the Dinosaur, is no longer playing, there are two shows left in the 2009/ 2010 season that should prove entertaining to both children and adults.

Michael Moshen
Mr. Moshen is a juggler but not just any juggler. He combines the magic of light and movement to change your notion of juggling.
April 17 @ 7:00PM
Recommended for all ages

The Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour presents Nobody’s Perfect
Based on the children’s book by Marlee Matlin and Doug Cooney, whose main character is Megan, a deaf fourth grader. Megan is at odds with a new student Alexis is who not exactly nice to her making, Megan wonder, “Does she not like me because I am deaf?” The girls discover from having to work together on a science project that “Nobody’s Perfect.”
May 8 @ 2:00PM
Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South)
212.352.3101
www.skirballcenter.nyedu

The holidays are upon us, and the kids are off from school. Great fun indeed, until the cabin fever starts to set in. What to do? What to do? If you’re the New York Metro area you are in luck!

This Holiday week is full of tons of things to do, and though the tourists have sort of replaced the residents in larger numbers, it still means that a lot of your favorite places might not be as crowded as usual (if you get there earlier than most especially).

From now to tomorrow, Dec. 24, catch a The Miracle on 34th St. at Macy’s Herald Square’s new Puppet Theater presented by The Puppetworks, Inc., a puppeteering group based in Park Slope, Brooklyn. If you miss this show, Puppetworks is also presenting The Nutcraker Sweets and The Steadfast Tin Soldier from Dec, 26 through Jan 10.  Check their site for more info.

If you love puppets, but don’t want to travel outside of Manhattan to enjoy a show, than check out Central Park’s own Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater’s The Three Bears Holiday Bash. On now through Jan. 3.

Don’t miss the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. A holiday favorite, the recreations are works of art, made of natural materials, celebrating the beauty of New York City.  Display is on from now till Jan. 10. Enjoy some hot drinks and gingersnaps. A wonderful adventure for the entire family! Check their site for more info.

If you love trains, but want to stay in Manhattan, head on over to Grand Central Terminal, and catch NY Transit Museum’s 8th Annual Holiday Train Show, a display of awesome Lionel trains (from now through Jan. 18). While there don’t forget to also stay to watch  their Holiday Light Show (till Dec. 31) and Holiday Fair (till Dec. 24).

Our we can go a’Caroling! In Washington Square Park, on Dec. 24 from 5:00PM-6:00PM, or head on over to Stuyvesant Square from 6:00PM to 8:00PM for a Candelight Caroling celebration.

The Queens Theater in Flushing Meadow park is presenting Santa Meets The Wicked Wizard on Dec. 26 and The Nutcracker from Dec. 29 to Dec. 30). Tickets are $12.00.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan has several events going on during the Holidays as well, from Holiday gift card making going on today, Dec. 23 and tomorrow, Dec. 24, to Highbridge Voices Holiday Concert. Check out their site for event listing and tickets.

Get out, have fun! And from our family to yours, we wish you a Happy Holiday Season!

As a born and bred Manhattanite, I get a lot of pitiful looks from people who grew up in rural and suburban places.  They ask me if I didn’t feel deprived of nature having grown up in this concrete jungle of mine, and always say, “No way!”  While Central Park isn’t exactly Yosemite National Park, for us New Yorkers it is filled with the wonderful presence of nature, and has given many of us cherished moments amidst Summer’s lush green foliage, the earthy color palette of Fall leaves, the “Winter Wonderland” of snow-blanketed meadows, and the promise of Spring as the once-bare trees began to slowly awaken with the tiniest buds sprouting on their branches.  If nowhere else on this island, Central Park allows you to truly feel the seasons in Manhattan in a way that only nature can bring.  Some interesting facts to note about Central Park are that it encompasses 843 acres that include 136 acres of woodlands, 250 acres of lawns, and 150 acres of water dispersed throughout 7 bodies of water.  Central Park’s six mile perimeter goes from Central Park West to Fifth Avenue and from 59^th Street to 110^th Street.  Central Park is the first public park built in America after a competition for its design was held in 1858.

As for the wildlife that can be spotted here in the heart of Manhattan, down by the water right outside of the Ramble (a small patch of wilderness about half-way up the park from 73^rd to 79^th streets), you can find snowy egrets, green heron, and a multitude of ducks and other birds.  At Turtle Pond (80^th Street edge of the Great Lawn), you will find native Snapping Turtles that absolutely will bite you, so don’t for a second think that they are civilized New Yorkers.  There are also hawks and falcons in Central Park feeding on the “lesser” wildlife like mice and squirrels.  At night, if you are brave enough to hang around just after twilight, you might be lucky enough to see the Eastern Screech Owls who are just getting up for breakfast, as well as the bats who come out of their cosmopolitan caves within the huge boulders of Central Park to kindly rid us of mosquitoes and other pesky insects.

In addition to the lushness of its wilder environment, Central Park also has innumerable events to offer its visitors.  The Central Park Zoo is a wonderful place for everyone (not just the kids).  During the Summer months the Park sets up its annual SummerStage concert series at Rumsey Playfield, bringing some of the hottest acts around (from both past and present), to their stage for free concerts.  And during the month of October there are many spooky Halloween events to choose from.   From stuff to do specifically with the kids to walking tours, there’s never a lack of things to do in this little slice of nature in the heart of the Big Apple.  You can even have your wedding held at the Conservatory Garden – a truly picturesque location to get married.

With all of this located right in our own backyard, you can see why I, and millions of other New Yorkers, don’t feel as if we’ve missed out on so much.  We have the best of both worlds right within our reach – from the urban excitement of Times Square to the beautiful, natural wonder that is Central Park!

Photo by Psansao / Stock Xchng

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.

Before I was a mommy, I shamelessly used my Godchildren to live vicariously through during the holidays.  I’d lie and say I was just excited for the children, but deep down inside I was happy that I got to get dressed up in a Halloween costume, or that I was walking over to the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, or going to see the Christmas windows on Fifth Avenue, etc., etc.  Now that I’m a mommy, I get to use my own child to thoroughly enjoy the holidays through, and boy-oh-boy am I excited!

This year, now that my little guy is two years old and super-aware of what is going on around him, I have a ton of options for exposing him to some Halloween revelry.  I don’t want to overdo it because he is still very small and easily overwhelmed, but the options are there and it makes for an exciting time.  Here are the three that I will be sure to make it to this year:

Boo at the Zoo

Every Saturday and Sunday in October, starting October 10^th, the Bronx Zoo offers some spooky fun for you and your children!  During the Boo at the Zoo weekends, you and your family can experience wildlife magic shows, pumpkin carving demonstrations, haunted hayrides, and this year, for the first time ever, the Bronx Zoo will have their first Haunted Safari.  The best thing about these weekends is that if your children come to the Bronx Zoo wearing a wildlife costume, they will receive a free General Admission ticket when accompanied by an adult purchasing a full-priced admission ticket (limit one free child per paying adult).  Good thing my little guy is going to be a Tiger this year.  October 10 – 12, 18-18, 24-25, and October 31 – November 1 (Bronx Zoo, Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road).

Baby Loves Disco’s Boo Baby Boo Halloween Party

Baby Loves Disco is one of my all-time favorite hangouts in NYC, and I’ve been taking my little guy to their parties since he was 7 months old.  He always has so much fun, but the truth is, he is merely the excuse I use to go out and party to music I actually like listening to!  While I adore Laurie Berkner, sometimes I miss shaking my tail feathers to classic 70s and 80s disco music, and Baby Loves Disco plays all the old goodies, and during their annual Halloween Party, Boo Baby Boo, you get to have fun with classics like the Monster Mash and Thriller as well.  Best of all, you can dress up right along with your little guys and get in on the Halloween fun!  Sunday, October 18^th from 12noon to 3pm (Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleeker Street).

Washington Square Park’s Children’s Halloween Parade

The great thing about this parade is that you won’t have to explain to your little ones why the man in the bushy moustache and beard is wearing nothing but a bikini bottom and a floor-length golden wig.  It is the MUCH more child-friendly version of Greenwich Village’s bawdy and extremely fun adult Halloween parade (that you should check out as well, just probably not with children under 11).  On Halloween Day, October 31^st, the Children’s Parade begins with costumed children gathering at 3:00pm by the arch at Washington Square North and then they begin marching at 3:30pm.   After the parade, kids have an opportunity to get their faces painted, watch live entertainment, and of course, get lots and lots of treats!

So now, go forth, and make mischief of one kind or another!

Photo credit: Mrsnorth / Stock Xchng

I know as a parent, come October all we parents usually think about is Halloween for our kids.  The sudden urgency to find that one costume at a good price overwhelms everything.  This year, I will be on a mission for a Super Why Costume, which, of course, happens to be every 3-5 year old’s dream outfit.

But this year, I will also be having some fun, without the kids, because dangit, I deserve it!

I have slowly been creating a little list of fun stuff going on in NYC in the month of October, and I thought I would share it with you a bit early so that you can start scheduling that babysitter/mother-in-law/sister/whomever to watch the kiddos.  And if you don’t have kids, than, well, I just made your simple life that much simpler!

New York Film Festival: September 25 to October 11

The festival, taking place in the new structures of the New York Film Society building on Broadway and 65th St. is an exciting one.  Showcasing many wonderful films from American Indies to Religious Interests to films highlighting female directors, there is bound to be something there for you.  And with the option of $10 Rush Tickets, you might be able to have enough to enjoy a cocktail before the movie right there in their cafe area.

Hip-Hop Theater Festival: October 1 to October 18

Bringing new life to theater through Hip Hop, the Hip Hop Theater Festival group hopes to also bring younger audiences in the world of theater and art. The festival will be presenting American and international artists “whose work addresses the issues relevant to the Hip-Hop generation; and serving young, urban communities through outreach and education that celebrates contemporary language and culture”.

Through their Arts Cultivation and Education Program, they also aim to use their accumulated talent and resources from our support to build a year-round education program that will serve New York Public School systems.

New York Underground Comedy Festival: October 2 to October 11

This venture started in 2003 in the West Bank Cafe Theater here in NYC and within those 5 years that have led to now, they have show cased talent from Chris Rock to Josh Homer (2007 Emerging Comic winner).  Comedians from all over the world come to perform during this festival.

But this festival isn’t just about funny business, it is also about helping others needing a good laugh.  From homeless shelters to hospitals, they’ve been there providing some much needed comical relief.

So check them out and book a night or two.  You have 10 Comedy filled nights to choose from, with both up and coming and established comedians putting their best, or should I say, funniest foot forward for industry professionals and those of us who enjoy a good laugh.

Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival: October 9- October 12

Finally, after being in other places for the past few years since 2002, festival organizer and creator, Lee Brian Schrager is coming to the restaurant capital of the world and hosting this weekend long festival.

Ok, ok.  You could bring your kids to this one, but if you don’t have to you might be able to navigate through the crowds faster!

They will be taking over the Meatpacking District and select landmark settings such as the DUMBO section of Brooklyn, seamlessly integrate into the pace and lifestyle of the city. This year’s talents include Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, Giada De Laurentiis, Tyler Florence, Alton Brown, Masaharu Morimoto, Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, Ferran Adria, Patrick & Gina Neely, Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsey and Nigella Lawson to name a few.

Bookmark their site, because tickets are not yet up for sale, however, they have posted their schedule and it is Delicioso!

The New Yorker Festival: October 16-October 18

This is New York City at its finest…if you are the literary arts type of course.  But, if if you are not as hard core as most New Yorker fanatics tend to be, there is still something set up that will make you giggle like a school girl (yes, even if you’re actually a grown man).  What does me in?  Well, when I see names like Stanley Tucci, I gasp (love him).  Or how about the ever sassy, ever outspoken Rachel Maddow?  Or Matt Weiner, creator of Mad Men?  See?  You are so totally drooling now, aren’t you?  I know…here’s a tissue.

In the meantime, take note: tickets go on sale TODAY, Friday the 18th at 12PM…but you also have a chance to enter and win, plus get more info about the festival on their site here.

CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival: October 20 to October 24

A one-of-a-kind marathon, the CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival will be 5 days and night of music and film, exhibiting over 1,200 artists at NYU’s Village campus. other events include exclusive parties, fairs, exhibits, panels, mentoring sessions, and more!

My list is a little short for now, and yes, I will eventually share with you all the going ons for kids in October as well, but I think this is a good start.  At least I hope it is!

So try to leave the kids at home, get your tickets, drink some wine, and enjoy yourself.  It’s Fall in New York City!

Photo credit: Piotr Bizior on stock.xchng