Around (Another) Town: New York City With A Toddler

I know it's been forever since I last posted, but I am indeed still around! I hope to be posting more regularly again. To get things back rolling I thought I'd show some cool things to do with toddlers in New York City. New York is not necessarily the most kid friendly place, but it does have some cool stuff to offer. So without further a due here are some of my recommendations.

1) Visit the BROOKLYN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM. Sometimes it can be hard to find museums appropriate for toddlers, but the Brooklyn Children's Museum does not disappoint in this category. It has something for kids of all ages. Toddlers can enjoy hands on water fun, light shows, and an extensive indoor jungle gym.

2) Visit the Smithsonian's  NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN. The American Indian museum is truly amazing, and best of all free! It gets extra points for having plenty for both kids and adults to enjoy. Baby Z had a blast playing in a life sized teepee, while I enjoyed learning so much rich American history. They also have a wonderful gift shop filled with excellent books, music, and lovely handcrafted toys and artifacts.

3) Visit GRANDMA'S PLACE toy store in Harlem. Do you like buying unique and engaging toys for kids? If so, grandma's place is for you. They have a large array of not so easily found toys that will knock your socks off. Plan accordingly, because you could spend a good chunk of time here looking at all their goodies.

4) Ride the subway. It may not seem intuitive, but riding the subway can be a lot of fun for a toddler. To my surprise it was Baby Z's favorite thing. And that's because she loved watching the street performers! Seeing talented dancers and musicians, made my little one's day. She got to laugh and boogey with strangers for close to free.

5) Go for a carousel ride. There are many places that offer carousel rides in NYC. Just use Google to find one. We enjoyed the ride at Bryant Park in Manhattan. In addition to a carousel they have beautiful flowers and places to eat outside for everyone to enjoy.

Sale Alert: Totswap

Hi neighbors! I just wanted to let you know that there will be a fabulous kids consignment sale in Timonium at the state fairgrounds this weekend. It's called TOTSWAP, and I cannot rave enough about it. I go seasonally to pick up great clothes for Baby Z at low prices. Items are 50% on Sunday, and $1 on Monday.

Sale Alert: Timonium Totswap

Hi locals. This weekend the local children's consignment pop-up shop Totswap will be holding a sale at the state fair grounds in Timonium. It's a great place to find affordable kids clothes and toys. You can learn more HERE.

The Greatest Push Gift in the World!

Introducing.......Baby Z. Isn't she lovely :-)

"I thank you for choosin' me to come through unto life to be, a beautiful reflection of his grace. See I know that a gift so great is only one God could create and I'm reminded every time I see your face, that the joy of my world is in Zion." ~Lauryn Hill

Priceless: Jewelry Fit For a Queen

Once a week I volunteer as a reading tutor for an organization called READING PARTNERS. They're a wonderful non-profit that operates in schools across the country, providing struggling elementary students with supplemental reading instruction. It's been an absolute pleasure to work with them and I implore you to check them out should you have any free time or economic resources you'd like to donate.

On my latest visit to tutor my student Kamare, I was met with a pleasant surprise. He arrived with a gift, but not just any gift, a bracelet he had made himself especially for me. Needless to say, I was quite appreciative. After receiving it I jokingly said I would go home and sell it on Ebay for a million dollars. After a disapproving glare he blurted out, "You better not sell that! I only make those for special people, and you are special. Some things should not be sold!" I concur. He's such a cutie, I almost cried.

"They can't afford what we've got, not even the king." ~Alicia Keys