{4.21.12}

After we were done at the NYAquarium, we enjoyed the gorgeous weather at Coney Island beach!

 We enjoyed lunch at Nathan's.

Zion had her first ever corn-dog.

 I finally had a chance to try out my new tripod and snapped a couple of pictures as a family.

 Then we had to of course finish the day with ice cream cones.

 It was a beautiful day, with my favorite two sweeties.

How was your week?

{Rustic}

Wonder Wheel Coney Island 4/16/12

{Jellyfish}

On Monday we had gorgeous Summer-like weather…temps in the upper 80's.  Hubs had the day off, so we took Zion to the NY Aquarium, and Coney Island Beach.  Just thought I'd share this teaser picture from our day in hopes you'll venture back later in the week as I share more!  

{4.14.12}

 We had a mini egg hunt at our home before breakfast.

I was so happy to find a chocolate cross to give Zion instead of bunny.

 In case you missed the haircut post…Zion had her first haircut!!  So much fun.

 I took Zion on a mommy-daughter date to the Central Park Zoo. 

Didn't take any pics with animals (impossible without a stroller)!

She loved her chicken strips and french fries.

Hubs gave me the afternoon off and I headed out for some retail therapy.

Decided to try some different looks on my skinnier body.

Should've nabbed the entire upper right outfit, but it would have blown my budget.

Instead left home with a pair of size 6 black jeans. 

(Smallest size I've worn since high school!)

{4.7.12}

 Decided to surprise Zion with a first visit to Chuck E. Cheese.

Most of the games were busted (seriously! ugh!) but we did get complimentary cotton candy.

These pictures were taken moments before a colossal toddler meltdown.

Note to self: cotton candy + toddler = bad idea.

 I went on a massive Ikea run on Friday.  

We (meaning my my husby really) hustled to put together our new dining table.  

Just in time for our traditional Passover dinner.

 We headed out to grab a few things downtown.  

We introduced Zion to Gray's Papaya on the Upper West Side.  

Can you say love at first bite?

The new additions:  Table & Chairs, Bed Frame & Linens, Toddler Bed & Linens!

We are loving having family meals at our table,  

enjoying sleeping above ground level,

but not so much transition from crib to big girl bed.

(A subject for an entirely different post!)

{3.31.12}

 A friend returned the exersaucer we'd loaned her,
and Zion decided that it was her new favorite toy again.

 My brother-in-law "T" came in for a visit,
we headed to Dallas BBQ for Dinner.

 On a beautiful day, we headed to meet the Hubs for lunch at Bryant Park,
and Zion rode the carousel.

I made perfect pan-grilled sirloin steaks with sautéed shrooms.
We had lots of yummy treats!

Zion's First Haircut & $100 Visa Giveaway {Find Great Deals on SquareSpot}

Thank you to SquareSpot for sponsoring this post! 
Visit SquareSpot to find great deals and discounts on high quality family-centric products and services.

It was finally time to take Zion in for her first hair cut.  We've put it off as much as possible because her hair has been relatively easy to handle and beautiful, crazy beautiful even.  But Easter morning confirmed the need:

Luckily, I had just signed up to try SquareSpot, an online market providing great savings and benefits for busy urban moms on a wide range of high quality goods and services in New York City.  They just so happened to have a fantastic deal for a cute little children's boutique in Brooklyn called Mini Max.

I am always looking for reasons to go to new places and experience new things in the city, and haven't been to Brooklyn in who knows how long, so I new this deal was perfect for me.  For $15 I was able to purchase a $20 gift certificate which would cover almost the entire cost of Zion's haircut.  Plus, I knew they also carried a small collection of fun eco-friendly toys and couldn't wait to have Zion pick something out on our special date.

This morning, we ventured out in the windy but warm weather…on our special date to Brooklyn for her haircut.  We enjoyed the long relaxing train ride with relatively few transfers.  Getting to Brooklyn never felt easier!  We arrived at our destination where Zion was warmly welcomed and given her choice of kid show and salon chair.  She chose a Diego video and then a yellow cab to sit in for her cut.  (Such a NYC girl already!)  I, of course, hovered and took pictures like the paparazzi, just like any first time mom would do!

There have been so many big milestones this week, all blatantly screaming at me that my little baby girl is a full on little girl now…no baby at all.  It really hasn't all hit me yet, but I am sure it is just a matter of time, in fact I can feel the "they grow up so fast" tears just waiting to be released like a torrential Spring rain.  

After Zion's haircut we took some time to pick out a couple of new toys.  First she gravitated to the tea party sets, then to the musical instruments, but in the end we took home some cute animal bath toys and a new farm puzzle.  Prices were incredibly reasonable and we both had a great time.  My expectations were far exceeded for both Mini Max, for being crazy awesome, and SquareSpot for connecting me to such a great establishment through a great offer!

Shortly after I purchased the Mini Max offer on SquareSpot, I had to go back and check out the additional deals and discounts on high quality, family-centric products and services that were being offered to make sure I didn't miss out!  They rotate new deals in and out on a weekly basis.  

source

As you know I've been working hard at losing weight and getting in shape in my weekly Meltdown series, so I simply had to purchase the Moms of Steel offer for three Fitness "Bootcamp" Stroller workouts in Central Park for the price of one!  I haven't booked my dates yet, because I am still finishing up my current program, but after such a great experience with the first offer I tried, I am sure this is going to be top notch!

One of the things I loved learning about SquareSpot was that they test each product or service so everything on the site is hand picked!  They also offer a SquareCard program that gives you discounts off hundreds of New York City services and programs!  From what I have seen so far they are constantly adding more partners to their list.  The website is super easy to use and thankfully I don't have a ton of offer emails flooding my inbox.  If you are a New York City mama I totally recommend you check them out and sign-up for an account!

Thanks to SquareSpot, one of my lovely readers is going to win a $100 Visa Gift Card!!  Will it be you?

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I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own. #CGSquareSpot #spon

Wordless{ish} Wednesday

I forgot to publicly announce the winners of my April Ad space giveaway!  Here they are: Extra Large Ad Winner: Amy from Up Mommy Creekand my Large Ad Winners: Jill from I Know The Plans I Have For You, and Melanie from Happy Jax!!!  Please visit them and say congrats!! 

The Wrap {3.24.12}

 The weather has been beautiful! We explored new playgrounds.

 Been grilling more and more!

 Zion has entered the climbing/daredevil phase.

 Still getting the hang of painting…lets just say black is her favorite color.

 Headed to Ikea to start fantasizing about some upcoming purchases:

1.  Love this area rug (we have red couches)--but hubs hates it

2.  New bed frame (first purchase to be made)

3.  Outdoor furniture set…hoping to have many a gathering this summer

4.  Kitchen countertop table…need more space there

5.  New desk set-up

6.  Dining room table that seats up to 8

7.  Bookshelves

8.  A little desk/table for Zion

 Zion loves car-rides so much!  :)  Hanging with Ms Sasha!

The blossoms are out and they are just stunning!

 First time playing in the sand for Zion…she was mesmerized.

Hubs got off work early so we hit up a local pizzeria we've been wanting to try.  Didn't disappoint!

How was your week!?