Mommy of the Month-July

We're starting another new series and taking our tees off to the Mama's who not only work hard as a mommy but they play hard too. Each month we plan on featuring one new mommy and having them share their motherhood moments.

For our first mama we want to feature Jules. Mother and blogger of Pancakes & French Fries Take it away-

BKY: Where are you from?

J: Originally I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

BKY: Where do you live now? Why is the place you live a good place to live with children?

J: I live in southern California, in a region known as the Inland Empire. I love it here. It's a slower pace of life (for southern California) even though it's the 14th most populous area in the United States. We are 45 minutes to one hour away from everything--the desert, the mountains, and the beach--which means our weekends are full of fun family activities.

BKY: What do you do for a living?


J: I am a wife, mother, and storyteller extraordinaire.

BKY: How many children do you have?/What are their names?

J: I have two sons named Mikey and Nico.

BKY: How have you and things changed since you had children?

J: I gave up a lucrative career to be a stay at home mom, something I never imagined doing before I had children. Now I can't imagine doing it any other way. The biggest change I had to adjust to, and one I imagine most working mothers experience once they stay at home full time, is measuring my abilities in a new way. As a professional, you assign value to your performance using patriarchal standards of success: position and title, income, awards, and other tangible measures. As a mom, your kids aren't going to give you a glowing performance review or a juicy year end bonus. There are no award trips. Heck, I can rarely get a sick day! But I have learned to operate under a new standard and accept the indefinite. I don't know what I am doing all the time, and I don't even know that I am doing it "right." I just know that it is my job (along with my husband, of course) to ensure my children are taken care of, loved, and don't turn out to be serial killers.

I guess all that means I now have hope and faith. Hope that they won't have felony records and faith they will know I tried to do right by them.

BKY: Where did your most exciting trip with your children lead you to?


J: Every single dinosaur museum or exhibit within a 150 mile radius of wherever we are at the time.

BKY: What have you already learned from your children?


J: That I am not as selfish as I once thought I was and that an Allosaurus looks like a Tyrannosaurus Rex but has three fingers and 80 million years seniority.


BKY: How do you balance life, work, job and family?

J: I'm still trying to figure that out, especially as my blog grows. My main goal now is to reduce my time online after the boys are in bed. You're a tempting vixen, Internet. I am lucky to have a wonderful husband who is very much involved with the day to day nuances of raising two young boys.

BKY: Please complete: to have children...


J: It is necessary to denounce the laws of physics. The days seem long but the years fly by. Relish every moment. Before you know it, they'll be bringing home someone who isn't good enough for them.

In Honor of Summer Solstice

Hooray! BKLYN Yard loves summer and today marks the longest day of the year-Summer Solstice (our fave!) In honor of summer we wanted to play this great video of Kulia. An amazing surfer! Check her out!

Kids (and the adults) Can do Anything

because she says so....

Monday Melodies

A little diddly for your little Monkey!

Monday Melodies

As the last few weeks have been busy finding time to get to a computer has been quite the challenge. Since then we have completed our F/W 2010 shoot .It looks great and the pieces are going to be amazing. We will have some sneak peaks for ya. Until then enjoy the music for a Monday start: One of our favorite New York Public School Choirs!

Hits and Misses-(Life as a First Time Mommy)

A New Mom's Hits & Misses

Hits:
These are the items I couldn't live without right now!
1. Binky holder from Target - Dean's bink falls out so many times a day that it would either get lost or I'd go crazy from washing it a million times after all those spills on the floor
2. BKLYN Yard onesie - this is the softest onesie I've ever felt! Stylish and a great color combo too!
3. BabyBeHip burp clothes - these adorable monogrammed burp clothes were a gift from a really good friend. I adore monograms, but I love even more how they save my shirt from getting destroyed after Dean eats.
4. Co-sleeper from Target - this mini crib slides right up next to my bed, but allows my son to have his own sleeping area (all while still being within my reach).
5. Boppy pillow from Babies 'R' Us - I use this thing ALL the time! Dean nurses on it, he naps on it, it makes holding him for long period of time easier, etc.

Misses:
Now I know better....
1. Swaddle wraps - my son hated to be swaddled....he would cry and fight to get his arms out, so needless to say, these were a waste for us. Maybe baby #2 will like them one day???
2. Sleep sacks - never used them....even the smallest size was too big for Dean.
3. Baby sling - a lot of these were recalled because of suffocation. I didn't want to chance anything.....

The Verdict is still out on.....
1. The Baby Bjorn - my son does not like it right now, but I'm not giving up hope just yet. I'm thinking once he is big enough for me to turn him around in it, he might actually like it. Then I will have both of my hands free to do things when my baby just wants to be held :)

Sneak Peek-F/W 2010 You Have a Friend in Brooklyn

Prepping, printing, planning, pretending, prepping, planning, printing and more printing is how it goes when getting ready for the Fall/Winter 2010 line. There are new colors (really cool gold pieces), new pieces (soft, soft hoodies) and cool designs (*check it-ABOVE). Enjoy and get ready to see what's next!!!

Play Nice!

Monday Melody (on a Tuesday)

You can't help but love this talented little musician....diapers and all!

It's Hip to be a Parent

Once in a while a parent may find themselves tired of doing the park thing or perhaps sing alongs are not music to your ears-fear not good parent! New York has got the cure to mix things up in the Kid'dom. Some favorites from Alison Lowenstein, author of “City Kid New York: The Ultimate Guide for NYC Parents With Kids Ages 4-12” is Baby Loves Disco where they offer a monthly afternoon dance party at a nightclub where kids can dance and play and parents can mingle. Also, The Bell House, which is normally a concert venue, holds Bell House Rocks on Sundays for children, where they can jump in a bouncy castle and hear great children’s bands and finally Jazz Standard has a Jazz Brunch for children on Sundays.

And to find out more words from the wise (Alison) such as: "Can you please tell us some great FREE things to do w/the kids in New York City.." then check out http://codensa.org/answers-about-child-friendly-new-york-part-3 and Play Nice!

Eee Ey Eee Ey Ohhhhh....

with a chirp chirp here...



and a'ruff-ruff' there...



here a cluck....



there a tweet...



everywhere a hop-hop...

Sneak Peek-F/W 2010

As promised as the designs come together we want to give you a little peak of what's to come. Here are one of the pieces, still in the works.



Get ready for F/W 2010- our F/W 2010 Shoot is coming up at the end of the month and we cant wait!

The adorable Taylor Reviews: Mischievous Mary Margaret

Lucky us! Today we have one of our cute BKLYN Yard fans, Taylor, reviewing her favorite book, Mischievous Mary Margaret, by Gloria Ritchie. Take it away Taylor...

BKY: What is the name of your favorite book?
T: Mary Margaret

BKY: Why is this favorite book?
T: Because it is.

BKY: What do you like about the book?
T: I like Mary Margaret because I like to say Mary Margaret, I like to say her name.

BKY: What is your favorite part in the book?
T: When she is at the beach, and she can’t find her home and the lifeguard helps her.

BKY: Who is your favorite character?
T: Mary Margaret

BKY: Who do you like reading the book to you?
T: Mommy, because I like her to.

BKY: Do you think this book is good for other kids?
T: Yea, because it shows you to be nice to your friends.

BKY: Anything else you'd like to say about the book?
T: My GiGi gave it to me.

Thank you so much Taylor for your wonderful review and for introducing us to this cool book. Play Nice!

(*if you know of or have little ones interested in reviewing their favorite book we'd love to have them. Email us at bklynyardkids@gmail.com)

Monday Melody-Bohemian Rhapsody

The Muppets take Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and make it their own with Animal on drums (of course). Enjoy today's Monday Meoldy

Obsessions & Confessions-(life as a first time Mommy)

As many of you new moms know finding time to sit and write can sometimes be a challenge. That's why we are grateful for all of Kates (aka Deans moms) posts in our series of "Life as a First Time Mommy"-

Life with a Newborn



Obsessions and Confessions of a New Mommy......

Without sounding too much like a complete snob, I must "confess" that I'm "obsessed" with my baby boy. Here are a few of my obsessions and confessions:

Obsessions - his crooked smile :), the way he giggles at my funny faces first thing in the morning, how sweet he looks when he's nursing, his chubby belly, tubby time, and how I'm the only one that can truly comfort him

Confessions - I'm already stressing about leaving him to go back to my teaching job in September (I don't wanttttt tooooooo.........), I've already started planning Dean's first birthday party (I'm a little crazy like that....ha!), and my boy sleeps in bed with me every night *gasp* (doctors always preach it's a major no no but I LOVE it!).

These are Few of our Favorite Things

Every so often we love to share a few of our favorite images, inspirations and things that just plane excite us. Well, here is another one of our favorite things. Brooklyn Artist Matt Schwartz from She Hit Pause Studios showcasing some if his brilliant work on one of our favorite Brooklyn haunts...Coney Island:









To view more of Matts work check out shehitpausestudios.com (they're even for sale) You go boy!

Play Nice

Art is Where It's At

Brooklyn loves kids. And so does Brooklyn. In Red Hook they offer K.I.D.S (The Kentler International Drawing Space ) Art Education Program where it offers various programs to teachers, students, and families to learn to appreciate and create art. Research shows that children exposed to art and art education have a lot of benefits that extend far beyond their formative years. They develop their imagination, cognitive skills, sense of place and time, ability to focus and risk taking skills. So, to all you Brooklynites take your budding artist on over to uncover the Renoir, Dali, and Monet inside. Play Nice!

Happy Cincio de Mayo

from your pals at BKLYN Yard

Monday Melody's

On Monday's we want to share with you some of our favorite melody's that are not only dope but also kid friendly. So sit back, relax and enjoy!

Summer Time Treats

Eat and be happy this season while the sun is out and shining bright (at least that's how it is here an BKLYN) We wanted to share one of our ol' time favorite summer treats we used to make with our moms when we were kids and thought you'd enjoy it too:

HomeMade Ice cream Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1. 1/2 gallon or your Favorite Ice Cream Flavor
2. 1 box of large chocolate chip cookies

To Do:
1. 1 ice cream scoop of your favorite ice-cream
2. layer scoop on to cookie and cover with another cookie.

Enjoy and please share some of your favorite summer time treats.

Play Nice.

Brooklyn-Where Reading is E.Z.

Greenlight Book Shop gets the green light for a kid friendly book space. Located in Brooklyn, they not only do they sell unique children's books the kids will love they also have Story Hour for kids every Saturday at 10:30am. Often times they even have the author swing by and read to them. So cool non!?!? And while the kiddies are being read to parent's can browse the rad book selection. Not to shabby to kick off a Saturday morning if you ask us. So all you Brooklynites get there. You wont regret it. Play Nice. xo

Beat the Monday Blues with Young Love...

BKLYN Yard loves love and because of that we needed to share! Enjoy.



and to you Tan Hong Ming we dedicate this song from your pals at BKLYN Yard.

Eeyore has a Birthday

Give it up for BKLYN Yard's favorite donkey! Today is his day! Pooh Bears best friend turns 47yrs today and it's time to celebrate!



They are having a birthday party for him in Austin today but if you don't live in Austin it doesn't mean you can't party with the best of 'em. Get the flour, sugar and eggs out and make a cake in honor of Eeyore! And tonight at bedtime read the kids one of your favorite Winnie the Pooh stories :)

Happy Birthday from your friends at BKLYN Yard! <3

Life as a First Time Mommy-"Life with a New Born"

Life with a Newborn....





is awesome....and exhausting....and exciting.....and frustrating....and a gift.

Awesome because this tiny person is all yours. You are the one who he looks to for comfort (and every other need in the world that he has).

Exhausting because he's eating every 3 hours (that includes during the night). If I'm lucky, he'll have a long stretch here and there. And by long, I mean 4 hours....*wink*

Exciting because he's doing new things every day! Like giggling and cooing and responding to toys and voices that he wasn't before.

Frustrating because he's been a little fussier than usual lately.....and I can't figure out why all the time....grrr.

And a gift because not everyone can have children. I feel so blessed to have this baby in my life and cherish every moment with him.

Keeping it Real:
~ My goal over the past two weeks was to take each room in my house and do some spring cleaning (wash windows, baseboards, organize, polish, floors, etc.).

~Reality....I've finished three rooms and am beginning to realize it might take me two months, not two weeks, to finish!

Ahhhh....Life with a Newborn....

to check out other fun stories from and design ideas from Kate check out http://limedesign-kate.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday To William Shakespeare

It was William Shakespeare who said "“It is a wise father that knows his own child.” So know your children, teach them about one of this worlds most talented writers, whose words have inspired many. And be sure to check out some great Shakespeare for children with coloring books, puzzles etc at The Folger Shakespeare Library. BKLYN Yard shouts "Happy Birthday to Billy Shakes <3" Play nice....

Sneak Peek for F/W (fall/winter) 2010 part deux

As promised we are giving you all a sneak peek of BKLYN Yards F/W 2010 Collection, until our full collection is revealed. One of the greatest things about the new line are the tagless tees, shirts, onesies etc. No tags! BKLYN Yard will only have the soft fabric rubbing against the little ones skin this season instead of an 'itchy' tag. And ps: take a look at the color of the new line. Ooooo-weee Fall/Winter is turning out to be one priceless piece of work. Go BKLYN Yard (ala Michelle for working non-stop on some great pieces for the kiddies to look dope in!)

For the Love of Mother Earth

Happy Earth Day! What a great way to teach the little ones about our wonderful planet and how they can love it. Take some time to plant a tree, volunteer to clean up a local park, or better yet celebrate our planet in the kitchen by whipping up some kid friendly Earth Day recipes. Check out one of our faves:

Choose Your Own Adventure Stir Fry:


Ingredients

* 2 tbsp. (30 mL) vegetable oil, divided
* 3/4 lb. (375 g) meat or alternate (choose one or more)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tsp. (5 mL) grated fresh ginger root
* 4 cups (1 L) vegetable possibilities (choose at least three)
* 1/2 cup (125 mL) chicken, beef or vegetable broth
* 2 tbsp. (30 mL) soy sauce
* 2 tsp. (10 mL) cornstarch
* 1/2 cup (125 mL) extra bonus ingredient (choose one), optional

Meat or alternate:

* Boneless, skinless chicken, cut into strips
* Boneless beef stir-fry strips (flank steak, sirloin, top round)
* Boneless pork, cut into strips
* Raw peeled shrimp
* Firm tofu, cut into cubes

Vegetable possibilities:

* Green or red peppers, cut into strips
* Carrots, thinly sliced
* Broccoli, broken into florets (stems sliced)
* Zucchini, sliced
* Mushrooms, sliced
* Cabbage (regular or Chinese), sliced
* Bean sprouts, rinsed
* Celery, sliced
* Snow peas, cut in half

Extra bonus ingredients:

* Peanuts, coarsely chopped
* Cashews, whole
* Sesame seeds, toasted (don't use more than 1 tbsp.)
* Crispy Chinese noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Before you start cooking, arrange all your ingredients in bowls or on plates so that they're ready to use. Once you begin cooking, it will all go very quickly; you won't have time to chop or cut anything.
2. In a very large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp. (15 mL) of the vegetable oil over high heat. Add your meat choice and stir-fry for 3 or 4 minutes until just cooked through. The amount of time will depend a little on what you're cooking. Remove to a bowl (but don't use the bowl in which you had the raw meat unless you've washed it first).
3. Add remaining 1 tbsp. (15 mL) oil to the pan. Throw in onion, garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Now begin to add the vegetable possibilities to the pan, beginning with the ones that take the longest to cook (carrots, broccoli stems, etc.) and ending with the ones that cook most quickly (bean sprouts, snow peas). Cook, stirring and tossing for about 2 minutes, then pour in the broth, cover the pan with a lid and let everything steam for 2 or 3 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce and cornstarch.
5. When the vegetables are tender but still quite crisp, return the meat (or whatever) to the pan, stir and add the soy sauce mixture. Continue to stir-fry for 1 or 2 minutes or until the sauce is thickened and glossy. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle the top with the extra bonus ingredient, if you're using one.
6. Serve immediately with hot cooked rice or noodles.

Ready In:
30 min.
Servings: 4

How kids can help

Help choose and prepare all the meat and vegetables for the recipe.
Older children can help add ingredients to the wok while an adult stirs.
Sprinkle finished dish with nuts, seeds or noodles.

And for more Earth Day friendly kid recipes check out Kaboose.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear-(children's book corner)

With the nice weather lingering upon us and the animals have finally opened those peepers from a long winters slumber to enjoy the warm sun we thought it was quite on mark when the adorable Madi wanted to review the children's book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See?

BKY: What’s the name of your favorite book:
M: Brown Bear

BKY: Why is Brown Bear your favorite book?
M: It's silly.

BKY: What do you like about the book?
M: The children at the end.

BKY: What’s favorite part of story?
M: The character is a tie between the black sheep and blue horse.

BKY: Who do you like reading the book to you?
M: Daddy because he is a silly boy.

BKY: Do you think this is a good book for other kids to read?
M: Yea!

Awww, we love it...especially "daddy because he's a silly boy". Thanx Maddi for your great review and keep on rockin' BKLYN Yard! <3

Look What's in Store for BKLYN Yard's Fall/Winter 2010

Feast your eyes on these bad boys! As BKLYN Yards Fall/Winter collection approaches completion we couldn't help but share with you some highlights of what the future holds. To start-take a peak at the new tags and BKLYN Yard Kids newest logo. These hip new tags will be included with each item purchased along with our signature child friendly faux tats :)! Enjoy and stay tuned....

Turn Off that Boob Tube

for at least this week. Beginning today take some time to bond with the family. April 19th kicks off National Turn off the TV Week. Now, you wonder what to do with the kiddos when there is no TV to occupy them. Worry no more because they can, play board games, read, and enjoy each others company. We found that Parents offers a great deal of fun alternatives. And what an opportunity for the little ones to use their imaginations to entertain the spirits. I remember the days when my family would vacation in Maine with no T.V. to boot and we would play board games. It was their that I realized my mom was actually funny and not just, well,"mom"....so get to it and turn off the tube. You wont regret it! Who knows maybe your little ones will find out how cool you really are. And please email us at info@bklynyardkids.com with some images of your family bonding without the tv or send us some ideas too so we can share it with the other parents. Play nice-

Life as a First Time Mommy-Kate

BKLYN Yard has cupcakes, we have fun, we have hip gear, we have our weekly "Children's Book Corner" and now we have "Life as a First Time Mommy". BKLYN Yard wanted to touch on the life & experience of a new mom. Kate, my bff from childhood, just had her first baby-he's gorgeous and he's a fan of BKLYN Yard (you go boy!). Now, anyone who knows Kate knows that she's not only a beauty but also one of the most organized, down to earth and well put together individuals on the planet. So it was funny when she lovingly wrote "Who knew how hard it would be to compose an email and hit the send button with my lil fella now in the picture..." We thought it would be fun and entertaining for our readers to have Kate share her experience as a first timer. So with no further ado...heres Kate!







Life with a Newborn!

Name - Kate
Babies Name - Dean
Age (if u want) - 32
Baby age - 7 weeks (I love watching him grow but want him to stay little at the same time....sniffle sniffle).
what u like to do together - taking walks, snuggling, my boy goes EVERYWHERE with me...from shopping, to coffee dates with the girls, lunch at Mommom's house, to errands....you name it, he's done it!
Deans favorite food; (lol) - He's a total boob man(already)...haha. He's a breastfed boy...
Routine - As many new mom's know, there isn't much of a set routine just yet (even though I'm dying for one....I, myself, am a girl that craves routine!). Every day is a little different. We usually get up around 8am, Dean gets his bath for the day, we watch Rachael Ray and the View and catch up on our emails and favorite blogs, then we head out for the day (take a walk, errands, lunch at Mommom's, etc.). Dinner usually happens around 6:30pm and then my husband, me, Dean, and our 1 year old Beagle puppy, Ginger, snuggle in for the night. Oh....AND....tons of feedings happen in between all those activities and all through the night!

Keeping it Real:
What I planned for the day - Take a shower in the MORNING and get on with my day.
What actually happened - The day's activities went on but the shower didn't happen until 11:30 that night....ugghhhh! Time is not my own anymore, but I wouldn't have it any other way :o) When that little face smiles up at me, I count my blessings and thank God for the awesome responsibility he's given me <3

Stay tuned for more of Kates updates and life with Dean in our "Life as a First Time Mommy" series. She is one creative soul who will share all she knows with a little comic relief along the way (<3)

Children's Book Corner-The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Now that spring is upon us and those little caterpillars have become butterflies, ready to showcase their makeovers we found it quite fitting that cute Jack wanted discusses his favorite book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

BKLYN Yard: What's the name of your favorite book?
Jack: The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)

BKLYN Yard: Why is this your favorite book?
Jack: The cherry pie

BKLYN Yard: What do like about the book?
Jack: The cherry pie:)

BKLYN Yard: Who is your favorite character?
Jack: The big fat caterpillar

BKLYN Yard: Who do you like reading the book to you and why?
Jack: Dada-he's funny

BKLYN Yard: Do you think this book is good for other kids and why?
Jack: Nooo

BKLYN Yard: Anything else you'd like to say about the book?
Jack: Its funny

So, get on out there and get this funny book for your little tyke. A great read their sure to enjoy. Thanx Jack & Play Nice~

Shakin' It Up with NYC Vendors

How'd we get so lucky? NYC just announced that they will be hosting Cake & Shake, a vendor cart selling CUPCAKES. Can you believe it?!?! Smack dab on the streets of New York you will be able to fill that sweet craving with a delicious cupcake (our favorite!). While on the go (as all New Yorkers are) you can get a full meal at the Hot Dog Cart for dinner and over to the Cupcake cart for dessert...all on a budget.

Cake & Shake was started by Gina Ojile and Derek Hunt. The carts will be parked outside the Metropolitan Museum and Washington Square Park. Cupcakes and milkshakes will range from $3-$5 and they will be rotating 5 out of 20 flavored cupcakes each day. So when in NYC make sure to stop by and grab yourself a cupcake and a shake! Play Nice & Love Life!

Leave the dishes in the sink & the dust bunnies on the floor because...

Today is National No Housework Day. You read it right mom's, dad's and kids. Every April 7th is a day to leave the housework behind and get on out there and enjoy this nice weather. Interestingly enough A 2008 study conducted at the University of Michigan found that the average American woman scrubs her house at least 17 hours a week! After a long day at school or work, housework is the last thing anyone wants to come home to. Doctors and health experts say that it is essential for people with busy lifestyles to factor in time to relax. Relaxation can lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce headaches, and improve concentration. So,instead of running the vacuum run with a kite, breath in the fresh air and enjoy life the way BKLYN Yard knows how. What a wonderful day for playing nice.

Earth Friendly Rhymin'

With Spring time finally making it's way back into our lives we wanted to share some great outdoor activities you can do with the kiddies while encouraging them to respect the planet and have fun doing it:

1. "Mary Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow, with silver bells and cockle shells"

Teach em' how to compost: composted fertilizer you've provided from your own reusable disposables. Start composting for spring and summer fertilizing needs. You reduce landfill waste and have an economical excellent supply of fertilizer.

2. "To market to market to buy - whatever we need."

Shopping: Use reusable bags if you're going shopping, shopping from A to Z. They are available in so many places now and they are relatively inexpensive. At the very least, be sure you recycle your bags if you are not using reusable bags.

3. "Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack jump over the candlestick"

Candles & Such: making sure of course that the candles have lead free wicks that do not create dangerous air pollution.

And for other cool earth friendly tips check this site out: http://www.ehow.com/how_4903831_this-spring-nursery-rhyme-tips.html

Play Nice

Afternoon Delights

These are Few of our Favorite Things

Some childhood favorites done up in style.