Gift Guide for a 10yr Girl

My daughter Olivia just turned 10yrs old. Turning double digits came with a new gift plan. Olivia said she did not want anything babyish and no American Girl stuff. My heart sunk, my girl is growing up! She told me to surprise her (no pressure).

Below are some gift ideas. We also really like to gift an experience eg. Theatre, Concert Tickets or Airfare to visit someone special. They are so much fun & create forever memories.

Gizmo Watch: We feel she is too young for a phone & Apple Watch. So we got her a Gizmo watch which counts her steps the watch has to 2-way voice calling and messaging, your she can stay connected with up to 10 trusted contacts of your choice plus we can track her! The watch connection is through Verizon and is $5/$15 a month.

Adorable kids sneakers on Amazon

For all you lucky ladies who have girls (I got 3 boys), please get them one of these adorable sneakers!!!! Genny is going to bulk buy for Olivia!

Top left: black and silver glitter sneakers $28.99, Top right: white gold star sneakers $31.99

Middle left: gold chuck $17.99, Middle right: Giltter high top sneakers $25.99

Bottom left: red star sneakers $25.99, Bottom right: white sneakers $41.99

Movies

Some people might  think in my spare time I love to run to Manhattan and eat, drink & party. Stand corrected my favorite night out is going to the movies either on my own, with Christopher or friends! I love catching a 4pm showing followed by a quick healthy bite after!  If we get first class seats where they recline, we have hit the jackpot. 

The award season is about to commence which is so exciting, starting with the Golden Globes tomorrow - Best Sunday!!!

So here list of my must see movies in the next month! I might squeeze a movie while the kids are at school!

All The Money in the World  - Out Now

The Post - Out Now

Glory - Out Now or On Demand under new releases

The Greatest Showman  - Out Now

Paddington 2 - Released on Jan 12

I LOVE GOING TO THE MOVIES! No talking a true escape! 

Genny xo

  

IMG_1700.JPG

photo cred: Electric Cinema London

New Intentions

I do have a lot to be grateful for, but 2017 was an ok year for our family. My kids will tell you it was an amazing year, but we never make them aware of any cracks.

2017 I went back to work. I joined Free People, I accidentally started a Closet edit & personal shopping service and both have been beautifully received. I love building women’s confidence and if fashion helps them then so be it!

I started The Daily Darlings last June as my outlet and to document my journey in life. Life & work trumped my blog and I used my IG to document more than my website. I want to focus more on my blog and not be nervous about my grammar and vocabulary!

November & December 2017 I ate like an absolute trooper, to the point where I was drinking tea and eating Terry’s chocolate orange for breakfast. I gained a beautiful 10ilbs and wore sweatpants because nothing fit!

My 2017 Parenting skills: I went back to work part time and we have no help or family in the US. Not an excuse but my goodness I was a screaming, no patience Mom who was dog paddling through Motherhood with good and bad days.

2018 I have already so many positives to look forward to; Christopher & I will celebrate our 10yr wedding anniversary, I turn 40 in March.  I also have a lot of changes. I am going to to deal with it all with a full positive heart.

My new intentions:

  1. Clean Eat with the support of Food Fix
  2. Workout with the support of incredible app by Kayla Itsines  
  3. Be a better Mom, manage life & kids using tools given by my amazing therapist.
  4. Focus only on friends I adore, friends that are easy. Friendships that flow!
  5. Family time is my number one priority

I got you 2018, I am going to make you a brilliant year. Let's do this!

I’m going to live a life I am proud of!

Genny xo

IMG_1177.JPG

Old Navy

Today was my first outing after being housebound for 5days with Pneumonia. I could not get out of bed and lost all my energy! Today my energy levels were up so I ventured out to buy supplies for a truck leaving for Houston, Texas to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey!

I did a quick pit stop at Old Navy which I can find hit of miss today it was a huge HIT for my kids!

I got Olivia a gorgeous pair of ballet flats for 0.97 cents and Leopard print lace-up ballets for $4.97 an absolute bargain!

I got 2 pairs of leggings for Olivia cute leopard crop $6 grey stars $6

Max got a dinosaur t-shirt and combo long sleeve T Shirt $10, long sleeve Camo TShirt $10, he also wanted long socks to wear with shorts (WTF) so I got him these Crew Socks for $8

These beauties were $2.47

These beauties were $2.47

Can you believe these were 0.97 CENTS!!!This never happens to me! 

Can you believe these were 0.97 CENTS!!!This never happens to me! 

 

 

Forever 21 Girls - Back to School Shopping

I wish public schools had a school uniform but that is a subject for another day! Today we went to browse clothes for school and accidentally found a super Girls collection at Forever 21! Olivia & I found so many cute things and everything was affordable!

Tops for $8 and Jackets for $27. Like her Mommy she had to throw in a beautiful part

Click on photos for direct link to outfits on Forever 21 girls website

Hello, World!

Kid-friendly NYC & CT restaurant guide

Eating out can sometimes be a challenge with kids. Here are some great kid-friendly restaurants tried and tested by our crazy family:

NYC

Shabu Katsu East Village/Astor Place, Japenese Hot Pot in the middle of the table to cook all your yummy food, my kids loved the noodles and variety of protein! 

El Vez Downtown/Battery Park, Mexican food served in fun vibrant restaurant. Close to playgrounds. Also great for big groups

Beaubourg Brasserie Battery Park/Downtown French Brasserie, with outdoor seating overlooking gardens and marina. Great menu for all the family. Brunch served Sunday. Kids can run round gardens while you enjoy Froze, Battery Park Parks & Rec outside the restaurant loan out fun board games!

Bubby's Tribeca & Highline super brunch spot, great for all the family and they cater to large groups, walk-ins only. We have never had to wait long.

Tiny's Tribeca, my kids & I have eaten here since they were able to eat! Delicious menu, they have a small outdoor area.

Ellens Stardust Diner Times Square, The home singing waiters, blasting out broadway songs during your dining experience. My kids loved it, I had to sit in a quiet room in complete silence after! BEWARE this is not for the faint hearted! Good place for a first timer visiting NYC!

Freds at Barneys Great for a Mothers Day or Birthday celebration with kids, they are great with kids and adults get to browse The Temple of Barneys!

Cecconis Dumbo Brooklyn, with outdoor seating and waterfront views of Manhattan Skyline. Jane Carousel is 30 secs from this restaurant, my kids went on solo and I could see them from my table! Superb menu, we shared family style. My kids ate calamari & pizza.

Wagamamas Gramercy This delicious UK transplant serves asian food, inspired by the flavors of japan. Delicious, service is always great! Super simple kids menu, my kids love the plain ramen, rice and fresh juice. I love it all but nearly always order a chicken cats! I was a big fan of these restaurants in London, we alway visit one when we go back!

Pastis Meatpacking District. This New York staple, one of my favorites has re-opened round the corner from the old locaition with all the same decor & tables from the old location. Great place for Breakfast, Brunch & Dinner.

CT

Kawa-Ni Westport, Delicious asian inspired restaurant, my kids love this place and so do we! They have a roof terrace overlooking the water.

The Whelk Westport, Yummy seafood plus much more. Kids share a burger and and try our food too. They are opposite a ice-cream shop so kids get there dessert while we enjoy the beautiful setting.

Bar Taco Westport, fun and super kid friendly menu. Great decor and outdoor seating.

Terrain Westport, Delightful spot for brunch with or without kids, plenty of outdoor seating which overlooks their beautiful garden & home shop.

Match Burger Lobster, Westport CT, delicious Lobster & Burger joint. My daughter & I both had Slider combo which is 1 x slider & 1 x lobster roll, cracked lobster and oreo cake. Kid friendly and service was great too!

Meli Melo, Greenwich CT, Delicious savory & sweet crepes. I love the   Avocado, shrimp, lemon, dressing served on a buckwheat crepe. My kids love Ham and swiss cheese crepe and nutella & strawberry crepe. They also have a yummy fresh juice bar. They are based in Greenwich, CT