Rock Shic

#901 Escaping the New York snowstorm ❄️❄️

Happy holidays!!! We’ve been listening to Christmas songs on repeat (courtesy of Alexa)... and I must say I don’t hate it.  It’s really funny how your life changes when you become a parent. 
More importantly — we managed to escape the snow!! As our plane headed out of JFK, we all received some dodgy ring on our phone (think: amber alert), notifying us of impending hail and sleet and all things bad.  All hubby and I could think of was “oh no please don’t let this delay our plane.”  Thank goodness all was okay in the end we made it out (whew).  It’s been one hectic year and I’m sorry to say that I haven’t even written very much to tell the tale. Mamma’s been too busy working and hustling, not spending enough time on my creativity which is what I love to do the most (mental note to self, more of the creativity please!). 
Now that we’re in Florida... I am actually feeling much more grounded and rooted.  So you will hear more from me I promise!! For now I am just glad to be here.  Let the 🎄 and 🌴 and ☀️ and 🌊 begin! 
I’m also hoping, btw — that the slower pace of Florida will help me catch up on some much needed writing. Here is hope! 

#900 Election Day 2019

Election Day!!! 

Happy November everyone - I cant believe that we are nearing the end of the year already.  You know today I started hearing my first jiggles if Christmas songs today? Plus a special promotion for Starbucks cups??? What. Insane 

Election Day holds a place near and dear to my heart — as I do believe in Democracy and of it weren’t for this tremendous privilege — well then I would have never even ended up in this country and I don’t think I would have met my husband and then had our beautiful children.  

Speaking of which, we even read the Dr. Seuss book “One Vote Two Vote — I Vote You Vote.”  My munchkin was really into it!!! I was super proud of him. He is really growing up to be a thoughtful, artistic, sensitive, and easy-going little man.  The things that come out of his really surprises me sometimes, like he is really paying attention to this grand world us... and absorbing everything that the universe has thrown his way.  It makes me take a double take at times like... whoa! 

#899 Fall 🍁🍂

 

Hello!!! 

Yes I know what you’re thinking... who is this? It’s been much too long since the last time I’ve written, you must have thought that I’ve forgotten all about you.  I often wonder myself these days.  Mamma has been tired!! So so tired.  I missed all of September and if I’m not careful October is going to slip by too and I shouldn’t let it.

What can I say, life has been busy busy busy... mostly in a good way but sometimes it can be a slog too! I have to be careful too as I got mega sick (like bronchitis sick earlier in September and I was completely useless as a result... poor hubs was sick too). That was not a good look for us.  We FINALLY recovered at the beginning of this month, just in time for our anniversary trip! We were in Vegas.  More on that later.  If you follow me on Instagram (@Rockshic) — you’ll know that I’m a lot more active there, but yes yes I need to get my act together that is for sure!!!

In any case — we are now in full on Autumn mode and I couldn’t be more into it. The crisp air, the foliage, the pumpkin and apple cider all around... it really is a lovely season and my kids are so into it!!! (Or is it because I am so into it? Haha).  We went to a pumpkin patch last weekend, as you do — our on Long Island to kick of the kids school break (they’re on some weird system as it’s a British school).  The pumpkin patch was a huge hit!!! As was the apple cider mill we visited afterwards.  Nothing spells Fall fun better than a mix of Halloween spook and corn maze fun I say 😍🍁🎃.  Now that my little guy is older he gets to join in!!! It’s really perfect and loads of fun.  I can still recall Fall 2016 when he was in my belly! We went it the New York Botanical Garden, followed by a visit to Salem which was groovy.  Then 2017... that was pretty much all spent out East in the Hamptons.  Last year was a bit of a blur, I think we did our anniversary trip at the Castle in Tarrytown but mostly stayed in the city.  This year though — we are all IN!!!! I imagine it gets more and more fun as the kiddos get older (until they reach that age when they no longer want to hang out with mum and dad ☹️) and I would be so sad! 

All the more reason to enjoy the here and now I say! 

#898 A very Hamilton Birthday

It has been terribly long and if I don’t write soon then August will nearly be over!!! What can I say... the last I wrote we were  just kicking off the start of summer with the Fourth if July — and here we are, about to bid adieu.

I leave you with some fond memories of us this week (mid-week) going to see Hamilton with my munchkin as he turned 6. It was a really lovely moment and many many months in the works! Hubs and I first went to see Hamilton in early January (I think, maybe even before New Years?!) and I absolutely fell in love with the play.  We then downloaded the soundtrack and the rest is history as they say.... the whole family got into it and mu boys (even the little one!) knows all the words.  

As they say in the show... you’ll be back — and history has its eyes on you! We are throwing munchkin a “Hamilton” themed birthday in September (stay tuned!!) — and I think the Broadway musical experience was basically icing on a very delicious cake for somebody who just turned six! ❤️🎂

 

#897 Fourth of July in Southampton

Eeks!!!

 

This was likely the longest ever hiatus we've taken from the blog.  It's one of those things you see -- where the longer you wait... well, the longer you pause!

 

Mamma has the usual list of excuses of course -- life's been busy -- I've been so tired, etc etc etc.  The list just goes on and on.  The truth is, well, I've been tired! Haha.  We've had to sort our life out, particularly the period btw May and June.... (and now July eeks!!).  They are always a nightmare.

 

As I sit now in bed... tapping away on my laptop channeling some my inner Carrie (or am I dating myself now?) -- I literally had to tell myself, "no you're going to do this."  

 

That's how the creative juices start flowing you see -- little by little, piece by piece.... and even if it's just a snapshot of your life at the time -- well, it's worth it!

 

To give a very quick rundown of life since Mother's day (sheesh!!).  We celebrated mamma's birthday in the Caymans, which was LOVELY.  This was followed by a frenzy of activities in early June (largely involving preparing for Kindergarten graduation -- or as munchkin's British school calls it -- "Year 1").  That takes us pretty much to the end of June (interspersed by Father's Day, of course, which we will chronicle).  So yes, I did miss an entire month right there.

 

Then off we went to East Hampton for the weekend -- because that is how we roll.  There was a pool, loads of BBQ's, munchkin went back to the Children's Museum of the East End, which he loves (we've had so many great adventures there!!).  This was interspersed with a reading of "Montauk has a hungry shark" at the Book Hampton.  Last I recall -- we met Alec Baldwin there!

 

That takes us to (drum roll)... July!!!

 

Which is how we arrived at today's post isn't it.  I tell you I had an entire narrative planned in my head on that very day, but was simply too knackered to write.  So here we are, nearly at the end of July -- and I'm just capturing it.  There was sweltering heat (though the last few days have taught me that we ain't seen nothing yet) -- there were loads of BBQ (again)... and time spent in the pool.  We rented a farm house in Southampton and the kids had a fabulous time.  I just wish that I had the energy to remember all of it!  We even attended the Fourth of July parade in town! Which was truly a spectacle to behold.  My oldest munchkin also hit up the local carnival on not one, but TWO nights in a row.  So yes, I guess you can say that we made the most of our foray in Southampton.

 

Next stop -- North Fork!  Stayed tuned for more updates there.

 

P.S. It sure feels good to be back!!!

 

 

 

 

#896 Mothers Day 2019 – Lower East Side Style

Happy Monday!  So… how about that Sunday folks?  Here in NYC it’s been rain rain rain all day long…. Were all mommies somehow naughty this year is that why?  The weather certainly did not come through this year for Mother’s day (and the trend is continuing even today).

That said, we still had a great old time!  We took the entire crazy crew to a local LES spot called Devon – where they served up some cool cocktails and downhome comfort food (the Huevos Rancheros were to die for!!).  The only bummer was that they didn’t have any high-chairs, but I suppose you can’t have everything can you.  Not sure how this would rank within City Baby Dining for this mamma but the food was great!!! Plus they gave us this lovely pastry box at the end with the most delicious baked goods so I suppose all is forgiven in the end! 

Despite the cold, windy, and rainy weather – we (all four of us) huddled and rushed into the new Essex Market (love it!) and treated ourselves to some cupcakes by Sugarsweet Sunshie and Ice Cream from Lower East Side Ice Cream factory.  Love love love!  It was the perfect mother’s day brunch, surrounded by the only people who matter to me… and mamma couldn’t have asked for anything more!

#895 Climbing the Vessel in Hudson Yards

A few weeks ago we finally got around to checking out the Vessel in Hudson Yards (you get to climb it!).  It’s quite fun (and free if you get tickets on-line), and my oldest munchkin certainly had a ball doing so… plus you get some fantastic views of the Hudson River overlooking New Jersey.  

Structurally, it is quite impressive, as it stands tall in all of its futuristic glory, reminding me of the modern ethos that’s quite reminiscent of Dubai.  Plus, the new Hudson Yards mall boasts multiple stories of brand new stores, restaurants, art installations and fun for the entire family! It reminds me of the Oculus from a few years back but BIGGER AND BETTER!!!

#894 Members only dining at the Met

Happy May my lovelies!  

Goodness gracious me is it May already?  Seems like just yesterday that I was contemplating my “best of” series for 2018… thinking about all the things that we would do for January and February – yet here we are (gasp)… MAY!!!

Time really does seem to take on a whole other dimension these days doesn’t it?

I, for one, am embracing the idea of SPRING!! The weather has been really up and down these days, so it’s not entirely clear to me when we can finally run outdoors without a care (or jacket) in the world.  I suppose that moment will still have to wait.

In the meantime, I wanted to share some happy moments from our recent outing to the Metropolitan Museum of Art!!  We were there for a special concert (more on that soon)… but one of my favorite things to do is to eat at the Member’s only dining room which overlooks Central Park on the 5th floor.  The Executive Chef Fred Sabo really serves up a nice seasonable fare, in collaboration with Michelin starred Chef John Fraser.  More recently, Chef Fraser's Forest Mushroom Exploration is inspired by seasonal ingredients that we really got to take advantage of for dinner.  My favorite part, after dining at the museum’s restaurant, is the ability to roam around freely in the art galleries.  Generally, during this time, the crowds have largely thinned out, making the museum roaming experience far more pleasant!  This is when you can really hone in on some of the intricate details of the exhibits, and relish it without feeling rushed.  Plus, a bit more walking is welcomed after eating a full belly from all that delicious cuisine!

#893 Easter Style at the Naples Zoo, Florida

Is there anything more adorable than the harbinger of Spring — complete with Easter egg baskets and little bunnies/duckies running amok? I don’t think so!!!! 

So straight after our NYC egg hunt at the Fire Museum, we jetted to Florida and then embarked on TWO separate egghunts inside the the Naples Zoo! (Individuals tailored to the munchkins’ age group you see — as if life wasn’t complicated enough).  This year the zoo is doing what they’re calling an “eggcycle” event — which is to say that no matter how many eggs you by, you kinda need to trade them in for a bag full of treat at the end (unless you want a basket full of empty plastic eggs, which — well I could think of worse things I suppose).  The whole concept is quite egalitarian and in my humble opinion much much more humane!!! Just takes much of the frenzy and greed factor out of the whole thing (which is not at all what Easter is about is it).  

The other nice thing about doing an Easter egg hunt at the zoo is... when all is said and done and the madness is over (which it generally is quicker than you say “when”) — we could then take advantage of the nice scenery and properly explore the zoo!!! Which is a definite plus.  

For me, separate from the religious elements — Easter is about spring, of hope — of bringing in light and flowers and fresh hope, after a long and dreary winter.  Each year, every since the birth of my big boy nearly six years ago, I’ve looked forward to Easter with great rapture and fondness.  It becomes a big milestone for me, a marker that shows that half the year is nearly over and we have oh so much more to look forward to! 

With that said, let’s make the most of the rest if April, May and June!!! We still have so much living to do.  Then... it’s off to 2H2019 and all that this year has to offer!! My how time flies, it really is incredible. 

#892 Glass Blowing — Chihuly style

Well hello hello! It’s been a long weekend and we are coming up to Friday (or as I told hubs the other day — better know as “fri-yay” — the combination of Friday and an “yay” to rejoice... to which he said “I am too old for this 😂).  

It sure has been one long week and mamma has been spending an awful lot of time on planes and at airports.  That being said, on the plus side I’ve felt very productive, and one thing we got to do today was glass blowing by the pool at the Ritz Carlton in Naples, how cool!!

As many of you who’s been following Rockshic for some time might know — we’ve been coming to this particular resort, the Ritz Carlton Naples, for some time now — and I’ve seen the glass blowing by Chihuly- trained artist Conrad Williams for some time now.  That said, the timing of the activity just never quite worked out for us.  Yet lo and behold today, after mamma had some conference calls and many email exchanges later, I saw that this unique experience was being offered pool-side at the resort.  “Do you want to do it?” I asked the little man, to which he seemed quite ecstatic “oh yeah!!!” 

So off we went and the entire experience did not disappoint.  Mr. Williams had his entire contraption set up right by the pool (just as he advertised), and he is EXCELLENT with kids... this is clearly not his first rodeo.  He showed my big guy how to blow glass (they even took practice rounds!) and they also did the melting and mixing and turning of the product into the fire “like lava!!!” Exclaimed my little guy.  He was so comeptrlu immersed in the experience and very very happy with the finished product — a gorgeous ornament that we can hang up in our tree come Christmas time! 

I tried to catch as much of the experience as I could — and the whole thing was simply fabulous.  When I asked my Rockshic Baby what was his favorite part of the day, he told me it was when he got to “‘melt the glass.” The remark was enough to melt my heart!!! But then again I’m a softie like that ☺️