every day just got better
I got an email from a dear friend (and fellow Westchesterite) the other day: “My husband loves breakfast. It’s his favorite meal of the day and all he wants to do for Father’s Day is go out for a nice breakfast. Where can I take him besides the diner — with my little hellions in tow?”
It’s a good question. Where can you get a step-up breakfast in Westchester? Here are our picks for an extra special breakfast (that won’t break the bank).
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Yesterday I met up with some friends in Irvington for the debut of their (super awesome!) Wednesday Farmers Market. My husband and I took a drive down to the river as we were leaving and were reminded of just how lucky we all are to live near the Hudson. If you do one thing this weekend, find a river view at dusk and just stare. Slow down this summer. We’re all so busy we forget just how much serenity there is in a simple summer night.
Ok, then make some plans. Here are our top picks for the weekend.
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About 18 months after I had my son, I went to the neighborhood pool for the first time in a Ralph Lauren string bikini. As I followed my son around in the toddler pool, I noticed many of the other moms were wearing one piece bathing suits. Suddenly, I felt naked. Was there some sort of unspoken rule — no bikinis in the toddler pool unless you’re under the age of four?
Now let me preface this by saying my body is hardly rocking. I’m all knobby knees and bony elbows, skin the color of milk bottles and if I don’t sit stick straight on my towel, I have more rolls on my stomach than I do fingers. (Sounds hot, huh?)
But I’ll never wear a one piece. I believe everyone should wear a bikini, and here’s why: I think every woman looks better than she thinks she does in a two piece. Bikinis are flattering whether you’re short or tall, ripped or ripped with rolls. (Obviously, there are a few exceptions to this rule, but very few of you reading this are in that Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss edition category.) Women’s bodies just look better in a bikini, and there are so many bikini styles these days to fit just about every body type. [...]
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After regular trips to the Union Square Green Market in the city, it can be a bit jarring when you roll up to a farmers market in the ‘burbs with only three or four vendors. Ouch.
Last summer we set out to find the best farmers markets in Westchester. In other words, markets that are worth traveling to. Here’s what we found: There are four or five farmers market in the area that make wonderful hangouts, but many of the smaller markets have everything you need too — so give them a second chance if they underwhelmed you the first time. Plus. there are a few new farmers markets debuting this month.
Still, some of the markets here are better than others. Here’s how they size up. (Photo above courtesy of Doug Schneider Photo/Hastings Farmers Market.) [...]
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Irvington is a well-known foodie town. Beyond Red Hat (phenomenal rooftop bar) and Mima (best date night spot), there’s MP Taverna, whose chef has everybody in the ‘chester buzzing. Don’t forget the savory spices of Chutney Masala, which may be the best Indian restaurant in the region.
Two new restaurants recently opened on Main Street in Irvington, and we’ve got the dish on both.
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In most areas of the country, a million dollars will buy you a castle. But in Westchester County, you’re getting expensive, not expansive. Do you think these homes are worth a million dollars — or do they fall up short?
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Tired of a grilled burger with cheese, lettuce and tomato? Ok, we’re not either, but (BUT!) there’s so much more fun to have with a burger these days. Fried egg and spinach? Yum. Ramps with mozzarella? Oh yes. Here are some simple ways to dress up your burger this Memorial Day Monday.
Horseradish sauce
Remember Arby’s “horsey” sauce? Horseradish adds a dash of dazzle to a standard cheddar cheeseburger. Whole Foods and Martha Stewart stuff their burgers with horseradish (pictured above), as does Rachel Ray and Tyler Florence. [...]
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Pack the sip cups — and the stroller. We’ve got a few fun agendas to get you and your little ones out the door this weekend. If the weather doesn’t hold up, file away these day trip ideas for a fun summer weekend. We’ve got a little something for everybody: Hikes, old-fashioned carousels, shopping and a pretty fab dinosaur exhibit.
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Want your children to eat more fruits and veggies? “Bring them into the kitchen to cook with you,” says Jessica Fishman Levinson, owner of Nutritioulicious, a nutrition consulting practice in New Rochelle. “Studies have shown that children who help with cooking show a greater preference for fruit and vegetables and are more confident about the importance of making healthier food choices.” When kids help with mealtime tasks, they have an increased sense of responsibility and independence. Plus, kids who help make meals are more inclined to try new foods and eat the same meals you do!
Don’t think a 10 month old has a place in the kitchen? Think again. Jessica recommends letting her smell and taste the ingredients you’re using and watch everything you’re doing. Involve your children in making meals at all ages based on their abilities. “Some of these tasks can be done at any age and will strengthen wherever your children are in their development, whether they’re working on their coordination, use of utensils, or math and science skills,” she says. We asked Jessica to give us ideas about how to involve kids in cooking, and she surprised us with some of her ideas. (I never would have thought to ask my toddler to tear lettuce up for me, but he *loved* doing it!) [...]
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We’re launching a new real estate column this morning called “Houses You Can Get For.” In this column, we’ll feature five houses at different price points selling throughout Westchester. Everyone in our area is a bit obsessed with real estate, us included. I think it’s because we all overpay to live here, so it’s natural to be curious about what’s out there. (It’s also why I cringe when I’m watching HGTV and see houses that look like mine that cost less than four years of college tuition at NYU.)
This week, we’re looking at houses listed for about $750,000, like this Tarrytown house that boasts over 2,000 feet. Sweet. Click for more real estate eye candy and/or eye rolls. [...]
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I’m not willing to believe the forecast for rain this weekend, so let’s plan on a party cloudy lovely Mother’s Day. If you don’t have plans yet, take a look at these options. There’s quite a few things to this Mother’s Day.
There’s a Mother’s Day Garden Party at the New York Botanical Garden this weekend, and it sounds amazing (unless it rains). On Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, head to the garden for lawn games, kite flying, hands-on nature activities for kids. But here’s the real draw: Some of NYC’s best food trucks (Think: Kimchi Taco and Gorilla Cheese) are pulling up for the weekend. A professional photographer will be on hand to snap family photos. On Sunday, there’s an interactive performance of Jack and the Beanstalk as well as poetry readings. You need tickets so be sure to buy them ahead. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx [...]
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I didn’t have many mom friends when I lived on the Upper West Side. After my son was born, I walked my neighborhood streets pushing his red City Mini every day — down Broadway, across 72nd, up Riverside, across 92nd. I loved the city, but I always felt lonesome on those walks. Maybe it was being a first time mom. Maybe it was because there were more nannies strolling the neighborhood than moms.
Then I took the train up to Chappaqua. I spent time in Tarrytown and Pleasantville, visited Irvington and Bedford, walked downtown Scarsdale and Larchmont. In Westchester’s quaint village streets, I saw something I didn’t see in the city: Community. And that’s what I found in the Westchester neighborhood where I now live — a group of caring moms that meet up regularly to trade parenting ideas and kid-friendly hang-outs, great date night spots and what the heck to do with kids on a rainy day.
Wee Westchester was born out of one of these very conversations — Wouldn’t it be great if there was a website about all of the cool things to do with kids in Westchester? Since our launch last May, we’ve worked hard to dish the same mom-to-mom advice with all of you. To us, Wee Westchester isn’t just a website, it’s a community of its own. As you’ve kindly helped spread the word about us over the last year, we’ve grown from a site attracting a few moms to thousands of women daily. And we’ve never felt more at home in this county. In all of you, we found some pretty wonderful neighbors. [...]
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We traded life in the city for a white picket fence in Westchester, NY. But we're not willing to sacrifice style -- or fun. We write about a 100 little ways to make living here even better. Thanks for stopping by!
