just being audrey

I was browsing in Anthropologie the other day and came across the most gorgeous children's book ever called Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo! I completely obsessed with Audrey Hepburn and have seen every single one of her movies multiple times.  Whenever I'm having a down day I always cozy up on the couch and watch Funny Face, Sabrina or Roman Holiday and it instantly puts a huge smile on my face.  I love her beauty, grace and she was such an incredible person with a huge heart.  

The stunning illustrations by Julia Denos immediately caught my eye and I could not put the book down even with two hyper children screaming for my attention.  The book is the story of Audrey Hepburn from her childhood to her career as an actress and humanitarian and is so inspiring for little girls.  I cannot wait until my daughter is old enough to share this story with her and hope she will love Audrey just as much as I do!

published by harper colllins children

a little bit of paris in nyc

One of the first places I hit when I'm in NYC is the Bouchon Bakery at Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle.  There are several reasons why I'm completely addicted to this eatery.  First it's for completely practical reasons as this Jersey girl needs somewhere convenient to park (discount coupons are available at the concierge desk), it's super easy with kids with convenient bathrooms, and it's walking distance to the shops on Broadway, Central Park and FAO Schwartz.  The main reason I love absolutely adore Bouchon is that I can get a quick piece of the genius of Thomas Keller without going to Napa Valley and I'm instantly transported to Paris.  Of course there is THE Thomas Keller attraction Per Se in the same building but there is no way I'm dragging 2 children there.  There are 2 parts to the Bouchon Bakery in Time Warner, there is the restaurant where you can dine in and the cafe where you can grab food to go or eat at one of the tables on the side.  What I do is eat at the restaurant and then grab a bunch of goodies or home.

the bakery

amazing desserts to go

The food at the cafe is stocked with scrumptious classic Parisian baked goodies such as fresh breads, croissant, and macarons as well as classic American treats like the oatmeal cookie and their TKO (Bouchon's take on the Oreo).  I've probably eaten one of everything there and have never been disappointed.  You seriously can't go wrong!

the restaurant

You can also enjoy a lovely meal with a stunning view of Central Park and Columbus Circle at the restaurant.  The food is also classic Parisian with a slight American twist.  My favorite dish is for sure the chicken dumpling soup.  The service is always really good and they are quite sweet with the kiddos too.  It's definitely worth a visit if you are ever in town.

kid's ham and cheese baguette

chicken dumpling soup

tomato soup

croque madame

birthday cake macarons

ps - photos courtesy of my sister Kristie. follow her on Instagram for some amazing foodie pics!  here is the page for Kristie84

Bouchon Bakery at Time Warner Center

10 Columbus Circle

3rd Floor

New York, NY

10019

bouchonbakery.com

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!

Hooray!  I've made it on the nomination list of the Annual Red Tricycle 2013 Totally Awesome Awards for Most Awesome Mom & Dad blogs.  Red Tricycle is THE list for parents and kids featuring the best of the best.  If you love Lattes and Juice please vote for me!

xoxo

click on link below to vote:

http://awards.redtri.com/2013/most-influential-blog-1

Milla's Nursery on The Little Style File

Here is my latest post for The Little Style File on Milla's Parisian Chic Nursery. 

http://www.thelittlestylefile.com/2013/07/09/paris-nursery/

Guest post on Bonbon Rose Girls

A little late but come and check out my summer floral looks over at Bonbon Rose Girls!

http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com/2013/07/summer-florals.html

we're on the other side of the pond

I somehow survived my flight from Heathrow to Newark, NJ alone with 2 toddlers in tow!  The flight was 2 hours delayed and I ended up sitting on the edge of my daughter's seat for half the flight because I didn't want to wake sleeping beauty. Plus my son ended up having an accident in his seat so thankfully we had a spare set of clothes. Luckily he didn't puke until we were about a block from my mom's house! Was not ready for that one! Honestly I was quite relaxed the whole trip and tried not to get stressed about anything. I'm definitely ready for more flights solo but of course with mileage upgrades in business class! 

The kids are almost over their jet lag and enjoying the American life. Big house, big cars, big shops and big everything. They are being extra spoiled by grandma and having such a great time. It is so unbelievably hot and humid here so we are spending lots of time in the swimming pool everyday and anything air conditioned. It's a huge shock on our systems coming from cold rainy London but it's so great being a kid on summer holiday! 

My son is obsessed with America and it was so exciting for him to celebrate the 4th of July for real. We went to the fireworks celebration in town and the poor exhausted kid fell asleep as soon as the fireworks began!

Will post more on all of our American adventures all summer long!

ps - this is my first post from my iPad so apologies for the different format. My husband will be bringing me my laptop soon so will be back shortly.