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A quick trip to the Lower, Lower East Side

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Sometimes when we need to get out of house, a quick walk to the closest part of the LES (...arguable still chinatown?!) does the trick!

First Stop: Sweet Pickles Bookshop​

• Swap books for Pickles! Yes... you read that right. The store is adorable and fun to visit. I had to tear my Little One away from wanting to buy more than what we came with to donate! It's perfecting timing in our house because my Little One discovered she likes pickles too!

Second Stop: Factory Tamal​

• Now getting a delivery of tamales from Factory Tamal is also one of our regular Toddler Food delivery hacks, however we love it so much that whenever we are in the LES, we stop by to pick some up. Chicken Mole is a favorite of ours, but they are all delicious! The breakfast sandwiches are great too

Third Stop: Michaeli Bakery​

• The pastry chef behind Breads Bakery opened his first spot right here years ago, and while he’s expanded all over NYC, this one is still my fave. Must-buys? The Bourekas, Cheese Sticks, and (obviously) Babka to take home.

Fourth Stop: Kiki's​

• A perfect and delicious place to stop, sit down and eat with your Little Ones. It's my favorite Greek food in NYC... and that includes all the places in Queens (I promise you I have tried them!). The fries alone are amazing, but definitely get the Horiatiki salad and grilled octopus too. This also happens to be the best bathroom stop in the area. Also, don't be fooled by the lack of 'Kiki's signage'. Look for the green doors with the Chinese Printing signs above

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Looking to go for special place for dinner without the Little Ones?!

​Bacaro:

• Probably the best Italian restaurant in the city that you've likely never heard of is Bacaro! When you walk down into the basement, as lame as it sounds, you are transported to a trattoria in Italy. It's the perfect place for an group dinner too, just make sure to call and reserve one of the rooms downstairs.

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Now there are plenty of other places I can write about, but these are the best that are all within the same block of each other. The perfect amount of walking when you have a Little One in tow.

What we are doing this week...

​Governor's Island Ice Sculpture show​ I'll take any excuse to take this Little One on a boat ride! This weekend there is an Ice Sculpture show at Governor's island, with 10 Ice Sculpting artists creating some serious ice sculptures Shows all weekend: Saturday, Feb 8 from 12pm - 2pm ​Link to website (Not an affiliate - Just a fan!)

... and another thing for this week...

​Valentine Making Workshop​ Battery Park City Authority is hosting a Valentine Making Workshop for Little Ones. Not a bad option close to home. Date: Sunday, Feb 9 at 10:30am - 12pm ​Link to website (Not an affiliate - Just a fan!)

What we are Reading this week...

"How to Babysit a Grandma and Grandpa" by Jean Reagan A hit with both sets of Grandparents, it's nice that my Little One has something she's excited to read with them! ​Link to amazon (Not an affiliate link - just a fan!

What I wish I could do with my Little One...

​Kids Sewing 101 class​ This sewing class is for 9-13 year olds, so we’ve got a ittle while before we can join - but I know some of you have older Little Ones who might love learning how to sew! Brings me back to the days watching my Grandma cut out patterns on the dining room table! ​Link to website (Not an affiliate link - just a fan!)

What i buying for myself to this week...

​The Cheeky Mahjong Set​ The joke in my family was that my first word was 'Pong'. Anyone else grow up with a Mum that played Mahjong as much as mine? I never would have thought I'd say this, but I'm so excited I found this Mahjong 'Cheeky' Set from The Mahjong Line! I spent a week obsessing over which one to get, and I have to say... this one is adorable. Now the real question - who's up for a local Mahjong evening in the Seaport?! ​Link to website (Not an affiliate link - just a fan!)

What i am treating myself to this week...

​Aire Baths​ When I need a little alone time (especially during these freezing winter days), this is the place to go. Personally, I skip the massages and all the fancy “experiences” - because, honestly, soaking in red wine? Hard pass. The best value? Book the Ultimate Bath - 90 minutes of pure bliss hopping between the pools and sauna. You’ll usually find me floating in the salt pool, embracing my best starfish life. They do a great job of keeping the crowd size in check, but if you’re going solo and want to really relax, avoid the evenings (unless you enjoy being surrounded by date-night couples ​Link to website (Not an affiliate link - just a fan!)