KSW Travels: New York with the Kids!

We had an amazing weekend in New York with the children last week!  What a blast!

There is so much to do in NYC so the key is to whittle it down to your favorites and tackle them by neighborhood.  We focused on the Upper East Side and Mid-Town on this trip.

Here is a little run down with our highlights:

Saturday Morning:  After breakfast at the St. Regis Hotel, we wandered through the Central Park Zoo.  On the way there, the children loved stomping on the leftover snow and seeing Trump Tower!  The weather was gorgeous so we had a blast visiting the animals in the zoo.  They have a fantastic 4D Theatre and a petting zoo!  The zoo is quite small and manageable.  It is the perfect size for a leisurely morning adventure.

Loved this sign at the Zoo!

 Saturday Afternoon:  I couldn't wait to treat the little ones to lunch at the very place my parents always took my siblings and I growing up, Nello on Madison Avenue.  They loved the pasta, just like I did at their age.  After lunch we wandered past some stores on the way to Smythson to get dad a new diary.  On the way, we window shopped, talked about what life is like for those children who live in the NYC townhouses and apartments we passed and checked out the sports memorabilia at Heritage Auction Gallery!

Lunch at Nello - the food was amazing but capturing these joyful moments between these two is tops!  

This smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty got them super excited!

Saturday Evening:  We topped off our Saturday with the amazing Gazillion Bubbles Show.  My expectations were not high but I must say this show was such a treat for the entire family!  They don't allow photographs during the show but they do during the finale which was like a being at a rave for kids (not that I have ever been to a rave but that is what I imagine!) I highly recommend the show!

Sunday morning:  We stopped into the newly renovated St. Patricks Cathedral to take in the majestic decor and listen to some of the beautiful hymns from the Sunday morning mass.  What a joy!  A ride around the Central Park Carousel helped the children burn time before the Eloise Brunch at The Plaza.  As you can see from her smile, Millie loved posing under the portrait of Eloise.  She loves posing anywhere actually but this was extra special! ;)

Sunday Afternoon:  Our Eloise Tea at The Plaza was filling enough to serve as a brunch so we skipped back to the park to have fulfill JR's request to have their portraits drawn.  I couldn't believe he wanted to sit there for 20 minutes but we did!  We didn't take a lot of time to look at the artists offering their services but we got lucky with the talented gentleman. He was really able to capture JR and was very patient with my wiggly Millie!

 Sunday Evening: I had to go to work to get my segment set up for TODAY so Justin treated the kids to a skate around Rockefeller Center Rink.  We were excited to learn that there is a VIP entrance to skate with a short wait and hot chocolate and cookies!  It was totally worth the additional fee! An early room service dinner back at the hotel was in order as the little ones had an early call time the next the morning!

Monday Morning:  It was such a treat to take my kids and husband to work with me at TODAY show.  JR went with me many years ago but this time was special because they both got to be a part of my segment with me!  I was nervous but they were great!  You can click here to see the segment on Winter Break Activities for Kids.

JR got a lesson from one of the wonderful crew members who make these shows possible!   

Behind the scenes on the set! 

Millie demonstrating the ice painting craft!  She loves this so much that I have started to keep ice paints in the freezer at all times!

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The Cure for Cabin Fever on the Today Show

No School this week?  No Problem! I took the family along for the morning at the TODAY Show and I have all sorts of suggestions for activities for you family.  

Click here to watch the segment!

New Years Eve Party Tips

I had a blast sharing tips for your New Years Eve Celebration on Today Show this morning.  I hope you like them!  I'd love to know what you plan to do with your guests!

Halloween Costumes for your Pets on Today Show!

 I had such a blast sharing tips for getting your pets into the Halloween Spirit at Today Show yesterday!  I hope you will click here to watch and comment here to let me know what you did with your pet this Halloween!

Click here to watch!

New Years Eve Ideas for the Kids

Click here to watch!

Skip the baby sitter this year and get the children in on the celebration! Check out my tips on Today Show.

Today Show: Pet Costumes

Is every member of your house hold ready for Halloween?  Check out my favorite Pet Costumes (all on sale for under $10 now at PetSmart!) from my Today Show segment.

click here to watch

Friday Favorites!

Starting to plan your Forth of July celebrations?  Check out the segment I did on TODAY show a couple years ago with some fun tips!

I love how my friends at Set Sip Serve have put together a list of the MUST HAVE popsicle makers for the summer!

I was sooo honored to be included in Camille Styles blog this week!  Check out the post for my tips on the perfect thank you note and a 15% discount on some sweet stationery treats!

Fun projects for your creative kids this summer on this darling blog.

Super fun and unique camp for kids in Dallas in July...Cookie and Cake Camp at Greenhouse Market.

Love this idea to make your cocktails a bit more patriotic this week!

On the Today Show :: Celebrate Easter with Festive Table Decor

Kim joined Hoda and Kathie Lee on The Today Show this morning to share some creative ways to decorate adult and kids' tables for Easter. 

Watch the segment here! 

Friday Favorites

Yesterday, in the TODAY Show green room, I got to meet the legend herself, Iris Apfel. What a treat!

She was at the show promoting a book project that her friend, Ari Cohen, included her in called Advanced Style.   Ari keeps a blog of the same name and I loved meeting him too! Don't you think we need to get him to Texas to photograph some of the amazing women with "Advanced Style" who live here?

I was at the TODAY Show to share my favorite pumpkin carving tips.  I was surprised to be surrounded by lots of shirtless handsome men too! Click here to watch the segment! 

Did you get to watch the segment with Iris? Click here to watch 

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How to do Everything Better!

I had a blast on the TODAY show this morning!  Click here to watch!

It’s the little things that can make everyday life seem more luxurious.  In the South, we love to celebrate tradition such as writing a thank you note or using our good silver.  Little touches can go a long way in making yourself or your loved ones feel extra special. 

Here are sometips for injecting a little Southern know-how into basic tasks to make you feel special.

 

How to Make the Perfect Bed:

Experts say the first step to boosting happiness and self-esteem is to make your bed in the morning! Every month decorator Phoebe Howard answers readers common decorating questions in Southern Living. In a recent column she addressed how to make your bed. Here is the link:

Invest in classic linens 

·      Always buy the best linens you can afford. 

·      Choose a matching set of sheets, shams, and a duvet cover in white or ivory. Then add a solid-colored, lightweight quilt or coverlet with coordinating European shams.

·      Pick bedding that is light in color and made of linen or cotton—it's easy to maintain and always in style.

Iron your sheets 

·      Whether you send them out to be pressed or do it yourself with plenty of starch, ironed sheets add a polished touch

Have nice folds

·      For a smart finish, turn your top sheet back at least 14 inches over your coverlet to show off interesting trim details.

·      Fold your duvet in thirds in a Z pattern, and place it at the foot of the bed so it looks nice and fluffy during the day and can be pulled up easily at night.

Layer your pillows

·      Place standard shams closest to the headboard, and then add a pair of European shams. For king-size beds, use three Euro shams instead of two.

·      Finish the arrangement with decorative pillows in another fabric for a dose of personality.

·      Don't go overboard with the pillows! You should always leave some space between your pillows and the folded duvet cover.

Big Thanks to:

Restoration Hardware: 19^th Century Keyhole Metal Arch bed

 www.restorationhardware.com

800-910-9836

Mrs. Howard: Decorative pillows

 www.phoebehoward.net

Matouk: Luna Euro shams and quilt; Marlowe sheeting and duvet cover

 www.matouk.com

Arhaus: Belmont nightstand

ww.arhaus.com

866-427-4287

Serena and Lily: Metallic Suede hemp rug;  Bone inlay jewelry box

www.serenaandlily.com

866-597-2742

Ballard Designs: Ellen lamp and shade

www.ballarddesigns.com

800-536-7551

How to make silver shine:

Polish it

·      Remove tarnish from even the most intricate pieces: Place silver on aluminum foil in your sink, sprinkle with baking soda, and pour boiling water over it. The tarnish will literally fall off.

·      Rinse and pat dry to avoid water spots. If you prefer store-bought polish, be sure to apply in a circular motion, wash, and dry.

Use it

·      Silver isn't just for special occasions. Frequent use brings out that rich patina.

·      Rinse right after using to prevent tarnishing—sulfides from foods like eggs and mayonnaise can stain.

·      Use a gentle dish detergent. (Avoid anything with citrus.) Silver made after 1939 is dishwasher-safe. Just remove before the drying cycle!

Store it

·      Properly storing silver reduces tarnish and upkeep.

·      If displaying in a cabinet, place a piece of chalk nearby—it absorbs chemicals that cause discoloration. Or store in sealed plastic bags.

·      If you have a silver drawer or chest, line it with Pacific Silvercloth, an acid- and sulfur-free material that keeps your treasures spotless.

How to set up a bar for a cocktail party:

Whether you’re on your own or entertaining, we say, use the good stuff.  It will remain timeless if you know how to care for it.

Placement is key
-The bar is a central place at any cocktail party so set it up in a place that has ample room for people to approach it.

Create the cocktails

 - Unless you have a bartender, it’s best to serve only one type of cocktail – we recommend a         signature cocktail to add your personal flair to the party.

-Pick a cocktail with no more than 4 ingredients. 3 is best.  This recipe for Watermelon Bellini is a refreshing choice.

-Have friendstaste test a few days before the event

-Set up your bar a few days before, stock extra glassware

To set the mood

-Set thermostat about 8 degrees below what is comfortable

-Replace your light bulbs with a lower wattage bulb, or an amber colored bulb

A few “Don’ts”

-Don't put candles on the bar

-Don't forget the cocktail napkins

-Don’t overcrowd the bar with decorations

-Don't put spirits with 30% or less ABV (alcohol by volume) into the freezer. They will freeze.

Big Thanks to:

Ballard Designs: Jill bar cart and monogrammed paper napkins

www.ballarddesigns.com

Waterford: All decanters and glassware

www.waterford.com

How to write a thank you note:

Taking a few minutes to write a thank you note can make the recipient’s day brighter and it is a great way to start or end your day with an attitude of gratitude!  

"Think in 3's"

·      Try to send your thank you note within 3 days of receiving a gift or attending an event

·       Only needs to be 3 lines, doesn't include the salutation or the closing

Thank you for a gift:

-1st line- shows gratitude & acknowledges specifically the gift you received

-2nd line- express how you’re going to use the gift

-3rd line- acknowledge a future meeting or greeting of the person you are thanking

 Thank you for being included at an event:

-1st line: express gratitude for being included

-2nd line: express a specific moment of memory from the event

-3rd line: share your hopes that you'll meet again soon.

Big Thanks to:

Nico & Lala:

www.nicoandlala.com

Southern Fried Paper:

 www.southernfriedpaper.com

214-919-0731 

Byrd Bleecker: www.byrdandbleecker.com

817-989-1500

How to politely eat fried chicken:

·      Pick the piece that looks the most attractive to you – here is a popular recipe for fried chicken from Southern Living:

·      Wrap a napkin around the end of the piece of chicken 

·      Take really small bites

·      Don't start talking with your hands while eating

 All of my siblings came to the show with me!  It was such a blast!  

Kari, Kirby and Krystal in the Green Room!

Are you finished with your Holiday Shopping?

Now it is time to wrap!  Check out my tips for fun and easy gift wrap ideas on the Today Show!

Stocking Stuffers on Today Show!

Stuffing the stockings is my absolute favorite thing to do at Christmas.  I loved presenting Today's Stocking Selections under $20.  What are you stuffing your family stockings with?

Last Minute Halloween Decor Tips!

Check out my last minute tips from the Today Show!