May 2011 - The Culture Mom

31May

Summer Serenity and Fun at Governor’s Island

This past weekend was the first time we ventured on the ferry to Governor's Island. I had been wanting to make the trip for quite a while, and I liked the experience just as much as I thought I would. It is truly a special place. It's quiet, bucolic and in many ways it seems like a million miles from Manhattan. If you're looking for a day where the kids can spend ample time outdoors, without getting bored, Governor's Island is for you. A mere 8-minute ferry from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, right next to the Staten Island Read More

29May

Was Oprah Talking to Me?

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If you haven't noticed, I've been a little quiet lately. My husband has been traveling with work for two weeks, which has put the onus of responsibility 100% on me. At night, I can hardly stay awake past 10pm, a rarity for me, and a time where I get much of my writing done. In the midst of it all, there was the "Oprah" finale. I have been a huge fan of the show my entire life. Twenty-five years ago, I was a teenager (am I revealing my age? Yes, I am over 40). My mom, who was a big fan of Phil Donahue, turned me onto Oprah. I was a soon-to-be Read More

27May

Giveaway: Win Tickets to Zarkana, “Cirque Du Soleil on Steroids”

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I was lucky to attend a special performance of Cirque Du Soleil's brilliant new show, Zarkana, at Radio Music Hall in Manhattan a few days ago. I've always loved Cirque and knew I was in for a treat. Seeing it in the city I live in and love, NYC, made it extra special, without a doubt. After seeing a few clips, I can honestly agree with what CEO Daniel Lamar stated, "Zakara is Cirque Du Soleil on steroids." It's wild and grandiose at the same time. The performers push the boundaries of creativity and go beyond anywhere you can go in your own Read More

26May

Giveaway: Cradle and All – Theater Tickets

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Manhattan Theatre Club's Cradle And All, new show that seeks to answer the age old question "TO BREED OR NOT TO BREED". The show is really clever and witty. You'll laugh, you'll maybe cry and you'll definitely recognize yourselves somewhere! It makes for a great date night, or night out with the girls. A The show runs through June 19th. Cradle and All: Relationships aren't Baby-proof Annie and Nat have a baby who won't sleep. Claire and Luke are losing sleep over the decision to get married and start a family. In adjacent Brooklyn Read More

25May

Montreal: A Family-Friendly City with European Flare

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On my recent trip to Montreal, I was overwhelmed with the city’s European flare. After a less than 60-minute flight from NYC, I was transported into a world of cafes, croissants, café’ au laits, signs and menus in French and French architecture. Getting to Montreal is so easy, and the rewards of a weekend away are so abundant. Plus, there are so many things to do with kids, and what better way to introduce them to French culture without breaking the bank on a trip to Europe? Montreal has so much to offer - it’s a city with so much history. Situated Read More

21May

Guest Post: Perfection is Perfectly Impossible

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(The following post was originally written and posted by guest poster Gina Osher on The Twin Coach.) Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything, That's how the light gets in. ~Leonard Cohen “The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” ~ Anna Quindlen Where did we come up with the idea that we needed to be perfect? At what point in our lives did this idea take hold so fiercely Read More

16May

10 Ultimate NYC Summertime Experiences

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There is not time to visit New York that’s better than the summertime. After all the years I’ve been living in NY, I am the perfect summer tour guide. Come with me, and you’re set. I’ll take you for a walk on the waterfront in Battery Park City; to free concerts and festivals; for a long bike ride in Central Park; to a free, wonderful Shakespeare performance in Central Park. If you plan ahead, you can get great deals on flights to New York. For another, with the high exchange rates abroad, the exchange rate has never been better for non-Americans Read More