Mommy FTW

Recently I was contacted by Tres Belles Spa (105 Bond Street, Boerum Hill) and asked to write a review of their services as well as help them reach out to other moms.  I went in for a facial, to check out the location, and to talk to Allison Tray, the owner.  It was a tough job, but someone had to do it!

Petite, but perfect for moms in need of TLC!

Allison opened Tres Belle Petite Medi-Spa spa 6 years ago, although they just moved to their current location in December 09.  When she moved in, she totally renovated the space – and though it is quite small, it manages to be serene, and certainly has enough room to do the job!  I treated myself to a basic facial.  It was very gentle and relaxing; I left feeling refreshed, and my skin was looking great.  I’ve had a lot of facials where afterwords I look like I’ve been attacked by the esthetician, but this was not the case.  She managed to do my extractions and leave my skin toned, polished, and glowing – but not red.  To me, this is a big deal!  I noticed when I was there that the owner and staff seem to know everyone who walks in the door.  I am sure that this closeness with the clientele would lead to increasingly better service – after all, the better someone knows your skin, the better they can help take care of it.  So, I am sure the more times I go back, the better the facials will be for me, and the more tailored they would be to my specific skin issues.

Get your facial + relaxation here - you know you deserve it!

I talked with Alison a little to find out more about her business and the services they offer.  It turns out that Tres Belle is a family business, run by Alison and her Dad (aww!)  She says, “My family had always had family businesses so it was a natural progression that my Dad and I ended up working together. We have always been close and my Dad has a really great sense for business and I love helping people feel confident.”

I asked her why she was reaching out to moms specifically, and she smartly answered, “Moms often forget that it’s important to take a break even if it’s once a month. Many clients and friends are Moms and when they come to Tres Belle it’s like they can have a bit of their sense of self back. Moms give on a constant basis and it feels great to be able to provide them with much needed attention, not to mention adult conversation!”  So true – and that is one of the main reasons I wanted to write about this on Mommy FTW – I know I don’t give myself enough time to relax, and do things just for me.  So I hope that I can encourage some of you to spend some time on yourselves!  If I have to bribe you with discounts, then so be it!

Tres Belle is apparently well known for its laser hair removal – something I’ve always been curious about, but admittedly know nothing of.  “We were honored to have been voted Best Laser Hair Removal in NYC on Citysearch for 2009 [ we also won in 2006, 2007, and 2008]!”  Allison bragged – and rightly so.  That is quite an honor!  “Our most popular package is definitely our Bikini Package. Moms never know when a day at the beach or pool is going to sneak up on them. With all the things you need to do to just get out the door, your bikini area should be a non-issue. Most clients require 10 visits to get to a permanent reduction of up to 85-90% but see results and skin improvement with just a few sessions.”  Personally, I think I might be sold on this one.  I am not a fan of the bikini wax, and not having to plan ahead for time at the pool would be fantastic.

So, for those moms who need to be pampered a little (which I am assuming is ALL of you!!) I encourage you to check out Tres Belles Petite Medi-Spa – it’s just on the other side of Flatbush pretty close to the Dekalb Ave train station.  FYI – if you are looking for some more opinions before you book, then check out their reviews on City Search – they are positively glowing!

Allison has kindly offered Mommy FTW readers some discounts : $25 off any facial plus every facial will include a free add-on of hand massage, and 10% off all laser packages.  Just mention “Cameron” when you book your service.  Pampering at a discount?  Who can resist that!?  Give them a call and book yourself an appointment – You deserve it, and you won’t be disappointed!

Tres Belle Petite Medi-Spa
105 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 797-0033
Online at tresbellespa.com
Become a Fan of Tres Belle on Facebook

Usually when Cameron and I go out for lunch we end up at 67 Burger.  I can’t deny that we both LOVE their food!  Plus the staff is always so friendly.  But mom and baby can not live on sweet potato fries and burgers alone, so I was in search of somewhere new.  Celia, mom to Claire and fellow Brooklyn blogger (check out her site, Chic Squirt) recommended that I try Il Porto (37 Washington Ave Brooklyn, NY).  I admit my husband and I order pizza delivery from there all the time, but I had never actually been to the restaurant.

Under the BQE and to Il Porto we go!

So, Cameron and I ventured over there one afternoon to check out the scene.  They had plenty of room for my stroller, and also had a few high chairs.  The wait staff was very friendly and made Cameron and I feel welcome.  I ordered the gnocchi right away (per Celia’s recommendation).  I also got some bread for Cameron to snack on.  The pasta came quickly – and it was SO good!  Cameron was suspicious at first (as always) but once he saw me enjoying it, he gave it a try.  Success!

Cameron waits for his gnocchi. Also pictured Skip Hop Plate

So Fort Greene and Clinton Hill mommies (and daddies) if you are looking for something yummy for lunch, try Il Porto – and try the gnocchi – it’s perfect finger food for baby, and mighty tasty for you!

Want more info on Il Porto?  Check out this Lunchtime with Tillie review from Clinton Hill Blog.

Cameron and I had such a great time in DC over Christmas that we are going back down today.  We’re taking the train together – so I will be sure to report on how that goes once we return!

I’ll try to post while I’m gone, but in case I don’t – have a great week everyone!

Check out some great posts you might have missed to keep yourself busy:

Free Infant CPR at the Brooklyn Hospital

Reading for Babies at the Clinton Hill Library – a great winter activity

My Pediatrician’s remedy for pesky Diaper Rash

My sleep training bible – Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Baby

Dealing with a leaky diaper?  Maybe it’s time to go up a size

And check out my posts about What Cameron is Eating

Given that it’s totally freezing outside, I am excited about the chance to get Cameron out for some fun…. and free fun is all the better!  Today Dancewave (45 4th Ave, Brooklyn) is having 2 free classes:

2pm-2:45pm Sing & Swing with Baby 5 mos-9 mos

3pm-3:45pm Toddler Time 12 mos-20 mos

If you can brave the cold, go out and give them a try!  We will be at the Toddler Time.  They ask that you please RSVP by calling 718.522.4696 or emailing jeso@dancewave.org

See you there!

I’ve gone through so many sippy cups trying to find one that Cameron likes to use.  First there was the Born Free one that came with the gift set.  He hated it, but was happy using the handles with his bottle.  I wanted to move away from the bottle nipple though, so we kept trying.  Then I got one from Area Kids which was cute, but not that functional as it turned out.  Next came the Safe Sippy, which lots of other moms and babies seem to like, but Cameron wasn’t too keen on it.  Finally I went to PathMark at the Atlantic center looking for these little Rubbermaid juice boxes (pictured below) that were suggested by Celia.  I knew Cameron liked drinking from straws, so I thought maybe he would use them.  I got the round one and the square one, just to cover my bases.  Today I tried the round one and he took to it right away.  Finally, a sippy that works!  And the price wasn’t bad either!  If you can’t find them at PathMark, Amazon has them as well.

Hi all!  I know some of you are new to Mommy For the Win so I wanted to highlight some of the most popular and asked about posts that I’ve done in the past.  Check them out!

Diaper Rash?  My Doctor Said Mylanta

Picnic in the Park Made Easy with the best picnic blanket ever!

Free Infant CPR Classes at the Brooklyn Hospital

FREE – Clinton Hill Library – Reading for Babies

The Books I Found Most Helpful

The What’s Cameron Eating series: Ricotta Cheese and Squash, Avocado and Banana, Baby Yogurt and Banana, Baby Mum Mums, Cream of Wheat, Peaches, Waffles, Organic Puffs, Roasted Butternut Squash, Oatmeal with bananas and cinnamon, 67 Burger, String Cheese, Grilled Cheese and Peas

I hope you find them useful!

UPDATE!  – I just added some pictures I took today of the store, check the bottom of the post to see what the kids section looks like!

If you haven’t heard there’s exciting news for us Fort Greene / Clinton Hill residents – we’re finally getting a bookstore – and one that promises to have a decent Children’s Book section too!  The store is called Greenlight Bookstore, and is located at 686 Fulton Street (on the corner of South Portland) in Fort Greene.  Next Saturday (10/24) they are having an story time for kids of all ages at 10:00 AM.

Library Lion

Brooklynite Michelle Knudsen, author of the bestseller Library Lion, will read from her picture book, and will then sign copies of her books, which Greenlight Bookstore will have for sale. Book-related treats and prizes will be handed out to the kids.  Of course, this event is FREE!  I think it’s  a great sign that the opening festivities for Greenlight Bookstore includes a children’s event – hopefully it will be a wonderful resource for mommies, babies, and kids alike!

Update: My hubby, Cameron and I stopped in the bookstore today after lunch at 67 Burger and before a birthday party.  It was so nice!  Really light, airy, and open.  And the Children’s section was GREAT!  It had books for all ages of kids.  I am really excited to have it in the neighborhood.  I took a few pictures of the kids section to share with you all

Can’t wait until Halloween to show off that spiffy costume you got for your little one?  Well on Sunday October 25th from 12-6 the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is having a Ghouls and Gourds event.

Ghouls and Gords at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

I was walking down Myrtle the other day when I saw a poster for it – and I’m so glad I did.  This one looks like it’s jam packed with all kinds of fun stuff:  There’s music all daylong including a drum circle and costume parade.  There’s a flea circus, craft workshops (make your own leaf rubbing, make your own egg shaker, mask making,) giant puppets, temporary bug tattoos, and SO much more!!  Check out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden website for all the info.

Looking for a place to show off that super cute Halloween costume you picked up for your little one?  Habana Outpost is having a Halloween party on the 31st.  Here are the details:

As far as I can tell Tres Leches is basically the song leaders from Music Together doing their own thing.  They are having a show today, Friday in Prospect Lefferts Garden.  MAP Here’s the info:

The show is at the Maple Street School – 21 Lincoln Rd.
at 4:15-5ish
the cost is $5
Q or B train to Prospect Park, exit Lincoln Rd. (school is directly on right, after exit)

I know Cameron really loves Music Together, so I thought this might be fun for him as well.  Maybe we will see you there!