Mommy FTW

This weekend Move About Myrtle is back and the weather is looking lovely (so there’s no chance of cancellation like last week!)  This week there’s a schedule full of fun stuff going on which you can see on the Myrtle Minutes section of the Myrtle Ave Partnership website.  But I wanted to highlight the FDNY Smokehouse which will be located on Myrtle between Vanderbuilt and Clinton.  FDNY Smokehouse is a life size fire safety unit, complete with crawl spaces and safety instructions.  My toddler is completely obsessed with firemen and firetrucks, so you can be sure we will be checking this out!

Cameron has fun with sidewalk chalk on Myrtle

Also this weekend is the Carlton – Willoughby Block Association annual stoop sale taking place on Carlton Ave between Dekalb and Myrtle on Sunday.  This massive stoop sale is worth checking out!  Last year over 20 stoops participated so there’s lots of treasures to be found.

Posted from New York, New York, United States.

As I reported for A Child Grows in Brooklyn, Clermont Pool (At Parham Playground / PS 20 on Clermont between Willoughby and Dekalb in Fort Greene) opens June 29th! I stopped by this morning on my way home from the sprinklers at Underwood Playground to check out the scene. I was happy to see it is full and ready for action! And boy, did it look refreshing. I took some pictures of the rules and posted signs to give you all an idea of what to expect. See you soon for a refreshing dip!

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

Cameron loves to swing.  So yesterday while we were out and about in the afternoon we stopped at Camel Park (at the corner of Carlton and Dekalb in Fort Greene) for an impromptu ride on the swings – but they were all wet from the morning’s rain storms.  Usually I have a cloth with me for dealing with such occasions, but I hadn’t planned ahead this time.  I thought to myself… what do I have with me that is absorbent?  Duh, a diaper!

Mom Genius At Work!

Swinging Happily

So next time you are out and you need something to dry off a wet swing, try using a diaper.  It worked like a charm!

UPDATE: Due to rain the stoop sales will be tomorrow, Sunday!

Assuming it doesn’t rain on Saturday there is a huge stoop sale event going on in Fort Greene organized by the Carlton / Willoughby block association.  So far there are 17 stoops participating on Carlton Ave between Myrtle and Dekalb, but usually people join in on the day-of.  If you are looking for gently used kids clothes and toys, or just something fun to do outside with your kids, check it out.  I will be out there with Cameron selling a few items… and I am sure we will check out what everyone else has too!  Here’s the flyer:

Come find some bargains!

Ok mommies, it’s time to get motivated!  The new fall session of Stroller Fitness starts up again tomorrow, Wednesday September 9th at 8am in Fort Greene Park.  It’s a 6 week session which will go through October 14th.  The cost is $90 – $15 a class.  We meet near the playground at Dekalb and Washington Park.  I know it’s hard to be up and exercising at 8am, but it’s good for you, and fun!

Stroller Fitness

Check out this article I wrote for the New York Times Local Blog to learn more about Stroller Fitness.

I admit that quite often in my first time mommy experiences someone tells me something which, upon hearing it I think,” Oh right – that makes perfect sense.  Duh!”  I had one of these moments at Cameron’s 9 month check up.  I was talking to his pediatrician about food.  She asked me if Cameron was feeding himself (finger foods) and I said “no,” and that he “wasn’t very good at it.”  She suggested that every meal time I put the tray on his high chair and let him practice picking up some finger foods.  Ah – Practice!  This had never occurred to me (duh!)  I guess I sort of figured it would just come to him…. Anyways, after a week or so of practice with his Organic Puffs Cameron has really improved!

Banana Puffs

I first heard about these puffs from another mom.  They dissolve in baby’s mouth easily and they come in 3 “flavors” (I think they all taste the same) – banana, apple, and veggie.  You can get them from Fresh Direct, at Elly’s on Dekalb, and at the Associated on Myrtle.  If you aren’t in Fort Greene / Clinton hill check your local grocery in the baby section or get them from Amazon (the price is better than local, and they come with free shipping – you can even get 15% off if you subscribe and save making them only about $2.60 each).  They are made by Happy Baby, and boy, do they make my baby happy!

My favorite park in the Fort Greene neighborhood is “Camel Park” on Dekalb between Carlton and Adelphi.  It’s got great baby swings in the shade, and a nice sprinkler.  Cameron loves it!

Posted from New York, New York, United States.

Cameron has decided that he is most interested in eating whatever I’m eating, and has been pretty sassy about eating the pureed foods I was used to giving him.  So, per Celia’s suggestion I tried giving him veggie burger patties.  He LOVES them, and they make a nice lunch for me as well.  I’ve been giving him Dr. Praeger’s, although I might try a few brands to see what his preference is.  I get mine from Fresh Direct, but I’ve been told they have them at Elly’s Market on Dekalb, and at Fairway for the adventuresome types!

Yes, that’s right, FREE!  I’ve seen posts on Fort Greene Babies and other places about Infant CPR classes, but none of them have been Free.  A friend told me that at Brooklyn Hospital (121 Dekalb Avenue) they offer this class, and sure enough on their website is all the information:

Free Courses in Infant and child Resuscitation (CPR), Car Seat Safety, Choking. First Aid: Burns, Lacerations, Falls, and Poisonings. Every Thursday at 6:00 pm — Beginning February 2009.

The Brooklyn Hospital Center
121 Dekalb Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Pediatric Conference Room
5th Floor Hospital Building
(Light refreshments will be served)

Space is limited.
RSVP: 718.250.8525 or tam9043@nyp.org

Who: Parents and care takers are invited to this free infant CPR training and certification run by board certified pediatric critical care specialists and specially trained pediatric hospitalists.

Why: According to the American Heart Association, “Every new parent should have the peace of mind of knowing they’re prepared to save their infant’s life.” The organization recommends that all parents and those who take care of children should learn infant and child CPR.

The Pediatrics Department of The Brooklyn Hospital Center offers free infant CPR training and certification to expectant parents to help teach infant safety and prepare parents for emergencies.

the Brooklyn Hospital Center

Take advantage of this amazing free resource!  If you’re not local to Fort Greene, check with your local hospital to see if they offer something similar.  You might be surprised!  Take that 50$ you saved and put it in Junior’s college fund.  Or get a pedicure…. your choice!