Jordyn Volk is a seasoned newborn photographer so when her friend Tiffany Langer booked her maternity session so early, she was pretty curious. Langer joked about how she was going to show up in costume and knowing her friend, Volk wouldn’t have been surprised.
Langer is known for flair and Volk shares that she once ran for city council dressed up in a dinosaur costume with a jean jacket over it and waved to people at stop lights. Still, the photographer was in for one fun shoot when her pregnant mama friend showed up as Dr. Suess’ most popular character––the Grinch!
Langer definitely had help bringing the Grinch to life. Audra Arampatzis from Audra Day Spa & Salon helped with the life-like makeup and Megan Olson sewed the creative costume for the mama-to-be.
The result? A Grinch ready for Whoville!
Langer tells Red Tricycle, “After losing my son, Kellan, in 2019 at 36 weeks pregnant, this pregnancy has been difficult and scary to navigate. I have been trying to challenge myself to embrace it, so I decided it would be fun to do a creative and unique maternity shoot. One of my best friends, Audra, is a makeup artist, and another great friend, Megan, can sew anything—so I asked for their help. After creating the perfect costume, I showed up and surprised my photographer, Jordyn, dressed as The Grinch!
I knew she would absolutely love it and embrace it with me—and I was right. She created the most magical pictures! I’ve spent the last year trying my best to spread love and kindness in Kellan’s name and the Kellan Kares Foundation. This was the perfect way for me to end the year, and truly make those around me smile. After the shoot, I dressed up again and spent and entire day dressed as The Grinch, running around town making people laugh.”
While the maternity session was definitely one for the books, Volk says that they will be doing an “official” session for Langer in the future.
You can follow Jordyn Photography on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about Kellan Kares, an organization that “strives to spread education, awareness, and support about infant & pregnancy loss,” visit their Facebook page.
I do so love to watch cats grooming themselves. I find it hypnotic and soothing – the smooth play of muscles as they twist and stretch, the sensual splayed toes, the darting little pink tongue, the occasional glimpse of the cat’s nethers.
My husband does not find it nearly so soothing. That’s because Dushenka takes a pause from grooming herself, she starts grooming him. This could keep her busy all day, since he has a lot to groom.
She usually starts with a brief lick to the nose, which I assume is to let him know what’s coming. Then she starts in on his beard. When she’s had her fill of that, she moves on to his eyebrows, though she occasionally misses and grooms his forehead.
Whenever Dan’s shirtless, which is usual in summer and not unknown even in winter, she goes for his prodigious chest hair. I have never seen her miss and accidentally lick his nipple, though I’m pretty sure if she did, he wouldn’t tell me. And I won’t even speculate about her grooming his nethers. They may engage in these pursuits when I’m not around, for which I’m mostly thankful, but about which I’m perversely curious.
I remember a Robin Williams routine in which he said, “If you think cats are so clean, you go eat a can of tuna fish and lick yourself all over.” By that theory, my husband is coated with a thin layer of Super Supper and cat spit, which I must block from my mind when I hug him.
Dushenka occasionally gives my nose a lick, but that’s as far as she goes. Cats in general find no pleasure in grooming me, although I once had a cat, Julia, who was irresistibly drawn to roll on my head whenever I had my hair done at a salon. I think she was enamored of the coconut-scented mousse my stylist used, though I know of no of no other cat attracted to coconut.
I also once knew a cat who, when I was sitting on a sofa, was drawn to my curly-permed ponytail. But she did not slurp. She pounced, apparently believing that my ‘do was some sort of rodent or other cat toy.
The only time I experienced a lengthy cat-grooming attempt was when Dan rubbed catnip on my leg. (Thankfully, I was wearing jeans.) Lick, lick, slurp, slurp ensued, until I had a round, damp spot on my thigh.
But ultimately, this post is not about cat spit, or tongue-prints, or even pants-licking. The take-away from this is: Cats groom their kittens. My husband’s mother, therefore, is the cat Dushenka, and he is her child. Please don’t tell the woman who birthed and raised him. Her claim has been challenged. And we all know what happens when you engage in a war of wills with a cat.
Hi! I'm a freelance writer and editor who writes about education, books, cats and other pets, bipolar disorder, and anything else that interests me. I live in Ohio with my husband and a varying number of cats.
Whether your family is heading back to school in person, or remotely, we have a feeling at least one person in the house is in need of a haircut, stat. With NYC in Phase 4 of reopening, hair salons are open, albeit with new safety precautions, online booking, masks and reduced capacity. (Need a kid’s mask? We like these from local makers.) The good news is that NYC is home to lots of hair salons for kids, with fun features like chairs the shape of cars and often, toys for sale. Baby’s first haircut? Most places know you want a certificate and souvenir lock of hair. Read on for our picks of the best NYC salons for kids’ haircuts! Take note: many salons have introduced new cancellation policies, so be sure to read before booking.
LuLu’sCuts and Toys This popular Park Slope salon and toy store combo can spiff up your tot with a classic John John Kennedy haircut, fauxhawk, stylish bob or rock n’ roll shag. (It’s also one of the spots that helped parents out with curbside pickup and delivery of toys a few months back.) To keep things safe, haircuts are by appointment only (make the reservation on LuLu’s website), and lots of other precautions are taken here, including masks on everyone over two years old, a maximum of one parent and child per appointment, and waiting to enter the salon until your booked time. (Read all of the safety measures here.) The salon is home to a variety of stylists who have been at LuLu’s for many years. The salon asks that your child’s hair is washed and tangle-free prior to your appointment. (Need some help with that? Try this affordable and great-smelling detangler!)
Edamama Cute Cuts and More
The brainchild of a former ad exec (the eponymous “Eda”, one of our Power Moms in 2016), this salon for kids with an under-the-sea-theme also serves as a happening neighborhood hotspot. Cuts are by appointment only, which you can make online here.Safety measures are in place, such as face masks and shields on stylists, masks required for all clients over two years old, and one adults per child appointment. For their haircut, kids can choose the maritime-inspired station they like best (The Octopus, The Mermaid, The Submarine or the Shark) and enjoy a video while they get trimmed and styled. Also on site, a selection of best-selling and award-winning kids’ books that are a cut above and fun toys—but only touch if you’re ready to buy. Bonus: Edamama does sibling cuts and even haircuts for adults, too.
568 Union Ave.
Williamsburg
718-388-3663
Online: edamama.com
photo: Mimi O’Connor
Runnin Wild Toys Don’t let the name fool you, this Carroll Gardens toy store (not to be confused with Runnin Wild Shoes down the street) is also a popular spot for trimming tresses. Resident stylist GG cuts Monday to Wednesday and weekends. While there’s no tricked-out chair here, a selection of videos (Frozen screens often), cute barrettes and lollipop rewards — as well as quality cuts— are. You can also pick up some new masks for the kids while you’re here. Call 718-222-2444 to make an appointment.
Cozy’s Cuts For Kids Founded by New Yorker Cozy Friedman, Cozy’s Cuts has sheared more than one million kids over 20-plus years. Kids haircuts are by appointment only, and numerous safety protocols are in place at the salon, including temperature checks for stylists and clients, increased sanitization, reduced capacity and more. At Cozy’s, experienced and patient stylists have all the distractions your child needs to get a fantastic haircut: car styling chairs, the latest videos at each station, along with an awesome collection of DVDs, bubbles galore, video games and toys. You can even schedule a special “first haircut”, or a styling session for a special occasion at the “braid and blow bar.” Chock full of personality, Cozy’s is super cute inside and employs yummy-scented shampoos, conditioners and detanglers that you can also buy to use at home.
My Little Sunshine Attention multi-taskers: You can get a lot done at this clothing store/toy store/salon. Haircuts happen in a zippy, cool, red airplane chair in the back of the shop. Haircuts with the longtime resident stylist Denni, who has a loyal fanbase of local clients, happen Tuesday through Saturday. This shop doesn’t use electronics to entertain kids (unless mom brings a gadget herself for child to use, of course).
Milk & Cookies Kids Salon and Spa Kids get pampered here with cuts, styling, and kid-friendly manicures, and safety protocols keep them safe while they primp. Trained and skilled employees at this literally sweet salon understand that some kids are scissor-scared and have great tactics to distract them and ease their little nerves. The kiddie salon and spa carries fun-smelling beauty products and offers an entertainment experience while the kids are waiting for their service; clients can watch their favorite TV show or movie on a tablet or play video games. Hairstylists make the smallest of guests feel comfortable by placing them in modern, comfortable Bloom high chairs, and after each service every customer visits the Cookie Cafe to enjoy a freshly-baked cookie and a cup of flavored milk.
Doodle Doo’s Another combo kid’s salon and toy store, Doodle Doo’s is a longtime NYC favorite for kids cuts, with clients coming from all over the city for service. The spacious storefront houses fun chairs (NYC taxi, boat, etc.) as well as toys from more than 100 vendors (with a bent towards educational ones) as well as a tween area. Doodle Doo’s is closed on Mondays.
11 Christopher St.
West Village
212-627-3667
Online: doodledoos.com
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids At Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids — a franchise children’s salon with a Manhattan location — stylists know that kids and parents want something fun when it comes to haircut time. Kids can choose from a large selection of novelty salon chairs (Dodge Police Cruiser, Barbie Jeep, Lightning McQueen Race Car, Buzz Light Year Vehicle, Hummer and a Mini Cooper are just some of the options) and then settle in to watch their favorite cartoons or Netflix. Sharkey’s also sells its own line of shampoos and other hair care products, and hosts “Glamour Girl” birthday parties as well.
Steve 3000 Barbershop
While the Whitestone location of this shop caters to adults, the Bayside outpost of Steve 3000 is haircut heaven for little dudes and dames. Superheroes and cartoon characters decorate the walls, along with family-friendly movies on large screens that kids can watch as they sit in one of six fun stations that include a plane, train, car and others. Kids can play video games in a special section of the salon before or after their haircut and the shop also sells little toys and cool T-shirts. On the other side of the salon, adults can get a haircut or shaping, so it’s a one-stop-shop for mom, dad and kid.
LIC Royal Barber Shop Head to this Long Island City salon for an old school barber shop vibe for parents and a colorful fun space for the kids. Gentlemen can cut a cut, head shave, hot towel shave and more, and kids get car-shaped seats and TV to distract them. Mom, you can get a cut here, too! Lots of safety measures are in place, including temperature checks, masks, contactless payment and more. Book appointments online here.
Kiddy Kutz
This popular spot for kids’ haircuts in Astoria is back in action and ready to trim some locks. The kids-only salon is outfitted with fun cars for sitting in, as well as toys to distract. Like many places, with a baby’s first haircut, you get a certificate and a lock of hair with your snip. New COVID-19 safety measures are in place, including mask use, sanitizing, reduced capacity and temperature checks. Staff is also tested for COVID-19 every two weeks. The salon is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and haircuts are by appointment only. Make your appointment online here.
22-77 Steinway St.
Astoria
718-301-5852
Online: kiddykutz.com
It’s safe to say that Mother’s Day 2020 is going to be a unique one. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of ways to enjoy the day! In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to take things into your own hands. For those craving some self-care time, we’ve rounded up the best ways to create an at-home spa day that’s nearly as nice as the real thing. From zen playlists to DIY face masks and even a nail salon, we’ve got the rundown on how to create the relaxing spa day you deserve. Read on and get ready to treat yourself.
Our home isn’t exactly what we would consider the height of relaxation these days, so it might take a little creativity to get in the spa mindset. Turn on a chilled-out Spotify playlist to get started—try the aptly named Spa Treatment or the particularly calming Peaceful Piano.
If your skin’s feeling a little rough, give yourself a treat with a head-to-toe exfoliation session. You can use a store-bought body scrub or mix up your own, like this three-ingredient coffee scrub or this gentle cleansing scrub.
As flip flop season approaches, it’s the perfect time for an at-home pedicure. Start with a foot soak: this blogger swears by a combination of mouthwash and vinegar to slough off dead skin. Layer on lotion, and pick out your favorite nail polish color to top it all off.
A spa day wouldn’t be complete without fancy refreshments. Our favorite? Fill a pitcher up with lots of ice and water and add whatever fruit you have on hand. If you’ve got fresh herbs like rosemary or mint around, those are a great addition too. Or go for a cup of herbal or green tea if you’re craving something warm.
Now’s the time to pull out that face mask from the back of your bathroom cabinet that you’ve been meaning to use. For oily or acne-prone skin, a clay mask works wonders, while a moisturizing sheet mask is great for dry skin. Or you can go the DIY route—make your own masks with common kitchen staples like yogurt, avocado and honey.
A spa day doesn’t have to be elaborate to be satisfying—you can keep it simple with a little quiet time and a bubble bath. Bonus points if you have a bath bomb or candles to set the mood! Chill out with a book or tv show in the bath once the kids are asleep.
With all the hand washing we’re doing, it’s not a surprise to be dealing with dry skin. Grab your favorite hand cream and take extra time to give yourself a mini hand massage (or get an assist from your kids or partner). It’s an easy way to relax for just a few minutes.
Dying to get your nails done? Turn your bathroom into a salon for the afternoon. If you’re in the market for nail polish, check out SOPHi, a brand offering non-toxic, virtually odorless shades. They also have Piggy Paint, an equally healthy version with colors little ones will love, so kids can get in on the fun too. One clever mom on Facebook turned a cardboard box into a kid-sized salon—genius!
Switch up your routine by trying out a new beauty tool. Jade rollers and gua sha stones for facial massage are all the rage right now—skincare lovers swear by this simple ritual that can help boost circulation and brighten the face. Pick one up from Amazon or Skin Gym and check out a how-to guide to learn the basics.
Parents are trying to come up with fun new activities for their kids to enjoy. Melissa Temerowski, a mom of two from Greenville, MI, has been keeping her daughters, 4 year-old Adalyn and 1-year-old Skylar, busy while her family is social distancing. Last week she shared a photo to her Facebook page of them painting nails at their DIY nail salon.
“I am constantly trying to think of a fun activity for my girls to do and bring some normalcy in the house,” Temerowski said. “My girls love it when I paint their nails for them. On this particular day my oldest painted my nails for me and still wanted to paint nails. The day before we made a fort from cardboard boxes so I had extra laying around in the garage. I have a bunch of old nail polishes, so I thought why not! Adalynn traced my hands as well as her and her sister’s. They had a blast!”
New Yorkers know resiliency, and NYC families and kids are hanging tough right now with grace and style. But we also deeply love our city— yes, even the things we kvetch about on the reg. Here are some of the things we’re day-dreaming of from the couch, and where we’re headed when it’s safe to go outside again.
NYC's back yard isn't quite the same when we can't enjoy it all together. Tackling Heckscher Playground, zipping down the granite slides at Billy Johnson Playground, climbing the "forts" of the Tarr Coyne Wild West Playground with other families—not to mention scaling some of the exposed bedrock to a peak or storming Belvedere Castle—sounds like a great way to spend the day.
The sun, the sand, the surf, the Cyclone. (Even if they're too hot, too crowded, too cold, and too expensive/scary—what's not to love? Man, we could go for a Nathan's.)
We miss the whole museum of course, but a clay bar that needs a reservation is a pretty special thing.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Mimi O'Connor
From the jammed Water Lab at Pier 6 to the sand box, playgrounds for little and big kids, roller skating, room to run, and amazing views, we're ready to pitch a tent here to make full use of the park.
Yes, you can still go to the bodega, but we want to go sans mask and gloves, get a bacon egg & cheese, pet the cat, chat with the owners, and not worry about close quarters.
Sitting in the big nest in the Children's Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, exploring the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden at the New York Botanical Garden, harvesting in the Children's Garden at the Queens Botanical Garden! (Plus smelling the roses, watching the koi, and running through the manicured grass.)
Brunch, any brunch: greasy spoon, hoity-toity, hour-long wait in hipsterville, al fresco with a healthy side of people-watching and a bottomless cup of coffee. Our sad bowl of cereal is not cutting it.
Ah, to be standing in a long line as you placate your child with Scandinavian Swimmers and Inner Peas, peruse 10 different kids of moderately-priced olive oil and jam to hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Bliss.
We're thinking the Blue Whale, the Alaskan Brown Bears and the Titanosaur are wondering where everybody is at these days. (Maybe even the Willamette Meteorite, too.)
A Kid's Show at MSG, Barclays Center, The Beacon Theater, etc.
Mimi O'Connor
Remember when you kind of dreaded being packed into a room full of cheering/screaming/crying kids on a weekend morning and shelling out big bucks for popcorn and a plastic thing that lit up? (That got lost or broken or abandoned immediately upon returning home.) Those were good times.
The early weekday efficiency, the weekend chaos, the politics of the line, we want it all, just like it used to be.
Governors Island
Schenck
Technically, this offshore Shangri-la opens for the season May 1. Whenever we can get there, we're going to get messy at The Yard, laze in a hammock, go crazy at Slide Hill, take in some mind-expanding art and do a quick zipline run. (And yeah, maybe have a cold beer.)
Everyone's nails are looking a little rugged right now. Plus: Are we the only ones for whom our local salon is kind of like the neighborhood watering hole? They know us, our kids, our business.
Jianbing, Ramen Burger, Big Mozz mozzarella sticks, beef short rib with chimichurri, Dough doughnuts, Red Hook Lobster Pound Lobster Roll. We love all these foods (and many more) and we will be back with dollars to support the vendors that create them!
We've got so many special ones to choose from: The magical Sea Glass Carousel in Battery Park, the buggy ride at the Bronx Zoo, the tres francais Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, the Carousel for All Children in Staten Island, the glass-enclosed gem Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Totally Kid Carousel in Riverbank State Park.
While it's true beer garden season hadn't really begun at the start of this, after we make it through, a nice cold beverage with friends (and strangers) will be especially refreshing.
While it's not quite fair to say there's no place like NYC Chinatown (there are at least a couple in NYC itself), this neighborhood bustles with great food, lots of hustle, grit and culture. We're dreaming about Nom Wah dim sum, the broth and noodles at Great New York Noodletown, the soup dumplings at Joe's Shanghai and some dessert at the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.
Yeah, we said it. The ugly orange seats, rush hour, platform musicians (authorized and not), the views, Poetry in Motion, the sight of a train coming and that gust that comes with it—and of course, Showtime!
Sleepovers of the past included movies, popcorn and endless games of Mall Madness. Put down your credit card and take a trip to the virtual mall with your kids. The Mall Madness board game is making a comeback this fall.
Cha-ching! Hasbro is bringing back the popular game 15 years after the original version left store shelves. The game requires “shoppers’ to get all the items on their list and it coached you through the entire process. It was a thrill to swipe your pretend credit card at I.M. Coughin Drug Store and 2 Left Feet Shoes. The food court had plenty of options including Aunt Chovie’s Pizza.
The new modernized version has the same feel as the original with 22 mall locations on 2 floors including a nail salon, candy store, jewelry store, arcade, shoe store, electronics store and a toy store. The talking electronic button features fun sound effects when a player buys something. It also tells players where to move, announces surprise clearance sales and more.
The new Mall Madness board game will be available on October 1 online and at most major retailers for $24.99. It can be played by two to four people and is suitable for ages nine and up. Mark your calendar or pre-order it now on Amazon.
The Bump. Babylist. MyRegistry.com. Baby registries are the ultimate checklist to ensure new moms have all the necessities (and then some) to care for their newborn. Sure, they make it super easy for loved ones to buy baby gifts, but if you’ve ever had a baby yourself, you know firsthand how little material things you truly need with an infant. Sure, you need a changing pad and copious amounts of diapers and wipes, but how many onesies does one baby really need? Once you’ve got the big-ticket items secured, like your car seat and stroller, the greatest thing that someone needs is help!
Now I don’t know of any baby registries that list help or more accurately, haaaalp!, as an option and it’s really, really hard for most new moms to ask for it. When you’re in that foggy postpartum delirium it’s nearly impossible to articulate what you really need even when your household is falling apart. So if you’ve got a friend who is expecting, here are a few ways to ‘think outside the registry box’ and shower her in a really impactful way.
Hire a housecleaner. Give your friend the gift of a sparkling clean house complete with a polish and shine. She is going to be consumed with keeping her tiny human alive and trying to ‘nap when her baby naps’, meanwhile her kitchen and bathroom have become no man’s land. Find someone trusted in her neighborhood and schedule it a few weeks after her due date. She will be forever grateful.
Pay for a dog walking service. Does your friend have a fur baby? Most doggies take the back seat once the new baby arrives and I’m not talking about car rides. Find a friendly dog walking service and schedule a few visits for their pup to be loved on, walked, and played with. Both parties will be soooo happy.
Pay for a laundry service. Could you imagine someone else doing your laundry for a few weeks? #laundrygoals. Babies produce an insane amount of laundry considering their clothes are one-tenth the size of ours and when you include burp cloths and clothes with milk stains, we’ve got a problem Houston. No one wants their dear friend doing their laundry. Pay a stranger and stay anonymously messy.
Buy a three-month membership for a fitness app. Find one that has some postnatal yoga or pilates and give the gift of movement. This is especially perfect if your friend is having a winter baby. It’s nearly impossible to make it to the gym with a newborn even if you had the energy. Having some exercise options at her fingertips would be a beautiful, low-commitment option to get her happiness endorphins flowing again.
Now for the fun one. Give your GF a mani/pedi gift card to a nearby salon! This way she can feel like a queen again and have her nails be on point for those precious newborn pics.
I'm an outdoor enthusiast, travel junkie, exercise nerd and co-founder of AVYN. After having my son 4 years ago, I saw a need on the market for athletic-style nursing bras. AVYN Bras allow women to do "all the things" while still being stylish enough for happy hour. You can find us at shopAVYN.com.
American Girl and Swarovski have teamed up for a blinged-out collab—including a holiday collector doll that retails for $5,000!
With the holidays on the horizon, American Girl will unveil its brand-new window decor on Nov. 8 (only in flagship stores in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles). In a partnership with Swarovski, the iconic doll-maker will debut American Girl-inspired winter wonderland window displays featuring 350 crystal strands and 130 pounds of Swarovski crystal dust (NYC store only).
photo: Courtesy of Mattel
Visitors to the flagship stores will have the chance to check out, pose with and even purchase the newest American Girl Holiday Collector doll. Each $5,000 doll took 40-plus hours to embellish with over 5,000 crystals.
If you’re in the NYC area on Nov. 8, Grammy Award-winning performer Ciara will host the American Girl New York window reveal, starting at 6 p.m. Along with the chance to see Ciara (and the wonderland-like windows), visitors can also make seasonal crafts, get a free signature hairstyle at the American Girl Salon, enjoy food/beverages and score goodies in special giveaways.
Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl, said in a press release, “American Girl has always been the ultimate place to celebrate the holidays.” Cygielman added, “This year, we’re taking the anticipation to a whole new level featuring a first-ever collaboration with Swarovski. We can’t wait to light up the city together with our dazzling holiday window displays, and inside the store, we’ll wow fans with our limited-edition collector dolls. Plus, in New York, Grammy-winning artist Ciara will join us to ring in the season in style.”
Look for the holiday window displays at American Girl flagship stores from Nov. 8 through Dec. 31.
American Girl recently announced the addition of new in-store experiences at its New York City and Chicago flagship locations. These include full-service doll hospitals, an immersive space in the NYC location that brings the classic character from the ’70s, Julie, to life and a Chicago salon for dolls and their real-life owners.
So what can you expect from American Girl’s new spaces? To start with, the doll hospitals will offer everything from wellness exams to specialist repair appointments. Kiddos can also get a complimentary Certificate of Good Health after their dolls’ check-ups.
NYC store visitors can also visit a fan fave (and the 1970s) in Julie’s Groovy World. The interactive space, which is based on the doll Julie Albright, features a ’70s-style living area, play Pop-A-Shot basketball and take selfies with a classic VW Beetle.
Chicago American Girl doll owners and enthusiasts can visit the store’s newly renovated salon. Available services include hairstyling, ear piercing and manicures—for girls and dolls! These services are already available in the existing NYC salon location.
Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl, said in a press release, “For more than twenty years, since we opened our first American Girl flagship store, we’ve been creating engaging, interactive retail experiences for kids and their families.” Cygielman added, “These experiences are a key part of what connects American Girl doll owners with the brand, and the new doll hospitals, salon and Julie’s Groovy World take that to the next level.”
