Maison Laduree, Manhattan, NYC

Today was finally the day when I visited the hyped-up very Maison Laduree, famous bakery in Paris, France.
In August 2011, they opened up their first store in the North America and it is located at 864 Madison Avenue on Upper East Side in Manhattan, New York.
Every time I walk by the store, the bakery/store is full of people and has a long line-up outside; it even happens on the weekday. I was lucky to get to Laduree at 11AM on Saturday and not stay in the line-up outside, yet I still waited about 20-30 minutes inside the store in a line-up.

Here are the inside scoops:
- Each macaron with a diameter if about 5cm is $2.70
- There were 13 different flavour available the day I was in. I tried 6 different flavours and my favourites are Pistachio, Rose Petal and Caramel with Salted Butter
- Laduree sells special gift boxes, that are gorgeous, for macarons that range from $20-$150

To be honest, those macarons didn't taste any better then the macarons I've tried before from the bakery my husband got me from Leslieville in Toronto. Of course, Laduree's macaroons are very tasty and fresh-tasting since they are apparently delivered daily from Paris. I would strongly recommend visiting this historical French landmark upon your visit to Manhattan :)

Gossip Girl Filming in NYC, 24.10.11

Even though I am a mother and should be a fan of appropriate TV programs, but I can't deny my love to the Gossip Girl TV series. The outfits, events, Blair's way of speaking, decor - love it all!
Today, on our way to Laduree on the Upper East Side, we noticed "No Parking" signs on few streets in the same block. As we stopped by to read those notices, they said that Gossip Girl will be filing here on Monday, October 24th, 2011. I assume they will continue filming Season 5.
Guess what mommy is going to be there with camera tomorrow morning? :)
If you are curious where exactly it is, I will share with you: between Park and Madison and East 70th Street and East 71st Street on the Upper East Side in Manhattan.

Sprinkles Cupcakes, New York

Located on the busy Lexington and 60th Street intersection on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, New York, Sprinkles cupcake boutique/store stands out with its vibrant colours and welcoming appearance. I couldn't resist but come in and try a few of their cupcake creations and be a little judge for myself.

The first thing that you notice once coming into the boutique is the vibrant colours all around, geometrical shapes, and a neat display of cupcakes. Even though the store is not very spacious, it has a seating space. The service was good.

I really liked their idea of using wooden disposable cutlery instead of plastic. Very clever and environmentally friendly! I am thinking of re-using them only if my daughter won't put them in her toys basket first :)

There is probably around 12 different kinds of cupcakes to choose from; I chose Stawberry and Lemon Coconut. I would give 3.5/5 for the taste, yet 5/5 for presentation. The topping/cream was very delicious and sweet, but the actual cake part was just okay. Overall, I would definitely recommend stopping by this cute cupcake place.

all pictures are by Natashka 

Park Slope, Brooklyn

During our stay n NY, we really wanted to live in Park Slope neighbourhood of Brooklyn as it is one of the best neighbourhoods in NYC as well as in the whole America (according to the New York Times).

We ended up living somewhere different, much different ...unfortunately. Yet, PS is were not far and me and Eli escape there daily.

Every day I was pleased to look at the beautifully crafted houses of PS. They reminded me of San Francisco buildings. Whenever I walk in that neighbourhood I feel so great, relaxed, and calm.

I probably say it for the first time, but I see myself living in this neighbourhood. 

Yes yes yes, it is full of Bugaboo and Maclaren strollers, mothers, high chairs, and babysitters :)  However, there are plenty of cool restaurants, bars, shops, coffee shops etc. A perfect mix!
Being a Curious Gorge by nature, I asked a lady sitting on her porch how housing works in those 4 storey attached brownstones. She said that most people own the whole building (as in 4 floors), however some rent them by floors. It could definitely be enough for a couple to live in. To rent one of those building would cost you around US $9,500 per building.
The only question for me was how do people get their strollers in and out of the house? This neighbourhood is super great for babies and kids, yet each building has probably around 20 steps to get to the front door and there is no front yard.
Whether you are a mama, papa, or just a Curious Monkey - I'd strongly suggest dedicating 1 day of your NYC trip and visiting a non-tourist neighbourhood in Brooklyn - Park Slope...and Prospect Park.