I have a confession to make, the other day Silver Bells got stuck in my head, so grabbed my headphones and went for a very long walk through the park playing Christmas music on repeat. And even though it’s still October, I am getting so excited for the holiday season in New York, it really never gets old!

I’m convinced we are living in the most blissful transition period of the year, the stretch between fall and the holiday season is my favorite time in the city. Temperatures are comfortable, locals seem happier, restaurants feel cozier (now that it’s starting to get dark earlier and earlier), and holiday decor is just around the corner (the Macy’s Parade is only 5 weeks away, we know that time will fly by!).

The temperature seems to be settling around 60 degree highs as we enter the second half of October. Following suit, but sweaters and jackets have taken up residence in the closet for the foreseeable future.

I’ve started making my own little list of things I want to do this season, mostly simple joys: ice skating in Central Park (we’ll have to tag team it this year because C is too young to go out on the ice), visiting the Union Square Holiday Market before the made mid-December rush, and taking a long evening walk up Fifth Avenue once the windows are unveiled. I enjoy these precious traditions so much.

One of the things I’m most excited for is taking Little C on a special date to the Plaza Hotel for afternoon tea (when she gets older of course). There is so much to look forward to!

The holidays are so different post kids, aren’t they? I’m starting to sense that shift in our own home (the anticipation! the lightness! the collective excitement from everyone in the family). New York does a lot of things well, but the way it builds momentum toward the holidays might be my favorite thing of all, and I can’t wait to soak it all up through Caroline’s eyes.

Here are some of the things I’m most looking forward to:

Neighborhood walks that look like this.

Morning walks through Central Park when the fall foliage hits peak.

Taking Caroline Trick-or-Treating on the Upper West Side. I’m thinking she’ll be donning this outfit this year.

Admiring the seasonal decorations in the West Village

Catching the balloon inflation the evening before the Macy’s Day Parade.

All the Christmas decorations!!

It’s going to be a wonderful two months around here for sure, I’m so excited to share it with you!

Cheers,

Antonina

I’m thinking we’ll be hitting peak fall foliage within the next four weeks, which has me reminiscing about the prettiest season in New York. Maybe it’s because today is a perfectly crisp fall day (72 degrees, bright and sunny). When I picture autumn, it’s days like these that come to mind.

I always forget how quickly fall happens here until it’s suddenly everywhere. One week I’m sweating through September, and the next, all my sweaters come out to play.

It always surprises me how calm the city feels this time of year. I imagine a lot of people want to see New York in the fall, and yet, it’s blissfully peaceful and not crowded (unlike the epic holiday season, which everyone should experience at least once!).

Maybe it’s the easy-going pace of locals, who seem to linger longer on park benches, move slower between errands, peruse the menu at the cafe a little more diligently, in search of fun seasonal specials. I think we’re all trying to soak it in. I think we all seem to be in less of a rush.

In terms of stunning foliage, I think I’m a little bit spoiled because we live on the Upper West Side. The mix of tree-lined streets and decorated brownstones gets me every time! My favorite thing in the world is waking up to the bright yellow trees outside our apartment windows - they serve as a daily reminder to get outside!

I enjoy our simple fall rituals. We promise each other to try seasonal recipes, we go to the Sunday farmers market by the Natural History Museum, we come home with too many apples and pretty gourdes, we resort to the same-old, same-old recipes we’ve made before. And you know what? It always works out.

I’ve noticed how quickly the city shifts once the holidays start creeping in. Storefronts go from orange to Christmas lights overnight. But these few weeks in between are my favorite. The balance between busy and peaceful, warm and cool, bright and cozy.

Maybe that’s why I love fall here so much. The seasons are so distinct, and fall is downright magic in my book. If you’re in New York this month, this is your reminder to enjoy it too much. The leaves won’t last long, but they’re turning now and they will be stunning in the following weeks.

On that note, here’s some of my favorite photos from my favorite place over the past few years.

Cheers!

Antonina

It’s the most gorgeous fall day today. The sun is beaming through our living room windows, the honey locusts trees outside are starting to turn. When C and I went on our walk this morning, we both donned warm jackets and socks (it’s been a while!). And I pulled my sweaters out in earnest yesterday evening, I’m settling into autumn.

Wardrobe aside, it’s remarkable how much the energy shifts this time of year. I’m convinced 80% of New Yorkers consider this their favorite season. People seem so happy! Almost like the change of season is a reason for a reset, a renewed perspective.

As such, this is definitely my favorite time of year to interact with the city, the locals, the tourists, everyone! It’s also the inspiration behind today’s piece, where I want to share five wonderful things from the past few weeks that reminded me just how much I love New York.

Pumpkin Brews and Rooftop Views

We have a little tradition with Will’s friends on the eve of fall: everyone comes over and we do tasting flights of different pumpkin beers. I’m not sure how it started, but it’s been going on for a while now. Last night the guys came over, and after a few hours of catching up over snacks and brews, we all headed up to the roof to watch the sunset.

And you know what? We had to bring jackets with us! The weather has turned, fall is officially here!

Caroline’s One Year Photos

I wouldn’t call myself the sentimental type (ask my sister!), and while I didn’t spend months planning Caroline’s first birthday (it was just a relaxed picnic in Central Park with friends) I was excited about her one-year photos. I had my heart set on a sunrise family picture at the Brooklyn Bridge. So I woke up at 5 a.m. to get ready… only for Caroline to wake up then too.

We made our way over with our overtired one-year-old, who fell asleep before we even reached the bridge. The rest of the day was rough for her, and it honestly took three full days before she was back on her normal schedule. Lesson learned: we are officially on baby time, and we won’t forget it again.

Once it became clear the bridge shot wasn’t happening, we pivoted a few days later to a tried-and-true spot closer to home: Bethesda Fountain. We had taken maternity photos there just two weeks before Little C arrived, so it felt like the perfect place to mark her first year with us. Here’s a photo if you’d like to see.

The Farmer’s Markets This Time of Year

The fall harvest is always the most colorful. We’re catching the tail end of heirloom tomato season, while making way for bright orange pumpkins, delicate squash blossoms, verdant green gourds, and a kaleidoscope of apples piled in wooden crates. I can never resist the urge to get apple cider donuts and hot cider while roaming through. Caroline is at that stage where she leaps for food, so I placate her with apple muffins (they seem slightly less sugary than the donuts, but who knows!).

Subway Strangers

Okay, you might remember our trip to the Bronx Zoo at the end of August. I shared a little recap and photos here, but one thing I didn’t share was a really sweet gesture that transpired on the subway on our way back home. When we got to the subway platform, we realized C needed a diaper change, but we didn’t have time before the train approached. It wasn’t busy when we got on, but I felt bad for being the mom with a kid that obviously needs a diaper change. So (because it wasn’t busy and there was plenty of space) I quickly changed her diaper with the plans of tossing it in the trash at the next stop.

The problem? When the doors opened, the trash can was pretty far away and there was a high chance I wouldn’t make it back before the doors closed (the subway waits for no one!). Realizing this, I turned to make my way back to the seat, when someone from the train said he was getting off at the next stop and offered to throw it away for me.

I was floored. Who does that? Who takes a stranger’s baby’s dirty diaper (bare hands and all) just to help out? It might sound small, but in that moment it felt huge. Truly one of the kindest gestures I’ve ever experienced.

The people of New York are magic to me.

Morning Coffee Surprise

Will is a nature nut through and through. The other day, he decided he’d wake up at sunrise to take photos of the American Elms in Central Park. This isn’t as random as it seems, he recently connected with the Executive Director of the Central Park Conservancy, and all the tree talk got him excited. Anyways, I stayed behind with C to make her breakfast. After breakfast, I decided we should also admire the trees, so we left the apartment and popped into our local cafe to get dad a surprise treat.

I had to get C out of the stroller (stairs, everywhere!) and while I was doing so, a man on the nearby bench came over and held the stroller in place for me. He asked if he could help me by offering to stay with the stroller while I popped inside. I was really touched by his offer (normally I just leave the stroller outside without worrying about it) and because he was so genuine, I said “absolutely! I would love that!”. When I came out of the cafe, there he was, holding on to the stroller with his hands, making sure it was exactly as I left it.

Moments like this happen to us weekly in New York (people are so kind to babies in this city) and yet, it never ceases to amaze me. I feel so lucky to live in a place where people look after complete strangers on a daily basis.

Cheers!

Antonina

Hello from my tiny little walk up on the Upper West Side! I’m writing this after being in my head a little too long, I think. Will was out of town for a while and Caroline spiked a gnarly fever following her one year vaccines. It was a whole thing, and I was so tired I could barely stay up past 8pm. That quickly turned into a hiatus I was not expecting, I’m sorry about that!

This stage of parenthood has so much sweetness about it (the cuddles, the laughs!) but also a lot of exhaustion. We power through! One of the biggest highlights this past week was watching Caroline’s determination to walk.

Here’s a sweet little video from the Museum of Natural History (at this point I could probably navigate the exhibits with my eyes closed, since we’re there three times a week!).

It feels so much like fall in New York, right on cue. The city shifts in perfect step with the calendar, the seamless transition never ceases to amaze me. Trench coats and hot chocolate are making their autumn debut in tandem, and Little C’s wardrobe is starting to mirror the cooler temps.

I’m excited to get back into the swing of things starting Monday, I’ll chat with you more soon. I just wanted to pop in for a quick hello and to let you know that all is well (now that Will is home, that is). Glad to be out of my head again (I’m a professional over thinker!).

Hope things are going great for you!

Antonina

I don’t know what we did to get so lucky, but the weather this week has been *chef’s kiss. It’s been hard to stay inside, so our compromise has been two walks a day: one in the morning before breakfast and one in the evening after dinner. We’ve been catching some epic sunsets in the evening!

Day to day, nothing too wild happened this week. I’ve been enjoying my time with Caroline a lot lately. She’s more engaged than ever, and it’s such a joy to share things with her (one is such a fun age!). Everything is still new to her, but she’s slowly piecing the world together. For example, we can’t walk past the playground without her grunting with excitement and trying to wiggle out of her stroller.

On a fun note, we’ve realized that Little C is basically the unofficial ambassador of New York. She waves at everybody and everything in sight. People wave back 99% of the time, which absolutely delights her. She’s such a joy to bring around town—curious, chatty, and sweet. The best combo.

We’re just trying to get better about always having food with us, since she still can’t eat out at restaurants (the salt content is too high, according to the doctor). Apart from that, I’m loving this stage.

Photos from the week below!

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I love watching the skaters in Central Park, it’s one of my favorite activities in the park.

Cheers!

Antonina

In anticipation of Caroline’s (first!) birthday this week, we decided to take our little bean to the Bronx Zoo to kick off the celebrations a little early. For some reason, I had been looking forward to this outing so much. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of pairing kids and zoos, maybe it’s the fact that this is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country, maybe it’s simply because it’s here in New York. Probably all of those things.

We took the subway 45 minutes north and popped out at the zoo’s southern entrance, where we studied the map to plot our route. The place is enormous, and we wanted to see as much as we could without overwhelming ourselves (or the baby).

The highlight of the day was the Congo Gorilla Forest. Wow! Hands down the most impressive zoo exhibit I’ve ever seen. The space is divided into two enclosures, one for the females and one for the males, and both are glassed in on all sides so you get these incredible, close-up views. We lingered with the males because they were endlessly entertaining and impossible to walk away from.

I still can’t get over the experience of seeing gorillas that close. They’d come right up to the glass to inspect the kids, then swing up the trees, only to climb back down and start again. We stood there for at least half an hour, we were so captivated. It was remarkable, and not at all what I expected. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of zoo moment, you can’t afford to miss it when you visit!

After we finally tore ourselves away from the gorillas (took so much disipline, I could have stayed there all day!), we made our way over to the Bug Carousel, which is probably the most charming carousel I’ve ever seen. Instead of horses, kids ride on giant grasshoppers, beetles, and praying mantises. Caroline was a little too small to fully appreciate it this year, but we snapped some photos anyway. I have a feeling this will be a “must-do” tradition for us in the years to come. It was really fun for me and Will (at least there’s that!).

Next stop was a quick family photo in front of the zoo’s historic entrance with the rhino statues. If you’ve been to the Bronx Zoo, you know the spot. Those bronze rhinos have been greeting visitors since 1936, and I love that we have a photo in the beloved spot.

The roaming peacocks were another highlight for everyone in the family, especially Caroline. We followed them all the way from the giraffe safari to the Crane cafe for lunch.

Recharged, we hopped on the Wild Asia Monorail, which ended up being another major highlight of the day. It’s a slow, 20-minute ride through a recreated Asian wilderness habitat, and it feels surprisingly immersive. We saw an elephant, a pair of lions stretched out in the shade, and even some deer and antelope along the way. Fun fact: the monorail is one of the only ways to see these animals, since this 40-acre part of the zoo is too vast to explore on foot.

One of the quieter, more magical stops of the day was the Butterfly Garden. We walked into a warm, glass-enclosed greenhouse filled with tropical plants and hundreds of butterflies. At one point, a butterfly hovered right in front of Caroline’s face and she couldn’t believe it.

Fun fact: the exhibit houses more than 1,000 butterflies at any given time, representing species from all over the world. Some live only a week or two.

By the time we made our way back toward the subway, I couldn’t believe what a day we’d had. I told Will it was a 12/10 experience. The Bronx Zoo isn’t just big (it’s the largest metropolitan zoo in the country with more than 265 acres of parkland), it’s thoughtfully designed, so you feel like you’re in the heart of the action. The habitats are so well done.

It was the perfect way to kick off her birthday week! All told, it ended up being a remarkable day that reminded me how lucky we are to have something this special just a subway ride away.

I’m counting down the minutes until our return.

Cheers!

Antonina

We’ve been frequenting the playground nearest to our apartment (and Levain bakery, which is not a coincidence!) for a few weeks now. Not a day goes by that Caroline doesn’t get a chance to squeal on the swing. One of the dads on the playground was wearing a cheeky baseball hat that read “we are having a whale of a time” and I thought “we really are, aren’t we?”

These long, slow days of summer are peak happiness for me. Where spring has a sense of urgency and fall is a welcome escape for all things cozy, summer is about putting one foot in front of the other.

We don’t have many plans these days (most of our friends are traveling/gone every weekend) so most Saturdays and Sundays start with a walk around the neighborhood while we decide where to go. 99% of the time, we end up at a brewery.

In terms of weekdays, our time is spent between the American Museum of Natural History (we go every other day), Central Park playgrounds, and long walks around the neighborhood. We are planning to put C into daycare after her first birthday (if all goes according to plan) which will make it so much easier to get work done. Although between you and me, I have loved our mundane days with her more than I care to admit.

The other day I was talking to Will and I said, “isn’t it wild how we are making so many memories with Caroline but she won’t remember a single thing because she’s only one?”

Well, that was the push I needed to follow through on my plans to make Little C a photo book for her first birthday. Mark my words, I’m going to do it!!

It’s going to take so much time though (we’ve taken somewhere around 6,000 photos of her on the camera alone— I can’t stop!), but I think the effort will be worthwhile. There’s no more iconic a backdrop than New York, I want her to have these memories forever!

Speaking of photos, here’s a handful I plan to put in her book (brace yourself for more photos below…). Oh, and the surprise dinner spot Will took me to for my birthday!

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Woke up another year older today! What joy! What a wonderful thing!

The celebrations began Wednesday night when we met our friends Matt and Mikey at Delmonico’s for a proper birthday dinner. Matt (Will’s childhood best friend and Caroline’s godfather) and I share a birthday, so every year Mikey and Will plan a joint dinner, keeping the restaurant a surprise until the last minute.

To my surprise, nobody in the group had been to Delmonico’s before.

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Good morning from New York!

The weather has been on our side this past week and we are taking full advantage of the cooler temps! Rather than dread mid-90’s temps this past weekend, we had a chance to enjoy comfortable weather in one of New York’s most stylish alcoves: Tribeca. I’ll admit, I didn’t spend much time exploring this neighborhood when we first moved to New York and it wasn’t until about a year ago that we really gave it a proper look.

I don’t know why I waited so long! I love it now! The restaurant scene is strong, there are plenty of strollers and stylish parents out and about, and the cafes are excellent. When we woke up on Sunday, we didn’t really have any plans, so I routed us toward my favorite matcha latte in the city: Interlude. Seemed like a great starting point.

From there, we wandered the neighborhood aimlessly, turning down random blocks and stopping whenever something caught our eye. We stumbled upon a charming little spot with excellent BLTs (Rigor Hill Market), followed by a toy store that specializes in beautifully made wooden toys for kids (Playing Mantis). We picked up a little wooden grasshopper for Little C from a Polish toymaker. I’m a sucker for wooden kids toys.

After lunch, we made our way to one of the coolest playgrounds in the city: Pier 26 Science Playground, it was swarmed with kids!!

One thing I really love (and appreciate) about NYC playgrounds is how many of them include water features. The toddler area at Pier 26 had a gentle mister that would go off every so often, and the kids would immediately flock to it. It was great.

I hope you’re having a great week too!

Cheers!

Antonina

Good afternoon from New York City! I started my morning at a local cafe and while drafting the day’s to-do list, I found it hard to organize my thoughts. So, I resorted to writing a few quick reflections before getting to it. The first thing that came to mind (and consequently the first written words to start my day) were: “Woke up in New York, nothing better” and it put me in a reflective mood.

It occurs to me that it’s been five years since I moved here, and yet I’m still pinching myself daily. That got me thinking about all the ways living in New York has changed me. Did my expectations meet reality?

To answer that question, we have to take a few steps back. For obvious reasons, the first year was the most important (especially in terms of shaping expectations).

The city felt so new to me (even though I visited many times before the move). I tried to see everything. I kept lists of museums, restaurants, and neighborhoods. I walked for hours without a plan, letting myself get a little lost. There was a kind of urgency to prove to myself that I belonged here (or at least that I was making the most of it).

At the tailend of the first year, I began to notice that the newness settled into habit. The chase gave way to contentment. I stopped feeling like a guest. A friend once put it best: “When you first move to New York, it feels like you’re living life in vacation mode.”

Dentists were found. Traditions were adopted. Friend circles grew. Then one day, I woke up and realized I officially live in my version of New York, shaped by the choices I’ve made and the places I return to again and again. I was comfortable, I was happy. I felt like myself.

By my second year, the city started to feel smaller. Not because it was any less vast, but because I had formed a relationship with my corner of it. I had a usual route to the grocery store and a favorite place to get bagels. I started recognizing the woman who swept the front of the corner deli each morning. I noticed when the guy at our local café got a new tattoo.

In many ways, year two felt a lot like year one. I was still searching for new places to explore, but by then I had a handful of beloved spots I could count on for comfort.

Year three was when things began to shift.

Memories started attaching themselves to everyday moments. I could walk past a portion of Central Park and remember a conversation I’d had there last fall. I’d wake up craving bagels from a specific deli in Fort Greene. We had friends in different boroughs, which gave us reasons to take new subway lines. New York had stopped feeling new, it felt like progress.

Year three felt important because it was when I realized the city rewards presence. There will always be something new to see, something new to try, more to chase. But by then, I had started to notice that the moments I value most are the ones when I slow down and let myself enjoy what’s right in front of me.

Even on the most ordinary days, this city offers a story worth remembering. You don’t have to search for magic here. It finds you in the in-between. At the tailend of year three, I gave myself permission to relax.

By the fourth year, I started feeling more protective of the place. It felt like a real home to me. I had grown attached to it. I noticed how quickly people form opinions about New York, especially those who have never lived here. They picture noise and chaos, stress and competition. And those things do exist. But what often gets missed is how much care lives here too. The sense of community is real, and often overlooked.

There is a quiet generosity that runs through this city. Considerate locals are the backbone of it. You see it in the details. The man at the American History Museum who jokes with us whenever we walk in. The sweet lady at our favorite takeout spot who always touches Caroline’s toes. The barista at Levain who starts making our order before we reach the register (he returns to college at the end of summer, bummer!). New Yorkers are constantly noticing the small things.

By the end of year four, New York felt more like home than the city where I was raised and had lived for 25 years.

And then came the fifth year. New York had become the backdrop to everything. Work, friendships, small rituals, larger life changes. It was a supporting character in my life. I trusted the city to come through. I had full confidence in the life I had built here.

Living in the City that Never Sleeps has taught me to be patient and persistent. I’m more vocal now, less timid. I’ve learned how to adjust plans quickly, how to stay nimble. How to stay kind. I’ve learned how to live alongside strangers in a shared space, how to coexist with mutual respect.

Mostly, I’ve learned how to stay open. Contrary to popular belief, New York doesn’t harden you. It keeps you soft in unexpected ways. It encourages you to look again, to listen longer. It’s easy to feel worn down by the noise or the crowd. But it’s also easy, if you’re paying attention, to be moved by something small.

Like the sweet seven-year-old boy who took a photo of Caroline in Central Park yesterday and admired it with her before running off to another game. Or the barista who comped a tourist’s drink because they didn’t accept cash. Or the street musician who plays “Pop Goes the Weasel” every time kids walk by.

Five years in, I know I’ve barely scratched the surface of this magical place. But that’s no longer a source of pressure. It’s a reminder of how much this city continues to offer. I still feel lucky to live in a place so full of life. Even when things are hard, even when the days are long, New York has a way of reminding me that I’m part of something larger than myself.

Some people stay in New York forever. Others leave and come back. Some pass through for a season and are changed by it. Who knows what the future holds. All I know is that this morning, I woke up feeling like myself. And for that reason alone, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

That, I think, is what this city does best. It keeps inviting you to stay curious. It keeps asking you to look again. To keep learning. To keep noticing.

So, does living in New York meet expections?

I’ve given this so much thought over the last five years. Here’s what I have to say.

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Did I wake up at 10am this morning? Maybe. Has this been happening the past few days? Whose to say? We just got back from two weeks in Portland (we were there celebrating my sister’s engagement to a great guy), and the time zone is wrecking me!

Will, on the other hand, somehow woke up at 6am, took Caroline on a walk, caught up with his parents, sent a few emails, and swung by PopUp Bagels (the best surprise!) all before I even got out of bed. Go figure.

The week has been wonderful (returning to NYC fills me with immense appreciation) even despite the heat. The highlight was two nights ago when we managed to sneak a sleeping baby out of the house and enjoy the neighborhood past 7pm. It was glorious!!!

Caroline fell asleep on the walk over for smash burgers and stayed asleep as we walked them off. We ended up at Hoptomist (longtime readers know how much we love that spot), and everything was going pretty well until a firetruck siren blared and woke her up at 8:30pm. She couldn’t go back down after that, so we packed it up and called it a night.

Mission success, I’d say! It was completely worth it.

I’m just glad we got out of the house. We haven’t been out past 7pm at all this spring and summer. As long as we can avoid loud sirens, it seems like it will be possible to give this another go sometime next week.

We don’t have much planned for this weekend, but I’m thinking a brewery run is in order! Hope you have some fun plans!

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Cheers,

Antonina

It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for a random collection of snapshots from life in the city! There were lots of jaunts to the West Village this week, plus a quick pop into the Met. It’s been a wonderful week (maybe I have a new lease on life now that I’m finally feeling better lol). I think this is a particularly fun set of photos!

In other news, we’re expecting rain on Sunday. I would’ve been oddly excited about it if we didn’t have plans to grill out at Governors Island with friends. As of now, we’re planning to cancel our reservation, but we’ll wait until Saturday to make the final call. Fingers crossed the rain clears, because it just doesn’t feel like summer without a BBQ in Lady Liberty’s presence.

Enjoy the photos!

Saving the best for last today, this video is quintessential New York. I could NOT stop laughing!! Hard to pick a favorite character - the man with the boombox? The random guy joining in? The lost tourist? A trifecta!

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Cheers!

Antonina

Raising a child in New York City isn’t the easiest route, but it comes with some unexpected advantages. While people often imagine NYC as a stressful place to parent (filled with tiny apartments and loud streets), the day-to-day reality can be far more exciting than many people assume!

Since having my daughter here, I’ve started to see the city differently. Not just through her eyes, but through a new lens of appreciation for everything this place offers to families. Here are the five biggest perks of raising a kid in New York (in my opinion).

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1. There’s always something interesting to do

The number of kid-friendly activities in New York is downright staggering! On any given day, we can pay a visit to the zoo in Central Park, hop the ferry to Governors Island for bike rides and epic playgrounds, or splash around at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Rainy days are spent at the American Museum of Natural History or the Met (which we can access for free because we’re New York residents).

Errands feel like an outing! A walk through the farmers market, a ride on the subway, a stop for bagels, stimulation abounds! You truly don’t need a backyard when you have access to so much.

On that note, I was chatting with another mom at the playground recently, and she mentioned that her sister lives in the suburbs. Apparently, the kids play in the backyard for a little while but get bored pretty quickly, so they usually head to the local playground. The problem, she said, is that the community playgrounds are almost always empty (everyone has a backyard, so no one really goes). It made her realize how much easier it is to socialize in the city, where playgrounds are full of kids most hours of the day. I thought that was an interesting observation!

2. Cultural exposure starts early

One of the most valuable parts of raising a child in New York is the exposure to different cultures, languages, and lifestyles. Whether we’re at the playground, riding the train, or walking through Manhattan, our daughter is constantly surrounded by diversity. It’s not something we have to manufacture. It’s just built into daily life.

New York isn’t keen on sameness. That means your child grows up knowing that people celebrate different holidays, eat different foods, speak different languages, and come from all kinds of families. That kind of awareness, early on, makes a big difference in tolerance and acceptance. I love this aspect of raising C in NYC almost more than any other.

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Every July and August, there’s a strange and beautiful shift in NYC. Half the city vanishes to the Hamptons (or Europe), and what’s left behind is a quieter, softer version of New York with room to breathe.

I noticed it during my first summer in New York. It was a Friday afternoon in late July, and I was walking through SoHo when I realized the sidewalks were actually spacious. I didn’t have to dodge into the street to get around crowds. I didn’t see a stylish gaggle of girls outside Glossier either, nor an impossibly long like at Sadelle’s.

I didn’t put it together until I got home and called a friend to catch up. A 15-year local, she graciously looped me in to the summer shuffle, where half the city leaves so staying behind feels almost conspiratorial.

By the second summer, I found myself envying the people who left. Friends with family homes upstate or a friend of a friend’s pool in East Hampton. I romanticized it because it intrigued me. But the longer I’ve lived in New York, the more I’ve come to love the city during this weird, slow, golden stretch of time when the usual urgency lifts. (That’s not to say I wouldn’t jump at an invitation to spend the month of August pool-side!).

But summer is special, mostly because it’s a whole new side of New York. I’m not suggesting the city becomes quiet, don’t misunderstand me. It’s still New York, after all. But the pace almost doesn’t feel natural. What does feel natural is the shared camaraderie between those who stick around. There’s a kind of intimacy to enduring the heat and humidity (my goodness, the humidity!) together.

During these weeks, the city feels like it belongs to those who stayed. They become the texture of summer. It’s especially true of the folks who live on the same block, whose routines you come to rely on. The holdouts.

I’ve also found that it’s a great time to appreciate New York’s calmer offerings. Long lunches, leisurely strolls through Central Park, and a lack of weekend plans that create space for actual rest (the rarest commodity of all).

I have a few personal daily rituals that anchor me during the summer. I take long stroller walks with my daughter in the mornings before the heat gets too intense. We stop at a cafe on Columbus that has misting fans and good shade. I pick up a cookie or oatmeal scone from Levain if there’s no line (there usually isn’t), and we sit on a bench at Strawberry Fields watching the musicians filter through.

There’s something a little decadent about staying in New York when everyone else leaves. You can finally get a dinner reservation at 8pm! You can wander the Met without bumping into school groups!

And then there’s the food. Summer menus in New York are their own kind of reward. The biggest highlight of summer is Restaurant Week, where more than 600 restaurants offer $30/$45/$60 prix-fixe meals. Many Michelin-starred restaurants join the event. (My birthday falls squarly within the window! I’ll share the restaurants I made reservations at below!).

There are, of course, the downsides. Garbage smells worse. The subway platforms are hell. August is its own unique brand of punishment. But there’s something grounding about living through it. It’s part of the deal. Part of the rhythm.

I used to think summer in the city was a consolation prize, sort of something you did when you couldn’t leave. Now I see it as its own kind of offering. It’s a softer, slower New York.

It’s nice to know that in a place that so often demands your full attention, summer lets you relax your grip. You don’t have to chase anything. And that might be the best part.

The Summer Restaurant Week Gems I Made Reservations at ASAP

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I’ve been sick as a dog these past few days. For whatever reason, I tend to get sick in the summer (do not recommend!). Luckily, I managed to spend a good amount of time outside earlier in the week before the fever kicked in. The neighborhood feels surprisingly calm for this time of year, even Central Park has been pretty manageable.

I’m definitely starting to get the itch for a vacation though (maybe because I’m bed-bound at the moment?). We don’t have anything on the books yet, but we keep circling the same debate: city vs. beach. We were both solidly city vacationers before Caroline joined the party, but when we took her to Florida for four days last January, I saw the appeal of lounging poolside all day.

Still, I think I prefer cities to beaches. My ideal destinations right now: Rome, Bordeaux, Oahu, or Kyoto. I need a little shake-up, and summer feels like the right time to do it (assuming the heat doesn’t get too obnoxious).

On that note, here’s a little roundup of photos from NYC, where the heat is being obnoxious. There’s a Heat Advisory in effect as I write this. But still! There’s nothing like summer in the city.

Spot the baby toes in the video below! We came across this little kids performance during Open Streets on the Upper West Side.

Cheers!

Antonina

Good morning from New York!

I write this from a recently-opened cafe on the Upper West Side. I’m feeling awfully chipper this morning because I actually left the house!! Not for errands, not for appointments, but for the sheer enjoyment of it. Last night I made a promise to myself: get out first thing in the morning before falling into the usual humdrum of Little C’s routine.

(I mean, between you and me, there are only so many times I can read her current favorite children’s book before my mind starts to melt a little — and it’s my favorite of the lot.)

Anyways, the solo sojourn worked. Talk about instant mood booster.

Will’s been swamped with work lately, so I’ve been on Little C duty more than usual. There’s a lot I love about it (and I’m grateful for a flexible schedule that allows for it) but I’ve also noticed I’m losing my ability to talk to adults. A morning coffee break sans bébé felt like a much-needed reset.

Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: this week’s photo roundup! It’s been hot in the city. Oppressive. I planned to take Little C to SoHo yesterday morning but only made it as far as the subway before deciding to turn around because of the heat.

Still, we make a point to get out of the apartment twice a day, if only because Little C loves people-watching (and I won’t deny her the pleasure!). We usually hit up the playground once a day, rotating between the one a couple blocks away and the nearest one in the park.

All told, our week is off to a slow start, but that’s completely fine by me. Here’s some photos if you’d like to see.

Tell me, how’s summer in your neck of the woods? Do you live in a mild climate or is extreme heat par for the course for you as well? I want to know!

Leave a comment

Cheers!

Antonina

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You really can’t go wrong spending the Fourth of July at a cabin in Vermont with good friends. The Fourth happens to be Will’s favorite holiday, so we tend to go all out (decorations, cookouts, and more yard games than you’d think a group of adults would be into).

Normally, our family rule is that the holiday has to be spent on the water, but when our friend Matt invited us to his newly purchased cabin, we made an exception.

He picked us up at our apartment Wednesday night, right around Caroline’s bedtime. We’ve learned that timing long drives with her sleep schedule is key (girlfriend is not used to being in a car seat for long stretches).

I was in charge of snacks and packed two tote bags full (because you never really know), while Matt swung by Gap to pick up a proper shirt for Caroline’s first Fourth of July celebrations.

We arrived just before 11 p.m., completely wiped, and went straight to bed. Thursday was a slow morning. Mikey and I were the first ones up, so we got breakfast going for the crew. Matt had just closed on the cabin a week earlier, so the kitchen was a bit bare, but he managed to stock the basics: bacon, eggs, and toast.

As a housewarming gift, we brought him an espresso machine (a must for our caffeine-loving New Yorker), so everyone had proper Americanos and espressos all weekend. It’s the little things!

We spent most of the weekend in the cabin, except for a quick grocery run and a lunch detour to Williamstown, a charming little college town just fifteen minutes away. Will and Matt spent a lot of their downtime in conversation about house projects, no surprise there.

Friday was the big day! We kept it simple: burgers, brats, potato salad, cold Vermont beers (which are truly some of the best), and a bottle of Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley (you can take the girl out of Oregon….). It was laid-back and easy, exactly what we all needed.

Saturday followed the same rhythm, and on Sunday, we packed up and headed back home. The plan was to leave during Caroline’s first nap, but half the group slept in, so we didn’t hit the road until noon. We rolled back into the city around 3 p.m., unpacked our bags, grabbed C and headed straight to Salt & Straw for ice cream, followed by a stop at the playground.

It was the perfect ending to such a great Fourth of July weekend.

You know, this weekend really reminded me of the importance of capturing everyday moments on my camera. Lately the days have been blending together and I find myself reaching for my camera less, but looking back at these photos makes me realize how much I enjoy the mundane (playing with Caroline on the mat, bathtime, etc). We’re lucky to have such good people to share these memories with.

Here are a few photos from our weekend—enjoy.

I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July too!

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Cheers!

Antonina

Things have been so busy around here lately, I hardly know where to begin! Between work, the baby, appointments, and the general inconsistent nature of summer schedules, I wake up already feeling behind. Needless to say, it has been a week. But the city is as beautiful and lively as ever, which makes daily walks feel essential. I start each morning with one and end the workday with another.

Apart from taking photos, I try to stay off my phone during our walks so I can really take everything in (and give my mind some time to disconnect). A few things I’ve noticed lately: the city feels a little quieter than last summer (no mile-long lines outside the popular spots), the mood is surprisingly cheerful despite the heat (everyone at our usual haunts has been extra kind), and the sunsets this time of year are truly unmatched (those delicious pink clouds!).

Speaking of sunsets, I’ve been toying with the idea of putting Caroline down for the night in her stroller one evening next week so Will and I can sneak in a proper dinner al fresco. Girlfriend goes to bed at 7pm, which means we’re usually stuck inside just as the city starts getting fun. Let’s see if I can pull it off!

In other news, we’re heading to Vermont later today to spend a long weekend with friends for the Fourth of July (one of them recently bought a cabin!) and we couldn’t be more excited for the trip. In our family, we have a rule: the Fourth has to be spent by the water (lake, river, pool, anything). It’ll be a casual, low-key weekend with just four close friends (and a baby), filled with BBQs, home renovation talk, long dinners, and good wine. I’m counting down the minutes!

Sharing a video of a lively scene in Central Park from yesterday morning!

Any fun 4th of July plans on your end? Would love to hear!

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Cheers,

Antonina

On Monday, I mentioned that I’d recently caught up with a friend who left New York. What I didn’t share was that she asked me a question that stuck with me: “What would be on your NYC bucket list if you were in my shoes and had to leave?”

I have to admit, her question made me uneasy. I don’t want to think about that!! There’s something strange about imagining the end of a life in New York. Even though I’m not planning a move (heck, if it were up to me I’d say “ever”), people do leave all the time.

We’ve been incredibly lucky in this city. Over the past five years, we’ve had the time and freedom to explore it slowly, on our own terms. Most of our weekends have been spent discovering new neighborhoods, trying iconic restaurants, and falling in love with corners of the city we hadn’t noticed before. (One of our closest friends has lived here for 15 years, and we’re still giving him recommendations on a weekly basis!)

My friend’s question got me thinking about what I’d want to do one last time (or maybe for the first time) before saying goodbye to this special place. After five years of intense exploration, this is no easy task.

But, after some thoughtful consideration, I came up with my own personal list. It’s a mix of things I’ve done, things I meant to do (like trying a particular Indian restaurant in our neighborhood), and things I want my daughter to remember about the place she was born.

So, without further ado…

If I Ever Left New York: Here’s The 10 Things I’d Absolutely Do

P.S. Will is out on another work trip (I dare you to tell me you’re surprised!!), sorry in advance for any typos. My little barnacle keeps me on a tight schedule.

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This week finds us in a wave of oppressive heat, the kind that makes you question leaving the house. When you step outside, the city hits you like a warm blanket (not the best feeling!). The reward, should you choose to go outside regardless, is the opportunity to mingle with sweaty stalwart locals in breezy dresses and linen sets.

On Tuesday we hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), the first time since 2013 (more than 10 years ago!) that NYC has seen triple digits. It felt like we were being baked alive.

Despite my long-standing claim that I dislike humidity, I find it oddly comforting. Maybe it’s the built-in excuse to slow down. Summer in New York is a fleeting affair (sweaty, yes, but kind of magical too).

Heat aside, it’s been a wonderful week. Nothing particularly exciting has happened, just the steady, sleepy summer pace I love so much.

(Parent tip: If you’re visiting NYC with babies and kids this summer, this is essential to keep cool. We bought two for Caroline!).

A few highlights from my week

• We swung by Levain for a morning treat today and stood behind the sweetest family with a 1.5-year-old who couldn’t get enough of Caroline. He’d should “baby! Baby!” and run over to blow her a kiss and give her a hug. I was a puddle.

• Earlier in the week, we took a long neighborhood walk (so nice to be home after our trip!) and stumbled past a new Fellini Coffee location a few blocks from us. We were stunned! Fellini is a charming West Village café—I'm surprised they opened an Upper West Side location, given the difference in clientele (families vs. beautiful “it” girls). Still, what a win for the neighborhood. I’m thrilled to have them nearby.

And on a completely unrelated note—we installed our AC a few days ago and I can’t help but wonder how a city as advanced as New York still depends almost entirely on window ACs? I know it’s because most buildings are too old for central air, but still a bit bizarre to me.

Cheers!

Antonina