Rendez-vous à Paris » Kid corner

Beauty and the Beasts

Sara — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:07:06 +0000

photograph by Rebecka Oftedal

So, as the clock strikes down and I head toward a few more years of spit-ups, poopy diapers and sleepless nights, I am starting to think about my beauty routine. Let’s face it, in the first month or so after having a baby just having a shower is a luxury. So tell me how I am going to keep roots fresh, haircut trimmed, hands and feet smooth and polished? Lucie Porcher of Mum & Babe Salon has found the answer. At Mum & Babe Salon children are welcome. And not only are they welcome, the staff at the salon will look after your little ones while you look after yourself.

photograph by Rebecka Oftedal

While you are enjoying a much needed massage, your kiddies are off playing in the kids’ corner with age appropriate toys and activities. Mum & Babe Salon includes a hair salon, massage, and beauty treatments. You can even book a couple’s massage. And you need it after everything being about baby. Plus the prices are reasonable (45€ for a shampoo, cut, and blow-out). Massages run from 50€ to 115€, and this includes the price of someone looking after your child (up to two children are included in the price, additional fee for thrid child, etc.). Psssssst…gift certificates are available. What a perfect gift that would make!

Mum & Babe Salon, 3 rue Keller 75011

Metros: Ledru-Rollin, Voltaire or Bastille

www.mumandbabe.fr

And for those of you who can’t get out of the house (it’s sooooo hard those first few weeks, isn’t it,), then let the beauty experts come to your home. Pomelli offers beauty treatments and massage in the comfort of your home. No need to get dressed, just stay in your pjs and get the salon treatment. Prices are a little higher, but hey, you don’t have to move. You may still want to take a shower, though.

www.pomelli.fr

Appointments can be made online (love that). Check website for rates.

Isn’t motherhood beautiful???

ARTEUM …ART FOR ALL

Veronique — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:44 +0000

I recently discovered a new shop in the CNIT area at La Défense. It’s easy here, everything is new. But everything is not so playful and happy.

But everything here is a concept, made and inspired by artists : painters, sculpters, designers.

And there is a lot of of everything : pens, pencils, notebooks, key rings …hearts made out of ceramic (37€).

Everything to offer to someone or to keep for yourself. However, when I am looking for a gift, I end up finding a lot of things for myself!

I need to touch and look , especially the funny creations from Thomas de Lussac (Moonwalk lamps, table mats)

Jewelry, calendars with paintings (15€), computer mouse pads, limited edition pictures, Warhol mugs, carpets from Castelbajac (200€)…

Do not forget the book corner and the section for children.

In the centre of the shop there is « l’atelier d’artistes ». Works of artists are exhibited and sold. You have to choose quite fast because there is a big turn-over.

Just have a look !

CNIT 2, place de la Défense
92053 Paris La Défense métro La Défense Grande Arche or RER La Défense.
phone : 01 47 76 12 24 Monday to saterday 10 am to 7pm sunday 11am to 6pm

Teddy Bears, Teddy Bears, Everywhere Teddy Bears

Veronique — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:35:56 +0000

I would like to take you to a shop I love.

I am not a baby, a child, or a teenager, I know !! But I love stuffed animals. They are soft, funny and friendly, so we can relive our childhood sometimes…I even have a hippopotamus, green with a gold ribbon that I bought a long time ago at Harrod’s and I have, of course, Teddy Bears. And Teddy Bears have their own shop in the Marais, near the Place des Vosges: l’Ours du Marais.

It’s a little place where you can find stuffed animals, bags, tea pots, ties, paintings, boxes, coin purses, key rings, interior design, watches, cushions… John Galiano bought tea pots and teddy bears here!

And if you like Teddy Bears just for Teddy Bears, there are stuffed bears for children (Gund, Nici…) and collectibles from Steiff, Teddy Herman, Charlie Bears…

The shop celebrates its 10th anniversary this year! Have a look, discover the new toys and consult with the manager, who is very passionate about all things Teddy Bear.

18 rue Pavée, Paris 74004

f rom Tuesday to Saturday 11:30 am to 7:30 pm. Sunday 2pm to 7:30 pm.

01 42 77 60 43

mail: oursdumarais@wanadoo.fr

The Circus is in Town

Sara — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:19:25 +0000

The Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione celebrates 150 years of the flying trapeze this year! In 1859 the flying trapeze act was created by Français Leotard on the Cirque d’Hiver stage. Now in 2009 the Cirque d’Hiver brings back this act to the center stage. Watch the trapeze artists fly through the air as you hold your breath. It is definitely the most exciting part of the show.

Of course, there are many other fun acts to watch. The Lions and their tamer have also returned. What I like is that you are very close to the stage and can see the that these animals truly are the kings. There are also amazing balancing acts (which require major muscle), jugglers, illusionists, a twirler, and of course the clowns. My daughters favorite part was the clown act, like most children. They did have us laughing out loud.

Here is a video with a few highlights from the show.

Cirque d’Hiver from now until March 7, 2010

Special show times during school holiday.

www.cirquedhiver.com

GUCCI AND UNICEF: Stocking Stuffers with a Purpose

Sara — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:49:06 +0000

For the 5^th anniversary of Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF, creative director Frida Giannini has collaborated with author and illustrator Michael Roberts. You probably know Michael Roberts from the best-selling children’s book Snowman in Paradise. His new book, titled Snowman in Africa, will be sold exclusively at Gucci stores worldwide and on Gucci.com from November 16 – December 31, 2009. Gucci will donate 100% of the retail price (€25) to UNICEF.

Children of all ages and adults will enjoy following this delightful snowman as he travels to Africa. And what mom would not love to find playful Gucci items, all inspired by the Michael Roberts’ illustrations from the book, in her Christmas stocking? Gucci Joy handbags that feature the snowman in Africa and key chains featuring the characters from the book will surely put a smile on Santa’s favorite girl. And 25% of the retail price of each item will be donated to UNICEF.

And for the person on your list who always returns your gifts (you know who you are), there is a limited edition gift card benefiting UNICEF that features illustrations from the book. Value of gift card ranges from 50 – 5,000 euros.

Gucci boutique in Paris, 60 avenue Montaigne, 75008 or 2 avenue Faubourg Saint Honoré, 75008.

www.gucci.com

Kitsch English-language Bookstore in the Marais

Sara — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:46:06 +0000

I Love My Blender is not your typical Parisian bookstore. Christophe, the owner, has transformed his love and appreciation for Anglo literature into a cute bookstore specializing in books from the US, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, the UK, India, and Australia. The books in English appear opposite their French translations. There are also books for children.

Many of the books are recognizable titles and authors such as Jonathan Safran Foer and Jack Kerouac. But there are also many surprises because Christophe hand selects every book he puts on display. So you won’t be bombarded with just bestsellers (no Dan Brown here) and I can appreciate that! In fact, Christophe has turned into a neighborhood conseiller, advising locals on the best in Anglo literature. He is very knowledgeable and speaks English.

A selection of kitsch stationary and gifts decorate the walls in the back of the shop. I bought a small notebook with a picture of a woman from the 1950s saying, “Make your own damn dinner”. It’s a daily reminder of a motto I live by. You will also find cute children’s toys if you are looking for a unique gift.

I love I Love my Blender Bookstore

I Love my Blender

36 rue du Temple

75004 Paris

Open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 7:30 pm

01 42 77 50 32

www.ilovemyblender.fr

Let’s Plan Your Days of Celebration

Veronique — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:23:14 +0000

Have fun! It could be Carole Lemasson’s motto, the creator of Artemizia.

Once upon a time, Carole, the fairy godmother loved theatre. She was a dress maker, then worked public relations for plays and artists.

But she missed creative work. She loves to have fun, she loves to share fun, and since she organised special events for beautiful and famous people, she would become a creator of happiness with Artemizia.

Artemizia plans the special events in your life: birthday parties for children and adults, weddings, all celebration parties (even divorces)…all occasions to have fun!

It is Toussaint holidays, so time to think about children’s birthday parties. Carole designs your table, your house, finds the caterer, the show, the fancy dresses and costumes (she has a huge collection of amazing princess dresses) or a cooking workshop with a chef, or hat making workshop at your home or in a special place chosen by Carole (in a gallery, for example). Everything is custum built. Even the special cake (with characters on the top).

The price is also custum built. Children parties from 500€.

Weddings too , from 30 000€ , but we will talk about Artemizia on our “special wedding” post.

www.artemizia.fr 320 rue Saint Honoré, 1er, 01 42 87 34 45/ 06 13 20 83 34

Warhol for kids

Sara — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:12:18 +0000

The famous serigraph cow by Andy Warhol is the guide and star of an exhibition at the Musée en Herbe. Children from the age of 4 (accompanied by adults) dress up like little cows and follow the Warhol cow through the exhibition as he shows them his work as a milking cow along with his celebrity life serving as a model for Andy Warhol. This is a cute way for children to learn more about farm cows, while at the same time discovering one of the most famous artists of the 20th century, Andy Warhol.

And for children under 4, there are weekly workshops along the same theme. My daughter was shown pictures of Warhol’s work and was able to reproduce her own pop art. Based on Warhol’s animal series, she and the other children created cats, lions, and of course cows. There are also “goûters” organized once a month involving milk, cheese and a chance to meet farmers. This may be a creative and fun way to bust calcium intake!

Check the website for additional workshops during the school holidays, each inspired by Warhol.

“la vache de Mr. Warhol: une exposition don’t vous êtes le héros”. Now through 31 December 2009.

Musée en Herbe – 21 rue Herold – 75001 PARIS

www.musee-en-herbe.com

01 40 67 97 66

Reservations necessary (book well in advance during school holidays)

fall harvest at gally farm

Sara — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:37:09 +0000

It’s autumn and for many people that is the time of year for many family traditions. One tradition that I know Americans and French share is Fall apple picking. What a great way to spend a crisp fall afternoon as a family. And the Gally Farm, just 20 minutes from Paris, has a number of delicious apples to choose from. Over 15 varieties are available for your picking pleasure. Grap a basket and be ready to walk and walk. If you are traveling with small children, it’s probably a good idea to take a stroller. This is a wonderful tradition to continue or begin. The only problem now is thinking of all the recipes to use your apples, but I am sure your neighbors and friends will be appreciative of the apple pies, tarts, strudels, jams…

And while you are there, why not stop by the pumpkin patch. At the Gally Farm you can find the perfect pumpkin for that Jack-o-Lantern for Halloween. No Halloween would be complete without one. Another fun tradition to continue or begin: host a pumpkin carving party. For the perfect jack-o-lantern, check out these pumpkin caring tips at http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/holiday-ideas/pumpkin-carving-oct02.

Route de Bailly à Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole (CD7)

78210 Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole

www.ferme.gally.com

Back to School in Bobo Chic Style

Sara — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:10:39 +0000

Back to school style shouldn’t have to be all mary-janes and bows . You wouldn’t dare send your child off to the first day of her new hip Montessori school looking overly styled. Instead, pull off a bobo style that looks effortlessly chic and cool.

For Colorful, loose and ultra-cool style check out Wowo boutique. Elizabeth, the creator, is a citizen of the world and it shows in her designs. The boutique is located at 11 rue de Marseille 75010 Paris or check out the online collection available at the end of August.
To dress that inner rocker in every child, go to Finger in the Nose. From punk rock plaids to rocker tees with slim jeans, your child’s inner artist is bound to shine.
Complete the look with shoes from Pom D’api…….original and creative.

Wowo 11 rue de Marseille 75010 Paris www.wowo.fr

Finger in the Nose 17 rue de Saintonge 75003 Paris www.fingerinthenose.com

Pom D’Api 10 rue Mogador 75009 Paris www.pomdapi.fr

What fashion statement will your children make this year?