Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

8 Bakeries Making Outrageous Birthday Cakes for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 01/17/2018 - 4:31pm

Kids’ birthday parties have become way more elaborate than when we were kids, with large guest lists and elaborate entertainment. Birthday cakes have stepped up their game, too. While some parents opt for simplicity, like buying a sheet cake from the supermarket or Carvel, there’s a definite market for sensational cakes with a heftier price tag.

Below we’ve rounded up Westchester bakeries that have the chops to create cakes worthy of The Food Network. Whether you seek a simple layer cake frosted in buttercream or a three-tiered tower adorned with elaborate fondant figurines, these shops—pardon the expression—really take the cake!

Read on for the skinny and sign up for our e-newsletters to stay in the know about all kinds of resources for Westchester families!

MLK Day Weekend with Westchester Kids: Meet Mike Piazza, Free Arts

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 8:00am

Image courtesy of the Tanglewood Marionettes

If recent weather has kept your family holed up, recoup from cabin fever with any of the great programs we’ve identified for Westchester and Hudson Valley families this weekend.

Reinforce the meaning of MLK Day by investing time in the Martin Luther King Day of Service. Meet Mike Piazza and other famous athletes at The East Coast National Baseball Card Show or take advantage of the free offerings of assorted workshops in STEAM, improvisational acting, drumming and more at Free Arts Day. More indoor fun can be had with marionettes at the Annual Puppet Festival or embrace the season with fun activities that at Hudson Valley Rail Trail WinterFest.

There's more! Be sure to check our January GoList and our Event Calendar to plan your entire weekend—and beyond!

Sell-Out Alert! Victorian Valentine's Day Tea is Free Fun for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Thu, 01/04/2018 - 4:00pm

It might seem early to talk to about Valentine's Day, but given the popularity of the Victorian Valentine Tea at the Horace Greeley House in Chappaqua, you'll be glad to have the heads-up to reserve your child's spot. We attended this annual event in the past and were wowed for many reasons—including that it's free!

Read on for our review and be sure to sign up for our newsletters for more awesome events heading your way! Also consult our Event Calendar to plan ahead.

35 Free December Activities for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 12/03/2017 - 4:19pm

December is a magical time for kids, with the advent of winter fun and the abundance of holiday festivities occurring all month long. All this (plus gifts!) can cost families a pretty penny, so we've rounded up free ways to get out of the house and have fun. Your piggy banks—and kids—will thank us!

Read on for frugal fun that doesn't skimp on festivity. Also consult our December GoList and our Holiday Fun Guide for many more ways to savor the season!

Our Event Calendar is well-stocked with many more options to choose from, and more keep coming.

Frosty Day: Free Holiday Fun for Westchester Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 4:14pm

Frosty marches "down the streets of town." Photo courtesy of the event organizer.

Westchester’s Armonk has staked a claim as the home of Frosty the Snowman and celebrates this claim to fame with its annual Frosty Day. Community pride is clearly apparent at this multi-venue, well-attended festivity. We’ve attended Frosty Day and have the inside scoop to share with our readers.

Read on to learn how to join in Frosty’s homecoming and what to expect for your family. For many (many!) more holiday happenings, refer to our Event Calendar and stay up to date by signing up for our newsletters.

The Best Kid-Friendly Nutcracker and Holiday Shows for Westchester Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Mon, 11/20/2017 - 7:30am

Image courtesy of Greenwich Ballet Academy

The holiday season is fast upon us, and while there are some ways we can self-pace how we savor the season, one recommendation for advance planning is to purchase tickets for holiday performances. Not only do they often sell out in advance, but claiming choice seats can avoid the familiar whines of “I can’t see ...”

Fortunately for Westchester residents, there are various holiday performances to choose from. We’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly productions—from assorted interpretations of The Nutcracker to traditional concerts and new musical theater—to help you ring in the holiday season.

Read on and click through for details. Also be sure to visit our Event Calendar, where you’ll find an ever-growing number of other holiday events we’re curating for your family to enjoy! Looking for even more holiday options? Check out our Holiday Fun Guide.

Sugar-Hi: A New Sweet Spot for Westchester Families that's Simply to Die for

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 11/17/2017 - 10:00am

A new sweet shop has arrived in Westchester, and it’s so good that it’s worth a drive from wherever you live. Introducing: Sugar Hi.

At first glance, the sugar shack may resemble other similar spots—and with respect to the selection of candy and ice cream, a comparison can fairly be made. But make no mistake: The baked goods and frozen beverages are to die for. And while the ice cream and candy are provided by other suppliers, the baked goods are made by the Sugar Hi team for a one-of-a-kind tastebud experience.

Read on to learn more about our recent visit and sign up for our newsletters to have news like this delivered straight to your inbox.

A New Boutique in Tuckahoe with Classes, Cafe, Resale and More

Submitted by Susan Miele on Mon, 10/23/2017 - 4:00pm

NOTE: Lil Chameleon closed as of December 2019.

Tuckahoe recently welcomed a new, different kind of business for families: Lil Chameleon.

Serving as a kind of one-stop-shop for all things kid-related, Lil Chameleon features a resale boutique, classes, birthday parties and a snack bar that actually has healthy offerings. Read on to learn more about this hot new spot!

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