Allison

Allison Hilton - NYC Writer

Allison loves living in NYC. After working as a TV news producer, she now stays at home on the Upper West Side to raise her son. When they're not traveling, they're enjoying city life and contributing to Mommy Poppins.

More About Allison

What's your favorite place to hang out with kids in NYC?
Any of the amazing parks. There's always something new to discover, and great people watching.

What do you do when you're kid-free?
This year I got to travel solo to China! But usually I like to go to the theater or try some new restaurant, exhibit or other NYC cultural experience I've read about.

What's your best parenting moment?
Whenever my son's face lights up when he accomplishes something for the first time, and says "I did it!"

What's your least favorite thing about raising kids in NYC?
Our extended families aren't here.

Latest posts by Allison

Having a Baby: What You Really Need to Pack for the Hospital

Submitted by Allison on Mon, 05/30/2011 - 10:00am

I'm a busy NYC mom getting ready for the birth of my second child. As you can imagine, I have a lot of things to take care of. (See my recent post on searching for a double stroller!)

However, I'm finding that some things are a bit easier this time around, like packing for the hospital. When my first son was born, I ended up with a huge suitcase full of stuff I didn’t need. Worse, I frantically sent my husband out to grab all of the items I suddenly couldn’t live without.

In addition to my own personal experience, I asked my fellow NYC moms to share their tips on what to pack. Here are the things I'm definitely putting in my hospital bag.

Frogs at the American Museum of Natural History: A Hoppin' Exhibit

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 05/29/2011 - 10:00am

This post was written about the 2011 incarnation of Frogs, so some details may have changed. Things are really jumping at the American Museum of Natural History. That's because the frogs are back. Frogs: A Chorus of Colors, which features more than 200 live specimens, previously appeared at the institution in 2009. Now the amphibians, from tiny dart-poison frogs to giant bullfrogs, have returned for another tour.

Since my son had only just been born the last time the green guys were in town, this is the first time I got a chance to check out the special exhibit. Even though it's a little advanced for toddlers, we had a fun time watching and learning about these waxy super-jumpers, some of whom can leap more than 20 times their body length.

Great Double Strollers for NYC Families

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 05/22/2011 - 10:00am

I've got a two-year-old and baby No. 2 on the way, so picking a double stroller is one of many things on my to-do list. If you’re in the same boat, or if you're expecting twins, you're probably looking online and on the street to see what other moms of multiples are pushing.

But for the ultimate advice, I went to the best experts I could think of: the 30-plus members of my weekly Upper West Side mothers' group. Here's a roundup of the double strollers they use, and what they really think of them.

Tartan Week: Get a Wee Bit Scottish with Your Wee Ones

Submitted by Allison on Tue, 03/22/2011 - 10:00am

Last week it was all about St. Patrick's Day and yesterday we highlighted a series of amazing Japanese cultural events. But starting April 1 the kilts come out as NYC goes a wee bit Scottish in honor of Tartan Week.

While some of the events, like a parade with thousands of bagpipers and a festival filled with music, dance and games, only happen once a year, there are other ways to celebrate the culture year-round. Here's how to get Scottish in the city with your clan.

Got Books? 10 Things This Mom Learned About The NYPL

Submitted by Allison on Mon, 02/14/2011 - 1:56pm

I admit, before becoming a stay at home mom, I bought all of my books from the local bookstore or online. Who had time for the library? Now, I take my toddler to the library on a weekly basis, if not more. And I learned that its definitely more economical, and space saving, to keep a rotating collection of library books for both him and myself in our apartment. But the New York Public Library offers a lot more than just books, including ways to make borrowing a lot more easy than I remember it being. Here are 10 things this mom has learned about the NYPL that may be useful to you.

February Fun at New York City's Children's Museums: Playmobil, Black History Month and Raising Citizens

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 02/06/2011 - 10:43pm

There are some cool new and seasonal exhibits going on this February at both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Children’s Museums. From special programs for Black History Month and Presidents Day to a Playmobil toy display, there is likely to be something different from the usual fun for your family to check out if you visit one of these museums this month.

Mom's Night Out: Feeling Artsy?

Submitted by Allison on Mon, 11/22/2010 - 9:24pm

I love Mom's Night Out. It’s become a time for me and my friends to get out and try something new and different, most recently a painting class. I am not exactly an artist, but the class made it easy to pretend I was, which was great fun. We painted and sipped wine for a couple hours and got to walk out with our own masterpiece. So next time you leave the kiddos at home, perhaps consider letting your creative side loose for the night. From painting on canvas or pottery, to making jewelry or sewing a handbag, there are lots of drop-in art classes in NYC that are great for a Mom’s Night Out. And don’t be intimidated, these are one time, no experience necessary, just have fun kind of experiences.

Mom's Night Out: Let's Dance!

Submitted by Allison on Sun, 11/14/2010 - 10:07pm

This is a post about dance classes, but not for your kids, for YOU (minus the little tutus or sequined leotards you may be imagining.) Parents need an outlet to release energy and creativity, and well, just to have fun once in a while too. On a recent mom’s night out, a friend and I decided to do something completely different and took a Bollywood dance class. I’m talking a simple drop-in, no experience necessary, wear what you want, just for fun dance class. There are plenty of them offered here in NYC in all sorts of styles for less than $20. So what do you want to try, Belly dancing, African Dance or maybe Hula Hooping?

Latest posts by Allison

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