NYC

Lightning Thief The Percy Jackson Musical On Broadway

She’s seen Frozen on Broadway, Aladdin, and Lion King already.  So it wasn’t her first musical but I was just as excited to take her as if it were the very first time.  Because every musical on Broadway is such a special night out, isn’t it?  It felt naughty to be out on a school night, but with complimentary tickets to The Lightning Thief who could resist?

We didn’t know this at the time but the Lightning Thief – the Percy Jackson Musical is based on Rick Riordan’s best-selling, young-adult novel of the same name. It seems lightning does strike twice because the book and the musical were both major hits!

Juliet likened it to Harry Potter and Disney Descendants.  What a smart summary!  Like Harry Potter, these kids have magical powers that they have to go to a special school for (or in this case, camp half-blood).  And like Descendants, these kids are descendants of powerful characters (in this case Greek Gods).

Through the musical, I received the most entertaining education on Greek mythology ever imaginable.  With rock/pop tunes, delightful, charismatic characters, and lots of special effects, it kept the audience entertained throughout.

I liked the message behind the musical. “Normal is a myth..everyone has issues they’re dealing with,” ( lyric from Percy’s mom’s song).  Percy, the main character of the show suffers from dyslexia and ADHD.  Even as a demi-God he has issues.  It’s an interesting take on the coming of age story where we all have to find our place in this world.  And he eventually realizes that what makes him different is what makes him powerful.  It’s a relatable message that we can all get behind.

I do think that because of the slightly complicated plot and long duration, that kids 6 and under and/or those without an interest in Greek mythology or Percy Jackson’s books may have to think twice about this one.  Juliet at age 6 in the end thought it was too long for instance.  But she laughed and enjoyed the comedy of it all and overall, she thought it was a fun mommy and me night out.

It’s on Broadway for just 16 weeks (tickets are on sale until January 5th, 2020). Get tickets here.

Full disclosure: Tickets were gifted in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed are our own.

Read my review on Pretty Woman the Musical and King Kong (the musical) here!

For other fun things to do with kids nearby in Times Square, click here!

 

Top, 12 Instagramable NYC Cafes Curated By A Style Blogger

There is no shortage of cafes in NYC.  So how does one pick?  If you’re going with the gram in mind, then you’ll absolutely love this list of Instagramable, cute cafes all organized by color!  What’s YOUR favorite color?  Will one of these work best for your IG aesthetic?  Let me know which place you’re most excited to check out!

RAINBOW

1. If your favorite color is rainbow (as my 6 year old daughter says), then you will go gaga over the Flour Shop which is pretty much made for the rainbow chaser.  Rainbow sprinkles, rainbow cake, rainbow wall, rainbow floor… can’t get enough?  Go here and it will be your new happy place.  Their candy-filled cakes are pretty darn awesome too.  Check their gram cuz they oftentimes have special, seasonal decor like the heart decals or balloons arches shown here!

177 Lafayette St, New York, NY / 4.3 stars on Google Reviews /

TIFFANY BLUE

2. Blue Box Cafe

Click here to read all about my breakfast at Tiffany’s experience and you’ll see the full review and all the photos!  This tiny jewel-box of a cafe is more of a restaurant really.  Go here with your die-hard Tiffany’s fan friend and make sure to order the afternoon tea set to get the highly Instagramable tiered set shown here!

727 5th Ave 4th Floor, New York, NY / 4 stars on Google Reviews /

3. City of Saints

Fans of Tiffany blue or seafoam green will get a real caffeine kick out of this adorable jewel of a find.  Located in Bryant Park, get a shot of espresso and a shot for the gram.  You may not want to stay long though because there are no outlets to recharge with and no wifi to post!

Photography by Michael Vahrenwald/Esto.

 108 W 42nd St, New York, NY / 3.8 stars on Google Review /

BLUE

4. Cafe’ Medi If Mediterranean meals are up your alley, make sure to head to the lower east side for a true blue dining experience.  Vegans and vegetarians love this place and I hear it’s an affordable, tasty stop for pasta!  I can’t wait to try it out myself.

107 Rivington St, New York / 4.2 stars on Google Reviews /

BLACK

5. Sweatshop Coffee Brooklyn 

If minimalism is your thing and black is the ultimate in chic for you, you’ll want to snap some shots at this highly rated, small but stylish Brooklyn cafe.  With outdoor seating and killer acai bowls and avocado toast, it’s no wonder this is hugely popular with the hipster set.

232 Metropolitan Ave Williamsburg, NY / 4.5 stars on Google Reviews /

BLACK & WHITE

6. By Chloe – Pictured here is the South Street Seaport (downtown location) but they have others.  No one has made plant-based, vegan food look so good.  And after eating so healthy, you can stop next door at their bakery and treat yourself to something unhealthy!  How convenient!

181 Front St. New York, NY / 4.2 stars on Google Review /

WHITE

7. Woops  This tiny Tribeca cafe is the best Tribeca spot to grab your French macaron giftables! With adorable packaging and colorful, tasty treats, they are always a hit!  The mostly white decor has a chic, modern vibe and the checkered white tables just beg for your creative flat lay!

 93 Worth St, New York, NY 

8. While We Were Young  This petite, girly restaurant is so Instagramable that it draws crowds and waits for durations of 30min- 1hour sometimes.  The most coveted seats are those plush blush banquettes pictured here but you must arrive before opening to secure those.

Avocado toast is beautifully presented and Yelp reviewers also love the chicken and waffles, truffle fries and burger!

183 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014

PINK

9. Blank Slate Cafe Want flowers in your coffee?  Come to this millennial pink Madison Ave. cafe!  Here, you can enjoy matcha must-haves, decadent desserts and of course your classic coffee and artisanal teas. Don’t be surprised if you see a bunch of bloggers dressed in pink here..

121 Madison Ave #3, New York, NY  / 4.4 stars on Google Reviews /

PINK and GREEN

10. Cha Cha Matcha  If you want a healthier caffeine-kick, try Matcha while kicking back to tunes from Tupac!  This pink and green cafe will have you falling in love with the pure and simple ingredient.  Here, you can find it in all forms ranging from lattes to lemonade to soft serve ice cream.  Note, there are often lines at this highly Instagramable cafe and their soft serve ice creams are HUGE in portion so get one to share!  You can matcha gracias me later for that tip!

view 3 NYC locations click here details /

MULTICOLOR

11. Citizen M Bowery Cafe and Workspace

If what you want is super-fast internet and a workspace with your caffeine kick, then head to Citizen M Hotel on Bowery!  For just $15 you can work there all day with access to: their printers, free water, bar and rooftop access!

189 Bowery, New York, NY / 4.5 stars on Yelp

12. Coffee n Clothes.  Want a little Coco with your coffee?  Burberry with your bun?  Just check out all the cute cookies and fab cups of caffeine you can order from here.  Grab your favorite fashionista and revel in your shared coffee ‘n clothes obsession together!

11 Bond St. New York, NY / 4.1 stars on Google Reviews

Tell me in the comments below what cafe is at the top of YOUR must-see list!  And if there is anything else that you think should be added to this NYC list, please let me know with a comment!!

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Click HERE for the newest, all-pink Coco Chanel themed, pink cafe in Las Vegas!

For 13 pretty pink places in New York, click HERE!

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