About Brianne Manz & her Blog
Brianne is a winner of Top 25 New York Moms - 2012
What's the best part of raising kids in New York?
What's the biggest misconception about living in New York?
What are your favorite Blog Posts?
Brianne's Answers
At what age do you let your child decide what to wear?
Brianne Manz
This question is easy for me because I have a boy and he could care less about what I put on him. But I would say as soon as they want to decide what to wear, let them! I think it's important for parents to let their kids express who they are (of course within limits as I would not send my kid to school with a Halloween costume on).How do you make shopping for your family's clothes affordable?
Brianne Manz
I absolutely love shopping for my kiddies but seeing how quickly they grow out of things I needed to be smart about my purchases. My top stores to shop for cool, stylish, and affordable clothing are zara kids, h&m kids, and 77 kids. Plus I always check out Gilt and Rue for hot items at half the price. The trick is to purchase the basics and then layer on more expensive pieces if you feel they will get more than one season out of it.Can you suggest a fun birthday party game or creative activity for 6-8 year-olds?
Brianne Manz
I love the idea with doing anything crafty! For example a painting project where the kids can pick out there own ceramic piece and paint. Or I love cooking with kids and having them male their own food and actually eat it at the end of the party! Best Brianne www.strollerincity.comWhere do you most enjoy shopping online for your family, and why?
Brianne Manz
My favorite place for online clothing shopping for my family I've gotta say is Zara. They have pieces for the entire family that are stylish, yet affordable and cool. Plus they are quick to ship and returns are super simple! Love it!Under what circumstances, if any, is spanking acceptable to you?
Brianne Manz
I really don't think you should hit your child and don't think it's ever acceptable. There are more affective ways in discipling your child. For example time outs work in my house. Also I threaten to take away toys and give them to the boy down the hall. That works like a charm. Respect is another thing I try to instill in my children. If they respect you they will listen and behave.What are your tips for planning an affordable birthday party?
Brianne Manz
I absolutely love planning birthday parties!!! I think you need to be as creative as possible and keep it simple. Pick a theme and stick to it! You should definitely make the cupcakes or birthday cake. Why order that when I personally prefer a homemade one anyway. Also a great source for party favors is oriental trading company. Another huge savings is if you plan the games yourself instead of hiring entertainment!!What are your favorite stylish but practical shoes for everyday mom duty (playground, errands, etc.)? Please include a link.
Brianne Manz
This is a great question and I'm actually curious to see everyones's answers! For me in the playground during the spring I'm usually in a ballet flat of any kind. Toms are great too!Which movies for kids in the 2-7 age range will parents also enjoy watching?
Brianne Manz
Honestly, I love watching all the movies I see with my son! Arent they all geared for adults in some way?? Except for I must say the 3D as they make me dizzy!What's the funniest onesie you've ever seen? Include a link if you can.
Brianne Manz
My favorite onesir is the "Baby Gaga" like Lady Gaga! Love it! Check it out here.... Http://www.strollerinthecity.com/archives/1365What item should moms splurge on?
Brianne Manz
I think moms should spurge on items they use daily. Like a diaper bag which definitely turns into an everyday bag right. I no longer carry a bag anymore because why have to load more things into my stroller ..right. Here is a post about my favorite diaper bag.What's your dream gift for Mother's Day? (If it's a product or service that can be found on the web or on your blog, please include a link.)
Brianne Manz
Hmmm a dream gift would be a Chanel bag or day at the spa. But brunch with the fam will be perfect as well! Especially if im able to spend it with my own mother! Check out my post from Mothers Day!What's a great source to buy formal clothing for children?
Brianne Manz
I was just having this discussion at my moms dinner last night. For me I don't like over the top pieces so my favorite stores to shop for formal is Crew Cuts. It's stylist pieces and affordable. I have also gotten many pieces at Zara kids too!What are your best tips for easy DIY nursery decor? (If there's an image or post on your blog, please link to it.)
Brianne Manz
My good friend bought these butterflies and glued them to one of the walls in her house. They are absolutely stunning. Check out this post!!! Plus I also think keeping it simple looks more elegant, so just by adding a mobile can brighten up any room!What's a fun birthday party craft idea? (Please include a link to a photo.)
Brianne Manz
By far my favorite birthday craft was to make Superhero capes! Each kid got a cape with the first letter of there name on it and they were able to decorate from there. He still plays with it!Please share a link to a photo of a great birthday cake you made or bought.
Brianne Manz
I made this Thomas the train cake for my sons third birthday party. And for cup cakes I drew railroad tracks with icing and bought train rings to stick in! Everyone loved it!!! http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1198039884182.30998.1624063175&type=3#!/photo.php?fbid=2160175736977&set=a.1198039884182.30998.1624063175&type=3&theaterWhat's your favorite stylish but practical beach- or pool-wear item for a mom? Please include a link to the product (cover-up, hat, sandals, etc.)
Brianne Manz
I was having a conversation with some friends saying what is the appropriate bathing suit to wear now that we have kids. Especially if you are going to a family BBQ or even swim class. I found this great one by DVF. Here's the link!What's on your bucket list of things to do with your kids this summer?
Brianne Manz
This summer I plan to live more schedule free and just go with the flow. Would love to get to the beach at least once a week and plan some get aways!What's a great theme you've done for your child's birthday? Please share a link with a photo.
Brianne Manz
I literally just had my daughters birthday party this past Sat. The theme was butterflies for her 1st. I had it in a backyard so the decorating was pretty simple. I bought lanterns and decorated them with feather butterflies (can be found at any craft store). Then for the cake and cupcakes I order edible butterflies from etsy. Here is the cake! And more to come on my website http://www.strollerinthecity.comWhat's your best tip for easing the impact of holiday house guests?
Brianne Manz
I would say...keep it simple. Maybe use decorative paper plates since it will be one last thing to wash. Also don't over cook and make everyone bring a dish!Brianne's Blogger SoundOff Posts
A New App by Ragu!
Introducing “Give Em Ragu” App Launch
Review of Ragu new app launch More

