Best of Pre-Schools

 

There is only one place to go to for a pre-school with heart and that is the International Montessori Preschool.   The name isn’t the most creative, but you get the point.

The heart comes from the Founder of the school, Mrs Dekleva.   She is so gentle, so caring and just embodies the soul of an educator.   Her loving hand touches everything at the school.   She was the first educator for Zayne and Aiyana.

At the IMP the emphasis is not so much on WHAT they learn, but HOW they learn.   The idea is to empower children to learn, to infuse learning with joy and a sense of personal accomplishment and most importantly, a sense of social awareness.   Learning is not an individual sport - it is a team sport.   The most important lessons learned are not necessarily those from books, but those you learn from others and those you learn FOR yourself.

As for the basics, they do learn them, but it is done in relation to the world around them.  

Mrs. Dekleva and her caring team, know each child by name, give individual attention and love with firm guidance when needed.    She does not believe in whip discipline, so if you are looking for a boot camp this is not the place for your child.   Children are given the freedom to be children to a large extent.

I just want to give you an example of their level of attention by describing a parent teacher conference.   First of all there is a detailed report card with over 30 metrics.   Then there is a written component and then a discussion.   There was no doubt that they knew my children’s strengths and weaknesses and they laid out a plan to encourage the strengths and address the challenges.

And frankly I get a full report of their daily activities at pick up.   If they know you care enough to know, they care enough to tell.   Mind you sometimes ignorance is bliss.   I really didn’t want or need to know that the boys are showing each other their willies to see which one has the biggest.   Really?   From now?

They currently have space for January, so if you are the slightest bit dissatisfied with their current school, call them!   You and your children will be nourished and enriched by the Deklevas.

ps.  Personally speaking I LOVE the community of mothers and fathers at the school.   We meet for coffee after drop offs on Monday and our time together has been filled with laughter, support and love.   You will not find a warmer circle of friends.

Website:  
http://www.viennaimp.com/Welcome.html

Best of Haircuts

There is not one day that goes by that I don't hear Gloria from Laura Branigan blaring from the radio - not one!   There is a reason for that.   Vienna is not stuck in the 18th century, it's stuck in the 80's and the hairdos reflect it!

Twice a year I try and find someone who won't have me leave the chair in tears or worse, with helmet head reserved for brides on their wedding day.   Brian runs his fingers through my hair on haircut days and they surface with treasures stuck to them.    The hair nest captures all sorts of goodies in it's sticky lair.

After numerous disappointments I saw a new place Seven P's open up.   It looks beautiful, but that's no sign.   The only thing I was hoping for is that being new they would try harder and do better.   Unlike massages or manicures I care about the environment my hair is tended to.   It needs to be calming and pleasant to off set the anxiety of potentially having a bad hair month.   At Seven P's everything they do is to decrease anxiety.   

Washing of the hair comes with a 10 minute scalp massage.  Relax.   Sitting in the seat looking like Marge with a towel wrapped around one's head is accompanied by a 5 minute shoulder massage.   Relax.  The wet poodle look comes with a side of nespresso.   Relax.  The shedding comes with a stunning array of design books and the coolest magazines one never sees (all in English).   Relax.  For a while you feast you eyes on gorgeous people with funked out hair and you think, this isn't so bad.

Then the blowout.   Soft and kind, Max's deft fingers play with my hair in perfect harmony with the musak.   Max, oh Max, you talented, sweet man with a flair for all things fabulous.   I bow down to thee for one reason and one reason alone.   You listen.  

Girls, aren't hairdressers worse than men?   They don't just have selective hearing, they really just don't listen.   "I want a trim" being said, you come out with a close shave.   "I want layers" being said, you come out with a blunt bob.   Has anyone EVER gotten just what they asked for.   Note to all hairdressers - If you are a frustrated artist, don't taken your frustrations out on me.   I don't want a creation, I just want you to do what I tell you.   If I say I want one inch off, don't take of five.  

So yes, Max listens.   But don't react like a typical woman - when he does listen don't be disappointed that he did exactly what you wanted.   If you go in looking like Beth, don't expect to come out looking like Rachel Welsh.  

Book Seven P.   The P should stand for peace, peace of mind.

Smiles,
Ruchika

Seven P

http://www.sevenp.com/

Wipplingerstrasse 24-26
1010 Wien
T 01/533 75 06
E salon@sevenp.com Tuesday to Friday
from 09.00 to 18.30
Saturday

from 09.00 to 17.00

Best of Arts and Craft Stores

Finding an Arts and Crafts store in Vienna is like trying to find a Billa cashier who can actually smile.   UNLIKELY!

After a year here and no Chenille stems or wood blocks I found Mastnak and got my glitter on!   Until recently I couldn't remember the name of the store, I just programmed in Neubaugasse 31 into my handy dandy GPS and off I would go.

You walk in downstairs and it looks like a cheesy gift store with the requisite "I'm not old, I'm experienced" trucker hat and edible underwear.   Like I said, cheeeesy.  

But walk up the winding staircase and click your heels in delight.   What shoes do for some women, glitter glue does for me.   Rocket ships go off, bells ring in my head, flowers float by and euphoria sets in.   I'm not going to lie, a gorgeous pair of Louboutins thrill me as much as the next girl, but rows and rows of acrylic paint, finger paints, textile paints bring me lasting happiness.    The possibilities are endless and the imagination can take flight.

Like my favorite bookstore, Shakespeare & Co in Paris, there is no order and you can find the most beautiful beads tucked in between a cardboard birdhouse and wood letters.   With crafts as it is with life, the unexpected turns are often the ones that delight us.   Creation is rarely the result of order.  

However, if you have one kid hanging off your leg and wiping the snot of the other one, then take it easy on yourself and just click on http://at.opitec.com/opitec-web/st/Home or http://winkler.turbo.at/shop_at/index.php.

Use babblefish to translate the page and off you go.   It's easy, there is tremendous choice and comes right to your door.

Go create!
Smiles,
Ruchika

Mastnak
Neubaugasse 31
1070 Vienna
Ph.  01-523 27 58
Mo - Fr 8:30 - 18:30
Sa 8:30 - 17:00

Winkler Schulbedarf
http://winkler.turbo.at/shop_at/index.php

Opitec Hobbyfix
http://at.opitec.com/opitec-web/st/Home

Best of Vasectomies

There are two words that now put the fear of God into my soul - "You're pregnant!"  

By popular demand, here is the best of vasectomies.   Girls, we love our children, but for most of us the thought of having another one is equated to the pain of walking on hot coals or getting a root canal, the terror of being chased by wild elephants, the dread of Space Mountain, the pinch of a 1,000 needles...should I continue?   I love my kids, BUT I am D.O.N.E!

Do you want to say bye bye to smelly poops, lack of shut eye, throwing up and stretch marks?   Then send your men to Igor for a little snip, snip.   After the big slice and dice we have endured, a little snip, snip should get no argument.  

Now prepare yourself, because you are going to hear the following "How can you let something happen to my precious jewels?" or "I know a guy who said he doesn't orgasm anymore."  or "My friend said the quantity of his ejaculation is diminished" or "I can't, it's my manhood"  or the classic "But it's going to be painful."    For each one of these, the rebuttal need only be a roll of the eyes.
 
Abi, Igor's wife is a dear friend of mine.   Of course, that doesn't guarantee anything, but I've met Igor and he is just wonderful.   He is the kind of man who puts you at ease right away and his stature exudes confidence.   If I had balls I would feel very comfortable putting them in his hands :-)

Dr. Igor Stancik speaks English, German and Russian fluently.  

For appointments, call between Monday – Thursday between 9:00 – 16:00 for Russian, Slovakian, Czech or English speakers:
Mobile: 0043 6991 941 78 11
e-mail: urology-vienna@stancik.at
http://www.urologe-wien.at/english/default.htm

And I'll end in poor taste with some vasectomy humor!
A vasectomy means never having to say you're sorry.

What do a Christmas tree and a man who's had a vasectomy have in common?  They both have ornamental balls.
 
Smiles,
Ruchika

Best of Cake Decorating Stores

Definitely not Willy Wonka fun, this sad, broken and poop brown store looks nothing like what I would imagine a cake decorating store to look like.   And Grumpy and Dopey run it, but never mind, because just being surrounded, enveloped, by the sight and smell of that much sugar makes you Happy!

Before we get to the cups and the cakes of it all, let's just take a moment to raise our eyebrows to the sad and pathetic attempts at kids cakes in Austria?   There is a reason the birth rate is declining - the sperm looks at the egg, and the egg looks at the sperm in the womb in Austria and says "no thank you" before swimming their separate ways.

The reason - MARZIPAN.   Yuck!   Which kid wants marzipan on their cake!   Yuck!

At Bon Bons, a cornucopia of sugar concoctions lies at your disposal.   There are a few things on the shelf but the real treasure lurks behind the counters.   You can get a rainbow array of food colorings, sprinkles, cake toppers, sugar gel pens and more.  

I love sugar pens and have then out at every party.  Kids love writing on each other and licking it off!  

They have stunning cake toppers (it'll cost ya) and give two days they can also make custom toppers based on your designs.

There is no reason to subject your child to an Austrian cake when you can bake a fluffy American one with yummy buttercream icing and princess sprinkles!

Enjoy!
Ruchika

Bonbons Lebkuchen Tortendekor
Wollzeile 26
1010 Wien

Best of Father's Day Gifts

Panic! Don’t. You have time. In Austria Vater’s Day is on June 14 and if you’re celebrating the American one it’s June 20th. I’ll opt American to buy me some more time!

Skip the tie, the frame with a picture in it, the wallet, skip the clichés and go straight for something he’ll truly love.

I have a great batting average (I don’t have a clue as to what number that would be, but I thought guy speak would be appropriate here) with concert tickets. Try for someone new, upcoming, because they are full of wonder and giving it their all, or someone old because you know they are just doing it for the passion of it.

There are some great ones coming up in Austria –


1. Elton John – I’ve seen him and he puts on a great show
2. Leonard Cohen – The best concert I’ve ever been too
3. Abba Gold – J.O.K.I.N.G. sigh that would be my dream!
4. Eric Clapton – Mind blowing in concert 

5. Rod Stewart

6. Norah Jones
7. Jethro Tull
8. MARK KNOPFLER - from Dire Straits who sings two of my favorite songs…Love Over Gold and Why Worry. I’ll be at that one for sure!

Go to www.oeticket.com to buy them or you can buy tickets at any Bank of Austria if you have an account there.

OR…there is always Beers from Around the World.

Go to Bohle on Wollzeile for all things gourmet Austrian. It’s a deli, but they carry beers from around the world and have it packaged in a very cool tool box. You can choose the beers from the countries he loves to create a custom gift.

You could design a beer and tapas tasting evening for him. Pair the Japanese beer with sushi, the Mexican beer with nachos, the Austrian one with a wiener. Oh cancel that thought! The thought of eating a wiener after sushi just made me sick. Just give him the beer!

BÖHLE
Wollzeile 30
A-1010 Wien
http://www.boehle.at/bier.htm

OR…if your man is fancy, book the Jazz evening at Palais Coburg in their Winebar.

It’s gorgeous and Bartender Benny will mix fancy drinks and recommend a Cuban from their Humidor. Slink back, drape your leg over his and watch him smile.

This magic spell can only be cast on Saturday evenings so book now.

OR…if your man is in between Al Bundy and James Bond, then head to Palais Coburg on a Monday evening for some Garden Grilling.

They have live music, a wood grill and open air. Enjoy.

Palais Coburg Residenz
Coburgbastei 4
1010 Wien, Österreich
Telefon: +43/1/518 18-0
www.palais-coburg.com

OR…if your man is an intellectual or just likes to read on the toilet you can get him a year subscription to TIME magazine delivered to your mailbox for 49.95 Euros. Click below. 

http://www.time.com/time/europe/custserv/ti_newsstand.html

For a subscription to the International Herald Tribune write to subs@iht.com. You can also get a yearly subscription for 20,000 points through miles and more.

For a subscription to Conde Nast Traveller go to https://www.subscription.co.uk/custservice/csorder.asp?m=85&pub_id=24

Don’t forget the sentimental winners like handmade childmade cards, breakfast in bed, and handprint frames! And nothing beats letting him sleep in :-)

Best of Dentists

Dr. Germ. No kidding, that was the name of our first Dentist in Vienna. And our pediatrician is Dr. Doczy. Doctor Germ and Doctor Doc!  

Dr. Germ is incredibly nice, very good and speaks English really well. But somehow I wasn’t sold on him so I sought advice on the best in Vienna.

Unanamously Dr. Jens Busk’s name came up. Zayne and myself went to meet him. Our first impression was painted by the wonderful receptionist who greets you with a big smile.

Enter Dr. Busk. He is Icelandic which in it self speaks volumes. He practiced in California for 10 years and he has the kindest, most gentle manner.

On Zayne’s first visit he took Zayne through all the scary looking gadgets in his office. He sprayed Zayne with water, let Zayne spray him. He blew air on his forehead and let Zayne do the same. It was a 45 minute discovery channel journey that led Zayne to say “I want to be a dentist when I grow up.” How rare is that!

I’ve spent a lifetime running away from Dentists. I would rather visit the gynec and open my legs, than open my mouth. Dr. Busk has changed that. I am now a proud owner of a mouth guard and I’m going back for caps.

Dentists always seem to have a certain amount of disdain for their job and you sort of feel like they settled, but you can tell that Dr. Busk loves his job and takes pride in it.

For all of those who have put off going to a dentist, call Dr. Busk and drop jaw.

Smiles,

Ruchika 

Dr. Jens Busk
Lazarettgasse 33/32
1090 WienTelephone: 01-405 2100

E-Mail: office@jens-busk.at 

www.jens-busk.at

Best of Easter Markets

Easter weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year.   First, it’s a long weekend.   Second, it ushers in spring with cute bunnies, colorful eggs and CHOCOLATE!   Third, it’s a chance to go to markets, which is my favorite thing to do.

So as you can imagine, I’ve tested a few markets out.   Let’s start with the mother of all Easter markets, the Altwiener Ostermarkt at the Freyung in Vienna.

It’s small, quaint and has so many beautifully hand painted eggs that I walked around like a 3 year old kid had me on remote control.   Start, stop, turn, stop, up, stop, drop down, stop, turn, stop.  

It is no wonder that this year Bri told me to take a look for a while as he stood and enjoyed his beer.  I am truly EGGstatic to wonder and ponder on each egg.  Imagine how challenging it would be to paint a story on an egg!   Picasso would have given up in a minute and then gone off to bed yet another woman.

Each year, (it’s been my third) I buy a few that sit in egg cartons in my home.   I also love this particular Easter market because Bri takes a day off and we walk to the market, and he watches me watch eggs that don’t hatch, then we go for a wonderful meal and take pictures of the eggs and each other and walk home.  

But I have to come clean and admit I cheated and went to an Easter market at Schlosshof before necking with my main squeeze.    For just one weekend, the Schlosshof grounds turn into an Easter delight.   Unlike the other markets, the stalls here carry local wares and we bought some wonderful schnapps from the region, pumpkin infused oils and a fake castle (that would be for Zayne).   They have a petting zoo for the kids and pony rides.  FUN!

This year we spent Easter in Amsterdam and went to the “Funky Easter Market,” which was totally funky.   Now I know what you’re thinking – Amsterdam funky could mean prostitutes and pot funky, but no, this is clean funky.    Or as Brian explained to Zayne when he asked what funky meant – it’s the key to fun.

This market held the key to my fun.   The space was amazing – beautiful brick on the outside and clean high ceilings inside.   The inside part is important, because at this time of year it rains and rains harder in Amsterdam.    A dj spins awesome music, there are warm waffles, a piece of long brown paper on the floor with crayons where the kids camp out and stalls upon stalls of really, REALLY cool shit.

Last year we spent Easter in Munich and took the kids to the Olympic city where they had giant papier mache Easter eggs for the kids to paint, a cool band, a bouncy castle, and hip hop lessons for kids.   Wonderful for the kids, not much for the adults.

And then there was the not so wonderful Easter market in Bratislava.   A few stalls with yawning women behind them, some Slovak country music and not much else.   Skip it.

Till next Easter!  I have my eggs to keep me beautiful company in the meantime.

Smiles,

Ruchika

Alterwiener Ostermarkt

http://www.altwiener-markt.at/ostermarkt/index.html

Schlosshof

http://www.schlosshof.at/cms/index.php

Munich Easter in Olympic Park

http://www.olympiapark.de/en/home/events-tickets/entertainment/details/event/2556/Easter%20festival%20impark10/

Best of Translation

Am I the only living expat not to have ever heard of Babblefish?   It has been nothing short of a major revolution in my life.   If you install Babblefish as an add on to firefox a simple right click allows you to translate any page from any language to any language.

If you have wanted to read falter.at then go to the site,  right click and chose translate page and within a second the page appears in English.   Forget rabbits appearing out of hats, Babblefish is the magic trick that makes me clap with delight.

So bring on Korea, bring on Italy, bring on Iraq (ok, maybe not Iraq) and I will be able to not only survive, but thrive.

Paste this in your window and get going!
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/7004

Smiles,
Ruchika

Best of Karate Chop Chop

For most people it was Karate Kid that made them aspire to "wax on, wax off."   But for me it was one particular episode of The Flintstones with Dr. Sinister and the "Ah Judo chop chop" that Barney and Fred deploy to escape him that made me fall in love with martial arts.   Who knew it could be that easy!

It was with great ceremony that I took Zayne to his first karate class.   We had the karate outfit - no idea what it's really called - surely not karate outfit, but either way, I loved that it was white.   We show up and the first thing I saw is a row of women, dressed like they were going to an Oprah show, smacking their lips with gloss.   All of them were fluffing their ta tas and frankly I was a little taken aback showing up in my get up.

Their gaze rested on the Sensei, who was SENSEI-tional :-)   He was taking off his jacket and it was as if his muscles were revealing themselves in slow motion.   It didn't take long before I joined the ranks of the mommies smacking their lips and fluffing their _ _ _ _ (rhymes with lips :-).   All in the name of our kids, of course.

My joy was short lived.   The eye candy was to become an eye sore when I saw Zayne had no aptitude for using his ears to actually listen.   When Sensei said "los" all the kids jumped up and ran except Zayne.   He wandered casually down all while checking himself out in the mirrors along the side of the wall.

We went back enough times to see if Zayne would take to Karate.  It wasn't meant to be.  But that was last year.   It seems Zayne is way happier with ski poles in hands instead of running barefoot - Indian traitor - but I think Karate deserves another shot.

The Sensei is fantastic, truly.   The classes are easy to get to and the timings are great.   Check the calendar on the website.

If I recall correctly you can pay for 1 month, 3 months or 6 months.

I look forward to you joining me on mommy row soon.   By the way I go to the one in the 9th district.

Smiles,
Ruchika

Karate Samurai
http://www.kyokushin.at/
For times and locations go to "Zeiten und Orte" on the website menu

Locations:

1090, Roßauer Lände 27	1130, Amalienstrasse 31
1040, Rienößlg. 4/1	1230, Alma Seidler Weg 2
1160, Brüßlgasse 18	2130, Mistelbach

Best of Romance

Spring is here, the birds are chirping outside my window and the sun is shining again. Romance and pollen are in the air!


Nothing is more romantic than walking Vienna hand in hand, to Schwarzenberg Platz to admire the fountain. What is it about water gushing up, ejaculating to the sky that makes us love it so :-) Sit for a while and let the wind dust you with the tiny beads.

Walk to the ring, sit outside at Cafe Schwarzenberg and order a melange. The sun hits the outdoor seating at around noon and stays a while. Don't eat a thing there (yuck) and don't sit inside (it has an old person odor), but enjoy a melange and lazy conversation in the sun.

Walk the ring to the Opera, go into The Albertina to see just one painting - pick one to admire and walk away. I find nothing sexier than watching my husband watching art. The silence, the space, the immense creativity, the soft light, the love of beauty all make for a breathtaking experience.

Make a left to Naschmarkt and admire Klimt's Secession building from the outside. It is stunning. Don't go inside, there isn't much to see. But stop and contemplate the words written on top "to every age its art, and to art its freedom."

Then walk Naschmarkt. It is the largest farmers market in Europe and the left side is all the produce and on the right are make shift restaurants that use those fresh ingredients. It is a sensory delight. Men and women shout out offering you a taste of their wares. Enjoy.

After the first traffic light move to the right aisle and make your way to Te Wa. Sit outside if possible unless you want to smell like the bottom of an ashtray. Order anything on the menu. Order what I do - the hummus platter. Oh heaven. It's all organic and all yummy.

Bri enjoys a tall beer as we sit for hours talking and people watching. It's the best place for people watching because the walls of all the restaurants at Naschmarkt are made of glass.

If you go there on a Saturday then make sure to walk further to the flea market. Close your eyes and listen to all the languages making music with each other.

The buildings that flank the right of the flea market are done in the Art Nouveau style and just make you smile. To think of big flowers painted in the most delicate colors gracing each window..sigh. Wouldn't you love to be the face peering out?!

Just writing about this walk has made me want to read poetry. "What imagination seizes as Beauty must be truth," said Keats.  And the truth is this. Make time for romance. It is beautiful.

Kim Kocht Kicks Ass!

The most mouthwatering, exotic adventure awaits your taste buds at Kim's. There are no menus, there is a lengthy questionnaire to fill out prior to showing up and reservations are a must, but when you step in to the intimate space and are greeted by Kim herself, the trek is worth it.

Reaching the summit of culinary ecstasy is delicious. It's Asian infused seafood and Kim is an inventor of incredible proportions. Last week we were treated to tuna sashimi three ways, with three sauces ranging from bitter, to sour to sweet and were told to go left to right. Seriously the yum is in the details.

It's expensive, but really it is a two hour experience in the passionate hands of a master craftswoman. You feel cared for, tended to and the happy ending (Lemongrass creme brulee) is happier than any I have ever had.

So don't think, just do it. Pick up the phone and call Kim. And after the meal, you can write me to say THANK YOU :-)

A tip - if you don't want to wait months to get a table, ask for the early 6 - 8 pm seating. You are sure to get in within a week. And really you want to have the rest of the evening to talk about the meal in bite by bite detail.

Enjoy!
Ruchika

Kim Kocht

www.kimkocht.at

Lustkandlgasse 4
1090 Wien, Austria
+43 (01) 319 02 42

Best of Viennese Cuisine

People rave about Plachutta as having the best traditional Viennese cuisine. The chef is famous and I don't have a clue why. It doesn't hold a candle to Figlmüller.

Oh the tapfelspitz at Figlmuller is pure heaven when you get a piece of beef, pile a little potato on it and then smear it with the horseradish and applesauce - it's the perfect bite! But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me wipe the drool off :-)

Firstly there is the old, rustic and charming Figlmuller in the little alleyway near Stephansdom and that's the one to go to. The modern version around corner serves the same high caliber food, but the atmosphere is not so gumutlich (cozy). We got friendly, outstanding service and I forgot to mention, the potato salad here will haunt your taste buds for days to come.

No reservations are needed and lunch time is a fun time to go when it's loud and brimming with the locals. The dinner crowd consists of mainly tourists.

They don't serve colas, or tees, or cafes, just beer and wine. And their claim to fame is that they have the largest schnitzel in the world and which woman doesn't LOVE a LARGE schnitzel :-) Size does matter.

Guten appetite!
Smiles,
Ruchika

Figlmüller
Bäckerstraße 6
1010 Vienna
daily 12am-10pm
Tel. 01/512 17 60
http://www.figlmueller.at/index.php

Best of Fabric Stores

Komolka! Not the one in the first district, but the one at Mariahilferstrasse and Neubaugasse. It is 4 floors filled with all sorts of material from the cheap leopard print (great for Halloween costumes) to jute, felt, cotton, satin and the rest. The basement, marked Keller, has all sorts of fabulous stuff on sale. There are also trimmings, buttons and the rest.

Oh, but don't expect friendly service. The frump in the front pissed me off, but Catherine was with me and kept me smiling.

And if you get a chance there is the largest 1Euro store next door. All sorts of 1 Euro goodies to buy. Great present boxes upstairs of all sizes!

Enjoy!
Smiles,
Ruchika

http://www.komolka.at/
Mariahilfer Strasse 58
1070, Vienna
Tel: 01 523 71 84
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 9:30 to 18:00

Best of Christmas Decoration Stores

Ok, this is my favorite store for any and every occasion or just to browse. It ain't no ABC Carpet and Home in NYC, but oh I do feel all happy inside walking in and walking around. There are 3 floors of beautiful things for the home. And at Christmas you could not find a place better to invest time and money in.

It's not cheap. However, I wrap up everything and save it for next year and the year after etc. I just realized that I have yet to mention the name - BLAULICHT.

It's the perfect place to find the perfect something for someone special. And things move fast. I had wanted to get these wooden crates with NYC written on it for my NYC obsessed husband but I went back 2 weeks later and they were gone.

And if you like setting a beautiful table for dinner, then the napkin rings here are to die for and I love to mix and match them. Not sure what to get your husband for his birthday, you can't fail with their beautiful picture frames with you in it :-) I bought my husband a travel desk here and he raves about it to this day.

I haven't purchased this yet, but before I leave Vienna I will get one of their magnificent doll houses, more to fulfill my childhood fantasy than Aiyana's.

If classic is not your style and you prefer contemporary/modern, then across the street is BLAULICHT with a plethora of mod design furnishings.

And a big reminder - it's 3 floors of fun so don't forget to take the stairs up!

Enjoy!
Smiles,
Ruchika

Blaulicht
Marc Aurel Strasse 3
Vienna, 1010
01-532 41 36
Opening Times
Mo-Fr 10-19, Sat 10-18

Best of Christmas Activities for Kids

Christmas time is just my favorite time of year in Vienna. I don't even mind bundling up because the beauty of it all keeps me warm inside. I know, I'm totally cheesy, but Christmas time does that to me. I'm Hindu married to a Jew and I love decorating my home in Christmas decorations and getting the tree and singing carols.

I digress.

Back to Christmas activities for kids. Well, it is so simple and no one I know, knows about it. Right inside the Rathaus is the most awesome setup for kids. Just walk through the Christmas market and go into the Rathaus through the front steps and make a right. You'll see a small door and enter. Inside there is an information stand where you buy tickets. Euro 1.50 for baking cookies and Euro 3.50 for the other activities. The kids are taken into booths where two professionals help them with the activity. They paint candle stands, can make tissue boxes, decorate candles, paint picture frames, bake cookies and so much more. You can sit back on the benches and watch them with some punsch. The activities start for kids 4 and up.

And could you ask for a more perfect gift for the grandparents!!!! A picture frame painted by their grandchild with a picture inside.

My favorite is the baking cookies one because they get a cute hat (which they keep) and they get a delicious bag of warm cookies on the way out.

Here is the link. They do this every year. And the best part is that it's rarely crowded, there are clean indoor bathrooms and it's warm. They are open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on most days.

Check here for more details!
http://www.christkindlmarkt.at/Christmas-Workshop.26+M52087573ab0.0.html

Smiles,
Ruchika

Best of Face Painter (Incredible)

Larissa is not just a face painter, she is a true artist. I was intent on doing a dinosaur theme for Zayne's birthday and I know he likes nothing better than immersing himself in a character. I contacted Larissa and told her I was doing a dino theme and she said to leave the rest up to her.

Well, to my delight she showed up in a Safari outfit and painted the most astounding dinosaur faces. She even had a book of dinosaur face illustrations that she did specifically for the party and the children were thrilled. I myself couldn't resist and sat down to a ferocious dino face.

I thought, how hard could this be and got myself a set of professional face paints. I did a butterfly on Aiyana's face and Zayne said "nice monster mama." Clearly there is significant skill involved here and Larissa is the master! I bow down to thee.

Check out her website!
http://schminkfee.de/

You can contact her via e-mail at info@schminkfee.de or by phone at +43-681-10762068

Best of Cooking Courses

I don't like to cook, at home that is. An afternoon of hand held cooking, where chopping is a sport and laughter and food the post game wrap up, I can do.

In fact I have and it was awesome. The courses are generally in German but they can organize English ones as well with groups of 8. They offer so many courses in some of the best restaurants in Vienna.

I did the Lui's Wok course and we made Thai food and it was to die for! It was so much fun. My husband got it for me as a gift so it was little 'ol me and 80 year olds, I mean geriatric, Viennese folk. They were just a riot!

When you sign up you get an apron and chef's hat with your name on it and after each course you get all the recipes and where to go for the shopping list. The main office is on the first floor of Liener on Mariahilfer Strasse.

I'm going to do the sushi course with the grand master at Unkai, in the Grand Hotel, which is rated the number one sushi restaurant in the city.

Grap a bunch of girlfriends, or make a fun date afternoon with your partner and head to one of the classes.

The site is in German but it's not that challenging to figure out what's what. Oh, and go on an empty stomach and book a date with a cross trainer the next day because you will gain 5 pounds!

It also make a great birthday gift! They have gift certificates (guteschien) for 125 Euros (the cost of one course) and then can be picked up at the office.

If you have any questions, just call them. Totally sweet!

Smiles,
Ruchika

Kochen in Wien

Mariahilferstraße 12 (in Liener) 1st floor 1070 Vienna Opening Times:
Tuesday - Friday 10 – 18:00 Tel. (01) 228 99 00 http://www.kochen-in-wien.at/frameset.php

Best of Thanksgiving TAKEOUT with all the trimmings!

You heard me right! Do you really want to bust butt to brine and bake a turkey? It is also ridiculously expensive to buy a turkey here unless you are sleeping with someone at the UN commissary and for the price of turkey in this town I have considered it.

Just head over to the Marriott on Park Ring, opposite Stadt Park and for 175 Euros they pack you a full turkey for 4 (and I had left overs), salad, stuffing, potatoes, beans, a bottle of red and dessert in two bags to go! I know for sure what I'm thankful for!

Ok, they don't do pumpkin pie, but given how easy one is to make I take on that singular chore and the rest is up to the Marriott Cook Gods. And really who remembers the beginning and middle when the finish is strong and self baked!?

If you don't want to do Thanksgiving at home then call Franks and book a table and they do it full on American style at their restaurant. Just make that call early because they get full early on. Either way, you don't have to miss home so much and with kids who had time to hunt down a turkey in this town!

So as the old joke goes - what are you going to make for dinner tonight? Reservations :-)

Smiles,
Ruchika

Vienna Marriott Hotel (go to the Sales Office
Parkring 12a
Vienna, 1010 Austria
Phone: 43 1 515180

Franks
Laurenzerberg 2
1010 Vienna
01/533 78 05
E-Mail: restaurant@franks.at
http://www.indochine.at/yohm_franks/home.nsf/frame_franks?OpenPage

Best of Party Decoration Stores

One major pet peeve of mine is the lack of stuff to make for an awesome birthday party, or halloween party or any theme party your brain can imagine. So after two years here Catherine came to my rescue with Witte!

I have driven by this place a million times and the Linke Wienziele right at Naschmarkt and never seen it. That's because it's so unlike a party place on the outside - BORING. But once inside you are swept up with balloons, and costumes and all sorts of decorations. It's a one stop shop and I didn't even know they got that concept in Austria.

Normally I run from place to place to get balloons, and snippets of decorations and costumes. No more. And they have a ton of stuff for halloween.

So don't just make do with Toys R Us or order from the States and pay ridiculous taxes (as I have), go to Witte.

Smiles,
Ruchika

http://www.witte.at/
Jux Witte
Linke Wienzeile 16
1060, Vienna
01-586 43 05

Opening Times
Monday to Friday 9 - 18 hr.
Sat. 9 - 17 hr.

Best of Massage HANDS DOWN :-)

Ok, that depends. If you want candles, silk and scents this is not the place for you. If you want the stress kicked out of you this is. I mean, it's hardcore. You will feel pain, before you feel pleasure. It looks like the place that gives happy endings, and perhaps they do for the men folk, but it's heaven on earth for me.

Rough day, call Pham (she speaks English). I don't go to anyone else there. Pham is THE BEST. She is also a darling. I was having a really rough day, the kids hadn't slept, and waa, waa, waa as the song goes. I showed up and threw myself at her mercy.

I don't remember a thing, but I had woken up and my toes and fingernails had been painted and she sat smiling benovently. She had seen what a mess they were as as I was sleeping she brought out her personal kit and did this for me. It brought tears to my eyes. She didn't take a penny for it.

It's 62 Euros for an hour and everyone can spare that for a once a month mommy detox. Trust me you and your family will be better for it. THE BEST PART - wait for it, is that they are open till 10 p.m. on weeknights, so even if hubby comes home at 8, the kids are asleep and you can get out and get your relax on.

I warn you though - it's not pretty, just a mattress on the floor in tacky cheap looking cubicles, but really I'm not there for the scenery.

Enjoy!
Smiles,
Ruchika

http://www.gesundheit-massage.at/index.html

Chao Phraya
Salzgries 2
1010 Vienna
01/9582206

Opening Times:
Mo.-Fr. 11-22 Uhr
Sa. & Feiertag 12-20 Uhr

Best of Take Out Lunch

Hands down the best healthy, yummy lunch around! Check out Soup Kultur. They change their soups weekly (which sucks because I fall in love with one and it's gone the next week) and they have great salads. You can check out their soups of the week on the website below.

It's all to go so just pull up, jump out and grab to go.

They are only open from 11:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. from Mon. to Friday. It's a small window and if you get there too late chances are they have sold out of a few soups.

It's well worth it and you don't even feel guilty after. If you have kids then take the soup to the Borsepark playground right there and enjoy as they run around. It's frankly the best park for kids in Vienna. Not too crowded and enclosed.

Smiles,
Ruchika

Soup Kultur
Wipplingerstrasse 32
Ecke Börseplatz
1010 Wien
http://www.soupkultur.at/Impressum.aspx

Best of Gyms

You could choose to tough it out, go bold, or just join Holmes Place and SMILE as you sweat. I despise working out, detest it, find it deplorable (I've run out of d words), but I actually enjoy stepping foot in this place.

First of all, it's beautiful. It tricks you into thinking you're at a spa before kicking your ass. Second, it has great classes and great machines and I don't seem to have to wait. I also like that they have an off hours special in terms of price. So I can workout from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. at a reduced rate. Drop the kids off to school and head here.

And here's the kicker - the eye candy is mozart kugel yummy. I still show up in torn tees, with a little bit of morning breakfast still hanging around from when Zayne decided to "paint" me with oatmeal, but at least looking out it's all good.

Go get into gear and join. If you know someone who is a member then it's 50 Euros for the first 3 months for you and the member. After three months it kicks up to a 100 Euros a month. They try to talk you into a heafty joining fee but say you don't want any personal trainer time and that comes down to 50 Euros as well. Also they have English speaking trainers if you so desire.

If you keep enlisting people you keep getting 50 Euros off your bill. So spread the love and we have 6 months till it turns warm so work it to shed it.

Ooooh and if you go at 11:00 p.m. you get to watch the celebrity sob stories on Larry King and hit the Soup Kultur below for some delicious, healthy soup for lunch!

All this info courtesy of the coolest Irish chick I know - Thanks Yvonne!

Smiles,

Ruchika

http://www.holmesplace.at/d/index.php

Holmes Place Health Club Wien - Boerseplatz

Wipplingerstraße 30
AT - 1010 Wien - Boerseplatz
Austria
Tel: +43 1 533 97 90 90
Fax: +43 1 533 97 90 95
Email: info@v2.holmesplace.at

Club Manager: Iain Scott-Bainbridge

Best of Gift for Small Children

If you are headed home for the holidays and want to take back something unique for that special niece or nephew back home that is MADE IN VIENNA then head to Herzilien Wien.

They have adorable tees for boys that are great quality and really cool for under 30 Euros. I particularly love the matching pjs they have that make for a great father's day gift. And their dresses...ohhhh, their dresses! They take inspiration from the dirndl but are modern and cool. There is really nothing I don't love in the store! And the owner speaks English.

Herzilien Wien

Wollzeile 17

1010, Vienna

Tel. +43 676 6577106

www.herzilein-wien.at

www.wollzeile.com/herzilein-wien

info@herzilein-wien.at

Opening Times:

Mo-Fr	10:00-18:30
Sat	10:00-17:00

Best of Mani/Pedi

After trying numerous places for my broken feet and child weary fingers, a dear friend, Jackie found the right artist! Her name is Catherine and she, too speaks fluent English and fantastic. Call her directly on her cell to make an appointment. She part times at the Opera and is an actress and a delight. She talks if you want to and doesn't when you don't.

My feet are perpetually cracked (as am I) and she does a paraffin wax that miraculously heals all breaks for a month. And if you're into red, she has the perfect red for your toes.

The best part of it all, is that she takes appointments after 6:30 p.m. in the evening so ask your husband to come home early one night and go indulge. It's in the Hotel Herrnhoff which is right next to Cafe Central. I like to "dry off" with a book and a coffee and take the long walk home. Vienna at night is enchanting.

Smiles,

Ruchika

Caroline Krammer

0664 40 88 279 o

Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof

Herrengasse 10

1010 Wien

Austria

Phone +43 1 53404-0

Fax +43 1 53404-155

Best of Eyebrow Shape and Wax

I have tried the Sacher Spa, the corner Spa - Gesund and Schon, and countless others and either I end up looking like a hooker with thin lines of black coke across my forehead or like a furry beaver has thrown up on me.

This until I found Dani. Now, when you see me, you may disagree, but I think she rocks. And she charges 5 Euros for a half an hour of gentle care. Very few people take such pride in their work and she does.

Her English is flawless - she lived in NYC so feel free to unleash your best big and bright HELLO. She is totally accommodating and will even take you at night after your husband gets home.

By the way, I also hear she gives great facials, but I have sensitive skin and don't indulge. And if you're looking for a pretty gift certificate to get that doesn't break the budget she has nice ones to give.

Enjoy!

Dani Kosmetik
Mozartgasse 7
1040, Wien

+43 1 5054410

Best of Vienna

Dear Friends,

I've decided to start a blog on the Best of Vienna, especially for mommies who are on the lookout for "the Best Of" for themselves and their families.

We want to make the most of our time here and make memories to last a lifetime!

Smiles,
Ruchika