Bedbug Debacle

Welcome to your new apartment! You have bedbugs!

Yes it's true. I have come face to exoskeleton with one of New York City's best known critters - Cimex lectularius, or as it's more commonly known, the bedbug. Deny it as I did, pretending like it was just mosquito bites littering my body and lauding my impeccable cleanliness habits, they came, they bit, they got themselves exterminated.

Thankfully I have a cooperative landlord who knows a thing or two about responsibility (because yes, landlords in New York City are responsible for the eradication of bedbugs in apartment buildings with more than three units) who immediately put me in touch with an exterminator who did a preliminary spray that day and came three days later (after I did loads and loads and loads and loads and well, you get the picture, of laundry and scrubbing) to essentially soak my bedroom in pesticide. It was a very excruciating process and I wish it on no one, but if it happens to you here's my advice:

1) Don't deny it. If you see clusters or lines of bites anywhere on your body, if you see blood or "ink" stains anywhere and especially if you see a bug, check your mattress, box spring, dust ruffle (that's where I found a party going on) and even check behind any pictures on the walls next to your bed. The longer you put off eradication, the larger the problem will get. If you catch a specimen, keep it. I used a lint roller. Also, take a picture.

2) Immediately notify your landlord who should put you in contact with a licensed exterminator. It is illegal to spray pesticides without a license so make sure your landlord is responsible and not up to any funny business. Do this both on the phone (more immediate) and in writing (certified mail with return receipt just to protect yourself).

3) Wash ALL fabric in your room in hot water and dry on high for at least an hour. The heat is what kills the bugs. All fabric means sheets, clothes, curtains, comforters, blankets, pillows, mattress covers, etc. etc. Anywhere bugs can hide. After washing, bag all clean clothes in sealed bags (trashbags work) and remove them from the infested room.

4) Buy bed-bug protecting cloth covers for your mattress, box spring and pillows. Make sure you purchase cloth covers because bedbugs can eat through the vinyl or plastic. Yes, I know they are expensive, but you are protecting your investment. Make sure to put on the covers immediately. This will prevent any bugs on the inside from getting out and will kill them eventually and will prevent any new bugs from hopping aboard.

5) When the exterminator comes, make sure all pictures are removed from the wall and that your bed is not touching the wall or any other furniture.

6) Keep your fingers crossed that the exterminators got all the little suckers, but if you see any more, call them and make sure they get back asap to do more spraying. Many times the original spraying will not kill eggs already laid and they will hatch. One more spray should be sufficient to solve your problem. Even the environmentalist I am says to make sure you do this, because there is no getting rid of bedbugs without chemicals.

Again, I hope you never have to deal with this, but if you do, shoot me your questions and I'll try to answer to the best of my ability or find someone who can.







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High After In the Heights

I'll admit it. I'm a musical junkie. Always have been and now that I live and work here, my addiction has only grown hungrier.

On my way to the gym yesterday after work, I walked by the In the Heights theater and saw that the lottery raffle was back on. I haven't seen many people out there in the last couple of months. Last summer I waited six different times for that lottery and didn't win until the last time, when of course they called my name first. It was my first major production since moving here and I loved every minute of it. It's not hard to love when sitting in the front row being absorbed into the incredible dance choreography and hearing pre-microphone voices from 10 feet away.

So back to yesterday - in my much adopted typical New York fashion, I'm walking down the block, cell phone in one hand, gym bag slung around the shoulder and of course sunglasses hiding my computer-tired eyes, I stop to fill out the little slip of paper for two tickets. Why not? I had 30 minutes to spare reading my latest book ("Around the World in 80 Days" - very entertaining if you've never tried it). I didn't have anyone in mind for the second ticket at the time, but I figured if I won a) it would be a waste to let the second ticket go to waste and b) I know people here now who want to go to these things with me.

Flashback to last summer again. Each time I entered, at least 60 other people were there to enter as well. The show only raffles off between 20-26 tickets each night, so your odds aren't that wonderful. However, last night, for some reason, there were only 22 people present for the lottery. We all got tickets!

I sat on orchestra left last night and got a different view of the stage from last fall. Half the cast has changed over, and with the exception of the character Vanessa (she was lost and definitely not as passionate as the others), I thought they were all wonderful.

Here's a piece of advice, go get lottery tickets now for In the Heights if you want to see this wonderful show, before all the summer tourists get here that is.

Drawings take place: Tuesday - opens 4:30 with drawing at 5:00. Wednesday-Friday - opens 5:30 with drawing at 6:00. Weekends, check with the box office. Tickets are all front row for $26.50 cash.

Go see it!! You'll be singing the songs all the way home!!








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Different Coats for Different Folks

If there is one thing I've noticed about New Yorkers in the winter, it's that nobody wears coats. Sure people are covered up; except for the Naked Cowboy prancing around in his briefs, I don't see much bare pale skin from people these days. I'm not talking about those light-weight wool trendy coats or the leather bombers or even the gargantuan furs overwhelming the shoulders of little old ladies everywhere. I'm talking about the Goose down, microfiber, L.L. Bean, made-for-negative-20-degrees coats.

Travel up to Boston or Providence or even Albany, and you will find the Columbias, Northfaces and Lands Ends that New Yorkers see in adds on the street, but never actually buy unless taking a ski trip to the Adirondacks. It's a style thing.

I own what I call my marshmallow coat. It's white and fluffy, made from synthetic down (supposedly warmer than the real thing), has a hood that pulls so tight I can make it so that only my nose peeks out (not 100% practical, but good for the wind or when I want to be in disguise), and the best part is that while it covers everything from my keppi to my kishkas, I can wear a tank top underneath and still be toasty in that coat. I'll be the first to admit it's not very stylish. It wouldn't go well with a pair of Tory Burch skimmers and it would stand-up a D&G hobo. It certainly would clash with a Fredrik Fekkai styled do and a Chanel face. Needless to say, you won't see Isla Fischer wearing my coat in her recently released Confessions of a Shopaholic.

This coat was my constant companion in Boston. But, how many times have I worn that coat this winter? Twice.

I understand that New York's climate is slightly milder than what I left in Boston, however, there have been days (re: this morning) when I wish I would have dragged my 10 lb. monster coat out of hiding and taken up double space on the subway despite how crowded it is. Then there's the hauling. When I already walk around with my gym bag over one shoulder, my purse on the other, my left hand balancing my lunch and my right hand doing the Metrocard swiping, I'd need to be an octopus to handle much more. My pedestrial lifestyle prohibits marshmallow coat wearing.

Even though I'd prefer not to think the style thing affects me, this is the fashion capital of the country and I'd be lying if I said that it doesn't. Not that I can afford the Tory Burch skimmers or the Chanel face, but working and living in this city, you almost work harder to present a better image of yourself.

New Yorkers do find other ways to keep warm - whether drinking/holding five cups of Starbucks a day, standing over subway grates to feel the warm breeze engulf their feet, ducking into walk-through stores as shortcuts between streets, and my personal favorite, making sure to walk by and linger under hotel entrances with heat lamps. Who needs a marshmallow coat when you've got all this?

I'll keep mine though, you know, in case I go back to Boston, Providence, Albany...







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Gilty Pleasure

In New York, it's all about fashion. Even when you think no one is watching, someone is and someone has an opinion. Like it or not, that's the way it is, so you better play along right? Well, I think there's no better way to begin than to join this fabulous site I discovered recently.

Gilt Groupe is a New York based company that sells designer clothes, shoes, jewelery and home wares for ridiculously marked down prices. The good news for you, my out of town readers, is that it's free to join and anyone can do it.

What makes Gilt Groupe unusual is that it does not have a constant stream of the same merchandise. Everyday at noon a new sale or couple of sales begin and things sell out very quickly. So, if you are not someone who checks email/Internet consistently, this is not for you. However, if you manage to snag some loot, you will be handsomely rewarded. For example, check out the photos below to see what I practically stole this morning:





First the sweater from Design History - I bought it for $34 and it was originally $172. Next, the skirt from IISLI was originally $228 and I got it for $34. Last, my favorite new yellow silk party shirt from Alice + Olivia was only $38 down from $220. You just can't find these deals in stores people, ANYWHERE in New York.

The site has both men's and women's sales as well as children's, so it truly is for everyone. They offer member benefits as well, so click here to get started.

Happy Shopping!







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Leaving the New York Bubble

If you really want to observe how New York has had an impact on your life, leave it.

I don't merely mean take the Q to Brooklyn or the LIRR to Montauk, but escape the New York bubble. To do that, you usually need to get on a plane, or a long train ride, or an even longer bus ride or an even even longer car ride.

I did not realize how important this step is in the whole "moving to New York from someplace out of New York" process, by my recent 5-day trip to Denver made me understand the city from a more enlightened perspective.

I have only lived here for about six months -- half a year if you want to think about it that way. Long enough to feel established and grow some short roots but short enough to still completely flounder at the awe of the city's magnanimosity, my time here has convinced my lifestyle that it needs to adapt in ways my brain didn't even acknowledge.

Exhibit A: Denver International Airport (DIA) uses an underground tram system to connect the three concourses with the main terminal and baggage claim. Within five minutes of disembarking the plane on Mile-High soil, I found myself face to face with a tram about as crowded as the R train on a Tuesday night at 9:45 p.m. (before most of the major shows let out but early enough so those leaving the comedy performances and the earlier plays care pining to get home). There was definitely room. But I was not going to succumb to the stubbornness of the weary travelers who would rather have their two feet of circum-personal space than let me on. Without a thought (all of this analysis came after), I pushed on, found a grab bar and awaited my baggage claim stop. Then came the thinking -- "Wow, that was really New York of me!"

Exhibit B: I dare any New Yorker to step into a suburban supermarket (not just a grocery store or a market but a SUPERmarket) and not feel envious. Even if all you eat are frozen Hungry Man dinners of mashed potatoes and Salisbury steak and don't care about the selection of fresh, pure produce, you would still feel jealous of the significantly lower prices. Aisle after aisle, frozen food freezer after deli counter, prepared food bar after produce racks (complete with those misters which make a "thunder" noise before turning on), cheese cooler after organic food section, sample table after fresh fish department, I stood enamored at what I was missing out on. Sure there is Whole Foods, the cult market of Manhattan, but have you seen the inflated prices there? Just to satisfy my urge for suburban SUPERmarket greatness in New York, I bought a box of scrumptious, juicy blueberries for $1 and two California avocadoes (the only true avocado) also for $1 each. Call it gluttony if you want, but I love my fresh produce.

Lastly, Exhibit C: Since moving to Manhattan, I've developed my already keen sense of direction to one in which I think of almost everything in terms of North, South, East and West. With a grid system like ours, it's so easy to find your way around; except when you go below Houston, I'm a little rickety. However, when you take away the grid, the park, the water, boy, I have no idea which way is up. At DIA, I finally figured out which side of the terminal I should tell my Aunt to pick me up by figuring out that I could not see the Rocky Mountains in any direction so I must be facing east. If you haven't figured it out, I use landmarks a lot. Perhaps a few more months of internal compass training in New York should do the trick of fine tuning my sense of direction enough not to get me lost in other parts of the world.

[Random NY fact: Manhattan doesn't exactly run due north to due south. The island is slightly slanted to the East. So when you walk up 5th Avenue, you actually head northeast instead of due north like you would think. Ssssh! Don't tell anyone though or you might be the enemy of many pedestrians. New Yorkers have adapted faithful directions to fit their needs.]

So get out New Yorkers, out I say! Then come back. Don't forget to share your renewed perspectives with me. Remember, you can only really appreciate what you have until you see both what you and others are missing out on.








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The Best Way to Travel to Travel?

So I'm leaving New York tomorrow for the first time since I moved here (well, if you don't count trips to Long Island leaving New York). It's kind of a big deal. I've been so absorbed in the riches and rigors of the city that the thought of leaving is a little disheartening. If I'm at the center of the universe, what could happen when I leave?

Then I think, well, it's only 5 days. I think Manhattan will go on without me. Surely I will go on without it as I am traveling tomorrow morning from JFK to the mile-high city of Denver, CO where the weather is said to be warmer than the balmy negative digits New Yorkers are sure to experience this weekend. But what I am most looking forward to is the presence of oxygenated air. Sure the atmosphere is thinner, but I guarantee that the proportion of O2 is still greater there than it is here with all the taxi fumes and cigarette smoke. Oh, New York.

But back on topic, I am somewhat puzzled at the matter of how a girl gets to the airport in this city. Bus? Cab? Walk? Train? Blimp? Tram? Space Shuttle? For someone who has gotten used to rapid public transit, I am dumbfounded as to how to make my way to a place further than a 20 minute subway ride away.

Looking at MTA map, I can take the subway to Penn Station, take the LIRR to Jamaica where I can then get on the AirTrain Bus...too many modes of transportation for me. I could also take the subway to Port Authority and pay $18 to get on a bus to JFK - definitely a cheaper option which cuts out some time.

Then again, my flight leaves at 8:30, the wind chill tomorrow is said to be at around 1* and it's going to be snowing. Maybe I'll just make it easy on myself and hop on a cab. Next time I'll be more adventurous.

Any tips for next time would be much appreciated.

A Touch of Union Square Class

High tea has been a Mom-n-Me tradition as far back as I remember. It's not a snooty thing like you might think, although my mom used to dress me up like a "society lady" when I was six years old, with a hat and everything. (I think it was a guilty pleasure).

So on my mom's recent holiday NYC visit, we decided to continue the tradition and have tea, metropolitan style. I searched Google for the best and most unique tea houses in the country. My search took me from the elite hotels to the smallest of boutiques, but we settled on Lady Mendl's Tea Salon located off of Union Square inside the Inn at Irving Place.

It was a brisk Monday afternoon (yes, I played hookie from work), and we were delighted to enter the warm reception area of the Inn with a fire crackling, mistletoe hanging and the most charming employees I've met in New York. They took our coats, welcomed us to tea and gave us a choice of tables, by the fireplace or the window. Like you even had to ask my mom, the window was our destination.

Our friendly and attentive server brought the first course, a mixed greens salad. Interesting, since salad isn't traditionally served at high tea, but I went with it. The slight tang in the dressing was refreshing after a full day of walking around. After the salad, we ordered our tea (and the Champagne to ring in the New Year of course). If you are in the mood for something light but extremely flavorful, I'd recommend the White Peony. Of course you can't resist mixing in the sugar cubes hand-decorated with candy roses.

Next came the finger sandwiches. I used to love these as a little girl because the crusts were cut off and if I didn't like something, I only wasted a little bit instead of a whole sandwich. Plus, there's the whole nice idea of not having to make decisions when you can try everything! The menu at Lady Mendl's stayed traditional with egg salad and cucumber rounds, but added a seasonal twist with the turkey and cranberry (a personal favorite combination) triangles and a little kick with the goat cheese circles. The best part - they offered seconds!

Then the scones came. Fresh baked plain and cranberry goodness with the usually jam and clotted cream accompaniments. Those were gone within minutes.

After two pots of steaming tea (at this point, I too was glad we were sitting by the window) they brought out slices of cake. Again, unusual since high-tea desserts usually follow the pattern of the sandwiches are are little, meant to be eaten in a bite or two. My mom tried the vanilla and I tried the chocolate, and although I usually prefer the rich taste of cacao bean and sugar, I must say my mom made the better choice. Her's was more textured like Phyllo dough, while mine was a tad dry and sticky. Her's also came with fresh berries while mine only came with coulis. Fresh berries are always better than coulis.

Right when we thought we'd sipped our last sip of tea, our ever so pleasant waiter (did I mention that all of the service staff were male while all of the patrons were female?...Nice for a change) brought the final course - the finger desserts I'd originally thought went missing. But alas, they were present in the meal, chocolate covered strawberries and all.

The whole experience was wonderful and relaxing. With 20 different flavors of tea and five lovely courses of food, Lady Mendl's is a classy refuge away from the snow and the taxi fumes that tend to mess with your head when you are outside for too long. Slightly pricey ($35 per person plus $10 for Champagne), the experience would be fun for a celebration or to entertain out-of-town guests. Although, I wouldn't be adverse to going for no particular reason either.








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Nespresso Me Happy

I've been meaning to visit Nespresso since September. I've had a free cappuccino coupon sitting in my pantry and, for goodness’ sake, I live within walking distance.

So today I did it. I took out the coupon and walked down to the Nespresso Boutique Bar (on Madison Ave. between 65th and 66th) to meet a friend. Upon entrance you are intrigued by the decor of little espresso "pods" in unique colors covering the walls, invited by the sweet smell of brewing espresso and welcomed by friendly servers dressed in gold and black. You will feel very "New York" when you sit down in posh silver chairs and glance through their menu of 12 flavors of espressos made into several frothy, iced or no-frills drinks.

I ordered the cappuccino, which was brought to the table with a long sugar sleeve and a small square of dark chocolate. My friend got the same, plus two mini-pastries, the smallest croissant I’ve ever seen and a lemony Madeline. This place doesn’t necessarily fall into the “cheap Manhattan” theme of things to do, with the cappuccino at $5 and the mini-pastries at $6 for two, but time-wise, you can spend several blissful hours there and dole out less than $15.

Obtaining the bill proved to be a bit difficult since our original waitress disappeared without notice, but overall the experience proved a good intellectual setting great for conversation, could satisfy a sweets or caffeine craving and was a different (slightly verging on elitist) change of venue from the hundreds of Starbucks scattered throughout the island. For those in Lower Manhattan, there is another location in Soho for your convenience.







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A Walrus of an Aquarium

Seals, penguins and jellyfish - how could you go wrong? I decided to start my new year right with a little marine love and trekked to Coney Island to visit the New York Aquarium.

Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit that city's aquarium, if there is one. It's often the best way to gauge how well a city can incorporate nature into an urban environment. Having a degree in environmental science, I am always impressed when an aquarium can meld these two antitheses of worlds.

Upon arriving at Coney Island (yes, there is an extra special benefit of going to the aquarium that you get to walk around Coney Island afterward) after an hour and a half ride on the Q train (that's the downfall), I flashed my Bank of America card to get free admission. (After a careful look back I cannot find a previous blog on this so pardon the aside: If you are a Bank of America card holder you can gain free admission to many popular museums throughout the country on the first weekend of every month. Check out this link to find out which you'd like to get into for free).

Many people might not know this, but the NY Aquarium is open 365 days a year. Just make sure you visit on a fair-weather day because the exhibits are spread out through several buildings and you must wander outside to make your way from the sharks to the jellyfish. Plus, who wants to sit through the sea lion show in the rain?

Saturday was a perfectly crisp, clear day, perfect for viewing the marine creatures of the sea. After viewing the main tank near the entrance, we made our way through to the viewing windows of the seals, otters and the year and a half old baby walrus. If you ever want to feel skinny, go visit the walrus. That thing has more jiggling blubber than anything I've ever seen, but he was really fun to watch frolic through his tank. Next up was the shark building. Often in New York, we forget about the Earth's original predators as we most often fall victim to anthropomorphic enemies like traffic accidents, construction hazards and general city pollution. Watching the sharks in their tank and silently shuttering at the sight of their razor, predator teeth brought me humbly back to "human" land, if only for the afternoon.

I gazed at the delicate, almost ghost-like jellyfish, read about fish that change from male to female and back again (very fitting for this city), and of course sat through the sea-lion show. Even though Osborne the sea-lion was the only creature to make an appearance, the show did not lack in hilarity or amazing-ness. I was one of those children who always pictured myself as a dolphin trainer at Sea World when I grew up. That never materialized, but I can never turn down a couple of good marine mammal tricks.

All and all, I would recommend you visit. Take an afternoon away from the city and take a trip to the sea. Oh, and if you want a sea-lion kiss at the show, sit in the front row.







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