New2NY

Bedbug Debacle

2009-07-29T16:32:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-01T10:19:00.006-04:00

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

2009-02-20T09:14:00.006-05:00

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

2009-01-22T13:55:00.007-05:00

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

2009-01-21T16:41:00.005-05:00

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?

2009-01-14T16:03:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-07T15:45:00.006-05:00

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

2009-01-04T20:02:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-04T19:02:00.004-05:00

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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The New Year's Party Shuffle

2008-12-30T16:47:00.005-05:00

New year's eve and New York City - they go together quintessentially.

So for my first New year's eve in the quintessential New year's eve city (minus the time I 3 years ago when I was in town for less than 48 hours but happened to fit in Times Square and the "ball"...never again), I decided that I wanted to have a bit of fun. I'm not a big party girl and the quieter house party/dinner party usually appeals to me more, but the idea of getting dressed up, dancing til dawn and clinking champagne glasses with strangers is oh so New York. And this is a blog about New York.

I rounded up some friends all with the same intents, we did some research online, found a couple of clubs/lounges with open bar specials. Found a few more. Found a couple hundred more. Found VIP speacials. Found Ultra VIP specials. Found restaurants. Clubs. Bars. Speakeasys. Well, scratch the speakeasys.

If you've conducted this search, you are sure to have ended up in the same conundrum. How is one to pick a locale to bring in the new year when New York City offers so many venues? Here's what I learned.

1) Go to the source. New Year's Eve Central is the main coordinator behind hundreds of major parties throughout the city. They essentially rent the restaurants/clubs/bars/lounges and throw their own parties. If you look through their Website, the descriptions of the parties are pretty much the same with the exception of the ticket prices and appetizer selections. Often, you can find tickets to these same parties through various other sources, but they will try to lure you with a deal and ultimately rip you off (like they tried to do to me) or just charge more in the first place. Definitely shop around before purchasing.

2) Decide on the type of party environment you would like before beginning your search. With hundreds of venues to choose from, it is easy to get lost in the selection process. If the large club scene is your style, most of the major dance floors in the city will be ringing with tunes of international DJs. However, if a quieter lounge environment would better suit your needs, there are also several options. There are bar frat parties, "green" parties, ethnic parties, classy parties, boat parties (I'm saving up for next year), even rooftop parties (although with the chilly forecast for tomorrow night, I wouldn't want to be at one of those). You get the picture - if you decide before getting lost in the Websites, it will be much easier for you in the end.

3) Book early. Many of the more popular venues will sell out - quickly. Book at least 2-3 weeks before the big day to avoid sell-outs and increasing ticket prices.

4) Book together. If going out in a group, have one person purchase all of the tickets to cut down on fees. NYE Central charges $4.95 per order to pick up tickets, and at least $9.95 per order to ship the tickets. The more tickets per order, the less in fees everyone pays.

5) Eat beforehand. Most of the parties, with the exception of restaurants, will not be serving substantial food. They list appetizers, but chances are the passed trays will be empty before they reach you. With all that "premium open bar," you don't want to get sick on New year's.

6) Have fun! You paid for it and you worked hard this year, so enjoy! Just be safe in the process.

Happy New Year's everyone!

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Recruiting Friars

2008-12-24T09:18:00.005-05:00

You have to love Subway ads.

If you ride the Subway often, I'm sure you've seen the multi-lingual lawyer and "Save our Schools!" banner ads that ring the ceilings of train cars. If you've ridden the Shuttle between Times Square and Grand Central, I'm sure you've seen how TV Shows like MadMen and Shrek the Musical have decked out entire cars - from the ceilings to the seats, even to the floors. Anybody been lucky to see an ad from Dr. Zizmor, the amazing dermatologist who speaks five languages, can cure anything relating to your epidermis and has several financing options? (hint: you can spot the thing because it uses more than 10 different font families - to clarify graphic design speak, it is a mess).

I thought I'd seen most of the good ones. Until this morning and this is what I saw:

It took me a minute to figure out that this wasn't just an ad for a church, but is was an ad to become a monk! Do people who become monks usually do so because of an ad they saw on the Subway? Isn't there supposed to be some sort of calling that makes someone commit to this sort of life choice? Can you actually picture someone sitting on a rickety cracked orange seat in the Subway thinking, "I hate my job. Maybe I should be a monk?" Is the church really so down on its luck that it has to resort to posting recruiting ads on public transportation like the Army or Americorps?

I frankly don't know the answers to any of these questions, but the whole experience of seeing this ad this morning made me laugh inside, so much so that I had to check out the Website and tell you about it.

So who can be a Franciscan Friar (as they call themselves) you ask? I found out:

between 22 and 38 years of age
in good physical and mental health
a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
open to learning about and living a Franciscan religious life in the 21st century
committed to living the vows of celibate chastity, poverty and obedience
prayerful with a desire to mature in the spiritual life
seeking to live and serve in fraternal communities
a practicing Roman Catholic for at least 3 years
free of significant financial and family obligations
a high school graduate, or, if you wish to minister as a priest, completion of at least two years of college

It seems pretty consistent with what I've heard about monks previously, except the part about only being a Roman Catholic for 3 years. I mean, if you are going to be preaching about Catholicism and living that way of life with other Catholics, don't you think they'd want you to know a bit more about your religion than from what you could learn in 3 years. It's taken me 21.5 years to learn what it is to be Jewish, and I still don't really know what that is. Last thing, anyone notice how none of the qualifications explicitly say that you have to be male? You might think that is inherent, but it is New York you know.

Anyway, that was the morning bit of randomness. And hey, if you're reading this and maybe you do hate your job, you can always be a Franciscan Friar.

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Tourist Time

2008-12-22T23:41:00.009-05:00

Friends and family headed your way for the holidays and you have no clue where to entertain them? Here are my choices for the best ways to manipulate your loved ones into thinking you're hip and in the know about your city:

1) Max Brenners: Chocolate by the Bald Man

Who doesn't love chocolate? (Wait, think carefully before answering that question because if you can think of a name, you probably shouldn't be acquainted with them). You walk into Max Brenner's (2 locations: Union Square at 13th and Broadway and East Village 2nd Ave at 9th Street) and it's like walking into Willy Wonka's chocolate wonderland - at least that's what they want you to feel like. From the sample chocolate nice helpers treat you to upon entering (don't be too greedy though - you only get one and they remember your face) - to the 25 flavors of hot chocolate to the pipes of chocolate flowing throughout the ceiling, this place is heaven. I can't get enough of the Swiss Whipped Hot Chocolat ($5.25) and a good treat to split is the Tutti-Fruitti Waffles ($13.95) (you can feel better about yourself because you are eating fruit, albeit covered in to-die-for chocolate sauce). Be aware that the wait is usually lengthy, but the experience is all too worth it. Go in the morning, just before the lunch crowd hits.

2) Strand Book Store

Just a block away from Max Brenner's you will find the flagship location of Strand Book Store. I love this book store because you can find everything you would find at the big chain stores, but so much more. I am a big fan of the old and rare books section. I once found a 1942 copy of Thoreau's "Walden" for $6. In addition to books, you can also purchase one of their trademark tote bags or t-shirts with their slogan "18 Miles of Books." Be sure not to go in with any other large backpacks or shopping bags though or you will have to go through a lengthy check-in/check-out process.

3) MoMa Store

Forget the actual museum when you can visit one of the neatest shops in the city. Find gifts for almost anyone you need from a solar-powered laptop charging backpack to a chair and coffee table made completely out of cardboard. Of course they have more reasonable items with equally as much interest like a bracelet in the shape of a double helix (a great conversation starter) or neon stemware. Anyone can enter the store, but you must have a ticket to enter the museum - unless you go on a Friday night, then it's gratis. I would definitely recommend checking out the museum as well - make sure to see the Van Gogh exhibit before it closes Jan. 5. I don't want to knock one of the greatest contemporary art establishments in the city/country, but the store deserves the recognition here. I mean, all the touristy books list the museum. For ideas on what they have, go to momastore.org.

4) Top of the Rock

The Empire State Building usually gets all the acclaim for its spectacular views and old frills and glitz. However, to opt for a slightly different view of the city, purchase your ticket to the top of the GE building in Rockefeller center. You get both history and breathtaking views in this experience as the walls of the waiting rooms are covered in Rockefeller history. For example, did you know that John D. Rockefeller was a lifelong teetotaler? (I'll save you the trouble of looking that up on dictionary.com and tell you that's a person who doesn't drink alcohol). The extra benefit about visiting the Top of the Rock, besides the psychedelic lighted room at the top (go and you'll know what I'm talking about), is that you actually get to have the Empire State Building IN your panoramic photos, which I thought was cool. Fight the cold weather and go at night to really experience the lights of the city.

5) Serendipity

Known for its role in the cheesy 90's flick of the same name, Serendipity is the home of the self-proclaimed best frozen hot chocolate and of course ice cream sundae in Manhattan. The frills and decorations make this restaurant with a menu full of comfort foods a little girls dream, but all other members of your party will love it as well. Make reservations in advance or expect to wait at least 45 minutes. Luckily, you have Dylan's Candy Bar just down the way to pass some time while you wait.

I'm sure there are more, but these are my top 5. Have fun exploring the city and let me know if you find any others worthy of adding to the list.

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More Cheap Theater

2008-12-05T16:59:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I FINALLY got to see Spring Awakening - a musical that takes place in 1890's Germany about repressed adolescents figuring out life, sex, themselves (the original play was banned so you know it's scandalous) on Tuesday night. I found the story a bit predictable and depressing, but the music was excellent and the passion within each of the actors was surely intense - that made for a good show.

Here's the great part (and probably why I enjoyed the show so much), for $40 you can sit on-stage. I don't mean off to the side somewhere where you can barely see the show, but I mean on the stage, with the actors - you can hear their voices from their mouths as opposed to just a mix out of the speakers. This is sometimes a drawback because you miss some words when the music gets really loud, but on the whole, it was an amazing experience that I'd highly recommend. Plus, you pay so much less than all those clamoring for front row seats.

You can buy these tickets online by choosing "on-stage seating" or by going to the box office day of. But hurry! The show closes January 18th!

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Too Broke for Theater? No such thing!

2008-12-02T17:23:00.005-05:00

Although I discovered the Roundabout Theatre's HipTix mailing list a few months ago, I only recently realize how amazing it is and I feel it's time to share.

The Roundabout Theatre Company is actually based down the street from my office on 46th Street. Over the years they have produced shows like Cabaret and an original reading of Spring Awakening (which I am going to see finally tonight!), and now they are promoting Pal Joey with Stockard Channing and have some more coming out with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the Spring. Most of their tickets sell for regular prices ($74 and up), HOWEVER (this is a BIG "however" - notice the caps), if you are between the ages of 18-35, you can get tickets to ANY of their shows for only $20! Only $20! That's awesome! Also, they will have periodic promotions to get $10 tickets, sometimes with free after parties.

I went to see the play currently showing in their Black Box Theater on Sunday night called The Language of Trees about a family where the father is captured in Iraq in 2003 as a translator for the war. I thought it was good. The staging was excellent...almost a diagonal stage. There were a lot of underlying themes about different generational bridges in communication which I found fascinating. My dad was in town so I bought him (well, he ended up buying me...) a $10 ticket. Too good to be true right? Well, sort of. It turns out that not only do you have to be under 35 to buy the tickets, but also under 35 to USE the tickets. They let my dad and me pass this time, but they said it can't happen again. Oh well, at least I can still go :)

I'm going to see Streamers with some colleagues for only $15 in a few weeks. I'm telling you, if you like theater and have no money (or have money but are cheap and under 35) you should sign up for this mailing list.

http://www.hiptix.com/

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No Time Wasted is More Time Celebrated

2008-11-28T00:36:00.005-05:00

If there's one thing I love to hate about New York is that New Yorkers do not waste any time. It's practically a mantra around here.

Emerging from the Subway station near my apartment on the way home from my Thanksgiving meal tonight - the sidewalks were quiet and crisp and you could hear faint grumbles of the tryptophan working its way through stuffed Manhattanites - I found my usually empty sidewalk decorated with holiday lights, garland and rows and rows of Christmas trees.

Welps boys, turkey's barely digested, dishes aren't done yet, hey, some people still have Jack-o-Lanterns out, but we are going to start selling the pine and Douglas fir! Maybe if we start early enough and overcharge a bit, we might actually break even this year!

Even though these Christmas tree sellers are part of the majority I despise for making time run faster year after year, and even through they have set up shop on a public sidewalk, you have to applaud them for their efforts. And I guess I won't mind the fresh pine smell wafting through the grimy Subway station morning after morning and evening after evening - that is, until the evening of December 25 comes and we can go out and buy our Valentine's chocolates.

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Play Nice with Tourists, It's Better for Your Bank Account

2008-11-24T17:33:00.003-05:00

It’s that time of year again – holiday season. The city overflows with tourists meandering through the wind-tunnels of streets, eyes focused everywhere but the sidewalk. Subways fill with map-laden passengers who don’t know how to properly squeeze and make room for others during the Monday morning rush.

Fortunately for me, I always escaped the Thanksgiving rush in Boston, leaving for the suburbs just before everyone would arrive to the largest city closest to the Pilgrim’s landing point. Thus, now living in NYC, this is my first experience with a tourist holiday in a tourist city.

With the state of the economy, I wishfully expected a slight lull in holiday traveling. But, oh no, people will never stop coming to worship the neon of Times Square and the golden Atlas of Rockefeller Plaza. I spoke with a man named Nain (pronounced nay-en), who owns and manages the café downstairs from where I work. He told me that if anything, the number of tourists has increased. The sad difference for him though – they are not spending as much money.

Well, traveling on a budget has always been big. You can’t take the curiosity out of adventurous travelers, but you can take the money out of their wallets. So we have the current dilemma of all these tourists running wild down the streets and subways of Manhattan, but less of an economic benefit. At least when they were spending hoards of money on black and white cookies and Ray’s pizza, the locals would put up with the annoyance because of the massive inflows of money. Alas, now we must cope with these outsiders even though they are no longer funding our summer concert series or our mailmen.

But hey, it’s the holidays. Sometimes I think I’m too hard on tourists, knowing that I used to be one not that long ago. Also, I realize that they don’t even have to travel, but at least they are doing what they can. Some support is better than none especially for New York City – I’m sure those that lived here through 2001-2002 really know that.

So I’d like to put forth the thought that we should all be nice to tourists this holiday season, because everyone is suffering through the economic downturn, as we have come to call it, and the tourists, big cameras and all, are doing their best to help us out. Embrace those that walk through don’t-walk signs, love those that order enormously large corned beef sandwiches from overpriced delis, and thank those that may accidentally on-purpose steal your cab.

Happy almost Thanksgiving!

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Plugging in to Advertising

2008-11-20T17:12:00.001-05:00

New York City is like the Mecca of advertising. I cannot think of a single place in the world where you would be surrounded by more billboards, neon signs, placards, postcards, banners, commercials, signs, posters, brochures – I could go on.

Walking through Times Square, I am often in awe of the millions and billions of dollars in advertising expenditures surround me with every step. I don’t know who brokers that space, but they must be making a pretty penny. After all, what would Times Square be with out all the ads? But even with all the lights and the glitz, I can’t help but wonder: does there come a point when your surroundings are so saturated with advertising that none of them end up having their proper effect?

I’ve always said that advertising doesn’t affect me like it does most people. I will definitely admit that I love the gecko commercials for Geico and I’m quick to point out the recent upsurge of Vitamin Water product placement in “Gossip Girl,” but I’m not about to call up for some car insurance or buy a leader of Dragonfruit (although that is my favorite flavor).

However, despite my ability to distinguish advertising from entertainment, I was extremely intrigued by a subway ad today. You’ve seen them – posters lining the walls of every single meticulously tiled subway stop; some for Broadway shows, some for Spanish speaking lawyers and many for [name your favorite TV show]. But today I saw a new take on the traditional subway ad.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Christina Aguilera’s large spider-mascara-ed eyes flirting with me to buy her new album. (I didn’t even know she was making another comeback, although I did fancy her last one). But poster after same poster of Ms. Aguilera’s peepers, I see a man with his headphones plugged into her. Wha..wha..what? How could this be? Headphones into the wall?

Remember when we used to buy CD’s and before you knew what was on the CD – because you only knew the two singles on the radio and had no clue what downloading music off the Internet was – you would use the headphones on the wall in Virgin Records or Best Buy or those other places you used to buy CD’s? Well, this ad worked just like that except instead of targeting people browsing a music store looking for CD’s, it targeted anyone with extra time – namely subway riders, almost all of whom already have headphones in their ears.

I think this is ingenious! What a way to make an ad so interactive and have a captive audience at the same time! I’m not advocating that the new album is any good or that everyone should love Christina Aguilera, but if I were a recording artist, I would want her marketing manager on my case.

Leave it to NYC to create the latest and greatest advertising trends, but this is a keeper. I expect to see more of these ads around town, and who knows? Maybe you’ll find me plugged into one.

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Lost and Rarely Found

2008-11-18T17:01:00.003-05:00

Allow me to begin where I often do. Below the blacktop of Lexington Avenue, on the level of the rats and drip water, I took the subway to work this morning. Deeply absorbed in my light-hearted fiction novel (I’d highly recommend “The New Yorkers” to anyone who wants an escape and loves dogs), I was pressed between a pole and a hard backpack for several stops mindlessly enjoying my story when I hear something drop.

I’ve begun to be paranoid about losing possessions on the Subway these days. With so many people and so many trains, I always imagined it would be impossible to find lost items. So when I heard something drop and no one around me bent down to pick it up, I looked down and picked up a pair of sunglasses. Holding them up, I looked around to a sea full of blank I-would-never-be-so-irresponsible-as-to-lose-sunglasses-on-the-subway faces. No one claimed. “Maybe she already left,” a younger woman in a red tweed coat suggested, as if we were at a party and the lady had gone home early.

Now what was I supposed to do? I picked them up hoping to be the Good Samaritan who saved someone else from having to the bend-over surf in the subway – not an easy task. But now I was responsible for the sunglasses. “Is there a subway lost and found?” I asked with a half smile to indicate that I probably already knew the answer and, at the same time, that I cared about getting the glasses back to their proper owner.

So I did some research. A subway lost and found actually DOES exist in New York. The New York City Transit’s Lost and Found unit collects about 8,000 items each year, either by riders turning things in or by employees cleaning out trains. Initially when I saw this I was tempted to call the phone number and see what I could do. However, then I read on this NY Times blog that only about 18% of these items are actually claimed by their owners. Whether this is because the owners do not know there is a Lost and Found, or whether the owners even know they lost anything to begin with, I’m not sure. In the end, I decided there was nothing I could really do except maybe keep a pair of made in China black sunglasses with a gold stripe down the sides.

Now thinking about all the germs on the train floors, I should pry wash before wearing.

If you do ever lose something of real value on the Subway and think it might have been turned in, the New York City Transit's Lost and Found unit is open M, T, F, 8 AM – 4:00 PM and W, Th, 11 AM – 7:00 PM. The phone number is 212-712-4500.

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Fake Foyers

2008-11-14T16:42:00.002-05:00

Being from California, I’m still not “used” to this weather. My Mediterranean-climate trained blood will probably never be.

Maybe it’s because of this fact that I am fascinated and captivated by all these winter-doors popping up all over the city. Restaurants, hotels, even Starbucks have their own canvas igloos, welcoming in the weary to inviting hospitality. If you’ve walked around the city you’ve seen them. Plastic windows line the flimsy magnetic latching doors. Some even have glowing heaters to truly ease the transition from outside to inside, although they usually end up creating a higher temperature in the “halfway space” than what is inside.

I can’t recall these winter-doors in Boston – maybe they were just built in. Ever heard of a foyer? (Even after working in a real estate office for two years, I’m still not sure how to correctly pronounce that…foy-err or is it foy-ay. Linguists?) Where are all the foyers in Manhattan? Better yet, where do all the fake foyers, halfway spaces, really hot rooms, whatever you call them go in the summer? Why are they suddenly erected all at once?

I suppose these venues could merely be trying to save space with the price of a square foot in Manhattan these days. If an establishment set aside certain space inside for patrons to remove their coats and close their wet umbrellas, what good would that space be in the summer?

Being from California, I guess I still have a lot to learn about New York. Have a great weekend!

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Drinking Green

2008-11-12T17:12:00.002-05:00

I attended an event last night that was so much fun I have to share. The event was a monthly gathering of a group called Green Drinks at LQ Bar in midtown.

Basically, this networking/social group was founded several years ago by people who want to meet other ecologically-minded people in a social setting. It has grown so large that there are Green Drinks gatherings in cities all over the world. In fact, last night there were several hundred people in attendance.

Each gathering has different sponsors or presenters (just a quick talk, otherwise the event is mostly social). Last night NBC was there promoting their GreenWeek television series coming up and the people from CERC were promoting their programs as well.

They had green drink specials, which were literally…green. I tried a Melon Ball (Midori, vodka and pineapple juice) and my friend tried a Tykyu Martini (though it turned out more yellow than green). NBC even thought to bring along green cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery…they know me too well!

Networking was going down all over the place; so many people from so many different professions – lawyers, businesspeople, designers, planners, non-profiteers, young, old. The best part was that you could strike up a conversation with anyone without any dirty looks, though there were inevitably the awkward moments when I would just pass along my business card and head for another cupcake.

All in all, it was a great night. What else is going on Tuesday nights anyway? I’m looking forward to the holiday party on Dec. 7 I believe. Green Drinks meets the first Tuesday of every month at a different venue each time. Sign up for their mailing list to find out more. I hope to see you there soon!

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Bar-Hopping in the Boroughs

2008-11-11T17:21:00.001-05:00

Someone once told me that you are not a true New Yorker until you’ve visited all five boroughs. So over the weekend I trekked out to Brooklyn for a night on the town with a couple of my new New York friends.

Boyfriend in tow, I hopped on a 5 train heading south to Brooklyn. It actually only took about 25 minutes to get to our exit at Nevins Street. Of course it took the same amount of time to find our destination, a restaurant called Stan’s Place on Atlantic Avenue, only a few blocks away. The streets are nowhere near as organized in Brooklyn as they are in most of Manhattan. What is a newcomer supposed to do but amble on like a lost pony? So amble we did.

I couldn’t quite put my finger on our surroundings. It went from graffiti-ed steel grates on shops to quaint boutiques to elaborately decorated turn-of-the-century brownstones to high-schoolers chumming on the street to yuppies trying to find the latest new hang-out spot. It was such an eclectic mix. Very intriguing.

We finally find Stan’s place, after learning that we’d turned down the wrong street because we couldn’t find any street signs, only to learn that our friends were just finishing their dinner and wanted to take us to another bar. Turn after turn, I quickly lost track of north I thought I’d found, and soon enough, even our guides who had lived in Brooklyn for several years were misguided by the angled streets and missing street signs.

We squeezed in to a very crowded Brooklyn Inn, a quaint sort of bar with a very old-time rustic feel, complete with ornate, blue wood décor surrounding the large wall-to-wall windows. This was all I was able to sample, though, because our Brooklynite friends whisked us away in search of a little space.

We end up on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens. Again I found the mood of my surroundings a bit odd. Interspersed between closed shops, small groceries and a couple of delis were happening bars. Music would spew out and then end abruptly each time a door opened and closed. Dim candle lights could be seen through the darkened and decorated windows. Yet, hardly anyone was on the sidewalk.

When we walked into Camp, you would hardly know how empty it was outside. With walls covered in bark, deer heads hung high throughout the room, marshmallow roasting and drinks like the Dirty Girl Scout, this place took me straight to the great outdoors. I had a lot of fun watching various bar-goes play a hunting video game from my comfy log-cabin chair while sipping my CAMP signature martini (absolut vanilla and godiva white chocolate with, literally, a flaming marshmallow on a stick). Someone e

Getting home wasn’t too hard; only took about an hour to get back up to E. 94th Street. I’d consider that pretty good considering the fact that trains don’t come that often at 3 a.m.

So that was my adventure to Brooklyn. I’d say that I got quite the tour in one night. I’m on my way to becoming a “true New Yorker” and hitting the other three boroughs soon.

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Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!

2008-11-04T16:56:00.003-05:00

I grew up in awe of the number of pairs both my mom and my Nana amassed. I’ve always known the difference between patent leather and suede, pump and wedge, peep-toe and sandal. I watched Sex and the City. I always thought I understood the shoe thing.

Until last week.

When I started working, I had to put the Puma’s and flip-flops aside for more professional looking footwear. I already owned a couple pairs of “nicer” looking shoes - a solid black, solid brown and a couple in betweens. Even though none of my shoes were too high-heeled, the bit of extra height became cumbersome to me and I would find myself packing my flimsy little ballet flats in my bag to wear in case blisters decided to pay me a visit.

I’m on a limited budget, so the thought of spending hundreds of dollars on shoes gives me nightmares. Although, the thought of spending thousands of dollars on bunion surgery in 20 years also gives me the creeps.

So I came to the conclusion which my great grandma had always preached to my dad when he was young: Be frugal, but never skimp on doctors, dentists and shoes. The doctors and dentists thing makes sense, but I used to thing the shoes thing was more for vanity.

If you never walk, you buy shoes for pure aesthetic reasons. If you are carried everywhere, whisked around in a limousine, lifted into a piggy-back or if you by chance have wings (although that would be a whole other medical problem), you need comfortable shoes.

I moved to New York because I love walking and I hate driving. Southern California traffic raised me to loathe gasoline, abhor stoplights and fear parallel parking. I’m not ashamed to admit any of this and I’m sure I will most likely own a car someday when I live somewhere else, but right now I’m content. The trade off with this agreement is that I must walk or ride the Subway everywhere. By now I’m sure you’re familiar with my Subway exploits, but I’ve done my fair share of walking as well. Just this past weekend I walked back and forth across Central Park, from my apartment on 94th down to 50th and then back up to 58th.

So I decided to give in. With the financial support of my generous Nana (yes, the same one with at least 300 pairs of shoes, I counted once), I purchased a new pair of brown Bandolino boots. Chocolate brown, buttery soft leather, they are practically heaven for my feet, and the low heel allows them to be classy but comfortable. I also indulged in a pair of black, patent-leather, Franco Sarto pumps (they were on sale!) which are like paradise for my feet. Super shiny, even my boss commented (that’s saying a lot).

I do get the shoe thing, finally. Now I own heaven and paradise, and unless you fantasize about bunion surgery, I’d suggest you do the same.

PS: Go Vote!!

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Watch out for those Banana Peels

2008-11-02T23:46:00.005-05:00

Continuing onto part 2 of embarrassing me stories, right after I finished my last post I fell. Literally. On the sidewalk. Boom. Cement. Skinned knee.

I am definitely a klutz (not such a good trait in a big city with lots of sharp corners and broken glass). It's not like this happens all the time. In fact, I can't remember just falling on the sidewalk since probably elementary school at recess or something. But alas, I legitimately fell on the sidewalk and yelped out a very strong expletive - that's a new touch since my grade school days.

I feel like there comes a day when you practically aren't allowed to fall anymore. When you're young and wildly running everywhere, you fall, skin your knee, and are soon back up running around again. You have less distance to fall, so maybe it doesn't hurt as much, but you are practically expected to fall. My mother always had Bactine and Band-aids on hand just for that reason. But after a certain age, it's taboo to fall. You are supposed to have balance and poise and stand on your own two feet.

You only hear of an adult who falls with either balance issues or who ends up in the hospital with a broken hip. You don't hear of a healthy twenty-something falling on the sidewalk (well, maybe if they were in 3 inch heels - but I was wearing flats).

I'm sure you're wondering why I fell. Does she have balance issues?

This is where my New York theme comes in.

Back up 20 minutes. I was in a Whole Foods (NYC's most worshipped grocery store - it's like a really expensive cult) trying to pick up a light dinner before heading over to the Chelsea Recreation Center to do my SAT tutoring. My favorite thing about Whole Foods is that you can pick up some of their read-to-go food, eat it at the tables in the store and head out and be on your merry way.

It was a chilly afternoon, so I ladled some pumpkin spice bisque into a cup, grabbed a wedge of cornbread and headed for the cashier. I inquired where the seating area was.

"Oh, we don't have tables, but you can grab a spoon and a napkin on your way out."

Literally, it was thirty something degrees out, I had 15 minutes to eat, there was absolutely no space to slurp (even the wee bit of counter-space available was taken up by fall floral arrangements), and the cashier expected me to walk down the street with my free spoon to eat my soup? They really should advertise that fact before you enter the ready-made food section. It's deceiving.

With no other option, I zip up and trekked outside in the chilly wind with the idea of eating my soup in the tutoring room hurriedly before the kids came. Yada, yada, yada, so I fall. Possibly because I was so focused on the soup that I didn't watch my feet, partially because I'm a born klutz, but mostly I'm convinced someone slipped a banana peel under my foot, but I fell hard on my left knee and the back of my hand.

An older lady walking behind me (thankfully the only witness to my humiliation) runs up to make sure I'm ok. The back of my hand surprisingly had no scratches, but my knee was in a lot of pain. I was still bitter about the Whole Foods not having tables.

So the moral of the story is, Whole Foods has great meal preparation options for people with no time, but make sure they have tables first, or be prepared to carry out.

Oh and in case you were wondering, I didn't spill the soup. Somehow it stayed together, cap strongly in place. I gotta watch out for those bananas next time.

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Relax, You're Just Absentminded

2008-10-29T17:23:00.001-04:00

I panicked this morning – my wallet was gone.

I knew it was gone because I have wedged myself into little habits where I keep certain possessions in a specific place. I’m not really one for routine, but it is nice to know that if I leave my keys and Subway card on my bedside table when I get home from work, they will be there in the morning. But this morning, after I grabbed my keys and Subway card, I wanted to check my wallet to see if I needed to stop at the ATM on the way to work for lunch money. (Isn’t that cute I still call it lunch money).

I scrambled through my abyss of a bag – since when did so much stuff coagulate? – and alas I concluded that my bulging wallet was absent. I guess it didn’t take long because the pink hearts and the sheer weight of the thing make it stand out. So the panic began…

Where is it? When did I last use it? What if someone stole it? Let me search everywhere…under the bed? No. Kitchen table? No. Maybe it somehow found its way to the bathtub? Of course not, Yael, how can you be so silly at a time like this? What if the giant cockroach that visited last night carried it away into the building’s foundation? No, it would never fit through any crack. Oh, my parents always warned me about pickpockets in New York. Mike’s dad doesn’t take the Subway just for that reason. How could I be so naïve!!?! Crap, I’m late for work.

I was so distracted for my entire commute that I hardly noticed the older woman jabbing her elbow into my ribcage from 86th to 59th (ok, maybe I did notice a little). I couldn’t even open the really really exciting book that I just started (Agent Zigzag by Ben Macintyre). All I could think about were pickpockets and keeping my bag close to me. The latter isn’t really that hard to do when you are packed into the cattle car they call the Subway.

Really, I don’t want to bore you with anymore of my cliché dramatic writing, so I’ll just let you know how much of a pea brain I had yesterday (but only yesterday of course). When I arrived at work, there was my wallet, sitting open, on top of the scanner, to the right of my computer – exactly where I had left it yesterday when I took out my corporate Amex to make an airfare purchase. I’m very lucky my building has honest janitors who decided not to take home said wallet as an early Christmas gift. Yes, I’m a doof. I’m blaming on all the chemicals in the city air.

Still, I felt this experience could lead to a good blog post a) because it’s embarrassing and people like to read about others’ embarrassments, b) because most other people in the city would also automatically assume they’ve been pick-pocketed and c) to display to you that petty theft in NYC is and has definitely been on the decrease for a while.

According to this weekly police report, there were 481 incidences of burglary reported in the last week, 1,901 since 10/1, and 17,727 year to date in NYC. That may seem like a lot, but the latest government census data has the population of New York City at 8,250,567 (plus at least 1 for myself ). Roughly, .002% of the population was robbed in the last week, .023% in the last month and about 2.1% in the last year. Your chances are pretty low my friend, especially because those statistics are from all five boroughs, not only Manhattan. Another thing I found interesting in the report were the percent changes in crime statistics. Although statistics state robbery occurrences are up 1.9% since last year, they are down 6.5% since two years ago, 20.8% from seven years ago and 74.5% from fifteen years ago. If I had known that data this morning, maybe I wouldn’t have panicked so much and would have actually been able to chew my Cheerios instead of just swallowing them whole.

That report shows statistics for all other categories of crime in the city as well and if you’re interested in looking, you should check it out. I’m very impressed with the police department for actually producing a comprehensible ONE-PAGE document (the one page is key!) that has relevant information for the curious public to steal a peak, if you will.

At least in a world of crooks, I can feel safe knowing that I have only a 2.1% chance of getting robbed in a year. However, the probability of me being absentminded, well, I forgot, what was I talking about?

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Umbrella Today?

2008-10-28T17:01:00.001-04:00

Despite our oh-so-unusual 70 degree weather of last week, despite the current 90 degree temperature in my hometown of Valencia, CA, despite how much we don’t want it, it’s raining in New York today.

Walking to work, I could pick out the responsible ones – the folks who chatted with their local weatherman this morning. I could also pick out those that didn’t; clambering around with briefcases held high over their heads and important documents clutched to their chests. Tattered hairdos and stained suede shoes romping through the misplaced puddles of Times Square, these folks need help.

If you are one of “those people,” I’d like to share with you Umbrella Today? They claim to be the simplest weather report around, and simply put, it is. All you do is type in your zip code and the Website tells you “yes” or “no” to bringing an umbrella with you for the day. That’s it. Five seconds, max.

Personally, I like to check weather.com, my morning news show and occasionally I’ll actually look out the window to check for clouds, but that’s just me. I like a little more information. You know the basics: humidity, barometer reading, high pressure, low pressure, dew point…I suppose you could call me a geek.

Have fun with the Website, but please! don’t be one of the annoying who then bring 10 ft. wide golf umbrellas to the streets of Manhattan. Save them for the tee. There’s just not enough room.

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TJ's or Bust!

2008-10-27T17:28:00.003-04:00

If there’s one store I relied most upon in college for food, it was Trader Joe’s. There was one only a 15 minute walk away from my senior year apartment and I would make almost weekly treks there to pickup my cherished frozen garlic naan bread, the cheapest milk around, and of course, the chocolate chip meringue cookies.

Since moving to New York, I’ve had to recover from a minor heart attack caused by the exceedingly high cost of groceries. (I’m only kidding about the heart attack part for all of my readers who truly care). I generally pay $2.59 for a dozen eggs, $1.63 for a quart of non-fat milk, and cold cuts only start at about $6.99/lb for the cheap stuff. It’s a tad depressing especially for a closet/kitchen chef like myself.

Despite the high prices, I am at least blessed with the convenience of having three large grocery stores within a two block radius of my apartment. Unfortunately, none of them are anything like Trader Joe’s with it’s chalked up walls and free samples of vegetarian chili and cubes of gruyere cheese.

This past weekend, my significant other and I decided to venture to Union Square to the ONLY Trader Joe’s in the city via the free NYU shuttle bus. Of course we went on Saturday, one of the most miserable rainy days of October, but backpacks and raincoats in tow, we trekked.

Once inside, I was whisked away to the magical land of blueberry scones and mochi ice cream where a quart of milk is only 99 cents and bananas are actually yellow. Despite the rain, it was actually a good day for us to go, because the line, which usually wraps around the entire store at a minimum 30 minute wait, only wound down one aisle. Of course we also had to deal with the fact the frozen food section was nearly empty because of a warehouse fire. (They still had my frozen naan!).

Among my favorites, I stockpiled mini pitas, lobster ravioli (only $2.99 a package), chicken sausage, a bag of Clementine’s, bananas, and my favorite, tomato soup in a carton. The long bus trip back to the UES made it so that I could not buy and carry eggs, milk or OJ, but the dollars and taste buds I saved by going to TJ’s were much appreciative. I was greeted my someone who actually smiled at me and asked me how I was at checkout and as a bonus for bringing my own bag, I got a raffle ticket to win $25 worth of free groceries (that could go a long way at this store).

I know you can hit up Zabar’s or Gourmet Garage for all of your eclectic food needs, but really, Trader Joe’s has almost anything unique you could possibly want at non-NYC prices. My question is: why is there only one?

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Street Meat Wars

2008-10-24T16:17:00.002-04:00

If you’ve ever walked around Midtown Manhattan, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the dozens of food carts littering the ever-crowded street corners. You can always pick out the good ones as the ones with lines down the block.

Some of my first visits to the city as a young girl are filled with memories of eating hot dogs on the street. I think that’s still the image my younger brother delights in when he thinks of the Big Apple. I can’t say that I’ve actually tried a hot dog on the street since my younger years (I’m not sure how well my stomach would take it anymore), but I can tell you that there are some worth street carts out there worth a try when you’re in the mood for cultural cuisine that’s light on your wallet.

My first adventure to a street meat cart didn’t start very far from my office. I figured I’d play it safe and stand in the long line at the Halal cart on the SW corner of 46th and 6th on one of the warmer days we had last week. Several patrons in front of me ordered the $4 lamb pita so I figured I’d give it a try. They asked me if I wanted white sauce. "Sure," I said, not really knowing what that involved (Tahini? Alfredo? Mayo?). I was up for adventure. I took my sandwich to the little "office park" between 45th and 46th and chowed down. I must say, it was a very good roll-up, but my stomach was not very happy later. Maybe it was the white sauce?

This week, a colleague at work told me to try the Kwik Meal on the SW corner of 45th and 6th. So I did. The line was even longer than the other cart and they had enlarged posters of praise articles from the New Yorker, New York Post and TimeOut NY. They even won a Vendy this year (basically like a Dundee for food carts, but not as much of a joke, for all of you "Office" watchers out there). These carts take the Vendy’s very seriously. Anyway, I tried the $4.50 falafel in a pita, hoping that it was the meat and not the flavor that upset my insides last time I tried Street Meat. Again…SO good! Except they loaded up my sandwich with their Greek-ish white sauce (yogurt-based) so by the time I got to the bottom, it was all mush and made a mess, though still very tasty. Even better news, my stomach didn’t revolt!

Next time I think I need to try the “Chicken and Rice” cart that everyone raves about on 53rd and 6th. I’ll let you know how that goes.

If you want more information on Street Meat, I’d recommend checking out this article on Midtown Lunch. There you will also find some great information on actual restaurants in Midtown as well. Happy eating!

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A Dollar Can Take You Far

2008-10-23T11:26:00.008-04:00

I have a knack for finding free or cheap stuff to do almost anywhere I go. I look at this characteristic as more of a benefit (at least the friends I share my wisdom with do) than a downfall. Innovative rather than cheap. Adventurous rather than poor. It all depends on your viewpoint.

Anyways, I was inspired by yesterday’s post about what you can’t do for a penny and share with you what you CAN do for a dollar in New York City:

1) Thanks to the wonderful timeoutny.com (I highly recommend you check out their free events calendar if you haven’t already), I found a cheap eats tour of Chinatown which led me and my boyfriend in a crazy dirt cheap circle around the neighborhood’s eclectic bakeries and food shops. Our first stop was at Prosperity Dumpling (46 Eldridge St.). From the outside, you can hardly tell it apart from the block of other dumpling and bakery storefronts, but once at the door, you can smell why you came there. The small eating area (we’re talking 4’ x 8’ here) is usually crowded with tourists and locals alike all coveting for the pork and chive dumplings ($1 for 5 dumplings).

Customers like them so much that you can even buy frozen dumplings to take home at $8 for 50. Most of their other menu items are under $2 as well, but I’d highly suggest the dumplings.

2) Although this stop was not officially on the tour (what I love about Chinatown), we found a corner cart on the southeast corner of Grand and Bowery selling not hot dogs, not roasted nuts, not even illegal pet turtles, but dough balls. Simple as that, but so much fun.

For $1 you can get a bag of 20 dough balls ready made for you in essentially a waffle maker and diligently counted out like a pharmacist does with pills so you get exactly 20. You can just pop the little balls of warmthy goodness into your mouth as you stroll along to get your boba or dim sum. Think waffles meet popcorn and you’ve essentially got your snack.

3) Speaking of delicious balls of dough, Italian cuisine’s greatest creation besides pizza is the garlic knot. I’ve sampled the knots from the three pizza places closest to my apartment and rated each on texture, flavor and value. I decided the best should go to Ray’s Pizza (2^nd Ave. between 94^th and 96^th, although I’m sure there are others as well) where you can get six healthy size garlic knots for just $1. They even throw in a container of marinara for dipping. I’ve eaten the knots as a side for a meal or even just a meal in itself, whatever your pleasure.

4) Ok, so I know this isn’t a New York only thing, but I’ve got to say when you are in the mood for an afternoon pick me up and cannot afford to spend money or calories on a slice of strawberry cheesecake, head to McDonald’s and buy an apple pie. Make that two for $1.08 (tax included). There are 72 McDonald’s in Manhattan. Chances are there is one by your workplace. Just don’t go overboard with the other greasy food.

5) Lastly, I recently found out about a deal if you are a Bank of America ATM cardholder that I should have found years ago when I opened my account. On the first weekend of every month, several participating museums let you in for free! (Ok, so I know this doesn’t follow my rule for things you can do in NYC for $1, but free is good to, right?). I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the beginning of September and enjoyed the view of Central Park from the roof (they have a martini bar up there!). I have plans to visit the Aquarium and the Bronx Zoo on one of the upcoming weekends (both included in this offer). For a full listing of museums across the country go here.

In the spirit of frugality, I’d like to share an article I came across in the New York Times. He shares a lot of interesting tidbits about making the most of your dollar in New York.

I hope you make use of this post and I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for more innovative things to do in your new (or old) city. Enjoy!

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A Helping Penny?

2008-10-22T10:28:00.005-04:00

I think the word “help” is used too much. Everywhere I go in this city it seems I’m always being asked to help. No matter the fact that I do take time out of my life to Help (more on that later), all those who keep asking seem to think I can never do enough.

Exhibit A: On the corner by my office building – a corner I walk by at least once each morning, once for lunch and occasionally to go home – an organization dedicated to helping the homeless has set up a table with a red table cloth and an empty five gallon water bottle day after day in the hopes of collecting change for the needy. A noble venture? Yes. I’m sure the ambling tourists just stepping out of the 24 hour McDonald's (also in my office building) with their Big Mac in one hand and quarters in their pockets are sure to donate out of the goodness of their hearts. Actually, it’s probably to get the volunteer/worker/actual homeless guy wearing a red vest matching the tablecloth to shut up.

After years of trying to find innovative ways to get people to donate to my team for the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Walk, I’ll be the first to admit that you must be charismatic and enthusiastic about the fundraising process to be successful. But as I walked by this table this morning, I heard the word “help” about 10 times in a five second period. That’s quite a lot if you think about it.

“Every penny counts! You can help!” the man in the red vest shouts.

Really? Does every penny count? So if I gave a penny and he got 99 other people in Times Square to give a penny he would have…a whole dollar!!!

Maybe I’m being cynical (see what New York is doing to me), but I’m being made to feel bad for not helping and giving a penny, when, let’s be honest, that penny isn’t going to go very far even in a homeless person’s life. What will you get for a penny in New York? Nothing that I can think of, except maybe a tune in an old juke box in a diner somewhere.

If you are going to raise money, you should at least set your sights a little higher, you know what I mean?

However, if you are new to the city and you really do want to find ways to Help, I’d suggest checking out NY Cares (nycares.org). You’ve probably seen their posters with Whoopi Goldberg and Alec Baldwin all over the subways, but they really are a worthwhile organization. Basically, you go to a 2-hour training after signing up online, and you then join the other 43,000 or so New Yorkers in the system. Every month, new projects are posted online – from dancing at the Jewish home to gardening to serving hot meals – and they are all scheduled to fit busy people’s lives (many after or before regular working hours).

If you want a bit more commitment, you can choose one of their ongoing programs; I’m tutoring the SAT once a week at the Chelsea Recreation center until May. They have projects for everyone.

So if you want to Help, don’t just throw a penny in a bucket somewhere (although, I’ll definitely hit you up come April for the MS Walk), give your time and you’ll see what a difference you can make.

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The Subway Celebrity

2008-10-21T10:35:00.002-04:00

I had a whole other plan for my blog today.

I was going to talk about this generation’s incessant use of headphones. I was going to write about how we’ll all likely go deaf either from listening to headphones or from listening to other people listen to headphones. I was drafting it in my mind.

Then, about five minutes before I had to start drafting and start pouring coffee and refilling printer paper in my office, I saw her. That rounded-corner square button made of a silver-toned metal placed on the back center of a white trench coat. I saw it yesterday too!

Thus begins my continuation of last post’s subway characters…

In college, I used to think about the concept of “sidewalk celebrities.” At Boston University, most of your traveling happens on foot on…the sidewalks. I would see some of the same people every day, twice a week, or maybe just once in a blue moon, but something about them stuck out – the crazy rainbow-hair girl, the skateboard guy who would always hang out on a particular set of stairs, and the Care Bear backpack girl. After seeing them regularly, I would give them names like that.

Now, BU is a big school, but New York is a MUCH BIGGER city. What are the odds that I would see the same person twice two days in a row!? According to the July 1, 2006 census, there were 8,250,567 people living in New York City and according to the MTA’s Website, New York’s annual subway ridership is 1.563 billion. You can do the math.

Granted, apparently rounded-corner-square-button-made-of-silver-toned-metal girl and I do ride the same subway at the same time and get off at the same stop (49^th Street NRW downtown train at about 5 to 9:00 a.m. in case you were wondering), but still, there must be thousands of others with the same commute.

According to the July 1, 2006 census, there were 8,250,567 people living in New York City and according to the MTA’s Website, New York’s annual subway ridership is 1.563 billion. You can do the math.

What I find interesting, is with this celebrity, I don’t even know what her face looks like – just the button. So if she ever switches up coats, her celebrity status will be gone to me.

Here’s another example. Before I get on the N-R-W at 59^th St. every morning, I have to ride the 6 train from my apartment at 96^th Street, and of course back again every afternoon. Three times now in less than three months I have seen the beep-boxing, smile encouraging, Da-doo-run-running duo of old homeless men singing, dancing and asking for money on the 6 train. They must target a certain demographic with their oldies tunes, but I always find them entertaining. Of course I realize they go out of their way to be heard and recognized (unlike my button girl), but still what are the chances that I end up on the same train and the same car as this duo? I’m not going to find out the math, but I’d say slim.

What is different about subway/sidewalk celebrities from regular celebrities is that only you know about them. Well, you and maybe a few others. But on the scale of someone like Madonna, Angelina Jolie and well, need I say Sarah Palin, your celebrities just don’t have the popularity. That’s the cool part though, and if it gets you through your morning and afternoon commutes, even better.

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The Subway Elite

2008-10-17T17:22:00.002-04:00

Hailing originally from a suburb north of Los Angeles, California – a city teeming with the rich and famous – I find myself curious underneath the streets of Manhattan? Could Mr. Sweaty Armpits standing above me be a “somebody”? Wall Street gurus’s get pit stains too, I think.

I live on the Upper East Side. I work in Times Square. I ride the subway a lot. To top it off, I have to take two different lines to travel two and from work, so that doubles my exposure to weary underground travelers.

Whereas Los Angeles’ famous people are usually in someway tied to Hollywood, New York City is dynamic because it’s famous people can be Broadway or movie stars, provocative journalists, corporate CEOs or the aforementioned Wall Street gurus. (I’ll be nice to the guru’s since they’ve been receiving the bad end of the stick lately).

When you ride the subway, first of all, you are not even acknowledged unless you are rude or you happen to be in someone’s way. However, one thing New Yorkers are good at is giving up a seat for someone who needs it. People are especially generous for pregnant women, and boy have I seen a lot of them. Maybe New Yorkers reproduce more than other major cities. I’d have to check that statistic. Anyway, so maybe you are acknowledged for five seconds, but that is no way near enough time to truly make a connection with someone (hence why the Craigslist missed connections feature is popular with many).

Bringing back the comparison, Los Angeles’ elite are people you’d want to pass on the street to say you saw them, but New York’s elite could really make a difference to your life. Well, at least from the point of view of a young, recent college grad like me. I majored in environmental science and minored in journalism. If I happened to meet an exec. from Scientific American or Discovery Magazine or even the New York Times Science Section and they liked me, WAM BAM, I could land my dream job. Alas, you can’t really know unless someone wrote their name and profession in Sharpie on their forehead.

I’m the type to strike up a conversation with my neighbor on an airplane. I like how the interaction passes the time and I’ve met some interesting people over the years. However, I think people would think me as strange as my roommate did when I tried to humanely capture and release the cockroach inhabiting our bathroom if I tried to strike up friendly talk on the 6 Train.

I hope I’m not conveying the idea that I’m some naïve girl from California who wants to be happy and friendly with everyone, even if I am a new New Yorker. I have definitely had my fare share of creep experiences on the Subway in the two months I’ve lived here. Just the other day I was stared down by a man with a red gash under his eye. It wasn’t so much a malicious stare, but I think he was just trying to freak me out. Every time I looked up, there were his eyes. Come to think of it, I don’t really remember him blinking. Of course I’ve also shared a “holding bar” (what are those things called exactly?) with likely prostitutes, bank robbers and drug dealers. But hey, that’s the big city for you.

Even so, amid all of us thousands of normal people, Manhattan’s elite must be there. They can’t all be taking cabs and limos to work everyday. I’ll let you know when I find mine.

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