NYColor is Life

Winter JazzFest NYC: 1/6-1/7

2012-01-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

I've been on the fence about going - not because of the event itself because I love jazz, but just because of scheduling. In the end I decided to get a 2 day pass - and mostly because I think I'd regret it more if I didn't go!

Thanks to Melanie C. for the heads up and for organizing a group to go. In her words: "I went last year, and it was awesome. You pay one fee for the night and then get unlimited entry to multiple jazz venues in the west village area. It's a lot of fun, and the music is good."

ABOUT: "The 2012 NYC WINTER JAZZFEST will continue to redeem the rich jazz heritage of the Village and again will bring jazz fans back to Bleecker Street. The 2012 NYC WINTER JAZZFEST includes over 60 of today's most interesting jazz groups from New York, Brooklyn, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Switzerland, Israel, Cuba, Morocco, Turkey, and Italy."

Thankfully, I know an insider to the jazz world (an accomplished musician himself!) Victor L. who gave us the following recos for sets to see tonight, most of them his friends:

745p @ Sullivan Hall - Julian Lage Group (I've met and heard him before - seriously amazing).
845pm @ Zinc Bar - saxophonist Miguel Zenon
945p @ Le Poisson Rouge - violinist Jenny Scheinman has a great band called Mischief and Mayhem
1200am @ Kenny's Castaways - saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa
...and if you're REALLY up for it, go check out Big Sam's Funky Nation at 200am @ Sullivan Hall.

For the full schedule, click HERE.
To buy a 1 day or 2 day pass, click HERE - and use discount code CAAL to get $10 off (NOTE: consider getting a 2 day, it comes out cheaper than just getting a 1 day!)

Have a great, jazzy weekend!

Happy 12th Day of Christmas!

2012-01-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

Interesting fact of the day - it's the 12th Day of Christmas aka Three Kings Day/El Dia de los Tres Reyes!

Contrary to popular belief, or at least what I knew, the 12 days of Christmas are actually after Christmas, from the day after (Dec. 26, 1st day) to Epiphany or Three King's Day (Jan 6, 12th day).

Epiphany is celebrated as the day that the 3 wise men came to Jesus and presented gifts (Matthew 2: 1-12) and is for some the true day that gifts are given (so the bf and I were not too off by giving each other gifts after the holidays: ). And as with any celebration, the King's Cake is often had on this day as well.

Of course, there are differences on how and when to celebrate, but I think what's most important is that we do - and also to take the time to reflect and be thankful for all of God's blessings in our lives, for that in itself is a gift.

Read more about the history and a breakdown of what "The Twelve Days of Christmas" song means: HERE.

Here are a few events you can go to commemorate this day (see more details here):

1. Three Kings Day Parade – East Harlem
Friday, January 6 at 10:30am
Begins at 106th Street and Madison Avenue and ends at 115th Street and Park Avenue
FREE

2. Three Kings Day Celebration – Lower East Side
Teatro SEA, 107 Suffolk Street between Delancey and Rivington Streets
Friday, January 6 3-5pm
FREE

3. Three Kings Day Parade in Brooklyn – Williamsburg
Sunday, January 8 at 2pm
Starts at Meeker and Graham Avenues
FREE

--> 3 Kings and live camels...and as the parade "godfather" - Tito Nieves , who sang an old fave cha-cha "I Like it Like That" - cool: )

4. Three Kings Day Festival – Williamsburg
El Puente Center for Arts & Culture, 211 S 4th Street between Roebling and Havemeyer Streets
Sunday, January 15 at 1 and 5pm
FREE

Eddie on Cooking Channel!

2012-01-01T18:11:00.000-08:00

So cool - Eddie Huang from my Tugboat trip (i.e. the other Love Boat - aka the summer camp in Taiwan for American Born Chinese - yeh yeh!) just kicked off his new show CHEAP BITES, which I randomly came across and am watching now on Cooking Channel. Super entertaining, and he takes you to check out some good cheap eats around the country. My kind of show!

Here's an interview he did with Food Republic: "Eddie Huang Got A TV Show. Earned It" and see the promo vid on his blog The Pop Chef.

You should also check out his NYC spot Baohaus, which the bf and I frequent quite often: ). I like the Chairman Bao the best - made with pork belly (pictured @ right) - or the Haus Bao with braised beef cheek. Very yummy!

Congrats, Eddie!

Kick Off 2012 on Broadway!

2011-12-30T22:42:00.000-08:00

2012 is already proving itself to be a fun year, especially with these 2 awesome show deals that I just found out about today and couldn't wait to share with you all. Thanks to newyorkology.com for the post - btw love this site for all things NYC!

SHOWS IN PREVIEW - Only $10!

SHOW 1: Don't Dress for Dinner
IN PREVIEW: Mar 30-Apr 1 shows
DISCOUNT CODE: Access10
TIX: Purchase HERE, $10 total (reg. $67-$117)! Choose Mezzanine seats for the deal.
WHY I'M EXCITED TO SEE IT: This is the sequel to one of my absolute fave b'way plays, Boeing-Boeing, which won the 2008 Tony for Best Revival. I saw it at least twice when it was still on broadway.

ABOUT: From Roundabout, it's "about “a husband, a wife, a lover, a mistress and a cook thrown together in the same house for one riotous weekend - and it’s going to be an affair—or three!—to remember."

SHOW 2: Harvey
IN PREVIEW: May 18th -20th shows
DISCOUNT CODE: Access10
TIX: Purchase HERE, $10 total (reg. $37-$122)! Choose Mezzanine for the deal.
WHY I'M EXCITED TO SEE IT: Stars Golden Globe and Emmy Award® winner Jim Parson (of "Big Bang Theory"!) as the invisible 6-foot-tall rabbit friend. Love: )

ABOUT: Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Mary Chase, first showed on broadway in 1944. Parsons stars as one of modern theatre’s most lovable characters, Elwood P. Dowd. Charming and kind, Elwood has only one character flaw: an unwavering friendship with a six-foot-tall, invisible white rabbit named Harvey. In order to save the family’s social reputation, Elwood’s sister Veta (Jessica Hecht) takes Elwood to the local sanatorium. But when Dr. William Chumley (Charles Kimbrough) mistakenly commits the anxiety-ridden Veta, Elwood—and Harvey—slip out of the hospital unbothered, setting off a hilarious whirlwind of confusion and chaos as everyone in town tries to catch a man and his invisible rabbit.

OTHER THEATER DEALS in Jan+Feb
And there's more!

Broadway Week - 2-for-1 tix go on sale JAN 4 to see more than 20 shows from JAN 17 - FEB 4, including “Wicked,” “Lion King,” “Jersey Boys” and “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.”
Off-Broadway Week - same deal, tix also on sale JAN 4, different timeframe - JAN 30 - FEB 12, including “Avenue Q,” “Blue Man Group,” “Rent” and “Stomp.”
20at20 - JAN 18 - FEB 16, get $20 tix to over 30 off-broadway shows, 20 min before the show!

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
I have seen some great shows with many of you while they've been in preview (The Importance of Being Earnest (one of my fave), Death Takes a Holiday, Present Laughter), all with the Roundabout Theatre Company, and there isn't a much better deal (except free, which happens occasionally too: ) to experience Broadway. Seats are in the back, but you see the show all the same! And if you really like it, you can pay full price and see it again : ).

No thinking involved - just get the tix, take a friend or two (or make it a nice dinner + show date), and enjoy an afternoon/night out in NY!

Email me (nycolorislife@gmail.com) or check the NYColor Facebook page to find out exact dates I'm going, if you want to meet up with us: )

Holiday Cheers!

2011-11-29T12:17:00.001-08:00

Yes, it gets cold in New York, and days like today (on andoff drizzle of rain) doesn’t make living here much better, but we are blessedto be able to celebrate the holidays in such a great city, which I think makes itall worth it. There’s just somethingmagical about this time of year, and we should celebrate each day this season,as much as possible. And there are lotsof things to help us do just that (most of them are FREE too!) – here are afew.

HOLIDAY

Tues 11/29

1230p + 6p: NY Theatre Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”Performance and Tree Lighting (evening only) – 100,000 lights! No tix needed [World Financial Center (200Vesey St), Winter Garden - directions].

7p: Bryant Park Tree Lighting - Check out this53 foot tree with 3,000 ornaments, topped off with a night of free performances(on ice, b’way, and music - headliner: Sarah Maclachlan). [42^nd bet5^th and 6^th Ave]

Wed 11/30

7p: Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting – Awhole line up of musical guests including Justin Bieber, Michael Buble, MariahCarey and more light up Rockefeller Center and one of NY’s most iconicChristmas trees filled with 30,000 LED lights – and a Swarovski crystal on top![W48 & 51 Bet 5^th and 6^th Ave]

Unlessyou can get there really early (5p?), or have an office you can watch the showfrom (if you do, let me know haha), I would recommend watching on TV (NBC isairing it live at 8p) and checking out the tree on another night. Even with this weather, it will be packed outin true NY style.

Other Christmas trees to check out,while you’re at it:

Now thru 12/24 - South Street Seaport 40 ft tree+ light show, M-F from 5-10p, every hour on the hour
Lincoln Center – 63^rd and B’way
About.com’s top 7 NYC Christmas trees

Thru 12/31

Free Admission to the Bronx Zoo OR NY Aquariumin 2012, with donation of new, unwrapped toy OR 10 nonperishable food items

Also upcomingat the Bronx Zoo – ice sculpture competition, presents to the animals (detailsTBC), see here. http://www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/ice-sculpting-weekends.aspx

MORE FUN

· DANCE

This Wknd 12/3-12/4:Big Apple Dancesport Challenge – Amateur ballroom competition at Columbia Univ,Free to watch day session, with professional showcase at night, more details onthe website.

Youcan see me dance if you come at the right time: )

· ICE SKATE

Now Open: Ice skating rink @ The Highline (under Standard Hotel) - $12admission + $3 skates.
Aneven better deal: City Pavilion ice skating in LIC - $5 M-F, $8 Sat and Sun +$5 skate rental [Indoor, 1 stop after Queensboro Plaza on the 7]

· SHOP

Today 11/29 – Sat 12/3: J. Crew Sample Sale - 60% (to 90%, some reports say?) off! [Opensat 10a + T-F until 8p, Sat until 6p | 260 5^th Ave bet 28^thand 29^th st]
NowThru 4/1: Brooklyn Flea Market/Fort Greene hasmoved inside to 1 Hanson Place. Greatplace to find some unique gifts!
Newfave market: Artist and Fleas in Williamsburg –we like Helena's jewelry (bouh)!
Preview on 12/15, open 12/16 – 12/31: ChelseaMarket Holiday Pop-Up Shop

· EAT

Now- Thru 11/30

$5Café Metro Sandwiches, Wraps, and Pitas if you order online HERE.
50%Off Burritos at Blockheads, 91^st and Amsterdam location
BOGO6in Subway sandwiches, Daily before 9am

· WATCH

Now- Thru 12/23: She Kills Monsters @ 7p – fantasy role-playing show based on Dungeons & Dragons,Pay-What-You-Can on Tues, $10 Matinee on Sat (reg $25) [The Flea - 41 WhiteStreet between Church and B’way]
New movieson my list: The Muppets, Hugo, Tin Tin, Arthur Christmas, Puss in Boots (why not: )

More fun is on its way! I wish you a merry holiday season: )

Upcoming Fun!

2011-11-17T08:07:00.000-08:00

It's one month before my half birthday, yay! I know you're excited as well.

Here are some other things I'm excited about today:

1. Raining Cats and Dogs - I just bought tix (under $10!) to go to Meet the Breeds, the World's Largest Showcase of Cats and Dogs (over 200 breeds!) - this weekend 11/19 - 11/20 from 10a-5p @ Jacob Javits Center. And even better that I found a promo code for 30% off: "friend"!

Tix prices go up tomorrow 11/18, so get it today! Email me to meet up: nycolorislife@gmail.com.

2. BOGO Starbucks - Buy 1 holiday drink Nov. 17 (today!) - 20th between 2-5p, and get one FREE! (website)

Options - Peppermint Mocha, new Skinny Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte.

We're going today @ 315p, Spring St location. Looking for a 4th - anyone?: ) I want to try Caramel Brulee and Gingerbread!

3. Edible Exhibition @ MoMA - Food as art, FREE (with MoMA entry)!

Enjoy Rirkrit Tiravanija's curry exhibition on the 2nd floor, Nov 17 2011 - Feb 8 2012 - AKA free veggie curry lunch noon-3p (except Fridays, where it's served from 4-7p - perfect: get FREE admission Fridays after 4p) -see NYTimes Article.

Also on exhibit that I like: Diego Rivera!

4. Burrrrrrito - Get 50% off Blockhead Burritos at their newest location, 91st and Amsterdam all month - Nov. 15-30th!

5. Gobble Gobble - Don't have plans for Thanksgiving yet? Even if you do, make plans to go to Bubby's Tribeca for a pay-as-you-wish Thanksgiving buffet with all your favorites, and a "generous portion" of the proceeds go to a local homeless shelter! We went last year, and it was delicious.

Sample Thanksgiving Day Thurs 11/24:

11AM Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
1PM Shopping + Lunch
330PM Dinner #1 @ Bubby's
7PM Dinner #2, as planned: )

More fun to come! Stay dry, NYC!

-NYChar

11/11/11!

2011-11-10T08:12:00.001-08:00

Yes - of course we will need to celebrate this "ones upon a time"* (only happens every 100 years!) event of 11/11/11 @ 11:11 (am and pm!) - and why not celebrate with the "ones" you love?

Like this couple who's celebrating their 11th anniversary on 11/11/11 in the 11th state - which is New York, naturally! We really should just do what they have planned:

11:11am Brunch at 11th St Cafe on 11th St
Watch Titanic and/or Lord of the Rings, which both won 11 Academy Awards
11:11pm Dinner at Gene's on 11th St and Greenwich

Other reasons to get excited about this day**:

111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
Last 2 digits of the year you were born + Your Age = 111 - lucky money for everyone, Confucius says (thanks for sharing, Brittany B.)
You are allowed to make 2 wishes - 11:11am and 11:11pm
It's the 93rd anniv of Armstice Day (aka Veteran's Day), the last day of WWI. There's a 1 min moment of silence at 11am.
The "Great Blue Norther" took place on 11/11/1911 - a "cold snap" in Kansas City that went from a high of 76 degrees F in the morn to 11 degrees F at night - in only 14 hrs!
The star Antares, Earth, Venus, and Mercury are all expected to align - what's known as a conjunction.

Have a great time!

*phrase by retired HS teacher Ronald Gordon - see article
**"World Set to Celebrate 11.11.11"

Happy Autumn!

2011-09-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

It was a busy late summer for me, but I look forward to having some more adventures with you this Fall now that I'm more free. My weekends are starting to fill up already, but here are a few fun things to consider doing over the next few days.

UPCOMING EVENTS (Yay Street Fests!)

Sat Oct 1

11am-4pm: Union Square Autumn Fair (FREE, B'way bet 17th and 23rd)

A perfect little walk to pick up some local veggies and treats, and get a cup of hot apple cider to enjoy while you're there.

11am-6pm: Chile Pepper Fiesta ($10-15, BK Botanical Garden)

It’s back! I’ve never gone before, but I’d love to check out the Chocolate and Chili Takedown and just see the sweat on everyone’s faces as they’re sampling all of the hotness.

1pm-7pm: 13th Annual Czech Street Fest (FREE, E73rd btwn 1st+2nd Ave, 6 train to 68th St/Hunter College)

Fest to celebrate the Czech Independence Day

6pm-12pm: Bring to Light – Nuit Blanche New York (FREE, 6-12pm, Greenpoint, BK)

Neat event that we went to last year and would highly recommend going to!
“The event, pegged to similar happenings in Paris, Brussels and Toronto, gathers 50 artists from around the world to transform the cityscape into a glowing urban scene.”

Sun Oct 2
Here we go, October!

1130am-6pm: 2011 Medieval Festival (FREE, Fort Tryon Park, A train to 190th St)

Step back into the Middle Ages and enjoy the fare, activities, and costumes of the era, jousting and all!

12pm-6pm: Atlantic Antic (Atlantic Ave/Brooklyn)

“Shops, Music, Food, & Fun at Brooklyn’s Largest Street Festival”
Check out 1 mile of over 500 booths, whoa.

12pm-5pm: 23rd Annual Upper Broadway Harvest Festival (FREE, B'way bet 96 and 110)

Here's one for those of you who like to stay on the mainland: )

DEALS

$1 for $25 Restaurant.com Certificates – the last time I saw this was at least 2 years ago, so take advantage and scoop some up for fun Fall dinners with friends - no code needed - extended to today 9/30.

OTHER TID BITS

This week is an ode to hot drinks!

THURS 9/29: Happy National Coffee Day! I bet many of you didn't even know you celebrated it: )
FRI 9/30: Mulled Hot Apple Cider Day: )

Weather.com is showing 50-60% chance rain tonight into the weekend (rain boots time!), but get out there and enjoy as much as you can of NY before it truly gets too cold to do anything.
Take a look at the night sky when you can - see the really bright star to the East about 10 or 11p? It's JUPITER (thanks Jason Kendall from the Amateur Astronomy Assoc for confirming: ). Rises tonight at 8p.

Game. Set. Match.

2011-08-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

We made it through the night, right? It still remains uncertain as to when NYC will be back up and running, but let's enjoy this time "off" while we can (but still staying indoors and safe, if possible).

It's still windy and a little rainy in my part of town, but other parts of the eastern seaboard are still seeing the affects of this hurricane turned tropical storm (and newscasters are already talking about the next one - named Jose!). I hope and pray that our friends in NC, VA, NJ and other affected areas will keep your head up and have hope for the better day that will come soon.

So what can we look forward to next? That would be the 2011 US Open Tennis Championships! The USTA is still projecting an 11am start time tomorrow (gates opening at 10am) but looks like a final decision will be made later tonight. Check the website (linked above) or follow along on Twitter for the latest: @USOpen.

To prepare:

Check out Esquire's article on what to eat! Definitely looking forward to trying out the lobster roll, Top Chef Master Mantuano's Wine Bar Food, ACES (where Morimoto will be making the sushi and sashimi? yes!), and my favorite - the crepes.
Be sure to take advantage of the American Express check-in offers on Facebook and FourSquare! Link your card, spend $20 at concessions, restaurants, and retails stores, and get a $10 statement credit. Awesome. And for sure check out the new US Open American Express Fan Experience. Read about other onsite benefits here.
This is for a good cause: Tweet to #GONEXTCONTENDERS and Amex will donate $1 for Fresh Courts for kids - yay (I just did it - your turn!).
Lots of other good info can be found on USOpen.org - like the Men's and Women's draw, Day 1 schedule, and more about the players.

Onward to September!

Come on, Irene!

2011-08-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

How is your hurricane day going, friends?

Irene is a true lady keeping us all in waiting, haha, but I hope you are making the most of it (and staying safe and dry, of course!)

Here's a question for you: what kind of foods did you stock up on? I'm sure we all got about the same kinds of things - foods that don't require cooking or heating, can last for a while. The problem is, I just want to eat it all at the same time because it's here!

This is what I did with some of the things I bought (in a crazy long line at Pathmark last night...), very simple ingredients that you should already have around the house:

Peanut Butter (I like a little crunch in mine)
Honey
Banana
Bread

Put it all together and enjoy!

But take it one step further and stick it in the toaster, and it brings it all together even more (thanks to Chris C. and Michelle S. for the idea - we talked so much about it that I had to try it: ).

Note - one thing I would do differently next time is to put the bananas on AFTER toasting - I found it to be a little dry after the heat.

As my own final little touch, I sprinkled some granola, almond, raisin cereal on top for added texture.

And that was my little Hurricane Irene treat for today (with a cup of kumquat and honey tea: ) Feel free to share your ideas too! Heart!

Last July Sat Fun!

2011-07-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hola,

Quick fun things to do tonight (7/30)!

5-10p: Jam to 60s girl bands @ Lincoln Ctr Out of Doors/The Ponderosa Stomp, She's Got the Power (Damrosch Park Bandshell, FREE)
8p: Shakespeare in the Park(ing) Lot presents Hamlet. Ludlow and Broome, FREE. Seats are first come first serve.
11a-10p: The Highline Rink is now open at The Lot on 30th and 10th Ave! Note that adult admission is $12 and is not waived if you bring your own skates. Skate rental is included.

FYI: On Saturdays from 730-11p, it's 21+ for those of you who are afraid to run over kids...or more likely fall on them: )

Come find us tonight: )

I'm off to San Diego for the next few days, any good eats or places to see (besides the San Diego Zoo, I'm for sure going there)?

Have a great weekend!

Catch-Up Time

2011-07-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

With August just a few days away, I just couldn't go on without posting and seeing how your summers are going! As you probably figured out by now, the frequency of my posts reflect how much free time I have, and the past 2 months have been, well, really busy.

Lots of changes, all that worked out for the best, and it'll only get busier for me until my project is over in mid Sept - BUT, still no excuse to not stay in touch. I do appreciate so much how many of you still send things my way when you see something fun that I'd like or can share with others, and my hope is that you have continued on to enjoy NY, because the summers here really are so precious.

Quick RECAP on the more fun things I've done recently (and forgot to tell you about - sorry: )

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK, All's Well that Ends Well: We were FIRST in line @ 530am, can you believe it? We realized the trick is to go during opening weekend!

You have 3 more days left to see the second play, Measure for Measure - do it!

BIG APPLE BBQ FEST: Always delicious. That fast pass is key. I tried ribs from St. Louis, brisket from Austin, and pulled turkey S. Carolina style. Strangely not so packed this year, but not complaining about that!
BDAY WEEK: I do feel bad about not sharing my bday plans with most of yall, but bday week was fun this year. This year's theme was, bows + bowties! Cute times.
MERMAID PARADE: Mermaids, Mermen, Oysters, Unicorns (? yes)...and Nathan's hot dogs and cheese fries! All ocean friendly.
4TH OF JULY PICNIC @ THE HIGHLINE: We made RWB drinks and desserts and had a picnic in the new part of the Highline!

Check out the new part between 20th and 30th and 10th Ave - it's a great walk, and you can also pick up some gelato or People's Pops on your travels.

NATIONAL TAPIOCA PUDDING DAY: We celebrated by having dumplings with tapioca pudding (naturally), and playing Dance Central to burn it all off. Any excuse to celebrate is a good one.
SAVAGE BEAUTY @ THE MET: A beautiful and emotional exhibit showcasing over 100 of McQueen's work. We went early morning around 10am and only had to wait about 10 min or so. Pay as you wish, so you should go as many times as you can before it's over (Aug 7).

...just a a few things, and more to come (will work on letting you know in advance: )

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hope your Memorial Day Weekend has been going well! One more day to enjoy + a short work week, during which June kicks off and other fun to come = lots of things to look forward to: )

I am making my Memorial Day plans very late, but here are a few things I want to try to do today - come meet up anytime (times are approximate):

1230p - Stop by Shake Shack for a corndog: they only have it on the menu 3 times a year, apparently! Ends today, UWS location only - 77th and Columbus Ave (thanks to Lauren and Robyn for the heads up!).
2p - Check out some public art:

Jaume Plensa's Echo, Madison Square Park - sculpture of a nine-year-old girl from Barcelona.
Silver Andy Warhol Statute, NW Corner of Union Square
Giant Roses on Park Ave bet 57-67, up until 5/31

5-11p - FREE Beer/Open Bar (5-6p) + BBQ Party @ The Empire Hotel (W 63rd bet Columbus + B'way) - RSVP here!
817p - Try to catch Manhattanhedge, which is only happening today and July 11th! I've been wanting to go! What is it? "...when the setting Sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid, creating a radiant glow of light across Manhattan’s brick and steel canyons, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street of the borough’s grid."
8p (will go late: ) - Go to the FREE NY Philharmonic Memorial Day Concert, St. John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Ave)

Here are a few other quick things you can consider checking out as well:

NYC Fleet Week - Last day to see some sailors and big ships!
The Met is open! Hours are same as other Met Holiday Mondays, 930a-530p. Check out the Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" exhibit, which I hear is awesome.
2p - Largest Memorial Day Parade in the U.S....is in Queens (Northern Blvd)!
Free public kayaking @ Downtown Boathouse

No matter what you do, don't forget to put on some sun screen: ) and go enjoy the day!

NYChar

Review: Red Hook Lobster Pound Truck

2011-05-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

I just had the most amazing lunch to celebrate today being a Friday (because every Friday is worth celebrating!).

REVIEW: Red Hook Lobster Pound Truck

I got a tip from Thomas C. about a new truck in our area that sells lobster rolls, and I was not interested at first, because I haven't liked the lobster rolls I tried in the past (usually too much mayo, icy cold, dry bread).

He said it was "so good" though, so I thought I'd go for a walk and check it out.

LINE:

There was a longer line of people waiting to get cash to buy something from this truck than actually in line! The wait wasn't bad at all, though there was a little bit of a back-up since more people ordered the Connecticut style (warm, in butter) than the Maine style (chilled lobster, w/ mayo), which I was told is usually more popular (it's not as sunny today).

FOOD:

There are really only 2 options - lobster and shrimp. I've read the shrimp roll is good as well, but today we were all about lobster. I went straight for the Connecticut style lobster roll that comes with a pickle, and I got the "Hook Up" combo like everyone else that included the Cape Cod chips (sea salt + vinegar) and Maine Root soda (blueberry!), for $2 more, so it's worth getting. Everything together really was "so good" and absolutely delicious. It was packed with lobster chunks, and the bread was toasted and buttered up as well. Every bite was great (I had to use a fork, as a heads up!)

PRICE:

While it costed $18 for the combo ($16 for the lobster roll alone; well over Midtownlunch.com standards: ), it was perfect for a Friday treat!

YAY OR NAY:

This one is for sure a big YAY, especially in Tribeca, but I don't think I could (or should: ) frequent it more than 2 times a month - again, it's a little pricy for a weekday lunch and healthwise might not be the best idea. Still, I hope it comes back to our area because I definitely want to have it again (and so do my co-workers, after they saw what I brought back!)

Still around today - catch them if you can!

http://www.redhooklobster.com/

Happy Friday, all: )

Sat 5/14 - Justin's Rubgy Game!

2011-05-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Happy May!

Despite the allergies, I hope you all are having a nice Spring so far and are enjoying the nice weather that's here, finally! I can confirm that it's for once nicer here than in CA, at least this past weekend, and I am hopeful that the sun is here to stay.

It's good to take advantage of it while we have it, in any case - and our Saturday event below is the perfect way to enjoy sun and sport with friends old and new, so bring some sunscreen and come out!

NY Rugby Club Friends + Family Day, Free!
Sat 5/14
1-4p @ Randall's Island

We're going out to support our friend Justin, Invictus style: ) He plays on the NY Rubgy Club, which interestingly enough is the oldest rugby club in the U.S.! This will be my first live rugby game, so I'm excited to check it out.
FREE BBQ and drinks + Justin will have a special area just for us.
Click HERE for more details and to RSVP or let me know if you're coming so we can look out for you. It'll be fun!

Hope to see you,
NYChar

Weekender: 4/30-5/1

2011-04-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend should be nice, so come out and play!

SAT 4/30

10a-6p, Through 5/1: Cherry Blossom Festival @ BK Botanical Gardens [$10 student tix, $15 adults, buy tix online HERE]

Meet us there! Email me for details.

10a-6p: TFF Family Festival Street Fair - FREE screenings, activities, b'way and other performances, local restaurants and merchants, etc. [Greenwich and Chambers St]

Stop by, I'll be around after 330p!

SUN 5/1

Happy May! April showers bring May flowers, right?

OTHER

April is Grilled Cheese Month, I can't believe we almost missed it! Try the grilled cheese @ Melt Shop (Lex + 53rd), Murray's (Bleeker b/t 6th and 7th), or 'wichcraft (many locs); you have a few days left before May!
Tribeca Film Festival also ends this weekend!

Get 50% off tickets by buying tix HERE and entering code: BUYTFFME11.
Here are recommended films that you can still see this weekend (read more about each on the film guide):

Fri 4/29: Let the Bullets Fly, Janie Jones, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, The Perfect Family, Beyond the Black Rainbow
Sat 4/30: The Trip, The Carrier, Roadie, The Good Doctor, Jesus Henry Christ, Newlyweds (closing night film)

May 6th is National Public Gardens Day! Get free admission to BK Botanical and NY Botanical (closest ones in NYC) and enjoy a day in the gardens. Sign up HERE to get your pass for 2, or email me, and I'll send you the voucher (Thanks to Jen K. for sharing!)

Have a good one!

NYChar

Spring Weekend Fun: 3/26-3/27

2011-03-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

Even though it's still chilly out, there's a little sun to remind us that it will get warmer soon!

We've also celebrated so many foods recently: Pancakes, Macaroons, PI(e), Hamburgers, Waffles (TODAY 3/25 - still time to get one! Too bad we aren't in the South - we could have had a party at Waffle House!). I can't wait for what's next...Grilled Cheese month should be soon!

Here are a few interesting things to check out this weekend and onward, lots in Brooklyn (it is a great place: )!

Sat 3/26

11AM: GRILLIN' ON THE BAY/CHILI SMACKDOWN - Looks like a mix of BBQ and Chili, but all good food to try! Free to attend, $10 all you can eat [Corner of E 18th + Ave Z, Sheepshead Bay BK, website]
7-10PM: THE INFLATABLE SCUPLTURE STUDENT SHOW - See their creations in progress over the past few months come to life, FREE [3rd Ward - 195 Morgan Ave; website]

All Weekend:

10AM-6PM: Martha Stewart's POP-UP PIE SHOP- Stop by Little Owl to buy one of Martha Stewart's pies from her new book, New Pies & Tarts (not as exciting because it's not free like I thought, but still yummy I'm sure! Only $3) [93 Greenwich; website]

Did you know pop-up restaurants are the thing now? Pretty cool - I want to try out some of these places (see here).

11AM-7PM: BROOKLYN MUTT SHOW - Free to watch. Check out pups strutting their stuff (even a contest for the best "SNOOKI-Look-Alike" hah! [Brooklyn Lyceum - 277 4th Ave; website]

Thru Wed 3/30:

BELGIAN RESTAURANT WEEK - For those of you who know me, the only kind of beer I like is Belgian beer, so this is kind of exciting to enjoy that with some Belgian food! Here are Wined and Dined picks of the best deals plus more from the official website...and highlights here:

3/25 - Petite Abeille - Find a real diamond in your order of green Duval!
$20 (or less) prix fixe menu @ Markt, Le Pain Quotidien, BXL Cafe, B. Cafe

Thru Thurs 3/31:

DINE IN BROOKLYN WEEK - $25 for dinner, $20.10 for lunch, plus 2 for 1 brunches! See a full list here - there are over 200 restaurants! Who wants to go?: )

Have a good weekend, friends!

Happy PI Day - Mon 3/14!

2011-03-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Here are my PI day foods - PIna Colada (found it, yay!) + PIneapple PIzza (just missing PIE, and then I'm all set!).

Woo-hoo, PI Day is on Monday! There are many fun ways to celebrate, but here are a few of my favorite (source):

Eat and Drink PI - PIneapple, PIne Nuts, PIna Coladas (yes please!), PIzza, PIckles, and PIe, of course!
Run PI miles - 3.14!
Get Married on 3/14 @ 1:59:26 PM - forever love (I would consider it in the future!)
Listen to PI music - like American Pie!

And here's one from Erin S. of http://glutenfreefun.blogspot.com/: Celebrate and support a good cause by picking up delicious sweet and savory pies and other treats from Pi Gluten-Free (http://www.pi-glutenfree.com/), a new local gluten-free baked goods company. You can find them at a few spots in Brooklyn (shop) - thanks for sharing, Erin!

Send over any other ideas! Happy PI Day!

M+M: RANGO (Free Screening!) + Lunch

2011-02-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

We're going to try to make this into a Meal+Movie adventure tomorrow, depending on if we can wake up early enough!

RANGO, starring Johnny Depp, is in theaters on Mar 4th, but TheCinemaSource.com is offering a free advanced screening tomorrow 2/26 @ 10am, 42nd St Regal Cinemas!

The easy part - Get your tix HERE.
The hard part - Wake up early on a Sat morning to wait in line! We plan to get there by 845/9am.

We did this for Gnomeo and Juliet with much success, but I think this one might be more popular.

Afterwards, we're planning to grab lunch at COCOTERO, a Venezeulan restaurant in Chelsea that has special sandwiches made of plantain slices instead of bread (called "patacones", featured on the show Food(ography)).

Let me know if you want to join! nycolorislife@gmail.com

ABOUT:
A chameleon that aspires to be a swashbuckling hero finds himself in a Western town plagued by bandits and is forced to literally play the role in order to protect it.

Thanks, ML!

2011-02-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo: I get to be the Profile'd Luncher today on the Downtown MidtownLunch.com - so cool! Thanks for having me: ).

Check out some of my lunch eats! Profile: Downtown Luncher "Charlene"

Happy Hearts!

2011-02-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

Did you have a nice Valentine's Day? Mine was lovely!

Let's keep celebrating love for love's sake and let this heart-y holiday be a reminder that we are each loved, very much. And as much as possible, I hope we can tell those we love that we do - it's always the right time for that.

Heart you, friends!

(Side note: today's flavor for City Bakery's Hot Chocolate Month is Ode to the Polar Bear. I'm so curious what it is!)

NYChar Lunch Adventure: Free Pizza from Tresanti, Soho (1 Hr Left to Get Yours!)

2011-02-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

I just got back from our late lunch adventure today @ TRESANTI, Soho with The Actor, The Musician, and...The Pizza Magician:D We went closer to 4p, so there wasn't a line (we were told there was one earlier when it first started at 3p), and we were seated right away. Another 10-15 min, and our pizza was served, right out of the oven.

Here are really quick highlights:

THE PIZZA

We enjoyed the personal pizzas (4 slices) from the new Italian restaurant, which was topped with fresh tomato, mozz, and basil (the Margherita). The normal price for the pizza is $12-14, depending when you go, so we got a good deal!

It is a very thin sliced pizza, so you don't feel too heavy after you eat it, which is nice for me, but I can imagine that some guys might have to eat a little more to really get full. To be fair, the waiter said these were "sample sizes" more or less, so the actual order would be slightly bigger. For what we got, we liked a lot.

THE SPACE

I always enjoy when the lines between the kitchen and dining area are a little blurred, so it was fun to see the chefs saucing the dough and putting it in the oven right behind us. There's a homey feel to it too. Should be a pretty cool spot to hang out, and from what I remember, the bar area is decent too.

YAY OR NAY?

Overall consensus is that Yes - we'd go back for another try! For now, we really enjoyed our afternoon snack and look forward to finishing

out this work day with a happy stomach: )

You have 1 more hour (until 6p) to go get one yourself! Enjoy!

Tresanti Trattoria

15 Watts Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 300-3162

Thanks to Grub Street for the heads up.

NYColor Giveaway: $25 to Uncle Jack's (Thanks to ForDiscountShowTix.com)

2011-02-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Congrats to GER D. for winning the gift card! And because I like surprises, I am taking CHRISTY H. to Shake Shack on me for winning 2nd: ) Thanks for playing!

It is very appropriate that this is the 201st post, being that today is Feb 1st (2/01)! How fun. And that's more than enough reason to giveaway a $25 gift card to Uncle Jack's Steakhouse!

For the best deal, go during lunch (see the MENU) and get a great sandwich or burger under $25, or pay $5 dollars more for the Lunch Surf and Turf (that's what we got last time - it's really good!). You can follow their specials on Twitter too: http://twitter.com/unclejacks.

Uncle Jack's - Lunch Surf and Turf, $30

Thank you to Angie at ForDiscountShowTix.com for providing the gift card for this giveaway, and you can go to the website to subscribe to get her emails about upcoming show deals! She currently has half off ORCH seats to Billy Elliot and Memphis, and a good deal for Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles.

TO WIN: Let's make it an easy giveaway - Simply POST your favorite theater show on the NYColor Facebook Page (click HERE!), and I'll pick a random post # as the winner at 5p today!

Enjoy: )

LifeLabs NY - $10 Off Discount!

2011-01-26T15:38:00.000-08:00

Some life lessons are hard enough to learn....so why not take a few notes from experts in their field on real life!

LifeLabs NY is a neat organization that offers some really interesting courses (the science of Cool, Conflict Resolution, Smells, etc), two of which we are planning to go to. Plus, they were awesome enough to give us a $10 off discount for the classes below (enter in code NYCOLOR).

Sign up today - I'm told classes are already almost half sold out!

Seeing Lab

Learn how to detect & read Micro-expressions

Tuesday February 15th, 6:30-9:30pm

Monday February 21st, 6:30-9:30 pm

Surprisology Lab

Wonder. Awe. Hidden notes. Become a surprise-ologist.
Tuesday February 1st, 7-9:30 pm
Tuesday February 22nd, 7-9:30 pm

Check out Time Out NY article on them too, just posted today!

Flower Power!

2011-01-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

Look at what's blooming on Park Ave between 57th and 67th, from tomorrow Jan 25 to May 31: 40 flower buds between 5-10 feet (and bugs too), by artist Will Ryman! Read more HERE.

Curbed NY - [Via Flickr/twi-ny]

Thanks to Susan L. for the tip!

NYChar Adventure: Sat 2/5 Ice Skating in LIC!

2011-01-24T09:59:00.000-08:00

Let's go ice skating!

I recently came across a fun Meetup.com group called RANDOM EVENTS, and they have some neat events that I look forward to going to! Here's one that's close to home...well, used to be close to home, since I recently moved from LIC, but this is the perfect excuse to go back for a visit! Besides, I didn't go ice skating this winter season yet, so this checks off that box too: ).

THE PLAN: SAT Feb 5th

730p: A few quick stops on the 7 train will get you to City Ice Pavilion (47-32 32nd Place), NYC's only rooftop skating rink, and for only $8 includes - free skate rentals, lessons, and approx 3 hrs of skating!

SIGN UP: I RSVP'ed for 4, so the first 3 people who respond can come with me (nycolorislife@gmail.com)! Otherwise - to get the discount, go to the link below to sign up for the group, and then you're all set.

More details here:
Random Events: ICE SKATING, Free skate rentals, Free lessons, extended time for ONLY $8!!!!

I have a few more events in mind to plan, so get excited! See you soon: )

Last Min Weekender: 1/22-1/23 + Upcoming

2011-01-21T23:18:00.000-08:00

Coming to you late night, as I'm watching the Australian Open on the tube (Go Isner!). It is cold, but don't let it stop you from some of these fun things going on this weekend: )

SAT 1/22

11a-6p: BROOKLYN FLEA MARKET - this is my fave default event when I have an open weekend, not only b/c it's so close to me, but there are so many gems to pick up from the various vendors! I always end up buying something totally cool (like my little teacup ring for our British night last weekend, love it:) [One Hanson Place, Fort Greene - all major lines come here!]
1p: BARGEMUSIC - chamber music on a barge under the Brooklyn Bridge! Approx. 1 hr, FREE [A/C to High St, F to York St, or 2/3 to Clark St; directions]
5p: Bryant Park's WINTER FILM FEST - kicks off with "Happy Feet" this Sat and then the next 4 Mondays, FREE. Might be a little cold, but all the more excuse to grab a warm blanket and cuddle up! [42 bet 5th and 6th]

Monday, Jan. 24 (6:30pm) – March of the Penguins (G)
Monday, Jan. 31 (6:30pm) – Ice Age (PG)
Monday, Feb. 7 (6:30pm) – Blades of Glory (PG-13)
Monday, Feb. 14 (6:30pm) – The Cutting Edge (PG)

SUN 1/23 - Score some good deals around the city!

Last Day! Stop by any Bath + Body Works to pick up your FREE 2 oz. Carried Away lotion (with this COUPON)
11a-6p:

PARK HERE: Indoor Pop-Up Park - I'm sure you've heard about it, now go check it out! P.S. Weekends only there are some local vendors featured who would normally be closed in the winter, yum! [Thru 1/30; 201 Mulberry St, 6 train to Spring St]
BROOKLYN FLEA MARKET - One can never go too many times in one weekend: )

12-3p: FREE Grimaldi Pizza @ the Limelight Market [Until 1/25 or so; 656 Ave of the Amer]
12-7p: TASCHEN WAREHOUSE SALE - 50-75% off books! They may be a little damaged, but they'd still make lovely coffee table books: ) [107 Greene St, bet Prince and Spring]

UPCOMING

1/24 - 2/6: NYC Restaurant Week - $24.07 for lunch, $35 for dinner at some hot spots around the city, like A Voce, Perilla, db Moderne, Morimoto, etc!
1/24 - 2/13 (20@20 ends 2/6): 2-for-1 or $20 B'Way Tix - score cheap(er) tix to some great off broadway shows, like Avenue Q, Blue Man Group, Fuerza Bruta, etc!

Good date idea: book a nice dinner and then go to an off b'way show (I mean, that sounds like a great night to me...and easy to plan, guys! hehe: )

2/3 Chinese New Year of the Rabbit!
2/5 @ 730p - ICE SKATING in LIC (only rooftop rink in NY) w/ Random Events - only $8, including skate rental, private group lesson, and approx 3 hrs of skating!

More on the way. Bundle up and have a great weekend!

Let's PLAY!

2011-01-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

There are 3 good theater deals going on now, check them out!

The show offerings are almost identical between the first and third deals, with the only difference being that the 2-for-1 is slightly more expensive but guaranteed. For 20at20, you have to go a little early to wait in line. Even though the actual tix sell 20 min before the show, people start waiting in line at least an hour before popular shows (that's how Ben and I saw Fuerza Bruta last year, which was great!).

Now-2/6: 20at20 - $20 Tix 20 Min before the show!
Now-2/10: 2-for-1 BROADWAY (promo code: BW211)
Now-2/13: 2-for-1 OFF-B'WAY Tix (promo code: NYCGO)

Shows I want to see: The Fantasticks, Love, Loss, and What I Wore, Freud's Last Session, Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating, & Marriage, The Perfect Crime...well, I wouldn't mind seeing any of them, really!

Save the Date: Stop n' Swap in Feb

2011-01-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

This could be something fun to check out in Feb, especially if you have a few things you don't need anymore and could be of good use in a new home...or just to pick up a few things for yourself. Free!

Stop n' Swap is community swap where people can bring "clean, working, portable" items (clothing, books - I have a few I can donate! - electronics, etc) for the taking, but this isn't a requirement. Anyone can check out the items and take on a first come, first serve basis. No doubt most of it we may not want or need, but there might be a few gems in there. Not something I'd go out of my way for (one loc is near me, so it works out:), but it's all in the name of Recycling - a cause I can support: ).

There are a few locations, but here are the 2 that I think most people can get to more easily.

Saturday, February 12, 11am-2pm - Queens (Jackson Heights)
Renaissance Charter School, basement cafeteria
35-59 81st St. b/t 37th & 35th Aves

Saturday, February 26, 11am-2pm - Brooklyn (Ft. Greene)
M.S. 113 lobby, 300 Adelphi Street b/t DeKalb and Lafayette

Check out the website for more details: http://www.grownyc.org/swap.

NYColor Meal & Movie: The King's Speech, Sat 1/8!

2011-01-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

Friends,

To kick off the new year, let's start with a Meal & Movie this Saturday January 8th! This is where we watch a recommended or well-rated movie and pair it with a meal appropriate to the genre or movie theme. We usually go before noon to AMC for $6 tickets and grab lunch afterwards, but we're making an exception this week (using discount tickets, of course: ).

Upon recommendation from my mom and a few friends, we're going to watch THE KING'S SPEECH, starring Colin Firth (see the trailer HERE). Bring your fake British accents and join us for dinner and a movie!

NOTE: Meeting time and location will be emailed through the NYColor email list (sign-up HERE, if you haven't already!) or email me: nycolor.is.life@gmail.com

See you then!

NYChar Review: New KTown Food Court!

2011-01-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

We might have a new favorite hang out place in NY, and it's in KTown, right across from Woorijip - another favorite of ours. Featuring over 200 seats, 3 floors, and free water for the long walk down 32nd st (note: from a water dispenser, but you get your choice of hot or cold: ), we foresee this new food court as a convenient place to grab a quick bite at one of the 7 restaurants (for a reasonable price, all pretty well under $10) that may rival Woorijip but won't make it obsolete (at least we hope not!). I'm interested to see what happens on a busy day - currently, it seems inefficient with having to order everything at the front. Let me know what you think (see photos and review from MidtownLunch.com HERE).

From the NYCCravings Food Truck

As for the food options, 6 of the 7 stands are Korean (w/ Japanese and Chinese influence), naturally, but all a little different, so I look forward to trying them. The 7th stand is one familiar to me: Bian Dang (formally NYCCravings). I used to work next to the truck and think it's pretty good Taiwanese food, especially for this area. There's a "Taiwanese Sampler Platter" that's only $4 that you should start with, and then you can build up to the pork chops (see left: ).

It will take a few months before it's fully ready, but it's already a cool spot to check out, even just for the Korean music videos on the 3rd floor. Just ignore the random paintings - not sure what chocolate, popcorn, sashimi, soup spoon, and a drum w/ a pepper have in common haha. We're also not sure what to call this place yet (don't quite like Food Gallery), but the best unofficial name to date is "Ktown Kafeteria". Other thoughts?

Sweet Taro Ice Cream Crepe

Crepe Monster - 3rd Floor

***FREE ALERT***: One reason to check it out this week is to see Josh at Crepe Monster - a not-yep-open crepe place on the 3rd floor, because he's practicing and making savory (bul-go-gi) and sweet (w/ Chinatown Ice Cream Factory ice cream) crepes that he's giving out for FREE (after 7p).

Our little secret - try it out! Disclaimer: this isn't an official free deal, and he only makes a few to hand out, but if you're there at 7p, you have a good shot. I've gone 2 days in a row now to hang out and can confirm the offer.

I'm sure we'll be back to visit soon (see how much fun we have there: ). Enjoy!

NYChar Countdown to 2011 Adventure!

2010-12-31T01:34:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: What a fun day!! Thanks to Michelle S. and Cameron L. for joining me - we had an awesome time! While we didn't get to everything on the list, we did do most of it, and some were replaced with other unexpected things to see as well (like the Three Faith exhibit in the NY Public Library - what a pretty building, btw!). Enjoy 2011!

Come one, come all to the 2011 Countdown Adventure today, to celebrate the last day of 2010 and welcome the new year!

These are 10 spots around NYC to stop by to take a photo that features 2011 in a creative way. It is very holiday focused, because I didn't get to see much of it while I was home, but the locations are also significant for other memorable events that happened this year (like the Hot Chocolate Festival @ City Bakery, Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park, monthly dim sum excursions, etc: ). It's not meant to be all inclusive; just a way to bring 2011 into some of our fave places in NYC, so there's sure to be surprises along the way. Bring your camera! It's mostly free, and it definitely won't be more than $20.11!

EMAIL ME for more details, and come meet up w/ us anytime! nycolor.is.life@gmail.com

RULE: At every stop, someone has to take a photo that represents 2011 in some way. We'll put all the photos together at the end!

10. Dim Sum @ Jing Fong (Elizabeth St, off of Canal; N/Q/R/W or 6)
9. Drink the best hot chocolate @ City Bakery (18th St and 5th Ave; N/Q/R/W or 6)
8. Toot toot! Holiday Train Show @ Grand Central Terminal, closes at 4p (42 and Lex; 4/5/6)
7. Stroll in Central Park and check out the "Wreath Interpretations" exhibit (Arsenal Bldg, 3rd F - 64th and 5th Ave, closes at 5p; (212) 360-8163)
6. Gingerbread House Competition at Le Parker Meridian (56th bet 6th and 7th; F)
5. NY Public Library - Christmas tree in the main lobby (5th and 42nd; B/D/F/M)
4. Bryant Park Holiday Market and Christmas Tree (40th bet 5th and 6th; B/D/F/M)
3. Free smell at Magnolia Bakery (49th and 6th; B/D/F/M)
2. Rockefeller Christmas Tree (Rock Plaza, bet 49th and 50th; B/D/F/M)
1. Countdown to 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2010-12-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year, especially to take another moment to be thankful for all of God's blessings: great friends, good health, the opportunity to dance and live in NYC...and so much to look forward to in the new year. I'm truly amazed how things work out so perfectly (in His timing: ), and I'm excited about more adventures ahead. Now, I know I've been a little MIA on NYColor since I'm focused on dancing now, but I hope to still share new experiences with yall, whenever possible. I'm still around - we'll get together again soon: )

In the meantime - enjoy this time, this very moment, and start each day looking forward to whatever is to come; life is a beautiful thing, full of surprises, and I think everything works out for the best - or at least I hope we can always see things that way. I've found it to be true so far: ).

I wish you peace, warmth, and lots of love this season!!

Quick Weekender: 11/27-28

2010-11-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

It's already the last weekend of Nov, can you believe it?: )

Let me know if you're interested in meeting up this weekend!

11/27 @ 615 - 830p: 2nd Annual Lighted Boat Parade - starts at Pier 66 (north of Chelsea Piers), makes it's way down the Hudson River around...should be lovely!
11/27 - 12/5: "Nutcracker in the Lower", Urban Ballet Theater - Nutcracker set in Manhattan! In it's 9th season - $20

Did you make any good Black Friday purchases? Or too stuffed from Thanksgiving Dinner? p.s. the pay-as-you-wish Thanksgiving buffet (plus photo booth!!) @ Bubby's Tribeca was great, would definitely recommend it for next year. I only wish I had leftovers: ).

Blessings, all.

Happy Thanksgiving, NYC!

2010-11-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving really kicks off the holiday season, and I can't believe it's already here! I'm excited for these next few weeks, and I look forward to celebrating with as many of you as possible.

Besides food and football, be sure to check out 2 other perfect Thanksgiving things to do in the city:

TODAY WED 11/24

3-10p: The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade balloons get inflated in Central Park! [Between 77th and 81st between CPW and Columbus Ave; website]

TOMORROW THURS 11/25

9a: The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade takes place, starting at 77th and CPW, ending at 34th St/Herald Sq. Organizers say best viewing spots is between 61 and 72nd, CPW. It's so fun!

I'm thankful for you!

Weekender: 11/20-21

2010-11-19T22:12:00.000-08:00

Too many fun things not to share!

SATURDAY 11/20

10a: First 400 people in line get free gift cards ($10-210) to the new 5th Ave Forever 21!
10a-5p: Last Day to enjoy the Brooklyn Flea Mkt outside before it moves indoors for the winter.
11a: See Tina Fey and other '30 Rock' stars @ the NBC Experience Store for the show soundtrack release, free [Rockefeller Ctr].
1p: Enjoy chamber music on a large barge, for an hour, free. A/C to High Street.
4p: See my friend Michelle Chai's film Tango Volta on a huge screen as a part of NY Foundation for the Arts Big Screen Project, free. Go Michelle! [6th Ave bet 29 and 30].
12a: UCB's The Hogwart's Improvisation Society - see which team can out-curse each other in this fun improv event, in theme with HP7 in theaters, now! [$5; W26th and 8th Ave]

See I planned a great day for you - the timing actually works out so you can do everything! Go for it: )

SUNDAY 11/21

Day of rest, from all the Sat fun!

ALL WEEKEND + UPCOMING

Until 11/20 - 5 Dutch Days - 5 day cultural event celebrating Dutch influence in NYC.
Until 11/21 - Starbucks BOGO Holiday Drinks @ 2-5p - yums! Who wants to go with me? I want to try the caramel brulee!
Until 11/22 - Check out the 18th Annual CANSTRUCTION Competition - structures made of full food cans, later to be donated to City Harvest, awesome! [10a-7p; WFC Winter Garden - directions here!]
11/25 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
It's pomegranate season! Check out my step by step photo instruction on how to de-seed them and enjoy right away! [NYColor Post: "How to Eat a Pomegranate"]
Check out the holiday window displays in NY - tis the season! TimeOut NY puts together a list so it's easy - see HERE.
Until 12/24 - Union Square Holiday Markets are open, yay.

ENJOY!

November Time

2010-11-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hello November!

This Fall is going by fast, right? I do love the holidays in NYC - something so magical about being here during this time of year. What are your favorite things to do? It's the little things for me - getting hot apple cider at the holiday markets, eating everything pumpkin, wearing my winter gear, Christmas decorations everywhere, writing and receiving cards, holiday parties, enjoying the warmth of friendships old and new...and looking forward to a new year and new adventures together. Indeed, much to look forward to.

As you've probably guessed, when I get busy, I don't get to play as much, and as a result I don't post as much here, but that's why you should also be a NYColor Facebook Fan or follow on Twitter (@NYChar), because I do post a few tid bits here and there that I don't want you to miss! See the side bar on right to add: ).

Stay warm, NYC - more fun to come!

Happy Oct Fun!

2010-10-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

A post just in time for the start of Oct and all things pumpkin! Here are some some fun events to check out this weekend:

SAT Oct 2

12-6p: CHILE PEPPER FIESTA - Music, samples, cooking demos...BK Botanical Gardens, $15 (includes garden admission)

I'm not a fan of peppers, but I like festivals celebrating one food: ).

6-7p: It's IMPROV EVERYWHERE'S MP3 Experiment - Midtown Manhattan! Go to the website for full instructions.

I think I can actually do it this year!

7p-12a: BRING TO LIGHT NYC - Greenpoint, BK waterfront (Take G to Greenpoint Ave), FREE: "A Nuit Blanche is an all night arts festival of installations and performances celebrating the magic and luminance of light."

Sounds so cool, can't wait to see it.

SUN Oct 3

1130a-6p: 2010 MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL - Fort Tyron Park (190th and Fort Wash Ave), FREE: music, dance, food...and jousting knights!
11a-4p: Queens Country Farm's APPLE FESTIVAL - see and enjoy a variety of apples, ciders, and the "nation's largest apple cobbler", whoa! FREE.

ALL WEEKEND/ONGOING

10a-5p: 2ND ANNUAL KITE FESTIVAL in Coney Island, FREE.
Until 10/10: ART IN ODD PLACES - It's...art in odd places, yea: ).

DEALS

TODAY Fri 10/1 Only - Get $25 gift certificates for only $1, on Restaurant.com! Enter Promo Code: WOW. Perfect for dinner with you and a friend or as gifts!
Sign up for FREE tix to tapings of COMEDY CENTRAL PRESENTS shows - only a few shows open still!
Check out these Oct $31 NYC SPA DEALS from PrettyCity.com, for Nat'l Breast Cancer Awareness month! Sign up on the link and book your service today (haircut, massage, mani/pedis, facials, and more)!

I won?!

2010-09-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, this means so much!! My amazing friend Jen K. nominated me for one of the 10 Shecky's Nat'l Girlfriend Awards ("Best Life of the Party Girlfriend" Award, hehe), and what do you know, I got it!

Read more here: http://www.sheckys.com/2010/08/31/national-girlfriend-award-winners/. Thanks to Shecky's for the great prizes too!

How can this be? haha...it's having truly good friends like Jen and so many of you in my life that make it easy to have a blast and live it up each day. Thank you all for sharing in all the adventures in NYC, and many more to come!!

Love! NYChar

End of Summer: Weekend+Onward!

2010-08-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Isn't it crazy that it's almost end of Summer? Here are a few things from TimeOutNY and my other favorite blogs to check out through the end of the month, in our summer dresses and shorts, before it's time for Fall jackets! I'm going to try to go to as many as possible: ).

Sign up for the NYColor email subscriptions to find out WHEN! Goodbye Summer!

THIS WEEKEND:

Thru Aug - Cranford Rose Garden - smell the roses and other late summer blooms like orchids and sunflowers! [BK Botanical Garden, $8 or FREE Sat 10a-12p and Tues]
Sat 8/21 - Good Good Trouble on Bad Bad Island - see my friend Josh's play, as a part of the Fringe Festival NYC (see my recent POST, a few more shows left!]

Don't miss it!

Sun 8/22

10a-4p: Volkswagen Traffic Jam - vintage VW car show (dune buggies and more!) [Governor's Island]
11a-6p: Healthy Food and Green Festival - learn the Japanese healthy way! Try snacks (around $5 each) and hear discussions on different food topics [NY Japan Town, Madison Ave bet 43 and 45]
2-9p: Blues BBQ Festival - jazz and BBQ, the best combo! I've missed it every year, but I'm determined to make it this year [Blues BBQ, Pier 54 @ W 14th St]

yes please!

UPCOMING:

Tues 8/24-Sat 8/28 - Central Park Conservatory Film Festival - see FREE "Iconic NY" movies! [CPC Film Fest, 8p (but get there early!), near Sheep Meadow]

Tues., Aug. 24: Fame
Wed., Aug. 25: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Thurs., Aug. 26: Saturday Night Fever
Fri., Aug. 27: King Kong
Sat., Aug. 28: Manhattan

Tues 8/24 - The Story of Sushi - Hear Trevor Corson (Iron Chef America Judge) chat about how sushi got to where it is now. No promise of a sampling, but you'll be full of new sushi knowledge! [Museum of the City of NY, 630p, $12 adults, $8 students. Must RSVP]
Do ASAP - Berry Picking @ Patty's Berries and Bunches - Head out for a mini-day trip to Long Island for raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries! Season is almost over, so get picking! [Patty's, 631-298-4679, $5/bunch]
Sat 8/28-Sun 8/29 - Pirates and Knights @ The Ren Faire - enough said? Break out your eye patch and take a walk on the high seas....with your local knights and queens, hehe [The Renaissance Faire, $20]
Until Sun 8/29

Shakespeare on the Run - yay! roaming Shakespeare, this year's play being "Much Ado About Nothing", which is great fun [NYClassical, Central Park (103rd + CPW), Thurs-Sun 7p]

Definitely going: )

Grand Central Dining Week - try the restaurants in Grand Central Terminal, on the cheap(er)! [GCT Dining Week]

Mon 8/30-9/12 - US OPEN Tennis!! The best of tennis, only 30 min away from Manhattan. Love-love it like it's my job (because it is haha) [US Open, check out website for sched and tix]

Let me know if you go, I'll meet up with you there!

"Good Good Trouble On Bad Bad Island" by Josh Mikel!

2010-08-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

The NY International Fringe Festival is back! Aug 13-29, 2010.

What is it? The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) is the largest multi-arts festival in North America, with more than 200 companies from all over the world performing for 16 days in more than 20 venues.

I'm especially excited about this year because my awesome pal from GA Josh Mikel (in white, right) wrote a play that's in the festival (info and tix link below!), and I cannot wait to see it. If it's anything like Josh...it's going to be amazing: ). Congrats, Josh!!

Find out when we're going - Sign up HERE for the weekly emails so you're always in the know on all the fun happening each week!

Good Good Trouble On Bad Bad Island
Endstation Theatre Company Writer: Joshua Mikel Director: Chad Larabee
A bad, bad, Idol challenges good, good Rosa with a series of impossible tasks -- but what happens when she starts doing the impossible?! This wildly inventive adventure finds that sometimes family and good goodness can be found in the most unlikely of places.
1h 30m   National   Sweet Briar, VA
Comedy   FringeJR   Staycation: Fantasy Island Excursion   Absurdly Surrealist Dream   www.endstationtheatre.org/fringe.html   VENUE #9: The Robert Moss Theater
Mon 16 @ 7  Wed 18 @ 4:30  Sat 21 @ 4:15  Mon 23 @ 1  Sat 28 @ 2

More Fun: A Lil Dancin' and Kissin'

2010-08-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Why not?: )

Fri 8/13 - Central Park Salsa's 10 Year Anniversary Event - 6-8p: Salsa dancing outdoors in Central Park, free!

Sat 8/14

Times Square Kiss-in - 10a-2p: Celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the most famous sailor kiss on Sat, with Maybelline NY who will be on hand doing makeovers and touch ups! And see Maxim Chmerkovsky too!
Lincoln Center Out of Doors - 730p: live salsa band Larry Harlow's La Raza Latina, free!

Save me a dance (and a kiss?) haha!

8/12 - The Most Famous Meteor Shower!

2010-08-10T21:07:00.000-07:00

I usually try not to go on the same kinds of adventures...but I love stars and especially meteor showers, and this one seems like a must see! I know a few of you think it's cool too, hehe (thanks to Chris C. for the heads up!).

This Thurs Aug 12 - it's the PERSEID METEOR SHOWER, which the Inwood Astronomy Project says is "the most famous of all meteor showers". We can join our IAP friends up in Inwood Hill Park (only 20 min away on the A train!) from 10p-1am for this event. It really is the best place in Manhattan to do it.

Good thing is that it won't be freezing like when we went to see the Leonid shower back in Nov or so, and I think the sky should be pretty clear (though apparently there is a small 20% chance of rain - but that shouldn't stop us: ). Who's in? See you there!

Get more details and up to date information on the viewing HERE.

Haney Pancake Recipe!

2010-08-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

Who wants to get together for a PANCAKE PARTY? How fun does that sound?: ) I randomly wanted pancakes as I was working late tonight, and my good friend Matt Haney sent this delicious recipe to me. Thanks for sharing!!

Banana Nutella Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cup all purpose flour

1 tbsp white sugar

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

1 egg, beaten

1 cup milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil

2 ripe bananas, mashed

2 tbsp Nutella

Instructions:

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, milk, oil, bananas and Nutella.

Stir flour mixture into banana mixture; batter will be slightly lumpy.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet (use Pam) over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter into the pan using approximately ¼ cup for each pancake. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on both sides; serve hot.

Just Because...Hello Kitty Macaroni!

2010-07-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

Presenting...the cutest macaroni ever!

How can you see this in a Japanese grocery store and NOT buy it??

I will be sure to wear a bow when I eat it too, hehe.

More Summer Tidbits

2010-07-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

It's the last week of July, friends! I'm in and out of NY until mid-Sept, but I am still planning to do all my fave summer things (and hopefully more!) while I am here, don't you worry.

Come meet up the two days I'm in the city this week (email me for details):

WED 7/28: Late night movie night! INCEPTION, around 10p - dream on!
THURS 7/29: DIRTY DIAMONDS ft. K!O & Lani Love, 10p-4a - making my first trip over to Williamsburg (I know, about time hehe) to support and dance it up with my amazing amiga DJ Lani Love, who will be playing music throughout the night. The Cove, no cover (see fb invite HERE)!

Check out some other fun things ahead:

JULY

WED 28:

Etsy Craft Night @ South Street Seaport, 6-8p - FREE sea-themed applique sewing workshop. Materials and goodie bags included!
Lincoln Center Out of Doors Fest, 730p - (Daily thru 8/15) - More FREE performances (music, dance, theater, a little bit of everything!) @ Lincoln Center - will let you know when I plan on going.

THRU 31: For those going back to school in the Fall...get a FREE backpack from Staples or Office Max (w/ rebate).

AUGUST
Until SUN 1: A few more days left for Shakespeare in the Park - "The Merchant of Venice" (see Al Pacino!) and "Winter's Tale" (see POST on our tips on getting tix!)

SUN 1 and 8: 2 more Moondances left! Live music and dancing as the sun sets on Pier 54, Hudson River Park, FREE

TUES 10: Pop Tart World Cafe in Times Square?

Until End of Aug:

Bryant Park Summer Film Festival - see HERE for schedule. Get to the park early to secure a spot on the lawn!
Movies With a View - more FREE outdoor movies, under the BK Bridge! Sched HERE (Indiana Jones, 8/26!).
$2 Bowling @ Astoria Bowl - 11a-5p daily - worth taking a Summer Friday?: )

ONGOING

TUESDAYS: Highline Stargazing - do it, it's really cool.

Until 9/6: NYC Restaurant Week is extended!

Until 10/11: "Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917" @ MoMa - another fave artist of mine! Remember, it's FREE on Fridays, 4-8p.

Stay cool, NY!

7/20 - Let's go...Highline Stargazing!

2010-07-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

A new friend reminded me of this fun little thing that happens every Tuesday night - stargazing on the Highline! Such a cool, urban space to take a stroll in...so why not see some stars up close too?: )

EVERY TUESDAY: Stargazing with the Amateur Astronomers Association

Photo by Kiersten Chou.

Join Friends of the High Line and the Amateur Astronomers Association (AAA) of New York for Astronomy on the High Line, each Tuesday at dusk, on the High Line. View the stars using the AAA’s high-powered telescopes, and get a lesson from the experts on the celestial wonders of New York’s night sky.

Telescopes will be set up from dusk to 9:30 PM under the Standard Hotel on the High Line, located between Gansevoort and 14th Streets. This event will occur every Tuesday evening. In the event of rain, Stargazing will be cancelled. For updated information on weather related changes, visit www.aaa.org.

Location: On the High Line under the Standard Hotel
FREE. RSVP not required.

I've been once before, to see Jupiter (I think it was Jupiter hehe), and though it's a small set up, it's really amazing to be able to see something so far away!

I plan to stop by tonight TUES 7/20 - b/c I'll be traveling again for the next few weeks! This is what we'll see, acc. to their website:

July 20

8:24

9 days old

in the South

Mercury low in WNW

Venus, Mars, & Saturn low in W till 10:00

Maybe later this summer, we can take another trip to Inwood Park with AAA to see the full night sky (remember when we went the first time? POST) - I hear there is another meteor shower or something neat to see in a few months - will keep you posted!

Email me to meet up (nycolor.is.life@gmail.com) - and make a wish!

Salsa Sundays!

2010-07-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

Here are two great FREE dance events that happen on Sundays, and they're both pretty close to each other! Planning to go to both tonight - so excited to dance again: ). Click on the titles to get more details on the website.

MOONDANCE
"Whether you’ve been dancing for years, or want to learn how to boogie like a pro, Hudson River Park’s MoonDance is your chance to strut your stuff under the stars! No experience necessary. Featured styles include swing, tango and salsa."

Free dance lessons 6:30pm – 7pm courtesy of Dance Manhattan

Live Music 7pm – 10pm | Hudson River Park, Pier 54 (see directions here)

July Events

18 July 2010, Sunday – Los Hermanos Colon - happening tonight!
25 July 2010, Sunday – Nu D’Lux
1 August 2010, Sunday – Hector DelCurto’s Eternal Tango Orchestra
8 August 2010, Sunday – George Gee Swing Orchestra

LATIN SUNDAYS

Salsa, bachata, merengue!

No Cover | Las Chicas Locas - 25th bet 6th and 7th

730p-1am

Happy Dancing!

How to: Spam Musubi (by Evan)

2010-07-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia: "Spam musubi is a very popular snack and lunch food in Hawaii made in the tradition of Japanese onigiri, also known as omusubi. Spam musubi is composed of a block of rice with a slice of grilled spam on top and nori (seaweed) wrapping to hold it together."

Last Friday, Evan W. (who grew up in Hawaii, of course!) had us over to teach us how to make this simple but deliciously filling food, and I'm here to share it with you!

THE INGREDIENTS
Seaweed, White Rice, and Spam...and a bowl of water!
NOTE: Spam prep involves marinating in soy sauce and sugar for a few hours, and then pan frying it!

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

The secret behind putting it together is the clear, plastic hollow rectangle spam musubi maker...and "The Masher".

Before you begin, make sure the inside edge of the rectangle is wet. This is key so your rice doesn't stick!
After preparing a clean surface and laying the seaweed down, place the rectangle a little off of center. Fill it with white rice, and then use the masher to flatten the rice.
The rectangle is designed to fit the spam perfectly! Place two pieces on top of the rice, and fill it with another layer.

It's time for The Masher again, but don't forget to wet it or else it won't work.
Press the layers together!
Then, with The Masher still pressed down, slip the rectangle off from the top.
And now, the hardest part...carefully remove The Masher without moving the rice or the spam from its place.

THE WRAP

Almost there! Take one edge of the seaweed, wet the edges like an envelope, and stick it to the rice. Then take the other edge and do the same. Make sure it's snug like a hug!

...AND THAT'S A WRAP!

Cut it into a few cubes, and it's ready to eat!

Yay - always so fun to learn something new. Justin got creative and added egg to his too, and it was also delicious. Add a side of macaroni salad, and you got a true Hawaiian meal.

ALOHA!

7/13 - Happy National French Fry Day!

2010-07-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Hot potato! What delicious fun. Us 6 girls ate up our Pomme Frites with a fury, so fast that the guy at the counter gave us more sauces to try and a whole extra order, for free! We liked the Parmesan Peppercorn, thought the Especial tasted just like normal mayo, and the Sweet Chili had a bit of a plum flavor. Perfect way to celebrate today: ). Thanks for meeting up!!

_____

Though it's likely a big a marketing ploy, I do enjoy days/months dedicated to specific foods -- Sweet Potato Month (Feb 2011), National Burger Month (May 2011), Pancake Day (Mar 8, 2011)...check out this calendar of all the random things to celebrate! -- and today we get to celebrate French Fries! Let's go to Pomme Frites tonight!: )

July 13, 2010 is National French Fries Day

Oh how we love those deep-fried strips of potato we know more commonly as french fries (or "chips" in England). The Belgians claim to have invented french fries, but no one knows for sure.

According to a Belgian historian, french fries date back to the 1600s when the inhabitants of a region formerly known as the Spanish Netherlands (currently Belgium) had the custom of accompanying their meals with small fried fish. When the river froze and they could not fish they turned to potatoes which they cut lengthwise and fried in oil. The term "French" was introduced during World War I when soldiers arrived and tasted the fries. They called them "French" as it was the official language of the Belgian Army at the time.

Today, we have many variations of french fries. Waffle fries, curly fries, sweet potato fries, shoestring fries -- what's your favorite? Whatever variation you prefer, chances are you'll be eating them away from home like most Americans. In fact, one fast-food chain's famous fries are so popular, they have their own Facebook page with more than half a million fans!

So hit up the drive-thru and super size your order to celebrate National French Fries Day!
(via MyPunchBowl.com)

Apparently, it's also National Ice Cream Month and National Grilling Month too - fun fun!

FREE Chick-Fil-A Friday!

2010-07-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

Finally, Chick-Fil-A in NYC!! Well, even if it is for a day: ). It's seriously the best chicken sandwich in the world.

Follow the CFA truck on twitter as they stop at a few locations today FRIDAY 7/9 to give out FREE sandwiches to the first 300 people: http://twitter.com/ChickfilA

First stop announced: 11AM @ Nat'l Museum of History! Check back for more locations.

My friday wish...is to each a Chick-Fil-A sandwich!!

NYRewind: LA!

2010-07-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

What I was up to in LA all last week...

WORK PLAY
LAFF 2010, @ one of our red carpet premieres with a certain vampire/werewolf's girl...: )

PLAY PLAY
Shout out to BEN C. for all the restaurant and fun recommendations all week - you're the best! So wonderful to see friends from GA, Chicago, NY and eat delicious food (In-n-Out, Cafe Was, Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, El Chulo, C&O, Korean BBQ, Urth Caffe...)!

Summer Swingin' - Let's go!

2010-07-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Just picking a few days I can go dancing and enjoy live music @ Midsummer's Night Swing/Lincoln Center - come meet up! There's only about a week and a half left - it's over on 7/17! Takes place 730p-10p. Tix are required to dance closer to the band, but we like it fine and FREE on the outside floor!

WED 7/7 - Big Band Swing w/ JC Hopkins Biggish Band - today!
THURS 7/8 - Bhangra w/ DJ Rekha
WED 7/14 - Swing w/ Catherine Russell and the Cat and the Hounds Swing Band
FRI 7/16 - Salsa on 2 w/ La Excelencia

How to: Shakespeare in the Park

2010-07-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare in the Park is one of my favorite NY events because it encompasses so many essentials of a true NY experience - waiting in line for senseless hours, meeting strangers/making new friends, Central Park, picnics, great theater and acting, celebrities...and of course, FREE. (see our fun HERE, from last year with Anna Hathaway!)

This year, the two shows are "The Merchant of Venice" (ft. Al Pacino!) and "Winter's Tale". For schedule and more information, click HERE.

Today, July 5, 2010, Teresa, Cameron, Melissa, and I braved the crowds once again and came out victorious. Since I have 3 years experience under my belt now, thought it would be helpful to share some tips I've picked up...and some pics from our adventure this morning.

LOCATION AND TIME

Central Park officially opens at 6am, but us free-lovers go early early to get in the line to get into the park - the entrance is at 81st st and Central Park West (B/C to 81st St or 1 to 79th St).
Common sense says that an hour earlier would be sufficient, but we say kick common sense out of the park...and go around 1AM. You can be sure there are people crazier than you. We also think that by going earlier in the night/morning, you can still get in some sleep (pick a flat bench, your back will thank you), instead of having to wake up at the odd hours of 3 or 4am.
Be sure to set your alarm for around 545AM, so you wake up in time for the line to start moving into the park at 6AM.
Once inside the park, they will line you up in front of the theater. Stake your spot, and keep on sleeping until they start handing out tickets at 1PM!
Weekdays will have less people, so you can likely go closer to 6AM and still get tickets.

WHAT TO BRING

Sleeping bag, pillow, lots of water and snacks, a jacket for the night (it still gets a little chilly), air mattress (as you can see above), chairs, sunscreen, cameras, games...and patience!
See the example below.

OTHER TIPS

Definitely grab some friends and go together. It not only makes the 12 or so hours more tolerable and fun, but it's also safer.
Bathroom breaks are allowed.
Food can be ordered from 2 places, but Andy's Deli is cheaper - get the # from the guys managing the line (they do a good job).
If you are at or near the Rock of Hope, you still have a good chance!
Make friends with your neighbors, because they can vouch for you if any issues come up.
Each person gets 2 tickets, FYI!
Visitors (with fro-yo) are always welcomed, but note they can't stay and get a tix (but we do our best to give them on of our extras: ). We love them!

TWO OTHER OPTIONS

I know spending all night in Central Park is not possible for everyone - so you can also try these:

Standby line - go around 4PM near the theater to get in line. These seats will be distributed close to the show start time (8p), and while they are not together, they usually are better seats. 1 tix per person.
Virtual line - submit your name thru the website on the day of the show you want to attend, and see if you get picked! I can confirm from 2 different people that it works.

Have any other tips to share? Let me know! I do hope you go at least once, because it's so much fun! I plan to see Winter's Tale soon, if you're interested in joining. ENJOY!

Happy 4th!! And Next Adventure Mon 7/5!

2010-07-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm back from all my travels, finally! Very quickly, the next adventure!

We're going to do Shakespeare in the Park tomorrow, since we get a day off (yay!), so if you do too, come join us in line @ Central Park bright and early (around 5am) to get the FREE tix! It's one of my favorite NY experiences, and we get to spend just about all day together, so I'd love for you to join. We're waiting in line for Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", starring Al Pacino! More details HERE.

EMAIL ME for meeting place and time!

Have a great 4th of July today - eat lots, hang out with friends (and give them hugs for being amazing), watch fireworks, and be thankful for everything we have!

NYRewind: My 12 in. for Wigs for Kids!

2010-06-21T02:59:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I've been thinking about donating my hair after ballroom competition season ended, and yesterday (wow, was it really only yesterday? it feels like so much has happened this weekend!), I happened to have a free afternoon, so in the morn I called up the salon I've been considering for a while (good reviews on Yelp, plus they're very donation friendly), made an appt, and did it!!

I went to the trendy Bloom Beauty Lounge in Chelsea and met with stylist Justin Born, who did an incredible job...and was so nice to get to know too. It was such a fun experience overall! And it went something like this...

BEFORE:

Cutting off the 12 in. from the back...and shorter and shorter it goes!

And AFTER! ta da!

This is the shortest I've ever gotten it (the back, at least), and I didn't have anything specific I wanted, but it turned out better than I imaginged! Thanks so much, Justin!! I really love my new true NY haircut, and it was great to show it off to my friends right away later that evening and this morning...and is the perfect new look for this new 25 year old: ). It was half off of a normal cut, so it was a nice deal for a good cause too.

Here you go, Wigs for Kids - thanks for giving me an opportunity to donate! If you have long hair (8-12 in, depending on where you donate) - I encourage you to do it too!

Birthday Weekend!

2010-06-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't been in NY over a weekend for a while, and I'm leaving again later this weekend for work...sorry, will have to hold on my China update, but in a few words, it was eye-opening, intriguing, fattening and cheap, all at the same time. Pics should say it all.

Anyways, it is my birthday weekend, and I'm getting a haircut from Justin @ Bloom Beauty Lounge today! Donating my hair to Wigs for Kids too, which is just what I was hoping to do. Finally, it has been so long, literally: ). It's not free (I know, gasp!), more like half off, but I figured I was allowed to splurge - even for me, hehe. It's still a good deal, ok!

Again, skimpy weekender for you b/c of my travels (the more I post about events I can't go to b/c I'm away, the more sad it makes me...but I do it for you!!: ). Have a good one, for me!

SAT 6/19

12-4p - Adventures NYC @ Central Park/72nd - free event promoting having fun outdoors, and grab a free helmet while you're at it! Would be cool to see "The Last Airbender" shaolin performance too (I want to see the movie too, hehe: ).
2p - 28th Annual Mermaid Parade @ Coney Island! It's mermaids and mermen and a bunch of other sea creatures coming out to play!
Toy Story 3 is out! Rotten Tomatoes gave it 100%, heard good reviews about it so far!

SUN 6/20 - Happy Father's Day

DADS! Get free ice cream at Tasti-Dlite today!
11a-4p - (Ends Today!) Speaking of which - check out this neat UES exhibit on the history of ice cream: "What's the Real Scoop?" (Mount Vernon Hotel Museum - 421 E 61st). Free w/ museum admission ($8 adults, $7 students).
$1 Cupcakes @ Billy's Bakery Tribeca (75 Franklin St) tomorrow, for it's 1 year anniversary - sweeeet.
FREE Salsa Nights Sun and Wed every week! - Found a great FREE salsa party that happens 2 times a week, we'll go again soon, so stay tuned!

MON 6/21

Make Music NY - Sounds fun! "Free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City, all on Monday, June 21st, the first day of summer"

ONGOING

Thru 9/12 - "Andy Warhol's The Last Decade" @ BK Museum - p.s. FREE on First Sat = next one is July 3!

Be back soon for more fun and adventures - HAPPY SUMMER, officially!!

Get your SUMMER ON!

2010-06-15T01:50:00.000-07:00

To get in the perfect summer mood: currently listening to (and loving!) -

HOME:WORD - Magnetic North and Taiyo Na's latest and greatest album, just released this summer! I LOVE "Summertime"- you have to listen to it. Click HERE for the sampler.

ROMANCE & ROOFTOPS - DJ Lani Love summer mix tape - doesn't get much better than her beats!

Truly amazing local artists and even cooler as friends - congrats, so happy for you!!

Weekender: 5/29-31 - Happy Memorial Day (Via Bypremier)!!

2010-05-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

This weekender I turn it over to fellow free lover, Bypremier, who shares his pics for Memorial Day weekend! I'm also away in China for 2 weeks, so be prepared to get right into birthday week fun when I return (I know you're excited too!: )

Thanks so much to Bypremier for kicking off the summer for us! - NYChar

--

Hello Everyone. Guest blogger, bypremier, here.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! This weekend of course is a big one: The unofficial start of summer, a long weekend for most of us, (hopefully) some nice weather, and lots of fun things to do.

So if you’re looking for what’s happening in NYC this weekend (which is why you come to this wonderful site), then allow me to give you a few ideas.

For those looking for a little nostalgic fun, then come on down to the grand opening of Luna Park in Coney Island (W 10th St between the Boardwalk and Surf Ave, Coney Island, Brooklyn; lunaparknyc.com; 11am–midnight). Pick up a wristband and access up to 19 new rides.

Of course, if you prefer your fun more intrepid and naval. Then the amazing, NYChar, has already detailed the upcoming Fleet Week events (see below 5/28 post). Please do check out some of the fun events scheduled (I’m most looking forward to the cast members from the Broadway musical “Wicked” performing at Noon on Saturday, May 29^th).

Since most of you are probably familiar with Fleet Week thanks to some small, little show called “Sex and the City”, then I’m sure you’re all anxiously waiting to throw on your best dress and take those Manolo’s out of the box, because “Sex and the City 2” is coming to a theater near you. But if you’re like me, then you have to save up just to pay for those ridiculous movie prices.

That’s why I found this great deal for $4 AMC movie tickets (click HERE).

After a night of fun (or for some of you, while preparing for a night of fun) with Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha…you’ll probably need this.

Sign up for America Apparel’s email newsletter, get a free thong.

Or if a chick flick is not your style and you don’t want to spend your weekend indoors, then go out and BBQ it up like a regular grill master. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, and if you’re high class…a little bul-go-ki. And after you’re done shoveling down all that meat…nothing goes better than some nice, cold ice cream.

If you like it free, then try and find the Ben and Jerry’s truck.

Otherwise, Cold Stone Creamery has a 20% off coupon.

So there you go…a little something for everyone.

Thanks to NYChar for letting me guestblog. Everyone be safe and have a fun filled and relaxing weekend.

Bypremier
Author of Random thoughts, the illustrious captain of bankruptcy, Resident sports and movie expert, and Lover of all things free - especially movies and food. Because we shouldn't have to pay $20 for a movie, $4 for pinkberry, and $6 for jamba juice.

Please follow me at http://bypremier.blogspot.com.

Fri 5/28 Fun - Big Ships and 39 Steps!

2010-05-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Woo-hoo - mom and brother are in town, just in time for FLEET WEEK 2010!

From About.com: What is Fleet Week?:

Since 1984, New York City has held Fleet Week to honor the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The week features extensive military demonstrations, as well as the opportunity for the public to tour some of the visiting ships. The Memorial Day commemoration is a highlight of the week's festivities, featuring the singing of Taps and a military aircraft fly over in honor of those who lost their lives in service to the United States.

I'm planning to stop by and take them to a few things...but check out the rest of the schedule HERE!

8 am-5 pmFree Ship Tours
Where: Pier 88, 48th St/West Side Highway
Where: Stapleton Pier, SI
8 am-6 pmF-18 Flight Simulator
Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Display
USCG Static Displays
Paramount Top Gun Video Kiosks
ONR Static Display
Where: Pier 88, 12th & 46th St
Where: Homeport Pier, SI (Static Display)
9 am-4 pmUSMC Day in Times Square
Where: Times Square
5-6:15 pmNavy Band Northeast performs at Times Square
Where: Times Square

In the evening - planning to take them to see the off-broadway play 39 Steps, an Alfred Hitchcock "comedy thriller" of sorts...looks great, plus tix are cheap (either $39 for 39 seats or $26.50 for rush, 2 hrs before the show!).

Come along for the fun!

-NYChar

nycolor.is.life@gmailcom

Wed 5/26 - FREE Kerastase treatment + blow out (with donation)

2010-05-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Wed 5/26 - Donate $10 to Loves of Love, get a FREE Kerastase treatment and blow out - get the invite HERE!

Weekender 5/22-23: "For Kids"

2010-05-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

A new friend in town from LA asked me last night where he could take his wife and cute daughter for some fun this weekend, and I found out some great FREE/cheap events on TimeOut Kids that I think you and I can definitely enjoy too! No shame in getting your face painted, I'm all about that: ).

Have a great time in NY, Gary, Susan, and Jesslyn!

SAT 5/22

10a: Touch-a-Truck Street Fair - YMCA 64th and Central Park West

At this extravaganza, youngsters are free to explore police cars, fire trucks and other vehicles. Kids who aren't as enthused about automotives can jump around in bouncy castles, listen to AudraRox jam at 11am and 1pm, get their faces painted, create crafts, enter raffles and munch on food from Magnolia, Crumbs, Alice's Teacup and other yummy vendors. Event will go on rain or shine. All ages.

1030a-130p: Spring Kids Fest - Madison Square Park

Time Out Kids teams up with the Madison Square Park Conservancy for this outdoor fair chockfull of arts activities, live music and theater, storytelling, face painting, tasty treats and more. All ages.

1p: Hudson River Pagent - Hudson River

This parade of puppets, costumes, music, dance and performances celebrates the Hudson River’s plant and animal life, history and future. The pageant starts at the World Financial Center, and other events will take place along the Hudson River (check website for details). All ages.

12-3p: Highland Park's Strawberry Festival - Jamaica, Queens -

Enjoy a family day of all things strawberry! The festival includes music, crafts, games, and a horse & carriage ride around Highland Park!

1-7p: Dance Parade - Tompkins Sq Park -

The procession starts at Broadway and 21st Street, with floats and 5,000 dancers moving to everything from African to zydeco beats, wending their way past Union Square, through the East Village via St. Marks Place and ending up at Tompkins Square Park, where the party continues with free dance lessons and performances. All ages.

Starting 5/22 - exhibit at Amer Mus of Nat'l Hist: "Wild Wild World: Raptors"

SUN 5/23

10a-2p: Farm in the City Fair - 14th St Y

Kids should arrive at this carnival dressed like farmers or farm animals. There will be games, live music, a hoedown, potato sack races and more. Ages 1 to 6.

6/29-7/17: Midsummer Night Swing is Back!

2010-05-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited about Midsummer Night Swing @ Lincoln Center! Where else can you get amazing live music and dancing all in one place...here you go, check out the SCHEDULE!

I'll be sending out the dates I plan to go via email (aka the list that I send out info about all my adventures and special deals just for subscribers!), so if you're not on the list yet, email me and I'll put you on!

Summer ON - see you soon!

May 18th - Sweet Deals: 8 Cent Cinnabon + Free Haagen Dazs!

2010-05-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

Get some SWEET deals today!

8 cent Cinnabon cupcakes, 11a-8p! (Penn Station) - get text coupon here

FREE Scoop of Haagen Dazs 4-8p! (Mott St, B'way and 33rd) - link (thanks Sophia G. for the heads up!)

This Week: Robin Hood, Free Shoes, + more!

2010-05-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

I know, long overdue - but life has been busy over here!! Look forward to playing soon though: ) Summer is just about here!

Wed 4/12 - TONIGHT

World's Biggest Dodgeball Game - 7p @ 69th St Armory (details)
Free workout classes at 92nd St Y - see schedule!

Thurs 4/13 - 730p

ROBIN HOOD, Russell Crowe - Sign- up HERE (note: must be a registered member)
Madison Square Garden Venue Swarm - Check out these MSG venues for free drinks and a chance to score concert tix (Pearl Jam, MGMT, etc!) - (details)

Fri 4/14 - 730p

TOUCHING HOME, Ed Harris - Sign-up HERE

ONGOING:

Thru Thurs 5/13 - DSW Union Sq giving out free pair of shoes every half hour, nice
Thru Sun 5/16 - Half-priced Starbucks Fraps now , 3-5p
Thru Tues 5/18 - See Tribeca Films at Tribeca Cinema (schedule) - recommended: The Trotsky! So good! Plus Amex Cardmembers get FREE popcorn and soda, when you show your card!
Mondays in May - free admission to The Museum of the City of NY (10a-5p | 5th Ave + 103rd St)
*Save the Date*: NY Light Saber Battle! 9p, Downtown - Reserve your $5 light saber on the website!

Starts Tomorrow! - Tribeca Film Fest 2010

2010-04-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

This is a classic NY event - the Tribeca Film Festival 2010 - and it kicks off for a few week starting tomorrow 4/21! There are some great films lined up, and I'm especially excited about being at the opening night film of Shrek Forever After!

Check out all of the films HERE!

See you at the movies, NY: )

TAX DAY FREEBIES 2010

2010-04-14T22:48:00.000-07:00

I hope you did your taxes already!! All my accounting and tax friends will be happy after today is over haha...but in any case, TurboTax was nice and quick for me, so I'm happy it's done to!

To celebrate, of course, there are some freebies to hit up! It's a ton of fun (it's fun even just to say FREEBIES!), so go for it!

Here we go:

Free STARBUCKS brewed coffee - bring your own travel mug!
Free ENERGY KITCHEN wrap or burger between 12-2p, w/ drink purchase (stop by one of 9 locs! We got the Bison cheesesteak wrap last time, and it was pretty delicious! Nothing is over 500 cal too.)
Free CINNABON cupcakes (2) between 6-8p - sweet!
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Meal - BOSTON MARKET - print out this coupon
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Drink - JAMBA JUICE (thru 4/25) - print out this coupon
$10.40 Dinner @ MCCORMICK & SCHMICKS - American steakhouse, it's good!

While you're here, sign up to win/print out tix to these events!

Thru Sun 4/18 - See HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK production for free @ WFC
Th 4/29 - GRAND GOURMET: THE FLAVOR OF MIDTOWN - tasting event, tix are normally $75!
Fri 4/23 and Sat 4/24 - 2010 NFL DRAFT
4/25 - 5/9 - Theater tix to MACBETH @ The Frog and Peach Theater
Mid-May: Trip to the 2010 CANNES INT'L FILM FEST - via TimeoutNY

Thanks to theskint.com, couponcravings.com, and nycdailydeals.com for their coverage of this year's Tax Day 2010!

Sat 4/3 - Easter Wknd: Haiti, Pillow Fight, Jazz!

2010-04-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here's to the first weekend of April! So wonderful to celebrate Easter with this weather too: )

Come out to play!

Sat April 3

9-11a: World Vision's Run for Haiti is taking place in Flushing (Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets point and walk to Flushing Meadows Corona Park)! Come join us as we cheer on our friends George and Steph who are running the half! [DONATE | More info about RACE DAY].
3p: NYC Pillow Fight, in Union Sq! It's ON! Grab a pillow (feather free!) and meet us there. Someone is going to hit you either way, so might as well be someone you know? haha.
945p-2a (Fri 2 and Sat 3): Victor Lin plays @ Knickerbocker (33 University Place, at E 9th St). Come hear this incredibly talented jazz musician play and enjoy some good eats too (the FRIES: ).

Sun April 4 - Easter Sunday!

10a: Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival - 5th Ave bet 49 and 57! This is a fun parade, featuring some of the craziest Easter bonnets you've ever seen.

Enjoy!

Other Random Fun!

2010-03-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more quick events to put on your calendar:

Wed 3/31 - TMRW! - Stop by Times Sq btwn 11a-3p and look for the SEARS red tag brand ambassadors for a free gift card
Thurs 4/1 - Free food and drinks to celebrate opening of new Aussie restaurant The Sunburnt Calf [4-10p | 226 W 79th + B'way]
Sat 4/3 - It's back, the Int'l Pillow Fight Day!! [Union Sq @ 3p]
Sat 4/10 - BOGO Footlong Subs for Customer Appreciation Day [All Subway locs]
Mon-Sun Apr 12-18: Spa Week! $50 treatments

Sign Up: FREE Shows on Opera, B'way, Reality TV: )

2010-03-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Here are three FREE show opportunities in April (right around the corner!) that you should sign up for NOW!

OPERA: The Met Opera - Armida
Apr 9 (Fri) - 11a

For the final dress rehearsal of Armida on Fri April 9 @ 11a, The Met Opera is giving away 1,000 free tix via an online drawing!
Last chance - Enter HERE by TODAY 3/30 @ 8p.

BROADWAY: Million Dollar Quartet

Tues Mar 30 @ 8p, Thurs Apr 1 @ 8p, Fri Apr 2 @ 8p, Sun Apr 4 @ 7p, Thurs Apr 8 @ 8p

Please email your ticket requests to: mdqtickets@gmail.com as soon as possible w/ one of the above dates to request a pair of complimentary tix (first come, first serve).
About the show: "MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the new smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley for the first and only time."
Thanks to Becca W. for the heads up!

REALITY TV: NBC's America's Got Talent, Hammerstein Ballroom

Apr 21-23 (Wed-Fri), 1p and 6p shows

"NBC's #1 show" has a few upcoming show tapings in April, two time slots each day - 1p and 6p. I'm thinking about going to one of the 1p shows!
Get more info and tix HERE.

3/25 @ 7-8p: Superheros Anonymous Mtg

2010-03-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Grab your silver cap and head over to meet up with other Superheroes, with the purpose to do good and help the NYC community in service.

From TimeOutNY:

BECOME A HERO! Superheroes Anonymous holds its first monthly meeting Thu 25 at Think Coffee, 248 Mercer St between 3rd and 4th Sts. (superheroesanonymous.com). 7–8pm, free. Costumes not required but strongly encouraged, no matter how minimal. R.S.V.P. to ben@superheroesanonymous.com.

Read more.

Confirmed: 88 Cent Manicure!

2010-03-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Yay - Karrie G. confirmed that the 88 cent manicure at Spa 34 is good (get it thru tomorrow)! Go get your nails done, ladies! First come, first serve, no appts. Get the 8coupons.com coupon HERE.

Just wanted to confirm the 88-cent manicure!
I went early, so there was no crowd, but it was getting busy as I left.
The place is clean, everyone is nice, and I would probably go back for some other service.

Thanks for posting!! kg

Website:	http://WWW.SPA34.COM
Work Hours:	MON-SAT: 9:30 AM TO 10:00PM, SUN: 10:00 AM TO 9:00 PM
Address:	64 E 34TH ST, 2nd FL New York 917.675.7606

NYRewind: 3/23 - B+J's Coffee^2 Buzz^3!

2010-03-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

What flavor did you get? I always get the same one each time, Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz! What's nice (and smart) is that this year they posted a menu outside so it makes the ordering more efficient. I went to the Rockefeller Ctr store, and there was a line, but it was well managed and went by pretty fast.

Get your free Ben+Jerry's ice cream today until 8p! There is a donation bucket where you can drop off some $ for local charities too. Enjoy!

NYRewind: Baohaus Food Network Screening @ Essex

2010-03-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

Last night, Jen S., Alex, and I went to support our old loveboat friends Eddie and Ning's NY restaurant Baohaus, which serves DELICIOUS Taiwanese gua baos in LES, at the screening of their episode of Food Network "Ultimate Recipe Showdown" (screening took place @ Essex).

The food speaks for itself: the meat is so well cooked, juicy, and topped w/ all my faves (crushed peanuts + the green stuff too!!). I had the beef and pork bao - really yummy! Twinkies w/ tofu cream cheese filling were also served. Definitely will be going back, and you need to try it asap too!

Congrats to Eddie and Ning, so happy for all of your success so far, and I know it will keep getting better from here!

[Baohaus - 137 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002]

3/23 - Free Pastry Day @ Starbucks

2010-03-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who fwded the info about Starbuck's Free Pastry Day tomorrow!

I personally don't frequent Starbucks much and wouldn't go out of my way to get this freebie (like I do for others, hehe), so that's why I haven't posted about it, but a freebie is a freebie, so enjoy if you happen to grab a coffee on your way to work!

Get a free pastry on the morning of March 23 with the purchase of a handcrafted beverage.

To get your free pastry, print out the coupon below and present it to your barista. Or simply show them the coupon on any mobile device. But Free Pastry Day ends at 10:30 a.m. – so don’t miss out!

Get your coupon to redeem it HERE.

Tues 3/23 - Ben + Jerry's FREE CONE DAY!

2010-03-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

It's back again, Ben + Jerry's FREE CONE DAY, from 12-8p. Below are the nearby locs in NYC.

I'll probably stop at either the Rockefeller OR 104 + B'way loc in the afternoon! See you there, ice cream in hand!

Ben + Jerry's Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020
212-218-7843

Ben + Jerry's Third Ave + E 9th St
41 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10003
212-995-0109

Ben + Jerry's 104th + Broadway
2722 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
212-866-6237

Macys Herald Square
Macys - 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212-594-0018

NYRewind: Anna in NYC!

2010-03-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

One of my closest friends from GA came in town recently, and we had a blast eating good food and enjoying the nice weather!

See, so much can be done/eaten in 2-3 days, for budgets of any size! What a great city: )

Tiffin Wallah - kosher veg Indian buffet, only $6.95!
Bouchon Bakery/Time Warner Center
Times Square Center
Oh! Taisho
Cafe Henri in LIC
Makeovers @ Sephora (free!)
Walked the BK Bridge + Grimaldi's pizza
BK - Public Fund outdoor art exhibit
Pinkberry
Broadway: In the Heights (Anna got front row tix for $26.50!)
Wine Bar (half price bottles from 4-6p! My fave is: moscato d'asti)
Pomme Frites (got a coupon from NYCDailyDeals: buy a large for the price of a small - sweet!)
Milk + Cookies Cafe
Pop Burgers (88 cents!)

Tonight 3/22 - Circus Animals Go Wild in NYC!

2010-03-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Another good one from NYCDailyDeals -

In preparation for the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus (starting 3/25), they will be marching "six Asian elephants, eight ponies, three stilt walkers, and a watusi (breed of long–horned steer)" from E 34th St to Madison Sq Garden.

Best viewing loc: Manhattan side of tunnel @ E 37th b/t 2nd and 3rd, around midnight!

Ladies Only: Free Screening of "The Back-Up Plan" 3/25 @ 3p

2010-03-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

NYCMovieScreenings is calling for females btwn 18-35 to a private screening of The Back-Up Plan this Thurs 3/25 @ 3p, ft. Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin. It's a romantic comedy, so this screening is likely a test to see how we like it, before it comes out on April 23.

We are looking for FEMALES 18-35 to attend a very special private screening room screening of THE BACK-UP PLAN this Thursday at 3pm. List only screening - no wait in line. We can not do "plus one" for this event. If you have friends who are avail and interested have them contact us as well. Email nycmoviescreenings at gmail dot com with your name, date of birth and contact number.

If you're free this Thurs, email nycmoviescreenings@gmail.com with your name, DOB, and #! I put my name on the list, so let me know and we can meet there! The screening will take place in midtown.

Mon 3/22 - Mary J. Blige Concert, Free!

2010-03-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

MJB is doing a free concert this Mon, let's go!
--

To celebrate the first week of spring and nature’s awakening effects, superstar Mary J. Blige and new Degree Women Natureffects antiperspirants/deodorants and matching body mists are literally “grass-phalting” the streets of New York with cascading flowers and trees along the concrete sidewalks and hosting a “Dare to Join Forces with Nature” outdoor event.

Mary J. Blige will host a free outdoor performance on Monday, March 22nd to help women infuse some nature into their day. We would love for you to spread the word and come and enjoy the outdoor event!

***Check the Degree FB page on MON morn details!***
You can also watch highlights from the event on www.Facebook.com/DegreeWomen on Tuesday the 23rd.

Happy St. Patty's Day - For Real

2010-03-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, let's consolidate some posts here, plus updates with a few more deals.

St. Patty's Day 2010

WED - Mar 17th

11a St. Patrick's Day Parade: 44th St and 5th Ave - I'm having brunch with a friend, but I hope to see some of the parade action afterwards!
Afternoon Options:

*new* FREE Bowling: Brooklyn Bowl is offering free bowling all day! Min 4 people, 2 hrs max, first come first serve, shoe chrgs still apply. I normally stay on this side of Manhattan, but I don't mind traveling a bit for this heheh [via NYCDailyDeals.com].
Get yer free Baja Fresh burrito!
Visit the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park City
Stop at CupcakeStop (Lex and 60th St) for Drunken Raisin, Bailey's Cheesecake and Irish Coffee cupcakes too!
More: nycgo.com's "10 Authentic Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in NYC"

And a few more things, just because it's Wed -

Get a healthy breakfast: Jamba Juice $2 Oatmeal OR Healthy Vegetarian Cart $2.50 Oatmeal (from MidtownLunch post)
Hammarskjold Farmer's Market on 47nd and 2nd Ave

GOOD LUCK!

More St. Patty's Deals!

2010-03-12T21:52:00.000-08:00

Adding to my first post:

Just posted on NYDailyDeals.com...Buy a drink and get a FREE burrito on Wed the 17th! Yum!

Free Baja Fresh Burrito W/ Drink Purchase Next Week

RSVP: 4/9 - Cupcake Camp 2010!

2010-03-12T21:46:00.000-08:00

Sounds like your kind of camp too, right? If you love eating cupcakes and meeting new friends who like to do the same, RSVP today! FREE to eat ("While bringing cupcakes is encouraged, we need 11 people to eat a cupcake for every dozen!"). It's taking place April 9th @ Happy Ending (302 Broome St).

Thanks to cupcake Cameron L. for sharing!: )

3/13-14: FREE Big Life Manicures in NYC

2010-03-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

Forget 88 cents, you can get FREE manicures at the following locs in NYC, this weekend 3/13-14! First come first serve. Value up to $38 - yes please!
From 8coupons.com/georginesaves:
Are you in New York or LA and would like a manicure courtesy of Kirstie Alley's Big Life? See below for more details!
Free Manicure*
Sat & Sun March 13 & 14
Compliments of Kirstie Alley's Big Life
A&E Real Life. Drama.

*All you have to do is ask for our exclusive Essie color "Life. Lick it." (and it's yours to keep)

New York

Dashing Diva
590 Columbus Ave
(SW Corner of 89th St)
Sat 9:30am-9pm
Sun 10am-8pm

Dashing Diva
149 3rd Ave
(btwn 15th & 16th)
Sat 10am-9pm
Sun 10am-8pm

Rehoboth Spa
126 University Place
(btwn 13th & 14th)
Sat 10:30am-8:30pm
Sun 10:30am-7pm

Spa Belles
301 6th Ave
(at Carmine St)
Sat 10am-8pm
Sun 10am-7pm

3/11-13 Free Cupcakes from Victoria Secret

2010-03-10T23:36:00.000-08:00

Stop by to get a free cupcake in a special Pink color!

From Racked.com - NEW YORK CITY—Victoria Secret throws open the doors to its Pink boutique in Soho this Saturday, and to build excitement, they've commandeered the Cupcake Stop truck for the next three days. Through Saturday, they'll be appearing in various locations around the city to hand out cupcakes frosted with a vanilla butter-cream frosting in a color "crafted exclusively for Victoria's Secret PINK." And tomorrow and Friday, they'll be selling Pink merchandise alongside the free treats. [RackedWire]

Thursday, March 11:

2:30-4pm: A single Williamsburg location near Bedford Avenue between N. 5th Street and N. 11th Street
5:00pm.-7:30pm: A single Fort Greene location near the Atlantic Terminal Mall (139 Flatbush Avenue between Fourth Ave. and Atlantic Ave) and BAM

Friday, March 12

12pm-2:30pm: 38th Street and Fifth Avenue
3pm-5pm: 23rd Street and 5th Avenue

Saturday, March 13

8:30 am-2:30pm: In front of the Soho store at Broadway and Prince

Next Adventure: Wed - St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

I'm sad when I miss good deals, like how JetBlue was giving out tickets around the city today! Boo! hehe. I wanted to plan an adventure next Wed the 17th, but I just realized it happens to be St. Patrick's Day too, so we'll just make it an Irish-inspired day!

I'm sure more deals will come up, but here are some quick ideas for now!

WED - Mar 17th

930a Breakfast: Jamba Juice $2 Oatmeal OR Healthy Vegetarian Cart $2.50 Oatmeal (from MidtownLunch post) - both sounds good to me!: )
11a St. Patrick's Day Parade: 44th St and 5th Ave
1p Lunch:

Corned beef and cabbage?
Hammarskjold Farmer's Market on 47nd and 2nd Ave
Don't forget a stop at CupcakeStop (Lex and 60th St) for Drunken Raisin, Bailey's Cheesecake and Irish Coffee cupcakes too!

Afternoon: Visit the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park City

nycgo.com's "10 Authentic Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in NYC"
timeoutnewyork.com/ownthiscity

Sat 3/6 - Magnetic North + Taiyo Na Jam!

2010-03-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

This will be awesome - Magnetic North (new album days away - I'm so excited!) and Taiyo Na are getting together with a few other artists for one night of hip hop and fun. Check it out!

Event: Magnetic North, Taiyo Na, Cynthia Lin, afterschoolspecial @ Parkside Lounge

What: Jam Session
Start Time: Saturday, March 6 at 9:00pm
End Time: Saturday, March 6 at 11:00pm
Where: Parkside Lounge

For details and to RSVP, click HERE.

Get a manicure for 88 cents!

2010-03-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

Just posted on 8coupons.com: 88-cent manicures @ SPA 34!! Get it done between Wed 3/24-Fri 3/26.

Spa 34
64 E. 34th St, 2F and Park Ave

Click HERE to get the coupon texted to your phone!

3/4-3/7: Armory Art Show - Get FREE Tix!

2010-03-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

Check out this famous art show in NYC this weekend, plus score 2 FREE tix with the code below! Thanks to Michelle S. for the heads up!

From the website:

The Armory Show is America’s leading fine art fair devoted to the most important art of the 20th and 21st centuries. In its eleven years, the fair has become an international institution. Every March, artists, galleries, collectors, critics and curators from all over the world make New York their destination during Armory Arts Week.

Piers 92 & 94 — Twelfth Avenue at 55th St
Thursday, March 4 - Saturday, March 6 Noon to 8 pm
Sunday, March 7 Noon to 7 pm

Get a pair of free tickets by using promo code ‘TASGALLERY’

https://www.microspec.com/tix123/etic.cfm?code=ARMORY10

Upcoming: AIW, Oscars, Glee!

2010-03-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

A few events coming up, plus supporting fun to go with them!

FRI 3/5
Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, in theaters! Going to see it this Fri 3/5 @ 1030a!

A great pairing with this movie is of course a stop at Alice's Tea Cup
Check out this AIW Happy Hour @ Sidebar, free [118 E 15th St @ Irving Pl], 5-7p, including giveaways like movie tix! [via TimeOut NY]
You can also take the 1 to the 50th st stop to see some Alice in Wonderland murals in the subway!
Download Danny Elfman's "Alice's Theme" for free HERE. [via TheSkint.com]

SUN 3/7
82nd Annual Academy Awards/The Oscars

Besides taking a picture with a real Oscar (see POST), this might be a fun place to watch it: City Winery, 155 Varick St @ Vandam, 7p, $6 - free glass of wine when you fill out an Oscars ballot!

FRI 5/28 + SAT 5/29
GLEE! Live in Concert!

Amex cardmembers can purchase tix starting this Fri 3/5 @ 10a; otherwise, it goes on sale Sat 3/13 @ 10a!

More updates later this week!

Exhibits + Museum Deals!

2010-03-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some museum happenings!

It's the Whitney Museum's 75th Biennial (Thru 5/30)! Pay-what-you-wish on Fridays, 6-9p.
I posted about a few museums a while back, and we were able to go to one of the 3 (Tim Burton @ MoMa - pretty awesome!!). I still plan to check out "Hyper" ft. gravity-defying dancers at French supermarkets, especially since it's wrapping up at the end of this month.
Click HERE to download a Museum Discovery Pass for BOGO admission at one of the unique 7 museums below, unlimited (through 5/31):

American Folk Art Museum

Asia Society Museum

Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

Museum of Chinese in America

The Noguchi Museum

Rubin Museum of Art

The Studio Museum in Harlem

Prepare Your Speech...It's Oscars Week! (Thru 3/7)

2010-03-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

The Oscars are coming up on this Sun Mar 7th, and NYC has a few events going on to celebrate -

Take a picture with a real Oscar statute @ Time Warner Center's "Meet the Oscars, New York" exhibit, this week until the Oscars on Sun 3/7. Send your picture, and I'll post a few on NYColor! [via NYCDailyDeals.com, more details HERE]

Click HERE for more from NYCgo.com!

Happy 200th Bday, Chopin!

2010-03-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

HAPPY MARCH!

Today is Chopin's 200th birthday, and to celebrate, 200 hours of his beautiful music will be playing all week on 5 pianos at the World Financial Center. It's open to the public to play in the morning too (if only I could play still!). I enjoy classical piano so so much. I will likely stop by later this week in the afternoon, if anyone wants to join!

March 1 - 5, 2010
Performances on five pianos, 9:00 am–7:00 pm daily
Performances at Winter Garden main stage, 7:00 pm daily
WEBSITE

WEEKLONG BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
CHOPIN 200 is a weeklong series of performances celebrating the 200th birthday of Romantic classical composer Frederic Chopin. The festival features 200 hours of the composer’s works performed on five pianos by an eclectic line-up of pianists, including NPR From the Top host Christopher O’Riley; Eduardus Halim (substituting for Claire Huangci); Kimball Gallagher; Vassily Primakov; Jeffrey Swann and the winner of the Chopin Competition in Miami (held the last week of February).

NYRewind: The Past Few Mini-ventures...

2010-02-26T23:26:00.000-08:00

Quick photo recap of what I've been up to lately (lots of eating, of course!). Not pictured: I also got to go to the Martha Stewart and Rachel Ray show, recently!

#1: Show Taping - Jerry Seinfeld's Marriage Ref (2/19)
Met up with Gina L., her lovely co-worker, and Greg W. to see Jerry Seinfeld's new show, the Marriage Ref @ the CBS studios! Fortunately for gorgeous girls like these two, they pulled them from the line early to let them in, and Greg and I were some of the handful of people who got in, but then didn't get in, haha. From Gina's text later, it sounds like it's a really funny show!!

In any case, they gave us priority tix for a show next week, so we're going for sure!

#2: Chinese New Year 2010 (2/20)
After our dance lesson, George and I went to get hand-pulled noodles (pretty delicious!), and on the way, we came across CNY festivities! There were dragons, lions, and people everywhere, drums and symbols playing, streamers shot up from every angle...and all on a beautiful sunny day.

#3: Uncle Jack's Steakhouse - w/ our $25 gift card! (2/24)
Sam L. and I took the gift cards that Uncle Jack gave us and had a really yummy "Lunch Surf and Turf
- petit filet mignon, petit lobster tail, side of salad, creamy spinach, and mashed potatoes! In total, a $70 meal for a little over $25 split between us - what a deal! P.S. this is a pretty fancy place, and I think the both of us would recommend going if you enjoy a good steak.

#4: Garden of Eden Supermarket
I had some down time between meeting up with a friend, so I stopped by a nearby supermarket to look around. I get so inspired by beautiful, organic produce. These purple cabbages just happen to match my fingernail polish!

#5: CU Potluck (2/26)
My cute friend I-Ching (black and white top) invited me over for a fun little potluck on a snowy day. They cooked some tasty Taiwanese dishes (drunken chicken + mushroom soup, ma-po-tofu, short ribs!). It was so fun to meet some of her friends too.

#6: Snowy LIC!
Just to give you a sense of the conditions today - picture on left was a nice snowy day in LIC, picture on right was today (slightly different angle)! The idea is that the snow kept coming down and completely covered the city in the snow fog!

Happy Birthday, George Washington!

2010-02-22T10:56:00.000-08:00

To the first president, who's face we look upon everyday on our dollars and quarters: Happy 278th Birthday to you, sir!

To celebrate, check out this 90 min self-guided walking tour of GW's NYC (link HERE). Hopefully I'll get to go sometime this week!

NYCOpera: Puccini's Madame Butterfly

2010-02-21T22:45:00.000-08:00

UPDATE 3/1: I bought tix for Sat Apr 10th, $12!! Still lots of time to come with us! Stop by the box office at Lincoln Center to get the tix (bldg on left, when you're facing the fountain). We have a great group coming so far - it'll be fun!

I know it's a tragic love story, but I feel like Madame Butterfly is just one of those must see productions, and I have yet to see it! And there's no excuse not to, because tix for this production at New York City Opera start as low as $12! This production in particular recently won an Emmy too, which makes it even more worth seeing.

There are only 9 productions, from March 19-April 18, and I'm looking at tickets for one of these shows:

Sun Mar 21 @ 130p
April 4 (Sun), 10 (Sat), or 18 (Sun) @ 130p

My first choice is Saturday April 10th @ 130p, and I'm planning to purchase them at the theater to save on extra fees: ). Let me know if you're interested ASAP, and we can find a time to meet at the theater to get tix together!

From TheaterMania.com and NYC Opera:

Madama Butterfly
Mark Lamos's Emmy Award-winning production captures the romance and pathos of this heart-wrenching tale. The radiant Shu-Ying Li reprises her role as the trusting geisha, whose love for her American naval officer ends tragically when Eastern and Western cultures collide.

New York City Opera is located at the David H. Koch Theater
Columbus Avenue at 63rd Street, New York, NY

Running time: 2 hours 55 minutes with two intermissions
Performed in Italian with English supertitles

Quick Weekender: 2/20-21

2010-02-19T23:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick list for the weekend - lots of free food deals to get in on! I guess everyone's trying to lure us out of our apartments more in this cold weather: ). Enjoy!

DEALS

SAT 2/20

10a-3p - Auntie Annie's Free Pretzel Day (original or cinnamon) - LOC: 34th bet 6th and 7th.
Last day to get free italian ice from Rita's, B'way bet 92 and 93!

SUN 2/21

Be a Fry Tester for 4Food, focused on serving healthier junk food! Call 718-88.4FOOD to RSVP! (Speaking of fries, thanks to NYCDailyDeals.com for giving me some Pomme Frites coupons!)
Free Origins Red Relief Mini-Facials - RSVP at one of these NYC locs! [via CouponCravings.com post]
Quiznos - Buy 1 sub + drink = 1 Free sub deal!

Ongoing/Upcoming

Free Fresco Taco from Taco Bell - print coupon HERE!
Tues 2/23 - IHop Pancake Day - Get a FREE short stake of pancakes @ IHop - LOCS: Jackson Heights or Jersey City - a little far out, but for those in the area, you should stop by!
Ends 2/26 - Stop by FILENE's (around 18th and 6th) store closing for some great clothing and accessory deals (I got some work out clothes for cheap!).

UPCOMING EVENTS

2/21 @ 1130a-4p - Chinese New Year 2010 Parade, Chinatown!
2/27 - Pathmark Gospel Choir Competition, FREE [WFC Winter Garden]

Ongoing

Shaq has a new art exhibit - Size DOES Matter

NYCatch-Up

2010-02-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Sorry it has been so quiet over here lately...I took a last minute trip home to celebrate Chinese New Years with the family this weekend, and I'll be back in NYC tomorrow! I will do my best to bring back some of the beautiful blue sky and sun: )

In general, I've been taking it low key these past few weeks to take care of a few things, so it reflects in the number of things I post about, especially since I try to narrow it down to things I can actually go to or at least find really interesting to share with you. Maybe it's the winter weather too...in any case, Spring and Summer are on their way, and you know that's the best time for events and freebies!

For now, I'm looking forward to going to The Marriage Ref this Friday to see Tina Fey, Eva Longoria, and Jerry Seinfeld! Thanks to Greg W. for taking me with you: ). There are more shows posted now on the website (one taping ft. Madonna!; see this POST for details).

Stay tuned, and stay warm!
NYChar