NYChar Countdown to 2011 Adventure!

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!

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

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!

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

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

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!

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)!