Lower East Side Spanish Explosion!

The Lower East Side of Manhattan is knows for its diverse, laid back attitude. Along with this comes diverse and awesome places for twenty somethings to hide into dark corners and do whatever it is that we do at 2am on a Wednesday night. One of my favorites, Baraza. Located on Ave C between 8th and 9th, this intimate spanish flaired bar is home to a wide range of dedicated regulars from hipster to corporate, latin to preppy. Their specialty drinks include passion fruit margaritas for $5, and on Saturday nights be sure to get there early to grab a good seat and watch all the rhythmic (and somewhat buzzed) salsa dancers. Ole!!

Pool in the heart of Times Square??

Yes, it does sound too good to be true, huh.... But do not be mistaken, this hidden gem is all its cracked up to be! Hotel QT is located on 45th street between 6th and 7th ave and is home to a beautiful indoor pool and sauna area that you DO NOT need to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy! There is a full bar and cockatil service in this spa area that will gladly serve your poison of choice while enjoying a steam or a swim.... or a swim then a steam! It is, however, frequented by socialistas and corporate types so grab your designer bikini and take a dip with that dirty vodka martini. As if thats not good enough.....the sauna and steamroom are open 24 hours and the pool has an underwater sound system. Dont let the winter blues get ya down, see ya poolside!!

Christmas is just around the corner

This festive time of year brings with it some lovely activities to pass the time, and some inventive places to get all your holiday goodies. I know I get so frustrated and overwhelmed in NY trying to come up with cool, personable and creative gift ideas for my family and friends. Trying to do such withour breaking the bank can be quite a challenge, and in a city over populated with Williams Sonoma, Starbucks and the Gap it seems damn near impossible to be creative. Look no further, just head on over to one of the 3 most exciting markets in Manhattan... Bryant Park, Columbus Circle and Union Square outdoor holiday markets! After Thanksgiving, these parts of town transform into gift central where they house hundreds of private vendors all selling their cool, new and moderately priced gifts. You can find just about anything here, for anyone on your list... even if thats just a cup of warm cider and a ginerbread cookie! If heading out on the weekend, just be prepared to deal with the tight crowded quarters... but in my opinion it is all worth it!

happy shopping!!!

Chicken Anyone?

This one may sound very random but it is the most perfect inexpensive snack that this fabulous city has to offer! On the corner of 45th st and 9th ave is this tiny booth like shop called Piece of Chicken, and they serve exactly that. One scrumptious wing or leg of chicken is only $1, as well as all of their delicious side dishes. So for the same price as a subway ride, you can get a big lovely hunk of fried chicken and a big side of yummy mac and cheese. This is just what the doctor ordered! The place is just a store front, so there is no inside seating area making it ideal for a quick to go snack or meal. Enjoy :)