Pier at 46th st.

So for all you broke folks out there, this is a great idea for a lazy weekend when have nothing to do and not much money! The city has recently opened a new addition to the piers that line the West Side Highway, at 46th St. The beautifully crafted, spacious pier is a great getaway from the crowds of people that line the streets. Included is a lovely and well kept dog park, grassy area perfect for picnics, laying in the sun (in a few months when the mercury rises), stunning veiw of the Hudson and NJ, water fountains and a cute and reasonably priced bar/ cafe. So grab a friend, whether human or canine, a picnic and a book and enjoy!

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 :)

Free Ice Skating

Hey all, ahhh winter is almost here and the lovely city of NY opens its ice skating pond in Bryant Park today. The best part about it isnt the hot chocolate, fun times and funny spills.... its that this is completely free! Why pay the $40 or so at Rockafellar Center and deal with the hoards of annoying tourists??!! So no excuses to not enjoy the changing of the season, just head on over to Bryan Park, 42nd st and 6th ave.

And since I have never actually been ice skating, expect to see me. Ill be the one sitting on the ice laughing my ass off.

Embrace Fall!

Hey out there. Fall is my favorite season of the year and I think that it is important to take advantage of this amazing cool NYC weather before we have to all bust out the hats, scarves, gloves and parkas. One of my favorite things to do in this weather is to sit outside of outdoor cafe's enjoying a latte, cocktail and great food. The perfect place for that is Cookshop, located on 20th street and 10th ave. Cookshop's menue consists of fairly priced new american food all prepared to perfection with gourmet twists. They have a spacious outdoor seating area that the sun hits just right during mid afternoon. They also have seasonal cocktails that embrace the cool crisp wind, like the bourbon cider martini. Enjoy!