Wishing Everyone A Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

Baker's Paradise

I wanted to post about this place prior to the winter holidays but never got around to it. I apologize.

For all you home bakers that like using professional products and toys find your way down to New York Cake & Baking Distributor at 56 W. 22nd Street, off 6th Avenue. This place is a confectioner and baker's paradise. It is over stocked with all manner of baking and candy making utensils as well as dozens of chocolates, food colorings, sprinkles, cake fillings, toppers, packaging, books and magazines. The store can get a little crowded and the salespeople aren't the friendliest bunch, but I encourage you to take a trip to the store even if you have to return with list in hand after being overwhelmed by all the options you will find.

The Eye's Have It

Once upon a time I loved wearing false eyelashes, then I discovered eye lash curlers and I happily let go of the falsies. So when I found Flirt Big Flirt Thickening Mascara in Kohl’s I purchased the special edition, which came with a full size bottle of Flirt See-Ya Eye Makeup Remover, for $12.50 with hope that I could replicate the false eyelash look. Unfortunately the product did not deliver as promised. My lashes were no more lush or long than when I use my favorite staple Maybelline Great Lash Mascara. Use the $8.00 you can save by buying Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara at your local drug stores to buy yourself an eyelash curler or if you're feeling extra adventurous a pair of false eyelashes for that added eye fringe.

Traditional New Years

I'm writing this before my holiday break. By the time this posts I will be busy running around preparing to welcome in the New Year. My house will be clean, there will be coins on the window sills and I will be wearing at least one piece of new clothing. On the stove and later left on my plate will be some of my family's traditional New Year's Eve foods and though at the stroke of midnight we will be in the park watching the fireworks in order to guarantee wealth, health and happiness in the coming year I will still make sure the first to enter my house after midnight is a dark haired man with a bottle of good wine.

I won't bore, or amuse you, with with any more of the things that I do to ring in the New Year. I am hoping that reading this gives you pause and in that pause you give yourself the luxury of reflecting upon all the wonderful traditions that have been handed down to you and that you are passing along and adding onto as the expanse of family and friends widens and envelopes new generations and peoples. In this consideration I hope you find comfort in knowing that because of those gifts you are linked to those that came before you and will be linked to those who will come after you and welcome another year filled with possibility!

Happy New Year!

The Luxury of New Year's Resolution

At the end of every year I take some time to consider what I have experienced and accomplished. And of course I also create a list of New Year's Resolutions that includes a list of goals and a plan of action for the coming year. Doing this helps me stay focused on the life I am living and creating. It also gives me a map that I can return to over and over again in the next coming months when life can and does distract me from what I am hoping to do.

So today over a cup of tea I will take the time to review my previous year's resolutions and to-do list to acknowledge what I have been lucky enough to accomplish, what I am still trying to achieve as well as what should be deleted because they are no longer desired. I will pause and give thanks for all the wonderful people in my life including those who are no longer with me but that have left great lessons behind. In gratitude I will count my blessings as well as my loses because I firmly believe we may not always get what we want but we do get what we need and it is our responsibility to examine our lives and acknowledge those gifts as well as our place and part in their manifestation. This time allows me to release the past year while holding onto the good that came out of it. It allows me reach towards improving myself and my life by planning and building on those lessons and gifts.

I encourage you to give your self the luxury of at least a half an hour today to do the same.

Do it without judgement of what you have yet to do. Do not consider what you don't have, instead count all the wonderful things you have gained this past year and then move on. List, without censorship, everything you want to experience, to learn, to know, to taste, to feel, to touch, to speak, to hear, to hold, to wear. Keep going until you have nothing left to write. Then review that list and find and group those things that fall within the same experience so that you can begin to map out your plan of action for the coming year. Don't forget to list all the people who have blessed your life with lessons, both good and bad. Say thank you aloud to each and every one of them as you release any further expectation of them. This will allow you to move on with only those who are meant to be in your life in the way you need them to be. At the end of the time you give yourself remember to thank your self for the luxury of self reflection and personal growth.

Happy New Year!

Hitting America's Shores

50 Years ago Elnett Satin Hairspray was born and since it's birth has become one of the most sought after hairsprays. Until recently the hair spray responsible for the full hair styles that graced the wanna-be Bridgitte Bardots and Catherine Deneuves was not exported to the states. Those seeking full bodied bounce had to rely on its stickier more making cousin AquaNet or the smuggling efforts of friends and family who visited Europe on a regular basis. The good news is that the golden can is now available at Targets for $14.99 a can and though the imported version has been customized with a more eco friendly propellant for the US market reports say the magic is still there and that the spray will leave your style with memory and comb-thru just like the European version.

http://www.target.com/LOreal-Elnett-Extra-StrongHold-Spray/dp/B001DITLI0/sr=1-1/qid=1228440736/ref=sr_1_1/186-6016069-7280905?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3ALoreal%20Elnett&page=1

Video Break - Get Your Boogie Shoes..

This came on the radio and the house guests started moving so I thought I would share...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux2WXNsqfe8

Bringing in the New Year with A Bang...

If you need to ring in the New Years with the Champagne flowing and the bass thumping one of my favorite places to party without breaking the bank is the Sapphire Lounge at 249 Eldridge Street, off Houston ( http://www.sapphirenyc.com/).
This Lower East Side staple has been around forever and is so packed by 9pm on New Year's Eve that you take your chances not pre-paying for your admission or showing up at 8pm when the doors open. Some of the best DJs around spin everything from Hip-Hop, Reggae, R&B, Funk & Soul, Latin, House and old school classics and the music doesn't stop until New Year's day. The eclectic crowd ranges in age and always dresses to impress on New Year's Eve. The bar gets crowded and the dance floor, which isn't extremely large, gets packed but isn't that what hanging out on New Year's Eve is about?
Like all places in Mahattan there will be a door charge that night but you have options, including taking advantage of an open bar -
1)Open Bar 8pm-11pm, $40 ladies, $50 men, $80 couples,
2) Open Bar 10pm-3am, $80 ladies, $100 men, $160 couples.
3) General Admission: $20 ladies, $25 men, $40 couples.
If you already have plans there's always the option of their after hours party. It starts at 3am and continues well into New Year's Day afternoon. Admission is only $10 w/ flyer anytime after 3am.

Happy New Year!

Do It Yourself Luxury - Hair and Nails

Given our busy lives most of the women I know, including my self, tend to snatch 5-10 minutes at a time to maintain our beauty routines. Today I am going to post about 2 small items that can make ten minutes of maintaince seem like 10 minutes of luxury.

To make applying nail polish easier during a pedicure most salons usually twist and turn strips of linen or paper between your toes. Some places even have special slippers for you to wear during this process. If you do an at home pedicure try using a pair of these toe separators. They can prevent even the most not to delicate home pedicurist from smearing a none too delicate application of nail polish on even the tiniest of toe nails. I bought this one and 3 others, which found their way into people's Christmas stockings, at Cosmetics Market for $0.50 each

I usally get my eyebrows done at an Eyebrow Stringing place on 24th Street but when I can't find the time to venture to 6th Avenue I gladly and delicately use one of these razors to tidy up the brow line at home. With a little patience and practice they are good for tidying up other areas as well. This is another goody I picked up for $1.00 at the C.M. I've also seen them in the 99cents stores.

Explosive PG Rated New Years Eve

Now that the wrapping paper is on the curb to be recycled, the left overs are put away and the house is quiet it's time to consider what you're going to do for New Years Eve. Gone are the days of trailing from club to club and party to party with champagne bottle in hand for most of the people I know. Instead we tend to favor small gatherings, dinner and wine and afterwards often find ourselves venturing out to Prospect Park to watch the fireworks at midnight.

If you're in the Prospect Park (www.prospectpark.org) area, bundle up, pack the Champagne and snacks and head out to the Grand Army Plaza end of the park for the best views of the firework, which start at the stroke of mid-night, and festivities.

If you're closer to Central Park (www.centralpark.com) then make the Sheep's Meadow or Tavern on the Green areas your destination for this park's fireworks display.

Wishing Every One A Merry Merry Christmas

Video Break - A Letter to Santa...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOMmSbxB_Sg

Shopping Spot worth the Trip - Muji in New York

A few weeks ago while walking downtown via Broadway I found myself distracted, surprised and overwhelmed by all the new stores that have taken up residence. One of my new favorite stores in that area is the Japanese store Muji at 455 Broadway.

Started in 1980 the Muji brand and store, over 370 worldwide, has locations all over Europe, Asia, Japan and now New York (www.muji.us/muji.com). The 455 Broadway store carries the company's minimalist items encouraging a life style that screams natural, simple and adorned without adornment. Their house and home goods, clothing and office/desk items are wonderfully designed and well made pieces that are timeless, functional and most importantly economically priced.

I have returned to the store at least 3 times since to purchase, on sale, storage for my bathroom ($2-8.5), a ceramic hand food slicer ($5) and other kitchen items to give as gifts, bundles of 5 perfect bound lined and unlined notebooks ($2.50 per bundle), fine and medium point gell pens that write like a dream ($1) and an amazing carry all bag that was marked down 70%.

I love this store!

Shopping Spot Worth the Tip - City Quilter

Despite being a Fashion Capitol finding a fabric shop in New York City that supports and creates a community for the average home sewer or the fiber artist is near impossible. The first time I stepped inside City Quilters at 133 West 23rd Street (between 6th & 7th Aves) I knew that I had found such a place. Whether it's being overwhelmed by their selection, they boast of carrying over 2500 bolts including an extensive collection of batiks and hand-dyed fabrics from Japan, books and accessories, or for the classes and instructions they offer and the exhibitions of both fiber artist and sewing hobbist they support I find myself always returning to this place.

Though they have an extremely informative website, http://www.cityquilter.com/ , I strongly suggest a visit to the store. Be prepared to be either pocket poor when you leave or so overwhelmed by the options empty handed but glad you made the trip

Shopping Spot Worth the Tip - Cosmetic Market

When I worked on Madison Avenue I would make weekly visits to Cosmetic Market.
These visits often ended up with me hauling back bags filled of all sorts of things despite the relatively small price tags attached to the purchases. Back then they were located in a fairly small space on 39th Street but have since relocated to a large, open and brightly lighted space at 15 E 37th St(between 5th Ave & Madison Ave).

Cosmetic Market offers an array of products, many of them imports and European based brands, at a fraction of their original retail. They also sell perfumes, home and house goods and gift items, some of which are promotional items produced by recognized companies. Most of the goods carry brand names that you have run across before. I believe many of the items ended up on the sell out floor because of poor marketing, market oversaturation of said product and/or the company's choice to improve, replace or discontinue the item, but then the market's loss can be your gain. Please don't go there with the expectation of finding a particular brand because the inventory changes constantly. I strongly suggest that you buy what you want when you see it but before doing so take care and read labels and possible expiration dates. FYI, I have never had an issue with expiration dates but always keep this in mind when I purchase from a sell out store. Finally, if you're anything like me, buy more than one if the price and the expiration date allow.

This time of year the store is filled with holiday themed goodies and perfect stocking stuffers.
Worth the stop by.

Hanukkah with Lights Ablazing

Starting on Sunday, December 21st the worlds larget Menorah will be lite in honor of the 1st night of Hanukkah. Four blocks north of Rockefeller Center at 5th Avenue and 59th Street stands the 32ft tall, 4000lb Menorah, which will be lite every night until Dec 30th.

Afterwards make your way over to Webster Hall(http://www.websterhall.com/0809_websterhall/index.php) or the Music Hall of Williamsburg (http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/event/2213) to celebrate with Matisyahu, the Hasidic dub King. He and his opening acts, which include Easy All Stars, Hanukkah-specific rockers The Levees, and ascendant part-Jewish MC Asher Roth will be alternating between the 2 venues from Dec 21 through Dec 25th.

In case you've never heard of Matisyahu, have a look/listen

http://www.youtube.com/user/matisyahutv?ob=4

Do It Yourself Luxury - Salty Body Scrubs

I love my body brush and wash cloth and will stand by their ability to exfoliate what needs to be exfoliated. On occasion I do make and use salt scrubs on my hands and feet but I have to admit I find them too messy and greasy to use as a full body scrub while home because cleaning the tub afterwards is a b*tch!

For those of you interested in the benefits of salt body scrubs I will share with you a recipe shared with me. Kosher or Sea Salt* makes the perfect body scrub. Combine 1/2 cup of either salt, make sure it isn't fine, the crystals needs to be coarse, 3-4 tbs of your favorite oil - almond, olive, avocado or even grape seed works well, and 2 tbs of white vinegar, which helps restore the pH balance of skin. If you're feeling a little creative add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for scent alone or benefit - do the research and find out the benefits of the oils you are drawn to.

You can use the scrub on either wet or dry skin, using a wash cloth or sponge or your hands apply it in a circular motion from your shoulders on down before rinsing off. Some people use a body soap or shampoo afterwards to remove any excess grit/oil while other luxuriate in the supple skin left behind.

*salt can be switched out for sugar, roughly ground oatmeal or bran or coffee grounds if you're feeling adventurous.

Holiday Break

I am away from these pages from Friday, Dec 22nd through Monday, Jan 5th.

Though I won't be around for reply I've scheduled postings so keep on reading!

Wishing You & Yours A Merry Merry & A Happy Happy!

Smart Holiday Shopping

With the season comes tons of sales and specials and with these specials comes magazine ads and circulars and with these come the coupons. I normally don't have the patience and energy to invest in coupon clipping, but this time of year how can I not take advantage of all the opportunities out there to save and slurge at the same time? I admit that I adore Bed, Bath & Beyond's 20% off any purchase coupon. It allows me to buy what I want and still save. And for those friends and family members that live for goodies from Bath & Body Work's, using the$10 off purchase coupon ensures that I can give you the things you adore and still have enough for a gingerbread coffee afterwards.

These are just examples and perhaps a gentle reminder to take advantage of not only the sales and specials but the saving opportunites stores coupons offer this time of year.

Merry Merry!

Christmas May Be Cancelled...

This time of year for the past 100 years people across the country have gone to their local post office to retrieve one of the hundreds of "Letters to Santa" sent by children who otherwise would have a bleak holiday. In New York alone approximately 3000 people a day anonymously send packages to arrive in time for the Christmas holiday to some of the almost 500,000 children that write.

For those of you who take part of this program be aware that this year the U.S. Postal Service has discontinued the adopt a letter tradition after finding that one of the letters was retrieved by a recognized registered sex offender. Despite confronting the man who denied any wrong doing and advised that he just wanted to do a good deed, retrieving the letter and advising the parents of the child involved the postal service has temporarily halted the cross country program leaving 1000s of donors with good intentions but no means to pass along the holiday spirit. Originally the letters were handled anonymously but a few years ago filling out a form and showing photo id became a requirement to participate in the program. Because of this incident the USPS is currently reviewing the process in which they delegate the letters with hopes that they can put more protective measures in place and resolve this dilemma in time to save this Christmas.

There is rumor that the 33rd Street, NY, Post Office will resume the program on Saturday, December 20th, with any new regulations in place, but that remains to be seen.

Video Break - The Illusion..

I subscribe to a number of fashion magazines partly because I use them for research and partly because I love fashion and enjoy looking at beautiful things. Luckily I learned early on that all the images are illusions created by clothing stylists, fitters, make up and hair artists, lighting and the ever present photo re toucher so trying to live up to those images was never a true issue for me. But like all women there are days I forget that these illusions are often what I am being held up against. This brings us to today's video break..you may have already seen this one, but it's worth a revisit - the Distorion of Beauty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8s48T3FXEo
Something to consider when you forget the luxury of just beautiful enough as you are

Winter Solstice Celebration

I have always been reminded that the Yule log fire and Christmas tree were really in honor of the Winter Solstice, not Christmas. Winter Solstice or Mid Winter marks the shortening of the long dark nights and the lengthening day light hours. For many cultures this occurrence is welcomed by festivals, rituals and gatherings in honor of the rebirth taking place. The celebration of Christmas and all our current traditions during this time of year is no coincidence.

This Thursday, Dec 18th, and Friday, Dec 19th, at 8pm The Cathedral Church of St John the Divine at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue will join in the celebration with their 29th Winter Solstice Celebration. Gospel singer Theresa Thomason, Brazilian singer/guitarist Renato Braz and Woodwind Master Paul McCandless as well as a host of other amazing musicians will celebrate the Sun's journey. This gathering also marks the first time since the fire in the Cathedral 7 years ago that the newly restored Great Aeolian-Skinner Pipe Organ will be played.

Ticket prices vary, reserved - $75 and General Admission - $50 and/or $35, and can be purchased on line, which I strongly suggest since the Cathedral's concerts sell out quickly.
http://www.stjohndivine.org/WinterSolstice08.html

Counting to 100 Slow & Steady

December's Elle features Slow And Steady Wins The Race as an editor's pick in their Gift Guide.

http://www.slowandsteadywinstherace.com/

The mission of this label is to focus on specific characteristic of clothing design while pushing to produce interesting and significant pieces from the simplest and most inexpensive fabrics and materials. In other words they are inspired by classic silhouettes and designs. They produce only 100 pieces of each style so each item is a limited edition despite the economical costs. Elle highlighted their muslin and cotton canvas bags inspired by classic bag shapes like the Chanel, the Birken and Gucci. Each bag costs $100.

The site is definitely worth a visit!

Video Break...

because I can't this song out of my head
(it was playing at different times in all 4 stores I ventured in today!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVTyLqkez6A

Beyonce "If I Were A Boy"

Shopping Spot Worth the Tip

If you head down to 505 Fulton Street on the Fulton Street Mall you will find Conway's, another New York Bargain store that offers everything from clothing and accessories for all members of the family, foodstuff, health and beauty products to housewares. Though there is also one at Herald Square I prefer the overcrowded and overstocked Brooklyn store because of it's convenient location and the items that sell out in the NYC location first can often be found here. 

Don't expect high end  or name brands, though you may be surprised, but do expect low prices  on trendy items you may or may not need.

Worth the 

Happening - Sitting On Santa's Knee

The weekend brings the luxury of getting up, puttering around the apartment and then crawling back into bed with or without an agenda (wriggling eyebrows here). It is one of the finest luxuries I partake of, time and silence in my space. Last Sunday I crawled back into bed with a cafe latte and fresh three-berry muffins to watch a few of my favorite holiday movies. After a few hours of snow covered illusions and Christmas pageantry I was left wondering whether children still ask their parents to take them to see Santa Claus. When I was a kid dressing up and heading over to the Herald Square Macy's to wait in line to see and petition the jolly man himself was a yearly event. I have since found and destroyed the pictures my mother made us take each year but this year I think I will head on down to Macy's with the niece and nephew to pass along the tortur...errrrr tradition.

Macy's Santaland, located on the 8th floor of Macy's Herald Square, is open daily from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. from Friday, November 28th through Wednesday, December 24th (5:30PM - Santa has to get moving!). Admission is free and the gratification of seeing your child talking to the jolly old elf is immediate as Santa's workshop now takes digital photographs. While there stop by the 9th floor’s Puppet Theater to see the holiday puppet musical Miracle on 34th Street. Admission is $5 per person and shows run nine times daily from November 28th through Wednesday, December 24th. For more information, call 212-494-4495.

Video Break

This video break is for a number of my friends that seem to need reminding..must be the season!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TQf1BRfj8Q&feature=related

Red Beans & Rice Japanese Style

Years ago I made my own facial scrubs from Aszuki Beans and/or Sushi Rice. I was taught the recipe by a Japanese designer I once worked with. We shared similar complexions and bonded over reviewing out of register press proofs and a boss who we both thought should be deported back to England. She had the clearest, most even skin I had ever seen on a 40 year old plus woman and she was more than happy to pass along her "secret". I had all but forgotten about this era in my life until November's Self magazine page of over priced Rice based skin and hair products reminded me of how simple, extremely easy and economical they are if you invest the time to make them yourself.

To try either scrub/mask all you need is a small spice grinder or blender (if you make the powder in bulk for storage), water, the palm of your hand and either Adzuki Beans or Sushi Rice. After grinding approximately 1/8 cup of Japanese Adzuki Beans and/or Rice into a fine powder turn it into a mild scrubbing paste by mixing about tablespoon of the dust with a bit of warm water in the palm of your hand until you have a paste a little thinner than toothpaste. Apply it to your damp face and gently rub the paste in circular motions to exfoliate and lift impurities, let dry into a taunt filmy mask and then rinse it off with warm water. Follow with 3 blasts of cold water to seal your pores and pat your face dry with a clean white towel.

Ground Adzuki beans act as a gentle skin exfoliant, promoting smoother, clearer and more beautiful skin. Ground rice is an antioxidant packed exfoliant that evens your complexion. You can choose to make your own scrubs by buying sushi rice or adzuki beans from your local health food stores or you can visit Natural Japanese Beauty site and buy the items already prepared and waiting without all the extra ingredients, packaging and price.-

http://www.naturaljapanesebeauty.com/

Coffee Break

I love coffee, not just for its taste and aroma but for the ritual involved in making it. Each morning I grind just enough beans to fill the stove top espresso pot I use to make a large cup of café latte. While the coffee is brewing and the milk heating I inhale and dream a bit on the day ahead.

The coffee explosion has passed and many of the shops and brands of beans and grounds that popped up all over the place are fading away. One place that has been around forever that I find myself returning to over and over again is Porto Rico Importing Co at 201 Bleeker Street and it’s sister store at 41-1/2 St. Marks Place.

This family owned business has been operating since 1907 and in addition to carrying an amazing selection of coffees and teas they also offer a wide array of candies and syrups and makers to add to your drinking experience. Each week they run specials and in October and April have store wide sales for those of us that take their beans and leaves seriously.

If you can’t make your way to one of their 3 Manhattan and 1 Brooklyn locations have a peek on their site - http://www.portorico.com/store/

Now if only the aromas could be transferred via the net.

Another site I love and have had on my favorites for years is http://coffeegeek.com.
It’s a place of worship for coffee lovers. In addition to selling just about everything and anything that can make your coffee an experience it also shares tips and recipes for making every type of coffee beverage out there.

Video Break - Jeff Buckley Nov 1967 - May 1997

Some friends and I were discussing the term Grace and Jeff Buckly immediately came to mind.
Our video break is two classics from someone who did his work, left too soon and left behind a legacy worthy of remembering -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siNsgbIWhAQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AratTMGrHaQ&feature=channel

The Scent of the Season

I now have it in my head that I need to start wearing a new perfume. I am a Guerlain woman but after an over powering experience a few weeks back with L’Instant and a blah-blah self reaction to my standard Shalimar I’ve decided to look for a perfume made by another company. 

For me the search always begins with a list of scents I love and prefer to wear and ends with the addition of scents I find myself drawn to at the time. Season, time of year and current events in my life always affect the list.  Most of the scents I wear have distinct notes of amber, vanilla or sandalwood. Though I am also attracted to fruit and floral scents I prefer ones that aren’t too bright. I prefer spice to floral so the fruit or floral notes can't be the first notes that hits you. 

While flipping through the pile of fashion magazines this Sunday I allowed my nose to begin to shop and sniffed my way through each scented card it came across, sniffing a coffee bean in between to clear my noses scent memory. I think I have found a prime candidate, Secret Obsession by Calvin Klein.

Before I peeled back the scented flap I feared I would be assaulted with an updated version of the 1980’s Obsession but was relieved and pleasantly surprised to find this new addition to CK’s perfume line is nothing like the original obsession. It is a dry oriental perfume with an earthy spiced bottom (amber, vanilla, sandalwood, mace) that settles the floral (rose, jasmine, tuberose) and fruit (plum, orange) notes making for sexy earthy perfume. I rubbed the small card on various pulse points and liked the lingering aroma but before I go out and spend the $72 for 3.4oz or $55 for 1.7oz of eau de parfum spray I have 5 more fragranced cards to wear.

Happening - I Can Promise You the Moon!

I almost forgot to share this wonderful event.

Tonight, December 12, 2009 the moon will be at it's largest and most illuminated for the year. The weather is to be clear and cold.
Grab a bottle of wine, a special someone(s) and give yourself the luxury of a gaze at the year's most brightly lite moon...

Holiday Happening in da Bronx

I encourage a visit this coming weekend to the Bronx to enjoy the annual holiday events that take place at both the Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden. They are close enough so that you can visit both in one day. You will be exhausted, but then isn't that what holidays happenings are for?

The Bronx Zoo ( http://www.bronxzoo.com/) is located at Fordham Road and the Bronx River Parkway and easily accessible by car and mass transit. This Saturday, Dec 13th and Sunday, Dec 14th starting at 11:30AM and again at 1 and 2 PM LuAnn Adams will be sharing stories with the little ones and Ice Sculptures of NY will be bringing animal and holiday sculptures to life from 12 -3:30pm. There will be photo opportunities with Stilt Walkers, Choral performances throughout the day, craft and ornament making and even a S'more share. But the stand out of this weekend's events will be the performances by the New England Ballet Company under the direction of Artistic Directors Kenneth Hopkins and Karen T. Goodman. The troupe will perform excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker at 11:30AM, 1pm and 2:30PM.

After spending some time at the zoo make your way down the road to the New York Botanical Garden (http://www.nybg.org/) to take in the yearly Holiday Train Show which features a landscape of 140 replicas of New York landmarks made from various plants and parts.

I strongly suggest going to both sites and purchasing your tickets before you begin your adventure.

Happy Holidays!

Shopping Spot in Virtual Brooklyn

Each year come birthday or holiday my friend P and I try to share gifts that are either handmade or uncommon, creative items that reflect the person we each know the other to be. This year I received a recycled wood jigsaw frame from a company called Uncommon Goods.

It's perfect for some fall themed photos of my niece and nephew.

Uncommon Goods is an online market place that offers an amazing selection of goods at affordable prices. Many of the items are hand made and use environmentally friendly and responsible materials. They even donate a portion of each sale to number of non-profit organizations. They are privately owned and located in Brooklyn (see pic for warehouse, not a retail store!) but because they have a site the extent of what they can and do sell is amazing.

A first glance a visit to the website is overwhelming until you realize how easy the designer has made it for you to search and organize your shopping. Their item options are extensive and you can shop for just about everything and everyone in need of a home, decor, stationary, personal items, jewelry or clothing. The site highlights new additions, both item and artist, allows you to shop based on budget restraints, special occasion and you can even create a gift registry and wish list that can be made accessible for those who need to be in the know.

I encourage a visit and a browse - www.uncommongoods.com

Video Break with Shakti

Lately I have been thinking about inner power and our abilities to manifest, create and change. With these thoughts comes consideration of the divine within and with those considerations various incarnations of Shakti begin to dance inside my head.

Shakti, from the Sanskrit word Shak "to be able", is the sacred primordial force or energy that moves the entire world. It is the divine feminine creative power personified. Shakti, often referred to at the "The Great Divine Mother, exists in both female and male but is mostly active in her various expression through feminine power. Consider Parvati, Lakshmi , Durga or Kali.

I am not Hindu but I can appreciate the beauty and symbolism of the powerful forces that lie within each of us.

So now for our video break - Amma by Larisa Stow & Gathering Guru
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JReh9PqCGe8

Close your eyes and listen so not to be distracted by the visual..LOL!

Holiday Celebrations - Kwanza and Orgami Tree @ AMNH

One of my favorite holiday events takes place at

the American Museum of Natural History

Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024-5192 USA

http://www.amnh.org/

From November 22 through January 1st a decorated Christmas Tree will grace the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall on the first floor. Beginning in July volunteers began creating the over 500 folded ornaments that will shine on the tree this year. Each ornament represents an item that can be found in the museums wonderful displays and recent exhibitions. In addition to staring with wonder at each and every color paper creation there will be demonstrations showing you how to make your own.

And don't forget to return to the museum on December 28th for the 

Kwanza Fest Celebration. 

This all day event will take place in Ocean Life Hall on the main floor and feature song, dance and spoken word performances as well as an international market place that honor the 7 base principles of Kwanza.

Both events are free with Museum Admission.

Another Sudsy Italian Tale

After a long October day spent walking all over Rome I found myself wandering the aisles of a cosmetic store. Unfortunatly one of the great and one of the worse things about globalization is that you can buy the same products almost anywhere. For a shopper trying to find items that she can't get in New York this is not a great thing and then I spied with my little eye Horto Bontanico Soaps.

Horto Botanico di Nesti Dante soaps are inspired by Nature and created in the classical tradition of true Italian 'Saponeria', using a four-day cauldron method of baking, which is suppose to preserve the active ingredients and produce the richest purest soap possible. They are made in Florence, Italy but available on line at http://www.amazon.com/Nesti-Dante-Horto-Botanico-Soaps/dp/B000UAQLQ2

I have to be honest and write that I was attracted to the beautiful Florentine paper design each soap was wrapped in and purchased the Tomato Soap, which claims to ba a cocktail of vitamins (C, B and A) that work together to give a glowing complexion and the Pumpkin Soap which is suppose to purify while maintaining the natural balance of the skin because of bold round pumpkin and tomato images as well as their inviting scents. I don't know if they are doing the things they claim to do but my skin is soft and supple and smells great after I use either.

Self Publishing Your Own Cook Book

I love to cook but come the holiday's I put away the pots and pans, put on my baking hat and pull out the flour, butter, sugar and other baking goodies so that my family and friends can enjoy holiday cheer in the form of buttery golden goodness.

I always make the old favorites like tree shaped sugar cookies iced and sprinkled, gingerbread men with raisin eyes and white iced smiles, delicate lemon squares and pistachio-lemon drizzled cookies. Sometimes I make anisette cookies covered in sesame seeds, Mandelbrot or biscotti filled with nuts and dried fruits or a bishop's bread because I won't compete with my Aunt Cynthia's rum soaked fruit cake (I hope she's reading this and remembers to send me my cut!!). To keep it lively each year I also experiment with one new recipe, sometimes it's a hit and is added to the baking roster and sometimes it becomes a forgotten holiday memory. This year's tester is a bittersweet chocolate cookie, a triple chocolate treat of cocoa powder, chopped baking chocolate and dark chocolate chips covered in confectionary sugar.

Over the years I have collected recipes from family, friends, magazines and cookbooks. I had gone through many storage variations before finally settling upon a 3" ring denim covered binder but recently after reading about TasteBook.com I am currently working on combining all my favorite recipes, not just baking, into a personalized printed binder that allows me to play publisher, art director and editor as well as customer. The website walks you through the compilation process and gives you the opportunity to cull recipes from various magazines and recipe websites or type in your own personal recipes as well as upload personal pictures to print. The starting price is about $20 for the binder plus 25 pages with additional 50 cents for each extra recipe page. I am still working through the process so I have to admit I am not certain what the final charge will be but I am hoping to have a complete book dedicated to my niece and nephew come spring.

Stepping Towards Spring Already

There are 2 styles of shoes I am dreaming of wearing this coming spring.summer–
A flat warrior like sandal preferably in a metallic or neutral leather color that will look great with a pant or a simple spring dress and a sturdy healed thick strapped 1940s inspired sandal in a bold wardrobe complimentary color that has presence but doesn't over power the outfit being worn with them.

I pulled samples of the looks from a few magazines before re-cycling them. Please see badly pieced and scanned attachment above (I made no promise of pristine presentation on this site!)
showing the Ralph Lauren Collection’s gold leather sandal ($750) -Topped Sandal Circled (I love the elegant shape), The Fendi Sandal ($720) - Orange Leather Sandal Circled at the Bottom (The orange color is bold yet feels neutral) AND/OR The Yves Saint Laurent Sandal ($760) - Black Sandal Circled in the middle (Very stable and classic looking to me).

Though these styles will definitely be my Spring inspiration I will shop for shoes that honor their silhouettes, are of good quality and construction and most importantly within my budget. Sorry Fendi, YSL and Ralph Lauren even though Momma needs a new pair of shoes she knows you're all too rich for her blood!

Holiday Shopping Spots Worth the Tip

If you're still sorting your holiday shopping and looking for special things for those boys and girls that haven't been naughty enough not to make that list you may want to check out all the holiday fairs and markets around the city -

Bryant Park "Fete de Noel" Bryant Park, 6th Ave at 42nd St.

From November 22 through December 28th Bryant Park is transformed into a festive holiday market that echoes the French tradition of outdoor holiday season shopping. It features arts and crafts from more than 80 New York artists and artisans, as well as goodies from the American Museum of Natural History and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

Christmas in Little ItalyMulberry Street bet. Canal & Broome Sts.

From December 2-18 Little Italy's streets will be ablaze with Christmas lights and decorations, strolling costumed carolers, weekly parades and religious processions complete with colorful floats and marching bands. Licensed street vendors will join the local merchants in selling holiday gifts and merchandise from brightly decorated tents.

Union Square Holiday Market 14th - 18th Sts. & Broadway

From November 22nd through December 24th specialty merchants, many of whom create and make their own goods, will fill the stalls in this colorful outdoor Holiday Market. Plan for an enjoyable stroll through the often crowded fair after dark when most stalls twinkle with holiday lights.

Grand Central Holiday Fair - Grand Central Terminal

From November 15th through December 29th Vanderbilt Hall in GCT will be turned into a holiday fair filled with a dazzling line up of merchants. While you're there grab a hot cup of cocoa and catch the holiday light show in the main hall

Scrub a Dub Dub Exfoliate Naturally

Belive it or not one of my most treasured beauty items is a simple and basic bristle body brush. Of course I have a small round one, one with a long handle for those hard to reach places and a hand/nail size one for the mani-pedicures. Using a brush to exfoliate dead skin and increase circulation isn't some strange beauty secret ritual but a long known cleansing method used by a number of cultures. I prefer the dry technique so before stepping into the shower I brush myself in circular motions from shoulder down to foot and back up and down the other side before allowing the wash cloth and shower water to remove the dead skin that have loosend and is ready to go. The massaging brush action stimulates blood circulation, releases the body's natural oil and exfoliates skin ready to be gone which saves me tons on body scrubs and oils.

I admit to picking my brushes up as and when I have needed and found them (lesson 1 - l do not leave them in or around a wet tub and them thoroughly air dry between use), but the round one shown is from the Body Shop's line which have extra long nylon bristles and handles made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) beech wood. This means that the wood comes from well managed forests that are independently certified in accordance with the rules of the FSC.

Bath & Body works also offers a great long handled version that comes in a variety of colors for just $10.00. http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3139925&cp=&sr=1&kw=brush&origkw=brush&parentPage=search

A Voice of Freedom Stilled....

Thank you for sharing your voice, wisdom and beauty.

Rest In Peace Odetta

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/arts/music/03odetta.html?_r=1&hp

Place for Holiday Spirits

I remember when Astor Wines & Spirits was actually located on Astor Place. It was there that I was first introduced to and made my first purchase of wine. Years passed and I wandered and purchased from various vendors but Astor Wines always stayed in the back of my mind as a fond memory.

With the revitalization or regentrification, your choice, of the East Village Astor Wines relocated to a larger and grander space in the landmark De Vinne Press Building at 399 Lafayette Street at 4th Street. The space has given them 50% more selling floor for one of the largest selections of wine and spirits at the best prices around. In addition to free tastings, classes on foods and wines and discount Tuesdays they have an informative website that allows you to sign up for email updates on new arrivals, search for specific labels you may be interested in and notifications of weekly specials, but this is another place I strongly suggest you make the effort to visit -

http://www.astorwines.com/Default.aspx?c=1

Handy Product

At both my bathroom and kitchen sinks are individual bottles of
Jean Philippe’s No. 48 Wild Honey Hand Soap and Hand Cream.
I have fallen so under it's spell that I have even placed a bottle on my nightstand.

The sleek amber colored pump bottles sport an elegant apothecarically designed label that harkens back to the simpler time of duotone printing at 130 line screen. And to be honest it was the packaging that drew me to it in the first place. The soap isn’t harsh and both it and the hand cream have a mild fruity smell that doesn’t remind me of honey but is pleasant just the same. Before spying and purchasing it in a local 99cents store I hadn’t even seen or heard of the brand, but after using both for a week I returned to the store and purchased enough bottles to have back up in case I can’t find it again!

I on line researched both the lotion and the company that produces it and found items on line for CY$450.00(?? wonders if I can use debit card for better rate??heehee) and on Ebay for about $5.00. There were other fragrances available as well as shower gels, body scrubs and full body lotions but the wild honey hand soap and cream were the most appealing to me.

Let me know if anyone else encounters this company's brands. It seems Jean Philippe Fragrances also sells “alternative designer fragrances” and dollar store sales of their products are a regular part of their business sales (2002 notes on the company).