M&M's World

At 1600 Broadway in Times Square this 25,000 square foot, three-story colorful sensory-enticer has the largest display of M&M's in the world! M&M's World features a "Mood Analyzer" with help from a few colorful characters, a 17 foot Green M&M Lady Liberty and a just as large Blue M&M Elvis-impersonator, along with over 4,000 one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs. One of only three stores in the nation, the other two in Las Vegas and Orlando, NYC's store is an entertainment destination the whole family will love. Introduced to the world in 1941, M&M's have been a tasty pop culture icon for almost 70 years. With adorably quirky characters, fun-loving commercials, and a variety of delectable flavors and colors M&M's have become a favorite treat for generations. And at M&M's World they come to life right before your very eyes. The walls are lined from the ceiling to the floor with clear tubes filled with varieties of colorful combinations of M&M's. The entire store is filled with bright-colored paintings and murals of America's favorite candy personalities. And the music is always jamming, making this the place to brighten up anyone's day! From collectibles you can't find anywhere else, to clothes, home decor, toys and games, to the cutest aprons and kitchen utensils, and, of course, the tasty treats themselves, this store has something for everyone. Whether you're an M&M's enthusiast or just looking for a colorful sweet, M&M's World is the place to go.

Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Located on the east side of 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets in midtown Manhattan stands one of the most beautifully decorated historic landmarks in the United States, Saint Patrick's Cathedral. It is the largest Gothic-style Roman Catholic Cathedral in the U.S. and is the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The cornerstone of the cathedral was laid on August 15, 1858 but construction was halted during the Civil War and resumed in 1865. The cathedral was completed and opened it's doors in 1879 and, today, accommodates over five and a half million visitors who come to visit and pray each year. Aside from Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome which I am fortunate enough to have had the chance to visit, this is definitely the most beautiful church I've seen. The detail is exquisite, the stained glass windows inspiring, and there are marble altars for dozens of saints in which you can light candles and pray for intercessions. Whether you are Catholic or not, this is a place you definitely need to visit in the city. All are welcome and it is a place that will offer you serenity and peace in the midst of the hustle and bustle of crazy city life. We can always use a moment to be reminded of the presence of God in our lives and from the moment you step inside St. Patrick's that divine presence is undeniable.

Baked by Melissa

After a big meal most people crave something sweet but don't always have room for a full-sized dessert. But wouldn't it be great if there were a place where you could order a bite-sized treat? Well, I'm here to tell you there is and it's called Baked by Melissa. Melissa Bushell realized the temptation dessert lovers have when  walking into a bakery wafting with deliciousness. They want to try one of everything but couldn't possibly without being guilt-ridden for days. So Melissa came up with an ingenious idea: bite-sized filled cupcakes! Literally the size of a quarter, these mini cupcakes pack quite a punch of flavor. From Red Velvet to Cookies and Cream, to Peanut Butter and Jelly and Mint Chocolate Chip, these cupcakes put the "bang" in "bang for your buck". At just $1 each, they fulfill all of your cravings, minus the guilt. There are just two locations here in the city, one in Soho and a new one just opened at Union Square. They offer a variety of 10 permanent flavors and 1 special edition monthly flavor. This months flavor is Sundae--imagine hot fudge sundae meets cupcake. But my favorite flavor of them all is the Tie-Dye, as pictured in the center above. It tickles your taste buds with a fist-full of flavors packed into one bite-sized delight!

Papabubble

In 2004 in Barcelona with a vision to revive the beauty of authentic hand-made candy, one of the most unique candy shops in the world came to life, calling itself Papabubble. Today Papabubble has expanded to Tokyo, Amsterdam, Seoul, Lisbon, Taipei, and right here in NYC. Each store offers something different and unique but they all share the same delightful spirit; the magic and art of sweets! Sweets and flavors are reinvented every day to awaken in you new sensations, excite your imagination and stimulate your memory. And the candy is hand-made right in front of you while you shop. It is personally mixed, poured, rolled, stretched, and shaped right before your very eyes. And these candies are nothing short of extraordinary. They are intricately decorated and molded into everything from traditional lollipops to rings and even toothbrushes, or anything else you ask them to make. Their pillow candies come in more flavors than you could possibly imagine including ones filled with actual soda pop. And the "regular" hard candies are made with artistic designs featuring pictures and text and you can even order them to say whatever you would like. And the best part is you get to witness their old-fashioned yet innovative candy-making with all of your senses: the smell of melting sugar, the mix of a beautiful array of bold colors, and the deliciously delectable taste of the sweets, as they offer samples while you shop. In short, this candy shop is a mix of art and sweetness, making it a candy experience like you've never had before!

With Love, Dreams Really Do Come True

This one's in honor of my husband and I's 1st Anniversary. Thamer, I can honestly say I love you more today than I did that blessed day one year ago. Thanks for making my dreams come true!

"This day I will marry my best friend. The one I laugh with live for and love." It's hard to believe that an entire year has gone by since that forever blessed day August 1st, 2009 when my husband and I took the most sacred of vows. We've had some ups and downs and have gone through our fair share of obstacles. But our love today is so much stronger than that forever memorable day just one year ago. 

When we speak the word "love", which too often rolls off the tongue with little to no thought of the actual meaning, we should really take a deeper look at ourselves. Perhaps, unravel our heart and listen to what it's trying to tell us.

Love is the most thought about, written about, talked about, and overly analyzed emotion in the world. It is both incredibly joyous and notoriously terrifyingly painful. Love, as they say, is what makes the world go round! But, to me, love is exposing one's most inner part of the soul for just one person to see. You reveal your biggest insecurities, your most personal of flaws. You uncover the masks, the barriers to your soul, tearing down your guard piece by piece. It requires undying faith, eternal strive, and the commitment of the purest of hearts. It is said that hope sets us free. But, what I have learned is that love, not hope, truly sets us free.

And today, just one year later after fully committing my love to my husband, Thamer, I feel more blessed and lucky than I did that very day. More blessed in the fact that now I truly understand what we gave each other that day. And, in essence, what we did for ourselves. For, we set ourselves free. Free to live as we truly are and give our whole being to the one and only person who we would ever trust with our hearts: our one true love!

Papatzul

Mayan for "food for the lords," Papatzul is also the name of a traditional Mexican dish: an egg-stuffed tortilla baked in pumpkin seed sauce, as well as the most unbelievably delicious restaurant in NYC. And this restaurant located at 55 Grand St. in the fabulous Soho area serves food that is nothing short of being fit for a king. Combining the most savory flavors of Mexico City, Papatzul is by far the most incredibly delectable authentic Mexican food I have ever tasted. It is also my new favorite restaurant in all of Manhattan. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and colorful, with an incredible collection of festive masks hanging from Mango-colored walls. The lighting sets a perfectly opulent ambiance, featuring beautifully decorated wall sconces with glowing candles and an exquisite skyline lining the top of the back wall. But the food is what will definitely keep you coming back for more! The Ceviche combines the most succulent flavors with the perfect balance of spice and tang. The Flauta's de Pollo (chicken flautas) were divine. And the Sopes con Calabaza, Hongos, y Queso, which are a combination of mushrooms, spices, and goat cheese, is the tastiest sensation your mouth has ever enjoyed and my most highly recommended dish on the menu! And for a heavenly sweet treat, you have to try the Aqua de Jamaica. It's a non-alcoholic drink from Mexico made with the dried hibiscus flower of Jamaica. It is so sweet and luscious you won't be able to have just one! But no matter what you order and try, I promise you this, this is a restaurant you'd absolutely be crazy to miss!

Rice to Riches

All desserts beware! This incredibly irresistible treat will make you re-analyze what you thought you've come to know and love as desserts all together. Rice to Riches is the hippest, trendiest place I've found in the city yet. Located in Nolita, just east of Soho on 37 Spring St., this delectable rice pudding shop specializes in a world-changing new dessert phenomenon, giving rice pudding an extreme makeover! With over 20 flavors, ranging from Sex, Drugs, and Rocky Road to Coconut Coma and Promise me Passion Fruit, this shop has scientifically combined optimum hand-picked ingredients from around the world into the most tantalizingly flavorful rice pudding you could imagine. And to top it off, they have 10 topping choices like Tender Loving Jelly, Oatmeal Coconut Crumble, or Toasted Buttery Pound Cake, to name a few, to, how should I say it, put the icing on the cake! And, even though this unique find is only here in NYC, they offer overnight delivery to anywhere in the USA. Just check out their website (www.ricetoriches.com) and click away. But, it's one of those places you almost have to see to believe. The metallic store-front with alluring bright orange and yellow lights, followed by the technologically advanced set up with lit up comic-like bubbles featuring quirky jokes and sayings along the walls makes this place an incredible find that literally jumps out at you. The tables inside lure you to them with florescent lighting and lusciously-cushioned seats and the packaging of the rice pudding is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen, featuring colorful plastic bubble bowls with snap-able lids and matching spoons. So, even if you never thought you'd set your sites on a dessert such as this, you have to try it. It's an experience for every sense and, if you have any sense at all, you don't want to miss it!

The Legacy that is Yankee Stadium

Located in the Bronx, this incredible newly built stadium is the ballpark of the New York Yankees. Home of the most successful sports franchise in history, it opened its doors April 2, 2009 replacing the previous stadium which was built back in 1923. The capacity of the new stadium including standing room is an incredible 53,325 and there's typically not an empty seat in the house. Yankee Stadium has become one of the most famous stadiums in the world, having housed the most legendary baseball players of all time, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle, and today's most popular stars, Alex Rodriquez and Derek Jeter. When you walk in the gate you instantly feel like you're in the presence of greatness. And you have to wonder if some of the greats are up above watching down. Sadly, there are a couple more to add to that list, as the Yankees recently lost two of the most influential men in Yankee history. Bob Sheppard, the most famous sports announcer of all time, known as the "voice of God" at Yankee Stadium, died July 11 at age 99.  And then George Steinbrenner, principle owner and managing partner, who was known for building the Yankees into a powerhouse, died just two days later after suffering a heart attack July 13 at age 80. The loss could be felt while sitting among the fans and the two were remembered and honored. It was touching as a recording of Sheppard's voice announced Derek Jeter every time he was up to bat. And their memories will surely live on in both fans and players alike. Yankee baseball is an American pastime and a legend that will continue to grow. But we all must remember Babe Ruth's famous words: "The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime."

South Street Seaport (Pier 17)

The Seaport and Pier 17 have a rich history as impactful to NYC as Times Square, Central Park, and Wall Street. Featuring some of the oldest architecture in downtown Manhattan, the South Street Seaport includes the largest concentration of restored early 19th Century commercial buildings in the city. This includes renovated original mercantile buildings, renovated sail ships, and the former Fulton Fish Market. It also has a modern twist, including a tourist mall, putt putt golf, phenomenal seafood restaurants, shopping, music, great nightlife, and the most spectacular view of the Brooklyn Bridge in the city. In fact, this cultural marketplace along the breath-taking Lower Manhattan waterfront is a gateway to the harbor and one of the greatest places in the city for shopping, dining, and listening to live music. The Seaport even offers free concerts all summer long, making this place the destination that literally has something for everyone. And you don't even have to break the bank! You can make it a family affair putt putting along the waterfront, a girl's night out of shopping and dancing, or a romantic evening for two enjoying great dining and an intimate walk along the pier.

Why "30" Has Become the New "20"

Having worked in the beauty industry for over a decade, I've come into contact with my fair share of women looking for the miracle-worker of everlasting youth. Today more and more women are spending thousands of dollars a year and going through a multitude of products looking for a miraculous over night make-over. And, sadly, many, not able to find this imaginary ghost of a product, are turning to botox injections and plastic surgery. Well, being a huge advocate of not physically altering our God-given bodies, I'm here to tell you that there are ways of keeping your skin youthful and glowing without such extremities or a hefty price tag.
#1)The key is moisturization and you must be consistent! It doesn't matter how expensive the cream is, just be sure you use a brand you trust and be sure it has an SPF of at least 15, but most importantly, apply it daily, both in the morning and at night. This is the most important thing you can do for your skin to avoid wrinkles. I love Estee Lauder and Lancome but for a more cost-effective brand try Neutrogena. #2)Exfoliation. Two to three times a week you need to exfoliate your skin in order to slough off dead skin so that the moisturizer can penetrate all the way down to the root of the problem. If you put cream on top of dead skin cells, which accumulate on our skin daily, it just sits on the surface and does absolutely no good. #3)NEVER go to a tanning bed, ever! If you currently do, STOP! The UVA rays put off by them are detrimental to your skin, causing it to look crapey and aging you at a much faster pace. Also, never lay out in the natural sunlight without an SPF of 15 or higher all over your body and face. And make sure the SPF isn't outdated or it loses all it's effectiveness. And the average product with SPF only has a shelf-life of about one year. #4)Lay off the caffeine which prevents your body from making good use of the vitamins and minerals in your food and leaves you looking tired. Drink plenty of water instead which helps keep skin hydrated and looking fresh. And get plenty of sleep, preferably 8 hours each night. Lack of sleep can cause the appearance of unsightly puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. #5)Stop stressing!!! Stress can cause your body to do a frenzy of things, including some pretty serious medical complications. And it can also impact how you physically look. If you have a lot of stress in your life, take up yoga or start an exercise regime that will help you release negative energy. Remember, the better you feel on the inside reflects how you look on the outside. All in all, after having just celebrated my 30th birthday myself and having followed these 5 simple steps, I feel and look better than ever. My skin looks and feels better than it did 10 years ago and I'm confident and more ready than ever to show my fresh face to the world!

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza

Featuring more than 40,000 shells exploding at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute, Macy's definitely agrees bigger is better as far as fireworks are concerned! And with fireworks reaching heights of 1,000 feet in the air, they could be seen for miles in the perfect night sky on this year's 4th of July holiday celebration. Between 24th and 50th Streets on the west side of Manhattan, Macy's displayed six barges from which fireworks were shot into the sky with the ever-so beautiful New York City skyline as it's magical backdrop. "American Harmony" was the theme of this years 2010 fireworks spectacular featuring The New York Pops orchestra, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and some of America's top vocal groups all perfectly aligned with the fireworks extravaganza. It was like nothing I've ever seen or heard before! It was basically every big city's fireworks display times six, literally. From the vibrant colors and designs to the most riveting soundtrack around,  New York City just keeps proving to me that it's "the" place to be.

The Jersey Shore (minus "Snookie" and "the Situation")

The Jersey Shore consists of 131 miles of New Jersey coastal area from Sandy Hook in the North to Cape May in the South. It also includes a wide range of beaches along the eastern part of the Jersey coast including Monmouth, Atlantic, and Ocean counties. What was once known as the most polluted group of beaches in the nation has now become part of the most rigorously tested ocean water around, leaving it with the cleanest water in the mid-Atlantic Region. My husband and I went to Monmouth and were surprised at how beautiful it was. It was nothing like we had expected. It even had some pretty high waves. Not good enough to surf but definitely body-boardilicious! As we drove down Ocean Avenue I started bobbing my head, thinking about all the songs written about this incredible place. And, though the shore has been famously mentioned in countless songs throughout the years due to it's many celebrity ridden rock and roll bars, along with it's proximity to NYC, it really rose to national fame in 2009 with the MTV launching of it's beyond expected hit sensation, "The Jersey Shore", even though the Italian-American cast members aren't actual residents of the area. Though "Snookie" nor "the Situation" were anywhere in sight, we definitely saw our share of "guido's". You know who I'm talking about: buff, oiled, and tan with a strong Jersey accent talking about "chicks" and getting a new "ride". It definitely made for an entertaining day at the beach! So, grab a spray-on tan, a bottle of oil, and practice your Jersey twang and we'll see you at the shore!

Capturing "The City"

I know I'm not the only one out there secretly obsessed with reality television so don't judge me just because I'm one of the few who has enough guts to admit it. I, Lorrie from NYC, am a huge fan of both of MTV's hit reality shows "The Hills" and "The City". I feel like I should be at an AA meeting or something. But, in all seriousness, along with "The Hills" former leading lady, Lauren Conrad, my favorite cast member on the show has always been Whitney Port. Aside form her great "genes" (in both the hereditary and the denim type), career obsession, and unforgiving drive, Whitney seemed like the all-American, down-to-earth, "girl next door". So, obviously, when she got her own spin-off of "The Hills" and moved to "The City" to pursue her dreams in the world of fashion, I became an instant fan. So, when I was walking through Washington Square the other day and saw her filming an episode of "The City" with her spunky vixenesque co-star Roxy Olin, I was more than ecstatic, especially since I happened to have my camera by my side. I've learned the hard way that in this city, having your camera with you is as important as your wallet because you never know who or what you're going to see! And she was just as gorgeous and flawless in person as she always has been on the show. It was so incredible to watch one of my favorite shows happen right before my very eyes. Living in this city definitely has its perks--it's always exciting and you never know what's waiting for you around the next corner!

Sick in the City

Okay, so being sick is pretty much my least favorite feeling in the world. The stuffy head, chilling fever, nasal congestion, chest-wrenching cough, throat-on-fire feeling combined with the inability to breath, eat, or sleep, for that matter, is nothing short of a nightmare. But, what makes it all even worse is the reality of city life. In a city where the soles of your shoes replace the tires of your car, it is by no means fun to get your exhausted, lifeless body to take the 10 block hike to the nearest doctor, much less then have to walk 2 miles the opposite direction to the closest pharmacy to fill your prescription. Oh the woes of living in the city of transportation hell. In fact, I'm pretty sure I got the horrid illness from the guy hacking his guts out next to me on the subway just the other day. Guess I need to make a visit to my nearest Bath and Body Works to stock up on more antibacterial gels to ward off the evil germs spread by the careless people who neglect to cover their mouths when coughing up a lung in public!

Fashionista's Unite

In today's economy if you dare pay full price for anything you're crazy! It's as simple as the basic rules of supply and demand. With a lower demand on products due to a widespread lack of income, the supply increases thus lowering prices. So, many retailers are now offering all sorts of coupons and promotional discounts and all you have to do is supply them with your e-mail address. I get numerous e-mails weekly from all of my favorite retailers, such as Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret, Express, Macy's, and even Abercrombie and Fitch, to name a few. Their offers vary from free products with purchases to up to 40% off your entire purchase and even free shipping if you order online. So, as my mother has always said, "any fool can pay full price". Also, many grocery stores and even my favorite "everything" store, Target, now offer a variety of easily printable coupons to redeem in stores. I've saved up to over $25 at a time, with coupons alone. And living in a city that is as expensive as this, every little bit helps! I've even discovered an incredible new website called "I love free things" (www.ilovefreethings.com). Basically, you go there and they provide you with all these fantastic offers for free samples and products. You choose the ones you like, give them your mailing address and it's mailed to you like magic within 4-6 weeks. I've gotten free face cream, body wash, socks,  razors, coffee, coupons for free food redeemable at any grocery store, and even a free pantie from American Apparel. And, to top it all off, no junk mail! Pretty sweet deal, if you ask me. And I can never pass up a great deal!!!

The Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the U.S. stretching over 265 acres of land. The zoo first opened its doors on November 8, 1899 featuring 843 animals in 22 exhibits. Today the zoo has grown to house over 4,000 animals and 600 different species, many of which are endangered or threatened. But, perhaps the most well known aspect of the zoo is the fact that it was the inspiration for one of today's most lovable animation film series, Madagascar, produced by DreamWorks Animation, even though the actual film was based in the Central Park Zoo in Manhattan. While walking through the zoo I had an overwhelming urge to break into song and dance: "I like to move it, move it. I like to move it, move it. You like to MOVE it." That's probably due to the incredibly catchy song featured in the films and the lovable characters who sing and dance to it. Featured in these photographs above are the inspirations to my favorite characters in the movie: Alex, the lion; Marty, the zebra; and my favorite of all, King Julien XIII, the fun-loving ring-tailed lemur. Now, as for all those who are against keeping animals in captivity and consistently fight to free animals from zoos, the Madagascar movies portray quite the dispute. Co-director Tom Mcgrath talked about the intention of the films saying, "the basic irony to the story is that, you think animals belong in the wild, but if they're so accustomed to captivity, they wouldn't even know where food came from." And that the animals were meant to "love the zoo and to love where they are because they've got 5,000 square feet right off Fifth Avenue." Sounds pretty good to me!

Kyochon Chicken

Chairman and founder of Kyochon Chicken, Mr. Won-Kang Kwon, has pleased thousands of American's by bringing Korea's favorite chicken brand to the U.S. and creating a global poultry dynasty. Kyochon Chicken has more than 1,000 restaurants in Korea and China and now 10 in the U.S., just here in NYC and LA. The flagship restaurant is right here in Manhattan, located on 5th Avenue and 32nd Street. And not only is it a treat for your mouth but it's also a technological dream of a restaurant, displaying countless televisions, a big screen with the latest and newest remixes of the best club-pumping music around, and the most unique light fixtures and displays including a red staircase that lights your way up every step. But this is just part of what Kwon has dedicated to his company to make it the most unique and sought after place in the city. He embodies the company with values of integrity, top quality, innovation and 100% dedication to the best customer service. In fact, he spent countless hours inventing the double-frying and hand-brushing techniques that make this chicken the best in town. He also created the signature Soy Garlic and Hot & Sweet sauces that glaze his chicken with flawless perfection. To this day only he and his wife know the exact recipes to these taste-bud dazzling sauces, which they mix themselves in a secret room in the production facility in Seoul, where they reside. And, as for customer satisfaction, I've never met so many nice people in one place in this crazy city before. The staff is beyond friendly and you never have to ask for a thing--they're definitely on top of things from the moment you walk in to the second you leave. But, of all this, my favorite aspect is the food, hands-down! They use only fresh, never frozen chicken and only seasonal fruits and vegetables for exceptional quality. Each piece of chicken is hand cut and individually hand brushed. There are no short-cuts to this chicken perfection and Kwon wouldn't have it any other way. My recommendation: the honey wings with a side of croquettes (they're like mashed potatoes and sour cream wrapped into a bundle of deliciousness and fried) and the green tea Bul-Gogi rice ball (a ball of white rice seasoned with green tea extract and stuffed with finely diced Bul-Gogi Chicken and vegetables and seasoned with their homemade soy sauce). It's a feast you don't want to miss!

Rockefeller Center

Built by the Rockefeller family, this National Historic Landmark is located right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and features a statue of Prometheus, who in Greek Mythology was a champion of mankind know for his great intelligence. He was punished by Zeus for stealing from him and giving to the mortals. Zeus bound him to a rock and had an eagle eat his liver, only to have it grow back and be eaten again the next day, playing a pivotal role in the early history of mankind. This is also the site where the most famous Christmas tree in the nation is lit every year. People from all over travel to see the incredibly beautiful tree adorned in colored lights lit in the plaza the Wednesday after Thanksgiving each year. The tradition began in 1933 and holds strong today, with the traditional horn-blowing angels leading the path to the tree. Next to the plaza is the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink where many couples get engaged each year amid the magical lights and overwhelming holiday spirit. It is touching to watch the couple skate happily throughout the rink and then, suddenly, the man gets down on one knee and pops that live-changing question, while the woman puts her hands to her face and adamantly shakes her head yes and they skate off to their happily-ever-after. But, of all this, perhaps the most sought after attraction is the Top of the Rock observation deck. Sitting 70 stories above the city, this jewel was envisioned by John D. Rockefeller as a place for both locals and visitors to marvel at the city he loved. Construction started in 1930 and was completed in 1939 and to this day holds the most spectacular view of the city we all love. You feel like you're on top of the world standing among the beauty of this city and I promised you, there's nothing quite like it!

My Mother, My Rock

This one's for you mom: my hero, my inspiration, my rock.
As a child, I  looked up to my mother as if though she were a super hero. She was breathtakingly beautiful, more generous and kind than anyone I've ever known, stylish as a Hollywood starlet, and full of life with a contagiously electric personality. As my dad has always said, when she walks into a room it just automatically lights up! Today, as I watch her constantly struggle with things so simple and basic that we all take so easily for granted, like breathing, I admire her even more. Having COPD, a chronic lung condition, leaving her with only 30% lung function and watching her with her oxygen tank always by her side, I pray to God every day that I never take even a single breath for granted. It is so sad when I turn on the news every day and see people killing each other and raping and stealing each other blindly, when we all should just be down on our hands and knees thanking God for even just being here on earth, which is a blessing in itself. I know this isn't a typical "confession from New York" but this is real and, today, as I await to hear if my mother will be sent back to the hospital for pneumonia for the second time this year, I can't help but get so angry at the world we live in today for it's disrespect of human life. As I watch my mother who's strength has miraculously pulled her through a heart-attack, internal bleeding resulting in a full blood transfusion, COPD flare-ups, and pneumonia several times, I am so proud of her and her persistent struggle and consistent faith. She is and will always be my rock and she and others who suffer with so many physical ailments and conditions out there, such as Cancer and heart disease, to name a few, should be a wake-up call to us. Life here on earth is far too short and it should never to be taken for granted. We must also always remember that family is the most important thing we have here in this lifetime and we should always hold it dear to our hearts. Nothing is more important than those we love and we should thank God every day for blessing us with them in our lives. My mother, who has and will always be my best friend has taught me that courage is the silent fighter in all of us and that with the love and support of family it is intensified. If only we could all love each other like family, this world would be a far greater place to live!

Serendipity

Merriam-Webster defines serendipity as the art of finding the pleasantly unexpected by chance. I personally first discovered this fabulous restaurant extraordinaire, which also happens to be named Serendipity, while watching the classic 2001 romantic comedy Serendipity, starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. It was here that they first shared a frozen hot chocolate together as Beckinsale perfectly described serendipity as a  "fortunate accident". But this trendy place is definitely no accident. From its eclectic style to its long lines and even longer list of celebrity patrons this delicious spot has earned itself a permanent place in history as one of New York City's most sought after restaurants. Their food authentically combines the most mouth-watering unexpected combination of flavors and ingredients, leaving you feeling adventurous and daring. But the desserts are what they are best known for and deliver the most bang for your buck, specifically the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. It's a take on the traditional childhood favorite of hot chocolate put over ice and blended to perfection. It is topped with the creamiest whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and coco powder. But I dare you to order the Golden Opulence Sundae from the menu. This is the creme de la creme of desserts. It is a hot fudge sundae with countless scoops of vanilla ice cream, covered in all the chocolate gooeyness of a regular sundae but, unlike any other one you've ever heard of, this one takes the icing on the cake for being covered with edible 24 karat gold. And for just a small price of $1,000. Just be sure and order this one ahead of time because in order for them to make this delectable decadence it must be ordered 24 hours in advance.

I Choose Juicy

 

As I stroll along 5th Avenue my eyes widen, my heart races, my adrenaline sky rockets and I suddenly feel like a kid in a candy store: Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Tiffany's, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and the list goes on. But of all the stores on this famous street of shopping paradise only one has truly captured my heart--Juicy Couture. Even its name rolls off the tongue with intrique and delight. Founded in 1994 in Pacoima, California by Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Taylor (wife of John Taylor of Duran-Duran) the company started with the motto: "Once upon a time in a land far, far away called Pacoima there were two nice girls who liked stuff. Juicy Couture swept the land and they lived happily ever after". The company started as a designer t-shirt company but has come a very long way since then. Juicy is today best known  for turning their velour sweat suits into the greatest fashion "must have" since the little black dress. Although I think these sweat suits have long overstayed their welcomed appearance in public and should be kept for lounging at home and heading to the gym, don't let them fool you. This company has plenty more to offer! From rocker chic to sweet and feminine this brand has something for every girl. Their dresses are classic and flirty, their jeans are the best-fitting around, their coats trimmed with the most girlie ruffles and detailed buttons, and their footwear is by far the cutest around. Not to mention their fragrances are sweet and fabulous and come in the most beautiful elegant glass bottles. From the adorable pink scottie dog embellished labels to the detailed stitching in the fabrics Juicy is fun, flirty, cute, and sophisticated all at the same time. So, I'm letting the world know, or at least everyone who reads this blog, I am proud to be a Juicy girl and you should be one too!

Carlo's Bake Shop

Ever wish you could experience the delectable pastries of traditional Italy without ever leaving the city. Well, you can and you only have to travel one subway stop away from Manhattan. Hidden in the hometown of the ever famous Frank Sinatra, Hoboken, New Jersey is also home to the most well-known and recently famous Carlo's Bake Shop. This amazing bakery known for its homemade from scratch baked goods and beyond elaborate wedding cakes has become a house-hold name due to its hit show on TLC. Cake Boss first aired on TLC April 19, 2009 and took the nation by storm. Starring Buddy Valastro and his quirky fun-loving, sometimes hot-tempered Italian family, this show gives America an up close and personal look into the kitchen of this family-run bakery. Bought in 1964 by Buddy's parents Mary and Buddy Sr., this bake shop prides itself on tradition and is, in the opinion of almost everyone who's ever tried it, the best bakery around, hands-down. Buddy, who took over the shop at the ripe age of 17 after his father's passing, has become the cream of the crop of bakers at just 32 years old. Since the shows success, this once hometown favorite bake shop has become a nationally renowned destination with tourists lined up around the block all days of the week waiting to have a taste and catch a glimpse of the Valastro clan. From the traditional Italian favorite, the cannoli to the most scrumptious chocolate cake you've ever sunk you teeth into you can't go wrong with a single dessert here. Although, I highly recommend the lobster tails. They're the most delicious puff pastry with the richest, most incredible cream filling you've ever had. So make sure and head west of the Hudson River and stop in Hoboken, NJ. Because this is a treat you don't want to miss!

Love Knows No Bounds

In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share an inspirational story about the mystery and intrigue we've come to know as love. This is my personal love story, written shortly after my husband and I's August wedding. I hope you enjoy and are inspired by the true beauty of love...


The moment I laid eyes on him, my heart came to a momentary halt. His smile was infectious, his laugh contagious. I couldn’t help but stare as he and his friends danced playfully amongst themselves. Our eyes met from across the room and the connection was instantaneous. He walked over to me and asked me to dance. Speechless, I gave him a quick nod and shyly followed him to the dance floor.  As he pulled me close, I stopped him.

“I’m a good girl,” I stated, matter of factly.

“And I’m a bad boy,” he replied, with a smile.

His name was Thamer. Born in the states but of Libyan descent he currently lived in Columbus, Ohio as did I. He was studying to be a dentist. He seemed so level-headed and confident. He was tall, about 6’1” with short black hair, tan skin, and big chocolate brown eyes. The exact opposite of me and I loved it!

The more we talked the more perfect he seemed. He was exactly what I was looking for in a man. Until, wait! “What’s that, again?” I asked as I leaned my ear towards his lips to make sure I heard exactly what I thought he had said.

And again he spoke the same words, “I’m Muslim.”

I knew this was too good to be true, I thought to myself, and this was his fatal flaw.

You see, I, being a devout Roman Catholic all my life, never imagined my “prince charming” as a Muslim man. In fact, I deemed a romance of such impossible. Millions of thoughts flashed through my head: how would my parents feel about this, how would his parents feel about this, how could we get married in the Catholic Church, how would we raise kids…and the list went on.

All that aside, there was just something inside of me that would not completely let go of even the slightest possibility. I just had an overwhelming feeling of comfort ability with him.

But three weeks after we met, Thamer moved to California for dental school. Part of me was relieved. “Good,” I thought “3,000 miles in between us should definitely help me get over this crazy notion.”

But I just couldn’t. I moved on, so to speak, but Thamer would always find a way to call me or send me a text the second I’d seem to forget about him. Granted, it was just on a friendly basis but my feelings for him were so different from anything I’d ever felt before.

Then, one day, out of the blue he called me. “Cali-boy’s coming home,” he said, “how about getting together for dinner next week?”

Dinner’s harmless, I tried to fool myself. “Yea, sure, why not,” I answered.

When I opened my front door and saw him standing there it was like I was seeing him for the first time all over again. My heart melted. It was that moment I realized there was something so special about him and I couldn’t let him go.

We started dating and, like all relationships, we went through many ups and downs. We discussed religion daily, trying to uncover ways we could make it work. We found that, though the practices of our religions were quite different, the morals and ideals were all perfectly aligned. In essence, our daily lives were in sync, just our worship days and holidays would be spent differently.

Though, we saw light at the end of the tunnel, I sometimes felt so hopeless and disheartened. I even broke up with him twice. It was so sad to me that two people so in love, whom shared the same love of God and lived daily under God’s will could not be together because of the different practices of worshiping. After all, it is the same God!!!

I sought guidance from a priest as Thamer sought guidance from an imam, a holy man of Islam. We prayed and prayed and asked our families to pray for us and, after many prayers and religious studies, came to the conclusion that God brought us together for a reason and we were going to make this work.

We married August 1^st, 2009 at St. Peter’s Church in Mansfield, Ohio where three generations of my family married before me. It was a big Catholic/Muslim wedding—two ceremonies in one, something we never thought possible. It was a cultural fantasy. The priest and the imam collaborated, bringing the two faiths together in what our guests deemed: the best wedding they’d ever been to.

We know the path ahead for us will be challenging but we also know our love for each other and for God will stand the tests of time. We brought two cultures and religions together in the most beautiful way and it was nothing short of inspirational to all who were there. We must never forget that God created and loves us all and he works in mysterious ways. We feel that we are an example of that and our story should allow others to open their hearts to people of different faiths around them. We can learn so much by doing so, even strengthen our own faith.

As for our story, we finally got our happy ending, though our fairy tale has just begun. And we couldn’t be happier or feel more blessed!

Times Square

"Lights, camera,..action!" Typically when we hear these words we automatically think of all the glamour of a Hollywood movie. But I thinks it perfectly sums up one of the most fascinating landmarks in NYC--Times Square. Sometimes known as the "Crossroads of the World," Times Square has become an iconic world landmark known for its spectacular digital advertisements and has become symbolic of NYC. Located at one of the most well known intersections in Manhattan at Broadway and 7th Ave. and stretching from W 42nd to W 47th Streets, Times Square lights up the city blocks better than a 4th of July display of even the most advanced fireworks. The streets are always crowded, tourist's cameras always snapping shots, and there is always more than enough action to keep even the most picky people watchers busy for hours at a time. Plus, the streets are lined with some of the greatest NYC stores and restaurants. The experience is nearly impossible to put into words as it is like nothing you have ever seen before. I'll never forget the first moment I emerged from that subway on 42nd St. and caught my first glimpse of Times Square. My jaw dropped to the floor and my eyes opened wider than they ever had before as I fervently explored this dynamic phenomenon. You have to see it to believe it and I highly suggest you do! So, hop on the subway and take it to 42nd Street. You won't be disappointed.

Uninvited Guest: AKA "Mouse in the House"

This one's for my father whose constant love and support, especially in all my writing endeavors, means the world to me. I love you dad!

It was a cold winter day. The brisk chill in the air bit at my face as I walked home, juggling several hefty bags of groceries in my arms. Finally home, I dropped the bags in relief just as I swung open the front door. I wrestled with the key in the old antique-like lock until it finally released. I, then grabbed the bags once again with one giant swoop and plopped them on top of the white kitchen counter. As I walked to the closet and quickly placed my coat and scarf, I heard a faint squeaking noise. Barely laudable, I dismissed it and walked to the bedroom to continue to undo my layers of winter clothing. I whipped off my hat and boots, only to hear a slight scampering of what seemed like tiny feet. As I turned my head to check, "ahhhh!", I screamed as I dropped my hat to the floor and jumped what amazingly appeared to be a good 3 feet onto the bed. And there he stood. His beady little eyes and twitching nose were almost endearing as he just paused and looked up at me in awe. And then, within seconds, he was off, under the dresser to hide. I, startled and initially deathly afraid of this minuscule furry creature, began to laugh hysterically at myself. He was actually quite charming. I could only imagine what he was thinking, just as Remy from Disney's Pixar film Ratatouille would have thought, "seriously, what's she afraid of? I'm the one who should be running for dear life!" And that's exactly what he did and I never saw him again. I learned a lesson that day--things aren't always as they appear to be. In this fast-pace life, we often "jump" without really analyzing the situation first. So, remember, always take a step back in any given situation for things are not always as scary as they may seem!

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

After a long, tumultuous day of touring the city, it's time to sit back, unwind and relax, and enjoy some delicious food. And there's no better place than this one, located right in the heart of Time's Square. Inspired by the 1994 Paramount Pictures classic film Forrest Gump, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. serves a mouthwatering Cajun/seafood mix, all the while sticking to its heartwarming theme. The restaurant is named after the movies two main character's Benjamin Buford "Bubba" Blue and Forrest Gump. In the film Bubba suggested the shrimp business to Forrest who went on to pursue the idea after Bubba's death while they served in the Vietnam War together. The restaurant is carefully themed, including in the entrance the bench and box of chocolates from perhaps the most famous scene in the movie in which Forrest says, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." On the tables there are signs you can flip to let your waitstaff know if you need something. "Run, Forrest, Run!" if you don't need assistance. And "Stop, Forrest, Stop!" if you do. There is also a gift shop in which you can choose from an assortment of adorable movie memorabilia. Plus, the restaurant overlooks all of the glory of Time's Square, giving you the most amazing view and overall dining experience. Not to mention the food is fantastic. Having tried several items from the menu, I couldn't begin to choose a favorite. Just be sure and include the shrimp because theirs is one of the best around! And to top it all off, the staff is friendly and provides service with good old Southern hospitality, making this place the perfect end to a crazy NYC day!

FAO Schwarz

Remember when you were a child and your days consisted of playing with toys, staying out of trouble (or at least managing not to get caught), and just enjoying spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately, those days have come and gone and the stresses of daily life have permanently made their mark on us. But, what if just for a moment you could go back to that place of permanent security and bliss. Well, you can! Just as soon as you walk past the human toy soldier guards and step through the front door of this magical play land known as FAO Schwarz. Being one of the oldest toy stores in the United States, dating back almost a century and a half ago, FAO Schwarz is known for it's one-of-a-kind products that give it a unique whimsical charm. The store is filled with some of the most prestigious brands in toys, including Madame Alexander, Steiff, Gund, and the Middleton Doll collection, which includes a newborn nursery in which employees dress as nurses and tend to the incredibly life-like newborns. The store is also adorned with life size stuffed animals of all kinds, none of which can be found anywhere else. In the midst of all this, there is a candy store, FAO Schweetz, right in the center of it all with life size toy soldiers made out of jelly beans. The store also includes a Barbie runway, where she shows off all of her latest trends in a fashion show, a Lego land, and the Muppet Whatnot Workshop where you can create your own Muppet to keep. But my personal favorite is The Big Piano. It's a life size piano in which musicians make music by physically jumping form key to key--it's incredible! So, for a stress-free breath of fresh air, take a day and revel in childhood fantasy. Head down to the flagship store on the corner of 5th and 58th Streets and let your fantasy begin!

Shake Shack--Well Worth the Wait!

Ever in the mood for a big juicy hamburger, fries, and a shake or a fully-loaded hot dog right off the grill? Where do I sign up, right!?! Well, this place in NYC does it the best--the proof is in the line! It's called Shake Shack and it's a modern day "roadside" burger stand known for it's long lines and well-worth-the-wait food. My favorite on the menu: the Shack-cago Dog. Based off of the Chicago style hot dog, it's cooked to perfection and loaded with pickles, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, sport pepper, celery salt, and their own unique fabulous relish. When I was finished I realized it didn't even have mustard or ketchup and I didn't even miss them! Their ShackBurger, hot dogs, and frozen custard have all been called the city's best by numerous media outlets since it opened in Madison Square Park in 2004. This can be seen by the constant line wrapped around the park every day. Although the wait is long and somewhat discouraging, it actually moves pretty quickly. And the park is filled with the absolute most plump and friendly squirrels I've ever seen. I had a blast watching them come right up to people and beg for food--it was hilarious. One even just hung on the tree next to us and watched us while he ate an acorn. Quite honestly, I thought he was going to jump onto our table and join us! So, take a walk through Madison Square Park and hop in line. It's cheap and delicious food that'll leave you coming back for more!