Magnolia Bakery

Having been featured in Sex and the City, Saturday Night Live, and The Devil Wears Prada, I'd been hungering  to go to this bakery long before I ever came to the City. So, of course, the first place I drug my husband to when we first got to Manhattan was the deliciously charming Magnolia Bakery. And I was delightfully pleased and even more impressed than I had imagined. Walking through the front door is like taking a step back in time. The vintage decor is reminder of a 1950's inspired kitchen, with antique lace curtains, old-fashioned Kitchen Aid mixers, and the wafting smells of good old-fashioned homemade baked goods. Opening in the summer of 1996 on a corner in Greenwich Village, this famous bakery began as a cozy little place to grab a cup of coffee and a sweet little snack. Today it is a full service bakery offering freshly made, hand crafted desserts including cakes, pies, pudding, brownies and bars, cookies, mini cheesecakes (the red velvet one is to die for), and even breakfast goods. But they are famously known for their cupcakes which are made from scratch in small batches from only the very finest of ingredients. And they frost them right in front of you in an amazing technique that looks as if it would take years to master. Magnolia Bakery has come a long way in a short amount of time without losing a beat of what makes it a stand-out old-time bakery. Since their first opening they have currently opened 5 more locations: 3 more in NYC, 1 in L.A. and 1 in Dubai. And it has become an iconic place for tourists to stop, lining up down the sidewalks waiting for a taste of their signature cupcakes. The NYC locations include the original one in Greenwich, one in the Upper West Side, Rockefeller Center, and Grand Central Terminal. I personally  have gone to each one of them, as I cannot resist walking by without stopping in for a cupcake. Whether you like chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or something unique, you have to taste one of these because I promise you it can't be beat!

Bryant Park

Known as Bryant Park since 1842, this park hasn't always held quite the stand-up reputation it has today. The once notoriously nicknamed "Needle Park" was known in the 1970's for hosting prostitutes, homeless, and numerous drug dealers with a brisk heroin trade. It was then considered a "no-go zone" by New Yorker's and visitors alike. But after a massive clean-up effort initiated by the park advocacy group known as Park Council from 1979-1983 the park was rejuvenated and brought back to life with all the amenities, including an addition of a book market, flower markets, cafe's, landscape improvements, and exciting entertainment activities. Today, this 9.6 acre Manhattan park is essentially crime-free and has an incredible daily attendance often exceeding 800 people per acre, making it the most densely occupied urban park in the world. Bryant Park is one of my favorite place to go in the city, especially around the holiday's. It hosts "The Holiday Shops", a perfect place to do some unique gift shopping, where you can buy hand made jewelry, homemade chocolates, and look at a multitude of artworks by local artists. There's also a huge free-admission ice rink in the center of the park, dubbed as "NYC's best" by the New York Time's. It's a great place for the whole family to enjoy and the perfect place to grab a steaming artisanal cup of hot chocolate from the 'Wichcraft cafe and a bag of kettle corn from the local vendor. But, not only is Bryant Park a great place to visit in the cold of winter, but they host a variety of events all year round. Probably best known for having been the host of NYC's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the park also hosts a Summer Concert Series, Broadway in Bryant Park, and a fabulous "Pinstripes in the Park" event in which they provide a live broadcast of a Yankee's game in which former Yankee's players greet the crowd and take the time to sign autographs. So, as you can see, this park has something for everyone and would be on the top of my list of places to visit in this city that doesn't sleep!

The Cookie Jar

What can I say about this Staten Island, NY favorite? Well, for one thing, cake chef owner of Cookie Jar, James Carrozza could best be described as the Willy Wonka of cookies for coming up with such an irresistible idea. This bakery, clearly best known for it's incredibly tasty variety of cookies, offers everything from cakes, cupcakes, muffins, macaroons, cream puffs, pies, and the most delicious brownie bites in town. And at a surprisingly low $10 per pound you can stock up on the most delectable desserts in all of New York in this adorably decorated quaint little shop. From the vintage register to the old-fashioned clocks and antique design to the fantastic wall of every cookie jar imaginable, many of which can be purchased and filled with your favorite bakery treats, this place not only makes your mouth smile but is a feast for the eyes as well. They offer everything from your childhood favorite of chocolate chip to seven-layer rainbow or cherry chocolate chip, and even a peanut butter and jelly variety. I must say though my favorite of all these tasty temptations is definitely their mint chocolate brownie bite--to die for!!!  And they even have cute little tables to sit and enjoy along with a cafe' of drink specials, such as coffee, hot cocoa, and milk to wash down your treats. So, whether you just want a quick snack or need an hour to relax and unwind from your hectic life, there's no better place than this one-of-a-kind childhood fantasy come true!

Day at the Museum

Located across the street from Central Park on the upper West side of Manhattan in NYC lies one of the largest and most celebrated museums in the world--the American Museum of Natural History. Housing over 46 permanent exhibition halls, research laboratories, and its very own renowned library, this museum contains an incredible collection of over 32 million specimens, of which only a fraction can be displayed at any given time. The museum was founded back in 1869 and has become one of the world's most fascinating research institutions, known for its exhibitions that bring to life the millions of years of the earth's evolution that have transpired from the birth of our planet through the present day. The exhibits are probably most famously known from the 2006 Ben Stiller movie, "Night at the Museum" in which Stiller acts as a newly recruited night guard who discovers that an ancient curse causes the animals, fossils, and ancient civilizations displayed to come to life before his very eyes and wreak havoc and chaos throughout the night. These displays featured in the film are even more dynamic in person, not to mention quite educational. They create a fun atmosphere for adults and children alike to learn and refresh on the history of the world around us. Just be sure and take an entire day to explore because, well, to put it frankly, there's a whole lot to cover. From ocean life to human biology and evolution, to minerals, gems, and meteorites--three to four hours just won't do. Not to mention the ever sensational planetarium and my favorite of all, the Fossil Halls, where the largest display of dinosaur fossils in the world are right out in the open for you to see! It is an absolute must-see for anyone coming to the city! So, wear your flats ladies and pack a camera and some snacks, 'cause this is a day you don't want to miss!

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!