It is a dog's world :)

Why 95% of New Yorkers have dogs in spite of living in shoe boxes?? Can anyone answer that question please?? Is it fair to these lovely creatures??
It is very unusual in my building to get the lift, or elevators as they say here, without sharing the space with a dog. Bear in mind I leave in a building with 420 apartments and God knows how many people and dogs.
The dog "nurseries" are all over the place as well. And boy, they are not cheap! Some of them even offer plans or memberships where you can skype and see your baby :)
Where else in the world can you find organic dog food??? Or where else do you have parks with playgrounds for dogs???
Welcome to New York :)
When I think of London/England, I think of a cat's world lol

Shop in East Village

Tompkins Square Park

Playground for dogs :)

Visiting Art Galleries in Chelsea

A great free program to do in New York is wandering around the cutting-edge art galleries in Chelsea.The borough is home to over 300 art galleries and art studios, mainly the area bounded by 10th and 11th Avenues and 18th St. and 28th St.

Following the rising rental prices in SoHo with the arrival of fashion stores, the art community started moving to Chelsea in the 80s and hasn't looked back since then. Besides, the area is thriving with the High Line, Chelsea Market and the Meatpacking District.

It is one of my favorite areas in New York and I feel very lucky to live so close to it :)

I will have to prepare a post about the art galleries in the Lower East Side as well. It is another great area to explore if you love art and scouting new talents to invest on.  Very exciting!!!!!!

Strand book store - book lover's paradise!!!

I know I have already spoken about this amazing book store here. However, I do not think I have spoken  highly enough of it. Every time I go back to the Strand bookshop, it amazes me even more.
I think I could spend the whole day in this home to 18 miles of books. I am sure you will find there whatever you are looking for book wise. As its website says: "new books, used books, rare books, out of print books, art books, and..." I have said before, a must go destination for book lovers in New York.

I love the quotes they have in different book sections. I have included two below :)

Strand Books: 828 Broadway  New York, NY 10003 (It is very close to Union Square)

Art and Beauty...Inspiring thoughts

I have found this quote at the Strand bookshop. There are quite a few of these messages spread across the shop floor.
Such uplifting and inspiring messages!!!!!

Hope you enjoy as much as I do :):) Nothing like the power of words. It is all in our minds!!!! Art is beautiful and there is so much beauty in Art and in life, do you agree??

Have a great week everyone!!!!!

Love

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

Spring has arrived, the weather has been amazing and people are on the streets enjoying this great city :) I love how seasons have the power to change people's moods!!!!! In London, any sunshine is an excuse to hit the pubs. Couldn't be different in New York. And what a better weather than that to visit some of the flea markets around?
The Hell's Kitchen Flea Market is one of the most famous and the fastest-growing fair in New York.  I live very close to the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market and was astonished with the amount of stalls and people wandering around there today. Couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing as it had been pretty empty during winter. Some days we would just be able to see a few stalls.Now I believe the hype around the HK Flea Market!!!!! lol There you will find retro antiques, vintage clothes, old furniture, hand made stuff and bric-a-brac. It is great, but nothing compared to the amazing markets we have in London though :(
There you will find retro antiques, vintage clothes, old furniture, hand made stuff and bric-a-brac.
It is worthy paying a visit if you are in New York during Spring/Summer :)

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market : 39th St, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues

East Village rocks :)

Another brilliant place to go for a wander. Every time I walk around East Village, I feel 10 years younger!!!! There is such a great atmosphere there. People seem so laid back and down to earth. Besides, it reminds me a lot of East London :) There are great independent and quirky shops and restaurants - which are supposed to be some of the cheapest you can find in Manhattan.
The East Village has been home to many artists, politicians and literati. The musical Rent was inspired in what happened in the area in the end of the 80's, when artists were struggling to make ends meet and HIV, drugs and high crime were in the scene to made things even worse.
It is an area full of students as NYU (New York University) owns many buildings around.

St Marks Place and 3rd Avenue with the Chrysler Building in the background

St Marks Place

One of the cute shops in the area

St. Marks Place and 1st Avenue

Tompkins Square Park - dogs playground

Tompkins Square Park

Greenmarket at Union Square

I love wandering around the farmer's market at Union Square - the largest and most popular in New York. There you can find all sorts of organic products such as apple ciders, candles, honey, wine, cheese, cakes, flowers, cakes, breads, etc - pretty much anything produced around Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Pennsylvania and New Jersey! During the busiest months (between June and September) there are around 140 vendors selling their products there.
The greenmarket opens on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 6pm.
Hope you enjoy :)

Department stores in NYC - shopping till you drop!

New York and shopping are two words that go together. And shopping at department stores is great if you feel like shopping for a wide range of goods and do not have a lot of time to spare while visiting the city.  Under one roof you can find pretty much anything.
In New York, just like London, you are going to find a department store for every budget and style. Besides, many of these stores offer in-house discount cards for foreign visitors. Ask at the information desk and make sure you bring your passport along. For sure, I know Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor and Macy's give you 10% discount at least.

Barneys: 660 Madison Avenue - It has been considered the trendiest New York department store for a while and they have a very well edited selection of clothing, shoes and beauty. It someone asked me what would be the equivalent in London, I definitely would say Harvey Nichols. Sleek, luxurious and edgy. 

Barneys

               
Bergdorf Goodman: 754 5th Ave - In my opinion it is the most beautiful, opulent and old school department store in New York. Apparently, the favourite destination of the wealthiest New Yorkers. The shoe room is absolutely magnificent! I think it is the local Harrods :) On the top floor there is the famous BG restaurant with an incredible view of Central Park. The store was built where the Vanderbilt Family mansion was on 5th Avenue. 

Bergdorf Goodman

Bloomingdale's: 1000 3rd Avenue - Bloomingdale's suits all different pockets. The atmosphere reminded me a lot of Selfridges in London. Apparently it is seen as a bit frumpy has been by the locals. On the other hand, still attracts loads of attention from out-of-towners. There is a Magnolia Bakery on the ground floor if you feel like having one of the famous cupcakes :)

Bloomingdale's

Century 21: 22 Cortland St - There is also an unit on the Upper West Side (1972 Broadway). If bargains are your thing, you should give it a go. You will find everything from men's and women's apparel to housewares up to 65% off retail everyday. It is very busy and you need loads of patience to scout good deals.

Century 21

Henri Bendel: 712 Fifth Ave - It is a younger store full of quirky accessories and amazing make up. If feels more like a boutique. Definitely a girly girl's paradise. The building is stunning was well. It used to be the Coty perfume building.

Henri Bendel

Lord & Taylor: 424 5th Ave - Had never heard about Lord & Taylor before we moved here. But was glad to find out about it as it is quite peaceful comparing to other department stores. It is America's oldest store and the building on 5th Avenue is beautiful. They seem to have great deals most of the time as well. Its selection suits a classic crowd.

Lord & Taylor

Macy's: 151 West 34th Street - To be honest, If I can avoid shopping in Macy's I do...It is just so big and so full most of the time. Macy's is the biggest department store in the world occupying a whole block. The houseware selection is very good. The store's logo with the red star was inspired on the owner's tattoo, a former sailor.

Macy's

Saks Fifth Avenue:  611 Fifth Avenue - One of the most famous department stores in New York. It was opened in 1924 and had moved with times, always carrying its reputation and quality. It is very renowned by the cosmetic lines it stocks. The selection for clothes is beautiful, the shoe department is amazing and some people say it has its own zip code. One of my favourites :)

Saks Fifth Avenue

Hope you enjoy :) xxxxxxxx

Photos: Disclosure

Moncler @ New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter - 2012/213 - Awesome!!!!

The first, second, third time I saw this video I had goosebumps all over!!!!!! What a beautiful tribute Moncler paid to New York during the last Fashion Week. Truly amazing and unforgettable way to showcase the label's new fall/winter collection. This show took place on the 12th of February at Central Park ice rinking in one of the coldest nights we had this winter. How much better can it get???? :)

"Start spreading the news..."

Love

xxxxx

Eataly - a must go food destination in NYC

Eataly was open in 2010 and has already become a New York institution and a must go destination for Italian gastronomy lovers. It is a big complex, with 50000 square feet (4645.152 m²) and it offers the best Italy has in terms of gastronomy. It still amazes me how much influence Italy has had on New York...I think the city has received more influence from Italy than  from England (what are the cappuccinos in this city??? delicious!!!). The celebrated chef Mario Batali is one of the owners of the complex. It seems he has the Midas touch in New York City. His restaurants are among the most famous eateries in town (OTTO, Babbo, Del Posto, Lupa, Carnevino, Bar Jamon...).

As soon as I found out I was moving to New York, one of my best friends sent me an article about Eataly :) I was very looking forward to having the Eataly experience. And I keep coming back for more :) The ice cream is one of the best I have ever had in my life :) You will also find books and houseware stuff on sale + 6 different restaurants inside.
There is a beer garden on the roof deck (Birreria) - the beer is brewed there! Can't wait to become an habitue this spring/summer :)

Eataly @ 200 5th Avenue New York, NY