BeautyCon Comes To NYC And Makes A Splash At Pier 36!

By: Anne M. Raso

I was lucky enough to attend the first ever NYC BeautyCon in New York and I never anticipated anything so big, fast and furious! Beauty bloggers and the superstar bloggers they look up to stood on long lines to be able to “meet and greet” with each other, there was a VIP/Pro Lounge that included giant inflatables that reflected that the show was in the Big Apple (including five foot wide pretzel inflatables) and there were new and favorite products from top beauty brands offered at an incredible 40 per cent off.

Blow Me Away at Blo Blow Dry Bar

By: Finance Foodie

Blo, America's Original Blow Dry Bar, opened its fourth NYC location (and 40th in the world) in Chelsea on May 9th. Now New Yorkers can get a blo out in between gallery hopping and boutique shopping or just because! Since Blo was celebrating its opening with $25 blo outs last weekend (which is almost a 50% savings from its regular price of $40), I had to stop by to check it out.

Rollin' On The River with Manhattan By Sail's City Clipper Ship

By Anne M. Raso

I took a cruise along the good ol' Hudson last week that was a little rough and tumble since it was a sailboat and not a yacht but was loads of fun--and even historic. The Manhattan By Sail Company offers passengers awe-inspiring views while traveling on NYC's largest sailing vessel, the City Clipper. It's 158 feet tall with 120 foot masts. It's a replica of a pre-Civil War lumber hauling vessel and holds up to 150 passengers for one giant open air party. Of course, there's a bar and the most accommodating staff I have encountered on this side of the Royal Yacht Brittania (which I got to have dinner on in the UK last November). They offer you coffee and blankets if you get cold and will answer any questions about what historic New York and New Jersey sites you are passing while on the boat--and will even help find you a seat.

View during the Twilight Sail

Bonding With Great American Food At The Hudson Bond!

By: Anne M. Raso

I just had to check out The Hudson Bond this week—I noticed that lots of commuters stop there on their walk from their offices to the Port Authority and the décor was a pleasant surprise. It’s modern but with a lot of natural wood and high ceilings—and there is even a patio/atrium out back for smokers (probably one of the only ones allowed in the city these days). There are gorgeous elephant shaped topiaries on the back patio--which seems to serve as a bit of a man cave even though it is very elegant. There are big screen TVs all over The Hudson Bond but the sound is often turned down while dinner music plays—while I was there, I heard both electronica music and a best of disco era R&B collection. The crowd tends to be business people in their 30s, but by no means is it a “meet market.” It’s comfortable, spacious and non-pretentious.

Bar Area

The 7th Annual New Taste of the Upper West Side 2014

Sponsored Post

The 2014 New Taste of the Upper West Side will be back this May with an incredible lineup of both new and returning restaurants, notable chefs and star-studded hosts for an unforgettable three-night culinary celebration. This one-of-a-kind event created by the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District, (BID) will donate all net proceeds from the weekend to the community for neighborhood improvement and beautification projects such as the Columbus Avenue BID’s sustainable streetscape project, Wellness in the Schools program and Theodore Roosevelt Park Fund. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.newtasteuws.com

Steve Schirripa: He Makes A Sauce You Can’t Refuse!

By: Anne M. Raso

As part of my job, I get to attend some of New York’s coolest events (sorry if it sounds like I am bragging, but I am not), and I recently attended one at Grace’s Trattoria that got me VERY excited since I am the world’s biggest Sopranos fan!

Crescent Grill: LIC’s New “New American” Rocks!

By: Anne M. Raso

Long Island City seems to be the next Williamsburg with numerous hotels and hip eateries opening up. Crescent Grill appears to be the “go to” restaurant in the neighborhood thanks to the rave reviews both in the press and via word of mouth. It’s a farm to table kind of place with co-own Shaun Dougherty overseeing the picking of the produce, some of which is picked up at the Jackson Heights Farmer’s Market. Brother and co-owner Dan Dougherty operates the Crescent Grill on a day-to-day basis, visiting at each table and asking if everything’s going well. He is an affable, hands-on owner and a friendlier and more concerned restaurateur you will not meet. It is only a four or five block walk from the N train at 39th Avenue in Long Island City but the restaurant will send a complimentary car anywhere in the neighboring area including the nearby subways if you do not want to walk—and you can even call the restaurant last minute when you get off the train! The Dougherty boys are knowledgeable on art and support local artists by selling and exhibiting their art at their gallery near the maître d’s podium in front; they even host events for local artists.

Interior

Premium Prix Fixe at Empire Steak House

By: Finance Foodie

Empire Steak House, owned and operated by the Sinanaj brothers (former waiters at Peter Lugers), recently opened a second outpost a few blocks from their original 52nd Street location in Midtown. After hearing through the grapevine about their $45 three course prix fixe surf and turf lunch, I knew I had to check it out - after all, it would be a shame to pass up such a good deal on two of my favorite foods.

Exterior

Va Va Voom at Vien NYC

By: Finance Foodie

The other day, the Mister and I decided to check out Vien, a new quick eats spot in the West Village, after a thumbs up recommendation from Team Finance Foodie's Simone. Dubbed the "Asian Chipotle", Vien offers light, fresh and relatively healthy customizable noodle and rice bowls topped with assorted meats and dressing.

Exterior; Source: Vien 

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: The Hot 10!

By: Anne M. Raso

Here are some of life’s little luxuries—as well as medium and big ones—that are things mom would never buy for herself! They undoubtedly can totally “make” her big day though, and they show a lot of thought and caring!

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