Down to earth Martha Stewart-type with serious hustling skills
-620052438
  • Neighborhood
  • Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
  • Where I'm From
  • Pittsburgh
  • Occupation
  • Freelancer
  • Website

About Me

I like to: crochet, eat, read, write, go to museums, watch old movies, cook, bake, observe children, visit the library, travel, cut my own hair, explore New York, mix gin drinks, bike ride, take photographs, keep in touch with people, be crafty, swim in the ocean, make bets, and read blogs and call it "work."

A Mother's Day in New York

A Mother's Day in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Category: Family & Pets

Like so many other holidays, Mother's Day has been commercialized and Hallmarkized to the nth degree, and all of us kids find ourselves swimming in a sea of generic cards, traditional bouquets of flowers, or long brunch lines. As far as I know, my mom, a teacher, won't be coming to New York this Mother's Day, what with it being on a "school night" and all. But, if she were, I'd be sure to take her off the beaten New York City path, away from most of the restaurant swarms and pampering spa p...

A Nanny's Guide to New York City

A Nanny's Guide to New York City

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Categories: Family & Pets; Jobs & Education

True story: like many unsuspecting and clueless college graduates, I chose to become a teacher in the struggling urban schools in the Bronx. Yeah, that didn't pan out so much. After a few months, I was officially burnt out at the ripe age of 21, so I quit. And became a nanny! For over two years, I nannied for the same family, in particular, two middle-school-aged sisters, and it ranks up there with the best jobs I've ever had. If you're thinking of going the nanny route, or already are o...

A Vegetarian Grows in Brooklyn

A Vegetarian Grows in Brooklyn

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Category: Eat & Drink

Brooklyn has exploded with restaurants in the last couple of years; some have been shooting stars and others have been utter disasters, but on the whole, the vegetarian options in the way-cooler-than-Manhattan borough are pretty darn good. Well, I'm biased, having lived here for 4 years, but I WILL admit that we don't yet have a good fancy place like Blossom, Candle 79, or Pure Food and Wine that stacks up. I have a theory about the relation between gentrification and vegetarian options...I t...

Barbecue and New York make quite the interesting couple

Barbecue and New York make quite the interesting couple

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Eat & Drink

As I don't originally hail from the South or any authentic barbecue area, the idea of dining on succulent ribs in an urban place like New York doesn't initially seem too far-fetched. But then I recall my days as a teacher here and I remember that the majority of New York kids have never seen a live pig or cow and know next to nothing about farms and where food comes from. Hmm, is it possible then to find good barbecued grub in such a place? I say it is, as long as you don't approach it exp...

Being a Cool Nerd in New York

Being a Cool Nerd in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Categories: Humor; Geek

No, that isn't a typo. You can be cool AND a nerd! And live in New York City. Were you one of the smart kids in school? Could you rattle off mathematics theorems like there was no tomorrow? Love thinking about neutrons or mitosis? Well, many nerd nights, science clubs, and other geeky celebrations have sprung up so that you can fulfill your nerdy desires most any day of the week.

Being a Freelancer in New York

Being a Freelancer in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 4 Thumbs Up

Category: Jobs & Education

Freelancing has all sorts of perks: flexible schedule, the ability to sit in a cafe and call it "working," being your own boss. Naturally, it has its downsides: no health insurance, no (paid) sick days, no paid vacations, no guarantee of gigs (hustle, boys and girls!), and the feeling that you are always "on call" for possible work. There's no official job manual handed out to us freelancers, but here is a little guide to get you started.

Cupcakes and the City (of New York)

Cupcakes and the City (of New York)

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Eat & Drink

Unlike the dot.com crash, the cupcake boom has yet to nosedive into a pile of crumbs, particularly in the city that supposedly started it all, New York! Innovative bakeries with new twists on the palm-sized treats are popping up right and left, challenging the limits of icing-covered cakes. How did this cupcake trend begin anyway? Was it really due to the ladies on Sex and the City? I'm here to take you on a little tour of the cupcake's coming-of-age in the Big Apple.

Dad's (Day) in New York

Dad's (Day) in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Family & Pets

Father's Day seems to play second fiddle to Mother's Day, maybe because of that whole mom-birthed-you-and-da... thing. But, dad deserves a tie just like mom deserves a bouquet of flowers. Time is running out, so if you're planning to take dad out in New York, buy him something outrageously expensive, or go the handmade route, get crackin'!

Damn I Wish I Had Thought Of That

Damn I Wish I Had Thought Of That

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 4 Thumbs Up

Categories: Geek; Humor

I frequently come across ideas, on the internet and in that socially-awkward thing called "real life" that I kick myself for not having thought of first. Which is to say, I kick myself for not being the person who will make money off of those ideas and/or reach the status of a fameball (Gawker's diction, not mine). Sometimes, I exclaim aloud, "Damn, I wish I had thought of that."

Drinking Beer Outside in New York City

Drinking Beer Outside in New York City

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 1 day ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Category: Eat & Drink

Anyone equipped with a 40 and a sense of adventure can savor the priceless experience of drinking outside, but even this classy New York tradition gets old. I want to be in a beer garden! Many of us lack the basic amenity of outdoor space, which means, that Stella Artois in the sun must be bought and downed at some sort of establishment. But, that's part of the fun of living in a city that forces you out of your claustrophobic environment and into the great outdoors! Well, at least, an ur...

Get Political in New York...Who Needs The DNC?!

Get Political in New York...Who Needs The DNC?!

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 2 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Category: News, Politics, & Pop Culture

Across the country, in Colorado, where the beer flows from those beautiful mountains, a little political get-together is happening. I think it's called the Democratic National Convention? It may be a big deal, but in true politically competitive fashion (you see that shirt???), all eyes back on New York, please. Stay put and get political in your own backyard.

Getting Crafty in New York City

Getting Crafty in New York City

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 2 months ago
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  • 4 Thumbs Up

Categories: Local & Entertainment; DIY & Crafts

You may not equate New York with "crafty hot spot," but it's a city full of us creative types, trying to support ourselves without selling out to the man and making some cool shit at the same time. Come get your craft on with me!

Getting Wet in New York! Part 1

Getting Wet in New York! Part 1

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Category: Fitness & Health

Get your mind out of that gutter, I'm talking about going swimming in New York! The next few days will see highs in the 90's, which means if you don't have AC, and you've already seen SATC and Indiana Jones, you need some alternate heatwave plans. Swimming is tricky in New York because some of the pools are indoors or surrounded by buildings, and of course, some of the beaches leave a lot to be desired. Part 1 will be swimming pools; Part 2 those curious beaches.

Getting Wet in New York! Part 2

Getting Wet in New York! Part 2

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 2 months ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Misc.

I covered swimming pools in the city, but are you thinking of going au naturel? No, not skinny-dipping (though, there IS that), but the beaches! Yes, there are technically beaches here, though some leave a lot to be desired. Carefully traipse around the syringes, beer bottles, and sometimes hookers (I'm looking at you, Coney Island) and you will find the New York City beach. They aren't all that bad though, and in addition to taking a dip, there are some tasty seafood restaurants and other a...

Gimme Chocolate NOW in New York!

Gimme Chocolate NOW in New York!

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Category: Eat & Drink

What is the saying? Chocolate is a girl's best friend? I'm pretty sure it's something like that, and New York is good to its 53% female population and its cocoa needs. And I'm not referring to all those Godiva outposts that tempt you with mediocre chocolate-covered strawberries. No, you deserve the good stuff! The iddy-biddy truffle that cost more than subway fare or piece of tollhouse pie that is equated in price and heft with a dinner entree. Indulge!

Going "Green" in New York--It's the New Black!

Going "Green" in New York--It's the New Black!

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Categories: Shopping; Eat & Drink

Going green is all the (eco-friendly) rage now, which means you must fill your house with sustainable goods, eat as many organic cookies as possible, and in general, consume, consume, consume! For the good of the environment, of course! Okay, enough with my tongue-in-cheek suggestions. Despite pollution and congestion levels, New York lends itself well to "green" living, because most of us inhabit small spaces, commute by public transportation, don't own cars, and have fewer possessions in...

Governors Island is in Manhattan???

Governors Island is in Manhattan???

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Category: Travel & Events

Much to my dismay, I discovered that Governors Island, all 172 acres of it, is officially and technically part of Manhattan, but both islands couldn't be more different. (Well, they could, but I'm going for "effect" here. Bear with me?). The former almost exclusively boasts 18th and 19th century buildings and is only accessible by ferry, and only recently did it become open to the public. (Yay!) If you haven't been to Governors Island, what are you waiting for? Seriously. It's a free 7-minute...

Hoeing it up in New York

Hoeing it up in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Categories: Misc.; Adventure & Sports

Perhaps I am an anomaly in this city, a 26-year-old avid gardener who is joyous at the sight of her home-grown tomatoes and flowering geraniums. (Not the other kind of hoeing, sillies!) Hell, I have pondered canceling vacations if I know my orchid is going to bloom while I'm away! New York is a strange place for gardening since, you know, we live in apartment buildings with the exterior steps as the only "outdoor space" at times. But, it can be done. And I will show you how!

Holly Golightly's Guide to New York City

Holly Golightly's Guide to New York City

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Categories: Misc.; News, Politics, & Pop Culture

"Mean reds." "Timber!" "Bye cat!" "There you are, you sneak!" If you aren't already familiar with those lines, add "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to your Netflix queue asap. Although Truman Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe for the part, the movie studios obviously went with Audrey Hepburn and it's now difficult to imagine the blond bombshell (or anyone else!) successfully playing Holly. The film, of course, takes place mostly in Manhattan and though it was released almost 50 years ago, a lot can be lea...

Hooking Up with Red Hook

Hooking Up with Red Hook

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 2 months ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Misc.

Red Hook was that promising guy across the river who never quite lived up to your expectations, but he continues to try, pulling out all the stops and wowing you with his goods. He's hard to reach, confusing and paradoxical at times, with a touch of the sketch factor, but you keep coming back for more. Home to the largest projects in the city, the only Ikea in all five boroughs, Steve the Key Lime Pie Maker, and that house with all the maritime, nautical kitsch all over it, you've got to love...

Hot Wheels: Biking in New York City

Hot Wheels: Biking in New York City

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Categories: Adventure & Sports; Fitness & Health

If I had my say, every street in New York would be outfitted with a bike lane, restrooms and water fountains every 2 miles, and Bloomberg would pay for everything involved including my bike tune-ups. Even though I don't see any of these happening in the near future, it's still, surprisingly, a fun, manageable city to bike around. It beats sitting underground on the train or idling in a car up above, but there a few things you should know if you're pondering more biking in your New York future.

How to be a Domestic Goddess in New York

How to be a Domestic Goddess in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 4 Thumbs Up

Categories: Eat & Drink; DIY & Crafts

I have made no secret on these pages and elsewhere that I strive to be a domestic goddess. While I love shooting the breeze with people, museum-hopping, attending book talks, playing beirut, and all the other fine things New York has to offer twenty-something peeps, there is a profound and complete happiness I get from the following: decorating my apartment with flower arrangements, cooking elaborate meals, baking pavlovas and paging through Martha Stewart, Real Simple and Saveur. Perhaps you...

It's Tea Time in New York City!

It's Tea Time in New York City!

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Category: Eat & Drink

That's right, pinkies out! Coffee is my caffeinated beverage of choice, but isn't there something much more sophisticated and pure about drinking a cup of tea? Downing coffee always feels so desperate, yet live-saving sometimes, while tea requires a slower, appreciative approach. Places to consume tea can vary widely: there are the Japanese tea places with formal ceremonies, the high tea places in ritzy hotels, the no-frills cafes, the laidback lounges, and everything in between.

Jack Kerouac's New York

Jack Kerouac's New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 2 months ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Categories: Literature & Arts; Travel & Events

Jack Kerouac may have been a grid-skipper, but he spent a significant amount of time bouncing around the streets of New York with members of the Beat generation, a term he actually somewhat disdained. Whether it was forced reading in high school or voluntary later on, most of us were impacted, to say the least, by his "masterpiece", On The Road. Although the content spans many miles all over the country, the book was written in a Chelsea apartment in three weeks. I just hope Jack isn't rol...

Labor Day Means We Do What in New York?

Labor Day Means We Do What in New York?

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 1 day ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Categories: Eat & Drink; Travel & Events

Labor Day is a strange bird: it's a cause for summer celebration, but at the same time, it signifies the END of summer, and for kids, the beginning of the school year. It's like celebrating Halloween the day before a dentist appointment: sure it's fun, but the axe is going to fall! I also never cared for Labor Day because as a Catholic School student, we always started back at least a week BEFORE Labor Day. So, while you public schoolers were bumming around and barbecuing, I was busy buying a...

Meals on Wheels in New York

Meals on Wheels in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Eat & Drink

New York real estate is worth a pretty premium and restaurants have to jump through hoops just to open their doors, let alone the extras like liquor licenses and sidewalk seating permits. And so we have some meals on wheels, i.e., coffee trucks, dessert trucks, pizza trucks and the like. Some are consistently stationed in the same place, others move around the city. Regardless, they serve up some tasty food (gourmet, even!) at cheap prices (no $10,000/month leases!).

Moving in with the Significant Other in New York

Moving in with the Significant Other in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Dating & Relationships

There is no shortage of singles' and dating guides here, but what if you're one of those New Yorkers in a serious relationship? Oh noes, don't do it! Kidding. Sort of. Living with people in New York is a given if you're strapped for cash, but the beauty of living with a significant other is that you (hopefully?) CHOOSE to live with them. You get to share things! You always have a dinner partner! You have movie nights! You can walk around in your underwear at all times! Here is what y...

Moving Out and On in New York

Moving Out and On in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 4 Thumbs Up

Category: Dating & Relationships

Well, crap. Not only are you breaking up after 3 years, but you have the complications of a shared apartment, shared bills and shared belongings to now sort through. Let's not even get started on the emotions involved...no wait, let's! Ups and downs, highs and lows, reminiscing about the good times while still being reminded of the bad. As you gradually unwind the intertwined strings of your two lives, I hereby give you the guide to moving out (or staying put while he/she moves out), and on, ...

New York City Pet Peeves

New York City Pet Peeves

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Category: Humor

Despite all the opportunities and pluses of New York, there are a lot of things that suck about it. No, I'm not complaining (I love it here), just stating the obvious: if you want the Met, Central Park, Conan O'Brien, Treats Truck, Papabubble and the Odeon all within the same 22 square miles, you're going to have to put up with a lot of crap. Chiefly, rodents, bad smells, noise, long lines, subway distress, and paying up the wazoo for pretty much everything. Welcome to the Big Apple, kids.

Next Stop: Grand Central Terminal in New York

Next Stop: Grand Central Terminal in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Categories: Travel & Events; Misc.

Grand Central Terminal is a busy hub for travelers that perfectly embodies New York, all underneath a gorgeous, albeit austere, roof. Although it is known as the place to catch a train or subway, Grand Central is packed with events, shops, a quaint market, a classy basement food court, upscale restaurants, and the mysterious "whispering gallery." Allow me to take you on a tour of one of my favorite pieces of New York architecture!

Pie (NOT Pizza!!!) in New York

Pie (NOT Pizza!!!) in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Category: Eat & Drink

Pie is a dessert in my [cook]book, not dough slathered with tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella, as long as we're clear on that. Pie-making is a true art-form that I practice regularly; while I scoff at waiting 30 minutes for a brunch table, I can easily while away 2+ hours making pie from scratch. It's fun to be domestic in a city like New York and talk about pie-baking at parties as everyone stares at you funny because they've never even used their oven. Luckily, there are plenty of places ...

Plan The Ultimate Staycation

Plan The Ultimate Staycation

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Categories: Travel & Events; Misc.

Haven't you heard??? Staycations are the new vacations! It is so much cooler these days to stay home, rather than have fun in the sun at some swanky beach resort. Oh wait, actually, the economy tanked, gas prices sky-rocketed, and we must remember to be green-minded...right? And thus, your flip-flopped feet are staying home this summer. It's not that bad, though! I will help you have the ULTIMATE Staycation.

Spend that Economic Stimulus Check in New York!

Spend that Economic Stimulus Check in New York!

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Categories: Shopping; Eat & Drink

Presently, it is your civic duty to help our economy. We may be entering into a recession, so it's up to you to save all of us! By going shopping, eating out, and not doing anything silly like depositing money into a savings account or IRA. (Tongue-in-cheek, my friends) As I heard a woman say on TV, "I've been wanting to go on a shopping spree...er...for the good of the economy, you know?" Um, right, you martyr, you! Let's get stimulatin'!

Spring is in the (gritty New York) air!

Spring is in the (gritty New York) air!

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Fitness & Health

New Yorkers are renowned for breaking out the light jackets and plopping down at the nearest sidewalk cafe as soon as the thermometer hits 55 degrees, myself included. We have finally woken up from the cold, harsh winter to the few short weeks of spring before the humidity sets in. It is time to take advantage of outdoor relaxing, whether that means picnicking in the park or settling down with a book in a flower-filled sanctuary.

Stunning Architecture of New York: Part 1

Stunning Architecture of New York: Part 1

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Categories: Local & Entertainment; Travel & Events

There's a lot to be overwhelmed by in the Big Apple--the smell of hot garbage, the endless sound of car horns, the sheer number of people--and hopefully one of them is also the architecture. The buildings! The landmarks! The sights (and sites) that make New York what it is. Even though I have lived here for 5+ years, I still find myself looking up and all around constantly, just like a kid in awe. Won't you do the same?

Summer Festivals in New York

Summer Festivals in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Local & Entertainment

Summer is a brutal time to be stuck in the city, what with the humidity, perpetual smell of garbage and your inability, yet again, to afford that timeshare in the Hamptons. Luckily, it's festival season! New York puts on a good show in terms of summer festivals, and most of the events are either free or very cheap. As long as it's not 90 degrees, the outside factor is a good thing, and it beats your apartment and its temperamental air conditioner.

The Awesome American History Tour Of New York

The Awesome American History Tour Of New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Categories: Misc.; Literature & Arts

American History. You probably hated it, maybe you even failed it, but it's everywhere you go, so you may as well learn it. No? Too boring? I'm with you, but the teacher and tourist in me is drawn to the history of New York in particular, as many of the founding fathers made powerful decisions right here in Manhattan, and so, I'm turning on the nerdness a bit. Get out your composition notebooks and pencils!

The Baseball Lover's Guide to New York

The Baseball Lover's Guide to New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Categories: Adventure & Sports; Fitness & Health

New York is so cool (read: populated and sports-budget-happy) that we have two baseball teams, a brand-spankin' new Sports Museum, and the honor of hosting the All-Star Game. Batting cages, ball fields, amateur leagues, stadiums getting demolished for new ones, you name it, we've got you covered. This guide is for all baseball lovers, no matter who you are cheering for this summer.

The Bookworm's Guide to New York: Part 1

The Bookworm's Guide to New York: Part 1

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 0 Thumbs Up

Categories: Eat & Drink; Literature & Arts

I am a certified bookworm, if there is such a thing, and even though I was an English major in college, worked at the library for 3 years, and prefer used-book-hunting over clothes shopping any day, I'd like to think I'm one of those cool bookworms, sans thick glasses or nerdy laugh. Or maybe I'm just delusional? Anyway! New York is steeped in literary history and full of past footsteps of writing giants, and of course it's home to most of the major publishing houses. For Part 1 (of an u...

The Bookworm's Guide to New York: Part 2

The Bookworm's Guide to New York: Part 2

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Categories: Shopping; Literature & Arts

I already told you about how fantastic libraries are and what bars have their own bookshelves or literary significance in New York, but what if you just want to buy some books??? Well, my Guidespot friends, you have come to the right gal! A few clicks and you've just bought a book these days, but browsing bookstores, especially the independent or specialty ones, is like a fun treasure hunt. Don't let Amazon take all your money, okay?

The Cheapskate's Guide to Temporary Lodging in New York

The Cheapskate's Guide to Temporary Lodging in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Categories: Local & Entertainment; Travel & Events

Living in New York will strip you of your last pennies, but have you seen the price tags on bare-minimum hotel rooms lately? We're talking $300/night for the local HoJo's! Complain all you want about that $1400/month studio apartment, because if you spend a month in hotel here, you're out $9,000. That's criminal, isn't it? I'm here to help you find alternate bed options that don't involve strutting your stuff along 42nd Street or sleeping on a park bench.

The Football Lover's Guide To New York
Community Guide

The Football Lover's Guide To New York

  • Started by aliciak
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  • Updated 3 days ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Categories: Adventure & Sports; Eat & Drink

Forget that both of New York's football teams play in Jersey--this is a football town! But unlike many other cities, NYC is a melting pot of football fans and they show their fidelity in team jerseys on the streets, in sports bars and at home in front of the HD TV. As you can probably guess, I am one of them. My loyalty lies a state or so over, but I've been known to kick over the occasional trash can out of game-loss anger and drown my sorrows/celebrate my joy in too many pitchers of beer.

The Frozen Yogurt Wars of New York

The Frozen Yogurt Wars of New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Eat & Drink

New York is a competitive place, so when it comes to seemingly innocuous yogurt, well, put your fighting gloves on. Pinkberry! Red Mango! And my personal favorite, Oko. What is the deal with frozen yogurt in this city?!? Is it because it's a tasty, low-fat alternative to ice cream? Did we all OD on Tasti D-Lite, or just finally realize how gross and chemically it is? Is it because it's fun to say that you are eating live, active cultures? (It's the latter for me, definitely)

The (Hungry and Cultured and Well-housed) Cheapskates's Guide to New York

The (Hungry and Cultured and Well-housed) Cheapskates's Guide to New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Categories: Literature & Arts; Eat & Drink

Just because you are less than well-off in New York doesn't mean you should be eating Elio's frozen pizza and Aunt Jemima's Complete pancake mix (two of my I'm-an-impoverished-te... staples) in your raggedy pajamas all the time. There are freebies everywhere! No, I'm not talking that bag of bagels left out for the homeless (look, I was really hungry that day!), but cultured places, museums,galleries, even grocery stores. You've probably got a pretty decent internet connection, which will help...

The New York Hot Dog

The New York Hot Dog

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Category: Eat & Drink

Hot dogs weren't exactly invented here, but they do hold a lot of significance for New York residents, and certain hot dog myths continue to perpetuate about this peculiar beef and/or pork treat. Most of us probably don't even want to know what literally goes into a hot dog because it would ruin every subsequent baseball game and barbecue. Ignorance is hot dog bliss! Regardless, eating a hot dog while in New York is like eating pulled pork in Carolina--you have to do it!

The Photography-Appreciating Guide to New York

The Photography-Appreciating Guide to New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Category: Literature & Arts

Ever since I was a small child with one of those underwater cameras, I was hooked on all things photography: taking pictures, looking at pictures, making pinhole cameras, and nowadays, finding interesting photo blogs. It's no surprise that Gotham is a great place for snapping some shots of famous places, but it turns out to be a good resource for all things photography: a first-rate museum, many galleries, numerous venues with photo booths, and a gigantic camera shop.

The Rainy Day Guide to New York

The Rainy Day Guide to New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Categories: Misc.; Eat & Drink

Park benches are soaked, puddles are everywhere, your $3 umbrella just blew out, and even your cute rain jacket can't make slogging around town all that enjoyable. It's raining in New York! But don't despair just yet; sometimes the "elements" can result in finding new, exciting things to do or places to visit. That 30-mile bike ride may not happen, but aren't there indoor activities you want to catch up on? When I was little, the tradition in my family during stormy weather was to play Mono...

The Sexy Shakespeare Guide to Love in New York

The Sexy Shakespeare Guide to Love in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 2 months ago
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  • 4 Thumbs Up

Categories: Literature & Arts; Travel & Events

"If music be the food of love, play on," he wrote, and if you had a cool high school English teacher, or just a knack for dissecting Shakespeare, you know that, in addition to being a romantic writer, he was raunchy as hell. All those "O's" are there for a reason! It's time to brush up on some lines o' love and utilize the many Shakespeare-related venues in the city to get going on that wooing project of yours.

Touristy Places Worth a Visit: The New York Edition

Touristy Places Worth a Visit: The New York Edition

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 1 Thumb Up

Categories: Local & Entertainment; Travel & Events

Sure, New York is full of overrated restaurants, stores, attractions, and sights, but some of the so-called tourist traps are actually worth a visit or two. I hate Macy's and Times Square as much as the next New Yorker, but sometimes the guide books highlight unique, unforgettable, and awe-inspiring destinations. Like the time I organized a birthday party at the Times Square Dave & Buster's, and it was actually fun! In a cheezy, too-expensive kind of way, of course.

Up on the Rooftops of New York City

Up on the Rooftops of New York City

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Categories: Eat & Drink; Literature & Arts

A summer pastime in New York is the trek up to the rooftop for a night amidst the skyline. Drinks, barbecuing, and fine art are just a few of the things you may enjoy up there. Let the city wow you with its views, skyscrapers, and unique outdoor venues.

Vacation in Prospect Heights

Vacation in Prospect Heights

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Categories: Local & Entertainment; Travel & Events

I like the idea of staycations, but what about going the extra mile (literally) and taking a little Brooklyn vacation? From Manhattan, you have to cross a wide river and it's a whole different area code! Remember when Kramer dated someone downtown and called it a long-distance relationship? Same idea. Pack your wheely luggage because it's Prospect Heights or bust, Manhattanites!

Vegetarian Dining 101 in New York

Vegetarian Dining 101 in New York

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Category: Eat & Drink

First off, I will admit that I am not a vegetarian. But, dating and living with a strict vegetarian, and having accumulated many herbivore friends over the years, I have become quite the expert on satisfying veggie cuisine, from the fancy unpronounceable $25/plate variety to the greasy comfort food that guarantees animal-free heartburn. Like almost everything in New York, there is something for everyone, even the meat-eaters among us who swear by pulled pork sandwiches (me!) and organically...

You Must Love "The Sopranos"...Or Be KILLED
Community Guide

You Must Love "The Sopranos"...Or Be KILLED

  • Started by aliciak
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  • Updated 1 day ago
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  • 2 Thumbs Up

Categories: News, Politics, & Pop Culture; Misc.

I started watching The Sopranos a few months ago--yes, I'm extremely late to the mob game--and I find myself wanting to visit all the bridges unlucky souls are pushed off of, the pork store where someone gets killed, the gigantic Jersey houses and the occasional Manhattan restaurant. And, you know, look at New York's own Little Italy neighborhoods and try to guess who's in the modern-day mafia.

Your Guide to WALL-E

Your Guide to WALL-E

  • By aliciak
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  • Updated 4 days ago
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  • 3 Thumbs Up

Categories: Humor; News, Politics, & Pop Culture

The last time I fell in love with an animated character was in the 90's when I watched X-Men. Wolverine, anyone? Yeah. Before that, it was a strange attraction to Gogo Dodo in Tiny Toon Adventures. I can't quite explain that one, but he did say "It's been surreal" a lot, which scored points in my book. Anyway! Wall-E. I mean, Waaaaaall-EEEEE. Best movie I have seen in a long, long time, and one that occupied my thoughts for an entire weekend afterward.