Grand Central Spa

If I had a dime for each time my mother would stop her mealtime preparation and ask me, my three brothers and our respective friends milling about her kitchen: “What do you think this place is… Grand Central Station?” I’d be a very rich person. Even if you have never stepped foot in the city’s iconic mass transit terminal you know that it is not a place commuters come for rest and relaxation… or is it? In a move that that can only be described as oxymoronic, the Big Apple’s landmark train station is hosting a Spa Experience. From October … Continue reading

Fall into Winter Travel Deals

You may still be working on your vacation plans for Labor Day, but if you want to save big bucks on winter holiday travel, start thinking about booking right now. Marriott hotels is offering a huge incentive for early birds by featuring a 72-hour sale at six Marriott and Renaissance-brand hotels in New Jersey. The deal includes rooms offered at a discount up to 50% off for stays during the winter holiday season. Beginning September 4th at noon through September 7th at noon you can score the promo rate by visiting the hotel’s website and clicking on the “Find Deals … Continue reading

Have a Merry New York Christmas

It’s been nearly eight years since I posed in front of New York’s most famous Christmas tree. The towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree serves as a seasonal centerpiece in the Big Apple during the holidays, but it’s just one of many, many highlights you will experience if you decide to spend December in NYC. Other must-visit holiday-themed attractions include: Soak in spectacular views of the city from 70 stories up at 30 Rock’s Top of the Rock observation deck. Kick your holiday season into gear by taking in a magical Christmas performance at Radio City Music Hall. Remember the true … Continue reading

Live Like Eloise

Pinky-pink, frou-frou loving girly girls have a new dream vacation destination: New York City. The city that never sleeps is the new home to a princess palace straight from the pages of Kay Thompson’s classic book “Eloise.” The flighty fictional literary heroine regularly turns the landmark Plaza Hotel upside down with her crazy antics, and now your little girl can do the same. Well, kind of. The Plaza Hotel just opened a suite created in Eloise’s honor with help from popular fashion designer Betsey Johnson. Eccentric Johnson let loose when creating the whimsical suite that costs $995 a night to … Continue reading

Budget-Friendly Summer Escapes in New York

Traveling to New York doesn’t have to be a budget buster. Families looking to explore the “Empire State” this summer have a host of wallet-friendly attractions to choose from. Whether you plan to stick closer to the heart of the Big Apple or you prefer to trek up north, the following fun destinations will bring a smile to your frugal face: CONEY ISLAND The legendary amusement park remains an inexpensive attraction for families from all walks of life. The Brooklyn-based theme park is served by several subway lines and is located right on the beach and boardwalk. Adding to Coney … Continue reading

Destinations for Daring Travelers

You don’t have to be daring to tour New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, unless you are a parent with a young child, who decides to visit the legendary art institute during a nude exhibition. Ironically, it’s not the naked models you have to worry about. Rather, it’s the perverted patrons, who are touching the nude performers that you’ll want to shield your kids’ eyes from. According to museum officials, more than a dozen visitors have been escorted out of the gallery after pushing, prodding, and poking nude performers. The performers are part of Marina Abramovic’s new exhibition highlighting … Continue reading

Holiday Love in NYC

So much to see, so little time to take it all in. If you are traveling to the Big Apple this month, you will be delighted (and probably a bit overwhelmed) by all the holiday happenings. In addition to the traditional haunts—-Rockefeller Plaza, Macy’s and FAO Schwartz-—there is a slew of other seasonal stops you should consider making. Start at Barneys New York, at 666 Madison Avenue near 61st. You don’t have to bring your wallet to have fun here. Just peer into the store’s windows. This year the upscale retailer is celebrating with characters from a different genre: Its … Continue reading

Spending the Holidays in New York City

I love spending the holidays in New York City. The problem is, so do millions of other people. If you don’t mind dealing with huge crowds, then soaking up the sights and sounds of the season in one of the world’s most magical cities, should be on your to-do list this month. At the top of your must-see list should be Rockefeller Center. Its world-famous tree and ice skating rink serve as amazing backdrops to family photos. In addition, Radio City Music Hall, the view from Top of the Rock, and the observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza are equally … Continue reading

Lauren Bush and the FEED Projects

I blogged about green models the other day, but I intentionally skipped over Lauren Bush. Lauren, the granddaughter of former President George H. W. Bush and the niece of former President George W. Bush, is both a model and fashion designer. As you might imagine, Lauren was born in Texas. She graduated from The Kindaid School in Houston then studied fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. In 2006, she graduated from Princeton University with an Anthropology degree. Although only 5’7” (short in Model Land), Lauren signed with the … Continue reading

Book Review: The Ocean Within/Tides

There are plenty of adoption-themed picture books, but fewer stories for the “tween” or early teen-age crowd. (Two others which I have reviewed are Kimchi and Calamari and The Handle and the Key.) The Ocean Within and its sequel, Tides, are a worthy addition to this small but growing body of stories. The Ocean Within bears some similarities to The Handle and the Key in that it gives readers a feel for the point of view of a child being adopted from the foster care system. In The Ocean Within, eleven-year-old Elizabeth has been in foster care for six years … Continue reading