New York by Nicole: The Best of 5th Avenue

This is a full day with a little something for everyone!  Central Park, shopping, art, major New York landmarks, and the most gorgeous view of New York City!  This is a great itinerary for someone who has a short amount of time in NYC.  It's also the itinerary I do the most with guests and it's great year round; it's really impressive at Christmas time!

The Best of 5th Ave!
Duration: Roughly 5 hours, I prefer starting this mid-morning and ending in the late afternoon.
Cost: Moderate ($40 - 75, depending on how you do it)

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Starting Point: Central Park Duck Pond
Entrance is at 61st and 5th Ave
Cost: Free

Grab your cup of coffee and take a lovely stroll through the Central Park Duck Pond, it's a great way to get a small snapshot of this gorgeous park.  There's a lovely foot bridge over the pond that yields to a gorgeous NYC photo and moment.



B: The Plaza Hotel
5th Ave at Central Park South
Cost: Free

This is definitely worth a look.  It's so incredibly iconic and beautiful with it's copper roof and flags flying out front.  You can take a stroll through the hotel, which I recommend, they have the most beautiful flower arrangements and now you can say you've been there.  If you want to really swank it up, you can spring for brunch or breakfast at the Palm Court, but do so at your own risk because it will break the bank.

C: Apple Store
5th Ave between 58th and 59th Streets
Cost: Free

For you techie nerds, welcome home.  This is the iconic Apple store that everyone wants to check out.  If you're into Apple products, you'll enjoy it.





D: FAO Schwartz
5th Ave at Central Park South
Cost: Free
This is a must see!  Not only does it bring out your inner child (really... it does), it's where they filmed the famous piano scene in the movie Big, and you can relieve it.

Next make your way down the famous 5th Ave!  There are lots of places to stop and gawk at!  Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Trump Towers, and many more.  The window shopping is divine - especially at Christmas!

E: Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
11 W. 53rd Street, between 5th and 6th Ave.
Cost: SVA students get in for free plus 2 guests!

This is a fantastic museum and a great place to stop and have some lunch.  Danny Meyer owns and runs all the restaurants here and they're all fabulous!  Make sure to check the MOMA website for their upcoming exhibits, they're always worth a look but unless you're a member, you have to book times to view those in advance.  And always get the audio tour - it's free and worth having with you.

My recommendations for the MOMA

• Definitely hit up the 6th floor and see whatever special exhibit is going on, they all tend to be pretty spectacular.
• The 4th and 5th floors are part of their permanent collection, which is unbelievable.  You'll see Van Gogh's Starry Night, Monet's Water Lilies,  Picasso's, Mattise's, Dali's, Pollock's, Rothko's and many others that you've only learned about in school.  

If you have more time, you can certainly do the rest of the museum, but I find these three floors to be sufficient, impressive, and enjoyable.  It's also not museum overkill.

Lunch: Cafe 2
MOMA second floor
Cost: $20 approx.

By the time you get to the MOMA, you'll probably be ready for a little lunch.  Cafe 2 is a great little Italian restaurant that is perfect for lunch!  It can end up being a little pricey, but it's the least expensive of the restaurants at the MOMA and it's really worth it.  

My recommendations - get a few things and everyone share: Herb Roasted Chicken Panini with fontina and sun-dried tomato tapenade, Chickpea Salad with citrus, fennel, beets, cucumbers, and greens (which is huge), Creamy Cornmeal Polenta with homemade arugula-walnut pesto, fontina cheese (this will make you think you've died and gone to heaven), and their soup of the day is always a winner and great to dip the panini in.

F: Radio City Music Hall
50th Street and 6th Ave
Cost: Free

I like to walk people by here for a great photo-op of them in front of the famous Radio City marquee.

Optional:  They have a tour that you can take here that's really informative about the architecture of the interior of the building - which is stunning!  However, it's over priced ($20) and kitschy - you meet a Rockett, eh.  But if you have time and money to blow - go for it!

G: St. Patrick's Cathedral
5th Ave between 51st and 50th Streets
Cost: Free
Built in 1858, this is one of the most gorgeous churches in New York City.  It's no wonder that people have been coming here for 150 years to seek solace.  They offer free tours, but you have to call in advance, 212-355-2749.


H: Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock!
Entrance is 5th Ave between 50th & 49th Streets
Cost: Free - $0 - 30, depending on what you do

There is sooooo much to see here!  They have a great interactive website that can help you make the most of this fantastic cluster of amazing architecture and landmarks.  They have a great tour of Rockefeller Center ($15, cheaper if you combine it with Top of the Rock) with a that comes with a supplemental audio tour - it's worth it if you have the time.

Walk down the famous Channel Gardens (5th Ave between 49th and 50th Street) that leads to the iconic Prometheus Statue (during the winter, this is where the ice skating rink is).  Definitely take a walk around 30 Rock's lobby, the murals inside are stunning.

Refuel:  30 Rockefeller Center has a HUGE food court.  If you're needing a little pick me up and a snack, they have it - and everything else - in their basement level.

Top of the Rock
Cost: $23 (and worth every penny!) One thing that you have to do while you're in NYC is go to Top of the Rock.  It's a three level outdoor observatory on the top floors of 30 Rockefeller Center.  It's the most spectacular views of New York City that I've ever seen.  It rivals every other observatory in NYC.  You can go day or night, and it's amazing at either time.

I hope you enjoy my Best of 5th Avenue Tour!  It's great fun and I enjoy it every time!

My Little Kitchen: In a Flash Grandma's Chicken Noodle

With flu season upon us and the threat of snow tomorrow (what's with that???  It's still October!), nothing is more comforting on a cold stormy day or weathering through a crummy illness like some old fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup.  

Now, my grandmother made the best chicken noodle soup I've ever had (just as I'm sure everyone's grandmother did).  She would roast the chicken, make the stock, and homemade noodles... it was heaven.  But I'm lazy and don't have the time or space in my kitchen to do anything close to that.  However, I have mastered a recipe that is just like Grandma's and you can make it in less than 30 minutes, if that.

In a Flash Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup

Makes 8 Servings

1 medium yellow onion, chopped
5 carrots, peeled and chopped
4 celery stocks, chopped
*Note: to make this "chopping" process even faster, Trader Joe's sells chopped onions, celery, and carrots all together in a container in their produce section - 1 container of that will do just fine.
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 Tbls Olive Oil
8 cups Chicken Stock 
1 rotisserie chicken (I like the ones from Whole Foods, but any store bought one will do)
2 cups egg noodles, uncooked
3 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped (don't use dried... the fresh is worth it)
Salt and pepper to taste

Thrifty in the City: Coupons at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods? Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

I think we all get excited when watching Extreme Couponing and think, "Wow, I could totally do that!  I need 900 mini deodorants for a penny!"  The unfortunate part is that NYC is not coupon friendly.  None of the local stores offer double or triple coupons (the closest one is Pathmark in Harlem).  And the stores here are limited on what they offer and the sales that come out - although there are good deals to be had.  And most of the coupons that come out are for over processed and unhealthy packaged foods.

Trader Joe's
I, myself, am a Trader Joe's Junkie.  I love it.  It makes my life so much easier.  It has all the natural and organic foods that I wish I could afford at Whole Foods, under their TJ's private label, that are crazy affordable and it's close by.  Sometimes I even spring for the $6 delivery when I really load up.  But did you know that you can use coupons there???  No, this is not a joke, people.


Over the summer, in a constant attempt to save money, I found some really great coupon and savings websites.  My favorite being Healthy Life Deals and The Thrifty Mama.  This blog puts up all the coupons and weekly specials for Whole Foods and Trader Joe's!

Trader Joe's Coupon Deals - Healthy Life Deals

NYC by Nicole: The Met and Central Park - My Highlights

This is one of my favorite itineraries because it combines two things I love more than anything in NYC - Art and Sunshine.  This is a good itinerary on a nice sunny day and for people who aren't "art" and "museum" lovers.  Yes, I know, you're going to the Met, but the Met has so many more interesting things than just traditional "art."  When people see the Egyptian Temple of Dendur and can walk up to it and touch it... it's amazing for anyone, even if they're not an "art" lover.

The Metropolitan Museum and Central Park - My Highlights

Duration:  Late Morning to late afternoon 

Cost: Affordable (you can do it for under $25, if you're thrifty)

View Met & Central Park in a larger map

Starting Point: Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave at 82nd Street
Cost: Suggested Donation (which for you cheap asses, means almost free) $1 - 25

Temple of Dendur

When I go into the Met, I like to start out in the Egyptian wing (hang a right when you go in).  You can meander through until you reach the Temple of Dendur - great photo opportunity!

American Wing

From there go through the beautiful new American wing and Neoclassical facade of the Branch Bank of the United States, originally located on Wall Street.

Then stroll through the Renaissance and Medieval galleries that show off gorgeous stained glass, religious iconography, and a complete Spanish choir screen from the Valladolid cathedral of 1763.  Eventually you will find yourself in a skylighted room full of European sculptures (check out the brick facade here - its part of the Museum's original 1888 south facade).

Rooftop Garden Cafe

You'll also find a line of people going into an elevator to the rooftop (seasonal and weather permitting). Head up to the Rooftop Garden Cafe for lunch and see the most beautiful views of Central Park in the city. They always have an unusual art installation up there that's always worth checking out as well.

After lunch, make your way out of the Met through the Polyneasian galleries and get ready to experience the best of Central Park.

New York by Nicole: 42nd Street Tour

I love being a tourist in my own city.  New York is unbelievable and I get excited to show people the city I love so much.  I never get tired to going to the same places as they all still hold wonder for me.  However, nothing terrifies me more than when I ask one of someone who is coming to visit me what they want to do while they're in New York and they say "I don't know.  Whatever you think is good."  Or even worse, they have an unrealistic idea of where everything is and how to get there - Empire State Building, World Trade Center Memorial, and the Gugenheim are not going to happen in the same day.

It can be overwhelming for non-New Yorkers to make a feasible itinerary for when they come to visit.  I started having my friends make a list of the top 5 things they want to see while their here and then I built itineraries around them.  Over the years, I have perfected these itineraries into optimum sightseeing machines!  And now, I will share my New York Tourist wisdom with you...  Welcome to my new series, New York by Nicole!
  
42nd Street Walking Tour 

Duration:  Early afternoon into evening 

Cost: El Cheapo! (includes lunch and dinner)

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Starting Point A: Grand Central Station 

42nd Street at Lexington Ave

Cost: Free

Grand Central is not only the world's largest (76 acres) and the nation's busiest (nearly 700,000 commuters and subway riders use it daily) railway station, but also one of the world's most magnificent, majestic public spaces.  Every time I walk through Grand Central I get this warm amazing feeling of New York Pride.  I never get tired of wandering through it and noticing little details that I never noticed before.

Recommendations...

Self Guided Walking Tour:  this is great printable walking tour of Grand Central that is full of facts and history.  You won't miss anything!

Vanderbilt Hall Exhibits: If you check out the event calendar, usually there is an art installation in Vanderbilt Hall that is always spectacular.  During the holidays they have a nice bazaar there.

B: Bryant Park 

40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues

Cost: Free

Thrifty in the City: Avoid the Ick with ZocDoc

Every year the Ick starts to creep it's way through SVA and it's coming...  You know what the Ick is.  It's sniffley, achy, mucousy, coughing, exausting, contagious, disgusting ICK! 

While trying to avoid students' cooties and bathing in Purel, I'm always amazed when I'm talking to you sickly lot that hardly any of you have local doctors.  Every year I watch my poor residents in misery with illness, toothaches, and other unhealthiness because they'll wait to go home to see "their" doctor.  This is just not acceptable of adult women (this means you!).  You should all have local doctors, dentists, and know what your medical and dental insurance are and ALWAYS carry your insurance cards with you.  You never know when an emergency might come up!

Thrifty in the City: Deal Shout Out

Awesome Deals for week of September 12

Fun stuff to do in the City

Here are some awesome things to do this weekend and over the next few weeks while the weather is still lovely!

Celebration of Brooklyn Flavor

Buy With Me: Celebration of Brooklyn Flavor
$35 gets you TWO tickets with 6 food tastes each, plus 4 drink tastes each ($70 value), on Sunday, September 18 from 1-6pm. 

Bloomspot: Couture Fashion Week - This weekend! 

General Admission tickets from $24 - $30! 

Couture Fashion Week @ Bloomspot

Zozi: Happy Hour Cruise - Wednesday Night Hudson Trip 
$10 (must be 21 or older), for three hour cruise at sunset around Manhattan, bartenders shake you up a free cocktail, and you can shake on the dance floor on the bottom deck as they'll have a DJ spinning!

Kayaking on the Hudson

Zozi: Skyline on Hudson - After Dark Manhattan Kayak Trip 

$39 gets you a guided 'After Dark' kayak trip.  Leave at twilight, spend 75 minutes cruising the city's shoreline. 

Groupon: Cinema Village 

$12 for Two Movie Tickets and Large Popcorn (Up to $27 Value)

Thrifty in the City: Free Yoga Classes!

Molly was sharing with me the other day that she really wanted to start going to yoga classes this year but they can be so expensive.  Yoga is an amazing exercise practice that is great for any fitness level and it's an amazing stress reliever.  It is something that centers you physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.  But a class can cost anywhere from $16 - 30 and they pack the classes in!  That's a bit much in my opinion.   


So after doing a little research, I found out that there are plenty of places around here that offer cheap, if not free classes!  Also, check out those Groupons and other discount sites regularly, they're always offering discounted yoga packages too.

Thrifty in the City: Deal Shout Out

I am a deal junkie!  I never like to pay full price for anything!  Every morning over my cup of coffee, I read through all the Groupon like sites to see what awesome thing I can do, eat, or see for a fraction of the price. Sometimes I see great deals that I'll pass on to my residents.  Here's today's BEST deals that I think you would love!!

Bhojan

$18 for Two-Person Dinner including Appetizer, Entrees, Dessert, and Lassis (Up to $40 Value). $32 for Four Person Option (Up to $80 Value).

This place is amazing and it's close by, Lexington and 27th!  You can have dinner with all of your roommates for $8 a person!  That's crazy!

Urban Nail Salon

$15 for Manicure and Pedicure at Urban Nail Salon ($30 Value). $36 for Spa Manicure and Pedicure and a 10-Minute Foot Massage ($80 Value).

There is nothing like being broke and having a crummy day and then realizing that you have a Mani/Pedi that you haven't used yet!!!  


For $15, you get a basic mani-pedi package (a $30 value), which includes:

• Mani-pedi
• Application of polish
• Two-minute shoulder massage

Home Away From Home, by RHD Nicole

I'm going on my 5th year of being the Residence Hall Director of Gramercy, and I love it more today than I did 5 years ago.  I’m so proud to be a part of this unique community of women.  One thing that makes Gramercy so special to me is that it's not just my "job," it's also my home.  The residents that live here aren't just students at SVA that live in Gramercy, you’re my neighbors.  Living and working in the same community can be challenging, but for me, it's extremely rewarding.  There is something special about this building and community that breeds hard-working, respectful, involved, and remarkable women.  And every year, I’m honored to be a part of your college and life experiences.

This was my college Residence Hall... just a little bigger than Gram.

My college experience was greatly enhanced by my years living in a Residence Hall.  I was a transfer student from a community college in California, where I lived at home, and moved to New York where I lived with 1200 students that I didn't know.  I had wacky roommates that were complete strangers to me, and are now still some of my closest friends.  I met people outside my major and class that now, more than 10 years later, are still my best friends.  I had experiences that I would have never had if I had lived in an apartment on my own.  The two years that I spent in that Residence Hall were some of the best years of my life.  It was the only time in my life that I lived in a community comprised of my peers, and it became my home.