Best Shopping In Manhattan Awards

AMNewYork, a free local newspaper, not just here but with editions in several US cities, has published its end-of-the-year Best of Manhattan Shopping Awards which I've linked so you can check out every winner in all the categories.

Above 👆and below 👇(pasted as it's easier to read) is AM New York's spotlight on 4 of the winners New Yorkers voted as the best retailer in the city. Locals and tourists alike might like to visit a few of the award winners for bargains and retail therapy:

"Best Antique Store

East Village Vintage Collective
545 E 12th Street
(646) 476-8036 – eastvillagevintagecollective.com

The East Village of old always had an artsy, fun, free, sexy vibe that was framed largely by fashion. Imagine discovering a curated collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and gifts that transports you back in time to this hip scene! It’s not a dreamscape, because the past is presently alive at East Village Vintage Collective. This retro shop offers a treasure trove of unique finds, hand-selected by their team of vintage enthusiasts. From everyday tees and dreamy dresses to statement pieces, there is something in stock for everyone to enjoy. Need a special fit for a photo shoot or production? They also offer rental and discount pricing on a wide range of vintage pieces. Enjoy a blast from fashion’s past while supporting a woman-owned small business.

Best Book Store

Strand Book Store
828 Broadway
(212) 473-1452 – strandbooks.com

Born in 1927 over on Fourth Avenue, on what was then referred to as “Book Row,” the Strand Book Store began as a modest used book store. The owner, Ben Bass, was a young 25-year-old entrepreneur who possessed a passion for reading. His goal was to create a place where book lovers would come together. The store got its name from a street in London where avant-garde writers once gathered. The Strand became the spot for writers to come together, sell their books, and discover books to purchase. Back in the day “Book Row” spanned six city blocks and was the home to 48 bookstores. Today, the Strand, a Greenwich Village staple, is the only remaining store of Book Row’s past.

Best Thrift Shop

Cure Thrift Shop
111 E 12th St
(212) 505-7467 – curethriftshop.com

An evolving repertoire of clothing, antiques and home goods attracts discerning shoppers to Cure Thrift Shop. The 12th Street location is a coveted boutique-like retailer at home in this chic part of town. Go in any time and find new and appealing selections and stylish items you’ll want to take home from this East Village treasure trove. Shoppers delight in finding an eclectic array of curated fashion pieces, accessories and one-of-a-kind design items. Check out how you can outfit your apartment, and pick up furniture you will realize are rare finds in this glossy city. Cure Thrift customer service individuals will step in to advise and share ideas if you ask. Some say the exchanges, in fact, relegate the shopping experience to more like meeting a new friend.

Best Liquor/Wine Store

Astor Wines & Spirits
399 Lafayette St
(212) 674-7500 – astorwines.com

If you love wine, or just enjoy making a nice mixed cocktail for friends and family, stock your at-home bar with vino and liquors from Astor Wines. There are so many bottles to choose from here – a whole array of champagnes, proseccos, scotches, tequilas and so much more. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, the shop has a “Staff Picks of the Week” feature, hand-picked by the expert team here to help you narrow down your search for a great wine or liquor. If you want to save a bit of cash, check out some bargain bottles. Amazing wines and spirits are often on sale at Astor Wines & Spirits, giving you tons of taste without having to drop big bucks!"

New Yorkers have spoken with their votes. You're welcome!🛍🛒

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Happy Halloween 2024

All photos are taken by Debra Turner of the Upper East Side (Click to enlarge)

On the Upper East Side, it's Halloween 2024. Around the Nabe walk with me once more.

Yet beware of coming too close, or lingering too long. Because Halloween's Monster Bash has already begun!👺

New Yorkers are dressed to the nines, it's clear. Forever I hear, there's plenty to fear. 🐺                                                                                                                                                                                 

As passersby stare at the undead, they'll stare back at you! There's a chill in the air and a cold wicked glare

No expense is ever spared on the decor to meet Yorkville's spirited Halloween lore.🎃

Witches, spiders, rats, tall hats, and severed heads. Maybe alive or maybe they're dead?

The eyes, the skulls, the creatures who beam.🧛‍♂️

Some grin, some lean, some hang, and others look quite mean. 

This year bones are trending. Pets and pumpkins too.💀

A book of poisons to put a hex is on you!📚 

 Oh, what a Fright lasting all day and all night!🔪

When Gotham locals and tourists are out on the town, a voice whispers, "Send in the clowns. There ought to be clowns."🎵♩♪

A raven watches your every move. You must stay alert to avoid danger and be ready to skirt.🕷 

All Hallow's Eve, ghosts, and ghouls are running loose.

Howling, flying, and on the hunt for the obtuse. 

Don't be their prey. Stay far, far away!

The Gold family flew in this morning. A warning!

Another day is dawning, but perhaps not for everyone as evil is swarming!👀

The owl asks, "Who, who? Will it be you?" Oh no, hang low. Spot foe. Don't let it be so!😱

We're at our last stop and the end of my ditty.

Happy Halloween, readers, from Gotham City!

And ... know👆that someone is sorry to see you go.🩸🩸🩸

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It's A Manhattan Christmas

Photo Source of Macy's: Adventures Only

Manhattan in December is magical. If you can't fit a Christmas tree into your tiny apartment just step outside, the entire city with lights and sparkle becomes your Christmas decor!

The 1st two photos are of Macy's holiday windows at Herald Square, my favorite New York City department store. You'll find everything you need at Macy's but unlike Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, or Bloomingdales, Macy's carries a wide range of price points coupled with the best sales so you'll find exactly what you're looking for to suit your budget. I've never shopped at Macy's for a necessity or splurge and returned home either empty-handed or broke. From upscale to budget-friendly, there's something for everyone.

Photo Source of Macy's: Macy's, Inc.

Frankly, I'd be in big trouble if Macy's were in my own neighborhood and I could float in to browse anytime I wish. It's better for my wallet that I must take the subway to Herald Square because Macy's vast inventory is tempting every time I step into the store.

Photos of Bergdorf Goodman: Ricky Zehavi Photography

Sitting at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, Bergdorf Goodman creates fashion-forward, avant-garde holiday windows.

Photo Source of Cartier: Shutterstock

Cartier Fifth Avenue (at 52nd Street) always wraps its flagship store up as a Christmas package. I look for it every year and sometimes shamelessly steal the upmarket retailer's festive motif for my own front door.

Video Source of Saks Fifth Avenue: Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue has the best video show every single year, and crowds are not wild or crazy when you attend the night of its unavailing usually accompanied by live celebrity entertainment. I like to stand directly across the street on Fifth Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets) to watch the outdoor music, dance, and light show. Then you might as well walk over to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree because you're only a stone's throw away from Rockefeller Plaza. I have featured the beautiful tree on the blog in past years linked here. Next to Saks is St. Patrick's Cathedral with a large Nativity Scene near the altar. 

Photo Source: Debra Turner

Merry Christmas to all my lovely readers. Peace, Love, and Joy to everyone of every faith tradition on the globe who sees the blog! May the spirit of Christmas find you today and always!🐪🎄🐑 xoxo💋

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The Rockettes And The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Photo: The New York Times

The Radio City Rockettes have kicked off the holiday season in New York City for the last 91 years. On my walk to the Time & Life building (i.e., work) in the morning, I petted the baby camel parked outside on one of the tiny side streets of Rockefeller Plaza. Golden fur, soft and so clean! The Living Nativity and Parade of the Living Soldiers have been in the Christmas show since its beginning. The Rockettes are a precision dance company famous for their kickline and eye-high kicks.

To be a Rockette, hopefuls must measure between 5'6" and 5'10.5" tall in stocking feet. The dancers must know tap, jazz, modern, and ballet. A total of 80 Rockettes are hired for the Christmas Spectacular, with 2 casts of 40 dancers for the afternoon and evening performances. They rehearse in the basement of St. Paul the Apostle Church (located on West 59th Street beside Lincoln Center) for six hours a day, six days a week for six weeks.

Only 36 dancers appear on stage at one time. The tallest dancers line up in the middle with shorter dancers on the ends. It gives the illusion that each woman is the same height.

The dancers do their own hair and makeup. Each performer wears a French twist, red lips (the shade is MAC Red or MAC Russian Red), and eyelashes.

There are more than 1,100 costumes and pairs of shoes. Their shoes have microphones so the audience can hear the tap dancing during 12 Days of Christmas and Rag Dog.

Other fun facts include the show runs for 90 minutes with no intermission. The Rockettes do more than 160 kicks per show and can perform up to 4 shows a day during the busy season. Since the Christmas Spectacular premiered in 1932, 3,000 women have been Rockettes.

Show tickets are not cheap, but nobody goes home disappointed. Here's a link with tips on how to get a discount on tickets, however, this may be a time when paying the piper is necessary as these suggestions don't look easy. More like hope and luck.🔔

If you wish to know what it's like to auditon and be a New York City Rockette, click the entertaining video below to hear firsthand:

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Hulken's Schlepping Bag On Wheels

While walking home I saw a woman carry roughly 3 bags of groceries 40 blocks in a Heluken's Bag on Wheels and now I want one. I caught up with her and ended up chatting with her about the bag for 20 blocks or so. She gave me the details and discussed how she loved her Hulken's Bag on Wheels and uses it to carry so many heavy things. I noticed its wheels and 5 handles were strong and well-made which she confirmed, as well as, emphasized how happy she was with her purchase.

There are 3 sizes - Small: 14x8x18 inches, Medium: 16x12x20 inches (these 1st 2 sizes have 4 wheels) and Large: 20x16x24 (the large has 5 wheels); and 3 colors: Black, Silver and Rose Gold.

There are times I have to choose between a gallon of milk or a gallon of laundry detergent at Target or the supermarket because I can't carry both home on the same trip.

The reason I seriously want a Hulken's schlepping bag is ... it's ideal for Manhattan apartments since it's easy to store by folding up nearly flat when not in use. Metal carts take up more space, yet are about 1/3 of the expensive! The manufacturer put a lot of thought into making a durable tote bag on wheels. You pay for the design, innovation, and the fact there are no similar knockoffs on the market. 

I like the medium size in silver for schlepping groceries and goods around Manhattan but may want the large size. Buying both sizes is impractical, so I'll have to wait a beat to decide which size to get. Perhaps the large bag with a 5th wheel isn't too big. Plus wouldn't it be nice to find a deal somewhere on the web or at a retailer that sells the bag?!🛍

Stay tuned!

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