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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My New Hat Is Unreal

My new hat which I'll be happy to burn.

During our pandemic it took the directives of the Surgeon General of the United States, the Governor of New York and the Mayor of New York City to get me to wear a face mask. As Dr. Anthony Fauci, our leading expert of Infectious Diseases, tells us time and again, our first line of defense is to: 1) Stay home; 2) Wash our hands with soap and water for 20 seconds every time we touch anything on the other side of our front doors; and 3) Don't touch your face while out at the supermarket, or drugstore to pick up necessities. When I must go out, it's my new mantra: "Don't touch your face, don't touch your face!" 

Photo: smartair

A surgical mask or homemade cotton mask doesn't protect you 100% from the tiny coronavirus, but it does offer enough protection to warrant wearing one. The reason is this: If an infected person coughs or sneezes without knowing s/he is sick, the germs stay in his/her mask. So my mask protects you from me, and your mask protects me from you.

As long as there is a shortage, leave for hospital workers. 

The special medical N95 mask which hospital workers must wear for their protection offers protection from tiny airborne viruses. Because of a shortage of these masks and the need for hospital workers to work closely with coronavirus patients, the public is asked not to buy them. Instead, we should be practicing social distancing -- staying 6 feet apart.

How To Make A Face Mask - Some people put a small coffee filter in the folds of the cloth. Layers catch more germs. You can also tuck the 2 final outer ends (one inside the other.) The video only lays one outer end on top the other.

A few stores in my neighborhood won't let customers inside without a mask. And considering New York is the epicenter for people who have tested positive, nowadays I wear one. I also ordered a hat with a clear protective shield (see above↑) from here. I don't love the idea of wearing either, but if nothing else, they make it more difficult to touch your face.

If people are to return to work it seems 3 things must happen: 1) Universal testing for Coronavirus; 2) Universal testing for the virus' antibodies (you have the antibodies if you've had the disease. Some people don't even realize they've had the disease as serious as it is for others); and 3) Increase the production of those hard to get N95 masks. Many jobs require closer contact than standing 6 feet apart. 

The world's nightmare will truly end after a vaccine becomes available so that coronavirus becomes preventable like the flu ... perhaps 18 months to 2 years away.

Update: Governor Cuomo made wearing face coverings in New York mandatory starting Friday, April 17th when you enter places like supermarkets where social distancing is not possible. The purpose is the stop the spreading of Coronavirus. People in Asian countries have been wearing masks as necessary, and the practice works. We don't have to like it (yuck!), we just have to do it to stop the virus.


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5 Gifts For New York City Lovers

Judging by the numbers, people love New York City.🏩 It happens to be the most popular U.S. tourist destination. Chances are you know people who enjoy coming to the city. According to EscapeHere, "any season, for any reason, New York has it all!" So for those on your shopping list who are in a New York state of mind, here are 5 charming Gotham themed gift ideas:

1) The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Masterpiece Paintings - For NYC + art lovers: A lavishly illustrated book, with history and descriptions of 500 masterpieces in the Met's iconic collection. There are a slew of other art books and museum gifts on the institution's website.

2) Godinger Silver Art Empire State and Chrysler Building Bottle Stoppers - For NYC + wine lovers: Made of nickle plate.

3) Subway Map Onesie - For NYC lovers + new parents of an infant (as babies don't really want anything): Comes in 3 colors - blue, pink and black.

4) New York Library Lion Bookends - For NYC + book lovers: The famous lion statues on 5th Avenue at 42nd Street watch over Bryant Park, and they have names, Patience and Fortitude. The bookends are carved of pink Tennessee marble laying on bases of Milford granite.

5) NYC MetroCard Charm and chain - For NYC + jewelry lovers: Available in sterling silver, or 14K gold vermeil.

These New York City themed gifts are fun for natives and visitors alike! I was given the wine stoppers at the end of a gala dinner. They are cute and made to last.


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Inside A Snow Globe With Santa At Bloomingdale's

On Black Friday I walked to Bloomingdale's to see their Christmas display. There were not many decorations compared to years past, when ornaments and trees took up half the floor. But they had a giant snow globe, and a lovely young lady asked me to step inside of it to have my picture taken with Santa. Sooo I did. (#Bloomies59) The day was very cold outside, and I am bundled up in layers, plus a goose down coat. It's hood was pulled up outside that day.

Photo: Associated Press (click to enlarge)  - The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was lite tonight.

During the Christmas season, I try to go to Macy's and Saks 5th Avenue also to see who is selling the most beautiful ornaments. Then there's a stroll over to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree, as well as, a stroll up and down 5th Avenue to gaze at store windows. St. Patrick's Cathedral will have a huge Nativity Scene, garland, white lights and poinsettias all over the church.

Let the holiday season begin! Have you, Dear Readers, bought any gifts yet?

Extra Tip: Don't miss the beautiful tree covered in blue lights a block away from Bloomingdale's at Bloomberg news.

The surronding trees are about 12 feet tall. The center one is several office floors tall.

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