Animal and Coin Jewelry

Two big trends in jewelry are animal motifs and coin jewelry.  Many designers favor snakes and insects, especially beetles.

 It's a fun way to brighten up your wardrobe without breaking the bank.  A nice animal pin attached to a scarf always looks cool.  A frog ring is always a cute accessory. Coin jewelry with Asian or ancient coins are real showstoppers!

See my jewelry above: A snake bracelet paired with a coin from Nepal.  The coin talks about the history of the Emperor, according to my source from Nepal.  The coin ring is paired with a seahorse ring made in Bali.

Here's more coin jewelry:

Try it!

Food Festival in Greeley Park -Near Macy's

There. is a food festival under some tents across from Manhattan Mall and Macys.  It's the Broadway Bites Festival.  It has something for everyone. It is scheduled to

end on November 24th, but it may be extended.  It reminds me of the Smorgasbord event in Williamsburg during the warmer months where a lot of local food vendors get together to give people a taste of what they do.

I started with the ragu rice balls from Arancini  Brothers.  The ragu is a meat sauce with mozzarella cheese and peas stuffed into a rice ball.  There are many other flavors.  Checkout the pictures above.

I went to a slider vendor.  I had a chicken and waffle slider which had a cheese waffle and pear bourbon sauce.  I had a Korean bulgogi cheesesteak slider, too.  One of my sliders was a burger with chorizo in it.

I tried some pizza that seemed to have dough as soft and delightful as Indian naan bread.  I had hot chocolate from a chocolate purveyor. There were Asian hotdogs at Asia Dog and they also served Korean soju cocktails.

All this food made me thirsty!

I had a very delicious orange ginger drink that was also great for digestion from a tent called Chutney.  It had tumeric, lemon, and sugar.  Fantastic!

There were a lot of people who were really hungry after shopping.  I spoke to many people that were very happy about what they ate.  There are too many vendors to tell you about everything. So, you will have to see it for yourself.  Oh yeah, there are various alcohol choices, not just the Korean soju.

Go try it before the festival leaves!

French Roast - 24 hour Bliss!

Address: Corner of 85th Street and Broadway, Manhattan, New York City


I was out on the  weekend.  It was late, but I didn't feel like going home. So, I decided to look for a 24 hour place.  When I did a search, one of my favorite places came up - French Roast!

It's made to look like a French bistro. I would go to this place for brunch.  I totally forgot that it was open all night.  So, I made a dash to the restaurant as the place I was in was shutting down for the night.

It was packed with all sorts of people in various states of dress - some casual, others looked as though they came from a club. There were various ages from early twenties to whatever. There was lively conversation and ambient music.

There is a bar which has more than enough choices for whomever you want to bring.  They are known for their decorative cups in which they serve a variety of hot drinks.  They serve breakfast, burgers, calamari, French onion soup, etc.

It's relaxing and welcoming. Try it!

The New York Beer Company - Update McKenzie's Seasonal Beer

The New York Beer Company carries  the cider I raved about in a post last year.   It was a cider called McKenzie's Seasonal.  According to the waitress, they tweak the recipe each year.  It is still good, but it wasn't as flavorful in terms of cinnamon or nutmeg.  The last time, I really thought it was an apple pie, but it was still holiday refreshing. So, it looks like this company is dedicated to serve this beverage each year.

They also have a very delicious wedge bacon blue cheese salad and other goodies.  So come down and see what's being served at the brewery.  Remember, they also have tons of beer choices and other ciders to choose from.  Just one thing- be sure to review your bill.  The waitress charged me for extra bacon on my salad even though I did not tell her to do that.  They should inform you before they do it. I didn't realize until I checked the bill at home because it was dimly lit in there.

It was a generally pleasant experience.

FEATURED PRODUCT - JAMBU BOOTS - COMFORT AND STYLE

As most New York ladies do, I love to walk everywhere!  I go to the market, to the boutiques, bookshops, and museums.  I need shoes that can get me to my destinations comfortably.  I also want something that will give me a little height.  Platform shoes are the best, but some of them have too deep a pitch, so they are not for traveling.  I finally found a pair that gives me a fun platform look that I can wear to a meeting or to a night on the town - JAMBU BOOTS!

They are so fantastic!  I wear them almost everyday.  My other shoes are so jealous!   They have a wide enough width so that you can wear them for hours as soon as you get them.  They have a hidden velcro strap that allows you to adjust for your needs.

I get so many compliments on the street.  People are always asking me where I got my unique shoes.

Try them!  I think you may fall in love!

Fabulous On the Street Fashion - Including Zara Outerwear and Helmet Lang!

New York is so fashionable!  Everyday people know how to "Make It Work!" as Tim Gunn would say.

I ran into this girl on the train who had on a fabulous coat. She told me it was from Zara. I was surprised how much that name is coming up lately on very fashionable people that I see on the street. From Jackets to handbags, Zara is flexing its flirty fashionable biceps everywhere. The young lady I met had on a forest green wool coat with beautiful studded metal sleeves. It was 3/4 length and she paired it with suede riding boots. C'est magnifique!

Helmet Lang Leather Purse:  She said she got it at a sample sale!

 Also, always in fashion, funky riding boots.


For the gents:  kangol and spiffy, English inspired attire, including light-colored, hard-soled oxfords, but paired with New York Cool - Jeans and Funky colored socks!

I am sure you know this trend:  Animal print matched with basic black leather bag.

Maybe some of these trends will work for you.  Try them!

FEATURED PRODUCT - GHURKA BAGS - BEAUTIFUL, STRONG, LUXURY!

I love this bag! Ghurkas are one of the best values in the luxury handbags department. When I was a young girl, I saw these beautiful handbags in a high-end department store. I thought that one day I would be able to afford something like this on my own. Well, finally I made good on that promise and purchased this work of art.

 The shape is classic and sturdy. The leather is strong and deliciously colored. I have the burgundy bag, but there are many other choices. Though the price is a bit hefty, it is definitely worth the value and proved to be within the first week. I went to a coffee shop and someone had left his/her coffee precariously perched on the side of the counter. It fell onto my bag and covered the whole side. I was afraid that my bag was already ruined in such a short time. To my surprise, within 10 minutes, the bag was completely clear! There were no stains! The bag completely absorbed the coffee! Wow! You get what you pay for.

There are many different colors and shapes to choose from.

 Since Ghurka is known for luggage, it's not a surprise that my bag was made to take life's little messes. I don't have to babysit this bag. I can throw it down and not worry. My busy lifestyle dictates a tough bag to match, yet it has to also exude style. Thanks, Ghurka! Give them a try!