Valentine’s Day – Eat, Indulge, Distract, Repeat

Valentine Day’s should be celebrated for the sake of being able to wear red, eat lots of sweets, and watch lots of sappy movies. While you could do this any day, February 14th is a good excuse as any, especially if you’re planning to sulk and be like every other “woe is me.”

Whether you are enjoying it as a couple, single, or with friends, you should just plain enjoy Valentine’s Day. It’s a holiday, after all.

So plan a rocking outfit, grab some friends (or drag the significant other), and go out on the town. Or find some comfort in front of the couch with some cheezy movies. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Out on the Town
– Going to Dances of Vice never fails in entertainment. Monday is Amor y Tango at the Highline Ballroom.
– The Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History presents “Romance Under the Stars” a classy night with champagne, hor d’oeurves, chocolate covered strawberries, and music followed by a planetarium show of the night sky.
– Have dinner at a restaurant you’ve never been to. Restaurant Week is still happening so it’s a good opportunity to spend a little more than your normal price range.
– You be the judge for this year’s Oscar-nominated animated films. Playing at the IFC Center.
– Go straight for dessert at Holey Cream. (And walk to the station to make the guilt go away for a little bit.)

Comfort is Key
– Buy food from your favorite takeout place and eat to your hearts content. Perhaps get a fancy dessert from Financier on your way home to end the night.
– Or finally bake those sugar cookies you been meaning to. Once that sweet smell of sugar is in the air you’ll forget its the 14th.
– Wear the comfiest outfit you can find. (Snuggies count!)
– Drink out of champagne or wine glasses. (Doesn’t have to be alcohol.)
– Grab your laptop and do some retail therapy. Feeling better means buying something to make your heart flutter.
– Video Skype with your best friend and watch a movie together.

Don’t be Ashamed
– Eat cookie dough out of the package. (It’s okay it’s Valentines Day meaning its a day to indulge in sweets)
– Watch really bad romance movies.  Nothing beats a day that celebrates love with a good laugh and unrealistic plotlines. (I recommend Leap Year or if horror movies are more you’re thing, House of Wax. Valentine’s Day is never complete without watching Paris Hilton get an axe to the head.)
– If you want to spend it alone, that doesn’t mean you have to be literally alone.  Gather all your stuffed animal friends and have them join you on the couch for some reality TV.

Distract Yourself
– It’s a good day as any to clean. Start Spring Cleaning early.
– Organize your Lolita closet again. It’s good to re-organize your wardrobe every now and then because it means finding something you haven’t worn or a skirt or hat you just have no use for now.
– Start that sewing project you’ve been meaning to get to.
– Pick a book out of your local library (or buy one) that peaks your interest (i.e. The Bro Code by Barney Stintson anyone?).

Whatever you do, do something fun. Even if that means just wearing an awesome Lolita outfit or counting down to the Valentine’s Day candy clearance sale at your local Rite Aid. What are your plans? I’d love to hear them!

Calling all Theatre Geeks – The Wii Plays ends Feb 12!


For those who play video games, you know the story lines and interactive is an equivalent to actual theatre (for the most part).

Ars Nova takes it to the next level and presents “The Wii Plays” – a series of 8 minute plays that take Mario, Sonic, Bob the Builder, Barbie, and, of course, the Wii to the stage. 

I had wish I had known about this sooner, but if you get the chance head onto Ars Nova before Saturday, February 12th.  It’s a good compromise for that nerd-minded significant other when you can’t agree being treated to opera for Valentine’s Day. 

Here are two reviews by NY Times ArtsBeat and Switched.

February 1 – 12, 2011
Ars Nova
511 West 54th St
New York, NY 10019
Tickets: $15

NYC Restaurant Week Extended until 27th!

No more Sky High Pie for me.

Calling all Foodies. New York City cannot get enough of Restaurant Week and has been extended to the 27th.

NYC Restaurant Week is a time when anyone who wish they could afford the appetizer and a high end restaurant on a regular day, can now do so.

Selected restaurants offer prix fixe lunch and dinner specials at more affordable prices ($25 and $35 respectively). It offers restaurants the chance for new customers (and future food connoisseurs) to get a taste of what they offer, and it gives the everyday New Yorker a chance to really dine fine.

I sincerely recommend making reservations. While the prices are lower that doesn’t mean it is easier to get a table for four at Coliccho and Sons. Opentable is a restaurant directory that enables you to make reservations online. (Note: Be sure to have a good internet connection.)

NYC Restaurant Week
January 30th – February 27th, 2011

Crumbs Cupcake of the Week – Cherry Cobbler

I had imagined Cherry Cobbler to look more like Crumbs’ Apple Cobbler, but it’s still looks delicious.

If you’re not a fan of Red Velvet, I would definitely opt for this week’s Cupcake of the Week. Cherries are not only lighter in sweetness, they’re also just plain sweet.

Beneath all the streusel crumbs is vanilla cream cheese frosting, and beneath that is a cupcake filled with cherry preserve.

Check out Crumbs’ Twitter feed for more news and sweet deals.

Locations:
(Brooklyn Heights)
109 Montague Street
Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
T 718-935-9600
(Garment Center)
1385 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
T 212-764-7100
(Grand Central)
420 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10170
T 212-297-0500
(Broadway)
1675 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
T 212-399-3100
(Bryant Park)
43 West 42nd St
New York, NY 10036
T 212 221 1500
(Lexington Avenue)
1418 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10128
T 212 360 7200
(Madison Avenue)
501 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10022
T 212 750 0515
(The Village)
37 East 8th St
New York, NY 10003
T 212 673 1500
(Third Ave)
880 Third Ave
New York, NY 10022
T 212-355-6500
(Union Square)
124 University Place
New York, NY 10003
T 212 206 8011
(Upper East Side)
1379 Third Ave
New York, NY 10075
T 212 794 9800
(Upper West Side)
350 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10024
(Wall Street)
87 Beaver St
New York, NY 10005
T 212 480 7500
(East Hampton, Long Island)
35 Newtown Ln
East Hampton, NY 11937
T 631 329 4883
(Huntington, Long Island)
11 Wall St
Huntington, NY 11743
T 631 421 4500
(Woodbury, Long Island)
8285 Jericho Turnpike
Woodbury, NY 11797
T 516-224-4542
T 212 712 9800

I feel like I should eat this cupcake like a Tootsie Pop. What do you think?

In the News: NYCC/NYAF tickets on Sale and Baby the Stars Shine Bright & Alice and the Pirates comes to Tokyo Rebel

NYAF 2008 BtSSB & AatP Fashion Show

New York Comic Con Tickets Go Live Today

While New York Comic Con/New York Anime Festival is months away, you can order professional and fan tickets starting today.

Tokyo Rebel Carries Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Alice and the Pirates

This is big news in the Lolita world. East Coast Lolitas won’t have to venture all the way to San Francisco for brand as Tokyo Rebel has announced today they will soon be carrying Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Alice and the Pirates.

It is great news after their previous announcement about no longer be stocking Angelic Pretty items. However, there’s still some AP items left in the store, so stop by before it’s all gone. (Note: Since they won’t be restocking, the items are all on sale!)

New York Comic Con/New York Anime Festival
October 13 – 16, 2011

Tokyo Rebel
170 Avenue B
New York, NY 10009

Crumbs Cupcake of the Month – Red Velvet

Red Velvet is not only delicious but a classic flavor.

Perfect for Valentine’s Day. Much better than a box of chocolates (well, almost.)

Crumbs’ Cupcake of the Month for February is Red Velvet. Need I say more?


Locations:

(Brooklyn Heights)
109 Montague Street
Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
T 718-935-9600
(Garment Center)
1385 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
T 212-764-7100
(Grand Central)
420 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10170
T 212-297-0500
(Broadway)
1675 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
T 212-399-3100
(Bryant Park)
43 West 42nd St
New York, NY 10036
T 212 221 1500
(Lexington Avenue)
1418 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10128
T 212 360 7200
(Madison Avenue)
501 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10022
T 212 750 0515
(The Village)
37 East 8th St
New York, NY 10003
T 212 673 1500
(Third Ave)
880 Third Ave
New York, NY 10022
T 212-355-6500
(Union Square)
124 University Place
New York, NY 10003
T 212 206 8011
(Upper East Side)
1379 Third Ave
New York, NY 10075
T 212 794 9800
(Upper West Side)
350 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10024
(Wall Street)
87 Beaver St
New York, NY 10005
T 212 480 7500
(East Hampton, Long Island)
35 Newtown Ln
East Hampton, NY 11937
T 631 329 4883
(Huntington, Long Island)
11 Wall St
Huntington, NY 11743
T 631 421 4500
(Woodbury, Long Island)
8285 Jericho Turnpike
Woodbury, NY 11797
T 516-224-4542
T 212 712 9800

Happy Lunar New Year!

It’s the year of the Rabbit!

Be sure to be wear lots of red, eat lots of good food, and try not to spend those red packets too soon.

If you have the chance head to Chinatown today to and ring in the new year at Roosevelt Park for the Chinese New Year Festival from 11AM – 3:30PM

Or head to the Museum of Chinese Americas as it is free every Thursday courtesy of Target.

Chinese New Year Ceremony and Festival
Date: Thursday, February 3, 2011
11 AM – 3:30 PM
Roosevelt Park (between Grand & Hester Streets)

Museum of Chinese Americas
215 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013

Cupcake of the Week – SuperBowl!

Are you ready for some football?

As you write up that Superbowl snack list, be sure to put down a pack of Crumbs’ Cupcakes. This weeks cupcake is a chocolate cream-filled vanilla cupcake, vanilla cream cheese frosting, sprinkles and a sugar cookie in the shape of a football.

I have a hunch on who Crumbs’ Bake Shop is rooting for, do you?

Check out Crumbs’ Bake Shop on Twitter for more news and contests.


Locations:

(Brooklyn Heights)
109 Montague Street
Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
T 718-935-9600
(Garment Center)
1385 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
T 212-764-7100
(Grand Central)
420 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10170
T 212-297-0500
(Broadway)
1675 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
T 212-399-3100
(Bryant Park)
43 West 42nd St
New York, NY 10036
T 212 221 1500
(Lexington Avenue)
1418 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10128
T 212 360 7200
(Madison Avenue)
501 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10022
T 212 750 0515
(The Village)
37 East 8th St
New York, NY 10003
T 212 673 1500
(Third Ave)
880 Third Ave
New York, NY 10022
T 212-355-6500
(Union Square)
124 University Place
New York, NY 10003
T 212 206 8011
(Upper East Side)
1379 Third Ave
New York, NY 10075
T 212 794 9800
(Upper West Side)
350 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10024
(Wall Street)
87 Beaver St
New York, NY 10005
T 212 480 7500
(East Hampton, Long Island)
35 Newtown Ln
East Hampton, NY 11937
T 631 329 4883
(Huntington, Long Island)
11 Wall St
Huntington, NY 11743
T 631 421 4500
(Woodbury, Long Island)
8285 Jericho Turnpike
Woodbury, NY 11797
T 516-224-4542
T 212 712 9800

Follow Alice to Wonderland – the Musical

It’s very fitting that Wonderland has come to Broadway – to New York City, even. In the city you can find new places to eat ever day, discover new places that were never there before, and you pretty much think everyone is mad as a hatter.

Wonderland – the Musical starts out like all fairytales: a young woman goes on a life-altering adventure. Except this one happens to take place below the streets of NYC.

The adventure starts April 19. Previews will start March 21st, and you can start purchasing tickets February 14 (hint: if you’re not sure on a Valentine’s gift, this is a great idea to start).

Hope to see you there!

Wonderland – the Musical
April 19, 2011 –
(Previews March 21st)
Marquis Theater
1535 Broadway (between 45th and 46th Streets)
New York, NY 10036

City Bakery’s Hot Chocolate Festival

Chocolate lovers should jump for joy, unite in masses and head to the City Bakery in Union Square during February.

Why? For the City Bakery’s annual Hot Chocolate Festival.

Hot chocolate is a fickle drink that acts like it’s always going through the “terrible twos.” It can be thick and syrupy or watery with lots of marshmallows or mixed with chili peppers because it wanted to see if it tasted good (Answer: it does!)

And for those who can’t get enough of it, the City Bakery started a festival where for each day in February they have a new flavor of hot chocolate. Sweet deal, no?

Try flavors like Moulin Rouge, Earl Grey, Arabian Nights or my favorite Ode to the Polar Bear.

via Time Out New York

Hot Chocolate Festival
City Bakery
3 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011