The BEST NYC Santa.

In honor of this holiday season I have to tell you about the best NYC Santa Claus.  A friend told me about the best Santa in NYC and after living here for so long and never hearing about him I had to see for myself. I went the night before because my yoga studio is right near ABC Carpet and Home ( 888 Broadway and 19th Street) and drilled the security guys about Santa.  They told me he was the "Real Deal" with a real beard, belly and beautiful vintage suit who gives the children a unique lollipop when they are finished visiting with him.  If you have never been to ABC Carpet it is beautifully decorated and has exquisite gifts ( They can be on the pricier side but they are one of a kind).  Security told me the best time to arrive would be 2 p.m. when the line would not be as long and to bring my own camera because you are your own photographer  so there is no charge to sit on Santas lap.  The setting was absolutely stunning and when i arrived the next day I was convinced and in awe of Santa.  I was tempted to sit on his lap and tell him what I wanted for Christmas but didn't want to freak him out :) So I watched as the children made their way to him- it was so sweet.  Unfortunately he is only at ABC carpet on weekends and this will be his last but if you live in NY or are here for the holiday season next year this is a must see!!!  ABC Carpet has the Best Santa I've ever seen!!!!  Happy Holidays everyone!!!!!
http://www.abchome.com/systemPage/storemanhattan/tabid/73/Default.aspx

The line for Santa

The BEST Chill Cafe in Chelsea.

Chelsea is my hood.  My go-to place to meet friends and grab a good bite, a treat, or a coffee/ tea is definitely Grey Dog.  Located on 16th between 7th and 8th it is one of my favorite places because the atmosphere is very Seattle Coffee House-ish ( I especially love it in the evening) - open 6:30 am to 11:30 pm .  When you go inside Grey Dog you really don't feel like you're in New York anymore.  You can actually have a conversation with the person you are hanging out with and it has a romantic vibe and great music.  The food is pretty amazing and hearty and the deserts are off the chain!!!! I  personally love the granola cookie and any and all of the pies.  You can definitely split a meal with who ever you are with because the portions are big.  The service is great and the staff is hip and great looking as well- even their delivery guys are hot :)  So if you are in the Chelsea area and are looking for the BEST Cafe check out Grey Dog- I'm sure you will love it as much as I do.
http://www.thegreydog.com/restaurant-menu/   

The BEST Eye Make-up Remover Around.

To all the ladies in the house....  There was a time, back in the day, when I was the queen of eyeliner.  There were many days when I would wake up with eyeliner shmeered down my face due to crappy eye make-up remover.  Thankfully those days are over.  I have tried everything from very expensive brands to not so expensive brands and to my surprise this is THE BEST eye make-up remover I have ever used and it's about $7.99 for the big container.  I wear contacts so I can't deal with eye make-up remover that leaves your eyes cloudy and greasy but I have to say as long as you use the oil free version of this (in the purple container) you will be very happy- plus it's hypo- allergenic.  It's the only thing that, on the occasion that i actually wear eyeliner, gets it all off in one shot- that's why Almay oil free eye make-up remover pads made the best list!!!!  You can find them in the make-up section of any pharmacy.....  Here's to no more raccoon eyes!!!!

The BEST Thing I Ever Did.

Four years ago i did something that would change my life forever....  I got my dog Keoki.  I knew he was going to be a big responsibility but i never knew the unconditional love and happiness he would bring into my life.  I had a  few tough years and I always tell people that he was my lifeline. Meaning he really was a gift when I thought i couldn't take much more always with a wagging tail, a lick, doing something funny to make me laugh or getting me out of the house to take a walk.  I never knew when i got him how in love i would be and how thankful everyday i would be for him.  I truly believe there is a proof of God when you are around an animal.  I can't leave out Miss Marilulu who i rescued a year ago- she's just completely full of love and happiness.  I have to say that having a pet is by far the best thing i ever did and I highly recommend it to anyone that's looking for unconditional love.  There are so many homeless animals that are in need of adoption and trust me when you save them they know they have been saved.  Petfinder is a great sight to find animals that need adoption in your area http://www.petfinder.com/.   Another great site that contains lots of valuable information for animal lovers and pet owners is www.Pets.Answers. But just know before you adopt what a big responsibility it is - trust me the love completely outweighs the tasks.  There have been times where i have cried and Keoki runs and licks the tears off of my face and eyes- if that's not a best friend i don't know what is....  That's why he and Marilu are the best things i ever did......

The Best Fashion/ Beauty Blog

One of my favorite girls is my great friend Nancy ( to me she is known as Bossy).  She is a model / actress / observer and positive soul - her good energy radiates.  She started a fashion/ beauty blog and i think it's one of the best around.  Not only because she is my friend but because it gives us an honest look inside  her fun, fashionable life.  Check it out i think you will love it too!!!!
fashionandthebeauty.com/

The Best Rapper....... EVER.

I have to give a shout out to the best rapper that ever lived....  Christopher Wallace a.k.a. Biggie Smalls, The Notorious B.I.G...... " Stay far from timid, only make moves when your hearts in it and live the phrase sky's the limit."

The Best Yoga Studio in NYC

Five years ago I did something that changed my life.  I took a class at Prana Power Yoga and the addiction began.....  There are many studios in NYC and really your style of yoga is truly based on preference but after years of working out and running I took a power vinyasa class and it changed my mind and body.  I have always been lean but this type of yoga strengthens and lengthens you- I had never achieved the results  I now have from regular workouts and mentally I would walk out of class in a great mood.  Prana Power Yoga is a vinyasa flow in a 98 degree room so it's hot but not as hot as Bikram and there is a flow of different poses that change with each teacher so you never get the same workout.  I feel like I get a spiritual and physical workout when I am there and I LOVE it and think it's the best!!!!  The studio is small and very welcoming and the teachers are amazing.  If you want to do something for your body both mentally and physically check it out!!!!! It's located at 862 Broadway in Union Square above the Petco and has a number of classes daily.  Check out there websitehttp://pranapoweryoga.com/