End Of Summer BBQ

On September 21st the Knights of Columbus Lexington Council of Greenpoint Brooklyn held their end of summer BBQ. It was an absolute beautiful day for one. At first it was cloudy and the weather man did say some morning showers would appear, but the showers came and gone so quickly and we were able to enjoy the day. After the five minute rain the sun was out and about.

The BBQ was held at St. Anthony's school yard and they had all the typical BBQ dishes (burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, beers and sodas). It was a nice community outing. New and old people of the Greenpoint area was in attendance.

My friend even came out to support the cause too. Last time I saw him was for my birthday in April. It really was a great event to be around family and friends. These are the moments I cherish because everyone's always so busy.

Everyone at the BBQ were great and you felt like a community with everyone there. Since Greenpoint is changing a lot everyday it's nice to go to these functions and give back to the community. It's kind of sad to see a neighborhood change so much. No one knows each other like they use to and it doesn't feel like a neighborhood anymore. Greenpoint seems like LES to me and I've been told by many that it wasn't always the case.

Below is the link to the pictures from the BBQ and the Knight's of Columbus Lexington Council Facebook page. If you're from the Greenpoint area and interested in giving back to the community check out the Knights of Columbus. Also make sure to like their page for future updates. They've been around for so long helping others out. As I've said before it's time to give back.

Pictures from the BBQ

Knights of Columbus Lexington Council Facebook Page

Walking Over The Williamsburg Bridge

The Williamsburg Bridge connects South Williamsburg to the Lower East Side. Both areas have changed in so many ways and have become very trendy. The Williamsburg Bridge is not the nicest looking bridge in New York, but the views from the bridge are still great and it's not a bad walk at all.

One thing I love to do whether it's fall, spring or summer (when it's not humid and hot) is to walk over the Williamburg Bridge. I use to walk over the bridge at least once or twice a year, but I wasn't able to the last two years. My boyfriend and I have been so busy we didn't have time to enjoy the more simple activities the city has to offer.

So finally last month we were able to walk over the bridge. We've walked over the bridge a couple of times before and finally this time the weather was on our side. I never feel scared when walking the bridge and there are plenty of people walking or riding their bikes. Some people go for a run on the bridge too, which I think is a great idea. I think running over the Williamsburg Bridge is almost liking being on your own of marathon. Plus you'll probably burn a bunch of calories and not even notice it since you're outside and enjoying the view.

The first time my boyfriend and I walked over the bridge was in the summer of 2008. I remember it because we had just started dating and I told him I never walked over it before. The only bad thing was we picked a really hot and humid day, which was a big fail on our part. Then another time we had walked over the bridge it was in the spring time and it had just gotten dark. There were still people around, but to be on the bridge at night was a little creepy. Then the J train was passing and I was a little jumpy at the times. Although it was dark there were still people walking and people riding their bikes. It just seems like people are always there.

So finally this time around we walked the bridge a little past six so the sun was almost about to go down and it wasn't as humid or hot as the first time around. The first few times we walked the bridge we never took any pictures, so I made sure we took pictures this time around. Although my boyfriend makes fun of me we still took the pictures anyways and it came out real cute. Who doesn't love a selfie here and there.

Walking the Williamsburg Bridge doesn't take long at all. I think it took us about forty five minutes to an hour and this was because we were taking our time. Once over the bridge we did go to the bar and got ourselves a beer. It just seemed like the right thing to do.

Another bridge I'll have to walk over is the Brooklyn Bridge. I think the views from there will be amazing and it's definitely something to do on my bucket list.

Daily Blog: When Do You Start Wearing Boots?

The weather is getting cooler and soon we'll have to put our sandals away. Although I'm sad that summer is coming to an end, I am excited about getting to wear my fall clothes.

Since it's only getting a bit cooler I love wearing my booties. I have a black pair of wedge booties that I leave in my office and for the weekend I have a grey suede pair of wedge booties. I got my grey booties about three or four years ago from Payless and they still look brand new since I don't wear them all the time. Plus I take care of shoes very well.

Then I also have a pair of brown Aldo boots with a two inch heel. These boots are so comfortable and when I'm just hanging out with my girls or my boyfriend these are one of my favorite go to boots.

Once the weather gets a lot colder like November that's when I start wearing my knee high boots. My favorite pair are my Nine West wedge boots. Nine West has been one of my favorite brands for as long as I can remember. They're very comfy and very affordable too. I use to pay crazy amount of money for shoes, but as I got older brand names weren't important to me as much.

A pair of boots that I treated myself too were my knitted Uggs. When it's super cold outside I wear my Uggs and my feet are nice and toasty, plus they're very comfortable to walk in. Another pair of boots I recommend to everyone are my purple Hunter Boots. These boots are the best for rainy days and snow days. I've had my Hunter Boots for over three years and they're the best. I have the high boot, but I'd like a shorter one so I can wear it in the fall or spring. Sometimes when walking in the high ones it might get too heavy on you.

So there it is, some of my favorite boots and when I like to wear them.

Daily Blog: My Favorite 2013 Summer Memory

This summer has been very busy and hectic. My favorite summer memory has to be taking my baby sister to the Yankees game. I had taken her to a Sunday game and the Yankees were playing the Detroit Tigers. We've been to the Yankees game a bunch of times before, but this time around it just seemed more special.

Since Goldstar is my one of my favorite websites to get discounted tickets that's where I went to purchase them. I bought tickets in the 400 section. Since with Goldstar you don't know where you're sitting our chances of sitting in the nosebleeds were 50/50. The tickets we got were in the nose bleed section in section 413. If you're afraid of heights these seats would be a problem for you.  We were all the way up there. (The last time I sat up there was two years ago for The Big Four Concert.) Although the view was still great we wanted to be a bit closer to the game.

By the bottom of the 5th inning we went to get dipping dots. I got cookie dough and my sister decided to get rainbow. My sister is nine years old and she thought it tasted good. I thought it had no flavor whatsoever and wasn't much of a fan of it. While eating our dipping dots I noticed that the outfield section in the 300s were pretty empty. There were plenty of seats there. The only bad thing was the sun was out in full effect and you would roast sitting that section. I ran it by my sister and she was all for it, but I reminded her that the security guard might not let us. She insisted we still try anyway.

So after walking to the other end of the stadium we got there and I asked the security guard if we could sit in the empty seats. At first he seemed very skeptical about letting us sit there, but then he gave in and said go ahead. My sister and I were thrilled and we sat there the remainder of the game.

The fun didn't stop there though. After watching the Yankees win, we went out for an early dinner at a sushi restaurant in Queens. The restaurant is right across the street from Queens Center Mall. We went to Tomo Japanese Cafe (89-14 Queens Blvd) which is one of my family's favorite sushi restaurants to go to. During dinner we had the whole nine years, appetizers, there sushi rolls each and dessert.

It was a very eventful day and one that we both enjoyed so much. Since my baby sister is so much younger than me I love to spoil her whenever I get the chance and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Coney Island Date Night

Two weekends ago my boyfriend and I decided to go to Coney Island for a date night. I've been to Coney Island a million times with my family, but never with him. The journey down there isn't too bad from Queens and who cares when you're looking forward to a fun filled night.

Once we got there the first thing we did was go to Nathans between Schweikerts Walk & Stillwell Ave. I've never been to this location before and I didn't even realize it existed because I thought they only had the one location on the Boardwalk. This location had a whole bunch of seafood items on the menu, and I got the clams and chips instead of their hotdogs. At first when I got it I thought it didn't look like much and that I would be hungry. To my surprise it was very filling and the clams and chips also came with cole slaw and corn bread. For $7 I was stuffed so this was bargain eating at it's best. My boyfriend opt for the more regular Nathan's items like their hot dogs and french fries. Even though I didn't get it this time their cheese fries are one of the best cheese fries ever. You have to try them at least once. 

After we ate we walked on the Boardwalk then walked into the amusement parks. The first ride we went on was the Polar Express. For $10 per person the ride was at least ten minutes long and you do feel like you get your money's worth. This ride is not scary at all and they play music while you're on it (mostly hip hop). The ride goes around in a circle and it has little baby hills here and there. 

Once we were done with the Polar Express we decided to take a break from the rides and play some games. First we went to the Arcade and we played Skee Ball and then played Terminator 2. During Skee Ball my boyfriend and I can get pretty competitive. We always have been whenever we're playing a game. After the arcade we played two of the typical carnival games. We didn't have any luck with the carnival games and didn't win any prizes. 

So for our second ride I was so determined to go on the Wonder Wheel. We bought our tickets and got on line. Once the family in front of us got in, I then started to notice how high the ferris wheel was. Also the seats looked like they were made out of really thin metal. I started panicking and had to get off the line. I just couldn't do it. The Wonder Wheel is super tall and I hope one day I'll be able to get over my fear. So we got our tickets back and went into the hunted house ride instead. We were the only ones on it, but it was fine with me. The ride had your regular hunted house items inside. Nothing out of the ordinary. My boyfriend being the jokester that he is told the attendant that he was so scared that his hair fell off. You can't help but laugh since he's bald. 

After the haunted house ride we decided we went on enough rides for the night. We walked on the Boardwalk towards the F train. Before we got on the train we went to this new candy store named It's Sugar. It had every kind of candy there was. Even older candy from the 80s. At this store I got myself a king size Air Head and a cute little tee for my baby cousin that said "I Love Boobs" on it. The store offers a variety of things, candy, shirts, household items (dishware) clothes; a little bit of everything. 

Once we got done shopping and looking around we went home. Being out on the Boardwalk and enjoying the summer night was by far one of the best date nights I had with my boyfriend. It's not always about going out for dinner and getting fancy. What's more important is enjoying the moments you and that special someone share and having fun together. 

Picnic At Brooklyn Bridge Park

                Three weekends ago my boyfriend and I went to the Brooklyn Bridge Park for a picnic. It was a good idea, but there were some flaws in our plans.

                First off we decided to take the East River Ferry. Last year when we took the ferry it wasn’t bad at all. So we decided to take the ferry from North 6^th St (Williamsburg, Brooklyn). Biggest mistake ever because when we got there the line was already long and the workers warned us that we might not be able to get on the boat, but we thought lets take our chances. It couldn’t be that bad, but it was. We didn’t make it on the first boat and it took another 40 minutes for the next one to come. A lot of people did got off the line once they weren’t able to get on and we got lucky being the first ones for the second boat. It’s just that the forty minutes wait was crazy. They should have had more boats on the weekends since more people will be using them. So note to self when going to Brooklyn Bridge Park it’s best to use the Subway because it gets you there a lot faster.

                Once we got to the park there was a bunch of people there. I guess word got around about the place. It's very easy to get to and the view of the park is just beautiful. Overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge and just being by  the water is a really great feeling. The park is very spacious so there’s more than enough space for people to set up for a picnic. We got a spot under some shade because my boyfriend tends to get sun burned easily. There’s also a pool there, but I haven't ventured to that part of the park yet. 

                Being at the park for the picnic was very relaxing. After eating our sandwiches I fell asleep for a bit. Being in the shade and having the breeze on you tends to put you in the mood for a mini nap. Once we got done with our picnic we were going to go to the small ice cream shop that’s there. The line for the ice cream shop was insane. You would think it’s a line for a famous club in Vegas or Miami. Same thing goes for the line for the ferry. This time around my boyfriend and I knew better not to try to get on the ferry. It probably would’ve been a two hour wait before we got home.

                Instead we took the train home. Although the F train had some work done on it I got home a lot quicker than taking the ferry and having to take the subway as well.

                So note Brooklyn Bridge Park is still a nice place to go to, but nowadays it’s more crowded and a lot of people seem to have found out about it. It’s definitely a place you should try to go at least once, but it’s no longer a hidden gem. 

Daily Blog: Favorite Thing To Do In The Summer

Every time summer comes all I think about is being out doors. The weather is nice why would I want to be stuck at home.

First place that comes to mind is the beach. I absolutely love going to the beach. At the beach I’m all about tanning. The essentials you’ll need are sun screen, sun glasses and I like to bring a book or magazine. I like reading when I’m tanning I feel more relaxed and I’m able to enjoy my book. I love watching the waves come in and being under the sun. The one beach in NY that I like is Long Beach. I rather pay so I can tan at a clean beach. Although this year I do plan on going to the Rockaways since it’s not too far of a bus ride from my house. The only thing is that bus gets ridiculously packed on the weekends no matter what time you go. 

Another outdoor activity I enjoy is having a picnic. I wish my boyfriend and I got to do more of this last year, but I’m hoping that would change for this year. A good place to go to is Dumbo Park. Last year we went there it was such a nice thing to do. We even got to take a little nap during out picnic. The views are also amazing, right next to the Brooklyn Bridge and then you can see Downtown Manhattan across from there. If you decide to go try the Ice Cream shop. They serve homemade ice cream and it’s worth every penny of it. You can also take the water taxi from Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Downtown Manhattan to get there.

As for the night life, I like being outside so going to a cafe where I can sit on the sidewalk is ideal to me. Another great place to be out and enjoy the outdoors would be to go to a beer garden. There are so many of them now and each one is unique. There are a couple of them in Williamsburg and Astoria. The one in Astoria is called Bohemian Hall Beer Garden located at 29-19 24^th Ave. The one located in Williamsburg is called Berry Park and it’s located at 4 Berry St, Brooklyn. I prefer Bohemian Hall Beer Garden because you’re outdoors and it feels like you’re at a park surrounded by all these picnic tables. Berry Park to me is a regular bar with a big roof top, so it doesn’t really feel much like a garden. Although don’t be surprised both places gets very packed during the summer time.

Well that’s all about what I love doing in the summer time. Tomorrow’s topic is a Throwback Thursday topic, and it’s a good one. 

Daily Blog: Manicure Monday- Nails for Summer

Nail salons make money all year round, but they make tone more in the summer. Since more people are out and about people have the need to look good. To some people it’s part of their lifestyle and to have unique nails can almost be a status statement. No one wants to have the same nail design as someone else.

Nail salons are hiring some of the best just so they can give their clients their very own customized nail design. Most of these nail salons are Uptown. Such nail salons are Nail Lounge (4752 Broadway, New York), Nails On 7 (2449 7^thAve Bet. 142^nd & 143^rd Street, Harlem), and Nail Factory & Hair (2421 Westchester Ave).

Nail Lounge has been put on the map by such reality stars from MTV’s Washington Heights and some of the ladies from Mobwives New York. Nails on 7 has been around for years and some of their customers are the ladies of Love & Hip Hop New York. Nail Factory & Hair is an up and coming nail salon that does great nails and hires great stylists. These nails salons also offer other services as well which is more convenient for their customers. Getting your nails and hair done all at once saves travel time and it’s just a lot easier to have it done all at one place. You can see the work of these nail salons on their Instagram page.

A lot of the designs for summer are bright colors. Neon’s are still great and if you want a more subtle color corals and pinks do the job. You can also dress up your nails with bows, flowers, Swarovski crystals and etc. It’s almost as if there were no limits to the kind of nail designs you can do especially for summer. I prefer bright colors in the summer time because I want my nails to be seen. I love bright greens, pinks and oranges. One of my favorite summer colors is white. It pops out and people can see your nails from anywhere.

Sometimes though it’s a little more difficult to get crazy with your nail design because of your job or school, but you can always try a reverse French manicure with colors that are soft, so that it’s more appropriate. Also having a regular French manicure is always a classic look that you can never go wrong with.

Below are a few pictures from the mentioned nail salons. Enjoy!!!

Daily Blog: Recap of the Weekend

My weekend started Friday at 1PM after leaving work. So thankful for my new job because at my old job summer hours started after 4th of July and you get out at 2:30 on Fridays. At my job now summer hours started after Memorial Day so after 5 years that was a nice change up. Friday was a low key kind of day. With all this rain we got there was no way I wanted to go out and meet the storm Andrea.

So after work I went to the nail salon. I've been going to the same nail salon for the past 10 years now. (I go to NYC Nails at 88-03 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven.) The owners are a Chinese couple and I swear they look like they never age. Spent almost 2 hours three cause it took forever to do my nails. I had to soak them and then I had them put a silk wrap on it. At the end the two hours spend there was well worth it. 

After that I picked up some Chinese food nothing special buffalo chicken wings and pork fried rice. So Friday night was pretty quiet and I got the rest I've been needing.

Saturday I got to wake up late and my boyfriend and  I decided to have a mini BBQ. Just the two of us with my family. Although we planned on having the BBQ ready by 3:30PM by the time we were done food shipping and putting the new mini grill together it was already 5:30PM.

The menu for the BBQ were suppose to be hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage with peppers, and grilled eggplant with of course potato and macaroni salads. Once we were done with the burgers and hot dogs we were done for the night. So the sausage and peppers will be for our next BBQ unless we get it started earlier in the day. 

For dessert I put green and red grapes and bananas on a skewer. After that I drizzled chocolate syrup on them. After that you put it in the fridge till when you're ready to eat them. 

It was such a refreshing snack. Last night was a really beautiful night. The air was cool and not muggy how it was during the day. It was definitely a good day for a BBQ. 

Then comes Sunday. I woke up this morning and I thought to myself the weekend goes by so fast. Then it's back to the same routine. I just hope summer doesn't go by too fast so I can actually enjoy it. 

Today for lunch I went to a Korean BBQ restaurant that's actually open 24 hours. The place is called Chung Kiwa Restaurant located at 40-07 74th Street Jackson Heights and the food is amazing. I've been going there since I was a kid and the staff has always been so nice and friendly. I would go into details about the food, but the restaurant deserves a blog of it's own. I went out for lunch because my mom's intern is leaving to start off her next journey. I wish her luck and many success. 

After lunch I went home and relaxed before I had to cook for the week. I've been cooking every Sunday for the work week for 3 weeks now and eating healthier does make a difference. Now all I have to do is get back on my work out routine and soon I'll be where I want to be. 

So overall that was my weekend in a nutshell. Can't wait for what next weekend is going to bring.