Archive for the ‘Shopping’ Category
The East Coast adventure continued as I managed to sleep until 11am the next morning. That does not happen in my world anymore, so it was a special treat. After slurping coffees from the nearby market, we began what would be a 10-hours trek around the city. (Not that anyone was counting.)
While my lack of navigational skills proceeds me, NYC is easy to decipher. Luckily, my map reading prowess wasn’t challenged this particular day – I left that job to the Big City Girl, Candace. Our first discovery was Central Park. We chose the “Alice in Wonderland” sculpture first, which has been part of the park’s scenery since 1959. In Alice style, I clamored onto the bronze piece for a few tourist photos. 
It was fun to read the various excerpts from Lewis Carroll’s classic placed carefully around the sculpture.
We continued our walk to Strawberry Fields which is a living memorial to John Lennon. We discovered a circular black and white mosaic with the words ‘imagine’ placed in the center. Various people encircled the quiet space, and a colorful ‘tour guide’ explained the history of Strawberry Fields. Apparently its his job to decorate the mosaic 365 days a year with various types of flowers (once he used pot leaves) and he takes it very seriously. He explained that while the area is within viewing distance The Dakota, Yoko Ono didn’t want a statue of Lennon placed in Strawberry Fields. She not only didn’t want the daily reminder that her husband had died, she didn’t want birds to do their business there either. It was a peaceful section of the park where its visitors seemed to contemplate Lennon’s mission for imagining world peace. Or maybe they were considering the tour guide’s tragic tie-dyed ensemble.
Our outing continued with lunch at an outdoor bistro. I ordered a portobello sandwich, and eavesdropped on the conversation held two-inches from our table. (They are all about using every inch of space in this city.) While we awaiting our order, two 30-something women discussed the New York dating scene. One of the women dominated the conversation with her theories, which must be shared here. “I’m not dating anymore. I’m done,” she said. I have much more important issues to resolve, like finishing my place. Once that happens, I’ll revisit the issue. I’d much rather replace my dining room table legs than date. Besides, summer is the season for dating. It works like this: People come out and are looking for fun in the summer. Then fall hits and it time to dump or be the dumpee. The fall is a horrible dating season. Spring is okay, but same thing for winter. Trust me on this theory.”
After eating our delectable lunch, we were craving dessert and had had enough of our “Sex in the City” dating lesson. It was time to sample a much awaited Magnolia Bakery cupcake. We weathered the long line to order two magnificent specimens of cupcakery goodness. Now, I realize that this dessert is a popular trend nowadays, but I noticed a cupcake bakery on just about every corner in NYC. These people know what they’re doing. Mine was a chocolate cupcake, covered in yellow to-die-for icing. Yum.
We walked off our sugar highs by cruising to SoHo, the Hudson River and the Chelsea Market. We walked on a rooftop that was artfully landscaped with wooden lawn chair and gardens. Who knew a cement industrial rooftop could be so cozy? The Chelsea Market felt like an underground wonderland, full of bakeries (Fat Witch Bakery made me laugh), seafood markets (The Lobster Place) and more.
The highlight of the day happened at an accidental stop at Zena’s. Her storefront is well-known, located in the West Village. We were walking past the medium’s ‘store’ when something made me stop. “We have to get our palms read,” I said. After a short discussion, Candace agreed. We met Zena (who could forget that name?) and I agreed to be first. She ran through payment options. “For $20 you get a palm reading and small look into he future. For $40, you can ask me questions regarding your future, as well as the reading. For $60 you get the reading ask questions and I will look three years into your future with my crystal ball.” (All I want to know is how does the ball know to stop at three years? Come on, now.) We opted for the $20 reading. She confidently took my hand and began speaking in a strange tone. It sounded like she was in a trance. It took everything in me to not giggle and take a sidelong glance at Candace. “You will live a long tife, well into your 80s,” she said. (I wonder who gets the bad news that tomorrow there time is up?) But yay! I’m liking this palm reading thing. “You are currently struggling with fitting into your current station in life, and connecting with people that you can relate to.” Hmm..Okay, Zena. This is accurate. Suburbia has been a challenge for me. “Don’t make any life changing plans until the end of the year That’s when it will all come together.” (Ah! I can relax until December. Awesome. “You have a very independent streak that has been present since childhood. This character trait has affected your career and you should keep it in check.” (Fine, I get it. You’re the real deal, Zena. You nailed it. Here’s my $20.)
A little shocked, I traded seats with Candace, and listened to her reading. Zena’s monotone voice began to accurately describe my friend. “You are in transition, and are working on all levels of your life, spiritual, physical and emotional. You are not as trusting as before. You are a helper and work in a relatable industry. You will meet your love partner in 2011.”
I’m still unsure where Zena picked up all of those details, but she was good. And it made our casual West Village pilgrimage that much better.
We took a break at the White Horse Tavern where poet Dylan Thomas swilled his life away in the bar’s middle room. It was fun to watch the nannies scurry along the streets, kids in tow, while sampling nachos.
Canal Street was next on the agenda, where we witnessed the famed designer knockoffs on every corner. We meandered along Little Italy here every few feet we were offered a table and the ‘world’s best’ Italian food. Chinatown, full of strange edibles and twinkling music. At the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory I tasted delightful mango ice cream and Candace chose coconut. I’m aware that our nutrition choices were questionable. Vacation food!
Finally, I bought the trip’s mascot, a rubber coi fish purse at Pylones. We named said fish, Zena, and she will make appearances throughout the NYC adventure.
On our walk home, Candace noticed a lad talking on his cell phone. She did a double take, while I kept walking. She stopped and looked once more. He winked at her, and nodded. It was the actor Jason Segall from “How I Met Your Mother.” (He plays nice guy Marshall.) We appreciated that he was cordial and didn’t give us he stink eye for interrupting his conversation.
Tune in tomorrow to read about naked museum exhibitions (pun intended) and how Katz’s never closes.
I avoid chain stores, but Target always seems to bring the allure. We were there this weekend, where purchasing pre-schooler shoes became a major production, I was also berated by the cashier and scolded by a fellow shopper. The conspiracy theorist in me want to believe there is more to that bulls eye logo than they are letting on.
After navigating the list and shoving said items (wine, picture frame, eye drops – riveting stuff, right?) into the cart, (already filled with our non-stop chattering 4 year-old narrator, being directed by one very aggressive 2 year-old) we were more than ready to make our escape. Florescent lights blaring, children screeching, husband Chris ordered an emergency exit. They left me waiting in line to pay for our goods.
While waiting like a good little consumer, I pulled out the picture frame and a photo I had brought to ensure it would properly fit. The picture captures the two wild boys running in the park. It’s a classic action shot; one that demands comments. I noticed the woman standing behind me was looking at it.
“Funny, isn’t it,” I said. I realize this is a break in suburban conversation etiquette, but whatever. “Yes. It’s cute. But it’s getting ruined. You’re fingerprints on it are killing me,” she said. “See, I’m an art director.” Um, okay. The art director/Target customer is scolding me.
“Here. Buy one of these folders. It’s 99 cents, for God’s sake,” she said. “No, that’s okay. Really,” I said. It was my turn at the cashier, so I scooted away from the compulsive art director and her shiny folder. I handed the cashier a newspaper coupon for the Huggies (insert a shout out to “Raising Arizona” here) and waited to start saving the big bucks. Like $1.50 of them. I’m no coupon clipper, but I do like saving Benjamins. It’s such a hassle, though. Let me illustrate.
The cashier handed the coupon page back to me and started scanning the other items on the conveyor belt. Confused, I carefully ask, “Um, did you already count this coupon?” This is when evil entered the unassuming cashier. “You should know that you are required to cut out the exact coupon you wish to use because I have to send it to the company so they get their money. I can’t do everything,” she said. Shocked, I channeled my inner “Heathers” character. (If you missed this cinematic gem, add it to your Netflix queue quick. “Bulimia is so 1987.”) “Excuse me?” I sputtered, ripping the coupon along the dotted lines. This is so not worth $1.50, you coupon clipping fiends.
My coupon was finally acceptable per Target protocol, and I was able to join my madcap group in the parking lot. Far, far away from neurotic art directors and evil cashiers.