The Daily Blast! NYC Websites, Deal Sites and Apps.

With new establishments opening every day, there is no way to keep up with all the new restaurants, bars, spas and boutiques in this city.  I rely on an arsenal of websites to stay up to date.  Then, I enlist an army of daily deal sites that scour the city trying to find the best prices to enjoy them.  I also use local applications on my phone to help find what is nearby, for when I am looking for some fun on the fly.  Below are three sections of NYC based media to help the busy New Yorker: daily e-mail websites, daily deal sites and local smart phone applications.

I do not subscribe to them all, or else I would be way too overwhelmed.  I did not come-up with the taglines – I just quickly pasted their taglines next to each one.  If one appeals, sign-up and start becoming an insider on what’s hot in NYC.  I added a personal note in blue next to a few of them.  Click on the name of the brand to be linked to their site.

THE DAILY E-MAILS

Each of these sites will send a daily (or few times weekly) e-mail, featuring something fabulous in NYC.

(PS – almost all of these also have an application for smart phones)

* Urban Daddy has information on the hottest nightlife, restaurants and bars in New York.  This is probably my favorite daily e-mail for finding the hottest new restaurants and bars! 

* Eater - The New York City Restaurant, Bar and Nightlife Blog.  A foodie’s paradise.

* Daily Candy – NY restaurants, bars, fashion, shops, spas, events, deals and more.  Clever, girly writing, about all that is new in NYC. 

Grubstreet is a blog about the New York City restaurant scene from New York magazine with coverage of the restaurant scene, openings and closings, NYC food reviews, and food news.

Thrillist New York unearths all that's new, unknown or under-appreciated in NYC.

Curbed - The New York City neighborhoods and real estate blog.    

Racked - New York City Shopping, Stores, and Retail Scene.  

Chowhound - Tips for Dining, Eating, and Food Shopping in Manhattan. 

Gothamist - A daily weblog covering New York City's personalities, news stories, and media with humorous photos and running commentary.    

Midtown Lunch is a food blog dedicated to finding the best cheap lunch at restaurants, delis, and street carts in New York City.   

Serious Eats: New York is a food blog about everything delicious in the New York City region.   

Vital Juice is a free daily e-mail that delivers the latest must-read information about New York's new workouts, healthy eateries, spas and gurus.  

Flavor Pill is a daily guide to quality cultural events in New York City. 

DAILY DEAL SITES

There are so many deal sites out there now, there is no reason to pay full price!

* do Greater  - Get a GREAT DEAL while helping a GREAT CAUSE!   There are so many deal sites, but you can shop here and feel good about giving back to a great cause.  Log on to see what the current deals are and what non-profit is being featured! 

* Shop It To Me - Fashion on sale in your size. It's fun and free.

I have to tell you this is the best thing that happened to me for shopping!  You tell the site your sizes in different items and the brands you like.  They send you an e-mail with the links to the products that are on sale in your size, from the brands you love.  You also control how often you receive them – I get mine twice a week!  I HATE paying full-price for things now, because most things go on sale eventually.

* Groupon features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in New York City.    They were the 1^st on the block to change the way people shop for activities and services! 

* Gilt, Gilt City, and Jetsetter are all a part of Gilt Groupe and feature Invitation-only sales on Fashion & Products, Restaurants & Services, and Travel.

* Lifebooker - Discounts & Deals at the Best NYC, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island day spas, hair salons, medi spas, & plastic surgeons.  

 * Blackboard Eats often offers 30% off at the best restaurants, for a DOLLAR!  

* Yipit is amazing.  Instead of subscribing to tons of different deal sites, you can subscribe here and they send you the deal from all your favorite sites in one e-mail.  Below is a list of all the sites included on Yipit (when you go to their actual site):

  

Village Vines

Living Social   

TravelZoo   

BuyWithMe    

KGB Deals    

Social Steals   

 DealOn NYC     

Scoop St.     

Deal Surf     

Daily Flock      

Scout Mob    

InBundles    

The Dealist     

Jdeal      

Tippr     

Fresh Guide     

Gaggle of Chicks    

RelishNYC      

HomeRun    

BloomSpot    

iDealDay    

Zozi     

Lifebooker     

Daily Candy    

Do Greater      

Groupon     

Blackboard Eats     

…and more.

APPS FOR YOUR SMART PHONES

iTrans NYC - The ONLY subway app with timetables, offline service advisories, and walking directions.  This is great, because it doesn't need internet access to work, so when you are underground in the station, you can still access the info!

The Scoop is a guide to New York City from the staff of The New York Times. Providing you lists of favorite restaurants, bars, coffee shops, stores, events, experiences and day trips. 

NYCWAY has loads of info for dining, traffic, bars, coffee, public restrooms, transit, things to do, WiFi, hotels, banks, tourist attractions, gas stations, post offices, cabs, and more.

MoMA has an amazing app that tells you info about the museum, the art exhibits, and tour information (you can listen to it while viewing the art, informing you about the pieces).

TKTS – The Official TKTS app is the only way to get fast, accurate, real-time listings of all Broadway and Off Broadway shows available at the world famous TKTS Discount Ticket Booths in New York City.

OpenTable – an extension of the website, make reservations and check availability in a snap.

Happy Hours – find the closest happy hour deal near you!

MenuPages – like the website, but at your fingertips! 

Around Me allows you to quickly find out information about your surroundings.  It will locate you and then identify nearby restaurants and stores, etc.

Y! Sketch No keywords, or typing—just draw on your screen with your finger to identify where you want to search. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of your restaurant results, all conveniently located near your destination.

OTHER 

Lastly, I live for Time Out New York and New York Magazine.  Sure, there is nothing better than the New York Times and the prestige of their reviews, but if you want to lose the pretension and have a nice easy read about the best food trucks or dive bars alongside the best new chefs and nightclubs for your secret fetish, dig into these two.  They also cover local festivals, art exhibits, Broadway shows and more!

You can access them online or subscribe to have the real thing mailed to you.  It’s old school, but I love the real deal – a tangible magazine to take on the subway.

ENJOY! 

There are LOADS more.  I am sure YOU ALL have great sites you know of you too!  E-mail me and I can post a round two of sites and apps in the coming months!

Mini Blog - Discount Shopping NOW!

So, I know I have been a bit M.I.A..  It is hard being an overcommitter and further overcommitting to a blog.   I have a full-length blog about tree-peep'n coming out as well as the Movember launch blog, but I wanted to get out this mini blog for discount Shopping today since the deals are for TODAY and over the next few days!  These are not specific to NYC so my out of town friends can take advantage too.

Clearly, retail must be hurt'n this week, because they are practically begging us to shop!

Below, you will find the friends and family deals for Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue.

HAPPY SHOPPING!  The name of the store links to the discount offer.

October 19 - 24, 2010:  Saks Fifth Avenue is offering 20% off!

October 20 - 24, 2010:  Lord & Taylor is offering 25% (on even sale items)!

October 20 -21, 2010:  Bloomingdales is offering 15% most things, 20% off if you spend at least $300 and 50% off some jewelry!

Fashion's Night Out

In order to contend for your hard earned dollars, stores are pulling out all the stops this year for Fashion’s Night Out!

With over a 1,300 stores participating this year, it can be overwhelming. With so many parties, there is no longer any reason to go to store just because they are open late and have a DJ. Most stores have discounts, giveaways, gifts with purchase, live performances or fashion shows, raffles, food, games, pampering, booze, music, and celeb sightings!

I know this list looks long, but I literally sifted through over 800 of the options (sorry boroughs, I only researched Manhattan stores that had at least a couple of the above listed attributes) and this is the best of the best for the night. Skip to the sections that apply to you.

Also, you can go to http://www.fashionsnightout.com/ to create your own itinerary with maps! This site is awesome and you can find more information on what each store is offering, search by neighborhood, category of products, type of party, etc. On your marks, get set, SHOP!

Best Celeb Sightings
* Ne-Yo will be at Alejandro Ingelmo
* Pharrell Williams will be on hand at his store, Billionaire Boys Club 
* Rosario Dawson will be at Bottega Veneta
* Matthew Settle will be the guest bartender at Brunello Cucinelli (plus Kesté pizza and Moretti beer).
* Sip cocktails with Kelly Rowland at Cesare Pacotti
* Supermodel Naomi Campbell will be at Dolce & Gabbana and there will be a dance performance choreographed by Laurie Ann Gibson
* Camilla Belle will be on hand to style your look at David Yurman
* Molly Sims and the author of Recessionistas, Alexandra Lebenthal, will be at Judith Leiber
* The Olsen Twins will be behind the cash register at Elizabeth and James plus popcorn, tarot card reading and henna tattoos.
* Tim Gunn will be “making it work” at Kate Spade
* Sarah Silverman will be bringing the funny at MAC Cosmetics
* Singer Cassie will be hosting with Nicole Miller
* Selma Blair and Helena Christensen will be at Stella McCartney with musical performances, cocktails, raffle prizes and gift with purchase!
* Leighton Meester and other celebs will be at Roger Vivier to celebrate the exclusive preview of 5 new scents.  Plus there will be champagne, hors d’oeuvres, live music AND feel good because part of the proceeds will benefit the New York AIDS Fund.
* Olivia Palermo will be styling your look at Henri Bendel

Live Performances
* Balenciaga will have a live performance from Karen Elson (produced by husband Jack White)
*Joss Stone will perform at the 675 Fifth Avenue location of Nine West. Plus, the first 99 guests who donate a pair of previously loved shoes to Soles4Souls will receive a Nine West gift card.
* At the 667 Madison location of Kenneth Cole, Idina Menzel will perform.
* Fashion Giant, Andre Leon Talley will be at Ralph Lauren at 379 West Broadway while champagne is served and Janelle Monae performs!

Celebrity Designers
* Kenneth Cole locations will have the designer on-site, customize your own tees, music, and limited edition items.
* Kirna Zabete has a slew of celebrity designers, all launching exclusive products!
* Payless ShoeSource will have guest designers Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Patricia Fields and Isabel Toledo in the store for photo-ops!
* Rachel Zoe will be at the Piperlime pop-up store at 93 Mercer Street. I die.
* At the 597 Fifth Avenue location of Sephora, you will find Kat Von D and Josie Maran!

Preggers, but Still Love Fashion?
* Destination Maternity will be hosted by Supermodel Heidi Klum and they will be serving “mocktails!”
* The Upper Breast Side (seriously, I didn't make up that name) has shopping incentives for the fall season, snacks, music and gift bags.

Trying to Convince your Fella to Join You?
* Lord & Taylor will have the New York Jets Cheerleaders welcoming guests. But don’t worry ladies, the FDNY Calendar Men will be there too!
* The Men’s Store at Bloomingdales will be transformed into a 1920’s casino to celebrate the upcoming HBO series Boardwalk Empire. This will be a very cool event with blackjack tables furnished by Caesar’s Atlantic City and the stars of the show, including Steve Buscemi, roaming the casino!

Getting Hitched?
* Michael Aram and NewlyWish will have many wedding vendors participating in this event.
* Join Reem Acra for cocktails and sweets. Other wedding resources will be there as well.
* Vera Wang will be signing books, there will be giveaways and special offers, plus a DJ and dancing!

Boys Who Like Boys who Like Fashion!
* Sexy Tom Ford will be at the Bergdorf Goodman Men’s Store 
* GANT will feature a lacrosse themed window display featuring real lacrosse players taking their post-game shower LIVE in the Fifth Avenue window!!
* The new Limelight Marketplace will have celebrity drag queens, go-go dancers, vodka and shopping deals all night, hosted by Next Magazine.

Beauty Treatments
Because who doesn’t like to look pretty while they shop (and get pampered for free)!
* Armani Fifth Avenue will feature complimentary makeovers (supermodel Bar Refaeli will be there too).
* Aveda Stores are offering complimentary makeup touch-ups, hairstyling, and giveaways.
* Beyond 7 is offering mini-makeovers and serving cocktails while giving away product.
*Bibhu Nail Salon is offering a free polish change with other freebies (part of the party at the Plaza).
* Free haircuts and a Bachelor Auction at COACD x The Blind Barber
* Maria Bonita Salon & Spa is offering a ton of complimentary spa services, hairstyling, mini-manicures, gift bags, and more.
* Get a free consultation and 20% off products at Phyto
* Free bang cuts, hairstyling and makeup touch-ups at Shampoo Ave B Salon, plus product giveaways, cocktails, music and gift certificates to all who pop-in!

Early Bird gets the Worm - Stores offering a gift for the first guests
A good overcommitter knows how to plot out his/her course in order to get the most out a night!
* Adidas at 610 Broadway will be offering a free yoga class and free yoga mat for the first 40 guests signed-up (must RSVP).
* Anthropologie at 75 Ninth Avenue will have complementary tote-bags (featuring sketches by Jim Deneven) for the first 100 guests.
* The first 50 guests at BCBGMAZAZARIA locations will receive a Runway Survival Kit.
* Maybelline New York is participating in the Meatpacking Block Party and offering a free limited edition make-up bag for the first 50 consumers.
* The first 100 guests at Redken ( the 565 Fifth Avenue location) will receive a full size blow-dry gel & mini finishing spray-wax.
* The first 100 customers to purchase the Harajuku Lovers newest fragrance collection at the 555 Broadway location of Sephora will get a bottle signed by Gwen Stefani.

Prefer Goods with Some History?
Vintage and thrift shops still mean fashion!
* A Little Wicked is offering a vintage re-working workshop.
* A Second Chance and Amarcord Vintage Fashion are both participating.
* Have a drink with the pop-up vintage shop, Caravan Stylist Studio, at the Sky Room, NYC’s highest rooftop lounge!
* The City Opera Thrift Shop will have a live performance by City Opera .

Model Aspirations?
A few stores are using the night as a casting call for models:
* American Apparel on 429 Broadway
* Alice + Olivia at 80 W 40th Street
* Swarovski at Rockefeller Center.

The Heavy-hitters
These superstores are pulling out ALL the stops!
* Bloomingdales is featuring celebrities, designers, cooking demos, karaoke and ping pong (click on the link for full listing of events).
* Macy’s Herald Square – Joss Stone in the shoe department, Tommy Hilfiger Tailgate Party in the men's department (with The Man himself), Rachel Roy and Jessica Stam in Impulse, and much more.
* Barney’s New York – there is not enough room to list all the power designers that will be here! They have games like ping-pong and musical chairs to keep the night interesting.
* Bergdorf Goodman has SUPER STARS! Jason Wu, Mary J. Blige, Nicole Richie, Tom Ford, Victoria Beckham and dozens of other celebrities and designers + Karaoke!

Eco-friendly
* AuH2O is serving up champagne, vegan cookies and eco-friendly designs!
* Monique Péan Fine Jewelry is made with sustainable and eco-friendly materials – and at Jeffrey New York, every piece of jewelry sold helps provide clean drinking water to developing communities in need.

Block Parties
Each of these have a bunch of stores with great parties and deals.
* 3.1 Phillip Lim and Rag & Bone Street Party + My Gold Mask will perform.
* Bond Street Black Carnival Party
* The Meatpacking District isn’t messing around – they want your biz! Some of the best store parties are in this ‘hood and they have a scavenger hunt based around the app for your phone, Four Square! Click on the link above to get the full event listing!
* The Plaza Beauty and The Shops at the Plaza will feature a performance by Corinne Bailey Rae, plus other incentives to shop where Eloise made using your credit card cool.
* Rockefeller Center will be turned into one big red carpet experience. My buddy Seth will be the DJ, along with live performances from Bear Hands, Brahms and Savoir Adore. Plus, over 115 stores are participating in the night’s festivities!
* Teen Vogue and ASOS.com Block Party will be hosted by Shenae Grimes with loads of giveaways and a performance by V V Brown.

Rest of the Best
* Rebecca Taylor (260 Mott Street location) will have cupcakes, cocktails, complimentary eyebrow shaping by Frederick Fekkai and mini makeovers from Bobbi Brown.
* Head into Reiss (387 West Broadway location) for complimentary makeovers from Rimmel London, a DJ, discounts on fall collection, gift with purchase, and cocktails!
* Adriana Lima will be at Victoria’s Secret at Herald Square where there will be makeovers and a gift with purchase offer.
* Vivienne Tam is offering complimentary manicures and hairstyling, Godiva Chocolate and specialty cocktails plus prizes!
* Helmut Lang had my heart when they said they were featuring food from Rickshaw Dumpling Truck and drinks from Death & Company!
* Ace Hotel – Opening Ceremony will be in the lobby with a French flea market theme.
* Issey Miyake will be turning their store into a Café in honor of their coffee-themed men’s collection. Crepes, Cocktails and Coffee will be served while the DJ keeps you moving.
* Trade in your old glasses (to benefit New Eyes for the Needy) and receive a $50 gift card at Robert Marc

Too Many Places You Want to Visit and Too Little Time?
* Grand Central Terminal  has the event starting tonight through tomorrow night, featuring champagne, free gifts, live models, and discounts.
* Ann Taylor Loft is offering 30% off with on-line purchases with the code LOFTSTYLE so you can shop before you even leave for the evening.
* Patricia Field Boutique (who styled Sex and the City) will be open starting at 11am and not closing until 1:00 am, so you can start early or shop late!! Featuring makeovers, cocktails, and more – this one shouldn’t be missed!

I vote you make this your last stop, get your make-up touched-up, have a drink and hit the town!

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With all of these, check on the Fashion’s Night Out website to confirm the address and times, as each location is different.  Also, a few smaller venues may require reservations or a RSVP.

Also, if you have a favorite salon or store that isn't listed here, check the FNO website because almost everyone is offering something!

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The September Issue

Anna Wintour's annual copy of The September Issue of Vogue has already been on the stands for weeks now, sending women across America into depression about their own fall wardrobe.

To get out of the "I can't afford anything in this magazine" funk, I am listing a few cheap, free or just fun activities for this September!

* Now through September 6  Metropolitan Opera's Summer HD Festival (FREE):  Some of the Met's most popular Live in HD presentations will be screened on the front of the Met.  3,000 seats, in the fresh air, will be available each night on a first-come, first-served basis.

* Every Weekend in September  Governors Island Art Fair (FREE):  The fair will feature hundreds of independent and international visual, musical and performing artists.

* September 5  Brazilian Day (FREE): There will be more than 400 vendors in Little Brazil.  Catch some live music and performances while munching on traditional fare.

* September 6  West Indian Parade (FREE): This parade is worth the trip to Brooklyn, just to witness the insanely amazing costumes (often on scantily clad women).

                 * September 9-16  NYC Fashion Week:

It isn't really cheap or free, but if you know someone who knows someone, you might be able to get in.  This year marks the big move of Fashion Week from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center.  Christian Siriano will be showing his collection and saying "tranny" and "fierce" in repetition.

* September 10  Fashion's Night Out (FREE):

So you can't swing buying the "it" designer boots or coat, but at least you can go to some fun parties, see some amazing window displays, rub elbows with some celebs and score some goodies and discounts!

* September 11, 17, 18, 25 & 26  Modern Dance Performances (FREE): Various locations in Riverside Park.

* September 12  Broadway on Broadway (FREE):  A 30 piece orchestra takes over Times Square as the current Broadway Musicals each perform one song from their show.  This year Kelsey Grammer is hosting!

* September 12  Brooklyn Book Festival  (FREE): In addition to 175 booksellers and publishers, there will be over 200 authors in readings and panel discussions.

* September 13-20  Bryant Park Fall Festival (FREE): Eight free after-work performances featuring artists from NYC's premiere classical music, jazz, dance and opera institutions.  Last year, Els and I caught a great dance performance presented by The Joyce.

* September 16-26  San Gennaro Festival (FREE): The annual festival held in Little Italy is always a green, white and red treat.  With events like a cannoli eating competition, a blessing and an "official feast day," who could say no?

* September 16-30  Celebrate Mexico Now 7th Annual Festival: Anyone who knows me, knows I do a little happy dance every time chips and salsa are coming my way. Dig in during this festival featuring the best of Mexican food, film, literature, dance, music and art.  ¡Viva la México!

* September 18  Women's Health "Are You Game?" day ($10):  Participate in work-outs, instruction, consultation, pampering and fun - all at this outdoor event. 

* September 20  Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson hits Broadway! ($60-$130): After off-Broadway success, this show, starring Benjamin Walker, is move’n to Broadway with lots of good buzz. Emo-rockers rejoice.

* September 23  Save the date!  Els, Rachy and I are planning a fundraiser for our Light the Night walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Deets to come.

* September 24-26  The DUMBO Arts Festival:  150+ studios, 35+ galleries, and 40+ arts organizations participate and the programming will include music, performance art, literature, theatre, dance, film, a digital design component in addition to visual art.

*September 24-26  New York Surf Film Festival: Gnarly, dude, rad and sick (as in awesome) along with a lot of surf slang I don't know, will be in the house during this local surf film festival. 

* September 24-October 10  The 48th New York Film Festival:  Tickets go on sale September 12th.

* September 25  Steuben Day Parade (FREE) & Oktoberfest ($10): Drink from a stein and give thanks to the country that made drinking beer and eating sausage cool!  New York´s largest Oktoberfest starts immediately after the Steuben Parade and features a Bavarian Strongest Man competition and live music.  PS - Dr. Ruth is leading the parade. A must-see? I think so.

* September 28-October 9  Fall for Dance ($10): I look forward to this all year! Every seat in the house at City Center is TEN bucks! Each show has four different companies, performing from different styles of dance.  Tickets go on sales on September 12th.

* Every Weekend until October 10 Kayaking on the Hudson (FREE)!

* Through October  Yoga at Wave Hill ($20):  Wave Hill is 28 acres of gardens that overlook the Hudson River.  After the yoga class, enjoy the massive property!

* Though December  Stargazing in Inwood (FREE):  Get away from the light pollution of the city (there are no streetlamps and you are 200 feet above the lights of the city).  Head to Inwood for some stargazing with guides for a fun and different way to spend your Saturday night.

Two hyped movies that should be worth seeing:

* September 15  Never Let Me Go starring Kiera Knightley and Carey Mulligan

* September 17  The Town starring Rebecca Hall, Jeremy Renner, Chris Cooper, Jon Hamm and Blake Lively in Ben Affleck’s 2nd Directorial effort.

...and no, I am not going to do all of this. Even a true overcommitter doesn't have super powers.


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