NYC Alert - Magnolia Bakery and Topshop

I would like to introduce a new item on my blog...regular features....some ideas come up often and you have new ways to represent them so I am starting with one regular feature today...NYC Alerts ..... when news items come into play regarding different places within NYC that I feel you should be aware of. If you are planning a visit to the city, this info will make your trip even more fabulous!!! 

One of my fave stores in Soho, Topshop, is launching a cosmetics line this May !!

I was able to find a preview photo online of the collection. The core collection has 97 pieces, and was designed to mix whimsical design with bold color. The “more adventurous” trend collection will contain approximately 16 items that will refresh around 4-6 times a year

The full lineup will launch in Topshop’s 30 biggest stores, including the New York store, in May. Items from the core collection will range in price from $8 for an eye pencil, to $20 for a skin tint. Items from the trend collection will be priced slightly higher.

This is definately a fun way to purchase something new for yourself that is not too costly but is definately a spring perk me up !! :)

the wonderful Magnolia Bakery, this is the Rockefeller Center location, is finally open in Grand Central Terminal !!!

I have been waiting for such a loong time for this to open. I will have to check it out on my next visit to see how much work they did on the space that used to be Little Pie Company. I know some people do not like their cuppies but I say to anyone, try them for yourself, because what someone's opinion of them may not be yours !!

Topshop

478 Broadway and Broom

Soho

Magnolia Bakery

Grand Central Terminal

42nd Street and Park Avenue

The Heart of Manhattan

Lower Level Dining Concourse

Charbonnel et Walker at Saks Fifth Avenue NYC

For anyone who thought of putting a fancy chocolate shop and shoes on the same floor...I highly salute them!! This is what Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC has accomplished and it is quite a treat!!
The Charbonnel et Walker chocolate shop which was established in 1875 and is the chocolatier to the Queen of England is a great find!! Located on the Shoe Floor of Saks, 8th floor, since the fall of 2005 ....it is a great spot for a coffee and little something. The shop itself is just adorable, with sweets moving on a conveyor belt (what a willy wonka idea!!) ...well let's take a look shall we........

the decor is really adorable ...............

I just love all the colors ....very happy .........

see the desserts moving along....such a cute idea ........

these are just gorgeous !! had to get a close up of them !!!

The biggest seller is the “pink champagne” truffle, flavored with marc de champagne, the chocolate center is enrobed in white chocolate, flavored with a hint of strawberry, and lightly dusted with sugar. 

almost took one of these adorable cups home....still may one of these days...soo cute for cocoa or your morning tea

they didn't mind me taking photos at all which I was very happy about.........

did someone say Chocolate Fountain ? oh well then here you go .......

You could go healthy and get fruit with your chocolate ......

my wonderful friend did just that and said it was wonderful !!!!

caffe latte was to die for !!!!

Charbonnel et Walker

Saks Fifth Avenue

611 5th Avenue between 49 & 50th Sts.

8th Floor

Major Snowstorm in Northeast PA Feb 26, 2010

I just had to post another one today regarding the snow storm we have had here in Pennsylvania. New York City was also hit pretty hard and all schools are closed. Here are some shots of my front and backyard ....it does look pretty but such a pain to shovel and drive in ............

it looks like a winter wonderland .......

very pretty on the trees .....

soo misleading .........

how many days till spring ??? at least the Philadelpia Flower Show is next week !! that will make me feel like spring !!!!

The Frederick Stegmaier Mansion Bed and Breakfast

Today's post is about a great bed and breakfast, The Frederick Stegmaier Mansion, in my hometown of Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

The mansion was built in 1870 by a local architect Missoura B. Houpt, as his private residence. Frederick Stegmaier, president of the Stegmaier Brewery, purchased the mansion in 1906 where it remained in the Stegmaier family until the late 1940's. In 2001, Joseph Matteo acquired the mansion and meticulously restored it to its former opulence. The Victorian Homes magazine recently had a very nice article on the mansion which I thought I would share. It is truely a most beautiful piece of victorian magic !!!

       It is quite a big deal to have a 15 page spread in this magazine !! 

the outside of the mansion

this is such a great tribute to this mansion ..........

the beautiful formal dining room for a nine-course victorian banquet, high tea, cocktail party or formal dinner

sooo elegant .......

the mantelpiece, made from both marble and carved wood, in the Gentlemen's Parlor

the kitchen .......

the Amelia Suite....lavishly decorated and one of the most popular rooms ......

gorgeous stained glass windows.......

the gardens .........

directions to Wilkes-Barre .......

info on staying at the mansion .........

photos came from the article at http://www.victorianhomesmag.com/ - you can read more on their website  

More information can also be found on the mansion's website......photos...history.....

http://www.stegmaiermansion.com/

http://www.victorianlady.com/

Have you ever been to Fred Flare ??

Fred Flare is the online shop and brainchild of Chris Bick and Keith Carollo, two guys who moved from Chicago to Brooklyn to start their first "boutique" -- selling drink coasters off the back of their bike.

I can't really explain this website and now store in Brooklyn except to say: you must check it out! They have the most fun items, unique gifts and even if you just check out their website...you will be smiling!!! Some of their interesting items are:

Edible crick-ettes ....and they also come in 2 other flavors : Sour Cream and Onion and Salt & Vinegar ....only $3

Umbrellas of Cherborg raincoat....this is really cute ....$80

yep, a bunny ring..how cute for the easter basket, also comes in silver and only $12

what can I say about these?? too funny, and only $9

-0- calories and keeps your gums looking good !! $9

I really should get one of these!!! how great and only $10

Russian Doll measuring cups ....$16

huh, duh, argh, oh, ha, moo sticky pads for your wonderful office!! oh huh?? $18

New York the Wonder City - yep I agree with that...this is a great mini journal to take with you while you travel to NYC (or any other city) and write down your daily travels !! $12

okay this is the last one, I promise.. buttered toast ..wallet...for the person who has just about everything!!! $16

     Fred Flare is located at :

                     131 Meserole Ave Brooklyn NY 11222.
                    Their store is open 11-7 MON-SAT and 11-5 SUN

                          http://www.fredflare.com/

Times Square Craziness !!!

Times Square is a major intersection in Manhattan, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets. The Times Square area consists of the blocks between Sixth and Eighth Avenues from east to west, and West 40th and West 53rd Streets from south to north, making up the western part of the commercial area of Midtown Manhattan.


Formerly named Longacre Square, Times Square was renamed after the Times Building (now One Times Square) in April 1904. Times Square, sometimes known as the "Crossroads of the World," has achieved the status of an iconic world landmark and has become a symbol of New York City. Times Square is principally defined by its spectaculars, animated, digital advertisements.

Well, enough history of the place. This is where all the tourists want to go and all the New Yorkers tell them to stay away from. It is basically because it has become very commercialized however it is one of the parts of NYC that people are familar with and see on tv on New Year's Eve.

The craziness they speak of is very true .........

I would not want to drive in this traffic, would you ??

You have some really large buildings right near you ........

When I stayed for a week last year for the US Open I stayed at the Crowne Plaza which recently was remodeled and very, very nice - this is the restaurant -

this was the view from your table...there was a street fair going on when I arrived so my cab couldn't even take me to the door, I had to cross the street with my luggage.........

Red and I had breakfast every morning!! Being right across from M and M's world, of course!!

This is the store I need to stay out of although I didn't purchase when I stayed for the week. But guess what Swatch I recently received??

I did not mind staying in TQ as if you walk a block over, you are away from the crowds. It is close to Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue and other spots and there is a large subway station there was well. They also recently blocked off a section and have tables and chairs for you to sit and just people watch or have something to eat. I would say if you really want to stay there, try it once, see how you like it and then after that you can see if you wish to do it again. I also got to see Howie Mandel walking among the huge crowds, I was very shocked since he has that germ phobia thing, but neat to see him right next to me!!

Happy Monday !!!