Que Pasa NYC?

I've said it before and it still remains true, the holidays are my favorite time of year in the Big Apple. I have my dad to thank for that.

As soon as the city's retailers and communities began to roll out their decorations, Papi would start taking me for evening walks down 5th avenue so that we could take pictures in front of the Rockefeller Center tree and make our way down to Macy's, where he never tired of waiting in line with me to see Santa.

If you looked into Papi's eyes while he watched Christmas TV specials, stared at our home decorations, or marveled at the city lights that multiplied in December, you could see the happiness it instilled in him. I fed off of his love of the holidays. He made me the Holiday Cheerleader I am today.

This year as Holiday Cheerleader, I've had the pleasure of introducing my significant other to some of my favorite traditions. I was horrified to learn that he had never watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade or visited Santa (he reminds me he's Jewish, but I'm still distraught), so those two items have now been checked off the list. Next up, a walking tour of the 5th Avenue lights like good old days. I went on a reconnaissance mission this past weekend to identify some highlights and snagged some pictures to share with you all. He better put on his walking shoes and channel his best festive attitude a la Papi, because it's on!

Holiday Decorations to check out:

Gingerbread Extravaganza at Le Parker Meridien (56th Street between 7th & 6th Aves)
Bergdorf Goodman Windows
UNICEF Snowflake (57th St at 5th Ave)
Tiffany & Co. Christmas Carousel (57th St at 5th Ave) - USA Today lists it as one of this year's best!
Henri Bendel Windows
Rockefeller Center Tree
Saks 5th Avenue Windows
Lord & Taylor Windows
Macy's Herald Square Windows & Santaland (34th Street & Broadway)

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I know that I usually focus my posts on the tangible things in my NYC existence (events, deals, giveaways, etc), but today I’m getting a bit personal. I’m still talking about the “free things in life” but with a twist. Specifically, the important life lessons that are gifted to us, often when we least expect them. I was attending the #Latism (Latinos in Social Media) conference in Chicago this past week and in the closing keynote found a dose of inspiration that seemed to be heaven sent. Before I get to the keynote a little background information is required.

I lost both of my parents to cancer within a year of each other and it changed my life profoundly. They were my best friends, my roommates, my travel buddies and amazingly loving people. I made a promise to myself after each of their deaths, to not allow sadness to overwhelm me on days like birthdays and anniversaries, but rather to utilize those occasions as opportunities to think of them more intentionally than every other day and focus on the wonderful memories of them.

November 11, 2011 marked three years since my mother’s passing. I took a moment to share some warm thoughts on Facebook with my sister, who currently lives in Japan. I smiled to the heavens several times recalling my mother’s unforgettable embrace and her indefatigable message that I could accomplish anything I wanted to because she had. You’re probably thinking “all good moms say that to their kids.” True, but when my mom said it, you had to take into account that she contracted polio at the age of 2 and lost all mobility in her legs. That until she came to this country from Peru at the age of 12, she got around by dragging herself on the floor or being carried by family members and that her first home in New York was Bellevue hospital, where she underwent about a dozen surgeries to straighten her legs and went through months of physical therapy to learn how to walk with leg braces and crutches. Despite minimal education and physical constraints, mami had a good paying job building radios, she found love, she married, raised two daughters with no assistance and did too many other amazing things to list in this one post.

Now back to that closing key note address at the #Latism conference. One of the mantras that has gotten me through the tough times has been everything happens for a reason. There was a reason I was at this conference and it went beyond the great networking, community building and professional development I expected. I was there to hear Tony Melendez share his story and in the process, hear my mom and feel her presence. Tony is a talented guitarist who has played for the likes of Pope John Paul II and touches all who see him perform because he has mastered his craft despite being born without arms.

Tony shared so much with us but it all boiled down to one truth and that is that we can do whatever we set our minds to, that there is always “a way.” He, like mami, accomplished what many probably would have said was impossible. Listening to Tony rekindled that sense of inspiration I felt every time I heard mami’s personal stories. I heard her voice in his that evening, felt her looking down on me and telling me “Mijita, you’ll achieve whatever you want to.”

Thank you Tony for being her messenger. Thank you #Latism for bringing Tony and I together. Gracias mami for being my guiding star always. Te extraño aunque se que no estas lejos.

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Grand opening parties that don't require an RSVP or being on someone's "A-list" rock my world. I will remember your store fondly and am indeed more likely to make a purchase if you feed me, provide libations, and flaunt a discount in my face.

NOTE: Print the offer and bring it with you to receive the 15% discount

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I am remiss for neglecting you my loyal readers. I hope that in the midst of my silence you've found some exciting NYC events of your own. One of my favorite developments has been the opening of the 2nd section of the Highline, which is drawing attention and traffic to a long neglected far west side between 23rd & 30th Streets.

If you've already made a visit to section 2, you have undoubtedly seen or visited The Lot, located under the 30th St. Highline entrance. This welcomed outdoor social space is serving up some delicious libations by way of Colicchio and Sons (draft beers & wines) and has food offerings from some of the hottest food trucks around, including Taim Falafel (best I've had).

Starting next Thursday, July 28th, the space adjoined to The Lot (and currently occupied by some freaky looking AOL balloons) will be converted to a Roller Rink by Japanese clothing chain Uniqlo. Admission, which includes skate rental, will be $12 for Adults and $10 for kids under 13. [Via ny.racked.com]

If you don't want to shell out the money it may still be worth checking out for the people watching alone!

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2011 Opening Day at the Hester Street Fair is Saturday May 7th. It's going to be a food filled frenzy of a day aptly titled the Lower Feast Side Food Festival. Half of the market spaces will be food vendors (foodies rejoice!) while the other half will have goods for the shoppers amongst us (I rejoice here too). I am looking forward to a Melt Bakery ice cream sandwich because sadly I only discovered them at the tail end of last summer.

For a full list of vendors check out the Hester Street Fair site.

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Madewell, the denim focused branch of he J. Crew Group, has opened a new store on Fifth avenue at 19th Street. On Saturday the shop is hoping to lure shoppers with snacks, drinks and fun activities starting at 10 am until 8 pm. Some of my favorite NYC food spots/trucks are part of the scheduled treats: Doughnut Plant, Treats Truck and Wafels & Dinges.

For a full list of what's happening when visit the Facebook Event Page.

Saturday, April 30, 2011
10 am to 8 pm
Madewell Hometown Heroes Party
115 Fifth Ave at 19th St

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