How to Dress Like Old Money

Social Media has been talking about Old Money style for a while now. But what is Old Money, and what are the essential parts of dressing like Old Money?

Old Money is a style that values traditions, sophistication, and classic lines. Unlike New Money, Old Money style does not include wearing bright, colorful prints and clothes or accessories with the name of the brand on them. Instead, people who dress like Old Money wear clothes of a classic style and neutral color. It can be a white turtleneck, a basic color t-shirt, a camel trench coat, etc. It is also important to remember that all the pieces of clothing, footwear, and accessories are of very high quality.

So, what are the tips you should follow to dress like old money?

Choose high-quality items instead of those sold in fast fashion stores

One of the most basic principles of Old Money style is to buy clothes that you will be able to wear for a long time. So, instead of buying clothes from fast fashion brands like H&M and Zara, choose more high-quality stores. That way, you will not spend extra on unnecessary clothes that you will only be able to wear for one season, and the clothes will last you much longer.

Choose basic colors

One of the other important things to remember if you want to dress like old money is to buy clothes of neutral colors that will go with everything: white, camel, black, navy, olive or gray. Of course, you can also wear other colors, but avoid ones that are very bright and cheap-looking. As for the patterns, use the classic ones like stripes or polka dots.

Choose footwear and accessories accordingly

Don’t forget that your shoes and accessories should also be of the same style and quality as your clothes. To do that, consider classic models for your footwear, jewelry, and other accessories like watches, hats, and scarves.

Take care of yourself

Of course, you can buy the right clothes and accessories, but they are not going to look right if you don’t take care of yourself. Make sure you have a clean manicure, well-styled hair, and healthy glowing skin. This is something you can take care of at home, and it does not necessarily mean that you will have to spend a lot of money on hairdressers and skin treatments.

Article by Mary Zakharova

Fashion Trends of 2024

The new year has started, and it’s time to renew your wardrobe. Even though it’s only been a week since the new year, 2024 has given us a lot of interesting trends to choose from. Of course, they are not to be followed strictly, and definitely not all at once. See them as an opportunity to experiment and potentially change your style.

Bows

Bows have started appearing everywhere: in clothes, shoes, hair accessories, and even makeup. And this trend is not going anywhere in 2024! If you like these whimsical and cute additions to your outfit, this is definitely a trend to look at. But there is also an option for those who do not like bows. Some designers are offering rosettes instead, and they look as much, if not more, trendy.

Capris

This trend is probably the most controversial. Capri pants are back! It is not a trend for everybody, but if you still have a pair of capris in your closet, you might want to try them on again! It can be paired with another trend, kitten heels, which will be a playful addition to your capri outfit.

XL Bags

If you are always worried about limited space in your bag, this trend was made for you! Giant bags are coming into fashion this year! They appeared in multiple spring collections like Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, and Tory Burch. There is a great variety to choose from, so start looking for yours!

Color Green

As we know, there is always a color trend, and 2024 is marked green. This is a trend you can experiment with. Since all the shades of green will be trendy throughout 2024, you can look for the one that suits you the most. Plus, it can be any piece in your wardrobe!

Article by Mary Zakharova

Interesting Christmas Recipes

There is no Christmas without a decadent dinner. What can be better than sitting around the table and enjoying good food and good company? 

Every year hosts try to impress their guests with the best Christmas dishes they can cook, and sometimes, it gets hard to think of something new. So here are some of the best recipes that will impress your family and friends during Christmas. 

Roasted Goose

If you are tired of having chicken or ham at the Christmas table, try roasting a goose! This will make a wow effect at the table, and you will be complimented on your Christmas dinner long after the holidays. And the best part is that you can glaze the goose, stuff it, or just roast it by itself - the possibilities are endless! It does take some time to cook though, so I suggest starting a little bit in advance, especially if it’s your first time cooking it. 

The link to the full recipe can be found here: 

https://weekendatthecottage.com/roast-goose/

Shepherd’s Pie 

This traditional English recipe is perfect for a cold winter night. All the ingredients are very filling and warming, and what’s more, it’s a perfect main dish as it combines proteins, fats, and carbs. And what’s even better is that the recipe is not that hard to follow! One thing to keep in mind, though, is that it does require a lot of ingredients, including spices, so make sure to prepare everything in advance. 

Here is the link to the full recipe: https://www.thewholesomedish.com/the-best-classic-shepherds-pie/

Beef Bourguignon

The French recipe has always been liked and cooked but gained additional popularity after the movie Julie & Julia came out. There, the famous cookbook writer Julia Child presented her beef bourguignon recipe that people still use in their kitchens.  

The instructions are not the easiest, but if you set your mind to it, it will definitely come out right. The cook time is 3 hours, and you can serve the dish the same day or cook one day in advance. To make the cooking process easier, pour yourself a glass of wine and relax. You got this! 

The full recipe can be found on the website: 

https://cafedelites.com/beef-bourguignon/

Article by Mary Zakharova 

Best Ice-Skating Rinks In NYC

This winter in NYC promises to be cold, so take out your ice skates and prepare for a trip to the skating rink. If you are still deciding which rink to go to, here are some of the best, most popular rinks in New York City.

Rockefeller Center Rink

The rink is one of the best and most visited in NYC. Situated right next to the famous Christmas Tree, it attracts thousands of people every year. It is also the favorite place of Home Alone fans because that is where Kevin finally met his mother in the beloved sequel.

The tickets are available for purchase through the website. One tip: try coming a little bit in advance, as the rink is always crowded.

Bryant Park Rink

Bryant Park rink is for you if you are looking for a cheaper way to skate! It is the only one in NYC that has free admission. The only thing you would need to pay for is the ice skates in case you do not have your own. You can finish the day by getting some coffee and pastry at the Bryant Park holiday market and shopping for last-minute Christmas gifts.

Wollman Ice Rink in Central Park

One of the bigger rinks you can visit is the Wollman Ice Rink in Central Park. Not only will you get more space for the activity, but you can also see great views on The Plaza Hotel and the Gapstow Bridge.

Tickets are cheaper if you come on the weekdays, so take advantage of the opportunity!

Lafrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park

The best thing about Lefrak Center at Lakeside is that it has two rinks, one indoor and one outdoor, so if you get cold outside, you can always move to a warmer part. And compared to the Manhattan ones, this rink is pretty cheap!

Vale Rink, Williamsburg

The beautiful Vale Rink is on a rooftop, and the view is breathtaking! What can be better than skating with NYC skyscrapers as a backdrop? Another cool thing about the rink is that it is made out of synthetic ice, so no water or electricity is needed to keep it going.

Article by Mary Zakharova

10 Things To Do In NYC During The Holidays

As December begins, New York City dresses up for the Christmas holidays. Iconic streets put on beautiful decorations, and many stores go above and beyond to ensure they have the best Christmas ornaments.

But there are a handful of things that you absolutely cannot miss. Here are the ten most exciting holiday destinations in the Big Apple.

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree

This is the one you should see out of all of the Christmas trees in NYC! The Rockefeller Center amazes people every Christmas season with its 79-foot-tall, brightly decorated tree. The lines to the attraction never stop! Make sure to take a picture near one of the most known Christmas trees in the world!

Holiday Markets

Holiday markets are a super fun way to spend your day! These little fairs have anything you could possibly think of - Christmas decorations, food, clothing, accessories - you name it. It’s a great way to buy last-minute gifts and have a cozy day in the city.

Hudson Yards

Every year, Hudson Yards does a fantastic job with Christmas Decorations. A lot of lights, Christmas trees, and statues are being placed throughout the neighborhood every year. It’s most beautiful in the evening when you can see the lights turned on, so you can plan an evening trip, walk through Hudson Yards and the High Line Park, and finish the walk with some coffee and pastries in the shopping mall.

Christmas House NYC at the Oculus

If you are looking for an all-age experience, check out the Christmas House at the Oculus. This adventure will lead you to different themed rooms with snow, karaoke, and Christmas movies. It will be equally exciting for kids and adults, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Christmas House this December.

Ice Skating

There is nothing better than ice skating in winter, and there is nothing better than ice skating in New York City. Every borough offers a lot of rinks that vary in size and price, so you can find one that best suits you. The most famous ones are the Rockefeller Center rink, the Bryant Park one, and the one in Central Park. Those three always have lines, so make sure to get there early.

5th Ave

There is only one place with so many store window decorations, and it is, without a doubt, 5th Ave. The street is full of brand stores that create unique Christmas decorations every year. Let yourself get lost in this Christmas fairytale!

A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House

A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House is a great event for all Dickens lovers. This performance is set in a Merchant’s Museum that was formerly the home of a wealthy 19th-century family, so you will see the original settings and the Christmas decorations of the past. The show will be held until December 24, 2023.

Sant Ambroeus

If you are looking for a cozy place to have a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day, this cafe is for you! It is famous for its hot chocolate, made without milk or water - just melted cocoa! It is a must-go after a long walk in the cold weather.

Rolf’s German Restaurant

For all the food lovers - if you are looking for a good holiday restaurant, Rolf’s should be the first on your list! It is a German restaurant that goes full-on with Christmas lights and decorations. It will undoubtedly boost your holiday mood the second you step in. If you are not a German food lover, don’t worry! Even though most of the dishes are German, there are a couple of American-style options.

The Plaza Hotel

At some point, we all wanted to become Kevin McCallister and spend a couple of nights in one of the most iconic New York City hotels. And guess what? You can do it! And what’s even better news - you do not have to book a room! Instead, make a reservation to grab a drink or go to an afternoon tea event. Of course, you will be able to walk around the hotel’s lobby to see the Home Alone 2 movie set and the beautiful Christmas decorations.

Article by Mary Zakharova

Photos by Joseph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Christmas is right around the corner, and Christmas decorations are slowly invading New York City. But there is one neighborhood with more decorations per square foot than any other place, which is Dyker Heights.

Their Christmas decorations are known throughout the city to be the brightest, the biggest, and the most densely situated.

In Dyker Heights, you can find any decoration you could possibly think of: live-sized Santas, Reindeer, sleighs, snowmen, Christmas trees, and millions of lights. Every house is trying to show off its best decorations! And imagine what the electricity bills for each one of the houses look like! According to the Bowery Boys podcast, some families spend $5.000 - $8.000 per month to illuminate their homes and turn them into a Christmas fairytale.

Of course, such effort can not go unnoticed. Dyker Heights attracts tourists and NYC residents every year. The neighborhood never stays quiet during the holiday season.

To be sure that all the decorations are up and see the best of Dyker Heights, plan your visit for the middle to the end of December. That way, all the houses will have the ornaments up. The decorations usually stay until the end of the first week of January, so if you cannot see Dyker Heights before Christmas, you can do it after.

One piece of advice - stay respectful of the neighborhood and the privacy of its residents. It’s a very family-oriented neighborhood, so don’t come close to the houses, yell, or litter. Just enjoy the lights, and let others enjoy them with you!

Article by Mary Zakharova

Booker Prize 2023

The Booker Prize is a literary award for the best English novel published in the United Kingdom or Ireland. The prize of 50,000 Euros is given to the winner, and each short-listed author gets a prize of 2,500 Euros.

This year, the six nominees were:

1. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

The Bee Sting is a story of a family where something at some point went wrong. The father, Dickie, is spending his days in the forest, building a bunker in case of apocalypse, after his car business goes down. His wife, Imelda, is selling her jewelry to support the family after her husband lost his job. Cass, Dickie’s teenage daughter, has a drinking problem, and his 12-year-old son PJ is planning to run away from home. Can there still be a happy ending? The book will explore the possibility.

2. Western Lane by Chetna Maroo

This is the story of a little girl trying to find herself and her path in life. Gopi has been playing squash for as long as she can remember herself. After her mother dies, Gopi’s father puts the girl into a very intense training program, and squash becomes all she has. Gopi is slowly growing apart from her sisters, not seeing anything in her life except sports. But who is Gopi? And who does she want to be?

3. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

Eilish Stack, a mother of four, opens her front door to see two police officers who came to speak to her husband. The Irish government is turning towards tyranny, and the society is slowly getting ruined. With her world collapsing in front of her eyes, Eilish finds herself stuck in what looks like an unsolvable situation, but she will do anything to keep her family together.

4. This Other Eden by Paul Harding

Historical events inspired Harding’s novel and tell the Honey family's story. In 1792, Benjamin Honey, formerly enslaved, came to Apple Island with his wife to build a family there. Over a hundred years later, his descendants are hit by “civilization.” The officials want to “cleanse” the island and decide to save only a light-skinned boy, while others will have to accept the authorities’ rules or leave.

5. If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery

In 1979, due to political violence, Topper and Sanya decided to move to Miami. But what they thought would be a good decision turns out to be much harder than they expected. The American society does not welcome them as warmly as they thought. Their youngest son, Trelawny, is growing up in a society that doesn’t trust him and looks at him with suspicion, and their older son, Delano, is doing everything to secure a better future for his own children. The family has to go through many obstacles on their way to a happier life. Will the family be able to stay strong together, or will all the hardships be the last drop that will break it?

6. Study For Obedience by Sarah Bernstein

This novel is about a woman who moves to a different country to be her brother’s housekeeper after his wife left him. Soon after her arrival, a series of strange accidents occurs: a potato blight, a dog’s phantom pregnancy, a collective hysteria… The woman soon realizes that her new neighbors are looking at her suspiciously, not trusting a new member of their community, blaming her for their troubles. She is trying to hide herself by taking care of the house and her brother, who soon becomes ill.

This year's winner was Paul Lynch, the author of a dystopian novel, Prophet Song. Lynch is the fifth writer to win the Booker Prize.

Article By Mary Zakharova

Holiday Markets in NYC

One of the best things you can do in late November - early December is to go to a Holiday Market. That is a concentration of Christmas mood, happiness, and laughter. You can always buy remaining gifts or look for little souvenirs for yourself there, and after you are done, don’t forget to grab a cup of hot chocolate with a warm, delicious pastry.

Thankfully, there are a lot of Holiday Markets in New York City, and here are some of the most famous ones:

Bryant Park Market

Bryant Park Market is one of the best Holiday Markets in New York City. Dozens of small kiosks with various souvenirs will offer you their best products. This market will be great if you are looking for small, cute gifts for your friends and relatives. And a huge bonus is that there is a skating rink right next to the market, so you can start your day with skating and finish it off with shopping. And, of course, don’t forget to grab a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate in one of the kiosks.

Astoria Holiday Market

If you like vintage or homemade goods, this market is for you. It is open two Sundays before Christmas, so you will have just enough time to buy the last gifts for the year. You can also visit the Market’s cafe with a whole bunch of homemade foods, like soups, pastries, and holiday drinks.

Grand Holiday Bazaar

This Holiday Market is one of the oldest in New York City. It is open every Sunday starting from November 27th and up until December 23. The Bazaar offers many products: jewelry, art, cosmetics, and even furniture, so you will definitely find the right gifts! And if you get hungry, do not worry! The market has a whole bunch of different food stations to choose from.

Union Square Holiday Market

Union Square Market is a must-visit this winter! More than 160 vendors will get together at this European-style market to offer their products. Here, you will be able to boost your holiday mood for sure! Christmas decorations, lights, and many people shopping for gifts will make you feel the coming of Christmas. If you visit the market, check out the small family-owned businesses participating. They have many exciting products to offer, including tablecloths, perfumes, and jewelry.

Article by Mary Zakharova

Manet/Degas Exhibition at The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is presenting a new exhibition, Manet/Degas. It explores the relationship and works of two of the most influential artists of modern art, Edouard Manet and Edgar Degas.

Manet and Degas were friends, rivals, and inspirations of one another. They first met in the Louvre in front of the painting of Infanta Margarita Teresa. Degas was etching a motif from the painting when Manet came and commented that drawing outside the studio without any preparation beforehand was bold and unseen. That was the start of their long-lasting relationship.

The two artists did not keep correspondence but wrote about one another to their friends and family. Degas even drew multiple portraits of Manet, showing admiration for his colleague. Both artists admired each other’s work but, at the same time, stayed critical. One of the most interesting and still unexplained situations happened when Degas presented Manet and his wife with a painting that pictured Manet sitting on a sofa in a very relaxed position, listening to his wife playing the piano. The next time Degas came to Manet’s apartment, he saw that the part of the painting that depicted Madame Manet’s face was torn off. There are no definite explanations, but one is that Manet did not like how his wife’s face was presented. Instead, he ripped it off of the painting and drew his portrait of her.

Manet and Degas often used the same motifs in their works. Once, they even used the same model for their painting. It was an actress, Ellen Andree. Degas portrayed her in his painting “In a Cafe,” where she sits with a man. The couple looks very distant, as they are separated by an invisible wall. The woman looks down melancholically, thinking about something we will never guess.

Manet’s painting “Plum Brandy” was drawn a year later. Here, the woman is dressed nicer than in Degas’s work and looks a little bit more happy. Still, similarly to Degas, there is melancholy in her eyes. This painting was very controversial. The woman of good status and well brought up was not supposed to be sitting in a cafe on her own, especially considering that she had a cigarette in her hand and a plum brandy in front of her. We can see, though, that she did not touch her drink or her cigarette, making us question the status of this woman and the circumstances that made her come to the cafe alone.

Edouard Manet passed away in 1883, leaving Degas alone for 34 more years until he passed in 1917. Degas was shaken by Manet’s death and started actively collecting his paintings. Degas was able to get about 80 works by Manet, preserving some of his most valuable pieces.

This exhibition is an amazing opportunity to dive into the world of 19th-century France and get acquainted with two of the most important artists of the time. If you decide to go, make sure to plan some extra time. You will have to enter the online queue before being allowed to enter the exhibition, and that might take some time.

Open through January 7, 2024.

Article by Mary Zakharova

Best Indoor Activities In NYC

It’s almost December, and the weather is getting colder and colder each day. With that, staying outside becomes a little less enjoyable. But there are ways to have fun even in the coldest weather! Here are some great indoor activities you will definitely enjoy!

See an exhibition

Museums always have exhibitions you can visit. And in New York City, you have a chance to choose any exhibition you’d like: art, fashion, sculpture - you name it. So make sure to visit an exhibition on one of these cold days, and finish your trip with a nice cup of coffee in a warm coffee shop.

Shop at Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is probably one of the most famous spots for food lovers in NYC. Dozens of vendors will offer you the best of their foods. Pick a day and spend it at Chelsea Market, trying all the foods you can find. You can even have a contest and elect the best one out there!

Explore the New York Public Library

If you haven’t been to the New York Public Library recently, take a trip there! Find a book you are particularly excited about and read a couple of pages. And don’t forget to just walk around the rooms to see the beauty of a century-old building.

Plan a SPA day

What can be better than a hot sauna on a cold day? Take a day-long spa trip and experience all the pleasures of it! Go to a sauna or a steam room, jump into a pool, and get a nice relaxing massage afterward. You will definitely feel more relaxed and ready for new achievements!

Go to a Broadway Show

If you are trying to make plans for a cold, rainy weekend, consider going to a Broadway show. There are so many options for everyone! You can always buy tickets to classics like The Lion King or check out newer shows. Choose the mood you are going for, and there will definitely be a Broadway Show for it!

Article by Mary Zakharova

Best Thanksgiving Gift Ideas

Halloween has come and gone, and it’s time to start preparing for Thanksgiving! If you are attending a Thanksgiving celebration this year and are expected to bring a gift, here are some of the best ideas your hosts will appreciate!

Gift Basket

Gift baskets are a great idea! The contents of it might vary from family to family. For example, you can bring a basket of seasonal fruits and vegetables or a basket of pastries with banana bread, pumpkin pound cake, and some muffins. And coffee lovers will appreciate a gift basket with different samples of coffee. Make sure you find out what your hosts like, and fill the gift basket accordingly. 

Wine

Wine is one of the most traditional gift ideas. Everybody will enjoy a good bottle, so if you are still trying to decide what to give your hosts this Thanksgiving, find a high-quality bottle of wine at your local liquor shop. That is always a great gift idea unless, of course, your hosts don’t drink alcohol. 

Home Decor

If your hosts love cozy home accessories, this gift idea is for you! There is so much you can do! Scented candles that smell like apples and cinnamon or a Christmas tree (because Christmas is coming!), cute kitchen towels, a fluffy blanket for a sofa, a set of dishes or mugs - the list goes on! Your hosts will definitely appreciate cute gifts like that! 

Board Games

If you are celebrating this Thanksgiving with friends, bring a fun board game you can play after dinner. There are a bunch you can choose from, some of them specifically designed for Thanksgiving. Just make sure that multiple people can play the game so every guest can take part and nobody feels left out. 

Kitchen-Themed Gifts/ Cookbooks

Do your hosts love cooking and having people over? Is that why they invited all of you for a Thanksgiving party this year? Then why not get them a gift that will encourage their hobbies? A cookbook with interesting recipes will be a great option! You can also get them a set of spiced olive oils. That is an excellent gift for those who like experimenting with flavors! Kitchen supplies like a cheese board or a nice set of utensils will also work. Just make sure they don’t have it yet. After all, they are professionals and might already have some of the things they need. 

Article by Mary Zakharova

Veterans Day Parade - New York 2023

Every year on November 11th, Americans celebrate Veterans Day. The holiday was created to commemorate the veterans who died during World War I. On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson gave a speech expressing what he thought the day meant for the US and all its citizens.

He celebrated those dying at war, saying that they fought for a better society, the opportunity to build a better world, and the possibilities of political freedom and economic growth.

The holiday has not become official until later, though. In 1926, Congress asked President Calvin Coolidge to celebrate Veterans Day, and 1938, it became a national holiday.

The holiday did not have any big ceremonies or traditions connected to it until the 1940s. In 1945, a World War II veteran, Raymond Weeks, had an idea to celebrate not only those who died in World War I but all the veterans. He presented the idea to General Dwight Eisenhower, who supported it, and in 1947 Weeks led the first parade dedicated to Veterans Day. Weeks led the parade until his death in 1985.

The date of the holiday has been changed twice throughout the years. In 1971 it was moved from November 11th to every fourth Monday of October. It was moved back to November 11th in 1978, and that date has remained since.

Veterans Day is celebrated both locally and nationally. There are parades and memorial services, as well as wreath-laying ceremonies. US citizens get a day off on November 11th or the Monday after it if it falls on the weekend. Some families celebrate the holiday at home with family gatherings, remembering those who died during the war.

Veterans Day is not the biggest US holiday, but a very important one. Every year, it reminds us that peace was achieved in a very hard way, with war taking the lives of thousands of people, and that peaceful times should remain.

Article by Mary Zakharova

Harry Potter Exhibition in New York - The Wizarding World takes over the Big Apple

As a huge Harry Potter fan, I was extremely excited when I found out that there was going to be a Harry Potter exhibition in NYC. It took me a while to get there, but last weekend I was finally able to visit.

The exhibition shows some of the most iconic characters and settings from the Harry Potter universe including Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. Everything is very well-designed, and the technology used is great, so you get a full dive into the wizard world.

What I enjoyed the most, is that the experience is personalized. You can choose a Hogwarts house and a wand for yourself, which was definitely one of the coolest parts because hey, who doesn’t want to play in a Harry Potter movie?

You can also put yourself into Harry’s shoes and get into that little room under the stairs Harry lived in or play Quidditch and see how good you are.

For those who really enjoyed the movies and want to get a glimpse of the behind the scenes, the exhibition has some of the original costumes and items that were used in the movies.

Oh and of course make sure you see the Hungarian Horntail, a dragon Harry had to face during his first task in the Triwizard Tournament.

Overall, the exhibition turned out to be an amazing experience! It was so much fun, and the great graphics and designs filled my heart with joy.

The organizers offer an audio guide, so in case you forgot some of the scenes from Harry Potter, you don’t have to rewatch all the movies or reread the books. And if you wanta memory from the exhibition, there are plenty of Harry Potter-themed souvenirs like t-shirts, mugs, and caps.

And if you are wondering if the exhibition is good for kids, let me tell you this: it is good for everyone! Kids will be excited to see all the magical creatures and the interactive parts, and parents can get nostalgic looking at the favorite characters they grew up with.

Article by Mary Zakharova

Halloween Parade In The Village

Every year on October 31st the whole city of New York gets together to take part in the Halloween Parade that takes off from Greenwich Village. This is one of the most important and exciting events during the spooky season.

More than fifty thousand people participate in the parade annually. Everybody is allowed to walk, as long as they have a costume. In case you don’t want to walk the parade, or just didn’t have a chance to find a costume, but still want to be a part of the event, you can come to watch, and stand along the parade’s route.

The Halloween Parade is a great event to visit with both your friends and family, especially if you haven’t made any plans for the holiday yet. And watching the parade is as fun as walking it! Thousands of people laugh, sing, and show their costumes. And this year might turn out to be even better than any of the previous ones! The event celebrates its 50th anniversary, so we can probably expect a lot of fun surprises!

If you are planning to watch the parade rather than walking in it, you might want to come a little bit in advance. The sides of the streets get crowded pretty quickly, and if you come late, you might not be able to get a front row spot.

Each year, there is a specific theme for the parade, and in 2023 it is Upside Down Inside Out. The theme was inspired by the previous couple of years when Covid changed the lives of so many and turned them inside out. The good thing is that you can interpret the theme any way you want, and your costume can be absolutely anything!

The parade starts at 7 pm and lasts until 11 pm. It will run from Sixth Ave, King St to 15th St in Manhattan.

Article by Mary Zakharova

Best Holiday Bars For Halloween

The Halloween weekend is coming, and it is a great time to go to a bar with your friends. And to make your experience more fun, try one of the Halloween bars in New York City.

Fraunces Tavern

Fraunces Tavern is one of the oldest bars in NYC. It will be a great choice for Halloween as the design of the bar brings you right into the spooky Halloween atmosphere. Old furniture, creaky floors, dimmed lights - all of this will make you shiver. What’s more, Fraunces Tavern is considered one of the most haunted buildings in New York. And to get deeper into the Halloween atmosphere, try the bar’s Halloween cocktails, The Crane Boys’ Mysteries, and the Pumpkin Pie. 

Flying Fox Tavern

This bar is one of the best places to visit on Halloween. The walls have scary movie posters on them, and the whole room makes you feel like you are in Dracula’s castle. You do need to make a reservation to get in, so if this is one of the places you are considering, make sure to sign up in advance. 

Madame X

Madam X calls itself the sexiest bar in New York, and it’s not hard to believe that! The bar is lit with red lights, and velvet couches and armchairs just scream of desire. Make sure you get dressed for the occasion. Neat casual or dressy casual is the way to go. And don’t forget to try their signature cocktails Madame X and Butterfly Kisses. 

The Auction House 

The design of this bar is inspired by a Victorian house, so you will get brick walls, a fireplace, and beautiful velvet couches. This will be a perfect atmosphere for a Halloween get-together with friends! Get yourself a nice drink, and dive into the atmosphere of the 19th century with The Auction House. 

Article by Mary Zakharova

Floral Sculptures Inspired By Global Destinations At Hudson Yard

Today I went to Hudson Yards to see the floral sculptures inspired by different countries: Canada, India, Puerto Rico, Japan, France, Ghana, and others. The exhibit is called VOYAGE and is presented on the first floor of Hudson Yards shopping mall. 

Local New York City florists took part in the exhibition. Each of them had to decorate 10-foot mannequins with fresh flowers. 

I loved the idea. Every florist used a specific color to represent the destination they chose. For example, for Canada, Whistler, the florist used white flowers that were coming down the dress train, to show the snowy mountains of Whistler, one of the most famous skiing destinations in the world. 

Another sculpture representing Spain was done in completely different colors. The mannequin was covered in red and golden yellow flowers and represented the tradition of bullfighting with its heat and passion. 

Finally, the florist that represented India showed a traditional Saree, a very colorful and uniquely draped gown that dates back thousands of years. Made with different colored roses, it is a bright and elegant composition that does a great job representing the traditional fashion of India. 

One thing that disappointed me about the exhibition was that the sculptures were spread throughout the first floor, and even though it makes sense knowing that the exhibit is presented in a shopping mall, it was still a little distracting with a lot of people all around and the sculptures positioned in all the different places. I found out I missed a couple of them even though I thought I saw everything walking around the first floor. 

Nevertheless, the exhibition is very interesting and does a great job portraying different countries in their own unique ways. And what makes it even more exciting is the interactive part. Everyone can get a paper and vote for their favorite sculpture, and if you find yourself particularly charmed by the flowers, you can visit a class taught by a local florist. 

Article and photos by Mary Zakharova

Art for the Millions: American Culture and Politics in the 1930s

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has recently opened a new exhibition “Art for the Millions: American Culture and Politics in the 1930s”. It explores the culture of the 1930s, an unsettling time of the Great Depression when people all over the United States were trying to understand their own country's identity. This was a time of social activism and political changes.

The art presents paintings, sculptures, and even designer clothes that represent artists’ statements, and their views on the situation in the country.

There is definitely a lot to see at the exhibition, but there were a couple of things that interested me the most, and that I highlighted as the most curious.

First, the number of prints covering the labor movement and supporting workers was extraordinary. With people losing their jobs and struggling with the ones they had, the activists and artists tried to support them with their art. The prints covered all the different kinds of professions: rock drillers, miners, builders, and factory workers. Some of the pieces were done by artists involved in the Federal Art Project, a New Deal program that funded visual arts.

Another curious theme of the posters was communism. With political instability and the growing labor movement, the idea of communism as a better political ideology started rising. People supported workers, were against hunger and war, and saw communism as a way out. On such posters, workers are holding red Soviet Union flags supporting the country’s political views.

One other piece that you should definitely pay attention to if you decide to visit the exhibition is Georgia O'Keeffe's Cow Skull: Red, White, and Blue. The skull with its uneven surface and bleached color, but still being strong, represents the American spirit, its strength and beauty, and the background is made in colors of the American flag.

This exhibition is a great opportunity to learn more about the American culture of the 1930s. It shows a collection of all the different kinds of artists, their beliefs and desires, and gives a glimpse into the life of regular people struggling to find their identity along with the identity of the country during the hard and unstable times.

Article by Mary Zakharova

Art of Native America at The Met of New York

If you are interested in the history of Native Americans you should absolutely go see the Art of Native America exhibition. It brings you back to the 19th, early 20th century, and shows you the culture, fashion, and everyday items of Indigenous people. 

The exhibition displays works of more than fifty Native American groups, letting us see the similarities and differences between them, and make connections. 

What I was most fascinated by was the clothing. Every little detail had meaning, and each ornament was sewn in on purpose. One of such clothes is a man’s coat, which was made with deerskin. The coat has white and indigo outlines - these colors are classic for the Lenape people. The ornaments of the coat signify physical and spiritual health and well-being. 

Another piece of clothing, the parka, which comes from Alaska, honors all the animals that died for the creation of this clothing: dried seal intestines help create the parchment-like texture of the parka, and the birds’ beaks and feathers were used as a decoration. 

Clothes could also show the status of the family. For example, one of the women’s dresses had a lot of beading, as well as highly-priced elk teeth and shells. 

This made me think about what I wear myself, and how it correlates to who I am. Do I choose my clothing based on comfort, or am I trying to show my personality through it? It is very interesting to think how fashion varies in different times and cultures, and what it is based on. 

The other thing that I enjoyed seeing was everyday items like combs, baskets, and bowls. This helped me imagine what the everyday life of Native Americans looked like, what their activities were, and what they cared about. And in the same way as with clothing, each element had its meaning. The carvings on combs, and the ornaments on baskets - all of those represented the culture of the Indigenous people. 

There was definitely a lot to see and learn about, and it was a great first step for me to get to know a new culture that I had never encountered before. Art of Native America helps you dive into history in a very friendly way that makes you want to discover and see more. 

Article and photos by Mary Zakharova

Fall-ing in love… All over again!

There is nothing better than Fall activities: cozy, mysterious, and fun - they make us wait for Fall every year. As we’ve reached the beginning of October, here is the list of the best things to do during Autumn!

Go apple picking

Apple picking is probably the most famous Fall activity. There is nothing better than picking fresh apples right from the trees! It’s a great activity for family and friends! If you picked too many apples, you can always share them with your loved ones or have another fun day together making jam and apple pies. And if you are not an apple lover, you can pick up some pumpkins to carve!

Carve the pumpkins

After picking them up, pumpkins have to be carved! That is a great opportunity to show your creativity! Carvings can be spooky, funny, or cute. It would be fun to do it with your friends as well. Carve the pumpkins and give them to each other as gifts, or have a small “pumpkin exhibition”! And, of course, pumpkins will be a great Halloween decoration for your home! 

Go to a haunted house in NYC 

This Fall, a lot of haunted houses return to NYC, so if you want an intense Halloween experience, this activity is for you! New York City offers a bunch of locations, such as hotels and mansions, so that you can choose the one best to your liking. Make sure to bring some friends to make the experience more fun! Some of the haunted houses don’t let kids under 14 y.o. without supervision, so make sure you know the rules before buying tickets. 

Go to the Halloween parade 

No Fall can go without a Halloween parade, and if you are tired of looking at it standing on the side of the road, consider participating in it! All you need is a costume and a good mood! And if you are not a fan of big groups of people and would prefer something quieter, go on a tour through all five boroughs to find the best Halloween-decorated house. 

Go to a corn maze

Corn mazes are super fun, and you should absolutely include one to your Fall to-do list! It is a great activity for families with small kids, but it doesn’t get less fun for adults either! Make sure the weather is good, and spend your day in a corn maze! If you get out quickly, you can combine your trip with apple or pumpkin picking. A bunch of farms in New Jersey offer this activity, so there are plenty of options to choose from. 

Article by Mary Zakharova

Brooklyn Book Festival

Brooklyn Book Festival is a free-of-charge annual event for all book lovers. Thousands of people attended the festival to meet writers from all across the globe, shop for books, and discuss literature.

The festival had multiple types of events for everybody: virtual meetings, in-person conferences, and, of course, book markets. Writers of all genres, from prose to poetry, from cookbooks to graphic novels attended the festival to share their experiences.

What impressed me were the topics covered in the presentations. A big chunk of them focuses on current issues like climate change, the meaning of AI, LGBTQ, and politics. Some discussed poetry, comic books, or works of a particular author.

I had a chance to visit the lecture focused on climate change and ecology fiction “True Eco-Terror: Writing Frightful Economic And Ecological Dystopias And Disasters”. Three authors, Damir Salkovic, Theo Gangi, and Jeffrey Krizman shared their experience in book writing and offered some insights on the possible future of our world. It was very interesting to hear the experiences of each one of the authors and get a better perspective on the climate change issue.

Even though parts of the lecture were pretty depressing, making me think that there is no way for our world to prosper, somehow the authors made me come out of the lecture with hope for a better future. And part of the reason for that was the audience. I could tell attendees were interested in the topic. Their questions at the end of the lecture were thoughtful and deep, and I thought that, for as long as there are people who care, the world has hope.

And even though I was very excited about the lecture, there was one thing I was waiting for even more: on Sunday, October 1, there was a festival day, the culmination of the whole 9-day event. During the day, authors signed books and host lectures. But most importantly, there was a book market, which is supposedly the largest book market in the Northeast.

The festival is a gem for all book lovers. Anyone can visit it completely free of charge (except for buying new books, of course), and it is a great way to find new friends in the book community!

Article by Mary Zakharova