Doughnut Miss Out

New York City - the land of bagels. Lenny's, Pick-a-Bagel, H&H, Murray's....our thriving metropolis is filled to the brim with bagel shops. Ready for something new, but want to stick to the same circular shape? Introducing Doughnut Plant (379 Grand Street and 220 W. 23rd Street) - a Willy Wonkaesque bakery established in New York City in 2010 with one big idea - unique and flavorful doughnuts. Daily flavors at Doughnut Plant vary, but may include Creme Brulee, Lavendar, Blueberry, Raspberry Lemonade, White Peach or Peanut Butter Glaze/Blackberry Jelly. Of course your more standard flavors are available as well. Even better, the doughnuts are made without trans fat, preservatives, artificial flavoring or eggs.

Never one to shy away from an opportunity for a new doughnut flavor, frymaster Mark Israel celebrates most holidays or special occasions with new flavors such as the Chestnut Cake doughnut (holiday season), a blue and white pinstriped doughnut (during the Yankees' baseball season), Tres Leche doughnuts (Cinco de Mayo) and Rose Petal doughnuts (Valentine's Day).

Those too far uptown to visit Chelsea or the Lower East Side on a regular basis can get Doughnut Plant's treats at 40 other locations throughout the city including Zabar's, Citarella and Dean & Deluca.

Sample Sale in the City

Come one, come all - two great sample sales that should be on your radar right now.

Click here for Tibi Online Sample Sale

Also, if you're NYC based, who can ignore the DVF Spring/Summer '11 sample sale right in the city? The sale runs from Tuesday, June 7th through Friday, June 10th from 9AM-6:30PM and is located at 250 Fifth Avenue. Perhaps it's time to buy your inagural wrap dress?

In other news, I just received a postcard in the mail inviting me to the opening of DVF's second NYC store location! It will be on Wooster Street in Soho, just a stone's throw away from it's flagship Meatpacking location. Details to come...

Rainbow Brite

While prints, florals and stripes are obvious staples each spring, this year, bold, bright colors are a must-have for any girl's wardrobe. Yes, even for New Yorkers - so set aside those drab transition pieces that you call your spring wardrobe, and invest in the following fun items:

1. J Brand 11" Ankle Skinny Jean, $176 -- Kim Kardashian has been spotted in these on both coasts - available in a variety of colors, these are a great way to spice up a neutral top.

2. ASOS Belted Kimono Top, $44 -- At an extremely reasonable price, this gorgeous green piece works best with white denim or shorts, and honestly compliments any body shape with it's cinched waist.

3. Thayer Flow Tank, $171 -- Perfect for a weekend on the town with white flared jeans or easy to make casual for daytime by layering over a bikini at the beach.

4. Melie Blanco Top Handle Bag, $65 -- For those tentative to fully embrace bright colors, this moderately sized bag is the perfect accessory to brighten up an otherwise neutral outfit. It comes in orange, lime, yellow and white.

5. OPI Brights Collection, $33.50 -- Going on a spring getaway? Work in a non-corporate job that encourages creative expression? You're in luck. OPI has designed a collection of bright polishes that will keep you smiling all day long.

For the Fellas

Every now and then I come across another blog that's as insightful and entertaining as my own (queue patting myself on the back). Recently I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes away from "A Gentleman's Guide to Business and Life", penned by three Michigan MBA students who are equal parts witty and and eloquent. Described as "a treatise on matters of significance", the blog provides short snipets of wisdom promoting cardigan wearing, shunning the sin of male straw usage, and citing the bieberian rules of haircare (to name a select few).

Occasionally elitist, but always hilariously entertaining, the blog is a must-read for all gentleman out there with significant questions about business or life.

In the (Neighbor)Hood

I'm a firm believer that a home is never officially "complete." I for one, am always on the lookout for home items that I simply can't live without. Rather that purchasing random items from huge chain stores, I'd much rather stumble across an unexpected gem which will add some personality and character to my apartment. Case in point - the fabulous antique floor mirror that I found at the Hells Kitchen Flea Market last summer (See "Flea-ing to the Market" from July 2010). It's not that I was looking for a floor mirror on that day per se, but I loved what I saw and the price was right. I highly recommend always being "on" - that one perfect item you spot in a store window when you're not even looking may add some much needed pizzaz to your home. My most recent fantastic find comes by way of the Upper East Side-based home/art store Uptown Artworks. I was introduced to the store via the members only online home discount site, One Kings Lane. The store's website stocks chic and stylish pillows that correspond to different neighborhoods across the country. In New York, you can snatch up Brooklyn, Central Park West, West Village, etc. while those who live elsewhere can choose from Beverly Hills, Washington DC, Philadelphia, New Orleans, etc. You can even have a custom pillow created based on the landmark places or streets in your city or neighborhood - such a fun idea! My pillow arrived this past weekend and I couldn't be happier - it adds some much needed pizzaz to the chaise in front of my window.

Fitness, Nutrition, Wellness, Beauty

One of my favorite daily email list serves, Vital Juice (http://vitaljuice.com/), has just gotten even better. With customized editions for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, "Everywhere", Moms, and soon to be San Francisco and Recipes, it's an easy go-to guide for that one great tip to put your mind (and body) at ease for the day. As if clever articles on fitness myths, stylish workout apparel, the best pilates studios, beauty tips and healthy recipes weren't enough, they've just teamed up with vitaminwater zero to release their Skinny Black Book for 2011. The Black Book is all about bringing you the latest, greatest and most buzzed about products/ideas in the areas of Fitness, Nutrition, Wellness and Beauty.

In "Fitness", celeb trainer Tracy Anderson is mentioned, as are the new Nike Free running shoes and a $1 yoga class passport.

"Nutrition" gives a shout out to Yum Universe as the best healthy recipe site and GoPicnic as the best on-the-go meal.

Skip down to "Wellness" to read about a radiation reducing cell phone case (Pong) and the 90-second secret to getting rid of headaches.

Finally, "Beauty" takes us from a new makeup of the month club called Birchbox to an intriguing and admittedly terrifying app called "In 20 Years" that shows you what you could look like after 20 years of aging. No thank you!

Click here for the full Skinny Black Book with more info and links. I can't wait to check out some of Vital Juice's tips for a healthy mind and body all year long.

Tres Bon!

Enjoy quiche, delicious soup, hearty sandwiches and some European charm? I've got the place for you. Josephine (40 Harrison Street) is a new(ish) French cafe/bakery/wine bar set amongst the many other delicious eateries on Greenwich Street in Tribeca. Look for the quaint red awnings and you'll know you're in the right place. On my first visit I was blown away by their asparagus quiche which came with a refreshing mixed greens salad. My dining partner had a turkey panini and was thrilled with her choice. Upon entering the cafe, you initially think you've been transported to a pastry shop in Paris. You are immediately met by a glass counter fully stocked with croissants, apple turnovers and other delicate pastries and desserts. In true French fashion, you can also pick up some of the best bread around. That would be enough to get me excited, but wait, there's more. Walk further into the cafe and a hostess will ask you if you'd like a table. The answer? Yes, please. You will not be disappointed. Walking across the black and white tiled floor, you can only hope to be seated in one of their tufted banquettes. Either way, Josephine serves as the perfect place to warm up on a cold weekend afternoon, but also a great spot to meet-up for some much needed post-work day wine. Now open all day long, and serving lunch and dinner, there's no reason not to stop into Josephine for every meal of the day. Bon Appetit!

Tory Says...

A woman after my own heart, designer Tory Burch has launched "Tory's City Guides." These online guides offer an insider's guide to the hottest cities around the U.S. and Asia (OK - they're really chosen based on where Tory has her boutiques) - what to see and where to stay, shop, and eat. For the midwesterners out there, Tory has two locations in your 'hood - Troy, MI and Chicago, IL. You can see what she recommends in your city by visiting the website listed below. I personally couldn't wait to delve into the New York City guide -- here's what Tory recommends. And I have to say, in regards to the places I have visited, I couldn't agree more.

To Sleep: The Mark Hotel, Crosby Street Hotel, The Carlyle, The Lowell New York

To Eat: The Waverly Inn, JG Melon, Sushi of Gari, Milos New York, La Esquina, Lupa Osteria Romana, Cafe Habana, Fred's at Barneys New York, Lovely Day, Antica Bottega del Vino, People's Pops, Ciao Bella Gelato, Cupcake Stop, William Greenberg Dessert

To Shop: John Derian Company, MoMA Design Store, Opening Ceremony, Ina, Boutique D. Porthault, Crawford Doyle Booksellers, Tracie Maryn Salon, Gagosian Shop, Plaza Flowers, Verdura, Marie Robinson Salon, Jeffrey, Kirna Zabete, Clay

To See: Neue Galerie, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, The Highline, The Standard, The Museum of Modern Art, The Angelika Film Center & Cafe, Joe's Pub, The Staten Island Ferry, SoulCycle

After an intense, business school-style calculation, I've determined that I've only been to a measly 18% of these destinations. Clearly I have my work cut out for me in 2011. Time to get out there and explore! For the full listing of Tory's recommendations and to check out her guides for other cities, click here.

That New York Glow

The spas in New York City are almost as plentiful as the restaurants. The process of finding one that fits just right with what you're looking for can be extremely challenging. So, I'd like to save you all a lot of time and effort by recommending my absolute favorite spot for an efficient and effective facial - Dermalogica (110 Grand Street, http://www.dermalogica.com/). With only two "spa" locations in the U.S., one in New York City and one in Los Angeles, Dermalogica is more "skin care boutique meets dermatologist's office" than anything. If you didn't know any better when walking by, you would simply think it's a Dermalogica flagship store selling its many simply packaged products. However, a simple trip onto their website reveals more - behind the rows of skincare products and the "Skincare Bar" is their very futuristic treatment room or "pod". Once inside, you can choose from an assortment of calming lighting features and music - you can even bring your own iPod to put into their docking station. While I only go for the Dermalogica Skin Treatment, they have a range of other services as well, listed on the website. The service I recommend is a standard facial treatment, but adds on Dermalogica's signature service called Face Mapping, where your skin therapist carefully analyzes the 14 zones that makeup your face in order to appropriately customize your service. If you enjoy a lot of pre-spa amenities and pampering, this may not be the place for you, but the no huss, no fuss mentality works perfectly for me. And, with a warm cup of tea waiting for you after your service and at only $110 a pop, I can't imagine a better way to spend a weekend morning.

Give My Regards to Broadway

There's nothing better than seeing two of your favorite movie/tv actors live. That's why, when I had the chance to see Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes (Will and Grace) perform as the leads in Promises, Promises (www.promisespromisesbroadway.com/) on Broadway, I jumped at it! Promises, Promises is a musical based on the 1960's film, The Apartment, with music by Burt Bacharach. The show features popular hits such as "I Say a Little Prayer" and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again"; those hits along with a fun and quick-paced storyline made seeing this show one of the highlights of my holiday season in the city. Plus, a little cameo from Molly Shannon didn't hurt. While the show unfortunately ended on January 2, the same producers are now presenting How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (http://howtosucceedbroadway.com/) starting February 26, 2011 at the Al Hirschfield Theater (302 W. 45 Street) starring none other than Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe. Sounds like a great excuse to grab a friend and get out of the cold this winter.

Muchas Gracias, New York

All I can say is "thank you" New York for the delicious and festive Mexican spot I discovered during the last few weeks of 2010. Perfectly situated on a tree lined street in the West Village (and walkable from where I work), Diablo Royale (189 W. 10th Street, http://www.diabloroyale.com/) serves up scrumptous and reasonably priced Mexican dishes with a fantastic atmosphere to boot. Although they don't take reservations, it's relatively easy to walk in on a weekday night to meet a couple of friends for some fajitas and margaritas. The bar scene was equally as hopping and seemed to be a great place to meet up for some much needed post-office hours cocktails. Va ahora! Es magnifico!