Friends with benefits use to be so much easier in my 20s. I had the movie, dinner, after-dinner drinks and well late night rendezvous without a care in the world. Those were the days, when sex wasn’t such an over analytical, emotional act and just something to get my rocks off. Today, in my 30s it’s such a big deal—so big in fact that celibacy is my middle name—well until I find that special someone that is.
Delicious Spanish Tapas via the UES
By Miss Jane
For Spanish tapas at a classy, yet not-so-stuffy restaurant, venture to the Upper East Side’s El Porron. Providing a warm, bistro-like atmosphere, this eatery, run by father chef “Mr G” and his dapper son, Diego, offers a menu of hot and cold tapas, dinner entrees, delectable desserts, and an extensive wine list.
Bring a party of your favorite girls, grab a booth and start with their sparkling cava sangria, which has a fresh fruit spritzer taste. Then order an assortment of tapas for everyone to share. I highly recommend the Mejillones a la Vinagreta de chardonnay (fresh mussels in a Chardonnay vinaigrette), the Jamon Serrano (thin slices of dry-cured Spanish country ham served with toasted garlic bread and fresh tomato) and a Mr. G specialty, the Vieras con Tocino en salsa de Esparragos (pan-seared sea scallops sprinkled with bacon, garlic, and breadcrumbs.)
Facebook opens the doors to all the outrageous characters across the nation that you would have never had the displeasure to come into contact with. Unfortunately, it also opens up the stereotypes and shameful actions of people that can only be described as a “Hot Ghetto Mess.” With the video above making the FB and youtube rounds, one can either laugh or shake your head in unbelievable dismay. Either way it’s a ridiculous sight to see as Antoine Dodson, exclaims to the local news “Hide ya kids, hide ya wife and hide ya husbands.”
As my girlfriend said, “Men don’t know their place, because of the women who give them some head after a trip to the drive-thru at McDonalds.” Thank you Lorelei girl. Why the harsh words, well because some men are tripping. After a brief dating encounter, I was noted as “selfish,” who me? Shoot, talk about a good laugh. Of course, I had to tell this story with flair to my girlfriends and yes Nicky, “it’s all about getting some.” Now, although I’m a whopping 32 years old, my black @$$ is old school. This means, you are courting me, I am the prey and you are the damn Hunter—so HUNT!!? The rewards come at the end of the finishing line.
I am shocked to hear from a few guys that stated: “We now have options, and a dude should be wined and dined too.” GTFOH, are you serious? Since when did men not play their position? Doesn’t a true gentleman pay? It amazes me how the dating world has changed and not for the better.
Hudson Terrace Rooftop Lounge
Summer is slowly fading away and I’m trying to cram all the fun in before the leaves start to change and the weather gets chilly. There is so much to do and with the passing days, I want to give you all a chance to experience the city at its best! With the many rooftop lounges from the LES to UWS, hosting afterwork wine extravaganzas to $1 oysters, the Big Apple is a blaze with pocket-friendly activities at the most posh hotels. Try out a couple of the locations below and remember “One a day, will definitely keep the doctor away!
1. Hudson Terrace: Love wine! Get your drink on with six different wine tastings from Chardonnay to Merlot with “Wine-down Wednesday’s at the Terrace for only $25.00.
I’m not the biggest movie lover but when I’m on a date, I always try to see the drama, comedy or action flicks. I tend to stay away from sexually explicit stuff. Why? Because it conveys thoughts of passion and lust (maybe I’m reaching). Unfortunately, it’s been a while and I am a very, very visual person—so why do it to myself. In recognition of some pretty lusty cinemas, here are a few that are worth mentioning. What is your movie picks? What movies get you turned on!
1. 91/2 Weeks with Mickey Rourke & Kim Basinger
What can I say about this classic sexcapade movie that taught us how to get your freak on will shopping for a mattress, or with simple foods in your refrigerator?
Middle Eastern Delight in Midtown
In the heart of midtown on the east side of the city is Al Bustan restaurant with its newly opened Ab Lounge. With the many bars and eclectic stores in this neighborhood the Lebanese cuisine by Executive Chef Elias will make you wonder what the rest of this region has to offer. With small addition such as the classic blended garlic or spicy Lamb, chicken and even bread will never taste the same.
Once you enter through the doors, you are met with a classically designed atmosphere for the more sophisticated customer but head downstairs to the lounge and it’s a different set of rules. Always classy, the downstairs hideaway is less formal with its mahogany décor, a bar in the middle and a big flat screen TV on the front wall. Much more informal that its upstairs counterpart, co- owner Eli creates magical concoctions such as the drink specialty Rose Mojitio made with a natural rose essence that is very distinctive to Lebanon.
Who says there’s nothing to do on the water? Although, definitely not your major cruise ships experience, NYC party cruises offers you a chance to sail around the Hudson River, witness landmark sights as well as the beautiful NYC skyline at night, not to mention—drinking and partying with friends! For those willing to try something different, and hop on board, the Piers along the West Side Hwy have party boats, jazz cruises or simply sightseeing trips around the “City of Lights.” With cruises departing almost everyday, here are a few options that just might pique your interest.
1. Dine and Dance on the Duchess in New York Harbor
World Yacht Marina at Pier 81
Price: $50.00-100.00
World Yacht hosts a 3-hour dinner cruise aboard the Duchess, a luxurious 160-foot ship. Enjoy a four-course meal and dancing, while a DJ spins today’s pop hits, plus on weekends.
2. 90-Minute New York Twilight Cruise
Pier 78
Price: $26.00
This 90-minute cruise is either a relaxing end to a busy day or a perfect way to get the night in New York
started by watching the lights as it fills the skyline.
I haven’t had any serious dating disasters in a while, maybe because I wasn’t dating for a while but whatever the reason—Thank God. I find that when you’re in the perils of a really awful date, there is absolutely nothing funny about it. However, once you begin recanting his strange behavior to your girlfriends—it is filled with lots of dramatic playback, after all a girl’s gotta get her kicks somehow. I wanted to find out just how many people experience the bad date scenarios and live to tell the tale. Check out a few of our readers and what they had to say about their dates from hell!
Daniel, Brooklyn, NY– I was out with this girl for our first date and she went to the bathroom. After a really long time she came back and said, “I think you have to drop me home. I responded
A few months ago I went to a yoga class and realized what I’ve known all along—YOGA bores me to tears. It was so bad that almost 15 minutes into the class, I walked over to the waiting area, sat down on a mat and waited for my friend to finish the class. I do not understand the yoga hype and all that breathing into core , exhale, feel your core tighten stuff was getting on my last nerves. Honestly, I could not relax with that incessant waterfall background noise and the instructor’s chatter.
Now Pilates, I can get down with. I love the constant movement and action with this class. Yes you’re tightening your core but without all the yoga drama.
Both workouts help to stretch and sculpt your entire body, just take a look at Sting and Madonna. However, finding the right fit for your body and personality is the real challenge. Here are some ways to tell if you are a yoga or Pilates kind-of-gal.
1. Yoga has a philosophical, spiritual focus that is steeped in ancient Indian culture and takes on a holistic practice. It unites the mind, body and spirit through exercise, breathing and meditation.
