NYC Thanksgiving Parade: Where and Where not to Watch

One of the biggest events of the year is finally approaching! New York City’s annual Thanksgiving Parade. For those of you who have never been or are looking for a new place to set up and watch, here are the top spots around the city that will give you the best view as well as places you might want to avoid. The parade takes place from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day.

72nd Street/Central Park West and 61st Street

 Here you will be close to central park and have the most perfect view of the parade’s beginning. Central park west will allow you to have a more spacious viewing point and you can set up chairs if you get to the event early.

34th Street and 38th Street on 6th Avenue, and 34th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue.

These areas you should avoid all together because they will be closed for broadcasting crews to show the parade.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade official viewing area on 34th Street

Depending on how you want your experience at the parade to be, you can either choose this destination or completely avoid it. The official viewing area is found on 34th street is the most congested viewing area at the parade. You can camp out a day in advance to try and score a good view or you can avoid the huge crowd and choose a different location such as the corner of Bryant Park.

Wherever you choose to enjoy the parade, make sure to stay warm, be safe, and have fun!

5 Signs Your Workwear Needs an Update

By Peter Minkoff

Most of us look at work clothes as nothing but that. Just business attire. This is why often times we don't pay too much attention to make it look as nice as our other outfits. However, you should invest some time, money, and creativity in your work clothes, and here is how you can update it easily.

Not modern enough

In the era of fast-changing fashion trends, it is hard to keep up and be modern at all times, especially when it comes to working clothes, which we don't buy that often. However, you will look modern in your business attire by investing in a tailored suit for example. The benefits are that it will be done just by your measures, which automaticity makes it a perfect fit, and an elegant piece. Another way to do it is to invest in quality shoes, purses, and accesories, which will complete every outfit. Choose more subtle pieces like pearl or stud earrings, or pendant necklaces, because they are appropriate and also very fashionable.

Not your style

A good way to make your work clothes more interesting and update it easily is to make it fit your personal style. This means that you can use the trends you love and incorporate them into those formal outfits. Pleated skirts are very trendy, and they can be a great piece for the office, paired with a turtleneck and a statement belt. If you don't like to wear heels, subtle ankle boots will do the trick. Oversized trend is something we all love, especially because it's so comfortable, so why not get a sweater like that with some dark wash high waisted jeans, and heels, and make it look professional, yet casual enough.

You don’t wear dresses

Whenever you hear business clothes, your mind probably goes to pencil skirts, pants, and blazers, which are a great option. However, another practical and classy solution are dresses. Long-sleeved, Realization Par dress is perfect for any weather, and you can pair them with a blazer over the top, and some ballet flats, or classic pumps. To make it even more interesting you can choose different designs and patterns like floral, or polka dots. Make a high bun, subtle makeup, and let the dress speak for itself since it's perfect for those casual days at the office. If you want a safer option, a knee-length body dress with a beige coat and purse will look elegant and fashionable.

You don’t dress according to your needs

Depending on the type of job, and the dress code, you can create your essential guide for work clothes, so that you are sure you always look good. Work clothes can be formal, business casual, or casual. If you need to look classy and professional at all times, make sure you have pantsuits, pencil skirts, and shirts in your wardrobe. Quality shoes are also a must, together with a purse, you will be able to put all your necessities in. For business casual, blouses, dresses, jeans, and loose pants are an option, as well as ankle boots, flats, or oxford shoes. If your work allows casual clothing, just make sure you don't wear too revealing and tight pieces, otherwise everything works, even trainers, jumpsuits, jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters.

You are not playing with work clothes

Prints are a huge trend in the last few seasons. Plaid, stripes, houndstooth, dots, and even animal prints can be seen in skirts, blouses, shirts, and even pants, blazers, and coats. These pieces look trendy, yet very elegant, and despite what you may think can be easily combined. If you choose one such piece, make sure all the others are basic, simple, and monochrome. Stick to the same colors, and don't use more than three different ones. Tie the whole look by pairing shoes or purses that have the same print, or even use jewelry and belts. Another good advice to make it look fashionable is to mix fabrics, like silk with sweaters, denim with cotton, and wool with leather. Animal prints can be a bit tricky, but start with details like silk scarves, purses, or shoes, and when you feel a bit more comfortable, combine animal print skirts with turtlenecks, sweaters, blazers, and leather jackets.

Work clothes can often be different than what we would normally wear. This is why it is important to incorporate some of your styles in it, play with designs, prints and patterns, and experiment until you find what works best for you.

Non-Traditional Holiday Gift Ideas to Add to Your List

The holidays are a time of giving and being thankful for what you have. It's heartwarming to exchange gifts with loved ones. However, perhaps your spirit needs an upgrade. You're running out of ideas for presents, and the after-Christmas shopping rush doesn't excite you anymore. It's time to switch things up with some unconventional ideas.

Try something innovative instead of buying your sibling a new phone. They'll be surprised at your ingenuity and appreciate the much-needed refresher. Here are six exciting ideas for your next holiday present exchange.

1. Handmade Gifts

Few commercial goods can beat a present made from the heart. Surprise a relative or friend with a handmade item representing your gratitude and affection. Knit a scarf, create a wood ornament, melt wax for a candle or crochet a pillow. You can find endless ideas for homemade presents if you take the initiative.

If you’re not artistically inclined, you can still find a perfectly customized gift. Local artists in your neighborhood and online will often take commissions for personalized goods, whether it be portraits, engravings or woodwork. Take some time to explore local markets and score something completely unique.

2. Specialty Alcohol

We all have that friend or family member who’s a connoisseur of their drink of choice. However, hobby-based gifts can sometimes be challenging if you’re not sure what the recipient is looking for. For these loved ones, the secret is to step away from standard selections and look for something a little more unique.

Each year, breweries, wineries and distilleries unveil some truly impressive collections. Rum enthusiasts, for example, might flip for Mount Gay’s new Master Blender Collection, designed by the brand’s first female master blender in its history. Your wine-loving relatives can celebrate some picks from a local winery they may never have explored. With that specialty alcohol, you can get a unique decanter to go with it and have the perfect Christmas gift for boss ready in time for the yearly bonuses.

Check out the industry’s magazines to find specialty bottles that can’t be picked up at just any liquor store. What better way is there to honor your loved one’s interest than by seeking out a hard-to-find blend they can treasure throughout the year?

3. Tickets to an Event

Giving experiences brings joy through the year, and research shows that these types of gifts provide more lasting happiness than a physical item. Plus, it’s a gift you can enjoy together. Hunting for tickets to a concert, play or sports event is well worth the extra effort.

Do you have family outside the city? Many people say attending a Broadway show is the ultimate dream. Make it a reality for your loved ones by buying tickets for their favorite performance. Alternatively, surprise them with a performance they may not have the chance to see otherwise.

People love checking out the Christmas in the Dells Dinner Show that combines festive entertainment with a delightful dining experience, creating unforgettable holiday memories. It’s a perfect way to bring the family together and enjoy a seasonal celebration in a unique setting.

Event tickets are often not cheap, but it's worth the price to score an unconventional gift. If you need more time, give your loved one another gift for the holidays and surprise them with the tickets next year.

3. Charitable Contributions

There’s likely not a lot your loved ones will need at home. For your next gift-giving venture, step away from material belongings. Instead, donate to a charity, help a family in need or volunteer at a homeless shelter. Spreading cheer to those less fortunate keeps you grounded and appreciative of the people and things you have.

Related: Inside Owl’s Brew Boozy Tea House ParTEA hosted by Jeannie Mai Jenkins

Take a trip to the nearest toy store and buy goodies for children. If you prefer buying online, you can browse sites like Toynk Toys, Kohl’s, and Fat Brain Toys for a wide variety of selections. You can also cook some meals and hand them out. If you have old sweaters and socks you don't wear, give them to those who can use them. You'll show your relatives the importance of giving. You might even inspire a Grinch or two.

4. A Family Dinner

Fill the kitchen with the sounds of laughter and smells of tasty food when you cook dinner with the whole family. Homemade meals come from the heart and usually consist of delicious recipes passed down from great aunts, grandmas and mothers. What better way to celebrate the holiday spirit than by making a family recipe together?

For a unique approach, purchase a subscription meal planning service for a loved one. It takes the stress out of thinking up ideas for dinner every day. You can participate in the fun, too — for some services, multiple people can sign on to one subscription. Prepare a hearty and healthy meal amidst all the Christmas hams and pumpkin pies.

5. A Movie Night

Gather everyone up and head to the movies to watch funny, sentimental or scary films. Make a tradition of going to the movies on Christmas day, or hit up the theater every day that week. Purchase AMC Stubs A-List memberships for your loved ones to take the weight off their wallets. An all-week movie excursion doesn't have to break the bank.

Don't worry about battling over seats on crowded nights. Online reservations are free for A-Listers, and you can hold three at a time. Surprise your movie-loving friends with an exclusive membership that allows them to watch all the movies they want at a lower cost.

6. A Sunny Vacation

Shake off the winter chill by planning a group vacation to a sunny paradise. Some fun in the sun might be what everyone needs to reawaken the festivities and fill your time with joy. If you want to stay warm, head to a country in the Southern Hemisphere, where summer starts in December. Australia and Argentina are both excellent options.  

Want to stay close to home? Choose a destination like Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Winter weather is cozy for a time, but those who dislike the chill know where to go for warm celebrations. Spend December frolicking on a beach instead of shivering at home.

Have a Unique Holiday Celebration

Your holiday cheer will experience an upgrade after applying a new idea or two. Take the whole family to the movies, a Broadway show or an island vacation. You can also stick close to home with a movie night or two. 

It's okay to break traditions sometimes. It's how you make new ones for the future.

Holly Welles is a real estate blogger covering design, finance and market trends for apartment dwellers. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

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5 Reasons to Try CoolSculpting This Winter

By Peter Minkoff

Truth be told, CoolSculpting is one of the trendiest procedures in the cosmetic industry nowadays, which is exactly why it deserves a shout-out. So, if you want to learn more about this outstanding procedure that gives great results, all you need to do is to keep on reading. Here are five reasons to try CoolSculpting this winter, so check them out and enjoy!

Reason #1: It’s an ultra-effective procedure for removing fat

In case you didn’t know, CoolSculpting is one of the most effective fat-removing procedures these days, which places it at the top of the list of popular cosmetic procedures. What’s particularly interesting about CoolSculpting is the fact that it isn’t a traditional weight-loss tool. On the contrary, it’s designed for people close to their ideal weight, who are in relatively good health, but who can’t get rid of body fat no matter how hard they exercise or how healthy they eat. Well, CoolSculpting is the perfect choice for those people as it targets body fat that can’t be dealt with easily, which is usually found in areas such as inner and outer thighs, upper arms, flanks, knees, abdomen, bra bulges, back fat, and similar ones. So, if you’re desperate to get rid of that stubborn body fat, CoolSculpting may be the right choice for you!

Reason #2: It has no downtime at all

Another fabulous benefit of CoolSculpting is the fact that this procedure has almost no downtime at all. This means that you’ll be able to get back to your job and other everyday activities immediately after the treatment, without having to stay in your bed for a week or so. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure performed by placing an applicator on the skin directly above the fatty tissue. Once the process starts, the fat cells will be cooled off and removed from your system, without damaging the surrounding, healthy tissue. Even though there is no downtime, you can expect to experience mild swelling, bruising, tingling, and tenderness, none of which will stop you from resuming your daily activities.

Reason #3: You can achieve the look you want without surgery

If you’ve always thought that going under the knife is the only way to get rid of stubborn body fat and achieve a flawless figure, girl, were you wrong! The cosmetic industry has developed so much over the last decades, which is exactly why there are so many amazing non-surgical procedures that can deliver almost the same results as their surgical counterparts. One of these is CoolSculpting, which is performed in clinics all across the world these days – including the United Arab Emirates. So, no matter if you’re a beauty tourist or you live there, just go for CoolSculpting in Dubai and you won’t make a mistake. That’s a promise!

Reason #4: The results can be seen almost immediately

A large number of patients who have already tried CoolSculpting claim that the results can be seen almost immediately after the first treatment, which is a fabulous benefit you mustn’t overlook. However, you should bear in mind that results are completely individual, which is why you shouldn’t be desperate if all of your body fat doesn’t go away after a single treatment. Instead, be persistent and keep up with your treatments. For example, the majority of people experience groundbreaking results about two months after a CoolSculpting treatment. Besides that, you need to remember that your body will continue to get rid of fat cells for another 4 to 6 months after the procedure.

The price of CoolSculpting varies depending on the number of areas that require treatment. You can read about coolsculpting prices here, or do some research in your local area. Remember, quality results take time.

Reason #5: It will boost your self-confidence in no time

Yes, we know that it probably sounds superficial, but the fact is that the way you look can affect the way you feel about yourself. Thanks to advancements in medical technology, such as those behind CoolSculpting, you’ll be able to improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem in the blink of an eye, which is an amazing benefit you should bear in mind. This is particularly important if you’ve been trying to get rid of body fat through a healthy diet and physical activity without significant results, so don’t wait any longer and give this revolutionary procedure a fair shot. The fact that there is no downtime and that you don’t have to go under the knife should also motivate you to opt for CoolSculpting, so think about it and choose if it’s the right treatment for you!

As you can see, there truly are a lot of great reasons to try CoolSculpting this winter, but these five definitely are the best ones out there. So, if you want to get rid of stubborn body fat without having to go for a surgical procedure, just give CoolSculpting a chance and you’ll do a great job, without a shadow of a doubt!

Quiet Enjoyment: About A Co-Op Closing Gone Hilariously Wrong

Sadia Rahman

Set in New York City, Quiet Enjoyment is about a junior manager Merry Cudlip’s first co-op closing that goes horribly wrong. Richard Curtis, award-winning author, writes a play around a closing on a multi-million dollar Manhattan co-op that ex-husband Peter Chasen is turning over to his ex-wife Juliana as part of a harsh divorce settlement.

When he arrives to turn his $5 million co-op over he brings his girlfriend Karma along to make sure Juliana does not screw him out of anything else. A story that follows a woman trying her best to run her first closing and do everything she can to prevent it from spinning into oblivion. With so many things going wrong her boss is getting more upset, and one more thing: Peter doesn’t have enough money to cover the closing costs.

Directed by Marcus Gualberto and written by Richard Curtis this play is a combination of humor and satire that will have you on the edge of your seat laughing.

"Richard Curtis's unique sense of humor and wit turns the mundane into the hilarious." - Mara Lieberman, Executive Artistic Director, Bated Breath Theatre Company  

Opening Night: October 19 at 7 PM

Closing Night: November 3rd

Location: Playroom theater 151 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036, 8th Fl.

Schedule: Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 7 PM, Sundays at 7 PM

Special Performances: Thurs 10/24 & Mon 10/28

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Tips on Saying No to Your Friend with Benefits

While having a friends with benefits (FWB) relationship allows one to hang out and have fun with someone without any serious commitments, it can sometimes pose a challenge when it comes to saying “no.” It may be turning down a request for a while because you do not feel like doing whatever your partner is requesting. It could also be about ending the relationship.

So, how do you say “NO” to your friends with benefits effectively? Here are some tips on doing it:

Explain why you cannot make it or if they displeased you

You may not feel excited about having fun with your FWB at a given moment when they suggest that you hook up. It is critical to pause and reflect on why that idea may not be appealing to you at that time. It could be that you are tired, for example after a heavy workout, or you could be feeling sick, or you may have a school or work assignment that is almost due and you need to complete it. It may also be that your FWB did something to you, failed to do something, or said something that hurt you. You should let your partner know why you cannot manage to be there at that moment.

If you are busy wrapping up some assignments that are almost due, then tell them that. If you were offended by their actions or omissions, let them know that. You may tell them that you still value your friendship, but if you are to keep being friends, then they should know that they hurt you when they did what they did or said something that you felt was a bit unfair. Seek to straighten out things and continue enjoying each other’s company.

Promise to make up or give an alternative

After explaining your reason for saying “no” at that moment, you need to let your FWB know that it is not a blanket NO, but you still want to continue enjoying the “benefits” and keep the friendship. You can offer to hook up the next weekend or at another convenient time. Maybe it is a friend that you met on a dating site like Happymatches and have not yet got to know each other well, having hung out only a few times. Assure them that you are glad to have met them and wish to keep the friendship. You may give an alternative of doing a video call and chat for some time and exchange pleasantries. You can soften your NO at the moment by promising to spend a longer time with them next time or try new things.

Communicate clearly when saying no to end things

Unlike in official relationships in which breakups normally require a face-to-face meeting or phone conversation, friends with benefits relationships are casual. This can allow you to break up through an email, text message, or any other non-personal method. But you may also choose to respect the preexisting friendship and break up in a more personal way. If you decide to use non-personal ways, ensure that you clearly and concisely state your intention to end the friendship and leave no room for misinterpretation since you will not be there to clarify anything. You could choose to use a non-personal method when you fear that a face-to-face encounter could weaken your resolve, or your FWB is likely to try to manipulate you, or when meeting is a bit more difficult like in a long-distance relationship. You need to be ready to handle the breakup, and if you feel that there are chances of the friendship relapsing, you should cut any communications. Better still, if your FWB has no problem with it, you may agree to continue being friends but do away with the benefits.

You have to be able to say no to your friend with benefits and stand your ground. Whether it is a no for a moment or to break-up altogether, you need to be forthright and always seek your best interests. After all, you are just in it for the benefits and friendship without a serious commitment.

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Designing A Home That’s Inclusive And Stylish

A growing aging population and more awareness of disabilities has forced many home designers to think more inclusively. A home that anyone can live in is more sellable. This doesn’t have to mean sacrificing stylishness either – in fact many elements of inclusive design are becoming trendier and more practical for able-bodied people too. Here are just several features that can make a home both inclusive and stylish.

Go open plan

An open plan layout offers more space for freely getting around as there are no tight doorways or corridors to negotiate. It also has the added benefits of making a home more social, allowing easier communication between rooms. On top of this, it can improve ventilation and make a home brighter. If you’re renovating an existing home to make it open-plan, you’ll want to hire professionals to knock down any interior walls safely. Cut-outs can sometimes be a more economical option to knocking down entire walls and can usually have the exact same effect.

Get creative with ramps

Ramps can help to provide wheelchair access and are essential to inclusive design. When choosing a ramp, look beyond basic options and find a design that will match the décor of your property. A metal ramp could be great for a glossy modern home, while a wooden ramp could compliment a traditional home well. Incorporating a ramp naturally will make it feel less like a home for disabled people. Doing away entirely with stairs may not be possible in two storey homes, but some properties have accomplished it using only ramps (of course, a lift is sometimes the more convenient option – although this can sometimes make a home look a little too disability-focused).

Install a walk-in shower

Walk-in showers can be both a sign of inclusivity and luxury. Curbless walk-in showers can allow easy access suitable for those with disabilities, however you may have to spend a little extra wetproofing the room. Fitting a walk-in shower into a small bathroom can sometimes be difficult – you’ll usually have to sacrifice the tub to make it work. Alternatively, you may be able to keep a tub in your bathroom and find another space in your home to fit a walk-in shower such as a cupboard under the stairs.

Integrate smart technology

Smart technology is the future of home design. It can also be a useful technology for those with mobility issues, allowing remote-control of elements such as heating and lighting without having to physically move. There are all kinds of ways in which smart technology is being integrated into homes. Smart electrical sockets could allow you to turn sockets on and off remotely to save energy (useful for sockets in hard to reach locations). Smart security meanwhile can allow windows and doors to be locked and unlocked remotely. It could be worth looking into companies that deal with home automation to see what other creative ideas they can implement.

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