Jamaica

I’ve been quiet this past week because I’ve been lucky enough to get away on holiday with Nick and my parents! How did I end up in the caribbean with my Canadian parents you might wonder? They were going to come visit us in New York in October, then it got pushed to November, then we realized we’d see each other for Christmas, then we decided let’s all have a vacation and meet somewhere warm – Jamaica!

Nick and I arrived on Sunday, after flying on a plane half-full of babies. Since when do babies get to go to Jamaica on holiday?

It took us a few days to settle down and really relax – it must be the New Yorkers in us. We eventually had the realization that while in Jamaica…

You eat:

You swim:

You lie on the beach:

You drink beer or rum intermittently from 10am on:

Sometimes you visit the nude beach on the island:

Were we really nude? That’s for us to know and you to find out.

(We weren’t.)

The resort we stayed at was fantastic – the employees were so friendly and genuinely happy to be at work every day. There were activities every day and night and although most of the time we just did our own thing, we did watch their “Jamaican Elvis” show after Nick was recruited to be one of Elvis’ bodyguards.

One of my favourite things about the vacation had to be that my parents were there too. Also, the food was surprisingly tasty, peacocks and wild kitties roamed the resort, and our hotel room got Toronto stations CityTV and CBC!

Getting a tan in February is also a nice bonus.

Thanks for a great week, Jamaica!

To see all my Jamaica photos, check out my Flickr.

My guide to New York and Brooklyn

After typing out countless emails of choice spots to visit in New York each time a friend travels there, I thought to myself, hey – why not just make a blog entry about it that can be here for each person who needs it? Also, I miss New York and want to take a trip there in my head.

These are my favourites. Do you have any must-sees or -dos that are worth mentioning? Please share in the comments!

MANHATTAN:

Food & Drink:
Cafeteria a cute breakfast & lunch spot in Chelsea. Great eggs benedict.
Cosmic Cantina burritos that are both tasty AND healthy
Heartland Brewery delicious, reliable, cozy pub
Magnolia Bakery amazingly delicious cupcakes – be prepared for a line up!
Max incredibly affordable Italian with generous portions.
Nobu I haven’t been here myself, but I hear it’s the best of the best when it comes to sushi. $$!
Panna II This Indian spot is more worth the trip for the ridiculous atmosphere. It’s food is decent and cheap, but not the best you’ve ever had.
Pegu Club a classy bar on the border of NoHo & SoHo – amazing cocktails! Perfect for a shopping break.
San Loco Cheap, fast Mexican – try the guaco locos!
Sidewalk Cafe cute bistro, great happy hour specials
S’mac treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food: many kinds of mac & cheese to choose from.
Toasties can you believe I almost didn’t go in because their sign’s in comic sans? I’m glad I did because their sandwiches and salads are so good!

Shopping:
Apple Store on 5th Ave. Worth going there just to see the store design, especially at night.
Evolution you probably won’t buy anything, but it’s worth a look!
FAO Schwartz the famous toy store featured in Big
Giant Robot vinyl toys, art – better selection than Kid Robot and for a more mature audience
Kid Robot vinyl toy giant
Macy’s I almost have a panic attack every time I come here from the sheer amount of people, but their selection is amazing.
NBC Store pick yourself up a Dwight bobblehead
Steve Madden I always buy my boots here
Strand legendary with book lovers – great used book deals
Tiffany & Co. come plan your engagement ring!
Topshop The first North American store – a sort of more scandalous British H&M
Toy Tokyo huge selection of collectible toys
Uniqlo great for affordable staples, cheap but awesome jeans
Upper Playground design & culture store
Urban Outfitters not just any UO, this one has a huge sale basement!

Other:
Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment (from Sex & The City): 238 East 72nd Street
Central Park
Grand Central Station
Jonathan Levine Gallery
Josh Liner Gallery
New York Public Library (so beautiful)
Rockefeller Center (30 Rock!)

BROOKLYN:

Food & Drink:
Alligator Lounge Order a drink, get a free pizza!!!
The Bagel Store Williamsburg bagel suppliers
Bakers Dozen my favorite deli in Greenpoint with the best bagels EVER.
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory need I say more?
Fort Defiance Great bar with serious cocktails in Red Hook.
The Habitat great place for a pint and dinner. (Greenpoint)
Lodge great brunch spot in Williamsburg. I vaguely remember a special on Bloody Marys… It must have been a good one if I can’t remember!
Ontario Bar I haven’t made it here yet, but still want to go for obvious reasons.
Pencil Factory Bar good beer selection, good patio (Greenpoint)
Peter Luger amazing steaks, even better burgers available only at lunchtime. Call ahead to make a reservation. Cash only. (Williamsburg)
Peter Pan Bakery tasty pastries – they offer ice cream sandwiches made with donuts in the summer! (Greenpoint)
San Loco their Williamsburg location is bigger and better.
Turkey’s Nest Tavern grab a “to go” beer in a styrofoam cup and watch sports across the street in McCarren Park. (Williamsburg)

Shopping:
Beacon’s closet super trendy used clothing. (Williamsburg)
Brooklyn Flea Market tons of vendors selling great stuff! Delicious food options too. (Fort Greene)
Buffalo Exchange used clothing. (Williamsburg)
Built By Wendy expensive, but so pretty. Sometimes they have sales. (Williamsburg)
Catbird cute clothing & jewelry. (Williamsburg)
Dalaga my current favorite clothing shop. Local designers and original pieces, but not as pricey as you’d think. (Greenpoint)
Oak ladies, you will want EVERYTHING. (Williamsburg)
Sound Fix decent record store, new & used. (Williamsburg)
Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers wonderfully packed to the gills with books, magazines, and other pleasant things. (Williamsburg)
Word I fantasize about working in this bookstore one day. It’s just that sweet. (Greenpoint)

Other:
Brooklyn Bridge
Coney Island (you must go! ride the Cyclone!)
Williamsburg Bridge