blah to TADA!

12 December 2012

Another Market in Union Square

I'm a big fan of markets -- food, flea or craft. Now, I'm adding "Christmas Market" to the list. The feeling is always festive and you're guaranteed one-of-a-kind products that are wonderful for gifting.

Today, I'm taking you to Union Square, also in New York City.

Union Square is on East 14th Street and Broadway. It's a park, a gathering place, a space to play chess, and an area for protest rallies or pillow fights {whichever you're into}.

There's a Farmer's Market there every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. And when Thanksgiving arrives at the Big Apple's doorstep, another market emerges:

The Union Square Holiday Market!

I'm loving the peppermint red and white tents decorated

with garlands and lights.

There's a section selling food and drink.

There's art in various forms.

There are home goods, too.

I think I need some of these enamelware.

A few more things that caught my eye:

Cute and cozy for winter weather.

Wood-carved pencils

Lockets with dramatic photos on the cover

Soothing soaps and candles

Body balms

Mosaic lanterns

Sweet and soft tree trimmings

Pouches with an opinion

Drinking glasses made of old bottles

{blah to TADA!}

I especially liked that there was a Lil' Brooklyn - - a lane of Brooklyn-made crafts and food gifts. Go Brooklyn! You're now being noticed as the venue for the hip and handmade.

The Union Square Holiday Market

November 16th – December 24th, 2012

Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Monday, December 24th closes at 4:00 PM

Situated above the Union Square

14th Street subway station, 4/5/6, N/R/Q, and L lines

11 December 2012

Christmas at Bryant Park

Today, let me show you how Bryant Park celebrates the holidays.

Bryant Park is located on 42nd Street and 6th Avenue in New York City. I like this park a lot. It's a patch of calm in the middle of Manhattan's tall buildings and the always busy Times Square. And there's lots to do -- sip a coffee, read on a lawn chair, play petanque, chess or table tennis, take the kids to le carrousel, do some group yoga, and watch a concert or movie in the summer.

When the holidays arrive, it's decked with

a skating rink and a Christmas tree!

Ice skating in the winter and in New York City, no less!

If you prefer to just watch, there's a heated bar

serving drinks and light meals.

Surrounding all of this are the Holiday Shops -- glass-covered booths showcasing gifts, souvenirs, clothing and goodies to satisfy the tummy.

Get yourself a cup of tea to enjoy while walking around or purchase a canister for the tea-lovers in your life.

There are at least two shops selling hot chocolate and another selling hot apple cider.

There are food stalls offering French macarons, churros, chocolates, crepes, waffles, popcorn and savory snacks.

Here are just some of the cute stuff you'll find:

Desk accessories and stationery

I'm not certain if these are costumes or funny pajamas

Gloves for children in the shape of bear paws

Fuzzy animal slippers

There are many tree ornaments for sale. Some can even be personalized! I was drawn to this bunch -- the characters from The Wizard of Oz.

Fragrant hand soaps and body creams

Wallets and bags with quirky photos as the main design

Creature clocks with wagging tails

This shop was selling girly merchandise like jewelry and accessories. I love the French country interiors!

Lovely ceramics like mugs, bowls and wall decorations

This shop, called "Mr. Ellie Pooh's Fair Trade", takes recycling to a whole new level -- elephant waste is turned into gifts like notebooks and greeting cards.

And finally, a shop selling bracelets, clocks and journals made from old vinyl records {blah to TADA!}. See you back tomorrow!

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
October 26, 2012 to January 6, 2013
Monday to Friday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 9 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM

Bryant Park is situated behind the New York Public Library
in midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets &
Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

10 December 2012

New York City Christmas Markets

Happy Monday my dears! Last Friday, I told you about my first taste of a European Christmas market. Well, let me share with you a few more, this time in New York City. I hope this will be a helpful guide for you guys who are planning to come here in the next few weeks.

First up is the Christmas Market at Grand Central Station. It's a beautiful landmark so it's no surprise that many tourists add this to their list of "Things to do in NYC". It's a working station with trains shuttling passengers to upstate New York and neighboring Connecticut. There are retail shops, restaurants, a food market, and a dining concourse inside.

While you're there, make sure to look up and admire the breathtaking ceiling.

Just off the main concourse is Vanderbilt Hall which is an open space for special events. This is where you'll find the market which they call, "Holiday Fair". It opened on November 12 and continues until December 24.