Manhattan Digest

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LIFESTYLE

Confessions of an Online Shop-Aholic

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Hello fellow fashion lovers.  My name is Jessica and I am an online shopping addict. Well kind of, my new obsession this year is online shopping.  With so many apps for your phone and shopping websites it’s easy to “ball on a budget.”  I decided I should share some of my favorite online shopping finds with all of you.

Shopping Online

First of all, my favorite iPhone app for shopping is WANELO.  It is free to download and displays pictures of trending items daily.  It’s kind of like Pinterest (another addicting iPhone app) but you actually get to buy the amazing finds.  Prices on WANELO items vary because they are posted off of many shopping sites.  But if you are determined you can weed out the bargain buys.

 Recently my preferred place to do my online shopping is www.Amazon.com.  Amazon has EVERYTHING!  I always thought Amazon was just books, but I just discovered the array of products you can purchase on the website.  I bought most of my Christmas presents from Amazon.com, everything from jewelry to clothing to toys for my brother.  Amazon offers free shipping and most orders ship immediately and get to you quickly.  My most current buy was a teeth whitening gel and UV light.  I will let you know how white my teeth get.

 Another incredible online shopping site is www.Storenvy.com.  Storenvy is like the Wanelo app, on the iPhone, except it is online and everything on there is reasonably priced.  The goods on Storenvy are from merchants around the world, so the selection is considerable and the fashions are unique.  Storenvy exhibits products for women, men, and babies.  They also market art, media, and tech gadgets.  I have bought numerous items I discovered on Storenvy and have no grievances.  Although the delivery time can be pretty long when you purchase from out of the country, the products have all been perfect!

 To end with, my latest discovery is www.Tidestore.com.  Because most of the items are sold as wholesale items TIDESTORE is an online clothing store that can sell clothes at inexpensive and affordable prices.  Some of the items must be purchased in large quantities but most do not.  This is one more site with clothing from around the world.  I recently received an oversized gray, turn down collar, hoodie and am absolutely in hoodie heaven.  Thus far, Tidestore.com has met all of my online shopping needs and desires.

 My online shopping addiction has not caused any negative repercussions, yet, and because of the aforementioned apps and websites, has not made a huge dent in my bank account.  I recently gained weight and shopping for new clothes, which fit and look good, has helped me accept my new shape.  I hope you guys got something from this and feel free to comment any sites I haven’t tried or your feedback with the ones I mentioned.

 

Nasty Pig- Edgy meets Fashion (and attractive men)

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If you live in New York City or are visiting, there is always the option to go to a variety of amazing clothing stores, both ones on a national level and ones that are local to the greatest city in the world.  As great as the national ones are (and not so great) there happens to be one particular store located in the heart of Chelsea that gets it in many ways.  What do I mean by it?  Eye-catching, edgy, fashion-forward and above all customer service at its best.  I am talking about none other than Nasty Pig, which is celebrating its 20th year in business next year.

I started going to this store roughly two years ago when I moved back to New York City from Rhode Island where I went to college.  The store is moderately sized yet at the same time doesn’t need to be huge and have a zillion signs to get people to buy their stuff.  It speaks for itself with the decor and amazing fashions that they have.  I call it “kink meets edgy” because a lot of their clothing can work in a variety of venues yet still have a unique edge to it.  They have a fantastic use of color and the pattern work is truly amazing.

 

The clothing ranges from the norm such a t-shirts, pants, sweaters, etc but it can go into a completely different realm with a variety of jockstraps and rubber gear as well.  If you are local to NYC and happen to be going to, oh let’s say Boxers or Gymbar, they will have you covered.  At the same time, if you are going to a particular night at the Eagle, they have stuff for that too.  It really is versatile and have great pricing at the same time.

Overall, especially coming from someone who worked in customer service for 3 billion years, this store tops in in terms of that aspect.  When people think of Chelsea, something that always comes to mind is bad attitudes amongst gay men, which happens to be true to a certain extent.  Not in this situation.  You are always greeted when you walk through the door and they are always willing to make that extra step and help you out.  Go see guys like Jay and Chris for example.  You won’t be let down.

Credit goes to Frederick Kerney at Nasty Pig
Credit goes to Frederick Kerney at Nasty Pig

Dave Hughes, the VP of Marketing and Public Relations at Nasty Pig, had this to say about 2013-  “In 2013 Nasty Pig has big plans to keep the serious growth we’ve experienced in the last two years going. At our NYC flagship we’re going to continue to offer our popular Choice Cuts limited edition items, and this year the line will expand to include hyper-limited-edition swimwear; we know that Nasty Pigs all over enjoy their time at the beach, so our swimwear program will also be extended to our wholesale accounts and website customers. Without getting too deep into the details, this spring we will partner with a major NYC-based LGBTQ charity on a project that we hope will raise a lot of money and a lot of awareness for some of our community’s most at-risk members. Additionally, we’re going to follow up the successful launch of our #iamNASTYPIG campaign with new video content throughout the year. And of course we’ll keep releasing plenty of hot gear that gets our customers laid, including our largest Spring/Summer collection ever and plenty of hot new underwear.”

So as stated before, if you are local to the NYC area, go and check it out.  If you happen to be far, go on the site.  You will not be disappointed.

Nasty Pig

265A West 19th Street

New York City, NY 10011

(212) 691-6067

www.nastypig.com

Clip-On Earrings: Not Just For The 65+ Babes

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Some of my clip-on earrings. Obsessed. Yes, I have them color coordinated. Guilty

GFs meet one of my fashion loves…. my costume/vintage clip-on earrings (I know I have a lot of clip-on earrings). Yes, I know 65+ babes only wear clip-ons and you have pierced ears. Which is exactly my point, no one else is! Be a trendsetter and rock a pair of clip-ons. These little time capsules are a classic look since they’re a blast from the fashion past. Honestly, I get compliments on my clip-ons all time… which why I know clip-ons will be making a comeback. MENTAL NOTE! Ladies, you’ve heard it from HonestFrugalChaos first .

[Read more…] about Clip-On Earrings: Not Just For The 65+ Babes

Role Playing, Not Just For School Girls Anymore

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meet at a bar

Tired of the same role playing routines?  Role playing no longer has to be limited to school girls and playing doctor.  Try these new themes when it comes to tantalizing your partner and bringing more excitement to the relationship!

1. TSA

Surprisingly, numerous women love TSAs.  Just think of how many dirty thoughts can run through your mind as your wait in that long security check-point line.  And hey, many of those TSAs are well, not bad at all.  If you own a blue button-up shirt and black dress pants you have a similar outfit for your signifiant other.  Pair this with handcuffs, gloves and a bat.  Talk dirty to your partner about them smuggling drugs or trying to bring a gun onto a plane and how they will have a price to pay for it.  They are sure to give up what you are looking for in no time.

2. The Workplace

Ever been an intern at a company and had a secret yet vivid crush on a person of authority?  Well, fulfill that fantasy now.  If you have a desk and business casual clothes you can always make this happen.  Tell your partner about the scenario, who the person of power was and let them do the rest.  What can you make happen with a few office supplies and an overly comfortable office chair?

3. Stranger

Go to a bar alone and tell your partner to meet you a little later.  Act as though you are single and just looking to meet new people by mixing and mingling at the bar.  When your signifiant other comes to hang out with you at the bar act as if you have never seen them before.  Do this by making up another name and identity for yourself.  Be someone you think would have unbelievable sex and try to stay in character for the rest of the night!  Find out what you two truly can do.  (This can also be applied to a hotel for an extra element of danger and adrenaline!)

4. Dominatrix

(Of course this will only be role playing if it is not something your are normally into.) Pretend you found your partner cheating and now need to teach them a lesson.   Numerous items can be used here, but try whips, handcuffs, blindfolds, small bats, beer bottles, hot wax, chains and more.   Know your partner’s limits, but make every moment worth it!

5. For Intellectuals

Do you get both heated and aroused by a good argument?  If so, pick a topic, do a little research, grab a bottle of wine and simply have at it!  Make a sexual prize for whomever wins the debate.  It’s a great opportunity to stimulate both the mind and body.

Is role playing something you enjoy often?  Share your stories…don’t worry, you don’t have to share you name, although you can if you wish!

Max Brenner- Whimsy, unique and freaking delicious

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A couple of months back I was introduced to an amazing restaurant based in the heart of Union Square called Max Brenner’s.  It boasts itself as a great place for yummy food and a variety of great desserts, most notably chocolate.  I went there last week with a good friend of mine, and once again, was not disappointed at all.  Even though we went at peak time on a Friday night, we were seated relatively quickly and had some great conversations with our overtly friendly waitress.  That was just the beginning and it kept getting better.
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I have had my experience with mac n cheese in my entire life.  Most of the time it comes from a box and takes a simple ten minutes to make, yet it is still delicious.  I decided to go with the Really Cheesy-Really Crunchy Mac N Cheese they have their.  It comes with five different cheeses, tomatoes and smoked applewood bacon.  When I first laid eyes on it, it was like heaven on a whole other level.  The variety of cheeses really explode in your mouth on top of the crunchy bacon and fresh tomatoes.  It even comes with a side of marinara sauce, something that I never in my life thought would work for this kind of a dish, but it makes it that much more homier and yummy at the same time.  Hands down the best mac n cheese I have ever had in my life.

That is just one part of how decadent this place really is.  You can’t finish a good meal like that and not try out the dessert.  Just walking in there it feels like you are in Willy Wonka’s world, and it’s one you don’t want to leave.  There are chocolate fountains and a variety of every type of candy and chocolate you can possibly imagine.  That’s just walking in too!  The dessert menu is like the guest list at the Oscar’s, top notch and you know it’s going to be one hell of a treat.  From their fondue (YES FONDUE!!!)  to unique items like Chocolate Pizza, there is something for everyone in that department (especially this pic which easily satisfied me and my friend).

dessert
By the end we were stuffed but beyond satisfied.  If you are in Manhattan or are visiting, this is the place to go and have a great time.

Max Brenner
841 Broadway  New York, NY 10003
(646) 467-8803

West Coast Versus East Coast Beauty, Can We Say “Porn Industry”?

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The AVN Awards Celebrate Their 30th Anniversary

Just this past weekend, The Adult Video News (AVN) Awards celebrated their 30th anniversary in Las Vegas, NV at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.  In the heart of Las Vegas, porn stars from all over the country gathered to celebrate their controversial industry.  This is not a show we would see happening in the heart of New York City, but AVN calls Las Vegas home.  This also holds true for numerous sex conventions including the fact that the actual AVN award ceremony only lasts one night, but the event spans the length of the entire weekend including autographed signings and performances by top porn stars.

 

In Sin City, average girls change their appearance to hopefully make more money.  Fake breasts do not only appeal to exotic industries, but they dominate the female workforce in general.  Cocktail waitresses at popular strip hotels will make $17 per/hr, plus tips up to $500 a night!  Now one can see why a $5,000 boob job is super appealing to many young females.  The high school dropout rate also averages 60% since women how they can make cash and fast.  Oh, America.

East Coast Beauty

Ironically in America, beauty is not necessarily in the eye of the beholder.  On one side of the country we are more likely to find “natural” models.  These girls are usually slender and tall, (unless we are referring to the plus size breed) with stunning facial features.  New York City is known for it’s elite models who were born to become successful in their given field.  In NYC, less in more, but the west coast, on the contrary is quite different.

West Coast Splendor

Think about the west coast for a minute. In regards to Las Vegas and Los Angeles in particular, beauty is the polar opposite and often times, it actually means fake is more appealing than anything else. Here people confide in top plastic surgeons to give them a look many people only wish to achieve.  The likes of  breasts implants, lip injections, fake tanning and liposuction are all too popular. Failure to invest in these procedures could either mean a short-lived career or even a lack of one all together.  Even women who dream of being models or actresses often find themselves caught up in the porn industry due to its large appeal and high payout rate.

The Reason

The question is, why has fake become popular and real an afterthought?

Could it be because the porn industry is actually more accepting than the modeling industry ever will be?  While there are numerous fetishes to be fulfilled in the porn industry, modeling remains close-minded and women need to fit into one of very few boxes.

All-in-all, the west coast is known for attracting young singles, is this why the porn industry truly exploded there?

If you get a chance to see both worlds, or have been active in the modeling or porn world let us know, we would love to hear your opinion.