From the column of Jacqueline Thresten:Christmas is a magical time for everyone, especially children, and, this year Macy's is going to make it extra special by donating $1 per letter (up to $1,000,000) received at Macy's department stores throughout the United States to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Simply bring a stamped letter to Santa and drop in the special mailbox located in all Macy's stores throughout the United States.The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-... Read Full Story

Well this weekend turned out a bit differently than I expected, I'm sitting in the Bryant Park Hotel right now waiting for a friend to arrive from out of town. This is an old friend whom I've traveled all around the world with from the pink sand beaches of Bermuda to "Old Town" Dubrovnik in Croatia. We're going to do a few fun things this evening including the Halloween Parade in the Village - provided the rain holds off and right now that doesn't look too promising. So I hopped online to ... Read Full Story

There was personal drama, work - more work - the end of a friendship - more work. So that's where I've been the past few weeks. Fall is a hard time of year for me, very depressing. I find it sad to see the end of yet another year coming to a close, and, it does make me depressed. I often find myself thinking about the things I didn't get accomplished and the goals I failed to meet. I also think of lost friends and family who will no longer be celebrating the holidays with me. So, instea... Read Full Story

Photo credit: Robert Sciarrino/The Star-LedgerYes, you are reading correctly it is officially snowing in Sussex County, NJ and the date is October 15, 2009. And, yes, this is HIGHLY unusual. You know, it's amazing but being a life long resident of the greater New York City tri-state area - to see snow (even if it is on tv) this early in the season is a bit of shock. New York City's high temperature was on 40 degrees today... Here's the link about the snow: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf... Read Full Story

Yes, I know I haven't been blogging, there are millions things happening in my private life that aren't meant to be shared in a public forum such as a blog. So as I continue to bring things down to a saner pace enjoy the following article by fellow writer Jackie Thresten. It offers great information about the 2009 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting in New York City:Update: Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, December 2, 2009http://www.examiner.com/x-21128-Newark-Luxury-Trave... Read Full Story

It's been a trying week in every possible way, and, in the middle of it all was my own version of "Big" (referring to the Chris Noth character on Sex and the City). My own version of Mr. Big had a birthday this week, and, of course, being the good friend I am, I tried to do everything right. And, in true "Big" form, I got a dig of sarcasm for my efforts. It wouldn't be so bad, but, I really did try to make everything perfect for him, but, sometimes the best laid plans (no pun intended, we ... Read Full Story

Well so much for trying to blog this week. I'm busy trying to keep up with the American Samoa tsunami and the earthquake in Indonesia. Here is video on both topics:Earthquake in Indonesia:http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=15836005&ch=4226717&src=newsAmerican Samoa Tsunami:http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=15836005&ch=4226717&src=news Read Full Story

This week is turning out much busier than expected. If you're interested, here is information about the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center with this year's rates and opening date information:http://www.examiner.com/x-21128-Newark-Luxury-Travel-Examiner~y2009m9d29-Rockefeller-Center-ice-rink-to-open-October-9-2009-staking-begins-on-October-10-2009?cid=exrss-Newark-Luxury-Travel-ExaminerActually the ice rink is a nice date and they even offer an engagement package so if you're getting engaged this... Read Full Story

Yes I've been bad this week and haven't posted. Sorry it's been extremely busy and will be blogging regularly again next week. In the meantime, for those interested in coming to NYC for holiday shopping in 2009, I highly encourage you to read the following article. Great shopping packages from various hotels:http://www.examiner.com/x-21128-Newark-Luxury-Travel-Examiner~y2009m9d26-Holiday-Shopping-in-New-York-City-2009--Hotel-Specials Read Full Story

It was a long, busy and sometimes overwhelming week as I covered Fashion Week for my editor. Fashion Week was a bit different from years past - swag bags ("goodie bags" with high end merchandise) were pretty much non-existent. However, celebrities were present from Madonna to Courtney Love. And, of course, the stars of the show were the clothing by the various designers.Overall the Spring 201o collections feature bright colors as well as neutrals (and even some matalliacs) and all have an ... Read Full Story