What does fall in New York City  mean to you?

For me, there is no city like this one, I believe that it is perhaps the best time to be in New York City, the autumn chill lets me know that it is time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and events as we get ready for yet another holiday season.

As we began the month with Daylight Savings Time, NY Metropolista will continue the momentum by making sure everyone gets the most of the fall by providing an in-depth look at upcoming events for November as the 2009 holiday season kicks off..

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park- November 6, 2009 – January 3, 2010 @ The Pond at Bryant Park, located at 42nd St & 6th Ave

Veteran’s Day Parade – Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 @ 11 a.m. The Parade begins on Fifth Avenue at 23rd Street, continues up Fifth Avenue to 59th St

Cirque Du Soleil Wintuk - performances are held November 11, 2009 through January 3, 2010 from Wednesdays through Sundays at Madison Square Garden which is located in Manhattan on 7th Ave between 31st and 33rd Sts

Radio City Christmas Spectacular – kicks off on Friday, November 13th, 2009 running through the end of the year

Grand Central Holiday Gift Fair – November 23rd & 24th, 2009, 87 E. 42nd St.(@ Park Ave)

Eighth Annual Grand Central Holiday train show -  November 25th- 2009-January 18, 2010 at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex, located @ Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St between Vanderbilt & Lexington Aves

Union Square Holiday Market -  November 25, 2009-December 24th, 2009, Union Square West & East 14th St., Hours:Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Thursday, November 26th, 2009 @9 a.m. The New Parade route for 2009 is as follows: It begins on 77th St & Central Park West, turning east onto Central Park South.  When the Parade reaches 7th Ave, the procession will turn south at the corner of Central Park South and march to 42nd St.  Traveling east along 42nd St from 7th to 6th Aves (Avenue of the Americas), the Parade will then head south and march to 34th St..  At 34th St., the procession will head west to Herald Square ending at 34th St. and 7th Ave. Don’t miss the inflating of the balloons the day before along Central Park West between 71st and 81st Streets approximately between 4:00 and 8:00pm!

Please note: The Parade will bypass Broadway from 58th to 34th Sts., including the Times Square area

South Street Seaport Tree Lighting - November 27th, 2009, 6pm, Pier 17, Fulton & South Sts

New York City’s Department Store Holiday Window Displays – the display windows begin unveiling towards the end of November, keep an eye out for them as you prepare for holiday shopping

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony -  December 2nd, 2009, festivities begin around 6:45pm, and the lighting takes place at 8:55pm sharp! 600 5th Ave

Photo credit: Carol Cain

(L-R)  Chairman of the Board, The Hershey Company James Nevels,  MHS students Rachael Knight, Arman Asemani, Brittany Queen, Sharron Townsend and  Chairman of The Hershey Trust Company, LeRoy Zimmerman

Founded in 1909, by chocolate mogul Milton Hershey and his wife Catherine, The Milton Hershey School was built to impact the lives of children in need in a positive way. Providing children of families with limited resources the opportunity leave their impoverished lives behind and obtain a structured and nurturing home life along with an outstanding education.

Now 100 years later, Academy Award winning director Cynthia Wade takes an inside look at the nation’s largest cost-free, private school and recounts the “greatest story never told” in her new documentary, Living the Legacy: The Untold Story of MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL.

This documentary tells the heartwarming story of the hardships and triumphs these children have had to endure in their young lives.

“During our centennial, we are celebrating the success of Milton Hershey School alumni and thanking people across the country for the role they play in supporting the School,” said Dr. Anthony Colistra, President, Milton Hershey School and a graduate of the MHS class of 1959.  “We want to raise awareness of Milton Hershey School and its good work so that we attract talented staff – from educators to health professionals to houseparents – as well as new students who need an opportunity at a better life.”

Milton Hershey believed so much in the importance of the school that before his death, he dedicated his entire fortune to make certain the school continued to thrive.

To learn more about MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL and the Hershey Legacy, visit www.thehersheylegacy.com

The New York City Wine & Food Festival along with Weight Watchers presented Fun and Fit in the City at the Harlem Children’s Zone.  The event began with a health expo where local companies along with Whole Foods Market, Share Our Strength(R), the Food Bank for New York City, and the Health Corps all provided helpful tips to guide parents through a range of healthy everyday life options.

Former President Bill Clinton along with a panel that included Dr. Mehmet Oz, Rachel Ray and Allan Houston urged parents to have active family time, create healthier fun meals and encourage eating together as a family. The topics discussed were intended to address obesity and the both social and economic challenges of raising healthy eaters in the inner city.

The discussion centered around ways where we can all take part in combating childhood obesity, which unfortunately affects those living in urban areas more due to lack of resources, healthy options and an abundance of inexpensive unhealthy ones.

The main objective to fighting this disease that affects so many in our communities is to focus on simple practical solutions that families can take part in to  better a child’s eating habits.

One of the strongest messages sent for those concerned about childhood obesity is that children follow by example and as parents the key is to become truly committed to help live a healthy lifestyle.

Happy Paws is the only place which my husband and I trust, to leave our pampered Pomeranians. Like you, we are busy New Yorker’s and love our four legged children. Rightfully so, we want to provide them with a home away from home, while we are on away.

So, what makes Happy Paws such a great place for New Yorker’s who spend their days pounding the pavement?

Happy Paws is a 9000 sq. ft pet resort, offering amenities to cater both the owner and pet’s needs. Offering daycare, boarding, training, grooming and transportation, your pet will enjoy his/her time spent at Happy Paws and as an owner you will feel at ease knowing your beloved companion is in good hands.

Equipped with live web cams in their themed daycare rooms, Happy Paws makes it possible for you to go online and see your pooch having a great time and making new friends. Providing closely monitored activities in an atmosphere where play, social interaction and companionship are the main components during your pups stay.

Along with daycare services, Happy Paws also offers complete boarding services. With custom-built kennels appropriate to their size and weight made for the comfort of your pet. If you choose to kick it up a notch, private pet suites are also offered making your pet feel as if they were in their very own hotel room.

Happy Paws provides a professional, courteous, very clean, friendly environment.  Their sole purpose and focus is on your pet, making them feel at home, offering great services and features all the while providing the most enjoyable play time your pet can have.

The New York lifestyle and cost of living can sometimes be expensive, and if you are just starting out on your own, or are newly arrived here, these expenses can catch up to you, causing you to spend unwisely or mismanage your money.

And New Yorkers are not the only ones. According to many studies; the average American household carries about $9,000 in credit card debt. There are millions of Americans who manage to pay off their debt and many still struggling to get out of it.

One of the best ways to get out of debt is to assess the damage, organize your balances, and create a plan of attack.

Here are six tips that can help you get your credit card debt under control.

1. First things first – Stop using your credit cards. Consider taking all but one (for emergencies only) out of your wallet and leave them at home. Use cash only. If you can’t pay for it then you don’t need it. Credit cards are not our friends. When shopping, make a list and stick to it.
2. Set goals – know what you want to accomplish in both short and long terms.
3. Create a budget – this only helps you determine the whereabouts of your money. If you hate excel and don’t want to spend the money on Quicken. Mint.com may be a way to go; it is a free online money management system that will help you get your personal finances in order.
4. Create a debt reduction strategy – make a list of all your liabilities and begin paying them down. Dave Ramsey, a financial expert, suggests paying off the smallest debt first to create the greatest momentum and keep you motivated to accomplish the goal. Once you create your budget you would be able to see how much you can allocate to paying down debt every month.
5. Do not use retail store credit cards for their discounts. There is a possibility that these cards carry high interest rates and if you end up having a balance at the end of the month, you really didn’t get much of a discount to begin with.
6. Reduce interest rates – one phone call can save you a lot of money. Getting a credit card lender to lower your interest rate will help you pay off your outstanding balances quicker.

Even though New York is looked upon as being one of the most expensive cities to live in, it is possible to successfully live here without breaking the bank, even with children.  It takes careful planning and management, and the ability to not spend outside of your means. I, by no means consider myself a debt expert, just one of many who have been caught in the spending cycle. Take hold of your financial destiny; create a plan that will allow you to reap the benefits of the money you work hard to earn.

Photo Credit: DemandSudios.com

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian pastry shop and café in the East Village you might want to give this place a try.

This family owned 115 year old eatery offers generous servings at a decent price.  As soon as you step foot into Veniero’s you are greeted by its history. Displaying many of its original details, the etched glass, and hand stamped metal ceilings; this eatery captures both your sights and stomach. Veniero’s offers an endless display of sweet, tasty, creamy Italian pastries.

This is a nice place to frequent with family and friends. It’s open late and their desserts are fantastic. I personally favor their fruit tart, Strawberry Shortcake, Tiramisu and their delicious cookies among other sweet treats.

So if you’re looking for a place to satisfy your sweet tooth, give this place a go.

Veniero’s Pastry Shop and Caffé

342 East 11th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

(212) 674-7070

venierospastry.com

Photo Credit: Venieriospastry.com