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7/14/13






Stay Lovely,
D.R
Editor and Curator of
Dusk & Rubies
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This review has been a long time in the works! The Oar House is not only one of my favorite restaurants, but also where I used to work as a young bus kid. It is quite a rarity for someone who has worked in the food service business to still go back to dine at the very same restaurant where they were employed. The Oar was my first real job at the ripe old age of thirteen eleven years ago. The food was fantastic then, and it is even better now!







Everything on the menu is delicious! Above is just a few pictures of my favorite dishes. 

This restaurant is really busy in the summer since it is on the water and many people occupy, and utilize the dock space. Make sure to make a reservation on open table if you are going over the weekend (their busiest time).



Stay Lovely,
D.R
Editor and Curator of
Dusk & Rubies
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7/13/13

The New York Palace
If you know me, then you know I have a love affair with New York City. What do I love about NYC? Well, for instance you can go into the city every day and see something different, do something different, or live differently. Living on Long Island has made one of the greatest cities in the world extremely accessible with just an hour long ride on the LIRR. The one con about the city is it can be expensive. especially if you are deciding to stay for the weekend.

But, it doesn't have to be. To prove it I have three wonderful hotels that I have personally stayed at available for every person's budget.

1. The Roosevelt Hotel: If you love big sweeping historical lobbies which make an impression then this hotel is for you. The hotel lobby has been the scene for many movies and TV shows. It has even been the location for the Rascall Flatts music video "I'll Be Home For Christmas".

The Pros: Need a haircut, or a quick umbrella before starting your day? This lobby has shops where you can get anything and everything you need. The Price? For a three star hotel that is centrally located you can score a room for as low as $138. That is epic by New York City standards.

The Cons: The rooms can be tiny. The room I stayed in was clean, but tinier than rooms I was used to. The name "cozy queen" means it is definitely cozy. 
The Roosevelt Hotel
The Lobby

Concierge Desk
Light Fixtures Are Nostalgic Reminders of the 1950s/60s World of Mad Men.

Boutique Shopping, and Salon Is Available on the Lower Level.

2. The New York Hilton (Midtown): I don't nearly have enough pictures for the amount of times I have stayed in this hotel. I love the Hilton in midtown! I stay at this hotel once a year, and I continue to come back because of the excellent service.

The Pros: The location is perfect: right across from Radio City, and the rooms are a comfortable size. I have stayed in a king size room with three people, and the double room with four comfortably. This lobby also has a few shops, a Starbucks, and an accessible cafĂ©.  This is a great feature if you want to grab a yogurt, or cereal and not pay too much for breakfast. (The cafĂ© is being renovated right now, but will be opened again soon.) Plus, every room I have stayed in has a spectacular view of 6th Ave.


The Cons: The price can sometimes run you upwards of $300 per night. There are some rooms which you can purchase at a lower price ($219) if you book in advance. 



Double Queen Bedroom


If you're a Hilton card member, then you'll be able to use their fitness facilities for free. Otherwise it cost $20 for a day pass. 

3. The Helmsley A Park Lane Hotel: The most expensive option, but one of the finest hotels I have ever stayed in. This hotel is extremely romantic with its marble bathrooms, and Victorian styled rooms. The entire hotel gives off an air of elegance, and so does its address. This hotel is situated right next to The Plaza facing Central Park.

The Pros: Rooms are spacious, some may say grand. There is elegant dining available overlooking Central Park, and if you like a hotel lobby that is just for the guests with very little off the street traffic then this hotel is for you. The hotel also holds your bags free of charge if you want to get to the city before check in, or stay later after check out.

The Cons: During the summer the Helmsley has summer specials and rooms can be discounted to  $255, but they usually go fast. Otherwise an executive room, with a king bed, and a city view could cost you $535. (that is sans tax)

Small Mini Fridge/ Mini Bar.

Comfortable Rooms with French Victorian Furniture.

Comfortable Lounge Space for Guests.
Outdoor Café for Light Fare, and Coffee.
Elegant Dining Available for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

 If you are looking for more on other hotels, check out this cool website I found with reviews, and pictures by real travelers like myself. It is called Overnight New York. Once on their main page click on the tab "all reviews", and the hotels are listed in alphabetical order.

 Happy Traveling!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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7/12/13


It's summer and I have been slowly losing weight, getting fit, and having a fun time figuring out what works for me, and what doesn't. I couldn't wait to post about what I have, in the past two weeks, added to my gym routine. It is called plyometrics, called plyo for short, and also known as "jump training". Add this to your routine and you will see some major results within the first two weeks, especially if you don't do any type of plyo in your routines usually.

What you will need:
-Two boxes (of differing heights) that are made to be jumped on. Your gym should have them available.  


After I finish my cardio I do a few ab exercises, then head up stairs to get my plyo workout on. It is simple but I have seen and felt my legs become stronger from this simple exercise.
What to do:
-Using the shorter box you will need to jump up onto the box and then off 10x.
-Using the higher box you will need to jump onto the box and then off 10x.
(Repeat this 3x)
Tips:
1. Land softly on your feet. It takes more control; therefore, your muscles will hold and contract.
2. Take a break, if needed, between sets of 10.
3. Be wary that the higher box is indeed higher. Remember to use your knees, and bring them up high.
There are multiple exercises to try, and p90x even has an entire video devoted to plyo. I happen to really enjoy the one described above (My definition of enjoy is that it is difficult enough, yet still do-able after my cardio.)
Try it out, and tell us what you think!
Stay Lovely,
D.R
Editor and Curator of
Dusk & Rubies

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7/9/13


What You Will Need:
 
Wood letters in desired size
Sand
Mod Podge
Sponge Brush
Paper Plate
 

 
Step 3: Once you have completed steps 1-2 for each letter to make sure the sand doesn't fall off cover with a thick covering of mod podge once again. Don't be alarmed if it looks white like the picture above. Mod podge dries clear.  
 
 
It is super relaxing when you have a DIY that is no muss and no fuss.
 
 Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies
 

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7/8/13


Fourth of July weekend brings thousands of people from the hot city streets of Manhattan out to the hot sandy beaches of the Hamptons, and Sunrise Highway becomes flooded with bumper to bumper traffic. Usually I play it safe, and stay far away from the frustrations by lounging by the pool, but this past weekend I decided to (with my siblings) take a chance and voyage to Greenport where we could take the ferry to Shelter Island. We hit no traffic on Sunday, and the trip was so affordable, and relaxing! Take a look at some pictures below.


 Ferry prices are so affordable, and parking for the ferry is free. I opted not to take my car, and we walked from the ferry terminal to Crescent Beach.

While walking to the beach we took the scenic route. We saw sail boats docked, beautiful houses, tennis courts, and on their main street there was a gas station, general store, bike rentals, a bar, liquor store, and cafĂ©. We also passed a golf course, and a deli.  


 

Crescent Beach is one of the most highly visited beaches on Shelter Island. Although this beach is located directly in front of the Sunset Beach Hotel and Restaurant, it is open to the public. Their are lounge chairs, and umbrellas for the guests of the hotel only, but their is paddle boarding for everyone to rent. They charge $30 per hour and two people can go out on one board.


Photo From Sunset Hotel Brochure

Photo From Sunset Beach Brochure


1. Bring single dollar bills with you because ferry rides take tokens, and one token is worth $2 dollars. (If you put in a ten dollar bill, then you will receive four tokens, not change. You only need two tokens: one there, and one for the return trip.)
2. It is pretty affordable to take your vehicle, but there is no guarantee that there will be parking. Plus, you will have to wait on the sometimes grueling ferry line.
3. We chose to walk it, but the scenic route was 2.2 miles long. My brother called it suburban hiking. We found biking as the number one way to get around the island, because even though we chose to walk there were very few people walking, and most roads lacked sidewalks. There were plenty of bikers who biked to get around, and just for exercise.

4. If you choose to walk or bike the easiest way to carry your items is with a backpack. If you bring a cooler, then somehow bring one that is easy to carry or tie to your bicycle.

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies
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