A Few Of D&R's Favorite Things: A New York City Holiday Guide

While you can find both cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels in NYC, here are a few of my favorite things, where to buy them, and their price, for the next time you're visiting Manhattan.

1. Freshly Manicured Digits

In the city and notice your nails look less than posh? We can't have that! Head over to Clover Nails located at 435 Park Avenue (Between 29th & 30th St) Yes, I said Park Ave, but don't be scared off by the address. This salon is one of the most reasonable nail salons around. A manicure cost me $10, and a gel manicure is $35. Ask for Valeria; and tell her I sent you! She does an amazing job. Not only was I completely entertained with the uber chic people watching out of their second story floor to ceiling windows, Valeria cleaned up my nail beds, and truly pampered me. All of the women who work at Clover Nails are Goddesses! I went on a Thursday, without an appointment and they saw me right away. This place is a treasure.

Open Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm
Sat 10am- 7:30pm


2. Vegan and Vegetarian Options

During the holidays you can choose to pack on the weight, or eat healthy at certain times so you can indulge a bit later without gaining an ounce. I think I'll take the second, and a delectable organic tofu and shaved cabbage salad from le pain quotidian (think: arugula, carrots, toasted seeds, and miso-ponzu dressing...yum). The best part is there are locations all over Manhattan, so wherever you are you can find one close by and enjoy a tasty and healthy organic dish!

3. Christmas Trees (Besides Rockefeller)

What I love most about the holidays are the many Christmas trees of all shapes, sizes, décor in every lobby, storefront, office space, window display, and park all over the city. Want to snap a memorable family photo, couple photo, or besty photograph without all those people you don't know getting in your picture? Opt for these slightly less famous, but still gorgeous all the same Christmas tree locations:

The Metlife Building Lobby

Park Avenue South (walking towards the train station

the street is lined with outdoor office building Christmas Trees, and all of their employees are hustling and bustling inside- not outside of their buildings.)

The Plaza Christmas Tree

(Can't miss it! Right when you walk in from the main entrance on 5th Avenue in front of The Palm Court!)

4. The Gingerbread House @ The Palm Court

 Of course The Plaza would be on this list twice. See their amazing gingerbread creation (This thing is so huge it needs its own velvet rope!) Located inside The Palm Court.

5. Holiday Work Party & Drinks


Anejo Tequileria is the perfect place for a holiday work party, or get together with the girlfriends before heading home for the holidays. This Tequileria not only has grade A tequila flights but also a delicious tapas style menu. I recommend the Mezuna and Spiced Cashew Salad ($9), and the Tamale De Lamb Barbacoa ($12). For tequila flights I suggest trying the Extra Anejo ($30). To save some cash order a Pacifico, which is similar to a Corona and the only lite beer on the menu ($7).

Location:
668 10th Ave. at 47th St.
212-920-4770info@anejonyc.com
Open for dinner Mondays through Sundays at 5:30PM
Brunch Saturdays and Sundays 11:30AM-3:30PM

Have any tips for those traveling into the city? E-mail us, and tweet us #d&rtraveltips to let us know! And, of course leave comments below!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies