Posts categorized as Community

Last Saturday I went to McDonald’s to get shamrock shakes for my friend Dave’s party. He’s never had one! But when I arrived, at first they didn’t know what I was talking about and then they said the machine was broken! Can you believe that?? On Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day… it’s ludicrous! I ranted my frustrations on Facebook and Mark Healey responded, reminding me that Mara’s Ice Cream Parlor (the former Uncle Louie G’s) has them! After watching the parade shenanigans and visiting family uptown, I headed back, stopping at […]

Previously published in The Wave. In some ways, I’m a “basic” Long Island chick. I played lacrosse in high school. I love Billy Joel. I’m into Botox. But it may surprise you to learn that I’m also a Trekker. (Not a Trekkie. If you don’t know, don’t ask.) My husband essentially forced me to watch the show back when we were dating. He would come over with Star Trek DVDs. We started with the original series but then jumped to Deep Space Nine, which Matt thought was a better introduction […]

If you haven’t heard yet, I’m working in the art dept. at The Wave. I’ll have to write an official post explaining how lovely its been so far but in the mean time, check this link!

Last Saturday,  I went for a pedicure at Sunny’s Nail salon on 116th street. Afterwards, I decided to pop in the Rockaway Farmers Market. I immediately walked over to the open rows of produce. So fresh! Crisp kale, avocados, ripe tomatoes, firm onions, artichokes, and a rainbow of peppers were only some of the many vegetables to choose from. And the prices were on point. The orange bell peppers were only 1.99lb!  The aroma of sage and thyme passed me as I walked by the herbs. On the back wall […]

Chris Romulo (left), Sarah Romulo (center), Katie Long (center right), with class participants. Attention muggers: you DON’T want to mess with me! I learned self defense from Chris Romulo, champion Muay Thai fighter and all around badass dude! Chris and Sarah Romulo, owners of CROM, partnered with Katie Long, creator of the beautiful boutique shop THE SWELLIFE, to offer a self defense workshop. The idea came about after a  discussion on safety at book club, one of the many gatherings hosted at the shop.* Recognizing the community interest, Katie, a […]

It all started over some cocktails, poolside at my sister’s house on Long Island. “If we don’t find a new home for the palm tree, we’re going to leave it outside over winter and hope for the best, but it probably won’t make it.” Natalie said. Sip… three vodka clubs later… “As a certified NYC Citizen Tree Pruner, I can’t let this gorgeous species die! I will take the tree!” Famous last words. My sister made an impulse purchase three years ago, buying a palm tree from Florida for her […]

The first sewing class I attended at  The Studio Phantasmagoria was not what I expected. I walked in and studio co-owner Jackii Ramis told the students to take a seat and relax. “Do you want some tea?”  “Yes!” We all practically said in unison. Already my concern about having know clue how to sew dissipated. Jackii passed out booklets and we  flipped through as the tea steeped. We reviewed the basics, discussed our pencil skirt pattern design and outlined what we would accomplish in each class. After taking our measurements […]

A month ago, my friend Jodi and I went to the Rock-a-Block Blvd. Street festival hosted by the Rockaway Business Alliance. This event is great because it gives you an opportunity to chat with neighbors, meet business owners and stroll into stores you don’t normally visit. Since The Studio Phantasmagoria opened last spring, I’ve been curious to check it out. “What’s going on in there? Let’s go in!”  I said to Jodi. It felt whimsical, fresh and inspiring as we stepped through the doorway. I saw delicately dyed clothing, thoughtfully […]

Did Cynthia Nixon lose the primary because of #BAGELGATE? Bagels are SO New York and that’s why the controversial bagel order of celebrity-turned-gubernatorial-candidate Cynthia Nixon caused a frenzy on social media last Sunday, days before the primary election. At Zabar’s on the Upper West Side Nixon ordered, cream cheese, lox, tomato, red onions and capers on… a cinnamon raisin bagel??  New Yorkers and food critics were outraged and distraught over the native New Yorkers bizzare bagel. New York Magazine reporter Chris Crowley called the bagel “troubling”. Stephen Colbert commented “Now, […]

On any beach day here in Rockaway we can enjoy Peruvian specialties at La Ceviche, exotic Hawaiian poke bowls from Edible Island. Also at Lowtide (Beach 97th) we can indulge in the deliciously rich pulled pork sandwiches from Breezy’s BBQ. If you want something lighter, have a fresh fruit smoothie from La Fruteria, among other tasty beach delights. They have the best burgers at Rippers (Beach 87th) and what about the decadent arepas at Caracas (Beach 106th)! In Far Rock on Beach 17th there’s Dreadsurfer. Oh that spicy Jerk Chicken!  […]