Nolita

241 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10012-4416
Phone: (917) 237-9215
Fax: 917 237 9219

Great For: Spiritual jewelry with sanskrit engravings and romantic pieces.

This is not your grandma’s rice pudding.

Sure, I may be O.D.ing on the desserts this week, but if the surreal exterior, hilarious signs and mantra “ Diet, Exercise, Die Anyway,” don’t have you curious for a spoonful, then maybe you need your fun chip re-inserted. Rice to Riches, located on Spring Street between Mott and Mulberry (yes, there is a Pinkberry just next door! Snack Attack on one block!) has completely revisited the long forgotten and ignored rice pudding and spun in into a delish dessert unlike any you’ve had yet.

They start with the freshest ingredients possible for a traditional rice pudding recipe and then kick it up a notch (Emeril much?) with fabulous, fun new additions like chocolate, raisins, bananas peanut butter and so many more. It is insane, unusual, and oh, so yummy. Who would have thought rice pudding could come in more flavors than Ben & Jerry’s?!

How much will this put you out you ask? Good question.

A “Solo” is  $5, but I think choosing the “Epic” –you can choose 2 flavors and share with a friend for $7.50 is the best deal. There are larger portions available for big groups too- pudding party anyone?

They Deliver from 12pm-10pm anywhere between Canal – 14^th street and Hudson- Ave. B. You can even send an e-gift certificate and when you check out their very intricate, entertaining website, you might be tempted to send some sweetness to a friend. Check out the fabtastic flavs they have going on now.

Hollywould Sample & Stock Sale, 198 Elizabeth Street

*Online August 19-20

*In-Store August 21-24, 11:30-7

This adorable little shop, tucked away on Elizabeth street is filled with just enough pieces of Holly’s frilly, girly, but still grown-up, line.

The sale consisted of summer samples and stock all marked down quite impressively.

Bright summer flats and mules were down to $85- $120 (from $345 and up!). Dresses were $90- 295 (from $495-$995!). But the most exciting news of all is that the prices are STILL being marked down! Starting next week, they will continue to drop up to 85% of their original retail price.

I’m not sure if I could rock all of the pineapple-themed frocks and accessories (a little too Carmen Miranda for me).

But I absolutely adored the sweet sun dresses and funky rafia adorned sandals.

This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on last minute summer gear (you know you are SO over everything in your closet right now- at least I am anyway), and to pick up some tres chic pieces for your tropical getaway this fall (St. Tropez? Fiji? Disney World?) when you’ll need something fabulous and easy, breezy to ruck amuck in. There were even some things that could definitely be transitional- wear bare now, or with tights and a cardigan later.

My shopping bag is empty for now, but I will definitely score some once the sale hits it peak. Make sure to check out the websale at hollywould.com before you head all the way down to Nolita.

But if you do head down, don’t forget to stop at Pinkberry around the corner! Yum!

America sure looks good for being 232 years old- think she’s had some work done?

If you waited for the last possible second (like moi) to plan how you’ll be celebrating the home of the brave this year, fear not. Here are some fool-proof ways to get your fourth on.

Food. . .

. . .Because the Nathan’s hot dog champ can’t be the only one indulging. Celebrate the U.S. and the N.Y. with a good old fashioned chow down. The Great July Fourth Festival is a down-home American birthday party with a global twist. The street fair showcases 600 international food vendors, as well as arts, crafts and merchandise exhibitors like Indonesian Jewelry and Chinese Pottery. The fun ends at 8, just in time watch. . .

Fireworks!

Because what would today be without a little pie in the sky? There are breathtaking views of the Macy’s Fireworks Extravaganza*, which start at 9pm, from all points of the vogue city. The very best are:

Manhattan: Southbound lanes of the FDR drive from 14th to 42nd Street will be open for the public from 7:30pm to 10:00pm.The FDR Drive will actually be closed to vehicular traffic between Houston St. and 63rd St. from 7:00pm until 1:00am. Dancin’ in the street!

Brooklyn/Queens: Great views from Hunter’s Point, Queens, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and anywhere with an unobstructed view of the East River between 23rd & 42nd Sts.

***Be sure to tune in to 1010 WINS AM to hear the muscial accompaniment

Happy Independance Day New York!!!