UES

If you’re looking for somewhere to take a friend, or you just have nothing planned this weekend, you might want to take some ideas from my itinerary.

Breakfast at Cafe Sabarsky and a visit to the Neue Galerie

Grab an authentic Austrian breakfast at Cafe Sabarsky (one of the best and most expensive coffees in town), and then check out the Neue Galerie.  A great resource for both New York and world culture, the Neue Galerie is showing now selections from the Ronald S. Lauder(yes, that Lauder!) Collection. Pieces date from the Third Century B.C. all the way up to 20th Century German, Austrian and French works.

Dinner at Hospoda

Right now, the hottest, newest spot on the Upper East Side seems to be Hospoda, a modern Czech restaurant that’s getting one great review after another. The menu consists of meals that are created from locally bought, seasonal ingredients, and the food is paired with custom brewed beer for the finest in dining experiences for the bold and the curious(tongue seems to be the most popular thing on the menu).

Check out “Wanderlust”

Hollywood may have built the industry, but New York provides the inspiration, which explains why there are so many movies about New York and New Yorkers. The recently released film “Wanderlust” starring Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston (and Justin Theroux,) follows a couple as they leave the city for rural Georgia. Yes, I admit, I am going to see this movie mainly because I am curious to see Jennifer Aniston’s boyfriend.

A walk in Central Park

No need for introductions, Central Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the world, and there’s no better way to appreciate the changing weather and get some fresh air between a movie and dinner than to explore it at your leisure.

Dinner at  Sfoglia

If you’re in the mood for Italian,  Sfoglia is traditional to the point of being somewhat rustic, lending a really authentic atmosphere to the restaurant. This is as close as you’re going to get on the Upper East Side to sitting at an Italian grandmother’s table for dinner . The rickety wooden tables and bowls of fruit in place of flowers create a homey feeling. All the food is, of course,  authentic and filling, but do get the pasta, you’ll thank me.

You can check out pics I will take during the weekend, stalk me on foursquare, or just borrow a few ideas from this list, but don’t complain that you have nothing to do this weekend.

By Mirela Gluck

Living in the fastest city in the nation, we often forget to breathe deeply and appreciate the moment. So we seek symptom mollifying facials, massages and pedicures to make ourselves feel better; and for a moment, we relax. Mastering the art of extending that moment is a task most New Yorks aren’t up for. Enter your serenity savoring savior: Exhale Mindbody Spa.

In the past several years, a new breed of spas have sprouted in the concrete jungle that aim to provide services for complete mind and body well-being. Exhale spa’s website explains the concept as “merging the paths of mind and body well-being and fulfilling the need for an experience that improves and transforms lives in one environment.” To achieve this, Exhale offers Yoga classes, Core strengthening classes, Spa services and a menu of Healing services such as acupuncture, cleanses, nutrition, even fertility and reproduction. Each individual services emphasizes the importance of the others in an effort to integrate the concept of balance and well-being into a lifestyle. Because a massage is great but better when accompanied by regular yoga practice.

Exhale has three locations in the city – Midtown, UES and Soho. Other spots that aim to fuse the mind and body to create well-being include: Soho Sanctuary, Ishta Yoga in the East Village and Reflections Yoga in Hell’s Kitchen.

References: Acupuncture & massage Aberdeen

As April approaches you might find yourself seeing orange as you and your pooch stroll through the concrete jungle past the Empire State Building giving off a bright orange light.  No, there is nothing wrong with your vision; April marks the beginning of the ASPCA’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month.  It’s only fitting that their signature color, orange was selected to represent this month.

On April 7th, you can show your support and join in on a celebration, Go Orange for Animals, in Union Square Park from 4-8pm with an all out event featuring pet adoptions, live music, refreshments and of course a variety of pet friendly activities.

Now, I’m guessing most of you are the over achiever type (like myself) who can’t fathom attending an event without having your pooch (and yourself) in full gear to show your support.  I have taken the liberty of finding some fashion forward orange options for fido at local dog boutiques.

Wagwear in the East Village makes it easy for your dog to lead the way with the bright orange nylon Metropolitan Leash ($34.00) and collar ($18.00) set.

Peace loving pups can show support with the orange sunshine “Summer of Love” tank found at Trixie + Peanut on East 20th Street.

Or if you have a preppy protester pooch on your hands, Canine Styles on the Upper East Side has an orange polo tennis dress ($38.00) that will definitely make a statement.

-Lindsey