Throwback October

October is one of my favorite months of the year, there’s many things to do in October and the weather is still pleasant outside for a good part of the month.Arguably one of my best activities is taking photographs, thus with that being said I have taken many photos during October in many different parts in New York City with the purpose of exposing the different aspects and unique qualities of October. Those qualities that makes October the unique month that is varies from drastic changes in weather, the calm but vibrant atmosphere at distinctive times and the variety of events and activities attributed to the month of October.


an archway on a bridgeManhattan Bride – Manhattan

 

people in Central Park structure, in black and whiteCentral Park – Manhattan

 

a seagull flying in front of a city shorelineGantry Park Plaza – Queens

 

a purple sunset over a city skylineBrooklyn Bridge – Brooklyn

 

 

 

My Favorite Places For…

So I’ve been discussing a lot about my favorite food blogs, my favorite places to eat, my favorite foods to eat and hopefully you’ve enjoyed that. However, I haven’t told you where’s my favorite place for dessert, my favorite place for brunch, my favorite place for pizza, my favorite place for a burger, and the list can go on and on and on.

Today I want to share with you my favorite places for:

Burger

sweet potato fries

I’ve been going to STOUT since I was about 21 years old and it’s never failed to disappoint. STOUT is an Irish pub and it’s original location is on West 33rd Street and Avenue of the Americas. They have an array of menu items I enjoy, but I always enjoy their burgers and you can different toppings to it. The burgers are massive, juicy, and delicious and their sweet potato fries are  amazingly delicious so I guess that’s a +1 for me.

Sushi

four sushi dishes

I really like the ambiance, service, but most of the all the sushi from Samurai Fusion Sushi. They are beautifully plated and neat. They also come in a variety of sushi rolls. Their rolls are always made to order and absolutely fresh. I can’t seem to find any other sushi that is as good as the ones from Samurai Fusion Sushi.

Ramen

a tray of soups and other dishes

So it’s pretty apparent that I love ramen especially in this chilly weather now. I’ve been to a lot of Japanese and ramen restaurants in the past four years, but the one place I will always love to go for ramen no matter how crazy it can be is: Santouka at Mitsuwa. It’s the first place I’ve ever been to have real and authentic ramen. They don’t have that many broth/varieties to choose from, but the ramen and broth here are full of flavor, deliciousness, and hearty!

Ice Cream

ice cream cones

One of my favorite places for ice cream is Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. It’s been around for a long, long, long time and their service and ice cream never disappoints. I always enjoy coming here during the warm weather and it is always packed here! My favorite flavors here are: almond cookie, lychee, pumpkin pie, and green tea! So good, rich, and tasty!

Brunch

two glasses of iced tea, and two food dishes

I absolutely adore doing brunch with my boyfriend, friends, and family. One of my favorite places for brunch so far is: Cafe Luluc which isn’t so far from City Tech actually. I found out about this little French restaurant on Yelp last year and have been here a few times so far. The food here are rustic, classic, simple yet so delicious and irresistible. They sure know how to make some good Eggs Benedict!

So these are just some of my favorite places to go for certain foods and I do have a lot more I can list, but you can always ask me yourself what do I like and where would I go for it.

Where do you like to go for a good burger, pizza, sushi, brunch, coffee and etc?

See Forever

Last year, I promised myself to visit three of New York’s Skyscrapers- Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and One World Trade Center at least within six months. I’m happy to say, I accomplished them all however I’m still not sure which one’s my favorite. All of their views were spectacular but most of all the One World Trade Center had me in complete awe through out the whole visit. Its 360 view of all the boroughs is amazing. New Jersey is like the next door neighbor(lol)

Fun facts about the One World Trade Center: It stands 1,776ft, without the spire its total height is 1,368ft- this was the exact height of the twin towers. Design as 104 floors but the tower actually contains 94 stories. Floor 100-102 is the 3rd story Observatory deck.


the top of a skyscraper as seen from the ground “Keep looking up, the only thing on the ground is your feet.”  One World Trade Center Manhattan, NY 6:18pm

-Unknown

a sunset“Don’t dream your life, live your dreams.”  One World Trade Center Manhattan, NY 8:06pm

-Unknown

a city shoreline at sunset“:Until you get comfortable with loosing everything you will never attain the joy of having everything.”  One World Trade Center Manhattan, NY 8:12pm

-H.Henry

aerial view of a city“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.”One World Trade Center Manhattan, NY 8:20pm

-George Edward Woodberry

aerial view of a city on a river“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step.”  One World Trade Center Manhattan, NY 8:26pm

-Unknown

the outside of One World Trade Center at night“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.”  One World Trade Center Manhattan, NY 9:15pm

-Napoleon Hill

Out and What Now?

 

two young men kissing

Milan & Miles uploaded to Instagram (string rights) by Milan Christoper

Two weeks ago I sat in the studio audience for Love and Hip Hop (LHH) Hollywood. Several of us was at first confused to the exact taping. Was this the reunion? Was it now to be part of LHH New York? As more people started to join in we saw our host, T.J Holmesof abc news and Princess, girlfriend of R&B star Ray J. They started playing a, then, never before seen snipet of an episode showing Miles, a Hip Hop artist on Love & Hip Hop Hollywood. We was in awe? watching Miles “come out,” or in other words reveal to his love ones that he has been sleeping with someone. I teared at the hurt he subjected his hopeful ex-girlfriend and best friend, Amber, to. Some of the audience members was even kicked off the set for their lack of tolerance.

a rainbow pattern

Marriage Equality by Gthomasbower using CC BY-SA 2.0

Throughout the continuation of our intimate studio setting, which included LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and straight legends and up-and-comings from everywhere. This included Hip-Hop/R&B artist, producers, directors, actors, actresses, activist, and preachers.  There was a conversation mainly pin pointed about being out in Hip Hop for men and females and being impacted by their decision and of those around them. There was several points I agreed with and many points I didn’t. However, the whole time so many other thoughts came to my head. I remembered “outing” a then close female friend of mine in elementary school; I remembered being apart of the Gay and Straight club in High school and helping to fundraise and lead talks; and I remembered being in the Straight in Gay Alliance my first year in college and going to Washington, DC wearing my American Apparel prop 8 shirt to march for equality. But now I became conflicted.

Was not this what we were fighting for? Now, I see commercials where strong male body lifters were subjected as females; I love to watch the Netflix series Orange is the New Black which shows jailed females with various sexual orientations, I twerked to Fly Young Red’s objectifying gay video “Boy *u*sy,” I applauded Caitlyn Jenner for loving her truth, yet I judged Taye Diggs for

a young man wearing glowing make-up

Taye Diggs as Hedwig on Instagram with sharing agreement

admitting to love women’s cloths and wearing glittery black nail polish on the Wendy Williams show, and wanted Yung Thug to expose himself,  and I question whether this agenda is more than the acceptance of my non-straight and arrow brother and sisters.

I am always one to say sexual orientation is a joke and that you should be with who ever you feel comfortable with in your legal rights. Are we finally getting what we hoped for from the US and the media (controlled by the rich), aceeptance of the LGBT community? Or is this just a plot, an agenda of the rich trying to halt reproduction of the human race to limit population. Is the media trying to implant in our children to like the same sex, even if they weren’t born with the hormones and thoughts of those who would normally like the same sex. Is the media exploiting the tv watchers because they know the LBGT community is vast and they want to continue to get rich and make it seem like a platform is being created. I am glad I marched on Washington for a reason, same-sex marriage is legal Nationwide, but was that just to get taxes out of the LGBT community too.


Questions to the audience: What do you think? s it a platform or a hidden agenda? | is this a distraction? | Are females who dress like males accepted as much as males who dress like females? | Can someone like someone of the same sex without being assumed they are less masculine or feminine?

*** Check out http://www.vh1.com/shows/out-in-hip-hop/ I see BIg Freedia a transgender bounce star isn’t even wearing what she had on, she looks more like a man now. *** And don’t forget to watch the episode tonight on VH1. I’ll be sitting in the upper left hand corner.

#BlackLivesMatter includes our Black LGBT community

Black Lies Matter protesters

Black Lives Matter by Miguel form noncommercial reuse

The Job Search

Graduating soon? Scared you won’t be able to find a job? Well there’s hope for those wanting to land a job after graduation.
The demand for people with bachelor degree’s appear to be growing. In fact, according to a new survey released this month from Michigan State University, the labor market for college graduates hasn’t been this good since 1999.
“There are lot’s of good opportunities out there,” says Phil Gardner, director of Michigan State’s College Employment Research Institute, which conducted the study, Recruiting Trends 2015-2016.
The annual survey on hiring trends found that companies say they are hiring 8% to 18% more college graduates this year over 2014-2015. The most significant increases were for students with bachelor’s degrees in the finance, government, nonprofit, education, and scientific services sectors, it reports.
I think finding a job is the number one thing all graduates worry about. Especially with our current economy. So hopefully this can put you all at some ease as you get out there and begin your job search.

Live, love and laugh!

a card that says "Live, Love, and Laugh!'
“Time may be flying in the speed of light, but one should pause and smell the rose that flourished in the rich soil. Begin to cherish the moments that were used to display you as the person you are today. Live, love and laugh!”
“In this current time, many people are just moving along with time. Once time goes by, you can’t get it back. We only have 168 hours per week, 24 hours per day, and one chance to live. As an individual, I would just treat each day of my life as an ordinary day. This past spring, I participated in a leadership retreat where I not only met new people; but also explored more about myself. By the end of this retreat, I was able to cherish that moment and relive the memories where I’ve accomplished many goals. It’s very important to take one day at a time. Everyday is different, yet you’re the author of your life. Whatever you choose to do will influence your present, and future. Without laughter, love and cherishment, you can’t enjoy your life, loved ones and especially yourself. Remember to live, love and laugh everyday!”
Name: J. Sledge
Age: 20
Major: Accounting

Leading Lines

I often think of life as a mathematical sequence, there is calculation in everything we do. Even so there is maths in photography. I know it, sounds weird but its true. Like finding out the ISO value or the Aperture.

Symmetry; there is something amazing about it in photography. Like looking at trees that are parallel or standing in the middle of a train and allow your eyes to lead you along the lines.


 

a staircase

“The world is like a grand staircase, some are going up and some are going down.”  Franklin ave Brooklyn, NY 1:02pm

-Samuel Johnson

 

a hallway of windows

“Our past is like a footprint, it only confirms we were there. No burden on our future does it bear. Bring the rain, clear the pane of clutter.”  Franklin ave Brooklyn, NY 1:10pm

-Jeb Dickerson

 

a walkway

“Learn to trust your gut. It knows what your head hasn’t yet figured out.”  Brooklyn Army Terminal Brooklyn, NY 3:30pm

-Skull Segment

 

the inside of a subway car

“Symmetry is what we see at a glance; based on the fact that there is no reason for any difference.”  East NY Brooklyn, NY 7:39pm

-Blaise Pascal

Hockey For All

a jumbotron at madison square garden

Image by: Brianna Vasquez

Last week, I had the time of my life as it was the first time going to a hockey game. I love hockey in every aspect, only those truly close to me know of this strong love I have for the sport. I thoroughly enjoy watching it usually at home; from the icing to the powerplays even the desired hat trick. I’ve always dreamed of attending an actual hockey game. And, at the spur of the moment, that is exactly what happened to me last week. Like most sporting events, hockey tickets are very expensive; a center of the ice lower level seat could easily cost over a thousand dollars in New York. I could not afford that nor would I feel remotely okay with saving up that much money to spend on a few hours of fun. So I was left with only four options.

  1. Cry and scream because I would miss yet another season to see a hockey game. Just kidding about the screaming.
  2. Spend a forkload of money for an individual season ticket and regret it later.
  3. Settle for watching the game on my television … yet again (And pretend I’m there by wearing my jersey and a knitted beanie hat).

Or, finally

  1. Search for some affordable tickets.

I had decided to search for some affordable hockey tickets. I had not decided what team I wanted to see between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers.  I found many websites that were worthy to buy my tickets from to have the opportunity to attend a hockey game for a cost efficient price.

hockey game being played with many players on the rink

Image by: Brianna Vasquez

First, I had visited Ticketmaster which left me feeling completely discouraged as the prices for all the tickets were resale and were outrageously priced. Then, I looked for other reputable sites that guarantee the validity of the tickets. I found StubHub which is owned by Ebay yet was still expensive but had more affordable prices but as the game was only a couple days away and StubHub doesn’t sell e-tickets and only allows for shipping.

I, then, discovered Vivid Seats which is an independently owned secondary ticket resale site that allows for fans to purchase and sell tickets to many events including sports events. Fans who sell tickets can do so free of charge but will receive a 10% commission fee once the tickets are sold. Although service charges will be incurred onto each order varying in price, for buyers the delivery method could differ from email, pick up, instant download, Fed Ex, etc. Vivid Seats even has some ticket offers such as Lucky 7 which allows for a customer who has bought tickets to seven events get one free or the Fan 4 Everything which awards a $50 gift card after you buy four different events.

Finally, I settled on a site which was SeatGeek that is very similar to Vivid Seats but shows a more interactive seat map and allows for both electronic and print tickets. I loved SeatGeek more because the prices they display already have the additional service charges included in the prices so each prices is at its total price with taxes added. And they have a discounted offer that allows first time purchasers to have a $20 off promo code with can be applied before or after the purchase.

All in all, it was a great experience I was able to purchase my tickets the day before the actual game and print them out. I purchased two center of the ice lower level club seats and it came up to a little over two hundred dollars. The experience was amazing and unforgettable because those memories will be cherished forever. It was my first hockey game and my first time being at Madison Square Garden.

**I am not advertising these websites but just simply suggesting them to accommodate to not only the event you want to attend but also to your wallet.

What’s a sport event you want to attend or any other event? Comment Below.

But First…Let Me Take a Selfie

Instagram and twitter are filled with them. Filled with what you ask? Selfies!! Selfies have become so addicting, that there was even a song written about them. But now, it appears taking a selfie, can reward you in a cash reward.

There is now actually such a thing as a Selfie Scholarship! Curious? Well the scholarship is for New York City students, and you could win $500. How? Well, all you have to do is take a selfie, representing your borough in the most interesting way.

HOW TO ENTER:

Create an Account on http://nyccollegeline.org/scholarships/2015-selfie-scholarship-contest

Submit an original Instagram sized selfie responding to the following prompt: What place in your borough best represents you?

One winner will be chosen from each borough!

My Top 5 Favorite Food Blogs

Stephen King once said, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”

I must admit I am not the most eloquent writer/blogger when it comes to grammar and punctuation, but that’s why I do read a lot or try to make time to read different publications, but most of all food blogs especially my favorite ones. I learn a lot from reading them as well as how other food bloggers write and about their own personal experiences with food.

Today, I’d like to share with you my top five favorite food blogs that I admire greatly and love to read:

screenshot of a foodblog

I Just Want to Eat is a food blog written by Jean-Philippe and his food blog is all about food, information about places he’s eaten in New York, New Jersey, or anywhere he’s traveled and a various information related to food. I like this food blog because not only is it well-written, but I Just Want to Eat is just everywhere on social media. Most food blogs I read are written by females, but it’s nice to read a food blog from a male’s perspective.

screenshot of a foodblog

I started reading Let’s Nom Nom earlier this year and I really enjoy this blog because the blog is a vegetarian focused food blog and even though I am not a vegetarian, I do find the vegetarian foods mentioned on this blog are quite tempting and may be worth trying. I also like the simplicity of this blog between colors, layout, and pictures are so clear!

screenshot of a foodblog

A dear friend of mine has a sister that is owner/food blogger of Feisty Foodie. I absolutely love her blog because there’s just a lot of content to read and this blog has been around for almost ten years – that’s a lot of content! Her food photos are on point, clear, and just makes you salivate. I also love how highly organized Feisty Foodie’s posts are and categorized in different topics.

screenshot of a foodblogAnother food blog I truly admire and enjoy reading is Chubby Chinese Girl because her blog is filled with lots of content too, just like Feisty Foodie and her food photos just scream deliciousness. She is also highly involved in social media and always posts up lots of delicious foods.  Coincidentally, I am connected to her on LinkedIn and found out who is behind this awesome food blog.

screenshot of a foodblog

Finally, I’ve been following and reading Food Intended for a few months now and man the food featured on this blog is phenomenal! The blog is broken down in different sections like – Hidden Gems, F Train Bites, Food For Thought, Pinky Up and a lot more. I recently got friend requested by one of the co-owners of the blog and that’s very exciting and pleasant at the same time. What I really and truly enjoy about this particular food blog is that in each review that’s done, the owners/bloggers leave little tips for their reader, fun facts and also include a map of where the food establishment is. This is neat!

These are currently my top five favorite food blogs, but I do read a lot more food blogs than this. I also admire the fact that these five blogs are highly active on social media which is always inspiring because I am a social media guru as well. Sometimes these food blogs do make me salivate, they do  inspire me, they teach me, and they motivate me to not only become adventurous in trying new foods, but also motivate me in becoming a better blogger and writer.

Do you have any blogs that you like to read? If so, why do you like them?