Sugar Overload & Be Daring Volunteer!

Hey,

Hope you enjoyed a few days off from school, now back to school. Don't worry, only a few weeks left for school:). Anyway, while you enjoy the sunny days and fun with your girls this summer, it's easy to get off track with eating. It's so many temptations out there, ice cream, cakes, cookies, candy; I can can go on and on. Our resident "candy girl," Yolanda, has a serious sweet tooth and gives us a list of how damaging those sugary sweets can be to our bodies.

If you love giving back or if you've been thinking about and haven't gotten around to it, volunteer! Our blogger, Ariam will link you to Housing Works, which has a lot of great events throughout the year like thrift stores, bookstores, offices, street fairs and fashion event. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, build up your resume and get industry experience. Do something new, you just might find your calling!

Have a good one!

“SWEET TOOTH”

Ok, saying I have a “sweet tooth” - is an understatement! I honestly have a “sweet teeth” and everybody keeps warning me about this. I decided to investigate and find out WHAT EXACTLY IS THE FUSS! And this is what I found: YIKES!

According to the Doctor Brady blog, too much sugar can result in the following:

1) Obesity
2) Tooth decay
3) Increased risk of yeast infections
4 ) Lowers amount of vitamin E in the blood
5) Causes drowsiness
6) Makes skin age faster
7) Increase body's water retention
8) Migraines and Headaches
9) Depression
10) Varicose veins
11) Heart diseases
12) Weakens eyesight
13) Mineral deficiencies ( copper, calcium, magnesium, chromium)
14) Suppresses immune system

To think the list continued to number 124. SHOCKING! I new it was bad but I mean: REALLY? That's just..........(she sighs- staring at the 4 snicker bars by her side). So I should conclude, if you are just as crazy about sweet things as I am......just cut it down. WAY down. We gotta stay healthy and stay happy, besides too much of anything is bad!

Volunteer! Don't be Afraid to Explore!

Summer is near, so now is the perfect time to step out and volunteer!

With the appreciation of philanthropy, I decided to reach out to a non-profit that accepts volunteers all year.

Housing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. This is a great place to look into if you'd like to volunteer this summer.

With advocacy, life services, and businesses that keep Housing Works active in the community, there are a number of places you can volunteer.

Check out the places here!

Good Luck

City Pools Open June 29th!

According to our local weather reports, it will be very hot this weekend. Don't worry, soon you'll be able to cool off in one of New York City's outdoor pools. In fact, they will open on Wednesday, June 29th, one day after public schools end their school year. The pools are absolutely free! There are also free Learn to Swim sessions throughout the summer.

Dates for Summer 2011:

Session I: July 5-21

Session II: July 22-August 9

Session III: August 10-26

Below are some quick tips, if you'd like to take classes at the pools:

• You will need a copy of your birth certificate for proof of age.
• A parent or guardian will need to be present on registration day to fill out paperwork.
• The registration date is usually the day before the first day of class.
• Get to the pool early on registration day. Once classes fill up, you'll need to wait and register for the next session.
• Some pools may require you to bring a padlock to class for lockers.
• You are not limited to one session. Many pools will let you take as many sessions as you'd like.
• The classes take place rain or shine. Classes are only cancelled if there is a storm or lightning.
• Bring sunblock. We had many 90 degree days last year and classes still took place in the hot sun.

Contact the Aquatics Department for any questions: 718.760.6969 or call 311.

Hope this helps!

Jen

Memorial Weekend Events

The weekend is almost here! So many events are happening during Memorial Day Weekend, no need to spend all weekend eating barbecue; although, it's nothing wrong with that. Be daring and different! Take in some events and enjoy the 90 degree weather we will have this weekend.

Here are some fun things to do:

Dance Africa Bazaar at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music)
This event includes a free outdoor bazaar with vendors that are selling food, clothing, jewelry, etc. Dance performances inside BAM start at $7.50.

Governors Island Family Festival
This Saturday marks the opening day for Governors Island. The family festival is a free event. See this flyer for more details. Plus, the ferry ride to the island is also, free.

Lower East Side Festival of the Arts 
The LES Festival of the Arts will take place this weekend, starting on Friday. The festival will include theater, poetry, visual arts and a street fair.

Holiday Monday at the Queens Museum of Art
Have a free and fun day off from school on Monday and visit the museum. Admission is free all day and you can save even more by bringing your own lunch from home.

Hope this helps to give you some new ways to spend Memorial Day Weekend!

Jen

Goodbye, Oprah!

Today was the finale for The Oprah Winfrey Show. It's the end of an era for daytime talk shows. Oprah's show offered what many shows did not: solutions. Oprah was endearing to her audience because she always believed you could "dream a bigger dream for yourself." The Oprah Winfrey Show was a refreshing change from the crazy, drama-filled talk shows of the 1990s. She set a standard that everyone could live a positive or happy life, with a strong belief in their own abilities.

I really don't remember the first Oprah show I watched, because it seems like Oprah has always been in my life; she was the older sister I never had. I learned everything I needed to know about cooking, relationships, health and achieving goals. By showcasing examples of others' pain or life challenges, I learned what not to do when I was dating and how to have the confidence to bypass men who didn't treat me with respect. In addition, Oprah represented African-American women and people in general, in a positive way. There are still towns in America, where the only place the people see people of color is on TV. Oprah showed us you can rise from pain or flaws and still be smart and stand with your head held high. Whether you are an Oprah fan or not (of course, I am), there is no denying that she shared her personal experiences and wealth to give to others and therefore; making their lives better.

Good Luck to Oprah as she continues to OWN her destiny by leading her own television network.

Prom Dresses on a Budget

You may have had your Prom or Junior Prom already, if not, there are still ways to shop for a dress without spending a lot of cash.

Check out these tips:

Be Thrifty: Visit your local thrift store. There are many dresses to choose from at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. This is a real bargain. Who knows you may find a dress for under $20?

Go Vintage: If you have a dress already, you can kick it up a notch by getting some great accessories. Go to a local antique shop to get some unique jewelry or clutch-style purse. This way, you'll be guaranteed to not have a twin on Prom night, who also purchased her accessories at Target or Old Navy.

Shop at Home: Take a peek in your mom's or grandma's closet. They may have some dresses you can remix with your own style. Add a belt, shorten the length or make it sleeveless for a new look.

Go Bridal: Search the clearance section of a local bridal shop, department store in-person or online and look for discounted bridesmaid dresses. I bought a few dresses for dances this way in high school. It may be Prom, but it does not mean it has to be labeled a Prom dress.

Go Local: If there is someone in your school or in your 'hood with sewing skills, see if they will make a customized dress for you. Word of advice though, make sure you look at examples of their work and have a strict deadline to get your dress on time.

Support a young designer: Colleges like FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and Parsons have young designers who would love to gain more experience in making clothing. Contact a local school and you may get a dress designed by someone whose fashion may one day grace the pages of Vogue magazine or may be worn by a celebrity at a red carpet event. 

Little Monsters Rejoice!

If you are a Little Monster, a.k.a. Lady Gaga fan, the wait is over. Raise your claws, because Lady Gaga's highly-anticipated 3rd album, Born this Way, has been released today. According to the daytime talk show, The View, the album is already #1 on itunes in over 22 countries. So grab some of your girls for a listening party or go visit her website for upcoming TV performances and all things Gaga.

And another thing. . .
The official first day of summer is only a few weeks away. It's never too early to start adding fruit to your diet to keep your body in shape. Read Yolanda's blog about the health benefits of eating apples. The phrase, "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away," may actually have some truth to it after all.

Thanks for reading!

Jen

An Apple a day keeps the doctor away!

There's more to apples than we think! There are several benefits associated with apples and apple juice. Apples are a great source of several vitamins, and nutrients. They not only provide fiber and pectin, (which help keep our bodies running efficiently and in good health but have been included in the diet of people who have weight loss goals.

Here's a list of apple benefits:

Benefits of apples

1) Great source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre reduces risk of heart disease therefore "APPLES ARE ACTUALLY GOOD FOR YOUR HEART."

2) Liver toner and blood purifier. Apparently, apple juice helps fight infections and viruses via blood purification as well as through acting as a liver toner.

3) Fight skin eruptions.

4) Source of VitC. It is better to eat apples with their skin on. About half of their Vitamin C content is found underneath its skin.

5) Weight Loss. Apples also make a perfect snack for dieters.Due to its fiber content, apples help you feel full quicker and longer thereby preventing you from binging on other sugary or fatty foods.

6)Protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases such Alzheimer’s. Phenolics, which are the antioxidants found in apples, protect the nerve cells from neurotoxicity.

7) Teeth cleanser. Apples are slightly acidic and, because of this astringent property, they make an ideal product form cleaning and whitening the teeth. The Crunchy action of apples, act like natural toothbrushes when they are chewed in your mouth. Their crunchy parts help scrub the stains off your teeth. However don’t expect your teeth to whiten in a day. The process will take a while.

Fascinating! Who would have known, the hidden "power" of apples.

Support Your Sisters!

As females, we can be really hard on each other with our criticism and negative talk; we should be there to support each other. We may have different family backgrounds or cultures, but in a lot of ways we are alike. We want the best for ourselves and we should want the same for others, too. We shouldn't feel less than if we feel someone has more than we do. Others' talents can serve as a positive example of what we can achieve for ourselves.

So, if you're not sure how to support the girls around you, start with some of these suggestions:

1. Congratulate someone when they do well in a class or get accepted to the high school or college of their choice.

2. Compliment someone you don't know on something you think looks cool: hair, shoes, clothes.

3. Listen, if your BFF is having a bad day, and think of something fun you can do together.

4. Call someone to let them know you're thinking about them. If talking on the phone is not your thing, a text, Facebook or twitter message will do.

5. Show your support by going to see a friend or family member if she has a performance or is planning an event.

These are a few ways you can "show some love" for your friends. It will make you feel great and let your friends know that you have their back, 100 percent!

Life After High School

You've spent most of your life in school and now, the end of high school is almost here. You've had a fab time as a senior. You've laughed until you were crying tears. And. . .you've cried tears over  the break-up with "your boo." You've studied soo hard for your math exam and were thankful when you had a "B" on your test. So the question is, you have the diploma, now what? With the celebration and high-fives of graduation, you may need to take a moment to think of your next move.

1. Get ready for college. If you're leaving for college in the fall, summer may not be a time for you to put your feet up and relax. You may want to get a job to have money for books, supplies and entertainment (sports, school events, parties). Use your time during the summer to make sure all of your school paper work is complete. I knew a few people who made it to campus, only to find out their financial packages had not been paid for the semester. Lastly, take this time to get all the supplies you need to make your room feel like home.

2. Go to a trade school or arts school. Let's face it, college is not for everyone, but you can still go to school for something you love. If you are great with your hands, there are schools to teach you the proper techniques to make repairs on cars or do electrical work. If you love the arts, there are also schools for acting, dance and writing programs.

3. Work a retail or fast food job. These are not seen as glamorous jobs, but you never know where they may lead you. These jobs are great if you have a positive attitude and love working with customers. Many retail and fast food companies have incentive programs to keep their employees motivated. Who knows, you could be promoted to a manager in a few years. Many directors and senior management in fast food companies and retail jobs started as entry-level employees.

4. Research job industries. You may not know what you want to do and that's okay. You can start with making a list of all the things you have fun doing and find out if there is a career that fits your interests. Your school guidance counselor and local librarian can help with this, too.

5. Find a training program. There are many jobs that want to hire young talent and are willing to pay you while you learn. Companies that have programs like this include retail, insurance and technology companies.

6. Be an intern for the summer. There have been many business executives and entrepreneurs that gained career experience as interns. There are many paid and unpaid internship programs by non-profit organizations and corporations. They're a great way to learn more about an industry and it could possibly lead to a job.

Good luck and have fun!
Jen:)

Girls Can Ball, Too! Jordan Brand Signs Maya Moore

Jordan Brand signs, b-ball player, Maya Moore! Congrats to Moore for becoming the first female basketball player signed to the Jordan Brand, a division of athletic retailer and manufacturer, Nike. Moore is considered to be one of the best to ever play the game. She successfully led the University of Connecticut (UCONN) Huskies to a 150-4 record. Maya Moore was also instrumental in UCONN's NCAA titles wins in the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Read more about Maya's dynamic basketball career here. I'm sure this will pave the way for other ladies in the game. I can't wait to see how her "sneakers" look.

Today was also the launch of Beyonce's video, "We Run the World (Girls)." If you missed it here's a link to her video. Go Bey!

have a great night,

Jen

CollegeTalk Scholarship (16yrs and older)

CollegeTalk Scholarship

Provided By: The College Inquirer

Deadline: August 14, 2011

Type of Award: Scholarship

Amount: $750

Awards Available: Unspecified

Website: http://collegeinquirer.com/scholarship/

Description: The CollegeTalk Scholarship is available to students ages 16 and older. To be considered, you must, in 600 words or less, tell who you want as your president from 2012 to 2016.

Applicable Majors: All Fields of Study

Additional Information: Please visit the sponsor's Web site for additional information.

Preppin' for Tests

Hey, it's Monday!

We have reached mid-May. Wow, where did all the time go? Anyway, Monday is a great day to get reenergized and get back on your grind. I'm sure you have so much on your plate right now with school events, projects and of course, final exams. Don't worry, our girl, Ariam, is here to give you tips on how to prepare for finals without getting stressed. Yes, it is actually possible to get ready for finals and have fun in the process!

Have a great week,

Jen

Finals Week: Don't Stress it!

You can't imagine the stresses one endures during "Finals Week." For some classes, grades rely on finals week. Yesterday a friend of mine told me she hasn't taken one exam for her Women Studies class. I was shocked! "So you mean to tell me, this final exam counts for more than half of your final grade?"

Already I knew the answer.

Some teachers drown in grading papers and preparing lectures all semester that they don't have much to grade students. And this final exam counts for your grade in the class.

Luckily, my professors were smart enough to assign quizzes and tests throughout the semester so the final exam doesn't weigh as heavily.

But it doesn't matter! Please prepare yourself for finals week.

Here's some tips:

1. Get adequate rest.

This is why your exams are spaced out. An average person needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep in order to function. Don't kill yourself memorizing concepts, dates, and chapter notes until 4 a.m. The only thing you're guaranteed to get is a cranky attitude when you wake up.

2. Make a study schedule.

Better yet, make a study bag. Fill it with pens, #2 pencils, highlighters, post-its (anything you think will come in handy while studying).

Make a schedule where you devote a number of hours per day to each subject. Spend 2 hours reviewing science; 2 hours on math and so forth. Master your schedule, so you've covered all topics that might show up on the final.

3. Pack early (College students)

Unless you go to a boarding school, this may not apply. But, take notes because you will have this dilemma in college. Pack as early as you can, so once you've completed your exams you're ready to go!

Don't wait till the 11th hour to start packing. Start early! Begin with simple packing like selling back your textbooks, so you can get rid of your bookshelf. And for the books you think will come in handy next semester-- throw it in a bin!

Now start gathering your clothes (esp, summer dresses/skirts) and put them in the bin. Don't forget to wash them too! There's nothing more annoying than coming home with dirty clothes.

Make sure you take all necessary items: photo ids, keys, wallet, money! You don't want to leave anything that may be get stolen.

4. Have fun!

This may sound cliche, but don't spend the entire week stressing over a 2 hour test. Go out for a walk, hit the gym, call some buddies, catch up on your favorite tv shows, etc. Have some "me" time and do things that relieve stress.

5. Eat breakfast on the day of your exams.

Have some cereal and orange juice (if you're not a breakfast person). I use to hate eating in the mornings because I did it so my mom could get off my back before I leave for school!

Breakfast is an essential meal of the day, so take your exam on a full stomach.

Last but not least, good luck!!

Street Meat!

It's getting warmer, so we are getting into street fair season, where you will find different types of street meat (and some veggies, too). The street fairs take place throughout the five boroughs from spring until fall. The fairs are great ways to see different 'hoods in New York City and is a great lunch option if you're on the move and hangin' out with your girls.

Check out one this weekend and click the link below for more info:

9th Ave. International Food Festival
Manhattan, from 42nd to 57th Streets
Saturday, May 14th & Sunday, May 15th
12-5 PM (rain or shine)

You are Beautiful, No Botox Necessary!

Today there was a segment on the morning TV show, Good Morning America, discussing a San Francisco mother giving her 8-year-old daughter the cosmetic procedure, Botox. Yes, Botox! The little girl competes in beauty pageants and her mother, who does the procedure herself, justifies giving her daughter Botox because "other moms are doing it." In the GMA interview, the mom does not reveal her source for Botox, since it only available to doctors. See the interview for yourself here: Link to Botox Mom

I knew I had to blog about this today, in order to emphasize to girls, "You are beautiful." If your nose is a little bigger than you'd like or you wish you weren't so skinny; it's okay, you were meant to look exactly as you do. Loving you gives you the confidence to know that you are smart and beautiful, despite any "perceived flaws." There is not any reason you should request a cosmetic procedure as a girl or a teen, if it is NOT medically necessary (accident, illness). By changing who you are, you erase all the features which make you unique and the features you have inherited from your parents and other relatives. Embrace who you are, there's only one you in the world.

Have a great day,

Jen

Girl Up is Looking for Teen Advisors

Put your stamp on the world and become a Girl Up teen advisor. Girl Up is a campaign of the United Nations (UN) Foundation. The mission of this organization is to empower American girls to help other girls in developing countries. These girls often do not have the same educational, independence or basic necessities to live (food, water, shelter), as we do. As a teen advisor, you would give your opinion on programs and serve as spokespersons for your community.

If you are interested in becoming a teen advisor, here's what you'll need to do:

• Get nominated by someone you know (not a family member).
• Have the nomination completed by May 27th.

You will receive an application by June 1st if you have been chosen as a candidate.
Note: This program is open to girls in grades 7-12.

Visit the Girl Up website for more information. You can see profiles of last year's teen advisors and see a video of a teen advisor discussing her experiences.

Depression is Real

There has been a lot of discussion about depression recently.  Disney TV star, Demi Lovato and Broadway and film actress, Catherine Zeta-Jones have shared their struggles with mental health. Unfortunately, many choose to keep their depression or other forms of mental illness hidden for fear of being stigmatized, especially in communities of color. Like cancer, depression is an illness. People, who may not have much awareness about mental illness, may label those with illnesses are "crazy" or "nuts." These words minimize mental illnesses, which are brain disorders, as something people have created themselves and should be able to control. Depression is real; it's not a fake illness that people use to get sympathy or draw attention to themselves.

Teens should be aware of depression, so they can recognize the signs in friends or themselves and get the help they need.

According to helpguide.org, some signs of depression may include:

• Sadness or hopelessness
• Tearfulness or frequent crying 
• Withdrawal from friends or family
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Fatigue or lack of energy

It was important for me to discuss this topic, too, because I have close family members and friends, who have had challenges with depression. If you need help or recognize the signs above in friend, please share with your parent, teacher or school counselor, so he/she can get help in discussing thoughts or issues. In fact, receiving counseling means you have the courage to admit you need family support and guidance from a mental health professional. Depression is real, but with proper treatment, it can be managed and people can lead productive lives.

-Jen Threat

Keep Your Smile Beautiful, Give Your Mouth Some Love

Hi,

Oftentimes, we put so much focus and energy into staying fit and eating healthy, we neglect one of most important areas of our body, our mouth. It's part of our body and we should show it some love, too. It's one of the first things people see when they look at us or speak to us. Let's make sure we present the best possible image of ourselves and it can make us feel good, too. Yolanda, one of our Double Dutch bloggers, gives tips on how we can take care of our lips, teeth and gums, so we can maintain the perfect smile. These tips are really easy. You'll just need to put in a little extra time to create the million dollar smile.

Have a great day and smile,

Jen

Perfect Smile

Everybody is always talking about staying in good physical shape and having good hair, skin and nails. It's about time we talked about our lips, gums and teeth. So, here are some tips on taking care of them.

1. Lips
Moisturize your lips with suitable moisturizing lipcare products (e.g Lip-ice/balm/Vaseline). Lips become chapped when dehydrated, so keep them moisturized. Don't use lip products that dry your lips. Licking your lips too much also makes them dry; so, don't do it! If you are prone to cold sores, make sure you have cream, which prevents cold sores with you always. Apply it when you feel the slightest tingle. (Acyclovir creams, Zovirax cream). Avoid certain foods which may irritate your lips. Foods containing an amino acid called, arginine, triggers cold sores in some people.

2. Gums and Teeth

If plaque is not cleaned off your teeth regularly, your gums will become red, swollen and they may bleed, which may lead to the gum disease, gingivitis. Brush every surface of your teeth twice a day. Most dentists would recommend to brush for at least two minutes. Limiting sugar between mealtimes is particularly important. This next tip is a hard one:

Don't eat acidic food or drinks such as fizzy drinks or citrus fruit juice between meals, as these also encourage tooth decay and erosion.

More tooth care tips:
*Use fluoride toothpaste to protect against decay.
*Use a toothbrush with a small head and synthetic bristles.
*Replace your toothbrush every month.
*Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
*Don't smoke. Smoking stains the teeth and increases the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

Lastly, visit your dentist regularly. At check-ups, they will be able to detect any problems early, and provide advice and treatment.

Songs for Mama

Sunday is Mother's Day! Here are some songs you can download for your ipod playlist or burn onto a CD gift for mom. Yes, some moms still swear by CDs.

Check out the list below of "Mama Songs" based on your mother's music style:

Hip Mama
Dear Mama - Tupac
Hey Mama - Kanye West

Soul Mama
A Song for Mama - Boyz II Men
I'll Always Love My Mama - The Intruders

Strong Mama
I'm Every Woman - Whitney Houston
Superwoman - Alicia Keys

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

Jen

Black Girls Rock! Queens' Camp for Teen Girls

Black Girls Rock! presents its Queens' Camp for teen girls ages 12-17. The overnight camp is a two-week leadership program to help girls from all social and economic backgrounds develop into strong leaders. The camp will be held in Rhinebeck, NY from July 16-30, 2011.

Black Girls Rock! is an organization founded by former model turned-DJ, Beverly Bond, to mentor girls and elevate their self-esteem. Bond believes the Queens' Camp will encourage a global sisterhood, since the camp is open to girls from across the globe. She explains her goal for the camp, "Our goal is to foster the participants' intentional pursuit of excellence and integrity. . .so they will be sound leaders." Some of the focused areas of leadership include academics, creative and performing arts, public service and civic engagement. Camp activities will include sports, hiking, arts & crafts and volunteer programs. In addition, there will be workshops on culinary culture, DJ 101 and spoken word.

All girls accepted to the camp will have a full scholarship to attend. If you have what it takes to "rock" this camp, download an application on the Black Girls Rock! website. The application must be emailed or sent by mail no later than June 3, 2011.

Good Luck!

Jen

Got the Rainy Day Blues?

It's been raining all day here in New York City. Don't let the rain get you down and stop you from having some fun.

Here are some activities you can do indoors to keep from getting bored:

• Move your body. Dance to Beyonce's video or turn on some music from your ipod or TV and dance!

• Surf the net. This is the perfect time to research colleges, summer jobs or get more info on a school project that's due in a few weeks.

• Give yourself a manicure or pedicure.  Pick some fun colors from your local drug store or dollar store. Get some nail care tips on our blog.

• Take a class at a gym or rec center. There are many great ways to get pumped up with a high-intensity class like spinning or relax through yoga.

• Experiment with fashion. Look in your closet, your sister's or mother's and see how you can reinvent your style for a job interview or your BFF's birthday party. You'll have more time to play with clothes, and not when you're rushing out the door for school.

• Watch a movie. Pick up some popcorn or your favorite snack and create a movie experience at home. Check out a free movie at your local library or download a movie from Netflix.

Hope this helps to make your day more sunny:)

Jen

Double Dutch E-Newsletter: Great Gifts for Mom

Hi,

Mother's Day is this weekend, so if you're still deciding on what to get Mom, check out my ideas for gifts that fit a teen's budget and some are even, free! We also discuss Memorial Day and include links to our most recent blogs.

Read our Double Dutch E-Newsletter for May!

Enjoy!

Jen

I Love New York!

"I Love New York!" is the phrase that represents how residents of New York City and tourists feel about New York City.

I was thinking about this when I went to Manhattan today. It's so easy for me to stay in Brooklyn, especially for work, shopping or whatever. I really need to go into Manhattan more often, because I realized seeing this beautiful city gave me the motivation to move to New York City almost 15 years ago. The skyscrapers. The department stores. The fashion. I love it all! This city has an energy, like no other. I've taken the city for granted at times by not experiencing all the culture this city has to offer.  I pass by historic landmarks, but haven't visited some of them at all or in a really long time.

I saw tourists from other states and countries with cameras snapping away on Fifth Avenue. These people have probably saved their hard-earned money on airfare to visit buildings we can visit by train. I'm making it my mission, this year, to be a tourist in my city by visiting or revisiting New York City sites tourists travel from miles away to see. I'm up for the challenge, are you down? It's not necessary to spend money in expensive neighborhoods, but they're great for window shopping and fashion inspiration. You never know what fab outfit or completely outrageous outfit you may see walking the streets of New York City. But you won't find what's out there by staying in your neighborhood. So, be adventurous and explore what New York City has to offer.

Below are some must-see sites and neighborhoods in Manhattan and beyond.

Sites to Visit
The Empire State Building
Rockefeller Center
The Statue of Liberty
Central Park
Botanic Gardens (one is in each borough)
The Bronx Zoo
Coney Island
Staten Island Ferry
Lincoln Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Museums (The Met, MOMA, Natural History Museum and many others)

Macy's-34th Street

Yankees Stadium-The Bronx

CitiField/Mets Stadium-Queens

Madison Square Garden

Queens Center Mall

Junior's Cheesecake-Brooklyn

Neighborhoods to Visit
Fifth Avenue/East Side (streets in the 50s-60s)
Madison Avenue (streets in 50s-60s)
Broadway/Theater District
Chinatown/Canal Street
Tribeca
Lower East Side
Union Square
Times Square
Greenwich Village
Soho
Little Italy
34th Street/West Side
Harlem

P.S. There's a post by DD blogger, Yolanda, which includes a song about why it's cool to be peculiar.