Off The MRKT Top 5 August Necessities
Off The MRKT’s Top 5 luxury living featuring the hottest products, exclusive events, and more.
Read MoreThe Hampton's Boutique Shops You Don't Want To Miss
Shop until you drop! Shopping is a great way to get outside, have some fun, and of course add to your closet. The Hamptons is home to many boutique stores where you can find some of the most recent trends and fashion brands. Here are some boutique stores to check out.
Mint - Westhampton Beach, NY
Mint Clothing Boutique is located on Main Street in Westhampton Beach. Mint sells everything from beach wear, dresses, bath & body products, and now face masks! Mint has designers like Veronica M and Vintage Havana along with many other well known brands. In addition to the Westhampton location, Mint has boutiques all over the east end for you to check out!
TENET - East Hampton, NY
TENET is home to designer fashion for men & women in East Hampton. Located on Newtown Road, TENET offers the latest fashion from designer brands like Alex Mill and Golden Goose, along with skin, hair, and body care products.
Alice + Olivia - Southampton, NY
Alice + Olivia clothing can be seen on many celebrities including Kourtney Kardashian, Kristen Bell, and Milly Bobby Brown. Alice + Olivia is located in Southampton and sells everything from casual clothing like loungewear to formal evening gowns. This boutique is the perfect place to find your next outfit for a night on the town!
Satori - Sag Harbor, NY
Satori is located in Sag Harbor and sells luxury women's clothing. Satori also sells jewelry and “feel good” products like serums and candles. Satori is the perfect place to find something unique to add to your closet.
The Hidden Spots in Central Park
Central Park is one of the most well-known places in New York City. Tons of people visit this iconic park to walk, relax, catch up with friends, play with their dogs, do some work on their laptops, etc. But beyond the giant field of grass where people would typically have a picnic or read their favorite book are some secret spots that are hidden within the park. Here are just a few of the many secret spots that you can visit the next time you wander through Central Park!
The Shakespeare Garden
Parks Department Entomologist Dr. Edmond Bronk Southwick decided to combine his passions for both nature and Shakespeare to build The Shakespeare Garden in 1913. This breathtaking garden was originally preserved by Dr. Edmond Bronk Southwick and the Shakespeare Society. Nowadays the Central Park Conservatory and volunteers preserve the natural beauty of this garden. This is just no ordinary garden, it has various plants that Shakespeare admired such as primrose and wormwood. And as you walk around the garden, you can read popular Shakespeare quotes. Some of these quotes are quoted from himself and some are quoted from his many plays and sonnets. You can visit The Shakespeare Garden today between 79th and 80th Streets on the West Side.
The Belvedere Castle
This castle dates all the way back to 1869 and it has the most incredible view in Central Park. It was built by Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. They came up with the name “Belvedere” because it means “beautiful view” in Italian. You can see this belvedere from the castle’s two balconies. Since 1919, the Central Park weather station has been located here. New Yorkers can listen to Central Park weather updates from the castle on TV or radio with their signature slogan, “Right now, the temperature in Central Park is…” Anybody can visit this castle anytime for sightseeing or even weddings. What is a more romantic New York City wedding spot than a Gothic and Romanesque castle? You can visit Belvedere Castle today in the middle of Central Park at 79th Street.
The Ladies Pavilion
This spot was originally a train stop for passengers back in the 1800s. Then the Pavilion was moved to a private section of Central Park’s Lake. Once it was moved, it was a women’s only ice skating rink and hangout spot. This spot became more popular in the 1920s where women would invite men, and they would go ice skating together and show PDA. More women began to do that and then it ultimately got shut down since the Central Park Management team was not happy about what the Pavilion was being used for. Only the gray roof and the blue iron bottom remain as shown in the photo above. Anybody, not just women can visit this historical site whether it is to just sit down and relax or admire the design of the pavilion itself. You can visit Ladies Pavilion today between 75th and 76th Streets on the West Side.
The Ramble Cave
The 36 acre Ramble Cave was one of Central Park’s first-ever projects. This place is known for its curvy walking paths, babbling brook, and over 230 bird species that can be seen here every year. Early in the 20th century, Ramble Cave was a well-known hangout spot for criminals. Because of what this place was known for, Central Park Management closed Ramble Cave off to the rest of cave, butthe public for the time being. To this day, the public still cannot access the entire cave but they can however see the stone steps as shown in the photo above. You can visit Ramble Cave today from 73rd to 79th Streets in the middle of Central Park.
The Memorial Christmas Tree for Lost Pets
Did you know that there is a Christmas Tree in Central Park that is dedicated to Lost Pets? Well if you didn’t before, now you do! This tree is surrounded by photos of pets, toys that these pets have owned, ornaments, and other accessories of these pets. Whether you lost your dog, cat, hamster, or fish, you can honor the love that you had for your pet with this tree. This tree is a Christmas tradition in Central Park as people gather around to sing songs, recite poems, talk about the happy times that they have shared with their lost pet, or just to admire the tree itself. Then at the end of the Christmas season, this tree is taken down until the next Christmas season is upon us. Volunteers put away and take out the gifts around the tree each year. You can visit The Memorial Christmas Tree for Lost Pets today deep inside the Ramble Cave.
The next time you visit Central Park will not be like the previous time that you have visited. Now that you know about some of the many hidden spots in your favorite New York City park, it is time to go exploring!
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The Best Luxurious Hamptons Homes for August
One of the most popular summer spots is in the Hamptons. But just because we are in the middle of a pandemic does not mean that you can’t have a great summer. As long as you are being cautious and safe by wearing a mask in public and social distancing then you can still have fun in the sun. If you want the Hamptons summer experience but you don’t know where to start, this article can most certainly help you out! Below are just some of the many gorgeous homes in the Hamptons for the month of August.
1. “Bright sunny newly renovated Baypoint home 5-minute walk to the beach”
With just a five-minute walk to Foster Memorial Beach and a four-minute car ride to town, this Hamptons summer home is the perfect family home to rent! Located in a private waterfront community, there is so much to do for the whole family including boating, kayaking, and a ferry to Shelter Island. Featuring three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, an upper and lower wrap-around deck, and a lovely view of the water from the upper level, this home is a private Hamptons paradise.
2. “3 bedroom Hamptons home near beach, vineyards, shopping, golf”
Surrounded by the beauty of all that nature has to offer, this house is located in a quiet neighborhood with downtown, restaurants, and beaches right around the corner. With a large backyard, an outdoor shower, an outdoor grill, restaurants by the water, yoga classes, paddleboarding, jet skiing, golfing, surfing, swimming, movie theaters, museums, water parks, aquariums, museums, ice cream shops, and an under five-mile walking distance to both the bay and the beach, the possibilities are endless for the whole family whether you are inside or outside of the house. Just because the beach club nearby is not allowing guests this summer due to the coronavirus doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time.
3. “Stylish Renovated One Bedroom in the heart of Montauk”
This recently renovated home is just within walking distance of Gosman’s Dock, beaches, shopping, restaurants, and boating, you cannot sail away from this incredible opportunity. Despite the fact that it only comes with one bedroom and one bathroom, you can simply enjoy all that the Hamptons has to offer and this magnificent view above is just one of the many things that this house has to offer. There is also access to a private pool for you or for you and your guest to enjoy!
4. “Renovated Beach House walk/bike to Montauk village”
Walking or biking can take you just about anywhere from this house including to the center of town, the Montauk town beach, the Fort Pond Bay, or the Navy Beach. As the previous home, this home was also just renovated. It comes with a brand new kitchen with a dishwasher, an upgraded full bathroom, a mahogany deck with chaise lounges, an outdoor shower, a patio set, two bedrooms, plus a pull-out sofa in the furnished basement, a washer/dryer, high-speed Wifi, and a barbecue grill. If you already rely on walking and biking to take you places then this vacation spot is just the spot for you!
5. “Private access Ocean beach steps away...Perfect home for family vacations!”
Take a deep breath in and out, this house is the essence of a calm vacation. With two full bathrooms on the first floor, one full bathroom on the second floor, a kitchen, a living room, a family room, a master bedroom with a private deck, a master bathroom with twin sinks and a shower built for two, and a giant lawn space, paradise in the Hamptons is waiting for you! The entire house is also cooled with central air and there is high-speed Wifi throughout the house as well. The distance from the house to the beach is just a five-minute walk, but if you prefer to drive there is a beach parking pass available. The owners live in the lower level of the house with a separate entrance, the rest of the house is yours and the owners are there if you need them.
If you got the coronavirus blues, there is no need to worry. These Hamptons summer homes to rent will get rid of those blues in an instant. August is just around the corner and summer will be over before you know it. So start planning your Hamptons summer dream vacation before the cool breeze of September rolls around.
Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.
For Better Or Worse, The Definition Of The New York City Commute
The rage of the global pandemic is pressing on. Although government officials, as well as the Average Joe and Jane’s of America, had been choosing to hold onto their optimism, recent news is proving that the coronavirus won’t be bowing out on anybody’s timetable but its own. But of course, in order to do so, Americans have to continue honoring social distancing efforts, and wearing masks or facial coverings. During an end of June press conference, our own Governor Andrew Cuomo called on President Trump to sign an executive order requiring Americans to wear masks. But in a place like New York City, the epicenter of COVID-19 madness, we may find ourselves doing more to safeguard our health. That “more” could translate into cutting down on our usage of the MTA Transit System, if not avoiding it altogether.
Can New Yorkers break up with the New York City Transit? Anything’s possible. But it won’t be easy. NYC & Company (which according to their website is the “official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of NYC”), tells its readers that subways are the easiest way to get around the city and to hop on a public bus for the scenery. However, some New Yorkers are doing their best to avoid subways and buses. Queens based real estate agent Leah Niyazov is one of them, “I basically avoid the MTA and will either take an Uber, or my dad will drive me around.” With numerous clients and deals in motion across Manhattan, as well as Brooklyn, she’s operating her business from a safety first perspective. For Laura Szarvas, an Operations Coordinator at an international retailer who recently moved from Bushwick to Hoboken, the coronavirus has completely changed her commuting habits. Habits which are now pretty nonexistent. Having worked from home since the quarantine, she no longer heads into her Manhattan based office. “This is unbelievable for me. I used to take public transportation on a daily basis.”
The actual numbers are astonishing. According to data posted on the MTA’s website, which is updated continuously, overall ridership has fallen dramatically in comparison to last year’s numbers. On Monday (July 7th, 2020), the MTA saw an over 80% drop in subway usage, a 52% drop in bus usage, and just over a 19% drop in ridership across the bridges and tunnels. It’s obvious that these numbers are a greater reflection of the many New Yorkers who are either working from home, or out of work altogether. However, as NYC continues its phase of reopenings and the threat of COVID-19 exposure continues to be a reality, we can’t help but consider the possibility that New Yorkers who are making a conscious effort to avoid the MTA are also figuring into the equation. The human congestion transit bus fleets and subway platforms commonly afforded to city dwellers may no longer be a price they’re willing to pay. “I do not commute via public transport, unless I have no other options.” Leah stated.
And then there’s Citi Bike. New York’s bike share system and the largest in the nation, according to their website; their blue bodied products and docking stations seemingly around every corner you turn. Although their presence has extended to the outer boroughs, there’s an obvious gap in presence for those that do not live on the isle of Manhattan. It’s clear that for many New Yorkers, there is no other option. People across the city will have to continue relying on the subway and bus systems in order to get around, especially those travelling between boroughs. And the MTA knows this. When reached for comment, they referenced transcripts available on their website and provided several links to various press releases. Overall, the corporation seems focused on sanitizing efforts and building out an infrastructure to support that, as well as social distancing. They’re deploying new vending machines that will dispense things like hand sanitizer and reusable face masks, 9,000 new digital screens serving to alert riders at street level when stations become crowded, due to service changes or delays so they have the choice ahead of time not to enter a station and enlisting the help of Dr. David Brenner from Columbia University for their new disinfecting ultraviolet light technology.
Although the MTA’s upped safety measures, confidence amongst their ridership is going to be very hard to maintain. When asked about how she felt taking the MTA , Laura said “I am totally uncomfortable and afraid of taking public transportation.” The fear isn’t really about touching dirty subway poles, it’s about the other people. Those select transit riders that operate as if there’s no pandemic abound. Both ladies expressed their concerns over commuters they’ve witnessed who were without face masks and within incredibly close proximity to one another. “Although there are social distancing rules in place, it doesn’t feel like everyone is following them.” said Leah.
Regardless of how commuters may feel about their “other half” in the straphanging sense, this relationship won’t be coming to an end. It may never fully rebound, as those New Yorkers who can work from home or are affluent enough to afford a car service might continue doing so; but, for the most part, the MTA can count on the loyalty of New Yorkers. Laura’s statement affirms this, “Basically, people will be on the train but scared or uncomfortable and we have to deal with it.”
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The Best Airbnbs in Greenwich, Connecticut
Connecticut is overall a very underrated state. Just because it is not as well known as New York does not mean that it is a bad state overall. The history, the beautiful views, the food, the architecture, the shopping, are just some of the many things that make Connecticut so unique. One town in Connecticut in particular is extremely popular when it comes to vacationing in Connecticut, that town is Greenwich. If you are a New Yorker who is just looking to get out of the state, Greenwich, Connecticut may be the place for you! Here are some of the best AirBnbs you can stay in if you decide to visit Greenwich.
“Charming Greenwich studio, 0.2 miles from the train”
This beautiful and spacious studio is within walking distance to the Cos Cob train station in Greenwich. It is also within walking distance to downtown Cos Cob with many family activities to do such as going to a restaurant, a coffee shop, or a local bakery. The studio itself has a secluded backyard area, a stone wall interior, a mini library, a desk, private bathrooms, and bedrooms for three people. The concrete floors inside this studio allow it to be cool in the summertime and hot in the wintertime. Since you will only have the basement studio to yourself, this Airbnb is perfect for a not so silent vacation.
“Overlook Cabin in downtown Greenwich CT”
Just like the previous Airbnb, this one is also a close walk to the train station. This Airbnb also comes with nearby access to the Greenwich ferry boats and beaches. Because this location is at one of the highest points of the Greenwich Coastline, there are very strict noise regulations in place. These regulations include, no partying, no smoking, and no pets are allowed. The interior of this Airbnb has a private entrance with an outside staircase, a TV, a bed, a coffee maker, and other essential items. There are wooden planks that are in line with the floor and ceiling and beach passes can also be requested at an extra cost. You will have the entire guest house to yourself and up to four guests are allowed in this beachy getaway guesthouse.
“Greenwich-In Town”
This beautiful Airbnb is located just ½ mile away from Greenwich Avenue. You can easily walk to many different shopping stores and restaurants with all that downtown Greenwich has to offer. This Airbnb was also expanded in 2019 and just the other two Airbnb options above it is very close to the train station. You will have the entire home to yourself during your visit with three bedrooms, four beds, and two and a half bathrooms.
“Sparkling Clean on Greenwich Ave! Downtown!”
If you are a business traveler, this Airbnb is perfect for you! It is not only located within walking distance to everything and anything but it also comes with everything in order to be productive. There is wireless internet, a printer, and a spacious desk for all of your essential office needs. The interior of the Airbnb comes with tall ceilings, hardwood flooring, big windows, a gas stove, a microwave, a Keurig machine, a Nespresso maker, leather chairs, an Apple TV, a hairdryer, soft bath towels, and tons of storage space. You will have the entire home to yourself on this work and fun related vacation.
“Greenwich abode Close to Just about Everything”
With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one bath, this Airbnb is under ten minutes to Greenwich Avenue shopping, Port Chester restaurants, the downtown area of Rye, and Byram Shore Beach Club which is one of Greenwich’s best beaches. This Airbnb is known as your “temporary home away from home” according to the owner. It is also located in the middle of the beautiful views of Greenwich’s wildlife and tidal estuary. You will get the entire home to yourself with a few ground rules in place such as, no smoking inside the home and you can only park your car on the street.
Connecticut may not be as well known as New York, but that does not mean that you cannot have a good time in this state. Whether in Greenwich or my hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut does have some very picturesque towns in it. Even if you have a free day and want to take a mini-vacation rather than a full week off, Connecticut is the place for you! Go to Airbnb.com and start booking!
Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.
The Class of 2020: Entering Into a Job World of Uncertainty
Caroline’s chocoloate strawberry “Class of 2020” cake
A typical college graduating class would have a proper ending to their final semester, a Senior Week with raging parties, a huge graduation ceremony with friends and family, and a grand send-off as they entered into their next chapter in life whether it is graduate school or a full-time job or wherever life takes them. But none of those things have happened for the class of 2020. Instead, we get an abrupt end to our final semester in college as if the coronavirus has pushed us all off a cliff. We did not get that well-deserved goodbye to our best friends, late-night study sessions in the library, late-night partying, dining hall talks with friends, and the feelings of freedom and independence that we cannot get from being home with our families. We have been working so hard for these past four years just like every other college graduating class did and in the blink of an eye, the coronavirus sent us all home instead of letting us cross that finish line. Everything changed. Classes moved online, video chats, calls, and texts became the new way of seeing our friends, wearing masks is added to the list of things you cannot leave the house without, and everyone was constantly reminded to stay at home to save lives. Essay typer became one of the many ways to manage new academic pressures during this time. What this pandemic has taught me is to not take life for granted, specifically not to take my incredible friends for granted. So the next time I see my college friends who I have seen in four months, I am going to hug them so tight and I am going to tell them how much I love them.
Caroline Fiske posing with a “Class of 2020” sign in front of her house
All of this being said, these past few months have been filled with anger, stress, and confusion for the class of 2020. Between the coronavirus pandemic, the BLM movement, and every other curveball that the year 2020 has thrown at us, the class of 2020 has worked harder than any other graduating class to get their diplomas and graduate on time. Right now, I feel so lost because I have been applying to hundreds and hundreds of jobs and most of them don’t even get back to me. I know that I am not the only one who feels this way, because we are currently in a job market where hundreds of people are unemployed. In-person jobs and internships are now being canceled until further notice and the rest of us are just left in the dust. Students in the class of 2020 are not the only ones who are suffering job-wise right now, but instead of no reply at all, we need some certainty in our lives because there is too much uncertainty. By simply telling us that we didn’t get the job, we can move on with our lives onto the next application and not sit around and wait for you to reply back to us.
The class of 2020 is simply asking for employers to reconsider their hiring process for future jobs. Because finding a job is a job in itself. You have to constantly be applying and updating your resume and cover letters depending upon the job description. Looking for a job is hard enough as it is and employers should simply look at a class of 2020 resume into much more depth instead of just tossing it off to the side. The class of 2020 students may not have the specific qualifications that you are looking for as an employer, but what they do have unlike any other class is lots of persistence and dedication. They got all of their college work done in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. They attended countless Zoom meetings, had virtual office hours with their professors if needed, submitted all of their work on time, and they did everything that they would normally do for in-person classes online. They could have easily given up but they didn’t, they kept moving forward until they achieved their goals.
So to all of the employers who just so happened to stumble upon this article cut the class of 2020 some slack and give them a chance. Even though they may not fit your company’s mold and be the exact type of employer that you are looking for, if they can get the work done in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, then they can do anything. In the words of Tom Hanks, the class of 2020 are “the chosen ones.” They started school during 9/11 and they ended school during the coronavirus. They have been through hell and back. They will bend over backward to help your company and make it a better place. They will not let you down. Help make the job market for the class of 2020 and anyone who is unemployed during this difficult time from uncertain to certain.
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The $10,000 Luxury Doctors Appointment You Have To Try
Isn’t your health worth it?
Read MoreThere’s a New Nail Brand in Town And It’s Bringing Chaos
“I love your nails.” Midway through checkout, the two cashiers just had to stop ringing items and take notice of her fingertips. At this, the tangy brightness of her nail beds were no longer a match for the big smile XXVZ Nails owner Na’Tasha Simmons cast. She leaned in slowly, taking the opportunity to exchange friendly chatter with the Costco employees and promote her new nail polish line. Na’Tasha has already captured two enthusiastic customers, organically, and her company’s still in pre-launch. But this is who she is: bold, outgoing, charismatic and fiesty. You’ll find these same attributes mirror the tone she’s setting for her nail brand. As a person, she will joyfully command your attention. I reckon XXVZ Nails will be destined to do the same.
The Chaos Collection
When asked what prompted her to start her company, Na’Tasha had many reasons but the foremost was simple, “I had always loved nail polish” she said. Na’Tasha also realized that there was something missing in the world of nail colors that she could add to, “I love the color red, and I always had this idea of creating a line with only reds in it because it’s so hard to find a good red!” The Chaos Collection, XXVZ Nails first family of colors, features five of the baddest options around: Bite The Apple Eve, Wild Thang, Calypso, Rave Ready and Sweet as Pie, all of which stick to a red color scheme. “I cannot be basic,” she states, “I cannot just blend in. Your nails are a statement, they’re an extension of you.” She feels passionate about looking good and feeling your best; she’s calling out to all those who are unapologetic in wanting the same.
XXVZ Nails, set to launch in July, wasn’t only brought to us out of the founders love for everything red- Na’Tasha just realized that it was time to be her own boss. Having been laid off twice since the summer of 2019, she decided to use that time to rethink her career plans and the path she wanted to take professionally. She experienced many sleepless nights, and the coronavirus pandemic only added to the stress of it all. But, there was one night in October where she decided to get up and do something more to push her dreams forward. “I just started researching black owned nail polish companies'' she stated, and Na’Tasha dove deeper into the details, such as how to make nail polish and where it was made. From that moment she took off; scouting vendors, ordering samples and paying close attention to the industry she had set her mind on becoming a part of.
Na'Tasha Applying Calypso
Na’Tasha brought up being a black woman and what that means to her as she enters the world of entrepreneurship, particularly within the beauty industry. “I’ve just been doing my research” she mentioned, “I’m not going to say that I know everything, but I don’t know why there isn’t representation like there should be. I know that it’s not enough.” But Na’Tasha made it clear that she’s all about disruption and plans on bringing brown and black bodies to the forefront of her company. She recounted a social media feed she came across from a well-known nail polish brand. It featured a photo of a white hand and a black hand joined together, along with sentiment showcasing their commitment to diversity. Then it hit her. “It seemed so insane to me,” she said, “this is social media and this is nail polish and even then we can’t be represented.” This made Na’Tasha realize that the presence of black and brown people within the beauty world had yet to be completely normalized. “It’s so ingrained that everything needs to look one way. ”
Na’Tasha has an up close perspective of this, coming from a background in magazine production.”I know, when they have two black models in an ad next to two black models in an editorial page, that’s weird to them,” she adds, “but it’s not weird when it’s a white person, like most times, who’s in an editorial page next to another white person in an ad page.” She’d been in the room where uncomfortable conversations featuring race and skin tone had been had in roundabout ways. However, she was personally surprised as she moved deeper into the world of nail polish and saw the same patterns occur. “We’re talking about body parts.” For Na’Tasha, it had become something more than simply launching a nail polish line. XXVZ Nails is an all-inclusive brand, but she’s making sure that there’s truly a place for everyone. “I do want to focus heavily on brown and black people, but also people with different color hair and tattoos. When it comes to retail and health and beauty, you don’t see that a lot.”
Na’Tasha has recently applied for Glossier’s Grant Initiative, which is specifically for black-owned beauty businesses. The company will award fifteen business owners in various stages of growth a set amount of money to, as their post says, “support the next generation of game-changing companies”. While Na’Tasha “hopes to expand the brand into overall health and beauty”, this grant money will help her address the basics she needs to run her business now, especially from home. She’s learned so much and accomplished even more within the past several months. “There’s a lot that goes into this, and I have seen all of the YouTube videos.” It’ll also ensure she can provide the level of quality she seeks within her nail polish line. When asked, she noted that the one thing she wasn’t expecting as a new business owner was to develop this strong affinity for curating her customers’ experience, “I didn’t expect to feel so involved”.
This is a step for Na’Tasha Simmons. A step towards seeing all five versions of her reds painted on the fingertips of XXVZ customers, a step towards being the divine creator of her own career and a step towards her building a black presence within the beauty industry. Her Chaos Collection comes to us at a time where chaos is all abound politically, socially, economically and healthwise but it’s also about feeling free to be you whenever you want to. “It’s now or never” she stated, and this Harlem native has all the smarts to make it happen no matter how the world may turn around her.
Stay tuned for her official launch and upcoming collections by visiting the XXVZ website and following her on Instagram!
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The New Sunscreen You'll Want To Wear All Summer
Are you ready for a new sunscreen that has an SPF of 50 and will protect you all day long? Shiseido has created a new sun protecting lotion that surfers love!
Shiseido’s new sunscreen Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen is ocean-friendly and Hawaii-compliant, meaning there is no oxybenzone and octinoxate in the product. Shiseido focuses on ocean conservancy and the surfing community in their products.
Shiseido has partnered with the World Surf League (WSL) and is now the official sunscreen of WSL. The campaign for this new sunscreen features two surfers in the top 20 professional surfers, Lakey Peterson and Sage Erikson. The campaign consists of two films, one shot in Australia, and a 4-minute YouTube video that stars the two surfers telling their stories.
The innovative new sunscreen utilizes SynchroShield™ Technology which uses a mix of WetForce and HeatForce. WetForce being negative ions in the formula combine with positive ions in perspiration and water to create an additional layer of invisible sun protection. As you continue to sweat and get wet, the product becomes more effective. HeatForce, a heat-sensing essence in the formula becomes activated by external heat, forming a stronger barrier. Provides elevated sun protection when it in the presence of heat or warm temperatures.
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The Coronavirus Broadway Intermission
Caroline Fiske and Hailey Manlowe at “Six” on Broadway
In March 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo made the decision to close Broadway until we flatten the coronavirus curve. As a result of this decision, certain Broadway shows have closed such as “Beetlejuice” and “Frozen.” Theaters are now reaching out to people who have purchased tickets after March 2020 for refunds and exchanges until Broadway reopens again. Since Broadway is not going to reopen until phase four, we will most likely not listen to “The Lullaby of Broadway” until 2021. New York is in phase one of reopening as of June 8, 2020, the state has a long way to go until the Broadway lights are on again.
One of the biggest reasons why Broadway is in phase four of reopening is because Broadway attracts everybody including a lot of older people. Unfortunately, older people have a much higher chance of catching the coronavirus due to their weak immune systems. Tourists are also a very popular group for Broadway goers since America has the highest number of coronavirus cases out of any other country, the majority of Broadway’s audience members will not be able to attend. Another reason is because of how claustrophobic these theaters can be. Most of these theaters have been around for hundreds of years and because of that the aisles, the bathrooms, the stage, the backstage area, and the seats are small. Broadway wants to keep its historical presence as much as possible so it will not be easy to social distance in these types of circumstances.
Just like 9/11 affected everything in our daily lives as we know it, so does the coronavirus. Broadway opening back up sooner rather than later will all depend on how well the various reopening phases go and if New Yorkers listen to the CDC health guidelines. Broadway will be changed drastically not just from shows being canceled but for long-running shows too. Shows like “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Wicked” have been on Broadway for as long as I can remember. Shows like that will be difficult to sell post-pandemic because many people have already seen them.
Caroline Fiske, Anneka Knoll, and Joe Rozylowicz at “Aladdin” on Broadway
Broadway actors and crew members are now also unemployed. Many of them solely rely on how much money they make on Broadway to pay for their rent. Unfortunately, Broadway actors and crew members as well as many other people who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus, are going to be unemployed for quite a while. Donating to worthy causes like “Actors Fund” for example will help actors who are struggling financially during this trying time get back up on their feet again.
Overall, New York City highly thrives on Broadway. It is one of the many reasons why people even come to New York City in the first place. According to MarketWatch.com, “In its last season, Broadway contributed $14.7 billion worth of economic impact to the Big Apple.” People would often stay in a hotel and go to a restaurant as they are about to see a Broadway show, it is going to take a lot of time in order for these events to become “normal” again. The Coronavirus Broadway Intermission will not be in effect “For Good,” things will get better “One Day More.”
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Things To Consider Before Buying Your Own Private Island
Dreaming of owning your own private island is no longer an unattainable dream. Those dreams can turn into reality. Gone are the days of thinking on the wealthy and famous can afford a private island. With the use of the internet, there is more information out there that shows that private islands are not something you only dream about. In most cases, they cost just as much as a house would.
The Naomi Island, located halfway between New York City and Albany along the Hudson River costs only $99,000 and is only reachable by boat. Round Island in Nova Scotia is going for $58,647 for 2.7 acres of land. Owning your own private island is something attainable. If you are thinking about purchasing your own private island, here are some things to consider before buying.
Location
The location of your future private island is an important thing to consider. There are tons of islands in this world, and it is best to narrow it down to a specific region you want to purchase on. Would you want to live in the Southeast Asia region where they have some of the biggest archipelagos in the world, like Thailand or the Philippines? Would you prefer to live in the Bahamas or Central America? Some regions have a limited selection of islands that are available for purchase.
Every region has different laws for purchasing land. For example, the Philippines does not allow non-citizens to purchase islands whereas Sri Lanka does. Taking the location into consideration will help you understand how to move forward with your purchasing steps.
Kind Of Island
Take into consideration what kind of island most fits you, your personality and your goals. Will your island be a place you go to when you can take a few days off from work on a random holiday, or is this someplace you will frequent every year around the same time? Will you be living there for an extended period of time? Are you planning on turning your island into a resort location for commercial use?
Asking yourself those questions will help you to determine what work needs to done or what kind of island you want to buy. Some islands do not come fully developed, but others do. For those that do not come fully developed, you will have to consider what it takes to develop that land for commercial use or for extended use. It may require you to get permits and pay fees.
Cost
It is true, not all islands are as expensive as you may think. Bahamas private islands for sale will be more expensive than those in places like Novia Scotia. An island that is already developed will be more expensive than one that has not been touched by human hands. Purchasing the latter may seem like the most cost-effective option, but there are costs attached that are required to get the island running smoothly.
Aside from the financial costs, there could also be environmental costs that you should consider. Though you may be living on an island, you still have to be mindful of nature. As an island owner, you are now responsible for that island’s ecosystem, which is a very delicate thing. Consider looking into local regulations on the nearest mainland for guidance on maintaining the ecosystem while making it livable at the same time.
Climate Region
Consider the climate of your future private island. If the climate there does not suit your needs or wants, you will be miserable. Other than the everyday weather, keep in mind of the frequency of natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you make a better-informed decision before purchasing.
Now that you have taken into consideration these things important factors that go into the quality of your future island, and you are about to pull the trigger on buying it, you should be aware of some pitfalls to look out for and how to avoid them.
Stay On Or Near Your Island Before You Buy
This ensures you know what it will be like when you start developing that island. There is nothing worse than funneling tons of money into a project only for you not to like it. The same can be said about your island. You want to make sure it is a place you feel comfortable in. This can also help you to determine whether or not a region works best for your vacation goals, lifestyle and personality.
Make Sure You Can Develop On The Island
That would be terrible if you purchased an empty island with intentions on developing it only to find out that is not possible because the government that island falls under will not let you. Do research on the jurisdiction your island falls under so you can research the laws on developing. Your island could be an environmentally protected area, in which case you cannot do any development. Maybe you can do some developing but you need permits to do so. It is better to find out about that stuff and get the ball rolling on those things before you purchase.
Again, Consider The Costs
This cannot be stressed enough. There are going to be tons of costs associated with purchasing an empty island that you may not even think about that will make your island suitable to live on. For example, you need things that make it possible to obtain fresh water, you may need some kind of waste management system in place, you may need to install solar panels for energy and on top of all of that, you have to consider costs for constructing a place you can lay your head. All of these things need to be taken into consideration as those can cost several hundred thousand dollars and it would be good to know that before you spend money on an island.
Try To Stay Relatively Close To The Mainland
Being away from civilization may be the very reason you decided to get a private island in the first place, but you do not want to be so far out that it can be difficult to transport supplies and other important things needed for sustainable life on your island. If you are willing to travel a long way to the mainland to get your supplies, that may not be a problem for you but it still benefits to know these things before you dish out all your money on purchasing a private island.
Determine How You Will Pay For Your Island
You may have to pay upfront, and with cash, as banks typically will not give out loans to buy private islands. This is because there are not any comparable properties on that island or nearby so it can be difficult to establish a cut-and-dry monetary value. In the rare event that you get approved for a loan to purchase your private island, it may only cover small costs. This is definitely something to consider before you think about purchasing your own private island.
Houses That Already Exist On The Island Barely Affect The Price
A house that can sell for $1.5 million somewhere else may not equate to the same amount on an island’s listing price. Sometimes a house already existing on an island can decrease the final purchase price because potential new owners might have different needs for the property, according to Coastal Living.
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4 Ways to Organize an Entryway
Heavy-traffic spaces in the home tend to attract clutter more heavily than others. Front halls and mudrooms are prime examples. Regain control of the space with some of these ways to organize an entryway.
Hang It
Keys, coats, and bags fit better on hooks than on rods. Take a critical look at your wall space in the entryway—blank wall space is ripe for creating organization. Get creative by staggering rows of hooks for shorter or longer items.
Sort It
You bring stuff into the house when you arrive, and you take stuff with you when you leave. You can sort mail, loose change, pens, and seasonal items such as sunscreen and gloves into convenient bowls, baskets, or racks atop a small table or in cubbies. Keep things you may forget when you’re in a hurry visible but organized so that you don’t spend precious minutes sorting through a junk drawer for your eyeglasses when time is of the essence. Sort mail by urgency and utility—bills in one section, coupons in another.
Stow It
There’s no reason to have your winter boots getting underfoot during the summer when all you’re wearing are flip-flops or sneakers. If you have the space, invest in a good storage bench or create a shelf above your wall hooks with cubbies or decorative bins in which to stow off-season coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, and scarves. Umbrellas and walking canes make attractive and compact hall décor if properly organized into attractive stands. These are items you may use often, so having them handy by the door saves you time.
Donate It and De-Door It
Digging out the front hall closet can lead to some surprising discoveries, such as coats that kids outgrew years ago or hats you never wear. Shovel out that closet and separate the contents into keep, donate, and trash piles. Don’t give away coats that are dirty, torn, or missing buttons; you can recycle those at a facility that accepts textiles.
Once you clear out the closet, turn it into an attractive, visible space by removing the door and adding a small bench with cubbies beneath. Hooks can replace a rod as long as you leave enough head room above the bench. Finish it off with a high shelf for storage. Beadboard adds a cottage touch, and light-colored paint gives the nook a fresh look. This way of organizing your entryway will encourage you to keep clutter to a minimum daily. An attractive entryway welcomes you and your family and creates a positive first impression of your home for visitors.
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Read MoreFive New York City TV Shows To Binge-Watch
Binge-watching has become a lifestyle for pretty much everybody due to the coronavirus. Binge-watching helps us escape from reality and kill time during this difficult year. New York City is my favorite place in the whole wide world. Since I cannot go there during this time, I am doing what I can do to immerse myself in that place. Many TV shows take place in the Big Apple and the more I watch them the more I love the City that Never Sleeps. If you love New York City as much as I do, you will love these TV shows too! Below are just a few of my recommendations for NYC TV shows to binge-watch during the coronavirus pandemic.
TV SHOW #1: Friends
The iconic TV show of six friends navigating through life after college with many love, family, work, financial, and of course friend obstacles is my all-time favorite TV show. It proves that no matter how tough life gets, your true friends will always be there for you. They will be there for you when the rain starts to pour. They will be there for you like they have been there before. Friends has a total of ten seasons and it was on NBC from 1994 to 2004. The six friends are Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Geller (Courtney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), and Joey Tribianni (Matt LeBlanc). You can currently binge-watch the series on HBO Max. If you have not watched the series yet I will tell you just how amazing it is in the wise words of Janice Hosenstein (Maggie Wheeler), OH! MY! GOD!
TV SHOW #2: Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl here! Your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite! This CW series from 2007 to 2012 is about an anonymous online blog called “Gossip Girl” that reveals all of the secrets of the lives of Manhattan’s most privileged people on the Upper East Side. The four people that Gossip Girl bashes the most are Serena VanderWoodsen (Blake Lively), Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), Nate Archibald (Chase Crawford), and Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick). The outsiders from Brooklyn who immerse themselves into the lives of Serena, Blair, Nate, and Chuck are Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgely), Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen), and Vanessa Abrams (Jessica Szohr). This show has so much thrill, drama, romance, action, and of course scandal. It will always keep you on your toes and you just don’t know what is coming next. Just like New York City, Gossip Girl is unpredictable. You can currently binge-watch the series on Netflix.
TV SHOW #3: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Photo Creds: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5788792/
Miriam “Midge” Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan) is your typical New York City housewife in the late 1950s, she has the perfect husband, the perfect children, and the perfect apartment on the Upper West Side. Until one day, her life turned completely upside down! When Midge’s husband Joe Maisel (Michael Zegen) cheats on her and they get a divorce, Midge discovers her hidden talent for stand up comedy. Midge tries to make this hidden talent into a career by performing at various cafes and nightclubs in Greenwich Village. Midge’s agent is Alex Borstein (Susie Myerson) and throughout the series, she encourages Midge to go above and beyond everyone’s expectations. This show first premiered in 2017 and it has been renewed for a fourth season but the premiere date of that season is delayed due to the coronavirus. You can currently binge-watch the series on Amazon Prime.
TV SHOW #4: You
Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley stars as Mooney’s bookstore manager Joe Goldberg who falls in love with aspiring writer Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail) when she walks into Mooney’s one day. You can say it was love at first sight… This plotline may sound like one of those cliche love stories at first, but you are so wrong for thinking that! Joe starts to form this toxic obsession over Beck (her nickname in the show). Joe starts to stalk Beck on social media and in real life to make sure that they end up together. Joe stops at nothing in order to keep Beck all to himself. They say that love makes you crazy! The first season premiered in 2018 and in the second season, Joe moves to Los Angeles in order to escape his New York City past. The third season is coming out in 2021. You can currently binge-watch this series on Netflix.
TV SHOW #5: Seinfeld
Photo Creds: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098904/
New York City stand up comedian Jerry Seinfeld (played by himself), his best friend George Costanza (Jason Alexander) and his friend/ex-girlfriend Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) live their crazy daily lives in an apartment on the Upper West Side. Seinfeld is often described as “a show about nothing.” Jerry, George, and Elaine face many challenges throughout the show including their crazy neighbor across the hall Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards). This was the original series before Friends that revolved around a friend group going through whatever their New York City lives threw at them together. Seinfeld went on for nine seasons and it premiered on NBC from 1989 to 1998. You can currently binge-watch this series on Hulu.
These five shows are just some of the many remarkable TV shows that take place in New York City. There is really no other place in the world like New York City and that is exactly why so many TV shows revolve their character’s lives around this city. So what are you waiting for? Start binge-watching!
Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.