An Online Charity Connecting You to Those in Need

DonorsChoose.org was started in 2000 by a teacher in the Bronx. It connects individuals who care with classrooms in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America can post a classroom project request on DonorsChoose.org. You can help build a sci-fi library, grow a garden, or outfit a marching band with all the sousaphones they need. Once a project reaches its funding goal, they deliver the materials to the school.

Donate Today. Your donation gets you photos of your project taking place, a thank-you letter from the teacher, and a cost report showing how each dollar was spent.

Forget Coffee, Try Tea

We can feel summer approaching and are looking forward to many late nights on the High Line. But before we head up to this elevated park, we like to hit the T Salon located in Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave or enter on 10th Ave b/w 15-16th Sts). They have a huge selection of loose leaf tea options and some healthy snacks to boot. We like the decor - the tea cans match the wallpaer and the lighting fixture is made out of tea bags. A beautiful tranquil spot in the city. We noticed a sign that says tea leaf readings, but we haven't had it done...yet.

Looking for a bar or restaurant near the High Line, instead of a cup of tea? Try these picks.

Edible Art

We're not that good at entertaining out-of-towners as we love to take them to our favorite restaurants, Off-Broadway shows, new hot spots, and our local pier. We tend to skip Times Sq and the Statue of Liberty on our tours, so here is a spot that pleases us and our guests!

At Papabubble you get to use all of your senses. This little candy store stretches hard candy right in front of your eyes and turns it into jewelry (engagement rings!), shapes (flowers), food (sushi), animals (monkeys), and anything else you can think of. Plus they offer free samples, something everyone loves (and your guests can buy really cool gifts for their friends back home).

Perfect Date Spot

Okay, we probably write "Perfect Date Spot" far too often, but there is no other way to describe this recommendation.

Sweet Revenge (62 Carmine S, b/w Bedford St & Bleecker St) is NYC's only cupcake, wine & beer bar. Need we write more. And, for those of us trying to eat healthy, they offer a lighter savory fare and weekend brunch.

Stop there before or after a flick at the Film Forum and then tell us a better name for this blog post! Enjoy.

A Quick Tip

Two of our friends lost their cell phones this week - one in a cab and one at a movie theater. Which one is more likely to find it? Thanks to this new resource: NYC Taxi Finder, the friend who lost it in the cab may actually get it back! The only catch - be sure to take your receipt from the driver as you will need this info to track down the yellow cab.

Wearable Collections

We must confess, we are guilty of throwing out an article of clothing or an old pair of shoes on occasion. Turns out we aren't the only ones. According to a recent study by Wearable Collections, 386 million pounds of textiles enter the NYC waste stream annually, representing close to 6% of total waste.

So, next time you go to toss out that old pair of jeans that you feel no one at Salvation Army will want, head to one of the greenmarkets in partnership with CENYC listed below and drop them off instead (they take all used clothing and textiles!). Your donations helps to support CENYC's environmental and greeening programs.

Friday- W 97th st between Columbus Ave. and Amsterdam Ave from 8am-2pm

Saturday--Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope 8am-4pm

Union Sq @ 14th st and Broadway 8am- 6pm

Sunday-- Tompkins sq park @ Ave A and 9th st 8am-4pm

Monday-- Union Sq @14th st and Broadway 8am-6pm

Road Trip: Cold Springs

PF's pick:

Start off your day with a trip to Boscobell House (a 1 hour and 20 min drive from the city). The grounds are more impressive than the house which was built in 1808. You can sneak in and skip the entrance fee which is $9.

Then head to the town of Cold Spring which is 10 minutes away for great biking trails and fabulous shopping. Walk along Main Street all the way to the water. Main Street has antique shops, clothing stores, coffee houses and restaurants with outdoor dining, live entertainment on weekends.

Don't leave without checking out Little Stony Point State Park. The views from the high points of this state park are breathtaking.

Also stop at Bandstand and Dock. They have free concerts on Sunday evenings in July and August. You can also check out a scale model of the Parrott Gun, which was manufactured at the West Point Foundry in Cold Spring.

RK's additions:

Two great restaurnats to eat at are Foundry Cafe or Riverview.