I'll go to Mooncakes by myself or with others. Either way it's always fun.

Mooncakes is home-cooked Asian comfort food...one of my favorite spots for lunch and dinner in the Chelsea and Soho area. I think they are extremely reasonable. Most items on the menu are under $10. The Chelsea space itself is the most utilititarian I've seen in the area. I like a clean and crisp kind of place. Talking about clean and crisp let me share their menu.

My favorite is the seared Tuna and Arugla salad. I don't like to be overloaded with ingredients and I definitely don't do processed food. They let you know that they use "no woks, no unhealthy fryers, no processed meat entrees, and no heavy heart-clogging sauces. What you’ll find on our menu is innovatively grilled, steamed, or roasted plates, salads, and sandwiches."


It's exciting to go somewhere that serves fresh organic food that also gives you a lot for your money...there is some presentation involved...and the music is snappy. You won't fall asleep in here. Get there about 5 minutes to 12 noon for a spot anywhere in the joint because after 12:10pm you may have to wait. Not long though...it's fun people watching until you get seated.

http://www.mooncakefoods.com/

SOHO
28 Watts St, New York, NY 10013
212.219.8888
Subway: Take C, E to Spring St
or 1 train to Canal St

CHELSEA
263 West 30th St, New York, NY 10001
212.268.2888
Subway: Take A, C, E to 34 St Penn Station or 1 train to 28 St

Mystic Corner Inc.

Mystic Corner is a tiny little shop that exudes peace and serenity... I was drawn in to get some.

They specialize in handmade items of silver jewelry, bags, scarfs, candles, singing bowl, incense, essential oils, gift items, and Frugal Buddha's reason to always stop in for pendants, statues and Thanka-paintings at reasonable prices.

I picked up a mini statue of Ganesha for $5. Hello!

Ganesha is one of the deities best-known and most widely worshipped in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India and Nepal. Hindu sects worship him regardless of affiliations. Devotion to Ganesha is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.

When I take my afternoon walks in the neighborhood I always like stopping in to Mystic Corner. Keep this shop in your index file or take note on your iPhone, blackberry, etc.





Please Join them for their 1st year anniversary on November 27th, 2010 (Saturday)
from 10am to 9pm

There will be Refreshments
All items 20% off
Selected Items 50% off

Mystic Corner
225 W 23 ST.
NEW YORK, NY, 10011
646-360-4810

(1,C,E Train) Between 7th & 8th Ave.
Check "Mystic Corner" on Facebook

Ganesha Mantra - Destroyer of Obstacles

Organic Avocados ....3 for $2

The King of Plants and Foliage, the original exotic plant grower serving NYC since 1969

Chris King of Foliage
151 West 28th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-564-8316

Has barrels of organic avocados for sale outside the store weekdays. Closed on weekends. Most of them are from the Big Island in Hawaii, the avocados are named R2 or T26.



I found some food recipes and skin care recipes to make with all those avocados you manage to get home;)


How to Use Avocado | eHow.com




The website What's Cooking America also has really great ideas for your avocados.

Sabon & The Rubin Museum of Art

After a long work week I’m usually looking for the right balance of chill lounge and buzz.

SABON
To start it off I listen to my body and walk over to Sabon for a free three minute hand scrub. The staff are genuinely friendly lovely people. They will suggest some samples to try at the huge communal sink made out of beautiful stone. Get the hand scrub and then the lotion. Heavenly!

Take note this is a great place to get a quick gift for the sensual people in your life. You know those people that like to smell everything, even the books in book stores.

This place has a huge selection of organic products. Liquid soaps, lotions, essential oils, scented candles, handmade soap, men’s grooming and bath products…everything to make you smell good naturally.
http://sabonnyc.com/

• 78 Seventh Ave (corner of West 15th street)• NY, NY 10011

Jan-April: Mon-Sat 10-9 & Sun 11-8
May-Dec: Mon-Sat 10-10 & Sun 11-8:30


Their Mission as stated on their website...
“Our mission is to consistently create and offer an unparalleled range of exceptional bath and body products, using time-honored remedies based on the finest natural ingredients. We strive to encourage an appreciation of the daily ritual of bath by creating an environment that inspires and captures the imagination, through the visual and sensory experience. We intend to consistently exceed customer expectations by anticipating their needs, desires and dreams, and by offering unrivalled levels of service. Our mission is to bring luxury to the everyday, for everyone.”

After washing my hands clean, I walk up a couple of blocks to


RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART
150 West 17th Street (between 7th and 6th Ave)
New York, NY 10011
http://www.rmanyc.org/

I love this place on Fridays!!!
Gallery admission is free to all every Friday from 6 – 10 p.m.



RMA's website sums up what they are about…
“The Rubin Museum of Art (RMA) is home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions. The artistic heritage of this vast and culturally varied area of the world remains relatively obscure. Through changing exhibitions and an array of engaging public programs, RMA offers opportunities to explore the artistic legacy of the Himalayan region and to appreciate its place in the context of world cultures.”

I like to walk through the exhibit to relax my nerves…then find my way to the K2 lounge. Every Friday night the café becomes the K2 Lounge, offering a special Pan Asian Tapas menu along with a Martini and Wine Bar to accompany the evenings DJ and unique thematic gallery tours and programs


At 9:30pm (unless otherwise noted) you can continue on to Cabaret Cinema
These screenings of classic films from around the world explore themes featured in the museum's galleries. Each film is introduced by a notable guest to provide context. Past presenters have included Liv Ullmann, Brian Cox, Vito Acconci, and Alan Cumming.

Free with a $7 bar minimum