holidays

New York is the city I love. It's not really a place I could live in but the more I visit, the more I discover. I loved this city before I even visited but I am pretty sure that it was more the romanticism that I saw in movies although the more I think about it I think it was the link to the immigration that went on in this amazing city. I always knew my great-grandfathers travelled to America through Ellis Island and I think this is where my affair began.

I first visited New York in my mid-20s, credit card in hand ready to shop but I really wasn't expecting what I was about to meet. Firstly I lost my luggage and although it did turn up 3 days later I managed to explore and enjoy what NYC had to offer for a first time visitor.

This being said after all this time, I still choose to stay at the Double Tree on Lexington Avenue, purely for the free cookies! This area is in Manhattan, two streets down from 5th Avenue and a few streets up from the UN building. I always feel safe in this area and there is some tasty food choices including the American Bread Company.

The city oozes culture and history that at times, I feel can go unnoticed. Someone once told me - you can spot a tourist in New York, as they are always looking up, and I tend to agree, they are so in awe at the buildings. Naturally there is the wandering around the sites including Ground Zero, MET museum and Empire State Building, but in my opinion there is so much more to this city than the architecture. To me it is all about the quirky boutiques, restaurants and take-outs as well as actually even the areas.

Mulberry St used to be the home of the Italians, who once they left Ellis Island (an amazing place to visit, book in advance) is a busy place and for me it was the best place to experience Italy playing football matches, as I discovered in the 2006 World Cup. The streets were closed off, celebrations were had and it buzzed like a proper Italian town. It really was something to try. Sadly, Mulberry Street is starting to be filled by the huge Asian community that now lives in the area although his doesn't stop the feeling of hubbub that has never stopped in this lively part of the city.

This area is full of shops and stalls but I would say keep away from the plethora of fake designer goods and branch out a little. There's a huge collection of designer home furnishings, the funky Paul Frank shop, The 'Rice to Riches' cafe that is seen in the movie Hitch. One thing that a friend and I stumbled upon one wintery Saturday, which is a must for anyone to investigate, is the Young Designer Market, home to a collection of arty students who want to get their products recognised. When I was there I bought a gorgeous leather bracelet by Elma Blint and was more than excited to see her lines take off and for her to finally open a store Just outside NYC.

SOHO and Chelsea Market are two places I also love. Dean and Deluca is a great experience for the foodies among us, their fresh take-out pizza is yummy but remember you can't bring any of the produce home. It is also where I choose to visit Bloomingdales and Sephora as they are less busy than the 5th Avenue Stores. Soho is also home to Le Sportsac flagship store and a collection of yummy deli's that do the biggest sandwiches! A new store that people have spoken about recently is Eatily, a deli & huge collection of restaurants and bars offering different Italian treats.

Chelsea Market is home to Fat Witch Brownies, which is worth the visit simply for the yummy brownies in a variety of choices including 'Emerald City' brownies, which pay tribute to the Broadway Show 'Wicked'.

New Year in New York is an experience unlike no other and to be honest isn't one I would repeat, as it was too busy, hectic and pretty cold to stand out in the freezing temperatures. Don't let me put you off thought, if you're happy to stand in Times Square from 10am to get a good view of the ball and have a good warm coat by all means enjoy New Year in the big apple! No one can visit this city without a walk around Central Park, I would avoid the horse carriages but if that's your thing, it's best in the warmer nights in my opinion. The hotdogs, as corny as it sounds, really are yummy and it makes a great walk no matter the weather. I actually spent New Year's Day hanging out in the park with my friends and had a great time with a picnic, good times and a very warm coat.