BeChicMag.com

A Personal Reflection

Have you ever just stopped and examined your life? I did, and I came to the conclusion that nothing really matters. Three years ago when I worked at the New York Post I had what I thought were the best years of my life. From going to high profile events, skipping to the front of lines because I was “too good” to ever be on one, to attending endless networking functions where everyone was full of shit but couldn’t stand the chance of not being seen or meeting that one person who will change their lives. I was one of those people, and admit that I occasionally turn on the switch whenever it’s convenient. But I realized, having phony conversations and going to event after event just gets tiring. I’m on a no-bullshit tolerance thus causing my fashion/social hiatus.

I gave up my stilettos and BCBG flats for my worn out, brown Tommy Hill flip flops and my skinny jeans for my red, hippie, printed ankle-length skirt. I exchanged my debit card (which I used more often on cosmo’s and monthly bills) for a brand new library card. And out of the 500 songs on my iPod nano, I only seem to listen to Red Hot Chili Peppers over and over.

Even Fashion Week Spring 2009 wasn’t the same this year for me. My desk is full of invites of which I only RSVP’d to two including Elle.com and Nigel Barker’s cocktail party that took place in Bloomingale’s this evening. However, I missed yet another event. This is a different lifestyle which makes it somewhat frightening, but the truth is I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything at all.

Have you ever left everything you thought made you you?

If your friends haven’t stopped texting or e-mailing you about your New Year’s Eve plans, you’re not alone. With the first of January only a few days away, chic New Yorkers are quickly finalizing their holiday plans before tickets to the hottest spots are sold out. I personally prefer counting down to the new year at home with the family and then leaving to party away with my friends after midnight. But if you’re still searching for the venue to celebrate with your homies, we compiled a list of options for you.

BeChicMag’s Top Picks:
People Lounge 5th Annual New Year’s Eve Party. 163 Allen Street, between Rivington and Stanton Streets. For only $95 per person, you get an open bar from 9p.m. to closing time; hors d’oeuvres from 9 to 11p.m; plus, parties of 15+ get a complimentary bottle of Ketel One. Call 212.254.2668 for tickets, or go to PeopleLounge.com.

Stay Lounge New Year’s Eve 2008. 244 E. Houston Street, between avenues A and B. $75. From 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Stay Lounge offers a premium open bar, hor d’Oeurves, live DJ and broadcast of the ball drop. For a party of six, $250 grants you a table, one bottle of premium vodka and 2 mixers. VIP seating accommodates group of 15 to 20 people with two bottles of vodka and four mixers for $400. Get your tickets at stay-nyc.com.

Want to splurge? Check out these locations:
* Cipriani. 110 E. 42nd Street. 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Tickets $165 to $400. Include 6-hour open bar; hors d’oeuvres; Ciprani’s Signature Prosecco Midnight Toast and more. Log on to newyears.com to get tickets to Cipriani.

 *Kid Rock and Svedka Vodka at Hotel Gansevoort.  18 Ninth Avenue. 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Tickets $250 to $350. Price includes dinner catered by Ono; open bar; DJ Rashad spinning at Gansevoort’s Outdoor Heated Enclosed Roof. Get tickets to Hotel Gansevoort here.

*Pink Elephant New Year’s 2008 . 527 W. 27th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. $275 to $60,000 (Ultra VIP table for 16 people). Open bar from 9p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Buy tickets here.

Also worth checking out:
*Bogarts. 99 Park Avenue at 39th Street. Starts at 9:30 p.m. $50 to $500.  Complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres from 10 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. View the Times Square ball drop from large plasma screens and go home with free party favors. Get tickets to Bogarts here.

*Villa Lounge. 735 Second Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets. 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. $50 +. Top shelf open-bar from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m; complimentary appetizers; DJ spinning dance, hip-hop, reggaeton and more.  Here for tickets.

Mercedes Sanchez accepted the 2006 Blackboard Award on behalf of the Cornelia Connelly Center Holy Child Middle School for “Outstanding Religious Middle School.”  (See a segment Mercedes wrote, shot and produced on Holy Child Middle School for WNBC NewsChannel 4 by clicking here.)

Manhattan Media and The Blackboard Awards salute professionals, parents and graduates who provide moral and financial support to the schools honored each year. Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey and Gabriela Rowe of the Mandell School co-hosted the ceremony at the Claremont Preparatory School. Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer also presented awards at the ceremony.

“When my former teacher, Ms. Connie Bush, asked me to accept this award on behalf of all the Holy Child students, I was deeply honored,” said Sanchez. “I am a true product of the school, and if it weren’t for Holy Child’s financial assistance throughout high school and its graduate support program that provides SAT Prep courses, college visits and help throughout the college application process, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Holy Child always told us ‘to be all that God wants us to be,’ and that’s what I’m trying to do.” Read the rest of this entry »