3 FREE Things To Do This Weekend

As I'm fending off a sinus infection on my vacation down at the Jersey Shore (yep, likely cutting it short to get to a doctor this afternoon) and the dog days of summer are finally here, an August Friday means that one of the last summer weekends lies ahead in just a few short hours. If you can't get to a beach or pool (I like to refer to my parents house and in-ground pool as my 'summer home') or escape the city at all for that matter, we've got your sightseeing tips for around the city. Oh, and did I mention they are all free? Keep your money for your new Fall wardrobe and makeup (I know I am!) and have some fun without ever opening your wallet.

Bike Rentals at South Street Seaport
Never saw Battery Park? Or any of downtown for that matter? Hop on a two wheeler and see the sights you want to see! Check out Downtown Alliance, an organization providing free bike rentals (with helmets) to New Yorkers. Available 7 days a week through September 30, Downtown Alliance offers three 2.5 hour sessions per day. Since there are only 30 bikes per session, it's first come, first serve. Be sure to make your reservations at least one day in advance. Though biking in New York has always been a point of fear for me, this seems like a fairly tame way to see as much of New York as possible, for free. I think as long as I stay on side streets, I'll be ok.

Central Park Film Festival
Head on over to Rumsey Playfield to catch the end of this week-long film festival, where public screenings of popular films are shown. Screenings are free and start at 8pm, though gates open at 6pm. Tonight you can catch Twilight while tomorrow is viewer's choice, where viewers vote between Men in Black (seriously?), Goldfinger (my vote), and Desperately Seeking Susan. While the films may not all be cinematic masterpieces (earlier this week they screened Sex & the City, Shaft, and Ocean's Eleven), there's just something fabulous about curling up on a blanket and watching a movie in Central Park.

Walk-up Kayaking
Feeling a little more adventurous? Available until mid-October, this free kayaking experience is provided by the New York City Downtown Boathouse. Located at various locations, just walk up to the pier, rent your kayak and go. The provide the kayak, paddles & paddling tips, and life jacket - you provide the ability to swim. Best part? Not a big commitment, as the kayak sessions last a mere 20 minutes. There is a three-hour tour option, but then you probably wouldn't have time for biking and movie viewing!

Has anyone else found free entertainment around the city? If so, please share in comments or as a guest entry! Enjoy!

Fave Foods: Land Serves Up Change-Your-Life Vegetable Dumplings

As part of a new series called Fave Foods, we'll be featuring new, exciting, lesser known foods from around the city that just so happen to be particularly delicious. First up is from my favorite Thai restaurant on the Upper West Side. Though the entire restaurant is so tiny that it only seats about 30 people at a time, Land Thai Kitchen has some of the best Thai food I've had throughout the entire city. Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so, as we waited for over an hour for a table. But yes, it's that good. The Land specialty? The vegetable dumplings featuring a mix of vegetables and peanuts, all of which are sweet and savory, are encompassed in a green skin which toes the line of being 'too squishy' yet unbelievably fantastic. But the flavor of the dumpling with soy sauce is really about as good as it gets. Too bad one order only comes with 4 dumplings...I could eat about 100. The best part? One order of veggie dumplings will set you back a mere $6.50 for four. These really are one of my ultimate fave NYC foods.

Featured foods:
Vegetable Dumplings
Chicken with Cashew Nuts
Squid with Garlic Sauce
Shrimp with Garlic Sauce
Thai Iced Coffee

On A Mission Beauty Blogger Hits YouTube, Features Contest

One of the best things about blogging is reading other blogs, meeting new people, and developing new interests. One of my favorite new blogs is written by none other than my fab youngest sister Christine, who's blog, On A Mission Beauty focuses on beauty tips and make up looks of the moment, from college-inspired looks (no more football game face paint over the age of 15 ladies!) to everyday summer looks. Christine's alter ego DollyMixMakeup has been hitting YouTube strong with over 20 videos featuring product reviews, make up tutorials, and now a 100 subscribers contest. In addition to detailing her contest rules and prizes, she gives a super sweet shout out to yours truly and Between Jersey City & Manhattan. Check out her video, enter to win fab beauty prizes, and for the love of all, check out her blog and subscribe to her YouTube channel.

Love her? You'll be hearing more from Christine as she will be writing a guest 'on the go' beauty entry for Between JC & Manhattan in the coming weeks!