IN New York

The other day I was browsing through my daily New York-centric websites, when I came across a posting about a limited edition collection from Geox’s Spring/Summer 2010 line. Taking inspiration from the city’s architectural masterpieces, the brand has created a sequined pump (below) whose heel is sculpted in the shape of the Empire State Building. Now granted this building is only five inches high—nothing when compared with the landmark’s actual height of 1, 454 feet—but it got me thinking about the first time I ever saw New York’s tallest building.

Photo courtesy of Geox

I was 6 years old and I had come to spend the summer in America. Yes, that’s right, I’m afraid I am not a natural born American and my first view of the city was through the eyes of a tiny tourist. Moving on, It was boiling that day (growing up in England, anything over 80 degrees was classified as TOO HOT) and I, I’m embarrassed to say, was dressed in an orange tank top and tiered skirt with multicolored hearts printed all over it—NOT one of my finest moments. As I rode up the elevator to the 86th-floor observatory I felt that rush of excitement kids get when they’re about to try something new. I walked out of the elevator, grabbed a free set of high-powered binoculars, popped in my quarter and felt my jaw drop. To my young eyes (which happily still possessed 20/20 vision) Manhattan appeared to be a city of gold—everything was bathed in sunlight and seemed to be made of magic. In fact, It was that moment that would end up changing my life. I looked at the world that day and saw a city of dreams, which is why when my parents later asked me where I wanted to live, England or America, that I answered without hesitation: AMERICA!

Even now, 18 years later, when the sky is dark and the lights are bright, I look up at my favorite skyscraper, remember that fateful afternoon and—forgetting that to passersby it looks like I’m a crazy person who’s laughing to herself—smile.

Soooooo, last week I went to the Function: Well. 30 Tips for 30 Days neighborhood health fair and as it happens, I learned a lot. Whole Foods was there promoting healthy eating the kale salad was YUMmy and who doesn’t love roasted almonds? Incidentally, almonds are purported to be rich in Vitamin E (good for skin), are low in carbohydrates (good for everyone) and according to my grandmother, boost your brain power. I also had the chance to sample some function drinks and I am particularly excited about their Light Weight beverage—according to the bottle it raises your metabolism and all I can say is let’s hope it works! Anyway, as I said in my last post, the event represents a collaboration between Whole Foods, Function Drinks and Equinox Gyms and not to be outdone by their partners, Equinox sent me on my merry way with a stack of free 30-day trial passes to their gyms. And, contrary to my only child status, I want to share…WITH YOU! So if any of you are in the mood to get fit, then shoot me an email (leanne.philip@morris.com) and I’ll send one to you. Remember, I only have a limited supply, so it’s first write, first served.

Hello hello! Two posts in two days…aren’t you just the luckiest people ever?! In all seriousness though, I just heard about this neighborhood health fair in TriBeCa, Function: Well. 30 Tips for 30 Days. Here’s the lowdown: Whole Foods, Function Drinks and Equinox gyms came together to kick off their joint campaign promoting healthier living. The grapevine (i.e. the press release in my inbox) says there will be trainers on hand to offer advice on ways to tone and firm the body, plus free food samples to inspire a change in your eating lifestyle. Come on, be honest…who doesn’t want to shift a few pounds here and there? I, for one, have been faithfully  promising to lose those “last ten pounds” every new years since 2006! The fair is today, Jan. 27, from 11 a.m.-noon at Whole Foods Tribeca (270 Greenwich St., btw Murray & Warren sts.) and I’m definitely going to check it out. In fact, if I’ve inspired any of you to attend, you should come say “hi,” I’ll be the short girl enjoying the free chair massage…

I’m gonna be honest with you. When I was told I would be blogging about tours, special events and SPORTS, I almost fell out of my chair. Don’t get me wrong, for fun walks and activities in the city, I’m your gal—I love nothing more than losing myself on the streets of New York. Especially since with everything that happens here on a day-to-day basis, what started out as a simple stroll can sometimes end up being the day you discovered the Ninth Ave. Food Festival! However as far as all things athletic are concerned….well, let me put it this way: up until this weekend, I thought players scored goals, not baskets, out on the court and I didn’t even know who the Jets were. Not to worry though, I promise not to let you down and if that means trying to understand why football has a quarterback, halfback and fullback, but no three-quartersback (seriously though, it makes no sense…shouldn’t there be a full set?!), well so be it. See, I’m THAT devoted to all of you. All I’ll say is this: I may not always have the answers to your questions (feel free to email me at leanne.philip@morris.com), but I’ll do my best…and hey, worst comes to worst, we can learn something new together…