5 New York Loves - New York Heights

Its that time again for me to share some of my New York Loves.... This week is all about heights. New York is the metropolis city of skyscrapers, and unique ways to see the city, this posts shares my favourite ways to make the most of the views that they give.

So in no particular order, lets visit New York!.....
Top of the Rock situated at the top of the Rockefeller Centre this view spanning a block in the heart of Manhattan between 5th & 6th (avenue of america's) The centre is the home of NBC TV, Radio City musical centre and the NY christmas tree & ice rink in the holiday season. The observation deck is open between 8am and 11pm , a perfect place for watching the sunrise and set over the city, something I've tried to do every time I visit.
Why do I love this space, because to get to it you ride in an elevator that is lifted straight out of a Roald Dahl novel, climbing 102 floors in seconds and when you reach the top the views downtown over the Empire State Building and uptown to Central Park are breathtaking.

Empire State Building this is the most iconic height in New York, featured in countless movies my favourites being "An Affair to Remember" and "Sleepless in Seattle", it is synonymous with romance and glamour. If you time your visit, queuing can be minimal, however be prepared to Q when visiting this beautiful old building. Its steeped in history and a must if you are lucky to visit NY at least once. The ESB website has pages featuring all the films the statue has appeared in, along with a lighting schedule of what colour the top will be for weekly occasions.
Roosevelt Island Tram   - over on the East Side nestled between 2nd avenue & 60th street is the fabulous little cable car service which carries commuters and tourists over the East River to Roosevelt island where 16,000 people live & work. This little commuting secret was shared with the rest of the world world when it featured in a climatic scene in the 2002 Spiderman movie, when Spiderman rescues Mary-jane from the clutches of evil. The open space on the island gives you great views onto the east skyline of the city.... a fun, unique way of seeing the city... a must for movie buffs!

Helicopter ride above the city is one of the most magical ways to see the city. It is a special treat, but worth every penny if you get the chance to go. A trip by day or by night offer up 2 very different snapshots of the city, both spectacular in their own way. There are a number of heliports doted along the riverside and all offer packages to explore this fabulous city. If you don't get the chance to live this experience, then follow this fabulous team in instagram, who share some amazing shots of the city from up above. Here are a few of my favourites.

Lady Liberty - The Statue of Liberty is another height that you can climb to get panoramic views of the New York City skyline. The crown of the statue can only be accessed if pre-booked. (booking details in the link) Its not for people who don't like enclosed spaces buts it a cool & fun thing to do, especially if visiting with children.
The Statue of Liberty, along with the Top of the Rock & Empire State Building all have airport type security screenings prior to accessing the attractions, factor this in when planning times.

Next year I look forward to adding One World Trade centre to my heights list once the visitors observation decks open. I have watched this space grow and build over the years and look forward to honouring the lives lost in this amazing space.

I hope that you have enjoyed by whirlwind tour of New York heights.... next week I plan to share my London equivalents.
If you missed the previous posts of my New York loves, then here they are... Cupcakes & Literary Loves.

Social Media Sunday - March

Following on from both January's and February's Social Media Sunday posts, here's what has kept me  entertained across social medias in March.
Blogland

The Start up Wife - I discovered this beautiful blog last month and I am now hooked on both Emily's blog and her Instagram. A mum to 4 children Emily's photography tips and styling are stunning. She runs workshops as well and I am looking forward to attending one in April.
Kayture - another new blog for me, this a blog written by a young girl evolving around fashion.  I loved her New York guide post and have bookmarked a few places noted ready for my trip later this year. A fun and
At Home with Mrs M - how this book has evaded my bookshelf is beyond me, but I thank Mrs M for the fab post and look forward to cooking New York style soon. I enjoy Mrs M's menu monday planning and her adventures in New York later this year... I'm planning on sending her some tips from  my blog.
Sudden Lunch - another relatively new blog for me but tripped over this post when searching for chorizo recipes... having cooked with it last month in things other than pizza!... this is a fab food blog and if ever stumped with what to do with the remnants of a fridge would recommend
Rachel Phipps - I have followed Rachels blog for some time now and enjoy the diversity of the posts. We share a mutual love of food, London and travel, New York toping the list. Looking at the places she visits, food eateries and wandering London we have probably been at the same places on more than one occasion without realising. A very cool blog and many posts were favourited during March.
Instagram
Loving Instagram more and more lately ...

Metropolitan Police helicopter team have made my favourites for the 3rd month with this fabulous picture above the foggy skyline of London (can be found at @mpsasu) The Blue London eye and Thames was taken by my book buddie Ali Mcnamara from here hotel room on a recent stay in the city... The beautiful CK inspired pillowcases were made by Kate from the Homemakery.  This a new adventure for Kate and I look forward to meeting her in May at a craft day, having been blog buddies with her or many years. The cool coffee shop is by A guy named Patrick a guy about town in New York. I have started bookmarking some of the places he photographs for my trip later this year.
and finally... 2 pictures from the gorgeous Dan Carter (NZ all blacks No 10) who posted a photo of him with the lovely Mark Webber at the Malaysian Grand Prix and then training on a Watt bike!... both brightened my day for many reasons!
Twitter
Twitter has entertained me lots and I have favourited much this month to either go back and read; lots of articles on London eats and treats. Kooky Bakes Easter egg brownies are on my To eat list!

Many of my tweets proved popular this month and I have learnt that if you are tweeting about books, NY, cakes or cats there is a huge audience out there to like!.

Thankyou to all that have posted me comments, messages or 'likes' on twitter, Instagram or my blog. ... what have you been tweeting, 'liking' following lately?

Teresa's Tv Treats

Due to trying to have a life I haven't spent too much time in front of the television in March... however I have caught up with some series that I had got behind of and started to enjoy some box-sets either on DVD or Netflix.
So what has been keeping me entertained during the madness of March.

• An hour to Save a Life - a fabulous docu-drama which followed a number of trauma teams across the UK either on road or air doing their utmost to save a life in the Golden Hour (the 1st hour post incident). I admire any one who works in the medical profession especially the NHS... this programme highlighted what an amazing service they provide and the life and death situations they deal with daily. Remarkable TV and a fantastic showcase of how valuable our NHS service is.. 
• Line of Duty - series 2 - I missed this completely first time round, but was hooked from the off from the 1st episode. We all predicted the outcome at work from the 1st episode and i'm pleased to say that my 3 detective moments were true on completion!.... this was thrilling from the start, internal police investigations, witness protection, murder and bent police officers, made for gripping viewing. Keely Hawes was fabulous and story & acting kept you on a pendulum of guessing wether she was involved in the deaths of police officers and a protected witness... 
• The Arrow - series 1  - very behind with this, but now get what the fuss is about, sheer escapism from the start, filled with intrigue, glamour and very sexy men!...Perfect way to de-stress and unwind.
• Good Wife & Nashville - Thursday night TV treats for T... loving that they are back to back and completely hooked on both.... 
• and finally my guilty pleasure of Gogglebox. This programme is wrong on so many levels but sheer genius. The premise of filming people in their home watching TV with them discussing what they think, its what every critic, reviewer and presenter wishes they could say but can't. The families are diverse and incredibly entertaining.

What have you been watching lately....would love to hear...

London Heights - The Monument

Last week saw me continue my exploration of London from a great height. Recently I have been at the top of Heron Tower for breakfast at Duck & Waffle and The Shard for a morning of photography. Friday's jaunt saw me climb the 311 steps of The Monument in the City of London. This is the original London height, built in 1671 & 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of the city.  Designed by Christopher Wren it is built a stones throw from where the Great Fire started in a bakery in Pudding Lane, 160ft to be precise, the exact height of the monument. The fire started on Sunday 2nd September 1666 and raged for 3 days until finally being extinguished on Wednesday 5th September, desolating much of the city.
The climb is up a narrow spiral staircase, fortunately there are little seating nooks sculptured into the walls with circular windows and look outs, which I took advantage of on the 311 step climb. The viewing platform is securely enclosed and has fabulous views across the City of London, Thames and London Bridge.

I have walked past this area so many times over the years and have never visited this historical site. The view both inside and out is so worth the climb, there is so much history steeped in a such a small square in the city and must be one of the cheapest attractions in London offering such a view... £3 per adult, which in London terms is a real bargain.

#Project Life ~ March 2014

Wow a quarter of the way through 2014, where has the time gone?...
March saw some unexpected sunshine which just seemed to lift everyone's spirits. Hedgerows and avenues were awash with glorious yellow daffodils and it feels like winter has finally been put winter to bed for a while.
March also saw take same down time from work allowing for some leisurely breakfasts in my friends garden and getting out and about in London. I also spent time catching up with both friends and family.

 London was explored from a number of heights, taking in a fabulous breakfast at Duck & Waffle and a trip up the incredibly tall Shard building for a spot of photography, both offering fabulous views across the London landscape. London also turned green for a few days in the month to celebrate St Patricks day, including the big yellow store.
Time spent with the family included watching niece & nephew in their 'street dance' show set on stage in a local theatre. They are off to Glasgow later this year to compete in the European Championships which is fabulous. My nephew completed his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and has been excepted into his preferred 6th form school, getting one of the 60 places offered (there was in excess of 600 applications) so I'm a very proud auntie this month!
I also got to spend some time with my Mum during Mothers Day, which was nice and I got my 1st Mother's Day card from the Kits!... so much fun.
March saw the "Slap-less" Selfie overtake Facebook pages with millions being donated to charity. I made sure mine was taken in very good lighting and contributed to an amazing cause. Social Media was big for me in March, some of which I will share with you this weekend on my Social Media Sunday slot. I caught up with my friend Ali on her stay in London for the RNA's over a burger and a beer, where we talked books & life.... it was lovely to catch up. I also grabbed a night at the theatre to see Fatal Attraction... thoughts here.

As well as getting out and about I also managed to catch up with some magazine subscriptions, over a coffee and a very yummy St John's donuts. One of the funniest things I saw during the month was Starbucks epic fail of spelling Teresa.... I have over the months since they launched their named cups seen some fabulous ways of spelling said name, but think this months tops the list ... Siriza was this months interpretation... words fail me!...
I hope March has been as good for you... what have you been up to last month... please leave a link I would love to know.....here's whats planned for April.... pop in over the month if you can.. x