TASTEFUL TUESDAYS

"food is our common ground

a universal experience"

James Beard

Tasteful Tuesdays never sounded as good as it does during NYC Restaurant Week!! Not only will you get to enjoy delicious food but at a price you can afford. Enjoy an appetizer, Entree, and a dessert for a reasonable price. (not including beverages, sales tax or gratuity) Indulge in Italian, Chinese, Brazilian and more-which ever you choice, I’m sure you won’t leave unsatisfied. Unfortunately, not every restaurant is offering this deal so 1stClassLadies has put together our top choices to dine out at for this time period.

Name: BEN & JACKS STEAK HOUSE

Location: 210 East 44th St New York, NY

This steak spot is giving you an excellent deal for lunch in honor of restaurant week. Just think- you can have the soup of the day with a 12oz. Sirloin Steak, and a piece of cheese cake!! All entrees come with mash potatoes and steamed broccoli to complete the meal. Now with two locations (opened on 255 Fifth Avenue) this steakhouse is sure to give a restaurant experience like no other.

Name: MESA GRILL

Location: 102 5th Ave New York, NY

Arriving to New York in 1991, Mesa Grill is the spot to attend and you’re in luck as it is taking part in restaurant week. With a combination of southwest cooking along with the owner’s love of grilling, we are sure you will fall head over heels for Mesa Grill. Take pleasure in having lunch or dinner without the hassle of expensive prices. You can decide from three appetizers as well as three entrees and pick from chocolate layer cake or coconut bread pudding as a dessert. Nothing like having a little selection!!

Name: BLUE WATER GRILL

Location: 1 Union Sq West at 16 st New York, NY

In the mood for a little seafood for restaurant week? 1stClassLadies has you covered as we have discovered Blue Water Grill. This eatery has made its mark in New York for over two decades with not only its seafood/ sushi but its indoor AND outdoor ambiance. For lunch, try their seared fluke roll as a starter with thyme roasted arctic char as an entree and for dessert double chocolate espresso bar- YUM!!!

 Name: CIRCUS RESTAURANT
Location: 132 East 61 Street New York, NY

Want some of that Brazilian food without the air travel? Try Circus restaurant which brings a bit of Brazil to you right here in New York and is also involved in restaurant week for 2012. Take enjoyment in this fine Brazilian cuisine for either lunch or dinner. Have spicy Calamari and fresh stew over soft polenta just to begin with! Followed by grilled Brazilian Sirloin with fingerling potato and Madeira Wine reduction. Finish off the meal with traditional Brazilian Pralines. And this just an example of the many choices!!

Name: MR CHOW

Location: 324 57th St New York, NY

Everyone has heard of, might not have experienced, but definitely heard of the infamous Mr Chow restaurants!  Plenty of celebrities have celebrated their birthdays and other special occasions at this hot venue.  Enjoy Mr Chow savory menu choices of Duck, Chicken Satay, and Noodles!!

Name: DOS CAMINOS

Location: 675 Hudson St New York, NY

Look familiar or sound familiar.  Well it is if you watch "Kim and Kourtney take NY"  This restaurant is seen repeatedly visited by cast members which screams how great of a restaurant it must be.  Enjoy great tasting Mexican dishes and try over 100 flavors of mojitos.

Name: CIPRIANI NYC

Location: 55 Wall St New York, NY

Entrepreneur Giuseppe Cipriani brings his family's renowned

history of service to New York's Financial District with Cipriani Wall Street.  It's perfect for dining or meeting for after work drinks in this upcoming neighborhood.  The outdoor terrace gives you a great view of the city, is open all year round, completely enclosed and heated during the winter months!!!

Thank You to our Readers for your patience today.  Had some technical difficulties earlier.

Enjoy!

           

Make Over Monday

Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like.  ~Author Unknown

Hair Is Where It Is!!

Every girl knows no look is complete if the hair game is not up to proper standards. Everything must be well put together from head to toe. 1stclassLadies covered the toe Fashion Friday so now we are making sure the hair for 2012 is top notch. We are going to give you the hottest looks in for the year. Short, long, or in between, we got you covered so sit back, relax and take this in!!

The Amber Rose. Yes! That's what we titled it! she made the look work and so is so many other women today. Understand this look IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY!! You have to have the right facial structure and head shape for this look. Wow this look to the max with the right make up and earring that pop!

The Pixie Cut. To much hair on your head not your scene? That's the case for most women. The Pixie cut (or the peter pan cut as 1stClassLadies like to call it) is a very sweet girl next door look that doesn't require much work. You can use a bold color to sassy up the style and make it work for you. As the short cut grows out, you start to feel like your going through that awkward stage. Don't lose any sleep- stars like Rihanna shows us that can work too!

The Hollywood Bob. Its the classy 1920's look brought back into style by celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham. This classy but very sexy style gives a women a very mature look. In hair must hug the jawline in order for it to be considered the Hollywood bob. Fix it to your liking by curling it or wear it straight to edge it up a it.

The LOB. Also know as the long bob is for those who want their long hair but are not ready for it to hang down Rapunzel style. Whether its worn with a bang or layered in the front this mid-length cut is fierce!! You can wear it wavy to give a free feel look or straight with a bump at the end.

Long and Blunt. For my long hair wearing
women this one is for you. Keep it long but
edge it up with a blunt bang. Give it high 
lights for a more extensive edge and
you got a band new you for a brand new year. These two good friends show us just how hot the long and blunt bangs can be!!

Long and layered. Another long hair don't care look is the layered long hair style. Wavy, straight, curly, or sleek the long and layered is a hit. It can be done up anyway you want because of its length and keeps  it funky because of its layers. This is another look like can be taken over the top by either a bang or high lights.

The braid. Everywhere you turn whether your hair  is really long or semi short the french braid is in. Wear it sleek in clean for the office or messy but stylish for a day out with the girls. The look doesn't have to consist of only one braid either. Wear two for a more goddess look. This look can be pulled off with any outfit  of your choice.

SOULFUL SUNDAY

“When you’re existing, life happens to you, and you manage; when you’re living, you happen to life and you lead.”  

-Steve Maraboli

Apart of life is living.  Dont just exist, DO!!  Do put yourself and your loved ones first!! Do the best at whatever it is in life that you take on!! Do remember to laugh!! Do LIVE LIFE to the fullest!!

        ~shopping~

When: Fri Feb 3rd & Sat Feb 4th Various Times

What: Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion

                125 W 18th Street

                New York, NY

VINTAGE!!!  Who doesn't love a great vintage piece to add to your wardrobe.  You can find that piece here with choices from womens clothing and shoes, mens clothing and shoes, and jewlery!!  Photo's below of some vintage items!!

Source: http://www.manhattanvintage.com/home/

When: Today Jan 29th 10:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Ending Tues Jan 31st

What: Accessory Sales

Where: 329 Bleecker St

                New York, NY

Come snag earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other accessories on sale at this boutique!!

Source: Jeweleryshopearrings

When: Today Jan 29th Ending Sun Feb 5th Various Times

What: Atrium Sale

Where: 644 Broadway

                New York, NY

Atrium infamous for its name brand threads is having a Sale!!! Up to 70% off select items!!

Source: http://www.atriumnyc.com/





                                                             ~paint the town~

When: Started Jan 16th- Feb 10th
What: NYC RESTAURANT HAS ALREADY STARTED!!!
Where: PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
For 20 days starting January into February enjoy NYC's Restaurant week where you can dine at some highly accredited spots for a lower price!!!

Source: http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek

        ~the arts~

When: Fri Feb 3rd 10:00 p.m.
What: Friday Night Poetry Slam
Where: Nuyorican Poets Cafe
                236 East 3rd St
                New York, NY
Performing poets make things lively at this weekly spoken word event hosted by Mahogany Browne.  They spit their best verses onstage in hopes of charming the crowd, winning over the judges and returning to compete another day.

Source: http://nuyorican.org/

HAVE A GREAT PRODUCTIVE WEEK READERS!!!!!!

FASHION FRIDAYS

"I dont know who invented high heels but all women owe him  ALOT"!!!

                                                               Marilyn Monroe

Every guy loves a female with a mean "shoe game" and Every female cant deny wanting to have a mean "shoe game" !!  With spring being our next season we'd like to be a little ahead of the game.  Here's our Top Picks of Spring Lookout's!!

THE WEDGE....

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI "JEM" WEDGE

MARK + JAMES BY BADGLEY MISCHKA





                                

DIANE von FURSTENBERG "OPAL" WEDGE

ALDO "TORREGROSA" WEDGE




PEEP TOE....

SAM EDELMAN "LORISSA" PUMP

SAM EDELMAN "NOVATO"

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI "COLOR BLOCK WAVE"









                                


                                 ~fashion lights report~
Collaborations seem to be the "it" thing to do in the fashion world right now and 1stclassladies are not complaining with this next two fashion powerhouses set to debut their line at New York's 2012 Fashion Runways.  Who might these two be well that would be Aldo shoes and Preen!! 

Preen Designers Justin Thornton & Thea Bregazzi

and a peek at their Spring 2012 line.......

Thoughts For Thursday

How to feel safe you ask? Never feel to secure; Know that evil lurks behind any door you can open- J. Davis

There is much you have to consider when being a woman these days. From how to put your foot in the corporate door to what schools to enroll in when trying to further yourself. Even who you choose to interact with socially; everything has to be preceded with caution. The simplest outing can turn tragic, with predators lurking in every unimaginable place. Some can be closer to you than you think. However, one should never give the impression they are vulnerable enough to become someone's prey. Instead prepare yourself mentally and physically to deal with such a situation. 1stclassLadies has put together some much needed guidelines in order to keep yourself safe.

·        Whether your coming from work, dinner, evening out with friend, etc. ALWAYS communicate. Let someone know where you are going. This way if something ensues, your steps can be back tracked.

·        If possible, travel in groups. The more people the superior the crowd making you less of a target. Groups are usually left alone by predators as to leaving to many witnesses behind.

·        Set up some sort of car service. Sometimes it’s too late for public transportation or dealing with train/bus delays and service cuts after a certain time. Ask a friend or family member for a ride home (in advance if you can.) or make sure to have funds if you need to get in a cab.

·        If public transportation is your only alternative TRAVEL SMART. Keep all expensive objects out of eye site. Don’t sit in carts alone if riding the train and if taking the bus, sit as close to the bus driver as possible not in the back. Use headphones other then iphone ones. They tend to draw attention as to what gadget is connected to them. Beats are a popular brand headphone and are pretty hard to hide. If you can’t cover them with a hoodie BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Know what is happening around you as well as studying the people in your environment.

·        For those who drive and park in a parking lot, it may seem as if you have it the easiest but that however is not always the case. Parking lots can be dangerous not to mention isolated. That makes it effortless for assaults. If chatting with someone on your phone while exiting the lot makes you feel content- DO IT!! Carry keys in you hand just in case you need to make a run for your car or to your next destination. BE ALERT!! Never get to comfortable in a parking lot. People are not your only predators- cars can be too.

·        If you exercise and like to run lets get healthy safely. Try to work out in groups and before dark. Places where there are other people is a MUST. You’re less likely to get attacked where there are other people around.

·        Shopping equals bags and bags equal easy prey. If you don’t have a car and don’t plan on getting a ride shop light! If you do have a car, when the bags become one to many place them in TRUNK of car and continue your spree. It’s harder with a lot of bags to fight for yourself.

·        Girls like to have a good time and bar/clubs are the places to do it. This is another BE SMART moment. NEVER let someone buy you a drink and bring it to you. You don’t know what they could’ve put in it. You might think your smart ordering water but if he brings it to you and the bottle is open you still could be screwed- just because it’s clear doesn’t mean it wasn’t tampered with. Be there to get the drink yourself. Never leave it unattended and never leave someone other then someone you really trust to watch it. Leaving with a guy/girl you just met is out the question!! However, we are all grown and will do what we please. So if this is the route you choose to take BE SMART. Inform someone. If need be give his/her license plate number to someone you know and trust- your safety is never to extreme!!

Now that you have the tools put them to good use! Nothing should matter more to then your safety. Remember that everyday you wake and take a step out the door.

WANTED WEDNESDAYS

"Day in and Day out, your tax accountant can make or lose you more money than any single person in your life, with the possible exception of your kids"

                                                                  Harvey Mackay

Its that time of year again ladies and gents...TAX TIME!!!  For most people this time is better than any other time and as stated above with the right tax accountant you will gain money and not LOSE!!!    Check out 1STCLASSLADIES Top Things You Should Know About Filing Your Taxes!!




TAX FILING:  Filing your taxes doesnt have to always be prepared by someone else. You can relieve your own pockets and the man who does tax preparations from his basement and instead file your own taxes.  To a lot of people there is probably a fear of making any mistakes however a lot of programs specified for tax preparation walks you through the entire process.  For suggestions try using H&R Block VIEW HERE or even try E File VIEW HERE   

DEPENDANTS:  Your kid or kids, your sisters kids, and their kids.  Do know that kids arent the only people on this planet that you can claim as dependants.  You can claim elderly parents, your brother, sister in law anyone that you can prove that you supply half of their support. 

UNEMPLOYMENT: Do know that your unemployment benefits (if having any) is also TAXABLE!!

HOMEBUYERS:  If have purchased a home, there is a tax credit for that!! A even greater deal for 1st Time Home Buyers you are eligible for credit up to $8000!!  Also if youve done any remodeling to your home especially where youve changed to accomodate for the economy with energy saving appliances your are eligible for a credit!!!

JOB DEDUCTIONS: Many might not know however you will now that a lot of job costs can be deducted as well.  For example if your job requires a uniform, office supplies, costs for seminars and attending training sessions.  Dont forget any membership you pay to trade organizations, professional groups, or chambers of commerce.

RETIREMENT: Retiree's you get a credit on the first $2000 that you invest in your retirement.  Contributions to your retirement arent the only things to qualify.  Employee pension plans, 401k's all qualify for the deduction when a contribution is made.







                                                                  ~apartments~

Bushwick

INFO HERE

Williamsburg

INFO HERE

Bronx

INFO HERE

Harlem

INFO HERE

East Harlem

INFO HERE

West 139th St

INFO HERE

~employment~

Direct Supp Asst Trainee

APPLY HERE

Entry Level Maintenance

APPLY HERE

Custodial Asst (John Jay College)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

Painter (NYC Tech)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

Mail Message Services Worker (Hunter College)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

Laborer A (Medgar Evers College)

APPLY HERE: Look for Position Title

PayRoll Specialist-JetBlue (Forest Hills, NY)

APPLY HERE

Center Customer Service Rep FEDEX

APPLY HERE

Center Specialist FEDEX

APPLY HERE

*For those residing in New Yorks 5 Boroughs and want to apply to work for the new Nets Stadium being built, you can apply Downtown Brooklyn at 1 Metrotech!!!

TASTEFUL TUESDAYS

..."so good Rick Ross had to buy a share"

1stclassladies

There's no short comings when it comes to the ever so popular franchise restaurant Wing Stop. Know best in the southern states for their,vast array of wing sauces and sides. The deity of chicken wings has made a new home right here in the east. Recently making 289 Livingston St. in Brooklyn, one of their many homes away from home. And just like the original Wing stop in Richardson, Tx  founded in 1994. They stand by continuous satisfaction of their customers ; making their wings fresh to order. Along with choosing from their nine wing sauces (Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ) , you can also choose from one of their homemade side orders (Homade Potato Salad, Cole slaw, Boston Baked Beans, Fries, Or Veggie Sticks). So the next time you don't know what to get for lunch, have a girls night; or even when you need to have a good spread for the championship game party your throwing. Keep in mind that the 1stclassladies told you first, to make a stop to this fine establishment.

Wing Stop Regular/Boneless Strips & Sides

   

Now everyone knows you can't have a proper shindig without a proper drink.. Although us 1stClassLadies aren't lushes we do know how to make a good cocktail, while having the bartender license to prove it!! With that said we bring you one of our favorites... However please have cab money ready after ingesting this drink. It's not for the lightweights!! We are full supporters of our readers drinking responsibly 

Now That's My Kinda Recipe (Cocktail Edition)

The Rum Runner

Drink Ingredients

• 7.5 oz. Captain Morgan Original Spiced (25 oz. per bottle)
• 5 oz. orange juice
• 5 oz. grenadine
• 2.5 oz. crème de banana liqueur
• 10 slice(s) orange

Drink Preparation

•  Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, orange juice, grenadine, and creme de banana liqueur.

• Shake with ice and strain into a hurricane glass.

• Garnish with orange slice.

*Note  adding a 5 oz of Grand Marnier is optional

Music Monday

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

                                                                                                                -Unknown

                                                      A Taste Of Things To Come

  As you know we here at 1stclassladies are always focused on woman's empowerment, so when we first heard about Miami powerhouse in the making Brianna. We jumped for joy. Why do you ask, well there are many female rappers trying to compete with a Queens native who is holding top rank. We all know who that is!!! But is there a slight possibility that Nicki may have competition? Or a possible alliance? Well we sure hope so; with hard hitting lyrics, and diverse subject matter. With her song "Marylin Monroe" on rotation from some of your favorite disc jockeys; the newly signed Poe Boy affiliate/ Atlantic Records new comer continues to create anticipation for greater feats to come. Dropping her much anticipated mix tape "Face Off" in December of 2011, which includes her "Rack City" freestyle. As well as her youtube "Fly Kicks" and  "High Hoe"

Born in Puerto Rico,Verse Simmonds has come a long way from hungry nights spending nights in the streets of the Virgin Islands. Writing songs in his teenage years, leading up to the formation of his own production/song writing team "The Jugganauts". Having such a uncanny sound that, it grabbed ears of Rodney Jenkins and many others. Combining sounds of Hip Hop, R&B, with a bit of Caribbean flavor. His debut album " Stories of a Bachelor" showcases his laid back demeanor and immense versatility. However, his latest smash "Boo Thing" ft. Kelly Rowland, is beginning to cause quite a stir. It's definitely on continuous play on the 1stclassladies playlist!! 

 

              

                        And Now A Lil Dessert!!!!... Our Top 4       

                                  " Stupid Hoe" By. Nicki Minaj

  

  

"That Could Be Us "By.Maino ft. Robbie Nova  

Strip Tease By Verse Simmonds

Love Me By.StooShe ft.Travie McCoy