It Was 23 Years Ago Today – Part 1

Happy 23rd Manhattanversary to me!

Repurposing the following post from 3 years ago when I celebrated my 20th Manhattan-versary!!

So much has happened in 3 years….my network of phenomenal people across the globe continues to blossom, my beloved product invention RestoPresto was granted a design patent AND was featured on The Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda; I spoke at an event for Escape The City about changing careers after 40, which was liberating and was asked to contribute to a new digital magazine called The Reset which published my article about being “45, Single, Childfree & Joyful”; I have attended events, concerts and productions which took my breath away; I launched an advisory business to help people navigate the challenging process of bringing an idea for a product to market, which is incredibly fulfilling AND I am constantly learning new things in business, about history, about myself, about life and of course, about New York.

I am grateful for all of it and do not take anything for granted!

Please enjoy my re-post and feel free to share it, make comments and of course contact me with any questions about my advisory services, RestoPresto or my “Guide to Manhattan”.

 

Sidewalk Chalk Writing

Sidewalk Chalk Writing

Well, it was “20 years ago today” last week to be exact. I moved to NY in May of 1994 with enormous enthusiasm, money borrowed from my younger Sister, a job, no apartment, few contacts and a heap of certainty.

1994 Skyline

1994 Skyline

20 years later, I am grateful to NY for being my home, my comfort, my springboard on which to move forward, stand still and temporarily revert at my own pace and on my own terms.

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“Manhattanhenge” 2013

“Manhattanhenge” 2013

 

Despite the constant change of skyline, storefront and trends, NY is not fickle with respect to her endless possibilities, diversity, vibrancy and genuine heart and soul.

IMG_0760

Tulips in Midtown

Central Park

Central Park

Queensboro (Ed Koch) Bridge

Queensboro (Ed Koch) Bridge

 

Celebrating Super Bowl XLVIII n the City

 

Anne Frank Center, Downtown

The Anne Frank Center, Downtown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have taken tons of snapshots of the City over the years and have chosen some favorites to share!

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Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball

Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Park Avenue

Park Avenue

 

Each snap celebrates a remarkable moment that is uniquely New York.

Central Park Snowstorm

Upper West Side

Upper West Side

 

 

 

Bryant Park

Bryant Park

Stay tuned for Part II (and possibly a Part III) with more snaps!

East River

East River

Here’s to the next 20 years, my dear Manhattan!

Dish of the Day: “RestoPresto Follow Friday”

Happy Friday! 

Are you on Twitter? Facebook? Instagram?  If so, please follow @RestoPresto and use #RestoPresto when you post!

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As an entrepreneurial, small business owning inventor, I know how powerful “word of mouth” communication is when building a brand. I am grateful for how many people take the time to share their stories and photos showing how they use their RestoPresto mats and how it makes spontaneous and planned events so much easier! Join in!

national mall red RP

Right now there are a handful of RestoPresto mats in stock and  READY TO BE YOURS on www.restopresto.com so buy today! If you have any questions or comments about this unique and fantastic convenience product, please reach out to the RestoPresto Team: info@restopresto.com

 

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RestoPresto is a 3-in-1 portable, compact, water-repellent mat that you can sit on, sit under & wear. It fits in your hand when in its integrated pouch and opens to the size of a beach towel. With snaps, drawstrings and loops, the configurations are endless!  

www.restopresto.com

Picnics? Beach? Hiking? Biking? RestoPresto is your portable compact multi-functional mat!


Whether your outings are planned or spontaneous, having an extra layer that you can sit on, sit under & wear is a HUGE bonus! RestoPresto™ is that bonus!

A 3-in-1 portable, compact, water-repellent mat that you can sit on, sit under and wear! When RestoPresto™ is contained in its pouch it fits in your hand and when open, it is the size of a beach towel. With snaps, drawstrings and loops at each corner, the configurations for RP are endless making it a multi-functional solution for impromptu and planned events.

Easy to carry, easy to use, easy to stuff in its self-contained pouch. Easy convenience!

RestoPresto™ can be purchased on www.restopresto.com! Colors available are black, royal blue, red and pewter gray. Each RestoPresto comes with 1 branded carabiner, 1 set of 4 branded mini-stakes & 1 instructional brochure.

Designed, assembled & manufactured in the USA!

Buy yours today! www.restopresto.com

So many uses in one dynamic gadget!

So many uses in one dynamic gadget!

Dishing about RestoPresto: turning a great idea into reality!

I came up with the idea for RestoPresto last year when I was in Sheep Meadow in Central Park, New York and am delighted to be on the way to manufacturing in the USA so that this convenient, multi-functional, on-the-go solution will be in the hands of my first customers soon!

It was a “full circle” and validating moment when I was at Sheep Meadow last weekend with RestoPresto! Here is a photo!

 

The idea for RestoPresto HIT me at Sheep Meadow in Central Park in 2013! Now it is a reality!

The idea for RestoPresto HIT me at Sheep Meadow in Central Park in 2013! Now it is a reality!

The Kickstarter campaign has been going incredibly well and I now understand what my predecessors meant by saying that managing a crowd-funding campaign is a 24-hour job. It is! Since I am a one-person operation, it is challenging to “do it all” but let me tell you, it is getting done AND it is terrific.

I am tenaciously running all aspects of this process so the fact that people will be using and enjoying their own RestoPresto mats in the very near future is beyond exciting and keeps me very motivated. Each day is different, presenting challenges and accomplishments some are expected (most are not) and after the past 24 hours, which were a bit crazy, I decided to take a quick BLOG break to write. I kid you not, at one point yesterday I was simultaneously speaking to one person on my landline, another person on my smartphone, emailing a third person from one laptop and googling on my other laptop! Talk about multi-functioning!

 

There are 5 days remaining in my Kickstarter campaign so please consider supporting RestoPresto if you have not already done so and definitely spread the word.

Here is a link to my campaign and you can like the RestoPresto page on Facebook; follow @RestoPresto on Twitter and #RestoPresto on Instagram.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/candiobrentz/restoprestotm-the-portable-mat-to-sit-on-sit-under

As I have said many times, I cannot WAIT to see how my customers RestoPresto!

Ciao for now!

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It Was 20 Years Ago Today – Part 3

Plastic bags are not okay but this one is cute and was recycled!

Plastic bags are not okay but this one is cute and was recycled!

The Candi Dish has been busy cooking up something REALLY big so please pardon the fact that Part 3 of my 20th Anniversary of living in Manhattan (which actually occurred in May) is being posted at the end of July!

From Andy Warhol’s “Dollar Signs” series.  This one hangs in Christie’s in Rockefeller Center

From Andy Warhol’s “Dollar Signs” series. This work hangs in Christie’s in Rock Center

“John Finley Walk” Silhouette on the East River named after a man dedicated to education who loved to walk the perimeter of Manhattan

“John Finley Walk” Silhouette on the East River named after a man dedicated to education who loved to walk the perimeter of Manhattan

Honoring Barbra Streisand  for her film career at the 40th annual Chaplin Award at the Film Society of Lincoln Center in 2013 was an incredibly memorable evening

Honoring Barbra Streisand for her film career at the 40th annual Chaplin Award at the Film Society of Lincoln Center in 2013 was an incredibly memorable evening

A bench in Central Park dedicated to the incomparable Jim Henson

A bench in Central Park dedicated to the incomparable Jim Henson

“Tribeca Talks Director Series" is a fantastic opportunity during the Tribeca Film Festival to experience brilliance like that of Ron Howard who was interviewed by Brian Williams

“Tribeca Talks Director Series” is a fantastic opportunity during the Tribeca Film Festival to experience brilliance like that of Ron Howard who was interviewed by Brian Williams

Still giving peace a chance, at Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree in Chelsea

Still giving peace a chance, at Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree in Chelsea

My feet welcoming fall 2013 and always in admiration of great New Yorkers

My feet welcoming fall 2013 and in constant admiration of great New Yorkers

George Washington took the oath of office as our first President at Federal Hall on Wall Street

George Washington took the oath of office as the 1st US President at Federal Hall on Wall St

Keith Haring’s 170 foot long mural in Greenwich Village on a wall that connected the Carmine Street Pool to the James J. Walker Park handball court was painted in August 1987 and still stands today.

Keith Haring’s 170 foot long mural in Greenwich Village on a wall that connected the Carmine Street Pool to the James J. Walker Park handball court was painted in August 1987 and still stands today.

 Father Mychal Judge was a Franciscan friar and Catholic priest who served as a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department.  Born in Brooklyn, Mychal dedicated his life to helping others and was known for his extraordinary works of charity and deep spirituality.  While offering aid and prayers for the rescuers at the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001, Father Mychal Judge was injured and killed.  He was 68 years old. Each September 11th, I attend a Memorial Service at St. Bart’s Cathedral and at the 2013 service, members of “Mychal’s Message” handed out prayer cards memorializing a man that impacted countless lives. This is a photo of the card.


Father Mychal Judge was a Franciscan friar and Catholic priest who served as a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department. Born in Brooklyn, Mychal dedicated his life to helping others and was known for his extraordinary works of charity and deep spirituality. While offering aid and prayers for the rescuers at the World Trade Center to which he rushed to help on the morning of September 11, 2001, Father Mychal Judge was injured and killed. He was 68 years old. Each September 11th, I attend a Memorial Service at St. Bart’s Cathedral to honor the Firefighters from my neighborhood who lose their lives that tragic day.  At the 2013 service, members of “Mychal’s Message” handed out prayer cards memorializing a selfless, giving, beautiful man whose daily work impacted countless lives. This is a photo of the card.

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Meathead as the 41st Annual Recipient of the Charlie Chaplin Award for his contribution to film

Celebrating Meathead as the 41st Annual Recipient of the Charlie Chaplin Award for his contribution to film

There are just SO many photos to share. Each of these photos is connected to a person. Living in New York, one has access to extraordinary people or their legacies. Every day.

It was 20 Years Ago Today – Part 2

 

ALL ABOARD The “Manhattan" to cruise around the Island.

ALL ABOARD The “Manhattan” to cruise around the Island.

I previously posted photos in honor of my 20-year Anniversary of living in New York and it was a fun challenge narrowing down which ones to share.

Central Park Arch

Central Park Arch

The Fabergé Egg Hunt 2014

The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is Round 2 of more snaps from my personal collection. All photos are my own and each one captures one moment in time in the City that never sleeps.

Ginkgo leaves line the Autumn streets

Ginkgo leaves line the Autumn streets

Sand Castle masterpiece by Matt Long at Water Street POPS! 2013

Sand Castle masterpiece by Matt Long at Water Street POPS! 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorites each year: The Bloomberg Tower Christmas Tree

One of my favorites each year: The Bloomberg Tower Christmas Tree

The Obelisk in Central Park is over 3,500 years old and is the oldest outdoor monument in NYC

The Obelisk in Central Park is the oldest outdoor monument in NYC at 3,500 years old

Quoting Victor Hugo with sidewalk chalk

Quoting Victor Hugo in sidewalk chalk

Sing for Hope Piano in SoHo

Sing for Hope Piano in SoHo

George Washington Statue at Federal Hall where he took Oath of office as First President of the United States

George Washington Statue at Federal Hall where he took the Oath of office as the First President of the United States

East River

East River

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I hope that you enjoyed them!

Please stay tuned for Round 3!

It Was 20 Years Ago Today – Part 1

 

Sidewalk Chalk Writing

Sidewalk Chalk Writing

Well, it was “20 years ago today” last week to be exact. I moved to NY in May of 1994 with enormous enthusiasm, money borrowed from my younger Sister, a job, no apartment, few contacts and a heap of certainty.

1994 Skyline

1994 Skyline

20 years later, I am grateful to NY for being my home, my comfort, my springboard on which to move forward, stand still and temporarily revert at my own pace and on my own terms.

IMG_0656

“Manhattanhenge” 2013

“Manhattanhenge” 2013

 

Despite the constant change of skyline, storefront and trends, NY is not fickle with respect to her endless possibilities, diversity, vibrancy and genuine heart and soul.

IMG_0760

Tulips in Midtown

Central Park

Central Park

Queensboro (Ed Koch) Bridge

Queensboro (Ed Koch) Bridge

 

Celebrating Super Bowl XLVIII n the City

 

Anne Frank Center, Downtown

The Anne Frank Center, Downtown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have taken tons of snapshots of the City over the years and have chosen some favorites to share!

IMG_0742

Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball

Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Park Avenue

Park Avenue

 

Each snap celebrates a remarkable moment that is uniquely New York.

Central Park Snowstorm

Upper West Side

Upper West Side

 

 

 

Bryant Park

Bryant Park

Stay tuned for Part II (and possibly a Part III) with more snaps!

East River

East River

Here’s to the next 20 years, my dear Manhattan!

Barefoot in the Park

One of many Central Park passages

One of the many Central Park passages

One delightfully sun-drenched and chilly day around this time last year, I wandered into Central Park and found myself at Sheep Meadow.  The breeze. The sun. The smell of fresh grass.  Fortunately, I was wearing my terrifically versatile snuggly coat that I used as a blanket to stretch out and gaze up at the sun.  When was the last time that I was here?  I could not recall, which meant that it had been too long. But I was there now. Listening to my iPod, zoning out but tuned in enough to be aware of my shortest hairs tickling my forehead as the wind blew across my face. I took off one sneaker and planted my foot in the cool blades of grass that felt deceivingly wet. I was in the moment.  Very present. I took a few snaps of the sunny sky and blinked away the spots. Oh, how rare is the feeling of being unblocked? Unblocked under the wide-open sky in the middle of Manhattan.

Sheep Meadow

Sheep Meadow

Sun snap

Sun snap

To locals, Central Park is our backyard, our own treasure trove. To visitors, it is a lush reminder that Manhattan is much more than a concrete jungle.  I encourage sightseers to spend time in Central Park.  If your goal is to see celebrated Manhattan’s sights, then I suggest hitting the highlights of the Park if you can narrow it down from the many possibilities. Belvedere Castle with its fantastic panoramic views; Bethesda Terrace home to the famous Angel of the Waters statue; The Obelisk; Alice in Wonderland Statue; Vanderbilt Gate; Hans Christian Andersen Statue; the Zoo, The Mall & Literary Walk; The Ramble, Turtle Pond, Strawberry Fields & the Imagine mosaic, both serving as a living memorial to John Lennon; the many Arches and Bridges and of course, the Lake with its row boaters and the not-to-be-missed Boathouse.

Pergola in the Park

Pergola in the Park

Sheep Meadow is a 15-acre preserve located in the South End of Central Park and has a colorful history.  From sheep (hence the name) grazing until 1934 to President Harry S. Truman speaking on Navy Day in 1945 to a rare Barbra Streisand concert in 1967 to shared gasps of convened people watching the televised broadcast of the first moon landing in 1969 to park regulars rejoicing in 1981 when the Meadow was reopened after a massive renovation. Sheep Meadow is currently a haven for masses of sunbathers, picnickers, kite-fliers and serenity-seeking, breeze-loving locals like MOI!

Light at the end of the tunnel

Light at the end of the tunnel

 

 

Spring. love.

Spring. love.

Central Park is open year round but if you wish to visit Sheep Meadow, it is open from mid-April to mid-October from dawn to dusk in fair weather.

http://www.centralparknyc.org

 

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