Calling All Holiday Shoppers! (And Free Cocktail Lovers!)

Headed to the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend? More than 200 indie vendors will be hawking their handmade wares at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W 18th St) on November 15 and 16 and it's never too early to begin holiday shopping!

Even better, when your feet get tired and you begin craving a complimentary cocktail, head on over to the Ace Hotel on Saturday 11/15 from 6:30-8:30 pm for the official afterparty sponsored by Flavorpill and Sprout by HP.

RSVP here.

Make Snack Time Awesome

It's 3pm. You're turkey sandwich has already been digested but you're still hours away from your steak dinner at Benjamin's. Your stomach is growling. You have two options: spoil your dinner with a sugary purchase from the vending machine, or reach into your desk drawer for a healthy, filling snack.

Naturebox was created to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner (or breakfast and lunch for that matter!) while still keeping your diet wholesome and delicious. I was recently invited to try a monthly subscription box full of fall flavor and here is what I got:

How my box looked when it first arrived

I was pleased with the packaging, as the cardboard box ensured that my fragile snacks wouldn't be crushed or crumbled in the shipping process. I also appreciated the slip of paper explaining all about my different snacks.

As a fall-flavor nut, I was super appreciative of the thought that went into my box. First up were the apple pie oat clusters. Think of these as a cross between your favorite crunchy granola and a sweet, crisp apple. I definitely appreciated the cranberries also!

Apple pie oat clusters

Next up were the praline pumpkin seeds. I could eat these by the handful so I had to be careful to portion them out instead of continually shoving my hand in the bag. I mostly ate these on their own, but they would be great in salads! A nice mix of sweet and savory.

Praline pumpkin seeds

The pumpkin spice nom noms were, well...nommy! This snack is a limited edition (through December only) based on Naturebox's well-liked blueberry, peanut butter and dark cocoa varieties. Think of it as a healthier cookie.

Pumpkin spice nom noms

The harvest rice sticks (also limited edition--through November) were the first of my snacks to disappear. They had the perfect amount of salt and a great crunch (think Fritos). I also loved the bits of puffed wild rice that collected at the bottom of the bag.

Harvest rice sticks

What the rice sticks were salty, the cranberry pepita crisps were sweet. I'll liken these to a fall-flavored Stacy's pita chip, except the pepitas gave the crisp more texture, which I loved. These would be good on their own or dipped in hummus or even a sweet dip.

Cranberry pepita crisps

Naturebox starts at $19.95 a month for 5 full-size snacks (including shipping), and discounts are available if you commit to several months up front. It's a great deal if you like to snack healthy, and I love the convenience of having something tasty and wholesome at my desk when I get a craving. If you'd like to see if Naturebox is right for you, click here for a free trial or $10 off your first box!

Naturebox provided me with this box free of charge but all opinions listed here are my own.

Free Indoor Cycling Classes at Peloton Next Week

Ever since joining ClassPass, I've become a bit of a fitness class nut. It's like I can't workout without at least 4 other people sweating alongside me and a peppy, muscly, designer fitness clothing-clad instructor telling me exactly what to do. But I'm perfectly ok with that. 

After a couple of months of this craziness for 5-6 times a week, I've definitely discovered "favorite" studios, which I visit as much as they will possibly let me (3 times a month if you were interested). Peloton Cycle is one of them. Their patented belt-based bikes will give you a 100 times smoother ride than the typical chain-based bikes installed at every other indoor cycle studio. They are also equipped with super high-tech screens that display your speed, resistance, and position on the class leader-board (extra motivation for me!). Plus the facility is immaculate and you get free Jack's coffee and a piece of fruit after every class. 

Peloton announced today that they have teamed up with the Garmin-Sharp Pro Cycling Team to bring you a full day of free special rides coached by Team Garmin-Sharp pros Alex Howes and Tom Danielson on Wednesday, November 12th.

Catch a ride with Team Garmin and Peloton at any of the times below: 

• 8:15 a.m. - Alex Howes (45 min) 

• 10:30 a.m. - Alex Howes (45 min)  

• 6:30 p.m. - Tom Danielson (45 min) 

• 8:30 p.m. - Tom Danielson (45 min)

Immediately following each class, Alex and Tom will have autograph signing sessions in the Peloton lounge. To sign up for these complimentary rides, email teamgarminsharp@pelotoncycle.com with your name and desired ride time. Don't delay, I'm sure these spots will fill up fast!

AWESOME ALERT: Free Workout Class and Outfit

Fitness wear brand Sweaty Betty, known for their fun and flirty printed leggings, is pairing up with modelFIT (212 Bowery, 2nd Floor) for an epic event on Thursday November 20.

When you sign up (FOR FREE!) you not only get to sample one of modelFIT's much talked about body sculpting circuit classes (because don't we all want to look like a model?), but you also get to take a full outfit from Sweaty Betty home with you. Free treats and juices too. Say what?!?! Yes, I said it. Now go sign up (click on the events tab for more info). Several classes are available, but as you can imagine, spots are extremely limited.

AWESOME DEAL: 20% Off Crocs Today in Herald Square

Have your little ones not had enough of their princess and superhero costumes yet? Good news! From 3-8pm today, bring them to Crocs Herald Square (152 W 34th St) as they prepare to launch their new line of Disney Frozen Crocs' Clog along with an array of Crocs' character shoes!

In addition to showcasing Crocs' newest character shoes, the event will offer complimentary princess manicures and hairstyles, super hero face painting, and gifting for all families. You can also snag 20% off your entire purchase! Now that sounds like something Elsa would approve of.

Party Like a Superhero This Halloween

No Halloween plans yet? No fear...Batman is here! No seriously though, if you're content with cuddling up to a scary movie and snacking on Snickers, go right ahead. But the Refinery Rooftop (located in the Fashion District’s Refinery Hotel) is celebrating the season’s most-anticipated holiday by hosting The Gotham City Mayor’s Ball, an ode to everyone’s favorite super-hero, Batman, on Friday, October 31 (when else?) at 9pm.

At The Gotham City Mayor’s Ball, guests will be able to sip on “penguin’s punch” and enjoy the sounds of DJ Jonesy, well-known for his work with Drake, Trey Songz, and Sean Kingston, who will be spinning spook-tacular beats throughout the evening. Additionally, there will be a mix of strolling artists from NYC-based cirque event company, Cirque-tacular, such as an aerialist, acrobatic pole artist, illusionist, stilt walker, and a juggler.

This is a non-ticketed, free event, however, reservations for VIP tables can be made at reservations@refineryrooftopnyc.com. Let us know if you sneak a peak at Gotham's protector in black!

Calling All Danica Patrick Fans!

Big news for NASCAR fans...Danica Patrick is scheduled to appear at the TISSOT new 5th Avenue flagship boutique (666 Fifth Avenue) this Wendesday 10/29 from 1-2pm! Everyone that attends will be entered to win a new watch and have the chance to meet Danica.