There are so many reasons to visit New York City. But, this yearly event is probably the most fun and interesting if you are a real chocolate lover and happen to be a fan of great fashion. New York in November is just glorious. No humidity, a bit chilly, you can wear all those beautiful scarves, coats and fancy boots. People seem to be in really up beat moods. Shopping in the Fall/Winter is just amazing as well. So if you are planning on being any where near New York in November, take the time to attend this wonderful treat in the big apple.
images from the chocolate show website.

What I did early this morning? Well I didn't eat these cupcakes
but I did start searching online for one of my favorite
desserts and in doing so I found this wonderful blog :
http://www.cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com.
What I also discovered was that they have a wonderful
Meetup Group in New York. This group has several
cupcake related events year round where people who
make cupcakes, admire them and eat them get together
to enjoy cupcakes and socialize. So pretty much I will be
planning my future trips home based on when these events
are happening. I think I just might
start my own Ridgecrest cupcake club.

Please take a moment and visit their blog. They have some
recipes and also have a huge listing of cupcake shops all over
the country with many throughout California.

I shouldn't be feeling home sick already since I just got back from New York last month. But I am. One of the things I miss the most about living in New York is being able to window shop all the beautiful department stores and boutiques all over Manhattan. One of my favorites is a fabulous Japanese department store that is actually more boutique like then department store. It is called Takashimaya. They have some of the most unique, beautiful and luxurious products.

While most of their products are actually way out of my budget it does not hurt to look. Right? Even if I don't usually purchase much, it is a treat to walk through their doors. Now, just to let you know, Their decor is very minimalist. It is elegant and pretty but not your typical American boutique decor. They are more modern with clean lines.

Here is a description of their store. It is a direct quote:

"To visit Takashimaya New York is to enter a world apart. A unique commingling of Eastern and Western sensibilities inspires the rare and wonderful designs and artisan-made pieces culled from around the globe. Displaying the unusual sensitivity of the Japanese towards refined craftsmanship and beautiful packaging, and the modern appreciation for functional design, shopping online transcends the usual boundaries. At Takashimaya, the world is at your fingertips.

So if you get a chance to visit NYC anytime in the near future make sure you add them to your list of places to visit. While I was in NYC last month I had every intention on making a quick trip there . Well, I waited to the last minute and totally lost track of time and got there right when they were locking up the doors. I can't even begin to tell you how devistated I was. Well, that is not going to happen again. I will be going to NYC later this month and this is on the top of my priority list. Not sure how much shopping I will be doing there, but I know for sure I am having a facial spa treatment at their on-site spa and having some relaxing tea at their tea cafe.

Pictures above are from Takashimaya's website.