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The ideal month for outdoor fitness has arrived and all I can think about is ditching the bland treadmill in favor of getting outside to motivate and stay fit.
My Special Feature this week includes city groups that will inspire you to run and walk your way to fitness while exploring the city on foot.
Norma Knows New York City
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors, so they can
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See the below categories for my event picks for the
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 General Events... 
Through April 5
2014 Women in the World Summit
This annual summit centers on live storytelling with inspiring women and men from around the world. This year's participants include Meryl Streep, The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Tina Brown, Jon Stewart, former President Jimmy Carter, Sarah Silverman, and Angelina Jolie.
Through April 6 Affordable Art Fair
A four day event showcasing 78 galleries at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street). Paintings, sculptures, print and photographs are on display from both emerging and established artists.
Through April 6 Art Expo
Art publishers, gallery owners and artists from around the globe create an exhibit of fine art and design at Pier 94 (54th Street & Hudson River).
Through April 6 Macy's Flower Show
The other day I went to the Secret Garden on Macy's main floor (151 West 34th Street). This English garden is a botanical bonanza! A perfect tribute to the start of spring.
April 7 New York Yankees Home Opener The official start to baseball season in NYC!  April 8 to 14 Gilded Lace Pop-Up Shop at Henri Bendel Whenever I think of unique jewelry, I think Gilded Lace! Head to Henri Bendel to check out the new collection and meet the designer. This is just a teaser of what's to come for my top spring shopping picks. With Mother's Day around the corner, you won't want to miss my favorite shops for clothing and accessories.  Through April 25 Fabergè Big Egg Hunt The world's biggest egg hunt, with over 260 egg sculptures individually created by artists and designers. The sculptures are placed throughout the boroughs of New York City. Download the app, register, then begin your search... Winners receive various pendants worth up to $48,000! http://thebigegghunt.org
EARLY EVENT ALERT:
April 13 2014 More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon
The largest all women's half marathon in the country.
The race is near capacity, but still time to register... or just go and watch in Central Park.
April 21 to 26 Tribeca Innovation WeekPasses available for this week of discussions and festivals around technology, gaming, film, and media. April 24 & 25 THRIVE: A Third Metric Live EventHosted by Mika Brzezinski, Ariana Huffington, and Julianne Moore. Join leaders from entertainment, fashion, politics, health care, and technology to hear how they discovered a Third Metric to measuring their achievements beyond money and power.
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Cultural Pursuits...
 Through April 9 Tony Tasset's Artists Monument As an outpost of of the 2014 Whitney Biennial, this exhibit is on view at the Hudson River Park (Hudson River Park at 17th Street). A great way to experience a wonderful art show al fresco. April 10 to 13 The AIPAD Photography Show Over 80 works at the Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue) by leading photography art galleries, showcasing a wide range of museum quality works including contemporary, modern and 19th century photographers. Through April 19 Elegance in an Age of Crisis: Fashions of the 1930s 
The Museum at FIT (7th Avenue at 27th Street) features an exquisite collection from the decade that emerged from the Jazz Age and ended with the onset of World War II... a period when modern clothing was introduced to the fashion world.
Visit the Arcadia Contemporary Gallery in SoHo (51 Greene Street). Arcadia means 'a real or imaginary place offering peace and simplicity.' All of the works in this exhibit show real life with a twist that will make you think.
Through April 23 Fashion and Folk Art
Thirteen emerging designers have created original ensembles inspired by artwork at the American Folk Art Museum (2 Lincoln Square).
Through April 24 Earth and Beyond
The exhibition at the Leonard Tourné Gallery (46 East 65th Street) features works by Ron Burkhardt, Friedberger and Strong-Cuevas. Besides the many accolades Burkhardt has received, he's also been bestowed honors by the United Nations. 
Mid-Century Postwar Italian Photography
On view at the Keith de Lellis Gallery (1045 Madison Avenue), the shots will take you back and make you think. Through May 17th.
Other Primary Structures
The first of a two part exhibit at The Jewish Museum (1109 Fifth Avenue). A major exhibition of Global 1960s sculptures, based on Minimalism, which was a radical approach at the time. Through May 18th.
Moving Murals: City Lore's Grand Inaugural Exhibition On display at the City Lore Gallery (56 East 1st Street), Chalfant and Cooper's graffiti archives photography during the "Golden Age of Graffiti" in the 70s and 80s. Moving Murals presents images in a wall-to-wall mosaic of 850 trains, creating an all-city graffiti environment. Through July 10th.
Italian Futurism, 1909-1944: Reconstructing the UniverseA truly amazing exhibit that I was fortunate to view during its installation at the Guggenheim (1071 Fifth Avenue) - Italian futurism from its inception to its demise in World War II. Through September 1st.Palaces for the People
Spanish immigrant Guastavinos' contribution in tile is seen in some of America's greatest public spaces. View his works at the Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue). Through September 7th.  Re: Collection This April celebrates the 5th anniversary of the Museum of Art & Design (2 Columbus Circle) and this exhibit is a tribute to that anniversary. Through September 7th.
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Curtain Up...
MUSIC: 
From Jazz brunch on Sundays to Jazz Nights on Tuesdays... great music with cocktails and bites at The Lambs Club (The Chatwal Hotel - 132 West 44th Street).
At the Metropolitan Opera (Lincoln Center Plaza), Strauss' three act comedic opera, set in Vienna, portrays the age old tale of the conflict of marrying for love or money.
THEATER:
Cabaret
A magnificent revival at the Roundabout Theater's Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street). Michelle Williams is a perfect Sally Bowles! Her Broadway debut is filled with all the razzle-dazzle that will keep you captivated for the entire performance. Through July 11th.
Rocky
We all know the story of Rocky Balboa, and I have to say that I was skeptical about how this could transfer from screen to Broadway... but I was taken by surprise. Rocky knocks it out of the park with the scenic showplace, the sound and lighting, and a terrific cast. Having met the real Rocky, Sylvester Stallone, last week, I can attest that he too was elated with the production. At the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway) through November 23rd.
The Library
Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Erin Brockovich, Ocean's Eleven) returns to the stage to direct The Library. A cold and chilling world premier that asks us to examine our relationship to the truths and lies that profess to heal us. I've just purchased a block of tickets for this much anticipated play at The Public Theater (425 Lafayette). Through April 27th. Selected Shorts: Greenwich Village StoriesReaders include Parker Posey and Jane Curtain. At Symphony Space (2537 Broadway). Additional readings on May 21st, and June 11th. The Realistic Joneses  Marisa Tomei, Toni Collette, and Michael C. Hall star in this comical show which asks the question, "what do you really know about your neighbors?" Now in previews, opening night on April 6th at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street). Through July 6th. Mothers and Sons I had the pleasure of seeing this play in its previews at The Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The show by Tony award winning playwright, Terrance McNally, stars Tony and Emmy award winner Tyne Daily in a remarkable performance. A compassionate and touching look at the evolving definition of family. Through June 8th. Tickets are now on sale for the most anticipated local film festival! April 29 to June 8 NYC Ballet Spring Season
The Spring Season begins this month. Visit the website for complete calendar and to purchase tickets. Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.
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For the Foodie... Lower East Sid e
Lower East Side (LES) is the Bohemian area of our city with many original shops, nightlife, and reasonably priced dining. 'In the rough' is what the LES was, is, and always will be. From its inception as a multi-ethnic immigrant hub to its current avant garde, graffiti-splashed status, Lower East Siders don't care to imitate, mimic, or to see and be seen... there is a desire to remain unique and cutting edge.
Here are my top 3 new on the scene picks for the 'hood.
Contra
New American Cuisine
138 Orchard Street
(Rivington & Delancey Streets)
Tucked away on Orchard Street, you might walk by a few times before finding it... that of course adds to the mystique. One of the city's best tasting menus, it is reasonably priced at just $55 for a 5 course menu! New dishes and pairings are prepared daily so I can't tell you what I ate that night, except that it was exceptional. The contemporary rustic atmosphere blends in with the neighborhood. Be on the lookout for the monthly collaborative guest chef dinners.
Mission Cantina
Mexican Cuisine
172 Orchard Street (at Stanton Street)
A restaurant for all those West Coast transplants that still miss authentic Mexican cuisine. Nearly everything on the menu is under $10 and with its day glo chic ambiance, you'll enjoy the surroundings. Flavors and aromas will make it difficult for you to select from their taco roster, burritos and tortillas. And that's just a sampling of their menu!
Pearl & Ash
New American Cuisine
220 Bowery (Spring & Rivington Streets)
A casual and intimate setting serving contemporary American cuisine. All of the small plates are designed for sharing. Their skate and hangar steak are my recommendations, accompanied by a wine-focused menu. My friends and I reserved seats at the bar... a trend in the city that I personally like.
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Special Feature... Spring into Fitness
When you need a push or a buddy, look no further! There are a myriad of clubs in the city... take a look at my favorite below (many free), sure to get you into your walking or running shoes and hitting the pavement! Distances and workouts vary, so check the websites or call for updates. All levels welcome.
TO WALK: ShorewalkersExplore the city and its edges. This nonprofit environmental organization leads invigorating walks exploring areas in and around NYC. Take a Walk, New York Free, guided urban adventure walks taking place on weekends in all five boroughs.
TO RUN: Lululemon Run Club
Wednesday nights at their UES and UWS locations, Monday nights from Lincoln Square.
Niketown Run Club
Nike Flatiron (156 Fifth Avenue) and Midtown (6 East 57th Street); meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm and Saturdays at 9am for an invigorating run.
TO WORKOUT:A unique alternative to the regular outdoor boot camp. The RiseFree outdoor workouts... running, core body strength, cross training throughout the city.
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