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Norma's Weekly Snapshot 
I don't know about you but I could use a little 'me' time to relax and rejuvenate. With Spa Week still going on, spas across the city are offering discounted services for patrons. I thought I would tempt you with some of my favorite spas in the city. Although some of them are not participating in Spa Week, these are well worth the visit to indulge and emerge refreshed.
And with Mother's Day around the corner, a spa treatment is a perfect gift! Next week I'll feature my Mother's Day gift guide along with favorite brunch spots to take mom out on her special day.
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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 General Events...
Now Open Luna Park
The much-anticipated boardwalk and amusement park (over 40 rides) is now open for the summer at Coney Island!
Tuesdays Stargazing on the High Line
Every Tuesday until October you can peek into high powered telescopes on the High Line (at West 13th & Washington Streets) and chat with the experts.
April 26 Hester Street Fair
One of the best street fairs (corner of Hester & Essex) opens for the season! A collection of NYC's best vendors, from the finest foods to vintage clothing to jewelry and home goods.
Through April 26 Tribeca Innovation WeekPasses available for this week of discussions and festivals around technology, gaming, film, and media. Through April 26 Design on a Dime At the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street), I have always written about this annual event and I'm delighted that this year is Housing Works' 10th anniversary hosting the event. More than 50 of the world's top interior designers create unforgettable room vignettes... which is then donated and sold for 50 to 70 percent off retail pricing!  April 26 Bike Brooklyn BaseballTake a 10 mile ride for three hours with stops along the way at some of baseball's most historic spots.April 26 & 27 Sakura Matsuri As part of the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, this celebration is all about Japanese culture. From tea ceremonies to Samurai sword fighting... while there, feast your eyes on the budding blossoms!
April 26 & 27 Green Festival
Third annual festival at Pier 94 (55th Street & 12th Avenue), learn about living a sustainable life - from food, fashion and health, to energy, construction and design. Cooking demos, panels, and live entertainment. Through April 27 Spa Week$50 treatments at spas throughout the city. My recommendations are Tribeca Spa of Tranquility, The Red Door, Exhale and Joanna Vargas Salon, Skin Care Sanctuary.  Through April 27 Antique Garden Furniture Fair
Fair returns to The New York Botanical Garden (Bronx, NY) with an expansive collection of ornament, decorative art, and furniture for the home and garden. Through April 27 NY International Auto Show
Purchase your tickets for the annual show at the Jacob Javits Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 40th Streets). Feast your eyes on some of the hottest cars all under one roof... think James Bond meets Back to the Future!
Second annual 5K Run/Walk and Family Day to raise awareness about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and to encourage volunteerism in memory of 9/11. EARLY EVENT ALERT:  May 4 TD Five Boro Bike Tour For those that are not runners, this is the equivalent of touring all the boroughs.
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Cultural Pursuits...
April 24 Sam Wolfe ConnellyView paintings of the young talented artist as he makes his gallery debut at the Arcadia Gallery (51 Greene Street). Appreciate his concepts on creativity, illustration and life. Through April 27 The Little Prince: A New York Story
At the Morgan Library & Museum (225 Madison Avenue); this is a story that I know is familiar to so many of us. Twenty-five manuscript pages on hand to view, along with personal letters and photographs from Saint-Exupéry's collection.
May 1 to 4 Spring Masters
At the Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue), an international art and design fair featuring a design by architect Rafael Viñoly that reimagines the visual impact, layout, and experience of the fair.
May 1 ar*chi*tec*ton*ic
The curated exhibition at Site109 (109 Norfolk Street) features the works of British artists, Painter Andy Burgess and Photographer Tom Leighton. Both artists use strong architectural lines and vibrant colors in their work to create compelling compositions. Through May 31st.
May 2 to 6 Pablo Picasso's Portrait de femme
Impressionist and modern art exhibition sponsored by Christie's, on view at the 20 Rockefeller Plaza location.
Through May 4
Charles Marville: Photographer of Paris
The iconic photographs of 19th century Paris photographer, Charles Marville, will showcase at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Avenue). Through May 4th.
Through May 14 Carrie Mae Weems: Three Decades of Photography and Video
At the Guggenheim Museum (1071 Fifth Avenue), Carrie's exhibit focuses on work, age, gender, and class.
Bill Cunningham: Facades
One of my top NYC photographers, the legendary Bill Cunningham previews "Fashion as Cultural History" in one of my favorite museums, the New-York Historical Society (170 Central Park West). You're in for a treat as you view the architectural riches and fashion history of our city. Through June 15th.
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of DinosaursRare fossils, life-size models, and hands-on interactives bring these ancient animals to life at the American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West at 79th Street).  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.
Recently opened in Tribeca (355 Broadway), the current exhibit is "We do our Part," featuring 8 artists that inspire the co-founder Rojas.
EARLY EVENT ALERT:  May 9 to 12 Frieze Art Fair An all day annual event at Randall's Island that features art from over 190 local galleries.
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Curtain Up...
Purchase tickets to a brunch concert every Saturday featuring music by these Beatles... they sound like them, look like them and act like them. You'll think you've been transported back to the 60s.  April 26 Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet New York Philharmonic performance at Avery Fisher Hall (Lincoln Center). April 27 Arias & RatzkeStarring NYC performer Joey Arias. Expect the unexpected as both of these sultry vocalists engage and entertain you at the Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street). 
Through April 27 Snow WhiteFeaturing over the top costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier, the ballet at David H. Koch Theater (Lincoln Center) focuses on the tension between the wicked stepmother and Snow White. April 29 New York City BalletThe spring season opens at the David H. Koch Theater (Lincoln Center). April 30 Standard Time with Michael Feinstein
An ASCAP Centennial Celebration at Carnegie Hall (881 7th Avenue) .
THEATER & FILM:
Through April 26 Tribeca Film Festival StoryscapesPurchase tickets to the House of Imagination Exhibit Space to view five distinctive transmedia projects incorporating virtual reality, live performance, 3D graphics, music and gesture-based gaming to encourage the imagination to flourish.
Through April 27 The Library Last chance to see Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Erin Brockovich, Ocean's Eleven) return to the stage to direct The Library. A cold and chilling world premiere that asks us to examine our relationship to the truths and lies that profess to heal us. At The Public Theater (425 Lafayette).  Through April 27 Tribeca Film Festival Visit my recent Snapshot for film recommendations. Here are some special events this coming week:
- April 26 Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair
Filmmaking activities, live Broadway performances, arts and crafts, storytelling, chef demonstrations, and video games. A day of family fun for all. - April 26 Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day
Sports activities, games, contests, local athletes, and sports personalities. - April 26
Tribeca Talks Directors Series: Ron Howard with Brian Williams
2 legends in their own right! - April 26
Tribeca Talks After the Movie: Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
Watch the movie, then stay for a conversation with Shep Gordon, Michael Douglas for some inside baseball Hollywood stories.
Starring two performers you will recognize... Megan Mullally (Will and Grace) and her real life husband, Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) star in a show about a couple separated and reunited - their reunion, charged by rage and compassion, brings back the worst and best of their former bond. At The Acorn Theatre (410 West 42nd Street) through June 1st. 
Bullets Over Broadway Famed Woody Allen film hits Broadway at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street). Marin Mazzie and Zach Braff knocked it out of the park! The musical comedy is loaded with laughs and colorful characters. Through September 28th. Here Lies LoveThis musical retraces the journey of Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos from her rise to power to her descent into infamy. The show at The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) blends the passion of politics with heart-pounding dance beats. Through June 21st. Of Mice and Men There is a limited engagement of the revived literary Steinbeck classic. Actors James Franco, Chris O'Dowd, and Leighton Meester make their Broadway debuts in this emotional American Depression-era tale. At the Longacre Theater (220 West 48th Street) through July 27th. 
May 3 Kristin Chenoweth
Purchase tickets now to see Kristin take over the Carnegie Hall (881 7th Avenue) stage.
May 9 Billy Joel
Make sure you get your tickets early for this show, sure to sell out at Madison Square Garden (4 Pennsylvania Avenue) Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.
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For the Foodie...  April 25 to 27 Food Book Fair The Third Annual Food Book Fair at the Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn) includes food enthusiasts, chefs, artists, writers, designers and publishers. The fair spans a pop-up bookstore with more than 200 books, 20+ food magazines, 60 visionaries, panel discussions, a film screening, pop-up brew pub AND pop-up farm, an entrepreneurial resource clinic, and a Pitch Competition.
April 28 Taste of the Nation Although a bit pricey, it's one of my top events of the year since its focus is to stamp out childhood hunger. Unlimited food and drink from the city's best culinary talents and this year you'll be able to peruse a brand new artisanal marketplace. April 29 Tasting Brooklyn
4th annual event featuring over 30 restaurants, bakeries, bars and breweries. Sample unlimited sweet and savory culinary treats and liquid delights at the Green Building (452 Union at Bond Street, Brooklyn).
May 1 Grand Gourmet - The Flavor of Midtown
A favorite annual event of mine at Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall showcasing 35 of the city's top restaurants and bars.
May 2 Broadway French Market
Reopens for the season on Broadway between 35th & 36th Streets. Selling local produce, it is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays near Bryant Park. Managed by Bensidoun, the world's premiere operator of French style markets.
May 12 Open MarketA celebration of the Meatpacking District. Co-chairs Diane Von Furstenberg, André Balazs will be joined by a host committee of the who's-who of the Meatpacking District and beyond. Shop sample sales from the best designers, eat & drink the greatest food, and play at local hot spots. Purchase tickets.
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Special Feature...
Day Spa Retreats
UPTOWN:
 Phyto Universe715 Lexington Avenue (at 58th Street) A 6,000-square-foot oasis features an incredible indoor garden filled with more than 9,000 live spectacular tropical plants. Choose from facials, body treatments, and waxing services, all using botanical-based formulas. Townhouse Spa39 West 56th Street (5th & 6th Avenues) Located in a restored townhouse, I received one of the best massages here. They offer all types of treatments for men and women. Check out their packages on the website. They even have space to have a private event... girls day anyone?
DOWNTOWN:
Great Jones Spa
29 Great Jones Street (at Lafayette St)
This East Village spa has a Feng Shui feel from the moment you enter. The spa's belief is that the restorative power of water can change your life. Enjoy their Thermal Hot Tub and Chakra-Light Steam services that are offered in their world-renowned wet lounge facility. Another of my top treatments is their 'Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Glow' body scrub.
Shibui
The Greenwich Hotel - 377 Greenwich Street (at North Moore St)
Tucked away in the subterranean level of Robert DiNiro's Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, is a stunning spa with a lantern-lit pool. The English translation for Shibui is 'beauty that is low key, grounded and subtle.' How fitting! I highly recommend their signature massage 'Drunken Lotus.' It is a blend of shiatsu and acupressure, which is sure to relieve any stress!
BEST TRIPLE CROWN FACIAL:
Joanna Vargas
501 Fifth Avenue, #2011 (at 42nd St)
Celebrity skincare guru, Joanna Vargas, is always a favorite. Try her three-step process anti-aging 'Triple Crown Facial,' followed up with LED light therapy. You will leave glowing and radiant!
BEST MAKEOVER SPOTS:
Kimara Ahnert
1113 Madison Avenue (83rd & 84th St)
Kimara's Upper East Side townhouse boutique is the perfect setting for a luxurious makeup studio that caters to personalized services. As ladies, we all want to put our best face forward. Kimara and her staff will customize a makeup application with detailed instruction and a written beauty profile.
Rouge
I've already visited twice since their recent opening. They have many options, whether you like a subtle or bold look. The 'Total Polish' is my favorite and I felt like a new woman each time I've left.
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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