Friday was my intern Linsey’s last day! (Tear, tear!)

She was quite an untraditional intern, in that she was older than I was, and much more established in public relations in London. Linsey asked to work with us to gain different experiences- she was always interested in editorial- while her gorgeous boyfriend practiced law with his firm in Manhattan for the summer.

I never tired of asking her of the differences between ours and English culture. The accent, which I’m still terrible at imitating,  never ceases to make me giggle and we crack up over how our language barrier revolves around the same language.

So for her final day in my office, I could think of nowhere better to bring her but Tea & Sympathy on Greenwich St.

The only British tea shop in Manhattan (or that I know of. . . . anyone hear of another?) is too cute and cozy to pass up. “Proper” tea is served in adorable little pots and the aroma of authentic English treats and meals will have your mouth watering.

For $50, you can order tea for two which includes a three-tiered tray packed with delish finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and jam (which Linsey pronouced as “scuns”), fat slices of yummy cakes, and of course, your choice of tea. Linsey cooly orded Earl Grey (of course!) and chuckled about how American of me it was to select peach.

Don’t forget to slip into the Brit shop next store for crisps, candies, and other goodies imported straight from  across the pond and consider getting involved in the fight for a Little Britain.

 For directions and info check out teaandsympathynewyork.com

 Cheers!

America sure looks good for being 232 years old- think she’s had some work done?

If you waited for the last possible second (like moi) to plan how you’ll be celebrating the home of the brave this year, fear not. Here are some fool-proof ways to get your fourth on.

Food. . .

. . .Because the Nathan’s hot dog champ can’t be the only one indulging. Celebrate the U.S. and the N.Y. with a good old fashioned chow down. The Great July Fourth Festival is a down-home American birthday party with a global twist. The street fair showcases 600 international food vendors, as well as arts, crafts and merchandise exhibitors like Indonesian Jewelry and Chinese Pottery. The fun ends at 8, just in time watch. . .

Fireworks!

Because what would today be without a little pie in the sky? There are breathtaking views of the Macy’s Fireworks Extravaganza*, which start at 9pm, from all points of the vogue city. The very best are:

Manhattan: Southbound lanes of the FDR drive from 14th to 42nd Street will be open for the public from 7:30pm to 10:00pm.The FDR Drive will actually be closed to vehicular traffic between Houston St. and 63rd St. from 7:00pm until 1:00am. Dancin’ in the street!

Brooklyn/Queens: Great views from Hunter’s Point, Queens, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and anywhere with an unobstructed view of the East River between 23rd & 42nd Sts.

***Be sure to tune in to 1010 WINS AM to hear the muscial accompaniment

Happy Independance Day New York!!!