So we got in my car and took Rt. 21 onto 1&9, made a right after the Budweiser plant and found our destination on the right. We parked and entered through the third gate on the left of the Gomel Chesed Cemetery and walked all the way to the back.

“The weight of the world is love,” I said, quoting the poem “Song”, looking down at the headstone of the late, great Allen Ginsberg. Yes, my favorite poet of all time, the man whose books lay on my nightstand, spines so cracked they don’t close properly, is laid to rest right here in Newark. The cemetery, surprisingly peaceful in a city with as much hustle and bustle as Newark, was so beautiful it could have been mistaken for a park if it weren’t for the ivy covered headstones jutting from the ground.

“I’m more of a Whitman fan myself,” Wings said, “Sometimes with one I love I fill myself with rage for fear I effuse, Unreturn’d love,But now I think there is no Unreturn’d love, the pay is certain one way or another.”

Not a religious person, this was my form of prayer. Not to mention it is pretty sexy to hear a man with perfect 6-pack abs quote famous poetry. I mentally debated kissing him right then and there, but figured while I might be leaving my “zombies” behind, some angry ghosts may follow us home to haunt us for making out in a cemetery.

So we got back in the car and went to leave. Only one snafu… the driveway was very narrow and I had to back out without knocking over any headstones or driving over any plots. This is not an easy task when your car has been banged up from 3 years of parallel on-street parking. Slowly the car crawled out without destroying the place, and I pondered what Mr. Ginsberg said. If the weight of the world is love, then I’m only going to carry around one weight, one love, because while I may be strong, I’m not strong enough to drag zombies around the streets of Brick City.

Lash Out is located on our beloved Halsey St.

Lash Out, located on our beloved Halsey St., is the only salon in Newark that applies semi-permanent Xtreme Eyelashes. When I walked in, rocking stilettos and skin tight liquid leggings, I felt right at home. Lash Out had the trendy feel of a chic New York salon, but featured the exposed brick prominent in many Halsey St. buildings. I met with India Mcmillion and Monique Harris who explained the process to me. India, a certified Xtreme stylist, would apply individual extensions to each of my lashes and each month I would come back for a refill. I was a little apprehensive about the process, so I watched another woman get a refill as Monique told me about the progressive changes happening next door.

Karma Consignment Boutique’s grand opening will be March 26, 2010 and the store will feature affordable, high end, limited edition designer clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories and handbags by Gucci and Louis Vuitton just to name a few. I wish I knew this before Wings and I traveled all the way to Short Hills to get me a LV bag- he said that no girlfriend of his would use a Coach diaper bag as a purse/laptop bag.

"No girlfriend of mine will use a diaper bag as a purse"- Wings

Not only are these ladies stylish, but they have a philanthropic side as well. They plan on working with local charities to give back to the community.She told me about a plan to carry designer prom gowns at a deep discount and sell them as part of a package with a makeover at Lash Out so high schoolers from Brick City can feel like a princess for a night. And I know it would be very possible for them to give a lot back, after all, their Haiti Benefit was a smashing success. Celebrities, celebrities’ daughters, athletes’ wives and the who’s who of Newark showed up for an evening of make-overs, cocktails and dancing for a fabulous cause. Young, beautiful, successful women bringing something positive and new into Newark-this is what I like to see.

Lash Out was a very chic little salon, and very busy!

India finished applying the lashes to her client, a student who got a discount after flashing her RU ID card, and they looked absolutely gorgeous. I thanked the ladies for their time, and decided to go home lash-less. Because as beautiful as they looked, it just wasn’t right for me, because I knew they weren’t real. Now I’m all for faking some things, I get my nails done, I wear make up and, yes, I own push-up bras. But I want Wings to like Amanda with or without make-up …and morning breath. I will definitely be seeing India and Monique again at the opening of Karma Consignment Boutique, but I will be wearing mascara, and washing it off at the end of the night before I (fingers crossed) fall asleep next to Wings.

Details:
Lash Out is located at 31 Halsey Street
Call to make an appointment
Their website is: www.lashout31.com

This was the crowd's favorite piece.

Surprisingly, I ran into my other friend Jenifer (with one n, not two), and she pulled up my picture on her phone. “I think you texted the wrong person, but you look great,” she told me. “So do you,” I responded. “I’m loving the hair!” She always had flowing locks but she chopped them off and was sporting a sexy chic short do. This Jen and I used to bartend together and hadn’t seen each-other since she moved 45 minutes away. She had come back to Brick City with some friends to see Becca’s work.  Luckily, because she is really chill, we had a good laugh and decided to meet up on purpose next Thursday so I could see her and her boyfriends’ new place in a town she jokingly called “quaint-ville”.

This was my favorite. I wish I the space for it in my apartment!

Friday comes and one very long drive up Rt. 280 later, I walk into a little tavern in Rockaway. The roads were slippery on the drive up, so they told me to drink up, walk home with them and crash on their couch. We had a great time. The people were chill and the music was good. The place reminded me of Kilkenny’s. Jen and her boyfriend had everyone in stitches and it made me miss having her in Newark. I always wondered where people went when they left Brick City. Apparently, this is where they go to live a life of coupled-up bliss.

Many shots of Jameson later, Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” blasted out of the jukebox…”I loved this song till it got overplayed. Now when I hear it I want to chuck my radio out my car window,” I joked. “Have u?” She asked me. “I would but my radio isn’t detachable.” She gave me a confused look, clearly her question went over my head. “Oh! No, but I would if it felt right.” “Me too,” she agreed. You shouldn’t fight what feels right.”

Last call and we ran to the bathroom before the chilly walk home. As Jen was walking out the door, something clicked and just felt right. I pushed her back in, slammed the door, pinned her against the wall and went for it. Surprisingly, she kissed me back! Clearly the adventurous nature of Newark was still alive and well in us, even if we were in a quaint little bar in a quaint little town.

To think it all started because of this picture...

We walked home with devilish smirks on our faces, and didn’t clue her boyfriend in on what happened. We did though, convince him to let us share the bed while he slept on the couch. I think he was just too tired to move, so we said goodnight, went upstairs and we made sure to, click, lock the door behind us…

My dinner and drink. (Cameraphone picture)

Fast forward to after meeting Mr. TDH at Starbucks: I was excited for our dinner plans the next night; he had made a good first impression. We met out of my beloved Newark at Bistro 55 in Rochelle Park. Let me tell you, the food looked almost as good as he did, and while I didn’t lick Mr. TDH, I’m pretty sure it beat him on taste. As I ate my dinner of scallops over a bed of cauliflower puree with a pomegranate reduction (fancy!) and sipped my Orange Blossom (yum!), we chatted and flirted. It was nice to be out of Newark too. Not that I don’t love Brick City, but it was cool to try new food and have an uninterrupted date. I thought it would be a good idea to get to know him without running into people who know one of us and might skew our first impressions.
After a dessert of crème brule and a killer key lime pie martini (I’d like to have a fountain of this flowing at my next party), Mr. TDH got up to help me with my coat. Apparently he had already paid the bill without me even noticing. That was slick.

I thought all was marvelous and maybe I had met someone worthwhile, until I got home and checked my e-mail. One of you, my readers, sent me a message with some unsavory details. Apparently, Mr. TDH wasn’t all I had thought he was. I guess that is the good thing about dating in Newark, everyone knows everyone else. That will teach me a lesson about trying to “escape” from Brick City for a night. Disheartened, I logged into my online dating account and hit delete. Experiment failed. But I learned a good lesson… In matters of the heart, it pays to ask…

Mr. TDH's actual message.

He is 6’4”, brown hair, brown eyes, has a baby face. So “K” and I dub him Mr. TDH, short for Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome. She encourages me to really get to know him, so we exchange a few messages, and finally trade BBM Pins.

Ten days, a few phone calls and countless BBMs (Black Berry Messages for those of you not in the loop…) later, it was the night before our first date and I wanted to get my nails done. Driving down McCarter, I saw a sign for pink and white UV gels at Nails 21 and decided to check it out. 

The nail designs almost looked like wall art.

When I walked in, I felt like I was in a little spa. Everything was so clean and cute! They made quick work of my nails, and used the real UV gel which made them look fabulous, not cheap like the Broad Street nails do. After all, men…hold on, let me rephrase that, quality men don’t want cheap looking women. I told my nail technician why I wanted them to look so perfect, and told me that he has a good feeling about this guy. “If he calls and texts that much, then he is genuine.” This was reassuring.

So many cute colors to choose from.

Just after I finished paying my phone rang. Mr. TDH asked what I was doing. “Just got my nails done and now hitting up the Starbucks on Broad Street for a tea.” “Great,” he responded. “I was at Fornos of Spain for a work dinner, but I just got out. Can I meet you there in 10 minutes? I’d really like to see you and I don’t know if I can wait for tomorrow.” I agree and put on my coat to go meet Mr. TDH for an impromptu first date. As I’m walking out, I notice the salon offers a reasonably priced Brazilian bikini wax, and store that information in the back of my mind. You never know when it might come in handy; after all it’s all about the little details…

My nails, typing away a message to Mr. TDH.

Details: Nails 21 is located at 1421 McCarter Highway and is open Mon-Sat 9:30 to 7:30 and Sun 10:30 to 5:30.

Finally, you guys asked for it, so here it is, the Amanda A. on GlocallyNewark.com Facebook Fan Page. Join for sneak peaks at new articles, to post comments on pictures, and to weigh in on the tough questions like “Who pays for dinner on a first date?” and “What is the best singles spot in Newark?”:

Me, looking all official with my press pass

There were a lot of well spoken, smart, attractive political hot-shots there. In fact, it could have been a great place for a single woman because we were outnumbered by about 3 to 1. But I was on a mission. I wanted to see what people had to say about Newark, so I asked around. Unfortunately, nobody seemed to have anything of substance to say. I was actually offended when one man told me I was “crazy to live in Newark.” He said I am “too pretty to live in such a dirty and dangerous area.” I told him that he is crazy to be so close minded, that I love Newark, and walked away. I wish people would open their eyes to what a melting pot Newark really is. During my mingling, I spotted Mayor Cory Booker, but he was impossible to get near, as he was being followed by a film crew for another season of “Brick City.”

Around 7:30 everyone gathered near the main stage to see the speeches. The evening was hosted by Todd Christie who was quick to point out that we were all there for a greater cause than just a party. Ticket sales raised at least $100,000 for each of the governor’s three NJ charities: the Community FoodBank of NJ, Daytop-New Jersey and The National Guard State Family Readiness Council. Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno gave a heartfelt speech, thanking her loving husband and children for all of their support. A video was played, showing the Christie family through the 6 months leading up to this evening. There was an adorable scene which showed Bridget, the youngest Christie and her dad interacting in a way only a father or daughter could understand. He was trying to bribe her for a kiss and she caught a case of the giggles. It could warm even the coldest of hearts. And then the star of the evening was brought on stage. “Good evening New Jersey!” Christie said, imitating his idol, Bruce Springsteen. He set the tone for a fun evening before four very serious years of hard work. He invited everyone to enjoy themselves, and believe me they did.

The New Jersey Cake, note the little fist pumping guido on the right. Made me laugh.

All around the room, green signs with highway exits pointed out the tasting stations. An abundance of food was available from all regions of the state- Newark, Trenton, Camden, Hammonton, the Skylands and High Point regions, as well as North Jersey and Shore destinations. And I kid you not, the Newark station lines were the longest, and had the most people going back for seconds. But the piece de resistance was the New Jersey themed cake, made by Buddy Valastro, the Cake Boss, from Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken.

Chris Christie singing on the Jumbo-tron.

While the guests enjoyed the delicious cake, Christie quietly slipped on stage with the B Street Band, a Bruce Springsteen cover band, and started belting out “Born to Run.” He pulled his wife up to sing with him, and moments later our new governor was on the giant screens of the Rock. He danced with her, and they looked very much in love. And I guess that brings me back to what I write about: Love. It was clearly in the air. Love of family, love of food, love of our fine state and everything we are blessed with. Smiles were abundant as the guests left. Not only was the evening a fun way to welcome our new Governor into office, but it was a great way to show our love for all things New Jersey, in the city I love, Newark.

“I was out hanging with all my childhood friends tonight. It’s great to be friends with them after 30 years. Newark girls in the house!!!!! Good luck on finding matches girls!” –Trish!

It’s a little after 11:00 and they just started passing out the mistletoe. Crossing my fingers for a good match!

My Mistletoe. Need to find another all gold one with a green bow...

“At first I didn’t get the way this works. I though you could just walk up to a girl, put the mistletoe over her and pick her as your match. Luckily the girl I went up to was nice enough to explain the rules, and she just so happened to be my match. Now that’s what I call the magic of Christmas.” – Nate, Luckiest guy in Hell’s Kitchen tonight

“My match is actually pretty cute. I’m excited. Hopefully we will be kissing tonight under the mistletoe and again on Midnight, here for the Blue Moon Ball.” -Jessica

“My match was a total bust. I use to date him, and let’s just say that there are reasons why we broke up… little ones that turned into a big issue. But I still had fun.”- Danya

First Match of the Night!

I just ran into Sparky. He is, well I’ll put it nicely, mildly intoxicated. It’s a long story as to why we are here separately, and I will save that for another day. Luckily he isn’t my match. This is what he has to say:

“It’s really cool to be out with the guys, just sitting here drinking some beers, and have the girls approach us.  I’ve lived in Newark all my life and this is the first time we’ve had the ladies flock to us.” – “Sparky”

“I feel better now after a few drinks at Hell’s Kitchen deep in Down Neck than after I cried my heart out watching It’s a Wonderful Life… and hopefully my match helps heal my broken heart.” – Mark from Lafayette Street, proudly Newark, NJ

And after a long search for my match I found him! They brought us out a whole bottle of champagne to enjoy! (And he is not so bad on the eyes either)

“Poppin’ bottles with my girl Amanda! xoxo… She looks like an angel… A match made in heaven!” –Fred

My Match!

Well I would call this night a smashing success! A big group of us are all on our way to Andros Diner so that everyone can sober up and learn a little about our matches. Thanks again to all the great staff at Hell’s for another creative and fun evening. Now if you excuse me, there is a BLT and fries with my name on it.

The gorgeous man from Hell’s, who I’ll call “Sparky”, opens the door and invites me in. I find myself standing in a firehouse in the middle of Newark, in a pencil skirt and stilettos. There are 10 men sitting at a dinner table looking at me like I’m lost. How the hell did I get myself into this situation?

Surprisingly the firefighters were very welcoming. They give me the once over and then tell me to sit down for dinner.  As they force fed me homemade rigatoni bolognese (please note the sarcasm- I’m Italian. I never decline a pasta dinner) we discussed my work. I told them that writing about dating has proven to be quite difficult. “Nobody seems to be looking for love anymore,” I explained “just hook ups.”

“And you’re not like that?” the tattooed muscular one asks me.

“I’m a hopeless romantic. Nicholas Sparks makes me swoon.”

“Which is your favorite book?” a tall thin broodish looking one chimes in.

“The Rescue,” I respond without hesitation.

“That’s about the firefighter right… interesting.” He winks at me. “I’m more of a fan of Message in a Bottle, but to each his own.” I think I just got called out.

“What can I say? I have a thing for romantic men in uniform…a hero with a heart if I may”

“I guess that’s a good thing for guys like us.” Sparky says. This is when it hits me. I am sitting amongst 10 of the nicest, most attractive, interesting and funny guys I have ever met in Newark. It is evident in so many subtle but truly genuine ways. How Sparky carried my huge work bag inside because I looked exhausted and pushed in my chair at dinner. How the guys gave me the “good seat” on the couch, laughed at my bad jokes and looked at my eyes as we spoke- not at my breasts. If I was alone with 10 guys that I met say at a bar, we would not be here talking about good movies, cooking for your significant other and how much we love our jobs (to name a few things), I’d be looking for a club to beat the Neanderthals off with. I was wondering where the good guys were hiding, and realized they were stuck in this house until well…

Suddenly the house is lit up like a Christmas tree and a loud voice announces a location and a situation. It’s a fire and they need to go…NOW! I grab my bag, give Sparky a quick peck and head towards the door. I’m a little worried; I hope that they stay safe. I think I may actually like this guy…

“Wait!” he yells as he suits up, “What do you say to a real date?”

“I’d like that very much.” I smile.

“Good because I wasn’t going to take no for an answer,” he laughs, and jumps onto the truck. There they go, 10 gentlemen, looking hot if I might add, off to save some lives.

Ladies, maybe we need to start looking for men in less conventional places. Now I’m not suggesting you set your house on fire in hopes of finding a man, but maybe go check out the Nicholas Sparks section of your local bookstore. You never know when a hot fireman might be there picking up one of his novels too.

*Authors Note* Names have obviously been changed and the specific fire company was not mentioned out of the respect of the gentlemen being written about (and possibly out the greediness of the author not wanting to have someone try to seduce Sparky away from me). But these guys definitely know who they are. And if I may speak for myself and my readers, we thank you for your bravery. You, along with the police and EMS workers, are the true unsung heroes of Brick City.

But the fun exciting firsts didn’t stop there. Less than one week later Hell’s Kitchen was the host of Pongapalooza, the National Semi-Final Beer Pong Tournament. You can read about that in Quade Connollys post. There were plenty of balls there, that’s for sure, and plenty of cute guys trying to arc them into solo cups for glory… and a cash prize. But when the beer pong ended the real fun began. The always sexy DJ B-Love, a good friend of mine, started dropping some sick beats that were making the ladies drop it like it’s hot. Somehow… a lot of beer and a few shots later all of the girls were taking turns dancing around the stripper pole… including yours truly. I may have even climbed to the top and spun down into a perfect split. (Thank you strip aerobics!) What can I say? Entering Hell’s can bring out the best, or worst, of you…

And finally, there was last night’s outing. No special event, no crazy theme party, just a need to see my friends – an impromptu girls night if you may. We needed a calm evening after all those wild nights, and maybe to trade pics from “Eye Candy.” As we sit at the bar talking, the most gorgeous man -hotter than any of the dancers or beer pong challengers- walks right into our sight. So I decide to be the one to grow a pair and talk to him. Camera in hand, I approach and ask him to take a picture of us girls to remember the evening. After some witty banter and flirting, I walk away with a not so great picture and he walks away with my card.

Balls… You can get them in 3 different ways at my favorite spot in Newark. Personally, I choose the metaphorical type. Now let’s just hope that they don’t disappear tonight when I meet up with my Hell’s Kitchen Hottie… Tonight! Wish me luck and stay tuned!