Shopping in Colonia

Those who maintain they learned everything they need to know in kindergarten will tell you that painting ceramics is an explosion of creative awakening only possibly on par with the popsicle-stick, log-cabin-building and macaroni-gluing that spur childhood imaginations to glowing realms of ecstatic craft-joy. There are more than 400 ceramic pieces to choose to paint at Color Me Mine's two NYC locations in Tribeca and the Financial District. The roomy, comfortable studios are a great place to get friends together for a pottery party, and wildly innovative painted piggy banks make one-of-a-kind, conspicuous gifts. Prices range from $12 to $95, depending on the size of the piece, plus a $12 kiln fee for each item.

Every morning, Yummy Good's owners rise, pluck fresh fruits and vegetables from their crates, and cast them into presses to squeeze every last drop of juice out. The resulting bottled concoctions – which blend the liquids of raw fruits and veggies into flavors such as rabbit juice or lemon love – wait to be picked up by or delivered to thirsty clients. With juice in hand, customers cleanse their insides with infusions of pure, raw nutrients in prescribed three- to five-day plans.

Founded by Arthur L. Carter in 1987, The New York Observer combines behind-the-scenes reporting and insightful commentaries to keep the people abreast of the latest goings-on about town. Published every Wednesday, the weekly's features delve into national and citywide politics. Columns such as Kevin Baker's politically focused Shrinking Brain and Nina Burleigh's women's-issues-based The Bombshell take a more opinionated approach to the headlines. The Wall Street section examines the market's recent ups and downs, Betabeat profiles the figures behind the tech industry, and the real estate pages reveals the newest occupants of popular city properties. As GalleristNY chronicles the New York art world, the rest of the culture section offers takes on art exhibitions, theatrical productions, concerts, films, and up-and-coming pigeons in the park.

Time Out New York laces informative articles and reviews of the city's hottest concerts, spas, nightclubs, restaurants, and events with a signature wit. Its rolodex of lists opens readers’ eyes to each neighborhood’s entertainment, touching on the Best Brunch Restaurants, Best Downtown Rock Clubs, and Best East Village Drinking Spots. Issues also indulge in a dash of dating advice and shopping tips, mixed into a raft of feature stories that flesh out the city's cultural, political, and social life. The weekly print and digital magazine's editorial content shares page space with skillfully framed photos that capture the people, places, and trained bears that keep all of New York running.

Inside Ashley Furniture HomeStore’s sprawling warehouses and showrooms, friendly staffers stock plush beds, sturdy end tables, and stylish home accessories. Expert designers craft these dwelling fillers, testing raw materials' durability and basic arithmetic skills before transforming them into classy furniture items that mesh with any decorating style. They build many tables and chairs to meet eco-friendly business standards, using recycled engineered wood to reduce landfill waste and slow down deforestation. Ashley also stocks nonwood items, including a selection of state-of-the-art body-cushioning mattresses from brands such as Sealy and Simmons.

For an additional charge, Ashley Furniture HomeStore transports its furniture using its own fleet of semi trucks and fighter planes, which ensure that comfortable couches and slick dining-room tables are never damaged and always fresh smelling. Each location is locally owned and operated, meaning staffers are friendly residents who know which couches best complement regional design trends and indoor weather patterns.

Baby Genius's award-winning children's products teach babies and toddlers essential skills through the power of music. Based on a bounty of research, the company's DVDs enrich the learning experience by merging classical pieces and familiar songs with vibrant images, keeping kids entertained for hours. Parents can sit back while animated animal educators teach pocket-size pupils better motor skills, dictionary-defying vocabularies, vampire-free counting, and nap-inducing dance moves that ready little ones for kindergarten and beyond.