Arcade games like Buck Hunter, pinball and Golden Tee Golf are making a comeback in bars. Our Lisa Mateo heads to The Horseshoe Bar in the East Village to find out how.

The Horseshoe Bar is located at 108 Ave. B, New York, NY 10009. You can take the F or V to Lower East Side-Second Avee OR the L to First Ave.

Our Lisa Mateo gets the 411 on a new discount website, ScoopST.com, which offers 50-90% off of Broadway tickets, restaurants, sporting events, etc. It's exclusive to New York City.

Robert Erskine School in Ringwood, NJ has started a new program to help younger readers boost their self-confidence. Instead of reading to an audience of other kids, students in the Tail Waggin` Tutors program read to a dog. PIX's Lisa Mateo talked with students, the school's reading specialist and principal about the program.

April is National Recyling Month and Valvoline is bringing awareness to something people may never think of recycling -- motor oil.

Lisa Mateo jumps into a NASCAR simulator with Speed Channel correspondent, Rutledge Wood, to talk about recycling motor oil, Valvoline's NextGen recycled motor oil, and about the company's Do M.O.R.E. initiative, where Valvoline donates $1 for each commitment to Keep America Beautiful. They also talk about other things in your garage that you can recycle but don't think about.

For more information, visit http://nextgen.valvoline.com.

A group of Girl Scouts selling cookies outside of a Walgreens in East Brunswick were robbed of their cookie money. The troop leader chased after the man, but he got away.

But a photo she took of the girls that day wound up having the thief in the background. The photo led to his arrest. Lisa Mateo talked to the girls about what happened.

For more information, visit www.girlscouts.org.

Lisa Mateo will be skating with FDNY and NYPD ice hockey players at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn. She had the preview to an epic ice hockey match that will raise funds for the WPFG (World Police and Firefighter Games). She spoke to Joe Brosi and Mike Rossidis, who shared all the details with us.

For more information, visit 2011wpfg.org.

You can make money out of your own closet! DoubleTake is a luxury designer consignment boutique, where you can bring your gently used brand name clothing and accessories to make half of the sale price.

A personal consignment concierge will travel to your home to expertly assess the value of your collection, and arrange to transport items to their stores. When items are sold, 50 percent of the sales price is paid to the consignor.

You can also buy designer items at the store for a fraction of the original cost. For more information, visit www.edoubletake.com.

It's the Big 10th Annual Benefit in fighting the fight to help cure Cystic Fibrosis! You can register online at http://westchester.cff.org/freezin, which will bring you right to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Freezin' website.

Our Lisa Mateo jumped into the freezing water was with some local students and teachers, and learned about some breakthroughs in Cycstic Fibrosis research.

UniverSoul Circus, armed with a beat that has transformed the heart and soul of family entertainment, arrives in New York City in the Bronx March 16-27, Queens March 29-April 10, and in Newark April 12-17. Bronx and Queens tickets on sale now. Newark tickets on sale soon.

The UniverSoul Circus line up includes a wide array of new acts from around the globe, including an opening presentation of break dancing Transformers who practically reach for the sky. We have a group of biker girls who play tricks on bicycles from Dalian, China, a Russian Swing act from Belarus, Kung Fu Acrobats from Shao-Lin, China, and Rahel, an amazing contortionist from Ethiopia.

For more information, visit www.universoulcircus.com.

Lisa Mateo takes a look at the launch of Everloop, the new social media site, which is geared towards kids ages 8 –13, and its rollout in schools through iSAFE, the non-profit organization that teaches Internet safety in schools.

For more on Everloop and iSAFE, visit www.everloop.com and www.isafe.org.

A profile on the ever-expanding beauty company Carol's Daughter. We speak with the founder and president Lisa Price about how she started the business and where she hopes to take it next.

For more on Carol's Daughter, visit www.carolsdaughter.com.

Lisa heads to Old Bridge Rifle & Pistol Club to talk with firearms instructor, consultant and author, Rob Pincus, and a few local moms about the rise in women taking shooting courses.

Rob is the creator of I.C.E. Training Company, a full service company offering training to armed professionals and those interested in self-defense. He has a background in military and law enforcement, and stars in the "Personal Defense" video series and "The Best Defense" on the Outdoor Channel.

Rob takes Lisa and the other women through a training course.

For more information, visit www.icetraining.us and www.obrpc.org.

America's Next Top Model judge Nigel Barker and the Make-a-Wish Foundation help make the dreams of three teens come true.

The young women get make-overs and photo sessions with Nigel Barker while sharing their stories of living through cancer with Lisa Mateo.

The new season of America's Next Top Model premieres at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23rd.

CP Building Blocks is an enrichment program taught at Chelsea Piers, for children with developmental needs from 18 months to 5 years old. Classes focus on language development, cognition, motor development and socialization. The program was designed by a speech-language pathologist and special education professionals.

The classes allow parents to meet other parents who share the same challenges with their kids. It also allows these children to participate in some of the classes that they were perhaps unable to attend otherwise. The classes are very small with only six children per class and a 3:1 ratio of children to teachers.

For more on CP Building Blocks, visit =www.chelseapiers.com=.

The 4-point shot will make its New York City debut on the basketball court at Madison Square Garden on Friday, Feb. 18, one of six games in the area from Feb. 18-21. The Harlem Globetrotters will also take the court at the IZOD Center (Feb. 19 and Feb. 21) and Nassau Coliseum (Feb 20).

Throughout the Globetrotters’ 2011 “4 Times the Fun” Tour, every Globetrotters game features two designated 4-point shooting circles on each side of midcourt, each located 35 feet from the basket (12 feet beyond the NBA 3-point line).

Our Lisa Mateo interviews Scooter Christiansen and Buckets Blakes and tries her luck at the new 4-point shot.

AMC Theatres and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with "Sensory Friendly Films."

As part of the program movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie.

Audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing, as AMC's "Silence is Golden®" policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets are four to six dollars, depending on the location, and can be purchased on the day of the event.

The next sensory-friendly showing is Gnomeo and Juliet and will be held Saturday, Feb. 12th at 10am. For locations of participating theaters, log onto www.autism-society.org.

Feld Motor Sports presents "Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam Freestyle Mania!"

This show will feature some of the most popular monster trucks, including the legendary Grave Digger®, Spider-Man®, Aftershock, Krazy Train, and Samson among others. It also includes freestyle competitions, featuring Monster Jam Freestyle, Quad-FMX, Freestyle Super Bike, Freestyle Motocross and Freestyle BMX during an action packed two-hour show.

Performances at Izod Center will be from February 4 to February 5. For more information, visit www.monsterjam.com.

Village Pourhouse is ready to bring the Pourhouse to YOUR house, all you have to do is show off your end zone victory dance! Send in your most creative end zone victory dance video (20 seconds or less) by January 31st to enter to win a Village Pourhouse-catered Superbowl party featuring burgers from the brand NEW burger menu!

We check out the dishes at Village Pourhouse and ask members of the PIX crew to do their best end zone victory dance.

Enter to win at www.facebook.com/village.pourhouse.

More than 11,000 girls and young women visit Brooklyn every weekend for six weeks in December and January, from all over the East Coast. Many travel from Philadephia, Delaware and Virginia all the way up to Boston.

From elementary school through college and beyond, these girls compete for ribbons and medals and the chance to compete at Madison Square Garden for trophies and educational grants in aid. The Games have produced 22 Olympians, hundreds of age/grade national champions, but more importantly, countless changed lives! Participants are also some of the most heavily recruited college athletes in the nation.

Lisa Mateo interviews a spokesperson from the Colgate Women's Games as well as 3 athletes. The finals take place Jan 29th at Madison Square Garden.

Seven princesses are in search of "Happily Ever After" and so are we!

Whether it's true love, a life above the sea or simply to discover a whole new world, Disney on Ice will help you believe. Lisa Mateo was live at the Prudential Center in Newark to check out some of the performances.

Time to get on track for that New Year's Resolution to get in shape for 2011. CKO Kickboxing in Brooklyn has just what you need. They just opened their new second level addition, complete with a new advanced kickboxing class and TRX Suspension Training class, the hottest new workout craze.

Lisa Mateo spoke to owner CKO Kickboxing Joseph Virga.

At least one in 20 Americans spends Christmas away from home. And although there's definitely no place like home for them for the holidays - we still have to show those we spend these special times with how special they are with gifts that will surely bring comfort and joy to any home. Lifestyle Expert Jamie Krell showed us these items:

• NUVO Sparkling Liqueur, $10-30
www.sparklingnuvo.com or local liquor store

• Lolita Martini Glasses, Wine Glasses and Champagne Flutes in Naughty and Nice and Tinsel-Tini, $20
www.thelolitastore.com

• Thymes Frasier Fir Potpourri, $30
www.thymes.com

There's dodgeball, tag, soccer and the rope climb. Now you can add activity based video games to the curriculum of many gym classes thanks to a family owned and operated company called iGame4.

iGame4 works with physical education teachers and certified personal trainers to develop a curriculum that's fun, active and educational. During the program, children in grades K-12 rotate through up to twelve stations of different games, while heart rates and calories burned are anonymously tracked. Games include dance, canoeing, boxing, tennis and baseball. Each station features a 100" screen, projector, data tracking devices, video game system, and an activity based video game.

iGame4 is also a part of the President's Challenge to live more active and healthier lives. For more information on the different packages they offer to schools, log onto www.iGame4.com.

Actress Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo is gliding into the holidays for dental hygiene. She's teamed up with Oral-B glide dental floss to benefit Operation Smile, an organization that provides reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities.

Oral-B Glide and Vanessa hope to inspire others to stick to their oral care routine this holiday season by pledging to switch to Glide online through Facebook and Twitter. For every person who tweets or posts on Oral-B's Facebook wall with the hashtag #Switch2Glide through February 28, 2011, Oral-B Glide will make a $1 donation to Operation Smile with a guaranteed donation of $10,000 over the course of the entire campaign.

For more information on Oral-B Glide, log onto www.glidefloss.com, and for Operation Smile, check out www.OperationSmile.org.

Lisa Mateo talks with the head of dealtaker.com about how to get the best deals for electronics.

Plus he also gives advice on warranties and consumer info. Nine money-saving secrets that all shoppers looking for electronics should know. Shopping for electronics can take a big bite out of your wallet; avoid the headache and shop smart!

For more information, visit dealtaker.com.

As the holiday shopping season gets underway, electronics shoppers are keeping their eyes peeled for the best bargain. But getting the most for your money goes beyond the price tag.

Whether it's a TV, computer or digital music player, saving money can be just a click away. DealTaker.com offers nine money-saving secrets that all shoppers need to know.

1. Buying on line may be better. Web sites like DealTaker.com and Savings.com offer thousands of new coupons daily.

2. Be careful of pricey add-ons. High priced accessories like HMDI cables can be twice as much at electronics stores than at stores that specialize in cables on line.

3. Don't go for the extended warranty. Many products are well-made and reliable so an extended warranty is not necessary. Also be aware that retailers like Costco extend manufacturer's warranty on Tv's and computers up to 2 years from the purchase date, without any cost to the buyer.

The toys are back in town! Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3. The production features memorable moments from all three Toy Story movies.

Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3 will be playing at Nassau Coliseum through Sunday. Then they'll be off to the Prudential Center in Newark from Wednesday, Nov 17th - Sunday Nov 21st. After that, the show will be at the Izod Center from Tuesday. Nov 23rd - Sunday Nov 28th.

Our Lisa Mateo was with skaters/characters from the Green Army Men drill number, "Toys Are Back In Town" performance number and "Flamenco Buzz" number (when Buzz and Jessie danced together). She also spoke to the skater who plays Buzz Lightyear.

For tickets and showtimes, visit disney.go.com/disneyonice.

The 13th Annual Chocolate Show New York (Thursday, November 11th through Sunday, November 14th) includes 65+ vendors offering up some of their finest cocoa-centric products. The show features chocolate sculptures, cocoa couture fashions complete with a runway fashion show, chocolate demos, and more.

Lisa Mateo with Co Co Sala, a chocolate brand from Washington DC. They conducted a blind folded "test your tastebuds" demo with Lisa and had chocolate for the anchors to taste in the studio as well. She also met with Pasty Chef Martin Howard, who had a model show off two of his chocolate dresses and walk Lisa through the display cases with the rest. Then she sat with kids from Young Chefs Academy to make chocolate creations.

The 13th Annual Chocolate Show New York is being hosted at the Metropolitan Pavilion, located at 125 W 18th Street. Tickets, visit nychocolateshow2010.eventbrite.com.

Under the approval of New York City Schools Chancellor, Joel Klien, a new education program called "Time to Know" was chosen to be implemented in more than 20 schools participating in the Innovation Zone project.

"Time To Know" is a teacher-led program that includes an interactive core curriculum and a Digital Teaching Platform designed for today's one-to-one computing classrooms. The user-friendly software is available for fourth and fifth grade math and English language arts, with the addition of sixth grade for the 2011-2012 school year.

Lisa Mateo visited P.S. 143 in Corona, Queens to find out how the program works. For more information on "Time to Know" log onto www.timetoknow.com.

For over a week the Malaysian Food Truck has been touring Manhattan, bringing foodies free samples from local restaurants. So what goes into getting these authentic dishes around town? Lisa Mateo followed the food trail from the restaurant to the streets to find out.

For more on the Malaysian Food Trucks, visit www.malaysiakitchennyc.com.

Lisa and few kids participate in A Night at the Museum, the American Museum of Natural History's wildly popular nocturnal adventure experience, has new and exciting updates this fall.

Blast off alongside the Atlantis STS-125 crew to witness some of the most challenging spacewalks ever performed, and experience Hubble Space Telescope's striking images of the universe in the awe-inspiring IMAX film Hubble screening in the LeFrak IMAX Theater.

Explore our live-animal exhibitions with knowledgeable Museum explainers and challenge yourself with one of our fun Museum Quests.

End your night by falling asleep in the darkened halls of one of the world's most famous museums.

For more on the Night at the Museum sleepover, visit www.amnh.org/kids/sleepovers.

If you're looking for a taste of something different for breakfast or lunch today, why not try some free Malaysian food? Some of the best restaurants around will be serving up exotic dishes from a food truck along Bryant Park.

Lisa Mateo was there with a preview of the Malaysian Kitchen for the World Celebration, and she spoke to Chef Jeff Ghazali of Bentara and Chef Zak Pelaccio of Fatty Crab.

For more on the Malaysian Kitchen for the World Celebration, visit www.malaysiakitchennyc.com.

With three wins in a row, the Jets are on a roll. Tonight, they take on the Minnesota Vikings at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Who better to get the crowd pumped than the Jets Flight Crew Dancers?

Lisa Mateo was at the New York Sports Club warming up with a few of the ladies at their new dance class at the New York Sports Club.

For more on the Jets Flight Crew, visit www.newyorkjets.com and more on the NYSC class, visit www.nysc.com.

Lisa Mateo visits a school in NJ which has incorporated a personal finance course into the classrooms.

Lisa spoke to Dr. Richard Bozza, executive director of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, and teacher James Byrnes.

The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) is comprised of Chief Education Officers and school administrators representing 593 operating school districts in New Jersey’s 21 counties.

For more information visit www.njasa.net.

Thousands attended the very scary State Scare Factory last year, its first year of operation. Last year, 23 people wet their pants, 32 people came out crying, and two people vomited; but we only counted people 16 years and older.

No need to fret about anxiety attacks or passing out. State Scare Factory founder Anthony Giordano was an EMT for six years so he's ready for anything.

At this ultimate haunted house there are 31 rooms built by professional movie and set designers. Lisa Mateo spoke with the head designer. Don't worry, there are rooms for those who don't want to be scared senseless.

The State Scare Factory is located at 229 Main Street in Belleville. For more information, visit www.statescare.com.

With the help from its Communication Sciences and Disorders program, Pace University's School of Education is offering students with autism a chance at an authentic college experience.

From the classroom to the dorm room, students in the Build on Special Strengths (BOSS) program live and learn alongside their peers. Weekly group and individual counseling sessions, academic tutoring, and weekly social communications sessions help them learn how to succeed and feel comfortable participating in the classroom. Career development and internships are another part of the program.

Established in 2009 for students on the autism spectrum, BOSS began with four members. By 2011, they are expecting thirty. The program is paid for primarily by tuition, program fees and private gifts. Grants may help expand the program.

For more information, log onto www.pace.edu.

Lisa Mateo is at DavidBartonGym with founder, David Barton.

He has launched a national training initiative to fight Ovarian Cancer and raise $100,000 in September, in honor of his sister, Diane Barton. He has proclaimed September 22, "Diane Day" at his gyms and will raise funds through membership and training fees, as well as special events, with all money benefitting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and The Clearity Foundation. People can also get involved by purchasing the Jules Smith Diane's Charms bracelets.

DavidBartonGym is located at 4 Astor Place (between Broadway and Lafayette Street) on the 3rd floor. For more information, visit www.davidbartongym.com.

Today, technology and and its influence on societies around the world are the center of a documentary-style photo exhibit at Grand Central Terminal. The "Ericsson Technology for Good" three-day exhibit shows how communications technology is helping the United Nations Millenium Development Goals reduce extreme poverty by half, through access to health and educational opportunities.

The photos highlight villages in Africa, South America, India and the Caribbean.The showing coincides with the annual week-long meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, which marks the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the Millennium Development Goals.
The "Ericsson Technology for Good" photo exhibit will be on display at Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall through Wednesday, September 22nd.

For more information on Ericsson, log onto ericsson.com.

Written by Lisa Mateo

Lisa Mateo was live at the Citibabes location in SoHo. It's a family membership club that's offering free family fitness classes every Wednesday in September at this SoHo location in honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

Lisa with with families learning fitness moves, and she spoke to a nutritionist about how families can eat healthy together.

For more information, visit www.citibabes.com.

It's tasty dishes draw upon Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. Last night, the Meatpacking District was transformed into Little Malaysia with decorated with colorful tents and lanterns for Malaysian Night Market. The aroma of curry and coconut milk filled the air as traditional dancers performed in the open-air market.

Lisa Mateo was there for a taste of some of the traditional dishes. She also spoke to Wan Latiff of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp.

For a complete list of the participating restaurants, visit www.malaysiakitchennyc.com.

Working Mother's first Mini Supermodel Search winner is 5-year-old Lia of Philadelphia! Lisa Mateo caught up with her and her mom, Jessica Taylor, at a her photo for Working Mother's Holiday issue.

Since her photo shoot, Lia was picked up by Generation Children's Modeling Agency.

You can see her in the November issue Working Mother Magazine which goes on sale October 26th! The complete gallery of fashion photos will be online that day as well.

Almost six months ago, Lisa Mateo introduced us to a total body training program that claims to get you in tip-top shape without picking up a weight. It's called Insanity and a few PIX employees got a brief introduction to the workout last March, but they decided they wanted to really commit. Lisa takes on their 60-day journey to get fit, and talk to one of the workout's success stories.

For more information on Insanity, visit www.extremefitnessplans.com/Shaun_T/Insanity.html.

Today nearly 200 standup paddle boaders took to the Hudson River for a good cause. The 4th Annual Surfers Environmental Alliance is a 6 hour, 28 mile journey from Pier 40 to the Seaport's Water Taxi Beach.

The charity paddle will raise money for a number of different Autism organizations as well as the SEA. Last year the event raised almost $250,000.

For more information, log onto seapaddlenyc.org.

Lisa Mateo is celebrating the 100th anniversary of RVing at Nickerson Beach Campground
on Lido Beach.

She spoke to PIX cameraman Jon Fine, who has been RVing with his family for over 40 years. He gave us a tour of his RV and talked about the top RV campgrounds within a three hour drive of New York City.

Lisa also had breakfast with another family at their RV and was joined by Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, who talked about the campground and other fun things to do in Nassau County.

Finally, Lisa spoke to Jim McAlpin, owner of Grand Am RV, who gave a history of the 100th anniversary of the RV and and give us a tour of a newer model RV.

Lisa Mateo is at Six Flags Great Adventure to help Pete Trabucco celebrate the release of his book America's Top Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks.

Pete Trabucco is a pilot and roller coaster enthusiast. He has ridden more than 350 roller coasters, but had a fear of them for 40 years. In his book he teaches people how to overcome their fear of rollercoasters and lists the top steel and wooden coasters. Many of his top picks are located at Great Adventure. Lisa and Pete will be riding the park's Bizarro and Nitro rides.

Six Flag Great Adventure is located at 1 Six Flags Blvd. Jackson, New Jersey 08527. America's Top Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks is available in bookstores now.

Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first ever "Kids Bowl Free" program.

This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.

Log onto kidsbowlfree.com to find a participating bowling center near you, and to register for kids to get 2 free games a day of bowling all summer long.

Lisa Mateo will be live bowling with kids at AMF Strike 'N Spare Lanes, located at 380 US Highway 22, Green Brook, NJ.

Eighty sought-after positions as ballpersons for the 2010 US Open are up for grabs with more than 400 people competing for the spots. Prospective ballpersons will be evaluated by US Open officials on their running, throwing and catching skills.

Ages 14 and older trying out for the coolest summer job in sports. General Public Tryouts-4:00 p.m. (registration at 3 p.m.) Registration line for the general public begins forming at 3:00 p.m.

Evaluation process will begin at approximately 4 p.m., after a welcome by US Open Ballperson Director Tina Taps.

UniverSoul Circus encourages fans of all ages to "Let Some Fun Shine In" as it debuts the 2010 season with an all-new show WE PLAY TOO….MUCH!

Remember how much fun you use to have playing with family and friends? UniverSoul Circus sets the stage where generations of family can come together and enjoy each other dancing in the aisles and singing songs that span the last six decades from Motown classics to today's Top 40.

Corona is celebrating the upcoming start of the summer by hosting an all day beach party in Times Square. Sit and relax on beach chairs, take part in fun games, have your picture taken in a 30-foot inflatable Corona bottle and sink your feet into 30 tons of sand.

It's all part of their Win A Beach Getaway, where you can win a trip for 2 to Mexico. All you have to do is head to your local retailer and pick up specially marked packages of Corona and Corona Light. If you find a custom-wrapped bottle inside, you could win one of 100 trips to Cancun, Mexico, or one of 900 Corona Beach Getaway Prize Packs.

The special summer promotion runs through July 31st.

Olympic gold medalist, Karch Kiraly, will also be on the beach this summer, taking part in the Corona Light Wide Open Volleyball Tournament.

For more information, log onto www.coronabeachgetaway.com.

Written by Lisa Mateo

As the warmer weather approaches and we begin to shed our bulky sweaters, Reflections Center for Skin and Body in New Jersey offers some helpful tips on feeling and looking good in your birthday suit.

Dr. Mitchell Chasin says the first step is a lifestyle change, beginning with your diet. He also suggests exercising at least 3 times a week.

But when you've done all of the above and still are not happy with your results, Reflections offers different body non-invasive contouring options to help reduce fat, and tighten and smooth your skin.

Twenty million years ago, an ocean covered what is now known as Eastern Europe. Once the seas dried up, salt was left 10 to 300 meters below the ground. This area below the surface became known as "salt caves." As they we never exposed to pollution above the ground, the air inside them was clean.

The air has been known to help clear the airwaves and revive the skin.

For the first time in the U.S. this micro-climate has been replicated and can be found in the salt rooms of Halo/Air. The rooms are completely covered in Ukrainian salt mined from 300 meters below the ground. The patented HaloGenerator creates humidity, filters the air, and grinds and atomizes the salt into air particles.

Lisa Mateo visited their facility in Chelsea to find out more about this alternative treatment. A single session (adults 60 minutes and children 30 minutes) is $99. A package of four runs $249.99 and a package of 14 costs $999.99.

Halo/Air is located at 133 W. 22nd Street. For more information log onto www.HaloAir.com or call (646) 666-0554.

Written by Lisa Mateo

It's Cirque du Soleil's latest big top production. "Ovo," which means "egg" in Portuguese, represents the life cycle and birth of numerous insects.

The show features 54 artists from 16 different countries.

I went under the big top at Randall's Island to get a hands on look into the show.
"Ovo" performs for a limited engagement under the Grand Chapiteau at Randalls Island Park through June 6th.

For ticket information, log onto www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo or by calling 1-800-450-1480.

Written by Lisa Mateo

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 32% of children and adolescents today are obese or overweight.

One way to fight this statistic is to keep children active. Michelle Obama inspired many with her "Let's Move" campaign earlier this year.

Lisa Mateo visited The Little Gym on the Upper West Side to talk with fitness experts and moms about the best way to motivate your little ones to stay active.

For more information on The Little Gym, log onto www.thelittlegym.com.

Written by Lisa Mateo

March is Women's History Month. Our Lisa Mateo talks with a mother and daughter entrepreneur team -- Duperely and Marlene -- from Jamaica, who have developed a line of haircare products for women of color. It's called Doris New York and their goal is to make all women's hair, beautiful!

They started mixing and making their own hair care products in their basement apartment, “We offer specialty shampoos, conditiones that can be used on all kinds of hair, natural, chemically treated, we having something for everyone," said Marlene. Their products were inspired by clients who were unable to find products that met their unique hair-care needs.

Doris New York, is available at www.dorisnewyork.com and at Dupreley’s Salon located at 229-26 Linden Blvd, Cambria Heights, NY 11411.

Written by Lateisha Clay

When not working at PIX, our Lisa Mateo is all about workout DVD's. Her latest is a fitness concept that can get you in shape in 60-days, without using weights.

It's called "Insanity," and the name says it all. Lisa is on week four and she says it's intense! Lisa and a few other folks at PIX got a special lesson from Insanity creator Shaun T.

After shooting the story, a few members of our staff got inspired to go the whole 60 days. We're going to be tracking their progress in the weeks ahead. Special thanks to New York Sports Club for letting us use their gym.

To find out how you can get hooked on the "Insanity" craze, visit www.extremehomeworkout.com.

On Friday, March 19, hundreds of Westchester kids and their parents will come together to raise money and awareness for Haiti relief efforts at Race 4 Relief. The family friendly event, to be held at Grand Prix New York Racing (GPNY) in Mount Kisco, will include dinner and music and entertainment provided by Hal Prince. Kids will enjoy an air castle and ice cream and candy bar donated by Last Licks. And, of course, children of all ages (over 4 feet tall!) will get to kart Race for Relief around GPNY's state-of-the-art indoor racetracks.

One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, and President Bill Clinton will deliver a special taped message to Westchester families. Westchester's own All Pro football star Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens will attend and promises to take on a few lucky racers in a championship round.

Our Lisa Mateo goes to a Toyota dealership in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and follows as a mechanic makes the necessary safety changes. She also talks with the dealer about what he's heard from Toyota. Lisa talks with one of our producers Khadia and customers about the process and how their cars are working.

For more on the recall, visit www.toyota.com.

Poker has become the trendy new past time among hipsters, celebrities, New York City personalities, and fashionistas, who are all hitting the tables with their friends or on TV. This is not your grandfather's game anymore.

Ellen Leikind, native New Yorker and author of the new book, PokerWoman: How to Win at Love, Life and Business Using the Principles of Poker , is at the forefront of the poker craze. In her book, she guides women on how to use poker strategies for life with tips like

• Stop betting like a girl and go all in!
• Creative bluffing (the differences between little white lies vs. deception)
• How to play to win, instead of playing not to lose
• Knowing when to fold'em…and get out of a dead end job or relationship
• Overcoming losses and getting back in the game

em>PokerWoman: How to Win at Love, Life and Business using the Principles of Poker is available in stores now. For more information, visit www.pokerdivas.com.

In honor of National Pancake Day, Toast in Montclair, New Jersey will be offering 50 percent off all of its pancakes for the day.

They will also offer a special pancake menu for the week of Feb. 22 - Feb. 28 serving up red velvet pancakes, bacon double cheese pancakes, pancakes with whipped maple marscapone and bananas, and double chocolate chip hazelnut pancakes.

For more on Toast, visit toastmontclair.com.

Download the recipes: Red Velvet Pancakes; Maple Marscapone Cream Pancakes; Chocolate Hazelnut Pancakes.

Are you among the 85 percent of women who are wearing the wrong bra size? Lisa Mateo is here to help you out. Lisa visits Intimacy, a bra boutique, as it opens its flagship New York City store, at 1051 Third Avenue (at 62nd Street), to learn more about bras and sizing.

Intimacy carries bras in 90 sizes from A to K, so they are sure to have a fit for you. For more info, check out their website.

IWF Pro Wrestling School in West Paterson, New Jersey just celebrated its 10 year anniversary. They train wrestling hopefuls to become champions.

Some of their students, like Tito Santana and the Honky Tonk Man, have gone on to fight in the WWE and SmackDown. Lisa Mateo visited the school and talked to one of their pro wrestlers, Jim Powers, and learned to bodyslam with the best of em with one of the trainers, Kevin Knight.

For more information, visit campiwf.com.

This year marks the final Fashion Week at Bryant Park. Our Lisa Mateo visits one designer with a true international appeal.

Nolcha: Fashion Business Services returns for its eighth season during New York Fashion Week to host ‘Nolcha Presents’; an exhibition of sixteen independent apparel and accessory designers from around the world.

A notable independent designer participating in this year’s event with a special cause is Haitian Designer Catherine Charlot, owner of Himane (www.himane.com), producers of innovative, one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories made from hand-picked, locally-sourced, recycled materials such as broken umbrellas.

Lisa Mateo follows style expert Nicole Young takes she takes two PIX Morning News producers shopping. One is looking for the perfect pair of jeans. The other is looking for a flattering top that shows her arms. Nicole offers tips on shopping for their body type and what they are best suited for.

For more on Young, visit www.nicoleyoungstyle.com.

Our Lisa Mateo learns just what it takes to hype up the crowds when your team is losing.

Professional hype man Marco G has the tough job of motivating crowds during New Jersey Nets games and this season has been rough. He shows and tells Lisa just how its done. He even gets our newsroom hyped up during a mid-morning meeting.

For more on the NJ Nets and Marco G, visit www.nba.com/nets.

Our Lisa Mateo hits the slopes of Hunter Mountain, one of the many New York ski resorts offering up sweet deals until the end of the season.

For more on Hunter Mountain, visit www.huntermtn.com.

Our Lisa Mateo visited the Property Room of Long Island.

Property Room is an online auction marketplace that works in conjunction with police agencies around the country (including New York) - 1,600 and counting.

At any given time, somewhere in America, a thief is stealing valuables. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there were 13 million thefts of property during 2005 alone. What's more, property crimes account for nearly 75 percent of all crime committed in the country. Of those burglaries, 84 percent of the time the offender gained entrance into the victim's home or other building. While much of that merchandise finds its way back to the original owner, quite a bit of it never does. And because of this, consumers can bargain shop for the recovered merchandise through a company called PropertyRoom.com.

The site has so many interesting things from electronics, jewelry, designer fashions, power tools, cars, land, recreational supplies and the list goes on. Founded in 1999 by Tom Lane, a retired NY detective who's mission was to help law enforcement agencies solve the problem of what to do with recovered goods. There are some businesses that are thriving during a recession; as consumers are looking for ways to save money on just about everything.

For more information, visit PropertyRoom.com.

If you're looking for a gym that's easy on your wallet, you don't have to look further than your neighborhood rec center. Lisa Mateo has found a great deal for 2010.

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to make it easy for New Yorkers to be active. They've launched a week-long open house called Be Fit NYC 2010 and it just may be the best workout value in town.

The Chelsea Recreation Center's annual memberships $75 for adults, $10 for seniors and free for children under 18.

You can check out the Center's for free every Monday until the end of the year. For more information, visit www.nycgovparks.org.

Forget about pimping your ride! Now guys are pimping their beds.

Lisa Mateo takes a look at some of the features like built-in flat screen TVs and surround sound to beds with secret compartments and mattresses that keep you cool.

For more on the Magniflex Mattresses or Hollandia Beds and Loungers, visit www.hollandiainternational.com.

If you are one of the may people who made a resolution to get back in shape for 2010, David Barton Gym has the answer.

PIX's Lisa Mateo heads to their latest location on Astor Place to get tips from the owner, David Barton, and a tour of the new 40,000 square foot facility. He gives her tips of cardio and shows her moves for the upper body, lower body, back and abs.

For more information, visit davidbartongym.com.

With the approach of the New Year, its time to reflect on 2009. Our Lisa Mateo was certainly busy, keeping us updated on the latest happenings around town. She’s covered it all from working out and eating out to broadway and dance. But there's more to come in 2010 so stay tuned!

If you're stressed out about the high cost of this year's holiday gift list, the answer to your problems can be found inside your home...All you have to do is turn your clutter into cash!

Whether it's double appliances, unused picture frames or a stack of books---just remember, your trash is someone's treasure!

Lisa Mateo finds out how your unwanted junk can be used to pay for those pricey presents.

Many holiday street vendors are finding success selling their products outdoors on the streets of New York. Lisa Mateo visited two holiday markets to find out why New Yorkers and tourists alike are forking up the cash for the many unique items.

Bryant Park's Holiday Market runs through January 3rd and the Columbus Circle Market runs through December 24th.

Newest Victoria's Secret Angel Kylie Bisutti takes our Lisa Mateo on a lingerie shopping spree. Plus, as the winner of this year's model search, she gives Lisa tips on posing and walking the catwalk like a true VS Angel.

The encore presentation of Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs tonight at 9pm on WPIX.

For more information, visit www.victoriassecret.com or www.vsallaccess.com.

Lisa Mateo takes a backstage tour of the Tony Award nominated musical "Irving Berlin's White Christmas." It is currently playing at Broadway's Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway) this holiday season throught January 3rd - guaranteeing New York another white Christmas!

The musical tells the story of two showbiz buddies who put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and find their perfect mates in the bargain. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, "Irving Berlin's White Christmas" is a merry and bright theatrical experience for the entire family.

TICKET INFORMATION:
Tickets prices are $66.50, $91.50 and $121.50 (including $1.50 facility fee), and available by calling Ticketmaster at 212-307-4100 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For group sales details and pricing call The Group Sales Box Office at 800-223-7565 or visit www.bestofbroadway.com.

If you missed out on 'Black Friday' sales don't despair. Lisa Mateo explained this morning how tardy deal seekers still have a second chance to save a bundle on Christmas gifts--they can still pull out their laptops and take advantage of 'Cyber Monday.'

Lisa has all the tips for you, including sites such as cybermonday.com and couponwinner.com that scour the Internet for the hottest deals, putting them all on one convenient homepage. Not only do the websites direct you to some of the hottest deals, but they also have coupons for savvy shoppers to save on shipping costs.

While some folks chow down on pumpkin or apple pie on Thanksgiving, others prefer a different flavor. Lisa Mateo gets a couple of secret pie recipes from a popular chef in Brooklyn -- Chef Shakoor of Shakoor's Sweet Tooth. He shares his rags to riches story.

Shakoor's Sweet Tooth is located at 305 Halsey St in Brooklyn. For more information, visit www.shakoorssweettooth.com.

Thanksgiving is just two days away and from the PIX family to yours, we want to celebrate with you by sharing special family recipes.

Lisa Mateo and her son Jaron showed us how to make Pumpkin Pie (see the recipe after the jump).

CLICK HERE FOR MORE THANKSGIVING TIPS.

Disney fans don't have to travel far to see Mickey, Minnie and friends. They're hitting the ice in our area for their latest show. Lisa Mateo strapped on her skates to talk with a few stars of "Let's Celebrate." Lisa spoke to Tetona Jackson, who plays Princess Tiana and Bonard Muck, who plays Prince Eric on ice.

You can catch "Let's Celebrate" at Newark's Prudential Center through November 22 then it heads to the IZOD Center from November 24 to November 29.

For mroe information, visit disney.go.com/disneyonice.

Learn the hottest dance moves straight from the NFL sidelines!

Follow the Jets Flight Crew as they combine crowd-favorite cheer routines with aerobic and plyometric moves for a high-energy, fat-burning, heart-pumping cardio workout.

Just like the players, these cheerleaders are athletes and need to be in top
condition to do their job and stay on top of their game. And they’ll turn up the heat with kicks, stretches, strength training and choreography to get you fit and fabulous...you'll be ready to hit the night clubs with new found confidence & moves!

The classes are offered at New York Sports Club. For class schedule, go to www.nysc.com.

Our Lisa Mateo cooks up some good old comfort food macaroni and cheese at new SoHo restaurant Macbar that specializes in the side dish.

Macbar, a new restaurant fully dedicated to gourmet macaroni & cheese, opens today in the bustling shopping district of SoHo. Tucked within a macaroni shaped nook behind big sister Delicatessen on Prince Street, Macbar adds high style to comfort food.

The visual impact of Macbar is as bold as the idea itself. With a staff outfitted in custom Vans sneakers, bright yellows and dark browns set the scene for 12 gourmet flavors served in custom created, macaroni shaped packaging including custom designed interlinked forks and knives.

Lisa Mateo got a chance to hang out at The Third Annual Cook.Eat.Drink.Live festival.

She was joined by the Food Network's Chef Micheal Symon and wine expert, Marnie Old.

Chef Micheal Symon cooked a delicious meal while promoting the event. The culinary expert has a new book that will help turn any cooking newbie into a master chef. His book, Michael Symon's Live To Cook is available now.

She's the '80s pop icon whose beats moved you from head to toe. With 29 years in the business Lisa Lisa has proven herself to be the queen of the latin hip-hop.

Our Lisa Mateo caught up with the singer to find out what she's been up to and talk about her new album Life n' Love, which is in stores now.

Lisa Lisa also gave us a tour of her old stomping ground of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen. It's the place where she would get into trouble with her nine brothers and sisters and it was the place where at just 13-years-old, Lisa Velez would become Lisa Lisa.

You can meet Lisa Lisa in person when she performs tonight, November 5 at the Lord and Taylor on 5th Avenue for it's "Love At First Sight" fashion event from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, visit www.lordandtaylor.com.
You can also catch her at KTU's freestyle "Free For All" concert in Atlantic City on November 13th. For more information, visit www.ktu.com.

Could you work with your mom or dad everyday? Well, for one mother-daughter writing duo, it's a winning combination. Their mutual passion for vampires lead to the creation of the popular House of Night series, which consists of published six books so far. Our Lisa Mateo sat down with mother-daughter authors P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast to talk about their special relationship.

The Casts' latest book House of Night: Tempted is in bookstores now, and they're adding the finishing touches to a seventh book which will come out next spring. For more information, visit www.houseofnightseries.com.

And if you're still hungry for more, you can catch The Vampire Diaries tonight at 8pm on WPIX. For more information, visit www.cwtv.com.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HALLOWEEN TIPS

Alton DuLaney, the Director of Creative Services for Kate’s Paperie, and Do-It-Yourself Crafts Extraordinaire – who was also crowned the Most Gifted Wrapper in the Scotch 3m Gift-wrapping competition last year – demonstrates creative Halloween projects that are fun for the whole family, as well as cost saving tips and décor ideas for the ultimate Spook-tacular Halloween!

Learn how paper and ribbons can be transformed into a bewitching Halloween mask, or try your hand at party bags to transform your humble home into a haunted house.

For more info on obtaining the stencils, you can go to your nearest Kate's Paperie store or log onto www.katespaperie.com.

And if you're up for some cool Halloween makeup, check out Mehron Makeup, www.mehron.com. Mehron has created Character Kits to simplify Halloween shopping. Each Character Kit contains all the professional performance makeup, makeup applicators, makeup removers, accessories and step by step instructions to create a Halloween character.

Mehron has teamed up with 24 Prince Restaurant to celebrate The Legacy of Michael Jackson at 24 Prince’s “Neverland”

Michael Jackson’s life is encapsulated by a mélange of characters, costumes and performances. What better holiday to commemorate and celebrate his life than the one known for guises and get ups. This Halloween weekend, 24 Prince (24 Prince Between Mott and Elizabeth, 212-226-8624) will transform their space into a Haunted Neverland, paying tribute to MJ with a variety of enticing events - fit for a King.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HALLOWEEN TIPS

With everything becoming green and eco-friendly, more and more couples are opting for green weddings.

On October 22, a one-of-a-kind wedding will take place, an outdoor, eco-friendly solar powered wedding in New York’s Foley Square. From the band to the lighting to the chilled refreshments, every element will be solar-powered. Dozens of couples are applying to exchange – or renew – their vows in this town-hall style wedding, and will be selected through mid-October.

The event is sponsored by Sun Crystals, the perfect union of stevia and cane sugar to form a 100% natural low-calorie sweetener. Through its alliance with 1% For The Planet, Sun Crystals is donating 1% of its sales to the American Solar Energy Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies in the U.S.

Sun Crystal's Jen Minder gave our Lisa Mateo a tour of the space and eco-friendly wedding planner Danielle Venokur showed her some simple and affordable green wedding ideas.

For more information, visit www.suncrystals.com.

Jon Koga, the master mind behind the Koga workout, showed our Lisa Mateo the art of the brand new fitness routine that combines Yoga and Kick-Boxing at the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center.

The Manhattan Movement & Arts Center is 18,000 square feet of studios, theaters and performance space all with top of the line sound, floors and lighting. This one-of-a-kind center on the Upper West Side hosts everything from aerial circus and hip hop dance classes to charity events and birthday parties.

For more information, visit www.manhattanmovement.com.

Professional organizers Amanda Hill and Judy Crabtree from So Simply Organized show Lisa Mateo how to keep your family organized through the school year. They say it doesn't take too much time to put these ideas into place.

Their five simple steps to organize your children are:

1. Create a Command Central
2. Control the Paper
3. Give Everything a Home
4. Establish Good Habits
5. Operate at Peak Performance

Lisa and the organizers spent about 20 minutes at The Container Store and found just about everything they needed.

For more of their organizational tips, visit www.sosimplyorganized.com and check out The Container Store for more items to get you organized.

PeopleJar is a free directory platform that helps you make new connections in any field through specific characteristics. You can create a free profile in virtually any occupation with pertinent information to make yourself available to the world.

PeopleJar is user contribution driven. If you don’t see an interest or characteristic to find someone by or that better describes your profile available yet, you can suggest it.

PeopleJar is not a social network. PeopleJar does not map out your existing relationships, nor does it help to maintain them online. It does not search other sites and does not import profiles from them.

PeopleJar is a utility to help establish a new connection with another person by a particular interest or skill in any field (be it filmmaking, nuclear physics, design, etc.) and take the benefit of that connection outside the platform (perhaps working together on some project, etc.).

For more information, visit peoplejar.com.

Lisa Mateo gets a preview of Grand Central Oyster Frenzy. It's an all day free event with free food and plenty of contests. It takes place this Saturday, October 3rd from 12pm to 6pm at the Grand Central Oyster Bar.

Pro shuckers from across the country including four-time champion Luis Iglesius will vie for the championship and the public will square off in the Slurp Off professional eating competition.

The Grand Central Oyster Bar is located at Grand Central Terminal, Lower Level (42 St. btw. Lexington-Vanderbilt Aves.). For more information, visit www.oysterbarny.com.

Being fired, layed off or reassigned, doesn't have to be a bad thing. Turn getting layed off into a positive experience. Time off from the grind of the work world does not mean you're stuck laying about your house or frantically searching for any job. You can use your time wisely and think of it as a "sabatical."

Lisa Mateo learned what to do while you're on sabatical from work from The Sabbatical Sisters. Their teachings, life experiences and research can be found in an upcoming book Reboot Your Life.

For more information on the Sabbatical Sisters and their book, visit www.rebootyourlife.us.

Lisa Mateo discovered the world of versatile make-up and spoke to Karen Robinovitz, the creator of Purple Lab Double Duty Beauty products.

Purle Lab products are designed to add a daily dose of glam while providing a service to the body, soul and confidence. Robinovitz's debut product is Huge Lips Skinny Hips, a collection of lip gloss that contain Hoodia, the all natural appetite suppressant, as well as plumping Vitamin B3 for pouty lips. The shades are also great for women of all ethnicities.

For more on Purple Lab, visit www.purplelabnyc.com.

Baseball season is coming to a close and football season just got underway. But according to our Lisa Mateo, neither of those sports are as "cool" as hockey.

Lisa went to Madison Square Garden, where the staff is gearing up and icing up for the new hockey season. She spoke to Jack Durkin, of the Rangers ice crew, who explained to us what sort of preparations are needed.

Lisa also got a chance to speak to New York Ranger legend Rod Gilbert, who gave her a preview of the new season. Gilbert is also involved with Madison Square Garden's "Garden of Dreams Foundation," which makes dreams come true for kids in crisis. For more information, log onto gardenofdreamsfoundation.org.

The New York Rangers home opener is on Saturday, October 3. Lisa is giving one lucky viewer the chance to win two free tickets to the game. All you have to do to win is be the 11th caller to (866) 414-2911. Good luck!

Click here to read the official rules.

For more on the New York Rangers and to purchase tickets, visit rangers.nhl.com.

Want to know what you'll look like as red-head or brunette, short hair, bangs? A website allows you to do just that. Plus, it can show you how you'd you look wearing some of your favorite celebrity styles. Our Lisa Mateo checked out the site and discovered what she'd look like as blonde!

Aiming to change how women discover, try and even buy beauty products, Daily Makeover, a leader in virtual reality try-on technology, today introduced the next generation of its virtual makeover application, Makeover Studio, disrupting much of the traditional marketing relationships for large beauty industry brands, online publishers catering to women and customers themselves.

Featuring the industry's most advanced rendering capabilities, Makeover Studio offers women a new online connection with beauty products and gives beauty brands a new channel to increase consumer awareness and product trial, as well as drive e-commerce transactions.

That same compelling experience is also driving online media publishers to deploy Makeover Studio as a tool to engage visitors, incorporate innovative contextual advertising units and build customer loyalty.

Makeover Studio is currently licensed to more than 60 major beauty brands and web media publishers, and is featured on Daily Makeover's flagship editorial website, makeover.dailymakeover.com.

Thousands turned out Saturday at St. Mary's Park in the Bronx for food, fun and to learn more about diabetes!

Our Lisa Mateo was on hand to host the American Diabetes Association's "Feria de Salud" for Hispanic Heritage Month. The free event included live musical performances, educational workshops, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of service booths offering prizes and giveaways.

Diabetes is a serious illness that disproportionately affects Latinos; one in eight Latinos has diabetes in comparison to one in twenty non-latino whites. Diabetes is an incurable disease and is an urgent health problem in the Latino community. As a result, it's important to educate the community about the seriousness of diabetes, proper management and its risk factors and to provide materials in an effort to assist individuals impacted by the disease.

To learn more about the American Diabetes Association, visit www.diabetes.org.

There are only a few more days left in the US Open as New York's biggest tennis event comes to a close this Sunday

Lisa Mateo takes a look at what's going on off the court. She spoke to John Wolfson about the American Express Challenge A Pro Booth.

Special thanks to New Balance for hooking Lisa up with her tennis gear. For more information, visit www.usopen.org.

Thursday may be the official kickoff to the NFL season, but Pop Warner Football is already in high gear.

Lisa Mateo takes a look into the history of Pop Warner and visits a local Pop Warner team in New Jersey-- the Washington Rock Pop Warner. She talks with team officials, players and cheerleaders, and suits up in full gear to run a few drills with the team.

For more on the Washington Rock Pop Warner team, visit www.wrpw.org.

An apple a day, keeps the doctor away. But what about all the other delicious fruits out there? Surely, they're good for something. You might want to throw in an orange or mango or perhaps even some berries into your meals each day.

According to the Produce for Better Health Foundation, 90% of Americans don't get the recommended daily amount in their diet. But here's hope and its easier than you think.

Our Lisa Mateo spoke to Registered Dietician Lisa Drayer and author of, The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been So Delicious about the healthiest fruits to eat and innovative ways to incorporate them into their diet and Fruit2Day, which has 2 servings of fruit in each bottle.

For more on the Fruit2Day, visit www.fruit2day.com. For more on Drayer, visit www.lisadrayer.com.

School will be back in session soon enough. It's time to get your children back into the habit of getting plenty of sleep and eating right. And if you're looking for suggestions for healthy meals and snacks, our Lisa Mateo has a few ideas.

She went to her local Stop and Shop to get a little expert advice from dietician Christine Palumbo on what your kids should be eating and the secret to a good breakfast.

For more healthy meal and snack ideas, visit www.stopandshop.com.

The Chelsea Piers Sports Center and BlueStreak have joined forces to create the ultimate boot camp.

Sweat it out three days a week with the newest fitness program at Chelsea Piers BlueStreak. The brainchild of BlueStreak Program Director Shane Palahicky and Sports Center trainer Gerald Moore, The Beast is the ultimate boot camp for motivated adults who want to take their training to the next level.

Participants get two days of squat thrusts, suicides, lunges, obstacle courses and 150,000 square feet of space for innovative, heart-pounding fitness fun. On the third day, BlueStreak serves as home base, where athletes train on Olympic-caliber equipment, taking advantage of Dartfish video analysis, Super Treadmills and the state-of-the-art Plyo Platform.

Small groups, individualized attention and dynamic training yield concrete results in an environment conducive to the most versatile training available in New York City

For more information on Chelsea Piers BlueStreak and The Beast, visit chelseapiers.com.

Six months, nine months or 12 months? When should you start feeding your baby solids? Super Mom Lisa Mateo's got an age-by-age guide to taking your baby from liquids to solids with Baby Talk magazine.

Keep in mind: mealtime isn't just about the food. It's recommended you sit and eat alongside your baby at least once a day. Just like adults, your child will enjoy the socializing that comes with mealtime, and they'll start to look forward to it.

For the latest on health and nutrition for your little one, check out the September issue of Baby Talk on newsstands or visit www.parenting.com/babytalk.

Playtime is becoming a little more colorful for children in Brooklyn. One local artist has donated her time to turn a dingy brick wall of St. Andrew's Playground, into a brilliant new mural.

Whether they're on the swings or the slide, playing basketball or baseball or just cooling off by the sprinkler, children at St. Andrew's playground have a colorful new backdrop. The best part about the new facelift lead by artist Halima Cassells -- the kids pitched in to add their own creative touch. Lisa Mateo also joined in and helped with the big makeover. The complete mural will officially be unveiled later this afternoon.

Special thanks to Brooklyn Weinstein Paint and Home Center for donating 15 gallons of paint to make the wall what it is today.

For more information about artist Cassells, www.halimacassell.com. For more information on St. Andrew's Playground, visit www.nycgovparks.org.

I say tomato, you say…Whatever the answer, Barbounia will be celebrating tomatoes in all forms for its Third Annual Tomato Festival kicking off on Sunday, August 19.

Executive Chef Efraim Nahon will be creating a specialized $35 three course Tomato Festival Menu served from August 19th - August 30th. Patrons will be able to enjoy dishes and cocktails that incorporate the juiciest, sweetest and flavor-filled tomatoes from local New York farmers.

Chef Efraim Nahon has created an original tomato-inspired menu, selecting eight of his favorite dishes: 3 appetizers, 3 entrees and 2 desserts.

Ever had a bag of lettuce or a tomato go bad less than a week after you bought them? Teri Gault, founder and CEO of www.thegrocerygame.com knows just how you feel! The problem is shoppers don't know the proper ways to store food in a way the will keep it fresh and flavorful. During these tough economic times, there is no room for waste, especially when it comes to feeding your family. The less food you toss out, the more money you'll save!

Teri showed Lisa Mateo some simple and easy ways to keep your food fresher and last longer - saving you time, money and those additional trips to the grocery store:

• Lettuce – The pre-washed bags of lettuce for salads wilt in just a couple of days, since their water content speeds up oxidation. To keep leafy greens crisp for a week longer, take them out of the bag as soon as you get home and without rinsing them – WRAP them in a clean dishtowel. This will whisk away the moisture that causes them to go limp!

• Yogurt – Buy some extra when it’s on sale, but get the ones with a far off expiration date. Usually, yogurts can last up to 5 weeks and you can even try freezing them and putting them in a blender to make a pure yogurt smoothie. HINT: Larger yogurt containers spoil more quickly, so stick with the smaller packages!

Lisa Mateo goes to the Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel and orders up some picnic fun and tries out their new picnic basket service.

The Oak Room at the Plaza offers three different picnic basket choices ranging in price from $40 to $65.

Lisa also found another service that prepares picnic baskets. It's called ThatPicnicPlace.com. They're New York City's only all-inclusive picnic basket delivery service. Check them out at ThatPicnicPlace.com.

The Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel is located at 10 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019. For more information, visit www.oakroomny.com or call (212) 758-7777.

The awesome power of plants is on display this summer with Wicked Plants at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, through September 6.

Although plants have nourished and succored, seduced and delighted humans throughout history, this summer, BBG highlights a rogue's gallery of the most nefarious, troublesome, and even potentially deadly members of the plant kingdom.

Wicked Plants at Brooklyn Botanic Garden introduces visitors to over 50 plants in the Garden whose capacity to injure, poison, or perhaps just irritate humans is a powerful reminder to tread lightly in the plant world.

Fashion styles come and go each season and keeping up with them could cost you a pretty penny.

Lisa Mateo has the style 411 for this summer and you don't have to spend too much. Updating your wardrobe does not mean you have to go on a shopping binge. In fact, you can find some of the hottest trends right in your very own closet.

It's all about combining the old and the new to make you a style star. Lisa spoke to style expert Susan Redstone to get the scoop on getting looks for under $50.

GO GRECIAN:
What you have: White pants, gold jewelry, a tan! (optional)
What you need: Drapey top by Allen b J C Penney $44 (or Gladiator Sandals $29 Famous Footwear and more gold cuffs)

Journey to the Stars, a spectacular new Hayden Planetarium Space Show narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg, launches visitors through time and space to experience the life and death of the stars in our night sky.

Travel 13 billion years into the past, when the first stars were born, and witness brilliant supernova explosions that formed new kinds of atoms and sent them coursing through the universe, even into our own bodies and the air we breathe.

Visit the heart of our fiery Sun, and glimpse its eventual demise after it transforms into an enormous red giant some five billion years in the future. Explore our galactic neighborhood, unveil new celestial mysteries, and discover the fascinating, unfolding story that connects us all to the stars.

It's a new intimate website where women of color come to dish, learn and experience everything about love, sex and relationships. Get love advice, learn recipes to get him hooked, read sexy love stories, find out info on where to meet guys, check out the latest Hollywood love gossip, discover fashion trends and improve your self-esteem all on one site.

They are now working on a dating service for the website. Look out, eHarmony.com! Lisa Mateo interviewed the creator of the website, who took her through a tour of LoveMiOnline.com.

Lisa Mateo is at ShopRite in Woodbridge trying to create a recipe using Thomas' English Muffins. She'll announce the Thomas' English Muffin Recipe Contest, in which PIX11 viewers submit their recipes including Thomas' English Muffins for a chance to come on and cook it live! They'll also get four $50 gift certificates to area restaurants.

You can visit Lisa at the ShopRite on 877 St. Georges Avenue in Woodbridge, NJ. For more on Thomas' English Muffins, visit thomas.gwbakeries.com.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE THOMAS' ENGLISH MUFFIN RECIPE CONTEST.

SoCal meets SoHo on July 16 as Abercrombie & Fitch opens the doors to the first EPIC Hollister store in New York City. The six-story store will be located at 600 Broadway, on the southeast corner of Houston & Broadway.

It’s 40,000 square feet of the California dream…walking along Huntington Pier, hanging with the hottest kids at the beach while the waves crash around you…It’s awesome! “The EPIC store is what Hollister is all about—hot guys, big waves, surfing, and hanging out on the pier,” said a Hollister rep. “The laidback HCo. vibe is effortlessly cool, and we’re bringing the SoCal lifestyle to SoHo.”

The first of its kind in the world, Hollister Co.’s EPIC store is about sight, sound, scent, taste, touch, and most of all, positive energy. It is without a doubt the coolest store to open in NYC. The experience is about discovery…it’s sure not to disappoint. In addition, the HCo. SoHo store will offer EPIC, an exclusive cologne for men and women.

QuickStart Tennis is an exciting new play format for learning tennis, designed to bring kids into the game by utilizing specialized equipment, shorter court dimensions and modified scoring, all tailored to age and size. It is divided into two different levels-- ages 8 and under and ages 10 and under.

For more information, visit consumers.quickstarttennis.com.

Lisa Mateo is in Coney Island for the 2009 AVP Crocs Slam Lumber Liquidators Coney Island Open presented by Kentucky Grilled Chicken, which is taking place today, Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5. She's talking to AVP player Albert Hannemann.

The AVP Crocs Tour will celebrate the Fourth of July in Coney Island. 2009 marks the fourth consecutive year that the AVP Crocs Tour has visited Coney Island. The AVP was established in 1983 and is comprised of the best men's and women's pro beach volleyball players in the U.S. and arguably, the world.

The AVP's main goal is to deliver its fans the experience of an amazing athletic contest surrounded by an unforgettable beach party. More than one million people are expected to attend an AVP event this year.

You can join the fun on the beach at 21st and Surf Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. For more information, visit www.avp.com. For more on Hannemann, visit volleyballvacations.com.

Lisa Mateo is taking a cruise right here in the Big Apple. Like everything else, travel and live jazz have suffered the economic downturn in New York and beyond. Fortunately, this summer New Yorkers don't have to go any farther than their own harbor every Wednesday night for great jazz and beautiful city views.

For the 10th year in a row, The Smooth Cruises are back and setting sail along the scenic Hudson River.

This 10-week series features some of the world's premier jazz artists. Marquee Concerts, New York's biggest jazz promoter, transforms the Shttp://www.spiritofnewyork.compirit of New York Cruise Ship into a floating jazz club each summer.

Each cruise is a one-of-a-kind live show and lifestyle evening on the water. Starting July 1 and running every Wednesday night until Labor Day, there is a sunset cruise (6:30pm) and a moonlight cruise (9:30pm).

This year's featured artists include Spyro Gyra, Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor, Bobby Caldwell, The Rippingtons, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Peter White & Mindi Abair, Marion Meadows & Shilts, Phil Perry and Pieces of a Dream.

For more information, visit www.spiritofnewyork.com.

Lisa visits a high school that is involved in the PENCIL program and talks to award-winning fashion designer Norma Kamali. She's a long time supporter of NYC schools and holds teachers in the highest regard.

As one of the noblest professions Kamali believes that if teachers are going to inspire confidence and command respect, they need to exhibit professionalism just as a CEO might in a boardroom. So she has designed a line of suites that are functional and fashionable so as to be affordable for teachers around the country.

Lisa visits a high school that is involved in the program. Its the same high school which Norma attended. Now she's giving back by providing an internship for students. Norma also designed work clothing for the teachers and other faculty members at the school.

For more on PENCIL visit pencil.org and for more on Kamali, visit www.normakamalicollection.com.

This season, the fragrant aromas and dazzling colors of magnificent edible flowers are showing up in some unexpected places. Roses, hibiscus and chamomile are blooming and appearing in mouthwatering cocktails. Lisa Mateo took a trip to Beekman Bar & Books to learn how to make a few of the libations.

The birds are chirping, the sun is finally shining, and Bombay Sapphire offers a exciting new libation to give your mouth a little pop! The Lavender Collins is a fragrant cocktail made with lavender syrup and fresh lemon juice. The spirit's 10 botanicals such as lemon peel, juniper and coriander will add a blossoming kick to your palate.

Check out their recipes for Lavender SAPPHIRE® Collins, VeeV Treetini and Flor de Caña Flip Flop Punch.

Beekman Bar & Books is loacted at 889 1st Avenue (at 50th Street) in Manhattan. For more information, call (212) 758-6600 or visit barandbooks.cz/beekman.

New building Twenty9th Park Madison has teamed up with Gabarron Foundation to create an art gallery in one of the apartment units in its buildingm which will feature up and coming Latino artists.

Puerto Rican artist Miguel Trelles gives Lisa a tour of his pieces and his exhibit at Twenty9th Park will be on display through July 20. After the, a new artist is selected to showcase their work.

For more information, visit www.fc-gabarron.es.

Our Lisa is not the straight-haired girl you think she is. Her natural roots are actually curly and to maintain those curls takes a little work especially during the summer.

She visits Christo's Fifth Avenue Salon for some tips on how to show off her ringlets.

On his website, Christo states, "Cutting curly hair is an art. You have to make sure that you work individually according to the texture of the hair and the structure of the face, since curls have a mind of their own. Everyone should be able to achieve the hairstyle they feel their best in. This is why my goal is to maximize the potential of each individual’s best possible hair.”

For more information on Christo and his salon, visit curlisto.com.

The Tom Tom Crew, an acrobatic troupe comprised of Australia's hottest high-flyers and a trio of beat-boxing, drumstick-wielding, record-scratching musical prodigies, will blitz The New Victory Theater from May 29 through June 14. This one-two punch of hard-core aerial antics and hip hop rhythms can best be described as "daredevil theater."

For more on ticket and show information, visit newvictory.org.

Lisa visits Christo Fifth Avenue Salon as they makeover a women from Iris House.

For the third year in a row, it is Christo's pleasure to host Spa Day, an event to benefit Iris House-A Center for Women Living With HIV/AIDS. It will take place here at the salon today, Monday June 8 from 4pm to 8pm.

Proceeds will support an array of programs and services for women with AIDS and their family members, as well as prevention education throughout the community. With more individuals and families than ever before turning to Iris House for food, housing, counseling and connections to health care, your participation can make a significant difference.

For more information, visit www.irishouse.org.

Lisa is learning how to make authentic Paella at Solera, plus discovering the history of the dish. She is also gearing up for the big Paella Parade at South Street Seaport.

On Sunday, June 7 from 11am to 3pm, the first annual Paella Parade will take place outdoors at the new South Street Seaport location of New York Water Taxi Beach. Spanish chefs and restaurateurs from the tri-state area will unite for this first-of-its-kind event to showcase and highlight their Paella making skills accompanied by wines from Spain’s leader, El Coto de Rioja. Tempranillo and Spanish food fans are expected to turn out in droves to witness Paella making at its best!

The ticket price will be $25 and available for purchase at watertaxibeach.com will allow aficionados to taste every Paella presented as well as a selection of Rioja wines from the Baron De Ley Group (El Coto, Baron de Ley, Museum and Maximo wines), imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons.

A portion of the ticket proceeds will go to Action Against Hunger, a global humanitarian organization committed to eliminating world hunger, and the Wine Course at the Department of Hospitality Management at New York City College of Technology.

Whether you want to fly like an aerialist from Cirque du Soleil or take a ballet class, the new Manhattan Movement and Arts Center (MMAC) has what you seek. It is a comprehensive facility for dance instruction and performance, located on Manhattan's Upper West Side near the Lincoln Center.

MMAC's combined 18,000 square feet of column-free studios and its state-of-the-art 160-seat theater serve as a creative hub for adult open classes in all dance disciplines as well as fitness; a children's program of dance, movement and rhythm, fitness, music, art and martial arts for ages 6 weeks to 16 years; dance workshops and performances.

MMAC is the home of the Manhattan Youth Ballet (formerly Studio Maestro), a not-for-profit pre-professional ballet school and company, founded in 1995 by Rose Caiola.

For inquires about classes or about studio and theater rentals please call 212.787.1178 or visit www.manhattanmovement.com.

In the quest to get our bodies fit for summer, many of us hit the gym taking classes, lifting weights, doing cardio and that's definitely the right step.

But what do you do if you're bored with your regular workout? Our Lisa Mateo has found something that both men and women are getting a kick out of.

• WATCH: Full-length CKO Kickboxing Workout

If you're looking to sweat away the pounds and you're not afraid of putting some muscle into, then gear up and try kickboxing. Lisa learned the fundamentals of CKO Kickboxing (Check out the full workout after the jump).

For more on CKO Kickboxing, visit www.ckokickboxing.com.

Featuring a stirring tribute to our armed forces, a trio of classic rock tribute bands and a spectacular fireworks display, North Hempstead's 2009 annual Memorial Day weekend celebration promises to maintain bragging rights as arguably the best beachfront bash around.

A prelude to the town's summer season of exciting concerts and events in our parks, the May 23rd festival at North Hempstead Beach Park on West Shore Road in Port Washington starts at 6 pm. The rain date is Sunday, May 24.

For more information, visit www.northhempstead.com.

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Written by best friends, Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz, Flirtexting: How To Text Your Way To His Heart is the guide to the most important form of communication in today's dating world-texting.

Debra and Olivia show Lisa all she needs to know about wooing the modern way and getting the most out of our textual communication and how to react to classic flirtexting situations that occur in all stages of a relationship.

Flirtexting: How To Text Your Way To His Heart is available in stores now.

He had a passion for music, art, film and politics. Now a new exhibit showcases John Lennon's years in New York City.

Lisa Mateo got an inside look at the show, which reflects the spirit of the era where he created some of his best work.

Today you can see some of the songwriter's personal items, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC.

Yesterday, she was able to get a sneak peek of the exhibit it personifies the true essence of John Lennon, New York City and rock and roll.

"John Lennon: The New York City Years" opens today. For ticket information, visit www.rockannex.com/lennon.

Workout in the Park 2009 is a transformative total-body experience that brings SELF Magazine to life by offering exciting workouts, beauty consultations, fashion tips, nutritional advice and tons of freebies.

SELF will demo the hottest new exercise trends at Workout in the Park, including: Prana Power - this fusion class blends the flow of Vinyasa Yoga with the power of Kundalini Yoga; Movieography - workouts set to the hit music from old favorites including Flashdance, Footloose and Dirty Dancing; and this year, Workout in the Park has increased the Rebounding area to accommodate more guests to this ever popular class!

A one-year SELF Magazine subscription is included with every Workout in the Park ticket.

For more information, visit www.selfworkoutinthepark.com.

Kmart will be ushering in summer fashion with its first-ever trunk show. The show will showcase it's summer fashion looks and personal shopping style tips along with in-store special appearances and trend presentations.

Kmart is offering up one of their creative stylists to perform a "Kmart Style Makeover" on a deserving mom this morning. They will be decked out in the hottest Kmart fashions including Attention, Jaclyn Smith, Route 66, Joe Boxer, Piper & Blue and Wonderkids.

For more information, www.kmart.com.

Former American decathlete, Dan O'Brien and has been deemed one of the best decathlon athletes of the 1990s, winning an Olympic gold medal after winning three consecutive world titles. He's mastered countless athletic challenges, but now, he's facing a new test -- the game of hopscotch! To kick-off National Physical Fitness Month, O'Brien is jumping at the chance to add the Guinness Hopscotch Record to his list of achievements.

This attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest game of hopscotch is part of a nation-wide effort called the "Outdoor Challenge" created to encourage parents and children across the country to participate in creative outdoor play this Summer. Parents are being asked to take the Outdoor Challenge Pledge, committing time each day to creative outdoor play. The goal of the campaign is to reach one million hours of pledged time.

O'Brien is holding a practice session today, May 5 at Chelsea Piers. You can join him this morning at Pier 61 at 23rd Street and Hudson River Parkway.

For more information, visit www.guinnessworldrecords.com and www.chelseapiers.com.

The New York Mets will hold their annual Mets Anthem Search this Monday, May 4 at 11am at Citi Field for the opportunity to sing the National Anthem prior to a 2009 Mets home game, and our Lisa Mateo is heading to the tryouts.

Finalists from Monday's event will advance to the final round of auditions at Citi Field in the weeks ahead. Five singers will be selected from the final group and will each perform the National Anthem at five games later this season.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

It's Carvel's 75th anniversary and to celebrate, participating locations are giving away 8-ounce icebergs on April 30 from 3pm to 7pm for free!

Icebergs are Carvel's newest frozen drink blending signature vanilla ice cream flavoring with Fanta Orange, Barq's Root Beer or Coke-a-Cola and ice, topped with premium soft serve.

You can join Lisa Mateo at PIX Plaza (42nd Street and 2nd Avenue) to get some free ice cream and say good morning to Fudgie the Whale, himself.

Today, Carvel has over 185 locations in New York and over 500 locations nationwide. For more information and to finad a location near you, visit www.carvel.com.

Saddle up! It's opening day at Belmont Park in Queens and our Lisa Mateo is gearing up for the famous Triple Crown. She'll learn how to make the Belmont Breeze, the signature drink of the Belmont Stakes (Saturday, June 6) from its creator Dale Degroff the "King of Cocktails."

DeGroff is the founder and president of the Museum of the American Cocktail and author of The Essential Cocktail: The Art of Mixing Perfect Drinks. The drink is a nod to the 19th century tradition of serving whisky and mint drinks at the racetracks. DeGroff’s version uses bourbon as the base spirit and Dry Sack, a versatile medium dry Spanish sherry that imparts a soft fragrant nutty flavor. A mixture of orange, cranberry and lemon juices provides refreshing fruit flavors. (Check out the recipes after the jump).

The road to the Triple Crown of horse racing may start in Kentucky on May 2nd but the finish line is in New York with The Belmont Stakes on June 6th. If you don’t have tickets for the track, just throw your own "Day at the Races" party at home. Lisa will then learn how to throw a great Triple Crown Party and get a tour of the Winner's Circle.

You can watch the races at Belmont Park, 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003. For more information, visit the New York Horse Racing Association at www.nyra.com.

Whether you're having a bad hair day or you're running late, ponytails are a fast fix to get you out the door in the morning.

On top, to the side or with a hat. There are mounds of ways to put your tresses into a ponytail and this casual look is going high-end.

Backstage at Pamella Roland Fashion, hair stylist Paul Labrecque took it to new heights.

For more on the Paul Labrecque Hair Salon, visit www.paullabrecque.com.

H&M, Hennes & Mauritz, the international fashion retailer known for stylish and affordable fashions, launches their newest high-fashion collaboration, a limited-edition, exclusive collection designed by Matthew Williamson.

Lisa Mateo got a preview of the collection which includes a clothing and accessories line for women featuring Williamson's signature design aesthetic and prints at affordable prices. Only eight stores in the U.S. will carry the collection. A second collection will arrive in all stores on May 14, for both men and women.

The Matthew Williamson for H&M collection will be available at the following New York City store locations:

- H&M Fifth Avenue (640 5th Avenue at 51st Street)
- H&M Lexington Avenue (731 Lexington Avenue at 59th Street)
- H&M Broadway (1328 Broadway at 34th Street)

Today is Earth Day and Sylvania is putting a new twist on the day by taking over a Mister Softee ice cream truck and handing out free soft-serve ice cream which conveniently resembles the shape of a compact fluorescent light bulb! In addition, we’ll be handing out product coupons to encourage New Yorkers to switch to compact fluorescent lamps!

Our Lisa Mateo is live in PIX Plaza (42nd Street and 2nd Avenue) handing out the bulb-shaped ice cream to kick off a bright (and tasty) Earth Day! There'll also be a Sylvania representative talk about the benefits of CFL technology and Living Spaces CFLs.

Click here for Earth Day Facts.

CLICK HERE FOR TIPS ON GREEN LIVING.

HipChicas.com is a new website for tween girls with a green mission to help improve the planet.

The Hip Chicas are five animated Latinas in a popular band on tour. They each have unique passions, skills and interests they use to solve issues they encounter at each of their stops along the "Help Improve the Planet" Americas Tour.

Our Lisa Mateo speaks with the creator of the website, Lazaro Fuentes, who takes her on a tour of the site.

Between bottle feedings and diaper changes, new moms are always pressed for time. So what's the best way to squeeze in a little workout while still bonding with your little one?

Our Lisa Mateo explores a new workout class called "Pilates Together" at the New York Sports Club. It's a mom and baby workout where you use your little one as resistance. Lisa spoke to "Pilates Together" instructor Jen Hunter.

The "Pilates Together" class schedule is:

• Thursdays: April 23, April 30 and May 7 11:30am and 2pm
• Wednesdays: April 29, May 6 and May 13 at 11:30am and 2pm

Be sure to get your doctor's permission before you sign up. A new series will begin at the end of May. Classes are at the New York Sports Clubs at 113 East 23rd Street (at Park Avenue). For more information, visit www.mysportsclubs.com.

"Kooza" is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil that combines two circus traditions -- acrobatic performance and the art of clowning.

The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in a colorful mélange that emphasizes bold slapstick humor. Our Lisa Mateo learns the tricks of tightrope walking.

For ticket and show information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Since 1975, BMW has shown its commitment to art and innovation by commissioning renowned artists to create BMW Art Cars. These extraordinary “rolling sculptures” have been displayed in the world’s major museums.

For the past two years, the BMW Art Car World Tour has visited museums around the globe. Now the tour has come to New York City for a limited engagement. We invite you to visit and view BMW Art Cars painted by four of the greatest artists of the 20th Century.

In this exhibition BMW also presents “An Expression of Joy” – a collaboration by artist Robin Rhode and filmmaker Jake Scott. Using the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster as his inspiration and paintbrush, Rhode’s vision as “creative navigator” eloquently captures the joy of driving.

You can check out the cars until Monday, April 6 in Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall (87 E. 42nd St.).

Since 1975, BMW has shown its commitment to art and innovation by commissioning renowned artists to create BMW Art Cars. These extraordinary “rolling sculptures” have been displayed in the world’s major museums.

For the past two years, the BMW Art Car World Tour has visited museums around the globe. Now the tour has come to New York City for a limited engagement. We invite you to visit and view BMW Art Cars painted by four of the greatest artists of the 20th Century.

In this exhibition BMW also presents “An Expression of Joy” – a collaboration by artist Robin Rhode and filmmaker Jake Scott. Using the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster as his inspiration and paintbrush, Rhode’s vision as “creative navigator” eloquently captures the joy of driving.

You can check out the cars until Monday, April 6 in Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall (87 E. 42nd St.).

Lisa Mateo went one-on-one with fitness model and competitor, Grace Rivera, is today's Latin Beat. Rivera was born in Puerto Rico, living in Brooklyn. She's a single mom who became interested in fitness after her son's father told her she was looking square from behind and was getting too fat. (Needless to say, she's not with the guy anymore.)

Rivera began as a fitness instructor, went to college for physical education where she also instructed people with Multiple Sclerosis. From there she went into fitness modeling, became a ring card girl and started entering fitness competitions. Her next competition is coming up in June.

Grace is also a trainer at New York Sports Club in Brooklyn. She took Lisa through a quick workout routine that she does when getting in competition shape. For more information on Riviera, visit gracerivera.com and for more on New York Sports Club, log onto mysportsclubs.com.

In celebration on the 9th Annual New York Flamenco Festival, Lisa Mateo got an inside look into the history of the dance and learned a few basic steps in the process at at the Ballet Hispanico Studios.

Flamenco Dancer Nelida Tirado taught Lisa the basic steps in the dance. Nelida will be providing free flamenco lessons to all ticketholders prior to a few of the performances at the NY Flamenco Festival. For more info on Nelida Tirado, log onto www.nelidatirado.com. The beautiful flamenco wardrobe in the piece was provided by Menkes.

The NY Flamenco Festival, brought to you by the World Music Institute and Flamenco Festival Inc., is taking place Feb 13-22nd here in the city. For ticket information log onto www.wminyc.org

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Listen up guys! Are you stressing over what to get your lady for Valentine's Day? Well, you may want to pass on the flowers and chocolate.

Today's modern woman is high tech. Lisa Mateo explores some top gift ideas for couples who have just started dating or have been married for years. She finds that there's a different item for every stage in your relationship. Lisa spoke to Rachelle Friedman, president and CEO of J&R.

To see all of Rachelle's Valentine Picks, visit www.jr.com.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Harlem Globetrotters players Wildkat Edgerson and Buckets Blakes will be cooking breakfast for 25 kids from PS 175 Henry H. Garnet (grades 1-5) at the IHOP on 135th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. beginning at 7am (though the players would obviously be there earlier for you).

The kids selected (by their principal) have perfect attendance and have demonstrated great character over the first half of the school year-both of which are key components of the Globetrotters C.H.E.E.R. program, which encourages Cooperation, Healthy mind and body, Effort, Enthusiasm and Responsibility.

Our own Lisa Mateo is with players this morning talking about the C.H.E.E.R program and show us how to make Globetrotter-style pancakes. She'll also talk to the young kids about how what motivated them to maintain perfect attendence.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

A new restaurant hits the Big Apple -- At Vermillion. The eatery combines the best of Indian and Latin cuisine into delicious fare. It’s the brainchild of female entrepreneur Rhoni Dey who has been cooking up food for years in her native Chicago.

For more information, visit www.thevermilionrestaurant.com/ny/index_ny.htm.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The PIX Morning News' Lisa Mateo is live John F. Kennedy Elementary School in East Islip, Long Island where the students are having a Holiday Visit.

The Holiday Visit is how they celebrate their last day of school before their holiday vacation. The students have fun events to kick off the Kids' Christmas Holiday. Santa, carolers, an orchestra and the school band will be there. Lisa will talk to the school's principal Aileen O'Connor about this tradition.

For more information about the school, visit www.eischools.org.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

With 20 schools in the city being closed down due to poor academic performance, Lisa Mateo takes a look at one special school that is making it despite the odds.

She visits P.S. 57 in Spanish Harlem, a school that was on the brink of being closed down, but through donors and special programs the school has turned around.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Puerto Rican lawyer turned author Daniel Serrano recently released his first novel, Gunmetal Black; It's the story of an ex-con whose dreams of starting over are cut short by corrupt cops and the gang life of his past.

Daniel grew up in Brooklyn and Chicago and now lives in Spanish Harlem. We walked around the Bronx couthouse where he used to work as a lawyer and around the streets of Spanish Harlem where he now lives.

We talked about how he became a lawyer and his transition to becoming a crime fiction author, his rough life growing up hanging out with gang-bangers on the streets of Chicago, and how the book almost didn't exist. In fact, the only copy of it was lost in Tower 2 during the World Trade Center attacks.

Click here for more on Serrano's book Gunmetal Black.

In the second part of Lisa Mateo's special two-part series on the Dominican Republic, she enjoys the good life. From night life to eating to loads of activities (volleyball tournament, swimming with dolphins, encounters with sharks and stingrays, kite boarding), she experiences all that the island offers.

And guess what? She wants to share the fun with you! Teaming up with Caribbean Travel, she's giving away the ultimate luxurious getaway, which includes:

- 3 nights accommodation in a junior suite, all inclusive for two at the Victoria Golf & Beach Resort
- 1 spa treatment
- 1 green fee at Playa Dorada Golf Course
- Entrance for 2 to Ocean World Adventure Park
- 2 round-trip airline tickets

Click here for your chance to win this FREE Carribbean getaway! Tune in tomorrow when Lisa announces the winner of the getaway!

Click here to see part one of the series.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Lisa Mateo hit the road with the Liberty H.O.G.'s for their 10th Annual Charity Toy Run. The toys went to children at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

For more info on the Liberty H.O.G's, log onto libertyhog.net and for the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital log onto bmsch.org.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Our own Lisa Mateo took a brief vacation from Air 11 to hop a flight to the Dominican Republic to learn more about the island's rich history and culture. She soaked up some some sun, the sights and all of the fabulous activities this island nation has to offer. In part one of her two-part special series, she visits the cities of Puerto Plata, Cabarete and Playa Dorada.

And guess what? She wants to share the fun with you! Teaming up with Caribbean Travel, she's giving away the ultimate luxurious getaway, which includes:

- 3 nights accommodation in a junior suite, all inclusive for two at the Victoria Golf & Beach Resort
- 1 spa treatment
- 1 green fee at Playa Dorada Golf Course
- Entrance for 2 to Ocean World Adventure Park
- 2 round-trip airline tickets

Click here for your chance to win this FREE Carribbean getaway!

Click here for the official rules. Participants have until 5pm EST today, Monday November 17 to enter. Tune in tomorrow for part two of Lisa's special on the Dominican Republic and to see if you've won the vacation!

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

The CW11's Lisa Mateo visits Talay -- a new restaurant in West Harlem that blends Latino and Thai cuisines. She also speaks with Food & Wine magazine about the growing trend of fusion cooking.

Individually their tastes are somewhat similar, but together Thai-Latin cuisine is a culinary treat. Just listen to the menu: ropa vieja with asian root vegetables, churrasco with sweet, sour and salty dipping sauces and pineapple shrimp fried rice. If that caught your attention then "talay" is the place for you. They also have a great late night lounge area upstairs with live music.

Lisa's also providing a bonus how-to demo to CW11 viewers. She'll teach you how to make pan-seared scallops with red coconut curry sauce.

Talay is located at 701 W 135th Street (btwn Broadway and aRiverside Drive), New York, NY 10031. For more information, visit talayrestaurant.com or call (212) 491-8300.

HOW-TO DEMO, ON-AIR SEGMENT AND PICTURE AFTER THE JUMP...

Move over Pharrell, there’s a new producer in town and he's just 15-years-old. Cuban producer Miguel "Migs" Baeza already produced tracks on Ashanti's new album The Vault which is being released today, Tuesday, October 14.

The CW11's Lisa Mateo sat down with Baeza at his studio to find out the secret behind his success. She also spoke with his father, Mario Baeza, who is the founder of AJM Records, the studio which first found Ashanti and brought her to Irv Gotti of Def Jam/Murder Inc Records. Lisa also talks with upcoming artist Erika De Luna, who Miguel is currently producing tracks for.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...