TOMORROW: Free Shuttle Between BK Flea and other BK Destinations

The Brooklyn Flea has become a hotspot for NYC bargain hunters near and far. This Saturday, May 30, Brooklyn Flea visitors can score another deal: Heart of Brooklyn’s FREE hop-on, hop-off shuttle to the cultural attractions near Grand Army Plaza will be running from the Flea in Fort Greene between 10am and 6pm. The HOB Connection stops at Brooklyn Public Library, Prospect Park/Prospect Park Zoo, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Children’s Museum. A full schedule with times can be found at http://heartofbrooklyn.org/connection. The Connection will depart the Flea at 10am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 4pm on Saturday.

More than just free transit, the shuttle features on-board tour guides providing information about the restaurants and shops in nearby Prospect and Crown Heights, summer calendars with suggested activities and coupon books full of local discounts (also available to print online at http://heartofbrooklyn.org/couponbook).

The HOB Connection regularly offers free transit to the cultural attractions in the Heart of Brooklyn from various neighborhoods in Brooklyn (Bay Ridge, DUMBO and Williamsburg) each Saturday, and from Manhattan’s Museum Mile each Sunday.

Children's Art, Framed at a Discount

Have an artistic kid?  The Clinton Hill Simply Art and Framing has just informed me of a special framing sale. CLINTON HILL SIMPLY ART AND FRAMING INTRODUCTORY SALE - Custom Picture Framing Offer

"kidz"

Bring any children's artwork now thru June 30 40% off regular price*

Children's Art Only Please no substitutes

Cherish the Moments

*Select samples only

Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 6pm

583 Myrtle Avenue (near Classon) Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-857-0074

We truly custom frame Est.1991

Best Yoga Deal Ever @ Move With Grace

Dance / Yoga studio Move With Grace on Myrtle Avenue is now offering the deal of the century - $30 for 30 days of yoga classes! The only catch - you have to be a new student.  (Returning students may sign up at $49 for one month of yoga.)  The offer expires at the end of May for returning students.  Sign up online here! MWG has a new logo and now also sports a small athletic wear shop in the front of the store.

Need a rehearsal space?  MWG is also available for private rental.  We used the space several times last fall to prep for our Thriller dance at 313 Clinton Avenue.

Move With Grace 469 Myrtle Ave (bt Washington and Hall)

Earth Day Trunk Show @ Thistle & Clover

The girls of Thistle & Clover, Camilla Gale and Rand Niederhoffer, cordially invite you to our first annual Earth Day Trunk Show. We are proud to present the Spring 2009 Collections of 2 independent, Brooklyn-based, and eco-conscious designers: Francoise Olivas and Sublet.

Running from 4-7PM on Wednesday, April 22nd, customers are invited to take advantage of a 15% discount extended to all trunk show items and enjoy complimentary sweets and bubbly.

Eats and tipples provided with love by local favorites Jewels of New York and Thirst Wine Merchants. A portion of all the Earth Day Trunk Show proceeds will be donated to Fort Greene Park Conservancy.

FRANCOISE OLIVAS, www.francoiseolivas.com

FIT graduate, and former Artistic and Brand Designer for Nanette Lepore, Francoise Olivas creates environmentally friendly clothing, using natural dyed fabric and yarn. The designer works closely with a variety of artisans from around the world--most recently with a cooperative in Guatemala--employing fair trade practices and entitling her collaborators to 'living wages'. All garments are made locally. Olivas says of her line, she “endeavors to create a line of products that are gentle both on the world and the mind.”

SUBLET, www.subletclothing.com

Best friends turned business partners, Tara and Inessah, met in 2005 through a Craigslist post for a summer roommate (hence the line’s name). Sublet focuses on supporting and driving the sustainable movement forward through integrating traditional and emerging sustainable materials, practices and processes. Materials incorporated into Sublet’s collections include organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, surplus, and vintage fabrics. From inception to production, every raw material used is chosen to have the lowest impact on the environment possible. Sublet’s garments are manufactured in the United States in factories that adhere to fair labor standards.

THISTLE & CLOVER, www.thistleclover.com

Thistle & Clover opened March 2008 in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood. Co-founders Rand Niederhoffer and Camilla Gale conceived of Thistle & Clover as a home away from home. Stacks of beautifully wrought bangles and rings sit amidst vintage books and hand pressed note cards. The clothing is carefully hand picked from an exciting group of young, up-and-coming designers that fit into Thistle & Clover’s unique and accessible aesthetic.

221 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11205 (718) 855 5577

Spa Week in the Neighborhood

It's Spa Week, which means that salons and spas across the city are offering discounts and special services.  Here's an overview of some of the neighborhood's spas, their Spa Week specials, and recommendations:

Polish Bar of Brooklyn 470 Myrtle Avenue (718) 622-5363 and 641 Vanderbilt Avenue (718) 783-5363 www.polishbarbrooklyn.com

My favorite place to get a mani/pedi in the neighborhood (owner Tricialee always tells me what the hottest new polish colors are), PBB has opened a second shop in Prospect Heights!  I checked it out this evening and the pedi seating is gorgeous.  Had one of my favs- the lavender mint gel pedi and a mani.

CHB Recommends: Any fancy pedi - the scrubs smell amazing!

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Cynergy Spa 87 Fort Greene Place Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.403.9242 www.cynergyspa.com

For the month of April, offering White Sugar Body Polish, $100 Also named "Best Spa for Couples" in 208 by Citysearch!

CHB Recommends: Couple's Special - massage, down time and strawberries and champagne

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Body By Brooklyn 275 Park Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 (718) 923-9400 www.bodybybrooklyn.com

CHB Recommends: using the eucalyptus-infused sauna followed by a dip in the freezing plunge pool!  Amazing.

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Nu Yu Day Spa 43 Clifton Pl Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 783-2616 www.nuyudayspa.com

CHB Recommends: Nu Glow Facial -the calm interior and an attentive staff make this facial a home run

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'Cure Beauty Bar 921 Fulton St. Brooklyn, NY 11238 718 622 7100 www.curebk.com

For Spa Week, offering: Basic Facial $50.00 Paraffin Mani & Pedi $50.00 30 Min Reflexology $50.00

CHB Recommends: Brow shaping and pedicures in this chic space

'Ressurection Sale' at RePop

Love the sense of humor.  Not to mention the deals!

RePop 68 Washington Ave.

BK Restaurant Week

It's that time of year again, folks- participating restaurants in Brooklyn offer a specially-priced menu ($23!) from March 23-April 2.

It's a great time to check out any Brooklyn restaurant you've been curious to try, or revisit an old favorite.  Here are the participating restaurants in the 'hood (plus Fort Greene and Bed-Stuy):

B=brunch L=lunch D=dinner

Clinton Hill

Anima Italian Bistro - BD Italian 458 Myrtle Avenue 718-422-1122

Autour du Monde - D French 860 Fulton Street 718-398-3500

Five Spot - D Soul 459 Myrtle Avenue 718-852-0202

Graziella’s - LD Italian 232Vanderbilt Avenue 718-789-5663

Il Porto Ristorante - D Italian 37Washington Avenue 718-624-0954

Maggie Brown Restaurant - D American 455 Myrtle Avenue 718-643-7001

Mojito Cuban Cuisine - D Cuban 82Washington Avenue 718-797-3100

Tamboril Restaurant - D Latin 527 Myrtle Avenue 718-483-2152

Fort Greene

Bonita - BD Mexican 243 Dekalb Avenue 718-622-5300

Caffe eVino - LD Italian 112 Dekalb Avenue 718-855-6222

Chez Lola - D French 387 Myrtle Avenue 718-858-1484

Chez Oskar - D French 211 DeKalb Avenue 718-852-6250

Dajeh Restaurant - BD American/Caribbean 919 Fulton Street 718-857-1616

iCi - D French/American 246 Dekalb Avenue 718-789-2778

Kif - LD French Moroccan 219 DeKalb Avenue 718-852-7273

La Stalla - D Italian/Mexican 499 Myrtle Avenue 718-636-6125

Loulou Restaurant - D French 222 DeKalb Avenue 718-246-0633

Luz Restaurant - BLD Latin American 177Vanderbilt Avenue 718-246-4000

Madiba Restaurant - BLD South African 195 Dekalb Avenue 718-855-9190

Mullanes Bar & Grill - D Irish/American 71 Lafayette Avenue 718-797-7606

Olea Mediterranean Taverna - D Mediterranean 171 Lafayette Avenue 718-643-7003

Scopello Ristorante Bar - BD Italian 63 Lafayette Avenue 718-852-1100

Sushi D - LD New Japanese 207 DeKalb Avenue 718-858-0058

Thomas Beisl - BLD Viennese Bistro 25 Lafayette Avenue 718-222-5800

And the following: TWO meals for $23!

The General Greene - L 299 DeKalb Ave 718-222-1510

The Smoke Joint - LD 87 South Elliot Place 718-797-1011

Rice - LD 166 Dekalb Avenue 718-858-2700

Smooch - B 264 Carlton Avenue 718-624-4075

Bed-Stuy

Peaches Restaurant - D Southern 393 Lewis Avenue 718-942-4162

Soule Restaurant - BD (FYI, this is still Clinton Hill) West Indian/American 920 Fulton Street 718-399-7200

Sugar Hill Restaurant and Supper Club  - BLD Southern 609 DeKalb Avenue 718-797-1727

Clinton Hill Foodie offers a rundown of some of the places he's been here.

I suggest making the following a priority:

Smoke Joint General Greene Sushi D Luz Il Porto

How come Locanda Vini e Olii never participates?

iCi Offering Prix Fix Specials

Last night I went to iCi to try out the $25 Prix Fixe.  For $25 - it's a hell of a meal.  Only problem was that I forgot my camera!! Menu changes every two weeks which is nice.

From their website: January 1, 2009 NEW YEAR! NEW START! NEW MENU!

Alice Waters 40 years ago launched the Delicious Revolution. At iCi we believe that the time has come for that revolution in a larger scale. In 2009, more than ever, we will stay committed to the quality we provided for the past 5 years, working with local farms, using seasonal ingredients and on a daily basis, with all the astringencies of running a business in NYC, trying very hard to be socially and environmentally correct.

2009 will be the year of change in politics and economics affecting all our decisions, even the most basic ones. But who says one shouldn’t eat out 4 times a week anymore as a New Yorker does? For that matter, we are launching a $25 3 course dinner prix fixe, assorted with a wider selection of (natural) wines by the glass. The menu will change every 2 weeks. Offer with no time limit. Happy New Year!

Catherine.

iCi 246 DeKalb Ave

Collecther Featured on Brooklyn Based!

One of the coolest stores in the neighborhood, Collecther, was featured last week on the e-newsletter Brooklyn Based!  Owner Shana Jackson is now selling her own designs in addition to cultivated vintage finds.  "Recessionista Sundays" now feature a 25% discount off of everything in the store, plus steep discounts on dresses.

I've purchased a few really awesome accessories here.  Check out the store's blog for some great photos of shoppers!

Collecther 306 Franklin Ave nr Lafayette Bed-Stuy, 347-658-7857, Tues-Sat 12-8, Sunday 12-6.

Valentine Sale @ RePop

We're slashing our already bargain prices especially for all of our favorite  homemakers, lovebirds, dealers and collectors. small objects, vintage clothing, art, lamps, mirrors and artisan jewelry by Ellie Mathias. Browse our amazing selection of walnut constructed dressers and credenzas, mid-century chairs, desks, medical / industrial cabinets and primitive oddities.  (also enjoy same week delivery!) Prove your true love by setting sail with a sale to greener pastures this winter season.  The earth deserves it.....and so do you. This Valentine's Day Weekend take a well deserved trip into the world of creative design by journeying to the best vintage goods boutique in Brooklyn!

Check out more great items at: www.repopny.com 68 Washington Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 718 260 8032

Celebrate the New Prez

In addition to the exciting deals on DeKalb, other area merchants are having sales and special events to celebrate our new president:

• Greene Grape: we're sampling an inauguration cocktail from 5-7 pm at the wine store (765 Fulton) inauguration night (tues, jan 20).  The recipe is Inspired by the rumor Obama likes margaritas.  It incorporates lime, Tito's Vodka (an All-American spirit made in Texas as a nod to the outgoing President), pineapple juice (in tribute to Obama's Hawaii connection), a dash of bitters (recognition of the bitter economic pill we are taking) and triple sec (because just a spoonful of sugary orange liqueur will make the economic medicine go down, medicine go doooooown, medicine go down).
• Le Grand Dakar: YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND AN  INAUGURAL BALL AT LE GRAND DAKAR ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, FROM 7 PM TO 3 AM.  Join the celebration which will herald in a new era of conscientious social & environmental awareness and humanistic considerations ­ a.k.a Our Wish for Change.  DJ Ayo will support a cast of live drummers with 70s social consciousness funk with Aniyikaye Yoruba Talking drummers and singers ­ Fuji, Juju, Apala, waka, and Jojo Kuo afro-beat trap drummer duo.  It will be fantastic. Le Grand Dakar Restaurant, 285 GRAND AVE, FORT GREENE (Lafayette Ave/Clifton, BROOKLYN, NY 718 398 8900 www.dakarcafe.net
• Tamboril: January 20, 2009 Doors open at 5:30.  Couldn't make it to washington?...then don't miss the inauguration day celebration at Tamboril!  Obama slama $6 cocktail special the whole night and our famous food sampler at reduced price of $12.99.  2 for 1s happy hour 5:30 to 7:30pm.  Watch inauguration coverage on any of our three flat screens.  Still time to reserve the lounge area but it won't last!  RSVP info@tamborilnyc.com, 527 Myrtle Ave.
• Bar Olivino: Inauguration celebration @ Bar Olivino!  Tuesday, January 20th - Yes we did!!!!!! Complimentary bar snacks all night long!  Bar Olivino, 899 Fulton Street (Between Clinton & Vanderbilt)

We Love Biggie Brunch @ Frank White: TODAY

In conjunction with the opening of the film, NOTORIOUS, Frank White will host the 'WE LOVE BIGGIE BRUNCH' - an afternoon of waffles and the freshest BIG music tributes EVER, featuring music by: REGGIEMENT J. PERIOD DJ MISTER CEE

$5 waffle specicals + complimentary lil' kim size coffee all day!

This week has been the NOTORIOUS @ FRANK WHITE week.

-Actor/MC Gravy who plays BIG in NOTORIOUS did his NY Times photo shoot + interview @ Frank White (Thanks Jon Caramanica!)

-Frank White featured in Time OUT NY feature on Brooklyn BIG walk

frank white 936 atlantic avenue @ st. james brooklyn, ny 11238 718.622.0840 www.frankwhitenyc.com frankwhite@frankwhitenyc.com

Swimming at LIU!

Received this from a swimming friend of mine.  A great opportunity if you're interested in using the LIU pool and joining up with some like-minded people. Long Island University has kindly opened its doors to the Brooklyn Masters Swimming program, a division of Team New York Aquatics. For those of you who are not familiar with Masters Swimming, we're part of the United States Masters Swimming program and they're devoted to getting more people swimming.  We have swimmers of all ranges looking for many different things out of the program.  There are people who compete (swim meets, open water, and triathlons), and those who never do and just like swimming with a fun group of people and like having coaching to give them a good workout or improve their stroke. We have four lanes at LIU, so we can accommodate a wide range of speeds.

Currently, our practice times are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 7-8:30am (with some holiday changes - check the website for those details).  The locker rooms open before 7 so we can hop in the pool at 7 on the dot. All you need to bring with you other than your swim gear (cap, suit, goggles) is a towel and a lock if you need a locker.

LIU requires everyone who uses the pool to be on a list with the security guard at the front desk, so if you'd like to try it out, email info@brooklynswim.org to get your name on the list.

Now is a great time to try out the pool.  Because of the holiday season and the start of the team, we have a discount rate for members of $75/month for three workouts a week, or less if you're going to swim fewer than three a week.  Starting January, when our schedule will be uninterrupted by the holidays, the price will increase to $114/month.  Or if you're not sure how often you'll swim, you can pay $15 per workout or you can purchase a 6-workout Splash Card for $80 or a 12-workout Splash Card for $160.  You can try out one workout for free so no need to make a commitment right away.

***Brooklyn Masters Swimming is on a special holiday schedule this week, and as a special holiday bonus, you can join us for a FREE trial workout!  The normal cost for a drop-in is $15, but this Monday and Tuesday you can swim with us at Long Island University from 7:00 - 8:30 am at absolutely no cost.  The only thing you need to do is contact our head coach, Conrad Johnson (cjswim007@earthlink.net or 917-446-0595) to get your name on the security list at LIU.  YOU MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO ATTEND YOUR FIRST WORKOUT.

For more info contact cjswim007@earthlink.net or info@brooklynswim.org, or check out our website at http://brooklynswim.org.***

See you in the pool!

Neighborhood Deals

Holiday Sales abound! Collecther - Cool vintage store on Franklin south of Lafayette: NOV 29 Re-opening Saturday 12-8 join us for hot cider and 25% off

NOV 29-30 Saturday and Sunday 25% off your purchases

Tessan Boutique - tiny shop on Clinton at Lafayette that's gorgeously curated: Holiday Sale: Up to 50% off!

Fort Greene Artisan's Market - two indoor locations! Two Real Estate Offices have provided an indoors venue for Fort Greene Park's Artisan Market. The Artisan Market,an outdoor art&craft venue on the DeKalb Avenue sidewalk perimeter of Fort Greene Park,is the Fort Greene Park Conservancy's weekly fundraiser for the Park mid-April to mid-October. Natasha Harsh, a local artist, produces the Artisan Market and has organized the 3DaysOnly@2Locations Holiday Sale to promote both this seasonal fundraiser on the park plus create a sales opportunity for some of the artist and designer "regulars" during these very difficult economic times.

Come on over and support your local Artists/Artisans and Musicians. Free and open to the public. 3 Days Only @ 2 Locations– Nov.28/29/30 Crafts & Collectibles Holiday Sale in Fort Greene features Artist/Designers from Fort Greene Park’s Artisan Market: Angeline Roth, Kevin Barry, Citybitz, PJ Cobbs, Jacobs Eye,Jessica DeCarlo and others at Fillmore Real Estate, 75 Lafayette and Location/Location, 88 South Portland. Located just two blocks from BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) both locations will be open Fiday – Sunday 10AM – 5PM with Artists selling their original and unique creations at wholesale prices. 4PM Performance 11/28- SPOKE Jazz Quartet at Fillmore Real Estate, 75 Lafayette Ave. 3PM Performance 11/29- SPOKE at Location/Location, 88 South Portland. SPOKE’s latest recording of their original music will also be available for sale. For additional info call (718) 855-8175.

30% off at Cloth!

Cloth celebrates its 4^th anniversary with a 4 day sale starting today November 13th through Sunday November 16^th.

Thanks for a great 4 years!

Mention this ad and receive 30% off EVERYTHING in the store!

Hope to see you soon!

138 Fort Greene Pl., Brooklyn, NY 11217 at Hanson Pl.

Shipping Store on Myrtle

Reader/photographer David noticed a new shopping store on Myrtle near Hall and sent me this photo:

I'm intrigued, for many reasons:

1. There's a USPS logo on the outside!  Does this mean we can bypass the local post office??
2. Will they offer PO boxes? (answer: YES)
3. Why exactly is it called "Sandbox?"  That word doesn't particularly make me think of shipping, but whatever.

I had a business breakfast on Smith Street and saw another Sandbox, so it's clearly a chain (new chain?).  There was once a different shipping/mailbox store on Myrtle but it was never open (and closed awhile back).

Myrtle Minutes offers more info, plus a coupon!

Free Bellydancing at Move With Grace

Sunday at Move With Grace (Myrtle bt Washington and Hall):

Join our next session of Belly Dancing for Beginners with a FREE class (6-7:30pm)!

Egyptian Belly Dance (Beginners with Alexandra) Free Belly Dancing Class + 6 week series... Enjoy not only a free class, but reduced rates when you sign up on or before SUNDAY November 2nd. Enjoy a full 90 minute introduction to the ancient dance of African and Eastern Culture "Rak Sharshi". Visual Artist, Teacher and Dancer Alexandra Zevin will guide you with shimmies, swaying and figure 8's. This is a wonderful workout for your body and soul, a great stress relief and a way to get away from day-to-day rituals. What to wear: Come as you are. No shoes will be needed in the class. Please wear comfortable, breathable dance or fitness attire. You may bring a hip scarf if you have one. Time: 6pm-7:30pm Please arrive at least 5 minutes early as class will begin at 6pm sharp! Students must join the class before warm-up is over (15 minutes into class) Our Price: $84 Reduced price when you sign up on the day of or before the FREE class 11/2 List Price: $92 when you sign up after this demo class. Drop in Fee: Drop-ins are welcome at $16/class or Pay $135/10classes and you may take both the Tuesday 7pm class in addition to the Sunday Class!

Holiday Event Discount at Frank White!

I hosted a Brooklyn Blogger Meetup at Frank White in January, and it was lovely!  They're offering a Holiday Event discount for booking early.  This just in from them: receive 20% discount off space rental @ frank white for your holiday/special event if booked by october 20, 2008.

frank white is a perfect location for private/intimate special events up to 200 guests with indoor/outdoor space.

birthdays, baby/bridal showers, engagement party, bar/bat mitzvah, going away, private brunch/dinner, film screening, photo/video shoot, listening party, etc....

corporate events (reception, meetings, etc.) have included: reebok, ciroc, baccarat/brooklyn fashion week, audi, dream home,  vp records, clinton hill blog, etc.

for availability/rate info:

frank white 718.622.0840936 atlantic avenue @ st. james brooklyn, ny 11238 --------------------

RePop SALE!

Today and tomorrow, 20% off all merchandise! Also, check out SECOND Friday, next week on 7/11:

Earth Day at Luz

(OK, so you only have one day left to check this out. Apologies- I just started a new job and have had no time to read my email!!!)

Luz is definitely one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. The interior is absolutely gorgeous, the food is great and the cocktails are among the best in the area.

From Myrtle Minutes:

Get ready to raise your glasses of organic beer and wine in honor of Mother Earth.

For two days, April 22nd and 23rd, Luz Restaurant will continue to serve up delicious and delectable meals with an added big time nod to our environment.

Luz is serving up special 5-course prix fixe meals which feature all natural, sustainably-grown and/or organic ingredients purchased solely from local farms and markets.

In efforts to really drive home the importance of helping to conserve our Earth, there will be no electricity, no gas, no heat lamps, no telephones, no computers, no credit card machines…

Luz owner, Pedro Munoz, shares, “we hope that at least on these two days we can promote awareness of environmental issues. We want to help spread the fact that consciousness of what we do, buy, use or dispose of has a direct impact on planet Earth.”

Live music both nights. Come out and help celebrate our Planet Earth.

RSVP info@luzrestaurant.com or 718.246.4000

($55.00 per person five courses)