Archive for ‘fun stuff’

Stay Inside the Lines (or Don’t)

By Josh, 1 February, 2010, No Comment

On February 12, 13 and 14, ArtsCetera (212 Smith St., between Butler and Baltic) will host Crayon-a-Thon Two, a three-day celebration of crayons and the people who like using them. “The studio will be draped in giant rolls of paper, creating a total art environment for you to color. It’s a self-directed, giant collaborative art project, and as our paper is filled, it will be rolled up to allow for the next group of colorists.”

On Friday there’s an open house from 3 to 5 PM and a cocktail party for grownups from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Saturday and Sunday will feature family-friendly afternoon sessions and adults-only evening sessions. Reservations are recommended and space is limited — get the details and book your spot at the Crayon-a-Thon page at ArtsCetera.

Most Romantic Spot in Central Park

By Tobey, 26 January, 2010, No Comment

Yes, we live in Brooklyn, but I’m guessing we’ve all spent our fair amount of time in Central Park. Whether alone, with the kids or (ah, remember the days?) with our partners, that big, green oasis has a place in every New Yorker’s heart.
So, just in time for V-Day, the Central Park Conservancy has launched the Central to Your Heart poll on its website to collect your opinions on the most romantic spots in the park. The winning spot and the best stories will be posted on www.centralparknyc.org the week of February 8.

Football Takes Precedence Sunday at Fort Defiance

By Tobey, 21 January, 2010, No Comment

Fort Defiance may be known as a multi-tasking social center for the Red Hook hipster set, but this Sunday, owner St. John Frizell intends to make it into a New Orleans sports bar with all the fixings. Eater reports that the space will take on a whole new personality, with Frozen daiquiris, Jello shots, Mardi Gras beads and king cake, “The Jägerettes,” $5 Abita pints all day, and “a playlist of every Saints tribute songs recorded this year!” Hmmm, jello shots and football tribute songs in Red Hook? A new day is dawning mes amis.

Papel Grand Opening Party

By Tobey, 15 January, 2010, 1 Comment

Papel New York, which we reported on in December, is having it’s Grand Opening party on Friday 22 January at 7:30 and is hoping everyone will come by for some wine, treats and good company. In addition to showcasing the work of local artist Soosan Joon, the upscale paper store has added several new lines of cards and stationary from other local designers and is taking suggestions and notes from customers for any new products you might like to see. Come in and check out designs from local artisans such as:

- Chick Print in Cobble Hill-fabulous cards, invites and announcements
- Backyard for Bongo in Brooklyn Heights-super funny & practical fill-in-the-blank cards (sort of like Mad Libs, but for adults)
- Krafteria in Ridgewood-beautiful note cards handmade with Swarovski crystals

And if you’re looking for personalized stationary or invites, the new Custom Design Studio is now open as well. The shop is meeting with new local artists all the time and hopes to add more to it roster. It also plans on displaying different canvased artwork on its walls every few months.

Sale on Cool, Used Playmats

By Tobey, 3 January, 2010, 1 Comment

Families First is selling its funky-shaped playmats. With a member-funded playspace revival in the works, they’re ready and willing to part with these for just $10 each. Not bad for the long winter season, the mats are obviously used but in fairly good shape. Pictures above and here’s the measurements:
Yellow and Green “loungers” -15″ wide x 14″ high x 34″ long
Blue and Red “sofas” – 27″ wide x 30″ high x 17″ deep
Red and Yellow “wedges” – 15″ wide x 12″ high x 34″ long (This is an estimate. Call the office for exact measurements.)
For more information call (718) 237-0862 or write to info@familiesfirstbrooklyn.org.

Target First Saturday-First in New Year!

By Tobey, 2 January, 2010, No Comment

Looking for something to do this evening with the whole family? Check out the first Target First Saturday of 2010, dubbed “Transformations.” Best for kids is the bilingual band Cordero (5-7), billed as blending indie rock with Southwest ballads. You’ll also have the chance to sketch a real model (6:30 to 8:30) and attend a masquerade ball (7-8:30). All is free at the Brooklyn Museum.

Check out the band here for a preview.

Rock n’ Roll Photos at Brooklyn Museum

By Tobey, 30 December, 2009, No Comment

Want to show the kids what rock & roll is all about? Bring them to the Who Shot Rock & Roll exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, which runs until January 31, 2010. Billed as “the first major museum exhibition on rock and roll to put photographers in the foreground, acknowledging their creative and collaborative role in the history of rock music,” there are six sections for children and parents to ogle at–like rare behind-the-scene images, musicians shot at the beginning of their career, and conceptual images and album covers.
Bring a MP3 player or cell phone and download the free audio from iTunes to listen to the photographers tell their stories on the images. The suggested contribution is $10 and kids under 12 are free. For more info, check out http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/rock_and_roll/.

Roebling Inn Takes Over Magnetic Fields Space

By Tobey, 29 December, 2009, No Comment

The Roebling Inn opened last night at 97 Atlantic Ave between Hicks and Henry, and looks to be a candlelit hipster paradise. According to Brooklyn Paper, it’s got 16 beers on tap (some of which will run you just $5 for a drought) and a kitchen that seems to be focused on a German-bent menu–think Brats, pretzels and meat pies. A room to the side was created for dart tournies and though a few TVs were added, it looks to stay the course of the trendy Brooklyn bar with dark wood and an old-fashioned feel. Jason Furlani owns the place, as well as Boerum Hill fixture The Brooklyn Inn.

Brooklyn Dog Runners

By Tobey, 22 December, 2009, No Comment

dog run
Love your pooch but can’t be home to exercise him every day? A new small business called Brooklyn Dog Runners could be your salvation. Made up of two young women who love to run (and can’t find jobs in this horrific economic climate), Runners is based in Williamsburg, but will pick up your dog(s) in the Bococa neighborhood and run with them for 30 or 45 minute periods. According to co-owner Mandy McGowen, she and her partner Julie Totino will also go out to Park Slope for this service as well as the Greenpoint area.
The ladies share a love of both pets and long-distance running. Hence, a business they hope will help dogs get their yayas out as well as promote physical activity. Mandy worked for two years running dogs on the Upper East Side, so she knows from pampered pups.
Want to give them a try? Regular runs are from 10am- 4pm, 30 minutes for $30, 45 minutes for $40. Off Hour and Holiday Runs will cost you $37 for 30 minutes, $47 for 45 minutes. Discounts for monthly contracts are available and you’ll also get a break for multiple dogs. Check it out at http://brooklyndogrunners.com/site/Welcome.html or give them a yell at 949-439-6990.

Beads and Wine

By Tobey, 16 December, 2009, No Comment

beads
No doubt, beads are fun. But add some booze and you’ve got a real party. Take it from Brooklyn Bead Box at 244 Smith Street, which will be hosting a holiday part on Thursday, 17 December from 5 to 9pm. Not only can you make some home-made jewelry or wine shanks, but you can also sip some vino AND get 20 percent off everything.