Obama Bash and Fundraiser today @ The Candy Rush kicks off at 10am until 3pm

As the election voting nears, one women decided to jump start a grassroots idea and gathered several merchants of Crown Heights together to host a local fundraiser for Obama.  I was able to catch Ms. Raquel Wexler who gave me the skinny on this grand idea!!!!

KrystalKnows: Why did you want to start a fundraiser in your community?

Raquel Wexler:  To get local merchant to participate in fundraising and community mobilization. 

KrystalKnows: What are the details of this event?

Raquel Wexler:  This is the second  fundraiser event which will be held at The Candy Rush.. The bash/fundraiser  begins at 10am.  A pledge of $10 will go to the Obama Victory Fund.and can be made with cash, check and online donation on the spot at the event.   Each person that donates will be given a donation form.   The Candy Rush will offer a scope of ice cream and BCakeNY will provide cupcakes for this event.  Assemblymen Hakeem Jeffries will make an appearance at 10:45!!!

Krystal Knows:  How long have you been a resident of Crown Heights?

Raquel Wexler:  I have lived in the Crown Heights area for five years and originally I am from Houston, Texas. 

So come on down and give to the cause, get a cupcake and ice cream!!!!  See you all at this event........

 

BROOKLYN FIT LAB is now open for all your fitness pleasures!!!

Chadon Charles is firing off on yet another project but this time it is adjacent to the tree line streets of Franklin Ave.   This gentleman took Franklin Ave by storm and opened a Brooklyn Ink Spot, a tattoo shop, then Bella Greens, a salad and sandwich shop and now on Sterling Place stands Brooklyn Fit Lab.  He was able to open all three places in less than five years. However, while Crown Heights residents run to catch up with him for training, Mr. Charles slowed down just long enough to reveal the intimate details of his latest endevor to Krystal Knows!!!. 

Krystal Knows: So tell me about Brooklyn Fit Lab.

Chadon Charles: This 1000 foot studio is a large yet bright space which will be open six days of the week and is “dedicated to all areas of human movement, dance and small group training”.

Krystal Knows: What type of training will be provided to its clients?

Chadon Charles: It will provide the latest training in the areas of Performance Endurance, Pre and Post-Natal , Boxing and Kick Boxing, Strength Conditioning, Lash Therapy and Corrective Exercise. In addition, there will be classes featuring Palates, Total Body Conditioning, NIMA, Sculpting, Yoga and Pole Dancing!!!!

Krystal Knows: Will you provide any specialty classes?

Chadon Charles: Brooklyn Fit Lab will also offer a Ballet for Kids class which will run every semester during a six to eight week session.

Krystal Knows: What is your background in Fitness?

Chadon Charles: I am expert trainer mainly in the area of corrective fitness and I have worked with hundreds of clients over a 10+ career span. I began my career in sales "to sell the idea of the importance of fitness".  However, I was interested in doing more that just selling an idea. So, I made a lateral move from sales to fitness instructor. I enjoy helping people and teaching about weight loss.

Krystal Knows: Where is Brooklyn Fit Lab?

Chadon Charles: It is located at 645 Sterling Place at the corner of Franklin Ave in the heart Crown Heights section of Brooklyn.

Note: This fitness space is located in the heart of Crown Heights but steps away from such destinations as the Brooklyn Museum, Botanical Gardens and Prospect Park.   Brooklyn Fit Lab is now open for all your fitness pleasures!!!

 

West Indian Kiddie Parade Today.......

At this very moment, the Kiddie Parade is traveling along Franklin Ae and heading over to cease at the Brooklyn Museum. This parade is amonst my favorite.  Many of the particpants are under the age of ten years old and dress up in Costome dance while the mobile DJ stations blast all the classic carribean tunes from various countries. 

Check out the footage and enjoy this weekend entire events scheduled that lead up the this years annual West Indian Day Parade.!!!!!!

Krystal Knows is back after a long break.....

A fantastic new bar called 739 Franklin ave at the corner of Sterling place

At this very moment this space is swirling with thirsty patrons and offers a live Jazz band!!!

Come on down and enjoy!!!!

Coney Island opens temporarly for spring break!!!!

Spring break is underway and the weather is going to be grand!!!

Check out the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island which opened several hours ago for Spring break.

The official opening is set for April 21, 2012.

Happy Easter everyone!!!!!

Lord & Whisper Skin Care is an amazaing spa expierence!!!!

About Lord & Whisper Skin Care:

Skin Care

A Lord & whisper facial will refresh and revive your skin leaving it silky smooth, clean and radiant. Our skin care services includes cleansing, toning, exfoliation, extractions, hydration and mask. An aromatherapy Décolleté massage completes this relaxing experience.

(from website) Services: 

Illuminating Hydrating Facial
This is the ultimate facial for skin experiencing dryness and dehydration. This illuminating facial will leave your skin with a bright glow.
50 min $130 *Maintenance Facial

Lactic Acid Facial
Perfect for excessive oily skin with break out conditions. Loosens and removes thesurface debris on the skin. This facial will help tame oil which will decrease break outs and leave the skin with a clean fresh feeling.
50 min $100

Skin Equalizing Facial
Extremely oily skin finally has an answer. Skin equalizing facial will help to restorethe skin’s natural acid mantle, and tighten pores. You will feel lighter, refreshed,and have instant glow.
50 min $100 *Maintenance Facial
The Radiant & Bright Facial
Excellent for all skin types. Vitamin C and regenerating anti-free radical agents an essential ingredient in helping the skin produce collagen and elastin. This facial willdeeply hydrate and give the skin a fresh moist look. This treatment is enriched withVitamin C to revitalize and stimulate sluggish skin and help minimize damage caused by sun and the elements. The skin is left feeling fresh and moist with a velvety texture.
50 min $130 *Maintenance Facial

Lord & whisper Clarifying Enzyme Exfoliant Facial
A quick pick me up clean and refreshing facial for someone on the go. Revive yourself with our very own clean and bright facial. Enjoy a cleanse, tone, steam, exfoliation, custom blended mask, and hydration. An aromatherapy Décolleté massage and a brown sugar scrub hot towel hand treatment completes this relaxing experience. (no extractions)
30 min $65

Specialty Treatments

Skin Rejuvenation - $600
To rejuvenate, rebalance and tighten the skin leaving a younger appearance and healthy glow. The use of Beta hydroxy acids increases collagen production by 300%. This intense treatment benefits all skin types. Skin rejuvenation leaves the skin looking younger. Gradual eliminating of scar tissue and lines. Stops damage and help the rebalance of the skin. Tightens the skin and promotes the skin to its fullest potential. Leaving the skin with a light healthy glow. Skin rejuvenation is an aggressive approach, which forces the skin to go through dramatic changes. It circulates new blood to the skin and increase oxygenation. Minimizes broken capillaries. All skin will benefit from this unique and dramatic process. This treatment will take you back in time with its spectacular results. Allowing the skin to function like it used to. This is the only process that can be used to renew the skin. Depending on the skin type, once a year maintenance is recommended.

Skin Rejuvenation $300
This is a perfect light peel to close and minimize pores. Excellent in the reduction for acne scars and excessive oily skin with break out tendencies.

Teen Facial - $65 /50min
This facial is designed for teens to help them with maintaining great skin and good skin care habbits. Deep pore cleansing facials are a must for those of you who suffer from breakouts and blackheads. This great and exciting facial is a complete facial which consists of cleanse, tone, steam, extraction, hydration, exfoliation, and a mask.

Flatiron Facials **Repair Facials

Lord & whisper Skin Care is using Collagen treatments as a "flatiron" to straighten out wrinkles, rebuild collagen and anti-oxidant benefits to help repair damaged skin.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - 50 min $130
~excellent anti-age repair facial for sun damaged and redness in the skin. Perfect for firming the eye and mouth area.
Wrinkles appear when skin loses its elasticity. This is due to decreased collagen production. While this process is natural and unavoidable as a part of our metabolism, free radicals interfere with collagen production and cause premature aging. Coenzyme Q10 has exceptionl antioxidant properties. CoQ10 will prevent damage to collagen and elastin production process and help you avoid wrinkles.

CoQ10 Vitamin C Collagen Facial - $140
Wrinkles and fine lines are a part of aging, but that doesn't mean anyone needs to see them. This is an instant firming facial with wonderful results. Collagen offers deep hydration to mature dry skin. L&w's Collagen facial is excellent to use before a special occasion. Our wonderful Collagen facial will leave your skin refreshed, calm and beautiful. It also helps to revive and freshen stressed, sensitive skin.

Red Wine Pomegranate Collagen Anti-Oxidant Facial - $140
~excellent repair facial for oily/acne skin
Concentrated Red Wine (full of phenolic compounds) is combined with Pomegranate to help detoxify and de-stress the skin. Soy-proteins, Hyaluronic Acid, Yeast and Chitosan deeply nourish and plump the skin to create fresh, healthy & younger looking skin. What a wonderful Anti-oxidant boosting facial for instant results. This facial fights free-radical which will help repair damaged skin and detoxify/destressed skin to create a relax and healthy look and feel.

Silver Collagen Facial - $140
• Strengthening Skin Immunity Function A silver ion having the effect of strengthening immunity within the body is absorbed in skin cell strengthening the immunity of skin itself that makes a healthy skin no matter how stressful by outside environment or make-ups.
• Moisture PreservationA silver ion's skin cell activation and the individual moisture preserving material (Hydroxyethyl Cellulose) of Cosil Pack makes a moisturized, elastic and beautiful skin.
• Pore ReductionBy an elimination of dirt in pores, make-up residues, and sebum control, it recovers the original function of pores, and with a constant use, it helps much in pore care & pore reduction through shrinkage and contraction.
• Function of WhiteningBy the elimination of waste in pores and make-up residues the Silver Collagen facial will smooth skin and control sebum. Silver Collagen makes skin clean and clear also aids of silver ion in blood circulation which enable the skin to be more vital and clear.

Gold Collagen Anti-Aging Facial - $150
This incredibly complex formula based facial is a hydrogel technology encompasses the best ingredients to help skin look younger, softer and plumper. With 24 Karat Gold flakes this facial is designed to change the electromagnetic field of the skin improving blood circulation to repair damaged cells. Gold and collagen is added to react with and stabilize the electrons found in the molecules of the skin—protecting them from the damages of free radicals. Gotu Kola, Bilberry and Echinacea are also added to rejuvenate the skin and leave it lively and more youthful looking. 24 Karat Gold is combined with these great ingredients for maximum results. This facial is created to stimulate blood circulation to repair and prevent damaged cells. This Gold Collagen facial delivers its nutrients deep below the skin, thereby fighting the underlying causes of facial wrinkles and aging skin. Not only does it help reduce the appearance of existing signs of aging, but also helps prevent future wrinkles from forming and restores a healthy and radiant complexion. Fight free radicals to protect skin for external environment. Great anti-aging facial which will improve skin elasticity and will Leave skin lively and youthful looking with a bright and radiant glow.

Side Dishes - Additions to any facial

$20~Eye Treatments Gold Eye Collagen Mask - Anti-Aging 24 Karat Gold is combined with other great ingredients for maximum results- Stimulates blood circulation to repair and prevent damaged cells- Excellent eye treatment to minimize puffiness and flakiness- Fight free radicals to protect skin for external environment- Great anti-aging product, it improves skin elasticity- Leaves skin lively and youthful looking.

$20 ~Eternal Decollete Firming Neck Treatment ~ An exciting and rejuvenating, lifting firming treatment for the neck and decollete. The skin in the bust and decollete are is thin and delicate. It shows signs of aging, sun damage, tone, elasticity,wrinkles,and stretch marks. Lord & whispers unique blend of natural oils and vitamin emollients combined with infused hot towel aromatherapy will firm, soften, tighten and give your decollete and youthful and radiant glow.
$30/30 Hot Towel aromatherapy foot scrub and massage.

Prices are subject to change without notice.


http://www.whisperskincare.com/

SWEETS by Sil..... is a tantalizing new baking company which offers cakes,cupcakes and breads !!!!

On one cold day, I was writing, drinking a cup of coffee and eating an amazaing slice of banana bread by Sweets by Sil....It was by chance that I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful women who bakes one of my favorite deserts. Our meeting was random as Sil was delivering her banana bread at my favorite coffee house called Breukelen Coffee.

As Sil entered the room the aroma engulfed it with hints of nutmeg, brown sugar and vanilla that caused some patrons to stop typing on their laptops or in my case stop writing in mid thought. After we exchanged numbers and I explained that I am a local blogger and interested in a writing piece on her baking. I was immediately invited for a tasting and then the indulging truly began.

Krystal Knows!!!: Do you have a background in baking?

SWEETS by Sil: I do not (warm smile)

Krystal Knows!!!: How did you get started in baking industry?

SWEETS by Sil: I worked as a recruiter for 11 years and loved the job and when the economy crises began there were less job and obese eventually laid off. One day I needed to make cup cakes for my daughters school. I learned that the cup cakes went quickly(devoured). I then began to play with the cup cake receipes and by trying different cup cake receipes and add different ingrediates.

Hungry?  Drop on by Breukelin Coffee shop along Franklin ave in BK and sample one of Sil's delightful treats!!!

Looking for a Yoga class? Check out Ms. Arianna Aquino!!!!!

Many of my friends often wonder how I hold down a full time job, write a food column, blog and at times provide publicitiy. I dont quite have an answer but I know that I need to relax more. So I heard about Arianna who is a amazaing Yoga instructor and litterly ran into her in my community and we chatted about her becoming a Yoga instructor.!!!

Krystal Knows!!!: When did you begin to study Yoga?

Arianna Aquino: I did an in depth study of Vinyasa (Flow combining breath and movement for energy and release) and Hatha (Stillness holding poses for strength and flexibility) Yoga training in College for 4 years as part of my BFA in Dance. After that I continued my training for 5 years by taking classes from various instructors. I feel it is important to stay updated and learn from others gaining not only more knowledge of yoga as a practice but adding variety and variations to my class.

KrystalKnows!!!: Why did you choose Yoga as a career?

Arianna Aquino: I have chosen Yoga as a practice and career due to it's physical as well as mental benefits. The focus of my classes are on the mind and body and how they correlate and respond to each other. In daily life our body responds to our thoughts and what occurs. Therefore in yoga by taking the focus to our body we can release and give the mind the opportunity to clear itself and create both inner peace and outer tranquility. Through Breath and Lengthening of the body we are able to bring life and release tension, strain, and stress. The things that drain the life out of us. And with Strength we are able to endure, carry, and uphold what life brings us with confidence, endurance, and power.

Krystal Knows!!!  Where do teach and practice Yoga?

Arianna Aquino: I currently teach and practice at various NYSC locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan. I also teach private clients as well as small groups.

For more information, contact Ms. Aquino at: musicaslife@hotmail.com

Dr. Wendy-Ann Olivier is a highly sought after plastic surgeon located in Brooklyn, NY

About Dr. Olivier: According to her website,
Dr. Olivier brings to her practice, superior professional training blended with artistic skills. Dr. Olivier works with her patients to enhance their beauty, providing both balance and rejuvenation.

Dr. Olivier is committed to providing her patients with individualized treatment plans to meet their special needs. She uses the latest techniques to give her patients a more youthful appearance.

She strives to not only enhance beauty, but to improve overall wellness. 

http://www.drwendyannolivier.com/wendyannoliviermd/bio/

One Girl Cookies in Brooklyn offers irresistible sweets and sugarholicts have taken note!!!

One Girl Cookies is a husband and wife team offering whoopie pies, cakes & cupcakes and cookies!!!

This quant shop is located in heart of Boreum Hill and has made such a sugar splash that sugarholicts and New York Magazine has taken note. This bakery will "whip up" made to order delights and offers stumptown coffee beans that should pair nicely with each of their treats.

So run on down to this bakery and cure that sugar crave!!!

http://www.onegirlcookies.com/stumptown-coffee/ http://nymag.com/restaurants/features/19384/

Want to take a Pilates class? Check out the amazing Kathryn Meany Buckley at Six Street Pilaties!!!!

About Kathryn Meany Buckley: Ms. Buckley found the Pilates Method as a mat class method and it grew from there. Mat certified with Kelly Kane. Kathryn Meany Buckley indicates that she was lucky to fall into the hands of extremely creative and inspired body workers and now “ she is happy to be a part of the Sixth Street Pilates Community”. In addition to her continuing g eduction, she utilizes her memories as a student to shape the tone and focus of her mat classes, hoping to return some of the many gifts the Pilates experience has given her." http://www.sixthstreetpilatesny.com/instructors.html

Gotham Girls Roller Derby vs. defending champion Brooklyn Bombshells game @ 8pm!!! Where? Tonight only at Hunter College!!!

About Gotham Girls Roller Derby According to the website: "Founded in 2003, and first bouting in 2004, Gotham Girls Roller Derby is New York City’s only all-female, do-it-yourself (DIY), skater-operated roller derby league. The league is comprised of strong, diverse, and independent women from the world's biggest, baddest city." Check out the website: http://www.gothamgirlsrollerderby.com/about

SmittenKitchen is a food blog that teaches "Fearless cooking from a tiny kitchen in New York City.

According to the website, The Writer, Cook, Photographer and Occasional Dishwasher: "Deb is the kind of person you might innocently ask what the difference is between summer and winter squash and she’ll go on for about twenty minutes before coming up for air to a cleared room and you soundly snoring. It’s taken some time, but she’s finally realized that there are people out there that might forgive her for such food, cooking and ingredient-obsessed blathering and possibly, even come back for more. In previous iterations of her so-called career, she’s been a record store shift supervisor, a scrawler of “happy birthday” on bakery cakes, an art therapist and a technology reporter. She likes her current gig – the one where she wakes up and cooks whatever she feels like that day – the best. When she’s not prattling on about galley and grub here, Deb is an occasional freelance writer and photographer. Deb likes bourbon, artichokes, things that taste like burnt sugar and baked goods with funny names. She is aghast that there are cooks who actually clean as they go, preferring to leave a bombed-out mess of dishes and a thin film of flour behind in her cooking wake." http://smittenkitchen.com/about/

AS WE SOW, a documentary, by Jan Weber

The documentary, by Jan Weber, AS WE SOW, opens on the desolate winter landscape of the central Iowa plains, and from the very first moments we know something is wrong. Farmhouses sit deserted in the middle of fields planted fencepost-to-fencepost with alternating acres of soybeans and corn; barnyards, where we expect to find chickens, hogs and cows - the staples of the "family farm" - are empty. Animals are inside now, confined in sleek computer-controlled industrial buildings that render the old red barn and the farmer obsolete.

AS WE SOW documents the stories of survival and failure in the real heartland, a struggle pitting family against family, neighbor against neighbor, citizens against their government, and small, independent farmers against the giants of global agribusiness. At the center is the land itself: who will control it and how, and at what cost to people and communities, to animals and the environment, and, ultimately to our democracy.

AS WE SOW is based on over 100 hours of location shooting and taped interviews with hog farmers and grain farmers, independent farmers and contract farmers; CEOs and large-scale livestock producers; grassroots activists, rural advocates, and environmentalists; town clerks and mayors; legislators and lobbyists; rural anthropologists, sociologists, economists, and educators. Through their voices, the documentary bears witness to the changes occurring across rural America and the powerful forces behind the dramatic and rapid transformation of the family farm to the factory farm.

www.aswesow.com

HAD Assoicate is a accounting firm located in Crown Heights!!!

HAD Associate provides a range of accounting services both during the tax season heights and year around. Its ongoing specialties include auditing, book keeping, and general accounting services. In addition it provides simple office services such as faxing and copying. http://franklinavenuemerchants.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/tax2.jpg

Casey Miller Consulting

This consulting firm offers over 10 yeas experience working in community organizing in New York City, with a deepo understanding of and commitment of human rights, international developement, grantmaking, social justice movements,migration and policy.

Casey Miller Cunsluting specializing in "Program Developement & Project Management REsearch, Writing & editing Monitoring & Evaluation Data Collection & Analysis Event Planning".

For more information visit:

www.caseymillerconsulting.com

Staci Rosen is the director of Concerning Learning Tutoring and Enrichment Center!!!

This learning center says" Get your noggin Joggin!" www.concerninglearning.com

Need child care? Call Joyces Joy Daycare in Brooklyn!!!

This daycare " offers a safe nuturing environment where you child will get the attention and care that he or she needs." Joyces Joy Daycare is state licensed as a home day ce faicility and have met or exceeded all health and safety guidelines. Every child will participate in developemntally appropriae activities throughtout the day such as Story Time, Puzzles and Games, Arts and Crats Music, Movement, Early Learning Activities and More. Joyces Joy Daycare tele no. is 347. 291.6447.

Garnett Alcindor founded Collective Concept PR

Social Media, Public Relations & Branding Solutions Collective Concept PR is a cutting edge group specializing in using social media outlets. We use social media to expose our client's products/services to the 21st century tech-savvy marketplace.

We distinguish ourselves from the rest by employing innovative approaches to new web and media presence using cutting edge Internet Marketing and valuing our client's needs.

With passion and creativity, Collective Concept PR seeks to facilitate a motivating connection between our clients and their customers. We are always on the lookout for fresh innovative ways to communicate with the public. We focus on creating a demand, as well as ongoing loyalty from the most critical audiences. With our unique approach to web and media, we are constantly thinking outside the box. Thoroughly understanding our client's goals and the economic climate in which they operate allows us to pinpoint a clear path to success. Now that we've broken the ice, feel free to call us by our nickname CCPR.

About Garnett Alcindor
In 2008, Garnett Alcindor founded Collective Concept PR, of which she is the PR Director. Based in Brooklyn, this public relations company specializes in social media, branding clients for web-based marketing and educating the public about the importance of the web. While closely following the Presidential campaign in 2008, Garnett became increasingly interested in the power and necessity of the internet. Convinced of the phenomenal impact of social media, she has since transformed her PR work from that of a traditional, paper based company to one that is cost effective, far-reaching, and has a less negative impact on the environment. Using social media to convey her client’s messages, her PR work is targeted to create a significant buzz and raise awareness across sectors about her client’s products and services.

Ms. Alcindor is the founder of Social Media for Kids.

http://collectiveconceptpr.com/about.html

http://www.socialmediaforkids.com/?page_id=13

Sue Simmons news anchor for nearly thirty years......

According to WNBC's webite, Sue Simmons is co-anchor of the “News 4 New York” 6PM and 11PM newscasts. A veteran New York television journalist, Simmons recently celebrated her 28th anniversary as a member of the WNBC family.

Simmons and co-anchor Chuck Scarborough were named New York’s top anchor team by the New York Daily News in 2003. Simmons and Scarborough celebrated their 28th anniversary as an on-air anchor team at WNBC in January 2008.

In addition to her anchoring responsibilities, Simmons has hosted many of NBC4’s specials including “The Amazin’ Shea” which paid tribute to the stadium that has been home to the Mets and numerous historical events over the past 44 years; a special that commemorated the 100th anniversary of the New York City subway system; the TriBeCa Film Festival; coverage of the Puerto Rican Day Parade; and the New York City Marathon. She also hosted the nationally-syndicated program "Images: A Year in Review.”

Simmons joined WNBC in 1980 from WRC-TV, the NBC-owned station in Washington, D.C., where she was a correspondent/anchor from 1976-1980. Highlights of her reporting there include coverage of the aftermath of the assassination of Chilean statesman Orlando Letelier, and a series of stories on the status of special education in the public school system.

Simmons was the first correspondent to interview the Hanafi Muslims who seized several Washington buildings shortly after the 1979 takeover of the U.S. embassy in Teheran.

While at WRC-TV, Simmons was one of the few reporters to interview Mrs. Walter Mondale while her husband was Vice-President. She also hosted two public affairs series, one of which was devoted to women's issues.

Simmons began her broadcasting career in 1972 as a correspondent for WTNH-TV in New Haven, Connecticut. While there, she hosted a community affairs series and served as the station's action reporter resolving a variety of consumer complaints.

Simmons joined WBAL-TV in Baltimore, Md., in 1974 as a correspondent. Simmons later became the station's primary anchor and host of its acclaimed news magazine program, "Baltimore At One,” which evolved into “Live at Five” on WNBC in New York.

Honored multiple times for outstanding journalism, Simmons is the recipient of four Emmy awards. Additionally, in 1981, she was presented with an award for "Outstanding Performance By A News Commentator" by Barnabus McHenry, Vice-Chairman of The President's Task Force on the Arts and Humanities.

A native New Yorker, Simmons is the daughter of the late John Simmons, a renowned jazz bassist whose collaborators included Louis Armstrong, Art Tatum, John Coltrane, Billie Holliday, Benny Goodman and Nat King Cole.

Simmons resides in New York City.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/about-us/Sue_Simmons.html

The Avon Foundation for Women's philanthropy has donated close to $900 million for "causes most important to women"

The Avon Foundation for Women, the world’s largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. By the end of 2011, Avon global philanthropy had donated more than $860 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses its funding on breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Avon also responds generously to provide support for relief and recovery efforts in times of major natural disasters and emergencies.

http://www.avoncompany.com/corporatecitizenship/avonfoundation.html

Victoria Cornona McEntee family began brewing a beer in Mexico called Corona

It was indicated on Wiki that Victoria Corona McEntee, was the daughter of a prominent Mexican General and an Irish immigrant. After her marriage with a Cuban national she moved to cuba where the Corona beer was first brew with a recipe that was past down to her from her maternal grandfather. The beer was not made with the intention of creating a business but rather for personal use. Little by little it begin to grow in popularity among the neighbors who begin asking Victoria to brew some of the delicious beer for parties and celebrations.

For unknown reasons the family moved back to Mexico and the recipe and the beer came with them. Withing a short period of time the popularity of Victoria's beer grew once again but this time in her home country. The beer was never bottled or distributed by her, until its popularity reach some one in the 'Grupo Modelo" who after a long and persisting effort convinced Victoria to sale them the recipe. It was then that Corona beer was first bottled and distributed, first in the fat and short bottle and then as we know it today.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_invented_Corona_beer

The Mega Millions jackpot is now up to $640 according to Yahoo news!!!

According to Yahoo news it stated "The Mega Millions jackpot is now up to $640 million, an all-time record. The drawing occurs Friday, and the lines to procure tickets are growing longer as people across the country daydream about becoming filthy rich overnight. Not to be party poopers, but the odds of winning are around 1 in 176 million."

Good luck to every ticket holder!!!

In need of a Graphic Designer on the fly? R.Abbott is the answer!!!

I was introduced to this wonderful designer a few years back, however recently her work is popping up all over town. So I tracked down this artist and she shared a thing or two about her work.


Krystal Knows!!!: Do you have a background in graphic design?

R.Abbott Designs:My background is in digital imaging, animation, and theatre costume design. It's actually funny, because when I began formulating my artistic identity in college (as cliche as that sounds...) I was positive that I did not want to be a graphic designer. At the time I felt that doing commercial artwork was selling out. So I took no classes in graphic design at all. I gained my technical knowledge through my photo editing classes, and eventually when I started working in advertising I realized that I was a pretty skilled designer. Working for that agency taught me the most about creating compelling images, and also about the in's and out's of the creative industry. I guess I still feel that graphic design is selling out, but I suppose I'm more comfortable selling out this skill than some of my others. Like, I don't think I would be happy being a professional crocheter, as much as I love doing it. But, everyone is a sell out on some level.

Krystal Knows!!!: Why is graphic design your passion?

R.Abbott Designs:I guess I wouldn't really call graphic design my passion. I love being a creative person. I love composition theory. I love thinking about the people who see my work. But, I feel I am destined for something beyond print design. Right now I am waiting to hear back about grad school (fingers crossed!), where I hope to gain more technical skills in a new wave of media technology. I'm interested in leaping into the world of interactivity, bridging the gap between the screen and the real world. I'm also interested in taking this new knowledge to promote better public media education. At this point in history every 10 year old in the country should understand how to use a video camera, edit a video, and share it with the world. I believe this goal is my passion.

Krystal Knows!!!: Are you planning on starting your own graphic design boutique?

R.Abbott Designs:In a way I am my own company right now. I call myself R.Abbott Design (I know, not very original... but it works). I'm working on developing a more formal structure for myself as a company. Eventually it would be really nice to work in a space with other freelancers, just as other breathing beings to make jokes with and force you to eat something once in a while. I enjoy doing my work alone for now, as it allows me to be more flexible and build my portfolio, but I could certainly foresee a partnership down the road.


Krystal Knows!!!: What is your favorite aspect of graphic design?

R.Abbott Designs: I have two favorite things about graphic design. The first is the process of finding inspiration from the goal of the project. (Maybe that is too cryptic). I think a lot of about the audience of any piece that I create. It's amazing the ideas that will come to you when you attempt to put yourself in the place of a person who may want a certain product. Sometimes I'll literally try to imaging being that person, and look at my design and gauge my emotions. I also do a lot of research. I've never been a 40 year old man before so I have to read a little to get a sense of that state of mind.

My second favorite aspect of graphic design is that feeling when you finally make the client happy. Most design projects can drag on a lot longer than you expected that they would. You have to change little details, or they aren't sure they like the color, or they want to go back to version two and change the font. It can be really exhausting but when they finally look at it and can't see anything wrong... then you won... then you get paid.

Visit her website and view her portfolio at: http://www.wix.com/rheannaabbott/portfolio

Zoe Yadira Saldana is a former ballerina turned actress!!

Zoë Yadira Saldana was born June 19, 1978 in Passaic NJ to a Puerto

Rican mother and Dominican father. Her family relocated to the Dominican

Republic when she was ten years old. There she practiced ballet at one

of the most pretigious dance schools in the country. Saldana returned

to New York at age 17, where she began involving herself in theatre

groups such as Faces and the New York YouthTheatre. Her ballet

training helped land her first on screen part as Eva in the dance film,

Center Stage (2000). The actress’ career continued to flourish

with roles in Pirates of The Caribbean: The Curse of the Black

Pearl (2003) with Johnny Depp, The Terminal (2004) starring

Tom Hanks, and Guess Who (2005) opposite Ashton Kutcher.

Saldana continues to act and model with editorial features in Elle,

Vanity Fair, V, GQ Italia, Glamour, and Nylon.

http://zoesaldana.com/about-zoe/

Grace Jones, former model turned singer and now is a actress.

Jones started out as a model and became a muse to Andy Warhol, who photographed her extensively.During that era she regularly went to the New York City nightclub Studio 54. Jones secured a record deal with Island Records in 1977, which resulted in a string of dance-club hits. In the late 1970s, she adapted the emerging electronic music style and adopted a severe, androgynous look with square-cut hair and angular, padded clothes. Many of her the singles were hits on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play and Hot Dance Airplay charts, for example 1981 "Pull Up to the Bumper", which spent seven weeks at #2 on the U.S. dance chart. Jones was able to find mainstream success in Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, scoring a number of Top 40 entries on the UK Singles Chart. Her most notable albums are Warm Leatherette, Nightclubbing and Slave to the Rhythm, while her biggest hits (other than "Pull Up to the Bumper") are "I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango)", "Private Life", "Slave to the Rhythm" and "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)".

Jones is also an actress. Her acting occasionally overshadowed her musical output in America; but not in Europe, where her profile as a recording artist was much higher. She appeared in some low-budget films in the 1970s and early 1980s. Her work as an actress in mainstream film began in the 1984 fantasy-action film Conan the Destroyer alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the 1985 James Bond movie A View to a Kill. In 1986 she played a vampire in Vamp, and both acted in and contributed a song to the 1992 film Boomerang with Eddie Murphy. In 2001, she appeared in Wolf Girl alongside Tim Curry.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Jones

http://www.theworldofgracejones.com/4000.html

FiveMyles located in Crown Heights is a exhibition and performances space to art and film festivals such as The Crown Heigths Film Festival

FiveMyles which is located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It is an exhibition and performance space where art and community connect.


FiveMyles was founded and incorporated as a non-profit in 1999. Our mission is to advance public interest in innovative experimental work; to identify and exhibit the work of under-represented artists, and to engage the local community through participation in the arts.


Exhibitions and Performances

Place, personal vision, politics, identity and experimentation are an integral part of the programming at FiveMyles. Exhibitions are often inspired by art rooted in non-Western cultures. Recent shows have included photography from East Africa, contemporary Native and Caribbean art, and an East Asian installation project. FiveMyles focuses on giving emerging, merited artists the opporunity to present their work in solo exhibitions. The New York Times, Village Voice, Artnews, Art in America, and other press have given FiveMyles laudatory reviews for its exhibitions, and in 2000 FiveMyles received an OBIE award for "presenting magnificent contemporary performance work."


The Space Program

Between scheduled exhibitions and during the summer months when the gallery is temporarily empty, the space is used by musicians, artists, performers and by the local community. This opportunity often results in exciting impromptu as well as carefully planned events: iSintu's commemoration of the 1976 Soweto Uprisings, bi-weekly rehearsals by Djarara, a traditional Haitian marching band, performances by the Diamonds Forever summer dance program, and our annual St. Johns Place on Stage barbecue and performance fest, now in it's 9th year.


Artist Residency

Five years ago we established a summer residency, inviting artists to FiveMyles who can create work in the gallery with the spontaneous participation of the neighborhood. This program offers the artists time and space to work out new ideas in an unconventional setting and, at the same time, engages the community in a hands-on relationship with the arts. Often the work produced during the residency program is turned into an end-of-the-summer exhibition at FiveMyles, and in the past has included a sculpture installation with found objects, a dance photography workshop and a lively exhibition of painted T-shirts.

http://www.fivemyles.org/about/

Latoya Fraiser is a Photograher. Her recent work has been included in the 2012 Whitney Biennial

LaToya Ruby Frazier was born and raised in Braddock, Pennsylvania. She earned a BFA in applied media arts at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2004, and a MFA in art photography from Syracuse University in 2007. She recently completed the Whitney Museum of American Art Independent Study Program. Her photographs and videos examine and re-define the impact of America's industrial revolution.

Frazier's work has been written about in The New York Times, The New Yorker, ArtForum, Artnet, Art Papers, Art Info, Art in America,The Brooklyn Rail, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The Village Voice.

Her work has been shown in museums and galleries in New York City including P.S.1 MOMA Greater New York, the New Museum of Contemporary Art Younger Than Jesus, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, Living and Dreaming, the Museum of the City of New York, Moveable Feast and at the Andy Warhol Museum's first Pittsburgh Biennial, Gertrude's /Lot. Her first solo-museum show Mother May I was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit in 2010. Frazier's work has been exhibited internationally at the 2011 Incheon Women Artist's Biennale, Incheon Korea, in Commercial Break, Garage Projects, Venice Italy and at the Michel Rein Gallery in Paris. Currently LaToya is a featured artist in the new Art 21 online documentary series New York Close Up. She is also included in the 2012 Whitney Biennial.

She is the Associate Curator for the Mason Gross Galleries in the Department for Visual Arts where she also teaches photography in the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, New Brunswick NJ.

http://www.latoyarubyfrazier.com/

http://whitney.org/Exhibitions/2012Biennial

Erin Gleason is an artist, designer, curator and co-director of the Crown Heigths Film Festival!!!!

Who is Ms. Erin Gleason?

Erin Gleason is an artist, designer, and curator based in Brooklyn, NY. Her multi-media work examines the interrelationships between sets of conditions and activity, focusing primarily on architecture, urbanism, politics, and socio-economic structures. Her installations, drawings, sculptures and films have been shown in the US and internationally, including FiveMyles Gallery, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, The Pier Art Center, and Shetland Museum and Archives.

She has created works for numerous public sites, recently winning a public art commission from the Arts & Theatres Trust for Abbeyview Park in Scotland. She is co-editor, author and designer of the publication FIELDWORK (ASN Mutual Press), co-director and curator of the Crown Heights Film Festival, and recipient of the Russell Trust Award for research in Greenland. Erin studied Fine Art, Imaging Science and Anthropology at University of Pennsylvania, and received her MFA in the Art/Space/Nature Program at Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh.


http://eringleason.com/home.html

Judith Jameson american dancer, former artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Company and author!!!

Judith Jamison is and will remain my favorite dancer. While growing up in the Bronx, my grandmother would turn the channel(yes turn a knob)whenever this american born dancer would perform. One of the best performances I watched,is the PBS “Great Performances: Dance In America” special, “A Hymn for Alvin Ailey.” All I can remember is her on the stage. During her performance, her perfect yet complicated dance positions quickly loosened into twirls and leaps that flored the audience.

Ms. Jamison is noted for her chrography, artistic directoring and an author of her autobiography, Dancing Spirit, 1993. Ms. Jamison’s was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors(1999) and the National Medal of Arts (2001).

http://www.alvinailey.org/about/people/judith-jamison

Ellen Stewart opened La MaMa in 1961 and it still remains an amazing theatre space!!!!

Ellen Stewart's La MaMa art space was once a basement coffee house in 1961 to showcase theatre.

Shortly after it's opening, La MaMa quickly emerged into an theatre company which according to the website " La MaMa is the place where emerging artists learn from established artists and where artists from around the globe share work and ideas."

Such great talent as Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro and Diane Lane, just to name a few, have performed at this space.

http://lamama.org/about/mission-and-history/

Restaurant week-Dine in Brooklyn kicks off on March 19-29, 2012

Do you love restaurant week?

Well at last, during the week of March 19-29, 2012, foodies have the opportunity to grab brunch for 2, for 20.12, lunch for 20.12 and/or dinner for $25.00 in Brooklyn.

Hope to see you at one of these delightful eateries!!!

For a list of participating restaurants,
visit: http://www.visitbrooklyn.org/pdf/DIB_2012.pdf

Bonn Appetite...

March is Womens's Month !!!!!

March is Women's Month!!!!

During this month, I will provide my readers with news of extraordinary women who own and/or operate fantastic iconic business's and new companies that are under the radar.

New Orleans Mourning

Check out this special event tonight at 6pm.

Stop by 555 Washington ave suite 1k in Brooklyn.

Vegan African Buffet and Mixer at Lily & Fig II in Crown Heights today @ 6pm

Are you looking for some great Vegan fare while tapping your feet to some smooth grooves by DJ?

If the answer is yes, then stop on by this mixer geared "for progressive Urbanites" which kicks off at 6pm.

This Is a Soul Kofa Soirée event!!!

See ya there......

Lily and Fig II is located at 727 Franklin ave corner of Sterling Place....

Only today, City Crab in Manhattan is offering Happy Hour for Presidents day!!!

An all day happy hour, featuring half prices on this restaurants appetizers, oysters, clams, cocktails, wine and beer has officially started!!!

Bon Appettite

New York Giants Victory leads to Ticker-Tape parade!!!

Giants fans are beginning to line the streets of Broadway, in the Financial district, awaiting the kick off of the parade that begins at 11 a.m.. This highly anticipated event which expects as Meto New York indicates" as many as 1 million people" begins at Broadway near Battery Place and travels along Broadway bypassing Liberty Street and Fulton Street. This parade will end at Worth Street.

This event is free for all!!!!

Congrats to our darling New York Giants team!!!

Bella Greens Salad Bar has opened today on Jan 1, 2012

Franklin Ave is in a frenzy over its newest eatery which is the Bella Greens Salad Bar.

As you enter this quaint space, it is cozy due to the exposed brick yet quite fancy with several chandelier fixtures. After glancing the overhead board, each patron has the option to "create his or her own salad" with a choice of baby spinach, mixed greens, spring mix or sample a speciality salad. Bella offers a large selection of toppings such as chicken, shrimp, banana peppers, crumbled blue cheese, artichoke hearts, black or green olives, and baby corn just to name a few.

Once salad size is selected, the toppings are added and delicately mixed with either olive oil, vinaigrette or a creamy (ranch or caesar) style dressing. To my surprise there are several speciality salads on the menu,so I sampled the large Genovese. This salad is stuffed with small baby spinach, large soft walnuts, black olives, goat cheese and paired with a balsamic dressing. It was filling and gave me a quick boost of energy!

So why wait to get started on a health kick? Instead slide on over to Crown Height's and visit Bella Greens Salad Bar. This spot is the only one within a one mile radius of the surrounding neighborhoods of Park Slope and Prospect Heights yet steps away from the Brooklyn Museum, Botanical Garden and Grand Army Plaza library.

Bella Greens Salad Bar is located at 717 Franklin ave, corner of Park Place, Brooklyn, NY. This week it will be open from 10am to 10pm.