Renegade Craft Fair

I honestly can not wait for this year's Renegade Craft Fair!  I attended the fair last in the summer of 2009 - I loved it so much I went two days in a row.

You might be thinking, "Not another street fair...," but goods sold here are definitely top-tier.  The fair will take place outside in McCarren Park and is free to attend.  Hundreds of artists (click here for a list of vendors) will sell handmade goods and artworks, each passionate and eager to answer questions about the pieces they have on display.  Last time, I purchased a handmade t-shirt, a tote for my mom, hand-printed coasters and earrings for a friend. 

In addition to browsing all of the inspiring crafts, you will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops to make your own gift wrap, bags, accessories and more.

Although you can pick up some snacks from Hecho en Casa, Urban Rustic and Joyride's coffee bar at the fair you may want to walk over to Peter Pan Bakery for a doughnut to start your day.

Hopefully I will see you at the fair!

Renegade Craft Fair - Brooklyn
Date: June 11 and 12, 2011
Time: 11am - 7pm
Location: McCarren Park (map)

For more information visit the Fair's blog, Facebook and Twitter.

International Pillow Fight!!!

2011 International Pillow Fight Day in NYC!!!

Source: NYC<3NYC on Flickr.com

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2011
Time: 3:00pm
Location: Union Square, E. 14th St. & Broadway

Rules:

• Soft, feather-free pillows only!
• Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once.
• Do not swing at people without pillows or with cameras.
• Remove glasses beforehand!
• Deposit pillows in donation boxes or take them with you.
• Pajamas welcome.

After the fight, pillows will be collected and donated to a no-kill animal shelter to make bedding for rescued dogs and cats.


An after party will be held - WHACK! @ Hiro Ballroom: Facebook / Reduced cover

Check out Pillow Fight Day 2011 to see where all the fights are taking place around the world.

Today is the Chinese New Year!

Source: gotohoroscope.com

Since the Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, the date changes every year and this year it falls on Thursday, February 3 - TODAY - so get ready for the year of the Rabbit!   I wonder if anyone will give me a red envelope with a penny this year?  In elementary school, we were always sure to receive one for good luck from Mrs. Lum.

In New York, the Chinese New Year means the annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival.  If you have never been expect: colorful floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dances, musicians, magicians and acrobats (to name a few).  The parade winds through the entirety of Chinatown, starting at Mott Street and ends at Worth Street.  After the parade there will be an outdoor cultural festival on Bayard Street with more musicians, dancers and martial artists.

Source: watersideplaza.com

12th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
Date: Sunday, February 6, 2011
Time: 11:30am - 4:00pm
Location: Canal Street South (map)

Looking for a place to eat after the parade?
Check out: Grub Street's breakdown of where to celebrate the year of the Rabbit
and Refinery29's 8 Mouthwatering Chinese Restaurants


Still need more to do downtown before the Superbowl this Sunday?
Head a little further south for some Freeze-Tag (and other childhood games) literally on Wall Street!!!
(map)

Hot Chocolate Festival!

Yes, you read the title right, today I am talking about The City Bakery's highly anticipated Hot Chocolate Festival.  Now only five days away, anyone who has participated in this annual event during the full month of February, is probably squirming with excitement by just imaging the creamy flavors of hot chocolate that await.

Check out the calendar of flavors:

source: www.hotchocolatefestival.com

Now, this is not a festival in the traditional sense, but more a festival of flavors.  The City Bakery remains the same (aside from the daily line of people waiting for hot chocolate) and their hot chocolate flavors ($4 - $5 per cup, well worth it!) simply rotate for the entire month of February, however, you can always get their traditional hot chocolate if one of the daily festival flavors does not interest you.  A quick tip - definitely add one of their cloud-like homemade marshmallows ($1) to any hot chocolate you choose.  Also, you must try one of their chocolate chip cookies or pretzel croissants to top off your festival experience (stop by right before close and they hand out two for one baked goods).

source: www.davidlebovitz.com

What flavor are you going to try?

The City Bakery (map)
3 West 18th Street
Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30am-7pm
Sat 8am-7pm
Sun 10am-6pm