Embrace Winter with Warm Scents from Good Candle

Lighting a Good Candle is excellent protection against winter dreariness.
When we head outside in the winter we bundle on the layers–hats, coats, scarves, gloves and sweaters–to keep the cold bite at bay. Think of the illumination and warms scents from Good Candle as a way to bundle up inside. For those months when it’s dark when you wake up and dark when you come home, lighting one of their hand-poured, Brooklyn-made candles to fill your apartment with the memory of a summer campfire, the tang of a Sunday morning mimosa, or thrill crisp thrill of spruce needles, may just transform winter into a cozy delight.
Would you care for a quarter pound of Campfire?
Good Candles are made in Crown Heights, using American-grown soy wax and high-quality essential and fragrance oils, and they come in three sizes–quarter pound ($16), half pound ($25) and pound ($30). Their gorgeously evocative fragrances include holiday appropriate options like… Read More

The post Embrace Winter with Warm Scents from Good Candle appeared first on Brooklyn Based.

from Brooklyn Based » »Brooklyn Based http://ift.tt/1IzV8uR
via IFTTT

Mekelburg’s: An Epic Foodie Playground Opens on a Sleepy Clinton Hill Street

Taking baked potatoes to a whole new level. Photo: Mekelburg’s
The garden level of a red-brick residential building on quiet Grand Street in Clinton Hill is the unlikely home to one of Brooklyn’s tastiest, and most under-the-radar new eateries. Set back from the street and down a short flight of stairs, Mekelburg’s is about as unsuspecting as it gets–if you do happen to notice it from the street, it doesn’t come off as much more than a fancy bodega.
“Some days we have people who live across the street coming in and saying, ‘I never realized you were here,’” says Alicia Mekelburg, who opened the new spot with her husband Daniel this summer. “Then we also have people from Manhattan coming out here and asking ‘Is this the place with the potato?’”
We’ll get to the potato shortly.
The couple founded the NY Bite Club underground dinner party series nearly a decade ago, well before every New… Read More

The post Mekelburg’s: An Epic Foodie Playground Opens on a Sleepy Clinton Hill Street appeared first on Brooklyn Based.

from Brooklyn Based » »Brooklyn Based http://ift.tt/1OKOSSa
via IFTTT

Five Classes and Makerspaces for Your Budding Roboticist

If you’ve ever been to the annual Maker Faire at the New York Hall of Science, you know that makerspaces provide enriching, interactive learning environments for kids. But this buzzworthy term, which is associated with STEM-based learning (or STEAM if you’re feeling artsy), and hands-on experiences for kids to create things collaboratively, is becoming more commonplace as after-school classes for “makers” and robotics pop up around Brooklyn. 
But are these classes fun? And what are the kids making exactly? If you’ve wondered whether your child would enjoy tinkering, we’ve broken down some of the best introductory classes for your young maker.
This four session class teaches kids how to build a real computer. Photo: Raspberry Heights
Raspberry Heights
“If your child (age 6-11) has an interest in electronics, programming or making with technology, they are ready to begin in the Raspberry Heights Workshop,” according to owner, Ron Callahan. Unlike other computer classes, this four session class… Read More

The post Five Classes and Makerspaces for Your Budding Roboticist appeared first on Brooklyn Based.

from Brooklyn Based » »Brooklyn Based http://ift.tt/1TpNGmo
via IFTTT

Treasures from the Deep: Gowanus Souvenir Shop

For that urban explorer in your life, the one who is drawn to places like the Gowanus Canal for its ability to spawn three-eyed catfish, there is now the Gowanus Souvenir Shop. Many of the artworks and wares in this shop/exhibition space are inspired by the neighborhood’s toxic past and the canal’s natural rebirth, with the kind of tongue-in-cheek humor you would expect from a place that glorifies a Superfund site. But you’ll also find Brooklyn-made home and beauty goods that simply make eye-catching gifts.
They do have a knack, though, for finding charm in the most unusual of places. This Sunday, Dec. 6, for instance, there is a book launch party for Some Signs by Michael Levin, a limited edition monograph featuring his photographs of “metaphorically sequenced signs of 33 Gowanus businesses,” published by Gowanus Souvenir Shop. And on Wednesday, Dec. 10, the space is hosting a release party for these faux horror movie posters inspired… Read More

The post Treasures from the Deep: Gowanus Souvenir Shop appeared first on Brooklyn Based.

from Brooklyn Based » »Brooklyn Based http://ift.tt/1Rtpt01
via IFTTT

Personalized Portraits for People Who Love Your Kids

It’s possible to personalize your holiday gift list, without too much stress on your life or your bank account. Photo: Caitlin Rain
This time of year can be stressful and although we may have high hopes for unique gift ideas, it’s easy to fall back on boring last minute purchases. There’s so many great gift fairs and pop up shops to choose from, but it may be impossible to find the time to get there. Don’t despair. If your holiday shopping list is full of grandparents and other family members who would appreciate seeing more of your kids, here are some personalized suggestions that go beyond the quick (but efficient) iPhoto album.
A watercolor portrait of your children by artist Aki Kano is worth 1000 words, but only costs $125 dollars. Photo: Ground Floor Gallery
Custom Watercolor Portraits
As part of Park Slope’s Ground Floor Gallery’s holiday show, entitled #newcollectorbk, local artist Aki Kano… Read More

The post Personalized Portraits for People Who Love Your Kids appeared first on Brooklyn Based.

from Brooklyn Based » »Brooklyn Based http://ift.tt/1NuEcGl
via IFTTT

10 Culture Essentials for December

In December it’s easy to forget that there’s more to life than the next holiday party, plate of cookies or nostalgia-driven viewing of A Charlie Brown Christmas or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. There’s a whole of host of cultural delights out there this month, including a spectacular new show at MoMA, live theater, must-see movies–and a chance to view some major releases you may have missed on the big screen. There’s even some excellent new television to watch once you’re all partied out.

10. Can we all agree that Judith Light is the under-the-radar, secret star of Transparent? From the high WASP camp of playing Angela opposite Tony Danza on Who’s the Boss, to her occasional guest spots on Law & Order SVU as no-nonsense judge, Liz Donnelly, Light is always a pleasure, and never more so than as the Pfefferman matriarch on Transparent. The second season of Amazon’s break out, boundary-pushing family dramedy returns on Dec. 4, (just in time to help… Read More

The post 10 Culture Essentials for December appeared first on Brooklyn Based.

from Brooklyn Based » »Brooklyn Based http://ift.tt/1IGlMgo
via IFTTT

Brooklyn ARTery: Artisan Gifts for Your Hard-to-Shop-For Family

Sponsored By Brooklyn ARTery. Brooklyn ARTery offers one-of-a kind, affordable and fine quality handmade merchandise from local artists and fair trade artisans worldwide. Created By BlankSlate
Shopping for family members can be hard. Who knows what to get your grandparents, or your teenaged niece? Luckily for you, Brooklyn ARTery—”the place to find a gift for the person who has everything”—sells fine handmade goods from artisans worldwide. In their Cortelyou Road shop you’ll find jewelry, home decor, bath & body products, artisanal foods, cards, toys, games, scarves, accessories, and more. 

A lot of their items are Brooklyn-made products, including quite a few from artists in the neighborhood. The store is stocked with a wide selection of holiday gifts, stocking stuffers, and ornaments for all ages. You can also create a custom gift box with delicious Brooklyn-made treats or beauty products—gift boxes ship throughout the US and Canada.

If you’re worried about running out of time, you’ll be glad to know that Brooklyn ARTery’s holiday hours are extended… Read More

The post Brooklyn ARTery: Artisan Gifts for Your Hard-to-Shop-For Family appeared first on Brooklyn Based.

from Brooklyn Based » »Brooklyn Based http://ift.tt/1jAKE2l
via IFTTT

Your Ideal Week: Dec. 2 – Dec. 9

Book lovers should head to the fourth annual Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair on Saturday for rare and out-of-print reads to gift. Photo: Honey and Wax Booksellers
We’re in the home stretch, the last month of 2015, and you probably have a lot of nights blocked off already for holiday parties and get-togethers. For all the open spots on your calendar, we’ve got some good ways to fill the days ahead.
Yesterday was “Giving Tuesday,” but today the Big Brooklyn Toy Drive begins in earnest with bins spread through North Brooklyn, Dumbo and one Park Slope locale. Fill them with new, wrapped toys for kids ages 2-13 who will truly appreciate them. Be sure to read through all the perks involved, like free East River Ferry tickets, and a food-and-booze filled party on Dec. 16, the last day to donate presents.
If you’re shopping for a bibliophile this season, the Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair, filled with… Read More

The post Your Ideal Week: Dec. 2 – Dec. 9 appeared first on Brooklyn Based.

from Brooklyn Based » »Brooklyn Based http://ift.tt/1QeN0Rn
via IFTTT

The New Artrider Craft Show Comes to the Brooklyn Expo Center this Weekend, December 4-6

Sponsored By Artrider’s CraftBrooklyn. CraftBrooklyn is a one-of-a-kind craft show and sale that features 100 makers from around the country. Created By BlankSlate
Meet 100 of the most talented fine craft makers in the country and shop for handmade goods at the new CraftBrooklyn this weekend. You’ll be able to find one-of-a-kind and limited edition creations of contemporary ceramics, furniture, fashion, steel sculpture, blown glass, home furnishings, painting, photography, and more. CraftBrooklyn takes place at the Brooklyn Expo Center this weekend with a special preview party Friday starting at 4 p.m.
… Read More

The post The New Artrider Craft Show Comes to the Brooklyn Expo Center this Weekend, December 4-6 appeared first on Brooklyn Based.

from Brooklyn Based » »Brooklyn Based http://ift.tt/1XHlaOi
via IFTTT

Brooklyn-Made Bling: Lady J+1

Your kick-ass lady friend could use some new arm candy, and Lady J+1 has bold bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings destined to become her 2016 statement pieces. (Or yours!) All are made in Crown Heights by award-winning designer Jessica D’Amico, who exclusively carries Lady J Jewelry Designs at her indie artisan boutique and online at ladyjjewelry.com. Pictured here is a selection of her newest and hottest pieces for the holidays, including the Globus Cruciger necklace, a powerful design resurrected from the Middle Ages; a bold Moss Agate ring; the perfect pair of onyx studs; and the eye-catching Diaconicon Midi ring. 
Lady J+1 offers more than just D’Amico’s adornments–it also stocks Brooklyn’s best independent fashion designers like Apparel by Mary Meyer, Samantha Pleet, Family Affairs, Alex Creates and more; indie bath and body products by Cirque Nail Color, Morphologically, Apotheke and Goldie’s; art and home goods from Jonathan Castro Ceramics, SKT Ceramics and Owen &… Read More

The post Brooklyn-Made Bling: Lady J+1 appeared first on Brooklyn Based.

from Brooklyn Based » »Brooklyn Based http://ift.tt/1No8OFh
via IFTTT