Week of May 18 - May 23, 2010

MENS HAIR
Style like a Sports Star
Get sports star hair! Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his rugged side on the field, but when he goes out his sleek style makes him a magnet to the ladies. To achieve his distinctive cut, a clean, non-flaking gel like got2b’s magnetik, $5.95, is a must. Plus, it has pheremones which are sure to bring your game up to par with Ronaldo’s.





EVENTS
This Wednesday, May 17, Jellybean Benitez encourages you to "Feel The Spirit" at Water TaxiBeach at the Sout Street Seaport. The vibe begins @ 8PM ...until ...it ends! Enjoy house music by resident DJ Jellybean Benitez along with very special guest DJ Tony Smith

General Admission: $10.00
Advance Tickets: To Guarantee entrance, purchase your tickets online at: http://www.wantickets.com?e_id=112590





SAMPLE SALE
One of Jessica Alba’s favorite denim brands is James Jeans - Dry Aged Denim. Right now the label is gearing up for a sample sale. Take note of the dates now so you can get there early to see if you can snag a pair of Jessica’s favorite style the James Jeans Twiggy Jean.

James Jeans Sample Sale!
Tuesday, May 25th---- 9:00 am-7:30pm
Wednesday, May 26th---10:00am-5:30pm
Thursday, May 27th----9:00am-7:30pm
Friday, May 28th----10am-2pm
James Jeans - Dry Aged Denim
500 Greenwich Street #202
New York, NY 10013
www.jamesjeans.us



FOOD
This summer, Starbucks is giving you more ways to create your perfect beverage. Customers looking for lighter options can order Frappuccino Blended Beverage with nonfat milk and select sugar-free syrups for a delicious blended beverage that’s lower in calories and fat. The new However-You-Want-It Frappuccino Blended Beverages are just as you like it!

Here are our suggestions to personalize your However-You-Want-It Frappuccino Blended Beverage for a lighter beverage:

• Choose the ‘light’ option
By choosing ‘Light’, your beverage will have at least 33% fewer calories than the regular Frappuccino Blended Beverages. You can choose the ‘light’option for these flavors: Coffee, Caramel, Mocha, Java Chip and Café Vanilla. ATall Mocha Light Frappuccino Blended Beverage (no whip) is just 100 calories, compared to a Tall Mocha Frappuccino (no whip) at 200 calories – a calorie savings of almost 50%!

For even more info visit www.starbucks.com



FASHION
Fuller sized chicas can check out great line of trendy & affordable pieces by Target’s premiere women’s plus size fashion line, Pure Energy. This summer is all about easy flowy tanks, tunics and dresses, Pure Energy has the same fun pieces in the plus size range and the price is right all are under $40! Check out Pure Energy at Target stores nationwide and Target.com.

Week of May 11 – May 17, 2010

GEM had an excellent time last week with our Cinco de Mayo events, and now we’re ready to welcome May – and all of its wonderful spring weather. This week GEM would like you to kick off your April blues with the following GEM-tastic finds…

ARM-CANDY:
At $30 USD, we no longer need to consider if this accessory can make it to your current collection, it simply means you can buy-buy-buy it! This adorable Oversized Button Paisley Clutch is part of the super popular Ebisu Paisley line. You’ll enjoy the soft cotton with classic paisley print and accents of creamy tan vintage leatherette trim. The front flap opens and closes with a magnetic snap, and includes two open top pockets and one zippered pocket inside for your important treasures. To buy this awesome clutch click here.


The "Slim" is Acme Made's original laptop bag & laptop sleeve hybrid designed to fit most laptops including Apple, Sony, Dell, HP and Gateway. The streamlined design allows the Slim to be inserted into another bag or carried with or without its removable shoulder strap. While minimal in design, the Slim maintains a high standard of protection utilizing "Splash-proof" zippers and a quilted satin lining - all encased in a highly water-resistant, ballistic nylon shell. For more selection and styles visit Acme Made here.


FASHION:

You're the hottest salsa dancer to hit the floor, and your faithful followers are going absolutely loco for you! Dress to please yourself - and the crowd - in this flirty black dress! Its tiered sleeves give your dance moves a fiery movement, its split neckline shows off your collarbone, and its pin-tucked waistband keeps you looking slim and polished both on and off the dance floor. For more selection and styles, visit ModCloth here.



The Takoli Magic Print water short by Speedo™ is both classic and durable with a modern twist. The traditional board short has been given a funky update this time around with a a wide-brimmed drawstring waistline and sufficient stretch in the derriere area to keep them secure while surfing or simply swimming at your favorite beach. For more selection and styles, visit Takoli here.


MUSICA:

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be your own music mix-master? Well, these two Latino gents from around the block have created the perfect source for your learning needs. WinkSound.com was founded by Puerto Rican pop-music guru - Mateo Puig and Mexican mix-master Rick G in 2007. The goal of the site is to serve as a music resource hub and “logic-mix” social network for like-minded people interested in learning the technicals involved in the art of mixing. You’ll find many video tutorials that are quite helpful and clearly organized into “user-influenced” topics – such as (Garage Band, and Beat Making). The magic duo has now set up camp in Brooklyn, deeming it the perfect melting pot in which to stir their diverse pan-Latin, electro-rock broth. Visit Rick and Mateo here at WinkSound.com.

ART:

Art Without Borders, an exhibition curated by Andrea Arroyo, features seven immigrant artists from around the world: Beatrice Coron (France), María Dominguez (Puerto Rico), Felipe Galindo (México), Vita Giorgi (Italy), Bernardo Palombo (Argentina), Pei Sun (China) and Yasuyo Tanaka (Japan).


The exhibit aims to shed light on the many faces of the immigrant experience, as seen through the eyes of each individual artist. The event supports talented foreign-born, New York-based individual artists, by giving them the opportunity to exhibit and discuss their work. The group includes artists ranging from emerging to established, and who vary in age from their 20’s to their 60’s, making this event international and inter-generational in nature. The exhibit features an assortment of subjects and styles. Media includes painting, collage, drawing, paper cut, prints and mixed media. The pieces are now on display, and the exhibit closes on May 29, 2010.

WHEN: This month until Saturday, May 29th
WHERE: El Taller Latino Americano, 2710 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Venue Website
COST: GRATIS! General Admission
MORE INFO: Event info


SOCIAL ACTIVISM:
Voto Latino, www.votolatino.org, is a non-profit organization founded by renowned actors Rosario Dawson and Wilmer Valderrama. In the wake of a new “anti-immigrant” law passed in the United States, the organization is condemning the SB 1070, and urges Arizona governor Jan Brewer to immediately rescind the law. The law encourages the racial profiling of individuals based purely on their physical appearance. With this new legislation, the almost 2 million Arizonans of Hispanic descent run the risk of being targeted and stopped by the police, giving these victims of unwarranted interrogation zero means of recourse against such actions. To make your voice heard, and for more information about VotoLatino’s stance visit them here.

Week of May 4 - May 10, 2010

LET’S CELEBRATE
“CINCO DE MAYO”.

Before we get started on all the fun ideas and things to do this Cinco De Mayo, let’s take a look back at the significance of this holiday.

HISTORY:

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States and primarily limited to the state of Puebla in Mexico. It marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the “Battle of Puebla” during the French-Mexican War on May 5, 1862. This battle was significant in that the 4,000 Mexican soldiers led by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza, were greatly outnumbered by the well-equipped French army of 8,000 that had not been defeated for almost 50 years.


DECORATE :

La Sirena
A true NYC GEM featuring the very best of Mexican Folk Art. Owner Dina Leor ensures that this quaint, L.E.S. boutique is stocked with arts and crafts from all over Mexico, from museum quality pieces to traditional marketplace merchandise and in all price ranges. You are sure to find those special touches for your Cinco De Mayo decoration from colorful papel picado to traditional candleholder centerpieces. 27 East 3rd Street, between 2nd Avenue and Bowery. (212) 780-9113. www.lasirenanyc.com.

Crate & Barrel
Stripes it up for Cinco De Mayo with their colorful and festive Raya Collection. The Dining and Entertaining collection includes matching pitcher, platter, bowl, 3-cup saucer, and chip and dip server. Prices range from $5.95 to $29.95. Visit www.crateandbarrel.com for more information.



DRINK:

Agavefest 2010 (Agave is best recognized as the plant from which tequila is made)
Astor Center hosts a tasting of a variety of brands and styles from jovens to añejos, mini-classes that address topics such as what agave distillates really are and are not (is tequila really mezcal? Is Cuervo really tequila?) and last but certainly not least cocktails at the Lounge. May 5th. Astor Center, 399 Lafayette Street at East 4th Street. (212) 674-7501. 6:30pm to 8:30pm. $25.00. www.astorcenternyc.com .


EAT:

Maria's Mexican Bistro
This consistent crowd pleasing Park Slope Mexican Bistro will celebrate Cinco De Mayo with style featuring a live music Trio at 8:30pm, singing everything from mariachis to baladas. Brace yourself because in addition to the all-around good food owners Carlos and Eduardo will invite patrons to do free tequila shots at 8pm and every hour on the hour until Midnight. Owner Eduardo Nacipucha has more than 150 different tequilas and makes all his margarita juices (including lime, pomegranate, blood orange and avocado) from scratch. Maria’s Mexican Bistro, 669 Union Street, at Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn. (718) 638-2344. Hours, Sun-Thu; noon-11pm; Fri-Sat; noon- midnight.


SHOP:

Viva La Girls Night Out
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Shecky’s, the event that continuously provides us with the ultimate shopping extravaganza is offering a Cinco de Mayo SPECIAL which includes Shecky’s Goodie Bag + General Admission. $5 OFF with code SPECIAL5, only $20 - $25 (usually $25 - $30). The upcoming Shecky’s “Girls Night Out” event in New York City will take place on June 15th through June 18th. 82 Mercer Street, between Spring and Broome Streets. 5pm to 10pm. This special deal ends May 5th. www.sheckys.com.


CULTURAL:

"The Big Read In The Bronx Celebrates Mexico"
With food, music, crafts, films, theater, and panels about Mexico, all happening throughout the Bronx. The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment of the Arts that encourages literacy and reading culture in local communities. The inaugural Big Read in the Bronx was held in March and April of 2008, with a celebration of the classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. More than 1,200 free books were distributed, many to individuals who had never owned a book before. May 4th through the 15th. For more information visit www.bronxarts.org.


DANCE:

Latin Jazz Legend Eddie Palmieri performing at SOB’s. May 5th. SOB's, 204 Varick Street. (212) 243-4940. 7:30pm performance. Tickets, $25 in advance. For more information visit www.sobs.com.


DJ Camilo will kick off the Cinco De Mayo After-Work party celebrations at Amnesia Nightclub. May 5th. Amnesia Nightclub, 609 West 29th Street, between 11th and 12 Avenues. (212) . Doors open at 5pm, everyone free until 7pm, reduced after on the nocheLatina guest list. For more information visit www.nochelatina.com.