Week of December 27, 2010 - January 3, 2011

Ring in the New Year in Style

Last week we gave you the best parties on New Year’s Eve. This week GEM helps you get that New Year’s Eve party look!

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Dressing
Savvy shoppers can put their best fashion foot forward this New Year’s Eve by primping on a budget. Get your New Years Eve shopping at off-price retailers like Marshall's, where they can score the season’s hottest looks for less. Check out the new Marshall's on 6th ave, for more stores visit: www.Marshalls.com. Designers at a discount are the best way to go!


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Finds for Guys
Comfort and fashion in a shoe…a dress shoe? Yes! That’s why you need to check out Geox. We love the Sergio, $200, www.Geox.com. The ultralight, waterproof and breathable rubber sole makes this shoe debonair and discreet design elevating any attire.


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Hair
For pretty hair, we asked award-winning Master Colorist and Hair Expert Vasken Demirjian for his tips on DIY holiday accessories tips for NYE! Demirjian suggests transforming a signature necklace: every gal probably has an intricate and sparkly necklace that is a favorite...why not incorporate this into your party 'do? Simply part hair on the side, and pin with bobby pins along the party - don't be shy of the pendants of the necklace hanging down over your ear, Gatsby-style - it's incredibly and unexpectedly beautiful!

All you need is something fabulous in your hair combined with your LBD and some heels and you have an insta-party look.

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Nails
New for Holiday 2010 we love Kiss Nail Artist Nail Paint and Stencil Kit $6.99, available at CVS. With more concentrated color than nail enamel and faster drying time this new package is perfect for the season. The holiday themed stencil designs make anyone an instant nail artist; peel and stick, paint with nail paint provided, gently peel off to reveal a perfect design! For more info visit www.kissusa.com.



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Health Tip: How to Avoid Injury Falling on the Ice
Dr. Ronald Grelsamer, a leading surgeon and an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital, as a hip and knee specialist, Dr. Grelsamer is familiar with injuries associated with winter weather and shared his expert advice on how to prevent them. Here is some useful advice from Dr. Grelsamer about how to avoid injury during the winter season on slippery sidewalks and roads.

1. Move your feet ever so slightly apart as you walk. This will give you better balance. If the street is really slippery, bend your knees a little bit. You may feel that you look funny, but it’s worth it.
2. When going down an incline, consider turning sideways. Do NOT cross one foot over the other, as you will have no balance while your feet are crossed. If the ground is steep, bend your knees (this is where those annoying ski lessons can pay off)
3. Protect your dominant arm. That would be the right if you are a righty, the left one if you are a lefty. Since a fall occurs very quickly, you have no time to plan for that. One recommendation is to hold your coat with your dominant hand, which instinctively leaves the other one to break your fall. If you are carrying something, do so with the dominant hand. Again, instinctively you will then use the weaker hand to brace yourself, should you fall.
   

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Week of November 29 – December 6, 2010

Last week, GEM NYC volunteered their time with the New York Cares Organization by servicing the underprivileged population of the Church of St. Francis Xavier (Flatiron District) with a hot meal and a warm smile this Thanksgiving. We were pleased to interact with these individuals as they taught us so much about being THANKFUL… Here at GEM, we’re thankful every week to have the privilege of sharing insights about your wonderful city–the Big Apple, New York – and the cool events, places, and products on offer.

Happy Cyber Monday, everybody! This week, we’d like to show you some of the BEST deals “in digital town” - for Cyber Monday (11/29), and much more! Also, don’t forget to share some of your own GEM NYC finds, or if you’d like to drop us a line please do so at gem@ulmedia.net.

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Chances are if you’re online today, it’s probably because you’re trying to buy a gift for someone (or maybe one for yourself!). The National Retail Foundation anticipates that online holiday shopping will increase about 10 percent this year, with over 100 million people pointing and clicking to their holiday heart’s content. So what are some of the best deals out there? See below : )


ICE ICE BABY!

Whether you want to impress the water-cooler gang at the office holiday party, or find Christmas presents that your loved ones won't re-gift, today's deal is for you. Just surf over to Ice.com where today's deal will get you $100 off the site's gorgeous jewelry for just $50. This means that by purchasing a certificate at Livingsocial.com, at a price of $50 – you’ll be able to claim $100 off of your Ice.com purchase today! From bracelets to fashion rings to cuff links and studs, this online jeweler, trusted since 1999, has a massive selection of everything you need to keep yourself, or your special someone, looking like a million bucks. Want to sport some accoutrements with color? Check out the selection of gemstones and pearl jewelry. At 50% off, you can afford to accessorize in style. That's what we call twice the Ice for half the price.

Knock another $1 off this deal when you "like" Ice.com on Facebook.

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FANCY FEET

$20 OFF + FREE SHIPPING = SHOE BLISS! Thanks to ShoeWoo, you can enjoy doorbuster deals starting as low as $29.99 (select styles), plus take $20 off of a purchase of $75 or more online today! The icing on top is that today you get free shipping on ANY purchase, regardless of the sales amount… Now that’s a SWEET deal! Satisfy your shoe-holic tendencies online today by visiting the virtual ShoeWoo shop here.

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MAJOR SHOPPING LOW-DOWN!

The above sales too tame for you? - Not a stranger to online buying, I see – well check out the roster of online sales, savings and deals that will make your mouth water!

Bloomingdale’s: You get $50 off every $250 spend, except for beauty and fine jewelry.

Bluefly: The already discounted stock at this site is getting an additional 10 to 20 percent off.

Endless: Again, the more you spend, the better the discount gets. Just don’t believe that if you spend more, you save more. That just doesn’t make any sense.

French Connection: 40 percent off and free shipping on orders over $125? What’s not to like about that?

JC Penney: Free shipping on all orders over $25, plus discounts on over 40,000 items in the store.

Macy’s: Free shipping on orders over $75, sales on stuff in nearly every department (just not mattresses, sorry) and 25 to 40 percent off on clearance items.

Max and Chloe: Need jewelry? Be sure to check out the deals here — this site is trying out the same spend more, take more off strategy as other smart stores.

Shopbop.com: The more you spend, the better your discounts gets. A cart filled with $250 will earn you $50 off, but if you spend $1,500, you get $500 off.

Stila: Get up to 75 percent off makeup and other beauty products.

Tory Burch: If you spend $300, you get 30 percent off. Plus, there’s a limited edition tote if you spend over $150 and free shipping and gift wrap no matter what your order looks like.

Urban Outfitters: Last day for free shipping! Men’s outerwear is up to 40 percent off, and the Thanksgiving Sale is still going strong.

Now, this isn’t a comprehensive listing, so be sure to search far and wide before you buy — you might be able to get a better deal somewhere else. Happy shopping, and be sure to let us know what deals you score!

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CELEBRATE WINTER

On Monday, November 29, 2010 the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District and presenting sponsor Time Warner will host the Eleventh Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square – New York City’s largest holiday festival!

Winter’s Eve kicks off with a neighborhood tree lighting ceremony and features free entertainment, food tastings, in-store activities and shopping around and about this colorful and vibrant neighborhood. Stores, restaurants, cultural organizations and public spaces in the district will be buzzing with activities for both children and adults.

At the same time, sidewalks along Broadway from Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle to 68th Street will be alive with performers, street musicians, jugglers, stilt-walkers and more, making for a festive fun-filled stroll through the streets of this dynamic Upper West Side neighborhood.

WHEN: Monday, November 29, 2010, 5:30 PM, Rain, Snow or Shine!

WHERE: The celebration begins with a neighborhood tree lighting ceremony at Dante Park - Broadway& 63rd Street! Festivities continue along Broadway from Time Warner Center to 68th Street.

BY SUBWAY: Take the 1, A, B, C, or D train to 59th Street/Columbus Circle or the 1 train to 66th Street and Broadway.

Admission is free, but please bring a canned food donation to Dante Park at Broadway and 63rd Street and help feed the hungry!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please call 212.581.3774 or email mailto:info@lincolnsquarebid.org for more information or to learn how to get involved.

CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL WINTER'S EVE MAP & PROGRAM!


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FOOD & MUSICA

FLAMENCO MONDAYS:
Marco Britti, the musician owner of Favela Cubana, combines his love of Brazil and Cuba (the Italian has lived in both) by offering authentic food and live music to boot! In order to make this mélange of cultures, Britti has tapped Oscar Santana, a chef from his bygone steakhouse, Soho Steak.

Santana serves Brazilian-style grilled sirloin with mashed potatoes and string beans along with other national dishes such as Bahia-style shrimp (prepared with peppers, onions, tomato, and coconut milk) and a grilled whole snapper with coconut rice and mango sauce. On the Cuban side, there’s arroz con pollo, ropa vieja, and the like (take a look at the first, second, and third pages of the menu). Naturally, the $7 to $9 cocktails include an assortment of mojitos (one of them made with basil instead of mint) and fresh-fruit caipirinhas (blueberry, raspberry, kiwi, etc.).

Event Details – FLAMENCO STYLE PERFORMANCE

WHEN: Every Monday from 9:00pm to 10:00pm
WHERE: Favela Cubana
543 LaGuardia Pl
New York, NY 10012
http://www.favelacubana.com/

COST: GRATIS!
AGE:18+

Menu: Mains and Sides
Menu: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Desserts
Menu: Appetizers and Sandwiches

For more information, visit their site, or call directly at 212-777-6500.

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EVENTS

We're headed to Park Slope, Brooklyn for a great cause! Join us for some laughs and libations as an eclectic blend of entertainment and media personalities come together to celebrate the First Anniversary and raise funds for Milagros Day, a courageous endeavor to empower abused women.

About Milagros Day:
Milagros Day, a non-profit organization, provides personal growth and professional development to women who have recently left abusive relationships. Founder Dawn Diaz started Milagros Day in honor of her mother, Carmen Milagros Lugo, whom she witnessed being abused for years. For more info: MilagrosDay.org

* Hosted by GLAAD Award-winning journalist and producer Carlos Anaya.

* Music by the Untouchable, Demolition Crew DJ F.A.M.E

* Comedy showcase featuring Dave Lester, Gina Brillon, and Aldo Marachlian. Combined, these comics have performed on Comedy Central, HBO, Telemundo, and countless other TV, film, and stage appearances with various award credits. Bottom line, they are hilarious!

Agenda for Event on December 2, 2010:

6:45 PM: Doors Open
7PM to 8PM: Happy Hour/Networking
8PM to 10PM: Program (Speakers/Comics)
10PM to 11PM: DJ Fame

WHERE: Garfield's Lounge
274 4th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 222-0290

Drink and Appetizer Specials All Night

$22 Advanced Tickets / $30 Cash at the Door

For more information and to purchase your tickets in advance online at the: Milagros Day Facebook Page

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www.urbanlatino.com

Week of September 13 - September 19, 2010

Though the weather is still warm, with New York Fashion Week in full swing fashion lovers are beginning to think about updating their wardrobes for fall with the must-have trends.

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Fall into Shoes

Making the transition from summer to fall can be as easy as switching up the look of a summer maxi dress or cargo shorts by adding a pair of fall shoes. We asked Marshalls style experts share some suggestions on how to make the move from the hot summer days to the brisk fall mornings:

• Miniskirts get an updated look with a pair of platform booties instead of strappy sandals

• Fall footwear colors like gray, plum or navy blue bring a neutral hue to summer styles

• The romper is perfect with platform heels or knee high motorcycle boots.

For store locations visit: www.marshallsonline.com

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Favorite New Place to Shop

MNG By MANGO Launches Exclusively at JCPenney as shop-within-a-shop. The partnership that brings high quality, affordable European chic runway fast fashion directly to its customers, making them the exclusive U.S. department store retailer for MNG by Mango.

Run, don’t walk to check out the full contemporary offering of career and casual women’s sportswear as well as handbags, accessories and footwear all which fall under JCPenney’s “better” and “best” pricing tiers retailing from $9.90-$19.90 for a tee to $59.90-$159.90 for a jacket.

For additional MNG by Mango trends and chic Fall styles visit your local JCPenney retail location or www.jcp.com.

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Hair Trends

For the 411 on hair we asked Christo, the King of Curls and the owner of New York’s Curlisto Salon for his suggestions for the hottest styles for men and women.

For women, “the tasseled look with lots of colorful ribbons and accessories will be very popular this fall,” explains Christo. Avoid becoming a fashion victim by choosing the right accessory; if you’re going to use a fun ribbon then make that it matches the color of your outfit.

As for men, Christo advises men to “grow their hair a little longer and have more of a structured style.”

Big Tip: “Remember: Less is more! Avoid over using too much product to hold your hair inplace,” says Christo. Visit www.curlisto.com for more tips and info on the salon.

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Back to the Classics

There’s nothing chic about being cold. And that’s why it time to start thinking about great coats. Ryan Roberts treats the coat with the same kind of reverence that most designers accord to the little black dress. With his winter 2010 collection, Roberts offers a complete coat wardrobe designed to cover every need – from office to evening to weekend. Roberts has spun his favorite fabrics – wool cashmere, cotton herringbone, and his signature boiled Italian wool -- into graceful modern silhouettes.

Classic shapes – trench, riding, and walking coats to name a few -- are emboldened with asymmetrical closures, dramatic collars, oversized and covered buttons, and exquisitely cut sleeves.

What do you get when you cross old school glamour with modern comfort and wearability? The Griffin, $770; the black and white washed cotton herringbone piece is soft yet structured. Impeccable retro details include a dramatic funnel neck, dolman sleeves, and self-covered buttons.

For stores, please visit www.ryanroberts.com.

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Food

Usually when you think of Fashion Week food is not the first thing to come to mind. With cupcakes being the trend they are this season they seem to be the latest edible accessory!

For the duration of fashion week CRUMBS launched a yummy limited edition vanilla cupcake, filled with chocolate cream cheese frosting adorned with pink and white hearts around the edge and a heart shaped sugar cookie decorated with pink sanding sugar under light green frosting. The FNO cupcake available in NYC only will be sold for $4 and 20% of proceeds will benefit the New York City AIDS Fund in the New York Community Trust.

Visit www.crumbs.com for locations.

Week of April 20 – April 26, 2010

This week GEM is all about having FUN, looking GREAT, and exposing oneself to all that is GOOD in our NYC ‘hood! Below you’ll find some of this week’s treasures…

FANCY FEET: Carey’s wedding peacock flair will be green with envy when you show up wearing these glamorous heels by Martinez Valero! These green satin “Carly” sandals feature a sophisticated rope twisted strap to highlight you’re new ballerina pedicure, a 3 3/4 inch covered stiletto heel, and an ankle strap with a hook-and-eye closure. No need to wear mascara with these babies (few looks will go beyond your ankles)! For more views and similar styles visit Martinez here.

Who says “Wing-Tips” are for Wall Street suckers? This new take on an age-old look in men’s shoes is a breath of fresh air for the Macho GemFashionista. For high-fashion European footwear without the high-fashion European price, consider Fratelli footwear. Made with the highest quality materials, Fratelli shoes deliver style, quality and comfort, all in one. For more views and similar styles visit the shoeshop here.

MUST-HAVE ACCESSORY: Gilded cinch! Look dapper and luxurious in this flaxen mesh gold belt for your next soirée. Made of metallic gold thread, 76” in length with 2 hanging metal orbs at each end for balance and anchor, you’ll feel like a golden goddess wearing the “Obi”. For more details visit Obi here.

Golf may not be the traditional “Latino-sport”, so we’ll leave that to Soccer. However you may want to score big with this new addition to Nike’s repertoire of men’s fashion. Simply called the “Nike Golf Perforated Belt,” you’ll be able to wear this cincher to dressy and casual events. For more views and selections click here.

FILMS: The Annual Tribeca Film Festival, April 21 – May 2nd 2010

First launched in 2002 by Robert DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal, The Tribeca Film Festival was founded to celebrate New York City as a major film making center and to contribute to the long-term recovery of lower Manhattan. Come out from April 21st to May 2nd, and see one or more of nearly 200 movies debuting this year at the festival.

Tribeca Film Festival Ticket Prices:

 General Screening Ticket: $8-16

 Panel Discussion Ticket: $25

 Gala Screening Ticket: $25

Downtown residents, students and seniors can get $2 off general screenings ($3 off other tickets) when purchased at the box office. (ID required.)

For more information about how you can plan your Tribeca Film Festival trip, visit their site here.

GEM’s “must watch” LIST

4/22/10 THE TWO ESCOBARS

4/22/10 THE SENTIMENTAL ENGINE SLAYER

4/28/10 BLOOD AND RAIN

Jeff and Michael Zimbalist’s THE TWO ESCOBARS (Columbia) which will have its World Premiere at the festival on April 22. This is a really incredible story of the dangerous passion of followers of sports and crime – a documentary on Andres Escobar and Pablo Escobar, interweaving their rise and eventual murders- one of the stronger documentaries in this year’s festival.

A directorial debut by Omar Rodriguez Lopez (of the hot band Mars Volta) with THE SENTIMENTAL ENGINE SLAYER (Mexico), having its North American Premiere at our festival on April 22. This is a challenging film, similar in style to his music videos without clear narrative line and steeped in sexuality and obsession.

Jorge Navas’ BLOOD AND RAIN (Columbia) which will have its New York Premiere on April 28 at the festival is a beautifully shot, well-acted neo-noir, which so cleverly uses the city of Bogota as almost a character in the film.

CULTURE: CUENTOS CANTADOS (Sung Stories)

Our history & culture as musical poetry a special event connecting artistic genres of “Bomba y Plena” & “Spoken Word” as our cultural tools for community expression featuring FLACO NAVAJA.

Friday, April 23rd 2010

10:00 am & 12:00 pm

Central Park East School (230-34 East 105th street and Madison Ave., El Barrio)

Admission: $5 (students/teachers) • $10 (general audience)

Secure your seats today through PayPal: www.losplenerosdela21.org

THEATRE:

"Truly a dream! Calderón's classic transcends time and language" - New York Daily News

How many of us have had deep introspective thought about our lives in terms of our free will, versus our predesigned fate? Apparently not many! El Repertorio Español, will give you an opportunity to challenge your mind this spring with wonderful works by Federico García Lorca, Pilar Rioja, and Pedro Calderón de La Barca. You will especially enjoy an upcoming piece by the latter artist, titled “La Vida es Sueño (Life is a Dream), which is a philosophical allegory about the human situation and the mystery of life – “Life is a dream from which only death awakens us” – Calderón de la Barrca, 1635.

La Vida es Sueño
By Pedro Calderón de La Barca
Directed by René Buch

Performances:
Friday, April 30 - 8pm

Repertorio Español
138 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
Between Lexington and Third Avenues
Box Office: 212-225-9920

www.repertorio.org

Tickets start at $25, click here to order.

Week of March 16 – March 23, 2010

Welcome to the very first blog entry for GEM NYC!

ART: The Chicano movement invades the East Coast with an art exhibit titled "Phantom Sightings: Art After the Chicano Movement", opening March 24th at El Museo del Barrio. The exhibit features 100 works in all contemporary media, and includes video, performance, and installation art by 27 artists and collectives.


PHOTOGRAPHY: Explore the Boogie Down Bronx through the lens of acclaimed South Bronx, born and raised photographer, Joe Conzo and his exhibit “The Bronx: Mi Barrio, Mi Orgullo” on view now through July 2010 at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies, Hunter College.


FOOD: Restaurateur extraordinaire, Jimmy Rodriguez delivers another crowd pleaser with Don Coqui, located in New Rochelle, NY. Dishes like Casuela de Marisco (seafood stew with lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari with coconut rice) and Pionono (ground beef wrapped in sweet plantains with pigeon pea rice)affirms why Don Coqui is referred to as the “shortcut to Puerto Rico”. For those of you hoping to sharpen your culinary skills, be sure to sign up for one of the weekly cooking classes.


A worthy mention goes out to the Brooklyn: Dine In Brooklyn promotion going on from March 15th through March 25th, and featuring over 200 Brooklyn restaurants offering a 3 course; $20.10 lunch and $25.00 dinner (does not include beverages tax or gratuity). Several GEM NYC blog staff favorites include Luz Restaurant (Latin American; brunch, lunch, dinner), Bogota Latin Bistro (Pan Latino; dinner) and Maria's Bistro Mexicano (Mexican; brunch and dinner).


BOOKS: The Park Slope Barnes and Noble gets a little Latin flavor with an appearance and book signing by Food Network star Daisy Martinez, “Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night: Bringing Your Family Together with Everyday Latin Dishes” on Thursday, March 18th at 7:30 p.m.


ONLINE PICK: Have a shoe fetish? You are not alone, check out MissMeanShoe.com, an online magazine devoted to women’s fashion footwear. Launched in July 2009 by Lizmarys M. Armiza, MissMeanShoe.com has become one of the top sites dedicated to shoes from Steve Madden to Christian Dior. Guys there is no need to feel left out, the recently launched MrMeanShoe.com is sure to satisfy the potential, if not established shoeaholic in you.


TELEVISION: HBO’s buzz worthy show “How To Make It In America” a.k.a the New York version of Entourage, will inspire you to fuel your hustle, maybe start your own business, and remember why AMERICA is the “land of opportunities”. Cast favorites include: Luis Guzman (from Carlitos Way and Traffic), Victor Rasuk (from Raising Victor Vargas), and Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi (Rapper).