Astoria’s Second Annual "Fashion: Astoria Style"

More fashion fun! From Kristie Foster of KrisTees:

On Thursday, October 15th, KrisTees and Candy Plum boutiques have joined forces again to choreograph Astoria’s Second Annual Fashion: Astoria Style fashion show. This year the venue is at Central Lounge, located over here on the Ditmars side of Astoria. It is going to be an awesome night (and the venue is going to be amazing), including many inspiring fall/holiday fashion looks, fashion fine art by local artist Mieko Anekawa, and artistic dance performances! Should we say more?

RSVP for an event tote and enjoy a complimentary drink from Central.


Fashion Astoria Style #2
Central Lounge and Restaurant
Thursday, October 15th
Doors open at 6 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m.
RSVP for complimentary event tote to: astoriafashion@gmail.com or call 718.721.2299

More Fashion Fun This Weekend

Candy Plum is having a sale, starting Saturday!

Candy Plum Spring Sale starts this Saturday, June 3rd

Purchase 1 item receive 30% off
Purchase 2 items receive 40% off
Purchase 3 or more items and receive 50% off

Check out our new Summer Dresses

Store Hours
Wednesday - Friday 12:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday - Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Hope to see you this week!

Candy Plum
30-98 36th Street
Astoria

Candy Plum Trunk Sale This Weekend

I had a chance to see some of Candy Plum's offerings at the Carnaval a Brick Cafe, and they were really nice! This weekend they are having a trunk sale, so come on down and check it out.

Candy Plum Trunk Sale!
2-6 p.m.
Saturday, April 11th

Featuring Lucia and her entire new collection of Lucia O Bags; there will also be a selection of Nick and Jo dresses and sweaters at 30% off; Deluex handbags, our new collection of Gestuz dress and tops & Threads for Thought t-shirts.

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Candy Plum
30-98 36th street
Astoria, NY
718-721-2299

Carnaval a Brick Cafe Next Week

The lovely ladies from KrisTees and Candy Plum have put together another fashion event! Here's the info:

I am very happy to announce that KrisTees & Candy Plum boutiques have gotten together once again to bring you another AWESOME Astoria Event!

Carnaval a Brick Cafe will be held on Thursday, March 26th at the Brick Cafe on the corner of 33rd Street & 31st Avenue.

Starting at 6PM and going till 10PM, we are inviting you to enjoy a very intimate evening of shopping among local designers launching their new spring lines… from tees, to jewelry, baby wear, house wares and accessories, there is something unique and handmade for all! Upon entering, you will receive a complimentary aperitif and then it is off to an atmosphere of spring innovation!

RSVP for the event to astoriafashion@gmail.com or call 718.721.2299.

We’ll see you there!

Astorian Weekend Edition 29.1.09

The weather is crud. Cold and don't like to be out stuck in it? Get your hot chocolate on at some of my favorite places. Il Bambino (34-08 31st Ave.) has the awesomest gluttonous treat, a peanut butter hot chocolate. They have a Nutella one, too, if you prefer; you can't really go wrong. Get a regular cup of ho-cho at Mini Star (30-02 Steinway) It's out of the machine, no frills but tasty.

Thaw off and go for the wings at McCann's (36-15 Ditmars), hey've got all flavors and hotness for you to choose. Don't forget that Koliba (31-11 23rd Ave) is perfect for this time of year. Warm
you bellies with dumplings and yummy porky goodness.

Work off all the heavy winter food and pay a visit to the newest gym in the hood. Planet Fitness (30-33 Steinway) is what I would call a no-frills deal and a half! $20 a month gets you in the place along with massage chairs and tanning beds, too!

If you venture out, why not go for a trunk sale at Candy Plum (30-98 36th St)? This Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. check out all new accessories, tees, and other original goods.

Are you ready for some football? Well it's here, Sunday for Super Bowl get over to Indigo (28-50 31st St) by 6pm and join in on the partying. WLA has scoped out the back garden with the 2 huge TVs for the night. Happy hour specials and food deals all night.

Astorian Weekend Edition 18.12.08

Here we are: it's crunch time for holiday shopping! Get your last full weekend of gift prep done locally.

If you're on a budget but still want something original, try locally grown Firelight Jewelry for that sweet lady in your life.

Clash Culture (34-03 34th St) is a pretty new fresh shop on 34th St. Find some slick original tees or some cool kicks for the little bit funky friend or
relative.

Don't forget your furry friends either! The welcoming folks over at The Jumping Bulldog (28-10 23rd Avenue) are more then happy to outfit Fido in some new gear.

For that hard to shop for style maven, try Site (35-11 34th Ave) for eclectic home goods. They are definitely good to keep in mind for random knick knacks too, my weakness!

Something a little different, you can find it at The Little Soap Shop (2207 36th St). Help that certain someone smell delicious and pamper them while your at it!

Still looking? Don't forget about some old standbys: Candy Plum , Kristees, and Loveday 31

There's a big one on Sunday! At Waltz (23-14 Ditmars) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy the Second Annual Holiday Flea Market. One of a kinds and local arts galore! And there is, of course, food and drink :)

End it all off at one of two holiday parties! Both L.I.C.Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd) and Rapture (34-27 28th Ave) are holding an evening of merriment on Sunday. L.I.C. Bar is hoppin' from 8 to 11 p.m. with free grub. The Rapture fete also starts at 8 p.m. and with a new unwrapped children's toy, you get a free holiday cocktail and an entry for the big midnight raffle.

Now go out there and help this durn economy!

A free and fun activity for you- go now and vote for the Best and the Worst of Queens. Be heard!

View Larger Map

Astoria Holiday Shopping Bazaar

From Kristie Foster of KrisTees:

Astoria's first Holiday Shopping Bazaar is coming!

The location of our "Starry Night" shopping event is at Cup Diner & Bar, 35-01 36th Street (across from Kaufman Astoria Studios), on Tuesday, December 2 from 6-11 p.m. There, you can view some of the lovely things offered by Astoria's boutiques - KrisTees, Candy Plum, Loveday31, Inside Astoria, Site, The Jumping Bulldog, Clash Culture, and many others.

For the evening, there will be plenty to keep you entertained while shopping for holiday goodies, including:

-free shopping totes to help you put all your fabulous items in
-complimentary hors d'oeuvres
-dj spinning all night
-roller derby girls handing out holiday treats
-a raffle including prizes from other local businesses

So mark your calendars for a very special Astoria shopping night and RSVP to receive a tote at the event to astoriafashion@gmail.com or call 718-721-2299.

Astorian Weekend Edition 09.10.08

While we've got cooler weather these days, it means that the Beer Garden is less crowded. My favorite time to be there is a Sunday afternoon, when it's pretty mellow. According to their website, the grill is still operating, so head on over, grab a glass of Pilsner Urquell and a kielbasa, and chill out on a fall afternoon.

The Noguchi Museum (9-01 33rd Road) continues it's Second Sundays program this weekend. Sunday's presentation will be a panel discussion called (re)Generation: Three Artists, Three Cities. The museum lost its Ailanthus tree recently, and are planning to repurpose and reuse it, a practice that is consistent with Noguchi's futurist thinking regarding the natural world. Independent curator and critic Lilly Wei will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Mitch Cope and Ingo Vetter of the Tree of Heaven Woodshop, which milled the Ailanthus, alongside Paul Villinski and Annie Murdock, artists from Waste Not, Want Not, an exhibition at Socrates Sculpture Park focused on the re-purposing of cast off resources.

This Saturday from 12-5 Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) is having a trunk sale. New dresses, accessories will be available, along with brownies! Help support our local garment industry.

I've noticed that the leaves on the trees are changing - yellows are peeking out, and more are on the ground. One of the best places in town to watch the changing leaves is Astoria Park. If you've got some time, head on over and chill out in our lovely gem of a park.

Last weekend I checked out the new Manducatis Rustica (46-31 Vernon Blvd) in Long Island City. What a great addition to the neighborhood! Probably my favorite thing was an amazing tomato, mozz, and basil sandwich. Everything was incredibly fresh. Pizza was good, too, as well as the gelato. The coconut was particularly good, as was the vanilla. They make it all in store, and it's wonderful. Definitely check it out.

Lastly, warm congratulations to our newest Joey, Judith! She's getting married this weekend and we wish her lots of happiness!

Astoria Fashion Show

I received this press release last week and wanted to pass it on:

Astoria, NY: On Wednesday, June 4 at 8:30pm, three of New York’s leading independent boutiques will showcase their summer styles in Fashion, Astoria Style at Cavo Café and Lounge (42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria). Fashion, Astoria Style seeks to promote the entrepreneurial spirit that has recently captured the attention of Astoria locals and fashion-conscious New Yorkers all over town.

Astoria’s newest additions of KrisTees, Candy Plum, and Lilyth, have assembled their latest gear for summer 08 and will present them in this one-of-a-kind FREE fashion event that is being supported by some of the neighborhood’s most prominent businesses who’ve contributed to the event and to the complimentary Fashion, Astoria Style gift bags. RSVP for the show to astoriafashion@gmail.com or call 718-721-2299.

"This is the summer of Astoria," said Kristie Foster, owner of KrisTees that opened on 23rd Avenue in Astoria 2006. "Astoria summers have long been about Mediterranean cafes, nightlife and riverfront parks - now we have the style to match."

KrisTees, a new contemporary women’s boutique recently featured in Lucky Magazine, specializes in bringing smaller designers to the fashion forefront with a unique approach to wearable fashion. From Richard Ruiz (NY), Eairth (Philippines), Irina Marinescu (Bucharest), Jordi Labanda (Spain), MelenStel (Belgium) as well as Karen Zambos (California), the personalized looks created by store owner and designer/stylist Kristie Foster are chic as well as unpretentious.

Candy Plum, a boutique by Queens’ native Cynthia Puhalovic, specializes in displaying emerging talent from local artists. Focusing on fun and playful pieces, her looks can be worn for all occasions. Candy Plum has been featured in the NYTimes and Time Out NY most recently as being mentioned one of Astoria’s upcoming boutiques. Most of the pieces are handmade adding to the allure of this shop. In addition, Cynthia hand selects keys items from designers such as Amrita Singh, Super Lucky Cat, Nicole Rae Styer , Yummi Glass and Ecoist.

Lilyth, specializing in Brazilian designed clothing and accessories, owner Carla Stravos has brought to Astoria a parade of sexy, confident looks that Brazilians make ever so easy. From bikinis and cover-ups, to novelty tops and dresses, her boutique gets you in the Carnivale spirit the moment you walk through the door.

This show is being supported and sponsored by local Astorian businesses including: Brick Café, Crescent & Vine, Fatty’s Café, Inside Astoria, Rest-au-Rant, Napoli Pizza & Pasta, New York Life, The Rock Health & Fitness Club, Sanford Diner, Bid Interior, Big Rock Construction, Clearview Home Center, Marino Ceramic Tile, and NYC Surgical Supplies.

Astorian Weekend Edition 17.04.08

Join Bistro 33 for a fabulous wine and food pairing on Thursday (4/17); seatings at 7 and 9 p.m. Call (718-721-1933) or email (LilBistro33@aol.com) for reservations. Bistro 33 is at 19-33 Ditmars.

Flux Factory hosts the Fluxer Reunion Party on Friday (4/18), 9 p.m.
"If you’ve ever lived at Flux, participated as an artist, been a guest, or just want to spy on the reunion magic... All are welcome!" Refreshments will be served. Dress to impress. Flux Factory is at 38-38 43rd Street in LIC; 718-707-3362.

Vine Wine is hosting a "special Saturday afternoon (4/19) tasting of delicious and fun Kosher wines just in time for Passover". 3-5 p.m. Vine Wine is at 12-09 Jackson Avenue; 718-433-2611.

And if you're looking for some fellowship for Passover, Chabad of Long Island City is holding a communal Passover seder at 8 p.m on Saturday. Please reserve early as space is limited! by contacting Rivka at 718-604-0066 or rivzev@aol.com.

Stars For Sydell reports: "I'll be having a trunk show at the wonderful Candy Plum on Saturday (4/19) from 1-4 p.m., featuring brand new designs for spring/summer '08. I've just finished a 3 month intensive jeweler's course, so I'm super proud of my new work. I hope some of you can stop by and say hello!" Candy Plum is at 30-98 36th Street in Astoria.

On Sunday from 12-5 p.m., stop by the Art-O-Mat to view An Unexpected Visitor: Landscape Sculpture & Drawings by Nigel Rollings. According to the site, it "includes drawings of landscape projects built or proposed, a contemporary garden structure, and will feature an installation of a Long Island City waterfront tableaux combining scientific projection and whimsy." Art-O-Mat is located at 46-46 Vernon Blvd.

Astorian Weekend Edition 20.03.08

We love our local healthy CSA's, and now there are more and more organic choices popping up. Thursday (tonight) learn all about and taste some "certified organic" and "biodynamic" wines at Hunter's Point Wines & Spirits (47-07 Vernon Blvd). The event runs 6 to 8 p.m., but be

s ure to RSVP with Lynne Serpe at 646-202-0825 or Robyn Sklar, robynsklar@gmail.com. The store holds regular tastings on Thursday and Friday nights too, good to know.

We know how much our neighborhood rocks, but it seems that the cat is out of the bag bigtime! As much as we love Loveday 31 (33-06 31st. Ave) and Mimi's Closet (21-10 31st St.) , now that Zagat and Channel 7 are onto them: things might never be the same again! Pay them a visit and see why they rate so highly. Sticking with the cute boutique theme- Candy Plum (30-98 36th St.) has drinks and treats on Saturday in celebration of a local designer sharing her accessories collection.

Welcome Spring on Saturday with Savvy Cyclist and their free, one-day "introduction to cycling" program. It's a class "ideal for new cyclists who want to learn the basics, those returning to cycling from a long hiatus, people who want to be more independent on their bike, and those who feel a little nervous while cycling in traffic." It's an all day thing going from 9am-5pm at Recycle-A-Bicycle (46 Ave. & 5th St.) There are no walk-ins so be sure to go here and register first!

I have it on good authority that Family Market (29-15 Broadway) carries some delicious daifuku. Stop by the store for all kinds of interesting imports from tiny dried fish to full on ready-to-eat meals. I'm a big fan of this one of a kind (in this nabe anyway) shop.

Astorian Weekend Edition 06.03.08

Come party with the Astoria Music Society at its fundraiser at Island (36th St. and 35th Ave.) on Friday 6-9:30pm. A suggested donation of $20 at the door will be going to help continue symphony orchestra music, jazz, and chamber music. Come meet musicians, the orchestra director, and get to know AMS.

Saturday get ready for daylight savings by getting outside and get ready for Spring at the Annual Garden Clean-Up Day from 9am- 1pm at the Steinway Reformed Church (21-65 41st St) Contact Pastor Jeanne Boland at steinwaychurch@verizon.net or 718.728.2948 to help bring the garden back to life! This is a great chance to get dirty for those of us without a yard.... there are a lot of us!

Also on Saturday, 1 - 4:00pm Nicole Rae Styer will be visiting at Candy Plum (30-98 36th St) from Philadelphia. Tons of cute original wares will be for sale.

First thing Sunday, there is a deal and a half of a brunch over at Omonia (32-20 Broadway) as per The Foodista. $12.95 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. buys you a heck of lot of pretty darn good food! Then walk it off and head to Magic of Astoria Arts & Crafts Market # 9 at Queensview Community Rooms #7 and #14 (21-15 34th Ave). Start your shopping with some super original gifts at 11 a.m. and keep it going till 6 p.m. Even just browsing is fun, there is so much crafty talent here in our little Astoria.

Astorian Weekend Edition 28.02.08

Oleput (31-13 Ditmars Blvd), the former sweet shop in the Ditmars neighborhood, just revamped their menu. They offer lots of savory small plates, panini, desserts (they're serving Ronnybrook ice cream these days), and a nice wine and beer selection. The grilled cheese is awesome.

Over in LIC the Chocolate Factory (5-49 49th Avenue) presents Moliere's Don Juan, performed by the National Theater of the United States of America. The NY Time says "It may be the way [Yehuda Duenyas plays the great seducer], hops about and gurgles with glee after a conquest. Or maybe it's his mildly crazed eyes, or the pale, flat expanse of his stomach, which seems to be entirely muscle free. Whatever the reason, he's irresistible, as is the play." 8 p.m.

Also in LIC, PS1 presents WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution, "the first comprehensive, historical exhibition to examine the international foundations and legacy of feminist art." Concurrent events on Saturday include Faith Wilding performs Wait-With (location announced on day of event) from 12-2 p.m.; Women in Experimental Film, screenings of 16mm films by Peggy Ahwesh, Abigail Child, Barbara Hammer, Marjorie Keller, Marie Menken, Barbara Rubin, Carolee Schneemann, coordinated by M.M. Serra at 2 p.m.; and Women in Experimental Film, panel with contributors to the book, Women’s Experimental Cinema, with Carolee Schneemann, Peggy Ahwesh, Ara Osterweil, Melissa Ragona, moderated by editor Robin Blaetz at 4 p.m. Concurrent events on Sunday include Telepathe, a musical performance by this Brooklyn duo at 2 p.m. and Anna Oxygen, performing electronic music at 4 p.m.

Thursday and Friday night Bar 36 (36-05 30th Ave) has their own happy hour, going on from 6-9 p.m. Buy-one-get-one free for all martinis, cocktails, mixed drinks and beer. I hear the cocktails are very tasty.

On Saturday stop by Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) from 1-4 p.m. Local Astorian artists Christiane Haber and Maria from Buyme Designs will be featuring their entire collections. There will be treats and drinks for all!

This weekend the always awesome Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) presents Rounders for their Sunday Night Cinema. It stars Ed Norton, Matt Damon and John Malkovitch, and it's all about gambling and addiction. Happy hour is from 7-9pm. I always recommend the Hellgate Lemonade, which is still fabulous as ever (I was there last Saturday and had it, yum). Movie starts at 8:30 p.m.

If you don't want to drink fun cocktails and watch a movie that night, try playing the Pub Quiz at the Irish Rover (37-18 28th Ave.). They pour a mean pint of Harp, I must say (how do they get it so creamy???). Quiz starts at 7:30 p.m. and it's $10 to enter. Winners get the pot. Get a group of four people together and rock out on the factoids!

Astorian Weekend Edition 20.12.07

Well, this is your last weekend to shop before the big day! A number of local Astoria places are having sales, too. Candy Plum (30-98 36th St) has a special on earrings - with every purchase of $50, receive a free pair of selected earrings! They also have gift certificates. The Museum of the Moving Image (36-01 35th Ave) is holding a store-wide sale with discounts of 10% (and 25% for Museum members) - they've got collectibles, books and DVDs (that Bladerunner DVD looks particularly good!). And Vine Wine (12-09 Jackson Avenue) in LIC is offering a 15% discount on cases (their Wednesday night tastings are pretty great, too).

For wellness related gifts, head over to the SPAce website (29-09 Ditmars) and order a gift card online! I hear very good things about the massages there, and their haircuts are extremely reasonable and well done. The Yoga Room (32-32 Steinway) is offering a number of discounts through December 31, too, for you and a friend.

For good eats, stop by Mundo (31-18 Broadway), which also has a new art exhibit up. They've got some new menu items, and the same wonderful ambiance. And gift cards! Il Bambino (34-08 31st Ave) just celebrated their one year anniversary in town - I was there last night and the food was delicious, as usual. They've been making soup lately, and the butternut squash soup I had was phenomenal. I've heard lots of good things about their other soups as well (I believe they change daily). Finally on the eating front: fantastic meatballs. The newly opened Philoxenia (32-07 34th Ave) makes excellent, almost tubular shaped meatballs (in a Greek style) which are very good, and Cassino in LIC (47-18 Vernon Blvd) makes some of the best Italian meatballs I think I've ever had. Really nice people run it, too.

This weekend also marks the Winter Solstice. This marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, and that just means more sunshine will come our way each day, bit by bit. Happy Eid, too!

Candy Plum Trunk Sale Saturday

Just heard from Candy Plum yesterday - they're having their first Fall trunk sale. Here are the details:

This Saturday, September 29
12:00pm - 4:00pm

CANDY PLUM'S FIRST ANNUAL FALL TRUNK SALE

With Designers Denice Nora & Liz Shaw showcasing their entire Fall Collections.

First 10 customers receive a free pair of earrings.

Naturally, there will be complimentary drinks & treats!

Candy Plum
30-98 36th Street
Astoria
(718)721-2299
info@candyplum.com

Astorian Weekend Edition 20.09.07

May I suggest some dinner for tonight at Zenon Taverna or Mundo? You can get in on the Queens Restaurant week specials at these and several other spots throughout town. For only $20 (but not on weekends), I say go for it and try those places you've been meaning to get to!

You can also get your trivia on Thurs... along with $5 pitchers at Dillinger's (46-19 30th Ave). All the useless info your brain can handle brought to you by the Trivia Girls, another 5 bucks and 3 other friends will get you in on the action.

Have you seen the new face on Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street)? Well they've gone pink! Check out their new look and get in on a bunch of new designer originals and sales like crazy.

Last Resort Art Space (8-63 Astoria Blvd @ 12th St) has a show on Saturday at 9 pm. Can't beat 5 bucks for 5 bands! This party will go on until the wee hours so take an afternoon nap if need be :). Its a BYOB type thing so spending stays down (how's that for a cheap date!)

Sunday morning at 11 in Astoria Park, the Pug meetup group will be looking for YOU to create their new Pug T-shirt! HAHAHA I kid you not, they are holding a contest with prizes and all. Get more info here and maybe we'll see your design around town.

Astorian Weekend Edition 30.08.07

Welcome to the end of summer; that gets a frownie face from me. This weekend, of course, is Labor Day, so enjoy a few more days off before you have to put away your summer whites. I hope you have one last picnic (hello Astoria Park!) or BBQ (Randall's Island, anyone?) to attend. I'll be making a batch of something to share with friends this weekend.

Friday night consider going to an art opening, right here in Astoria. Argentinian native and LIC resident Graciela Cassel’s latest work consists of mixed media boxes in acrylic, wood and plexiglass. The opening reception is Friday starting at 6pm at the ArtHome Gallery (29-28 Newtown Avenue). There will be an open bar and live music; h'ors d'oeuvres will be served. Please RSVP to arthomenyc@gmail.com if you plan on going.

This weekend, there's plenty of jazz at Waltz-Astoria (Ditmars and 23rd)- Samba Saurus on Thursday, the Howard Britz Jazz Trio on Saturday, and the Naughty Waltzers on Monday. They've also got a happy hour going on - on Thursday from 8:30-10:30, buy one drink, get second 1/2 off! I had a mimosa there the other day and it was tasty. They've renovated their space, and it looks really nice. On Thursday there's jazz at the Beer Garden, too, part of their regular series.

On Monday, hit the last street fair of the summer, sponsored by the 30th Avenue Business Association. It's on 30th Avenue between 29th & 42nd Streets and lasts from 11-6. I can almost smell the grilled corn and mozzarepas from here!

The ever-eclectic Candy Plum boutique (36th Street at 30th Ave) is having a great sale this week and into the weekend. For every $20 you spend, get a $5 gift card! All clothing is on sale, plus they have a fabulous selection of earrings. The vibe is always fun there, too.

There's a new sushi restaurant in town! Sakura, on Ditmars near 36th Street, just opened and I've heard good things about them. Prices are great and the menu is extensive. Particularly notable if the ume shisho roll, apparently hard to find around here. Definitely worth a try. Also, my tip for your sweet tooth - Il Bambino has the best cupcakes in town. Their chocolate peanut butter cupcake is to die for, simply fabulous. They've also made a few changes to their menu, too.

And while it's not in Astoria/LIC, one of the world's major sporting events has been going on this week in Queens, the US Open. It's a short ride from Queensboro Plaza on the 7 train to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Get the scoop on queens.about.com, along with tips to make your US Open experience the best ever.

Astorian Weekend Edition 19.07.07

Even the week's end starts out rainy, we should have a beautiful weekend. On Saturday, there are a couple of Trunk Sales going on. The Trunk Sale put on by the Astoria Craft Collective will have jewelry, accessories, and clothing. It will be at the patio on the corner of 29th Street and 35th Avenue, 11am-5pm, plus there will be refreshments! It goes on rain or shine, but it looks like a dry Saturday. Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) has a lot of t-shirts to offer with a 10% discount. 1-3pm and they'll have sweets and snacks. If you can't make it to either of the Trunk Sales, you might consider the Blooming Company at another time, a cute little boutique on 31st Street between 23rd Ave and Ditmars.

There's always plenty of music happening in Astoria, and this weekend is no different. Stop by Waltz on Thursday for Samba music, performed by Anthony Lanni and friends ($2 cover and a $7 drink minimum). Check out their newly renovated digs, too. Hellgate Social that same night presents indie punk rock in the form of The Johns. HGS also has a movie planned for Sunday around 9pm.

Time Cafe (44-18 Broadway) this weekend has live jazz during brunch on Sunday. Hear the Jacob Varmus Quartet from 12-3 while you enjoy some tasty food. And if you were thinking of heading to Sparrow (across from the Beer Garden) for brunch at 10:30am, you might want to reconsider - I tried eating there last Sunday at 11am and they were still closed! Best bet - check them out at noon. I also hear Ovelia (34-01 30th Avenue) makes a superb frappe.

Head to the AMMI for more horror films, including 1970s classic Carrie and 21st century Japanese film Itchi the Killer. Warm Up at PS1 is Saturday from 3pm-9pm, and particularly interesting sounding that afternoon is Eric Singer's LEMUR (League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots)

More fun, here.

Pink Sale!!!

Hey ladies, the peeps over at Candy Plum are celebrating a birthday this weekend and are sharing the joy with all of us! Go enjoy all pink items at 10% off. The sale starts tonight (thurs 4/26 and goes til closing on sun) so don't miss out!