TreeCycle for your community!

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone!

Don't throw your tree out just yet! Hang on another week and take it down to the Greenspace @ President Street Garden on #theother5th. Recycling your tree provides much needed mulch for local community gardens. If you don't live near either of these gardens (above), here is a list of all the TreeCycle locations.

Location	Address	Service
Amazing Garden	261 Columbia Street	Drop-off only
Brower Park	Brooklyn Avenue at Prospect Place	Drop-off only
Cobble Hill Park*	Clinton Street and Verandah Place	Chipping
Coffey Park	Dwight and Verona Streets	Drop-off only
Fort Greene Park*	Washington Park and Myrtle Avenue	Chipping
Gowanus Canal Conservancy	Fifth Street and Second Avenue	Drop-off only
Green-Wood Cemetery	25th Street and Fifth Avenue	Drop-off only
Green Space @ President Street	222 Fifth Avenue	Drop-off only
Lincoln Terrace Park	Buffalo Avenue at East New York Avenue	Drop-off only
Maria Hernandez Park*	Suydam Street and Knickerbocker Avenue	Chipping
Marine Park*	East 33rd Street and Avenue U	Chipping
McCarren Park*	Lorimer Street and Driggs Avenue	Chipping
McGolrick Park	Monitor Street and Driggs Avenue	Drop-off only
Owl's Head Park*	68th Street and Colonial Road	Chipping
Prospect Heights Community Farm	254 St. Marks Avenue, east of Vanderbilt	Drop-off only
Prospect Park*	Third Street and Prospect Park West	Chipping
Prospect Park*	Park circle at Parkside Avenue	Chipping
Sunset Park	44th Street and 6th Avenue	Drop-off only
Sutter Ballfields	Barbey Street and Sutter Avenue	Drop-off only

More Than Fun at Please NYC

Please has intrigued many since its opening last year at the corner of 5th Ave and 15th Street. With it's wide open windows open to the community, Sid (the owner) has filled the shelves with adult sex toys, books, Lingerie and games. But it's more of a boutique for adults and a calm place to explore.


There is more fun than just products. Sid has a series of workshops for adults and parents. They are held in the store in a relaxed, nonjudgmental and open environment. What is said in Please, stays in Please!

• Once a month she hosts Banana Pancakes (the title is based on a song about lazy sex by Jack Johnson) which is a mom's meet-up to discuss relationships and sex. I've been and it's excellent and a lot of fun.
• Last month was a workshop on Rope Bondage, which got a great write up in South Slope News.
• January brings a workshop on "How to Talk to Your Kids about Puberty, Body Changes and Sex", run by a nurse and author. Tickets here.
• Also in January "Stiptease for Shy Birds", a workshop on finding your inner vixen. 
• Upcoming for the winter and spring are workshops for patients that have undergone major surgery. 

Please has private shopping hours, 3pm-4pm, when they pull down the blinds so you can explore without feeling like Park Slope is watching. You can also shop online, but I recommend at least once going into the store to explore all they have to offer.

Please

557 5th Ave

-Joanna Tallantire

New Year's Eve on 5th Ave

Most bars will be open and ready to make your first night of the year one to remember...or not! Here's some of what we found on the Avenue this week:

Bricolage - NYE Countdown Party free unlimited drinks and music. 10pm - 2am.

BKLYN Juice - A holistic NYE Party dancing and juice shots. 9pm - 2.30am.

Oyster Bar - NYE menu and a late riser brunch for New Year's Day.

Jake's Handcrafted - Will be open and serving their menu all night.

Bogota Latin Bistro - Special NYE menus starting at 6pm

Stone Park cafe - A prix fix NYE menu.

Freddy's Bar and Backroom - Party on from 11pm with cool drinks and FREE music.

Alchemy - Champagne Toast at Midnight

Henri on Fifth - NYE Party with Champagne, hors D'oeuvres and an ice luge! 9pm - Midnight.

Sidecar- special tasting menu on NYE and recovery brunch on New Year's Day

 Skylark- party with champagne toast

Celebrate Kwanzaa with Tabeel

Kwanza Candles

Happy Kwanzaa to all!

Celebrate the remaining 5 days of Kwanzaa at Tabeel Aromatherapy Gifts and Salon, with up to 20% off items in the store. Also hand-blown "Women Rock" glass keepsake ornaments will be 40% off while supplies last, until January 8th 2016!

Tabeel Aromatherapy Gifts and Salon
76 5th Ave

Merry Christmas from the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID

The merchants of the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID wish you a wonderful Christmas. High 5 for the Holidays!

Holiday Giveaway from #theother5th

Are you playing local? Having brunch, buying gifts, taking a yoga class, choosing a tree, ordering flowers, admiring the beautiful Holiday Tree on 5th Avenue? Well then take a selfie or photo of your friends and family doing a High 5! Tag it #high5fortheholidays and you could win a bunch of Gift Certificates from local businesses.

Prospect Bar and Grill Team High 5!

ACME Wines and Spirits
South Pub
Ground Floor Gallery
Flirt Brooklyn
The Chocolate Room
La Casa Artesanal
O Live Brooklyn

Good Luck and High 5 for the Holidays!

Last-Minute Gifts From State of the Art Gallery

State of the Art Gallery is relatively new to #theother5th. It's a large, bright store filled with vintage, antique and contemporary paintings and drawings. There are also sculptures.

They also do amazing 3D Laser Imaging, where they can turn your ordinary pictures and photos into crystal that never fades. Capture a memory and makes a lovely gift and they can do this while you wait! There are many different designs so go in and see what would suit you the best!

State of the Art Gallery
463 5th Avenue

-Joanna Tallantire

What's Open on Christmas Eve and Day!

In case you can't cook or WON'T cook on Christmas, here are some great Christmas meal options for you on #theother5th. Please check websites and call for reservations.

Naruto Ramen - Party Platters to order $50, include buns, fried rice and chicken teriyaki.

Benchmark Restaurant - Christmas Dinner - a 7 course tasting menu at 7pm preceded by a champagne reception at 6.30pm. $100 per person.

Carmen Prime Steakhouse- Christmas Day and Night Prix Fixe Menu $75 per person.

Namaste Brooklyn - Open all Christmas Day with a full menu.

Oyster Bar Brooklyn -  Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes menu

Stone Park Cafe - Special Christmas Eve menu - check website for details soon.

Jake's Handcrafted - Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ready to feed you!

Too Many Great Gifts at Lullaby Baby!

Baby toys are amazing these days, as I recently discovered in Lullaby Baby. Yossi, the owner, showed me suction construction toys, traditional toddler toys and some fun twirling ones that distracted me, just like an infant!

I would advise you not to touch those plush toys, they are so soft, you will have to buy the whole box. Ah, but you have to buy the whole box anyway because they are friends. Then you need lots of them for the gorgeous walk-a-long dolly your child will want to take absolutely everywhere. As for the suction toys, I so wish I had them for my little ones. I can see hours of fun in the high chair.

Lullaby Baby is more than just toys, baby things are everywhere. For a small store Lullaby certainly has a wide variety of strollers and other equipment you must have. I have to say, I have teenagers, I don't remember my stroller being quite so sophisticated. A chic black and white vehicle collapsing into a car seat, looking more like a convertible but easier to park. Considering I bought a car seat and a stroller, the price tag for the this stroller wasn't bad!

Lullaby Baby also sells online with helpful features like gift finder, free shipping and shop by brand. So if you can't get to the store have a look at their website. But I would say you are missing out shopping online. It's a pleasure to be in the store, not just for the great service but to be treated with such courtesy and so much time given to each custmer. A wonderful store on #theother5th.

Please note Lullaby isn't open on Saturdays.




Lullaby Baby
488 5th Ave

-Joanna Tallantire

Last Chance to See Santa on #theother5th Before He Heads Back to the North Pole!

Attention Park Slope! Santa is making one last visit to Fifth Avenue!

Saturday December 19th - Lulu's for Baby 3-5pm FREE

44 5th Avenue, Between Dean and Bergen Sts

Also Opera on Tap Carolers will be wandering and singing on 5th Avenue. 

Come out and shop, eat, drink and play! There are just 6 days left to SHOP LOCAL for Christmas!

A Peek into Loja Salon Spa

Cathy and Tamara

There might be a change in name but the Loja Salon Spa (formerly Dhaga) is the same. Just a fresh look but with the same great stylists, products and service.

Loja Salon Spa has much to offer men and women. If you weren't lucky enough to get one of their free haircuts giveaways at the Tree Lighting a couple of weeks ago, they still have an offer on men's haircuts you should not miss out on.

Cathy, the owner of this seven year old salon, told me her love of natural and clean products steered her towards an Aveda Salon. She is pleased that Aveda encourage recycling, damage free and eco friendly products, as well as cutting edge techniques and innovation.

The staff also provide make up application, waxing, eyebrow threading and facial massages  but they also specialize in curly hair and color.

Men's cuts are currently $25, a 30 minute facial also $25.

For the winter a facial is a must, to help exfoliate the skin and let it breathe. This would make a great gift for the Holidays alongside a cut and color!

The salon is sparking clean, warm and cosy, the staff professional. Don't be put off that the salon is small, there is a lot going on inside!

Lola Salon Spa
294 5th Ave

-Joanna Tallantire

Last Minute Shipping! Hurry!

SHIPPING DEADLINES

Many of our local shops can ship your gifts to loved ones for the holiday season but, you'd better hurry! The deadlines are upon us!

Deadlines 

Post Office: December 15 was the last day the USPS recommends you use standard shipping if you want delivery on time; December 19 is the last day for First Class mail; December 21 for Priority Mail, and December 23 for Priority Mail Express.

UPS: December 18 is the last day to ship UPS 3 Day Select — if you want packages to be delivered before Christmas Day; December 22 is the last day for 2 Day Air, and December 23 is the deadline for overnight packages to arrive on the 24th.

FedEx: December 16 is the last day to ship FedEx Ground if you want delivery by Christmas Day: December 21 is the deadline for Express Saver, and December 22 is the deadline for 2 Day Air. The 23rd is the last day to send overnight packages for arrival on the 24th.

Have fun on #theother5th and win a basket of Gift Cards!

Make sure to take part in the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID's Instagram and Twitter photo contest this month! Take a picture of you or a friend or a family member doing your favorite things on 5th: eating at a restaurant, checking out the Christmas Tree at 4th Street, shopping at your favorite boutique...whatever you want! Make sure you are giving a high 5 and tag it on Instagram and Twitter #high5fortheholidays and you will be entered in a drawing to win a set of gift cards and certificates for some of your favorite Fifth Avenue businesses, valued at $200!

We'll let you know in the New Year if you won!

One More Visit From Santa!

If you missed Santa's visit to The Old Stone House (above) or Sidecar on Saturday, don't worry, he's going to make one last stop on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue this coming Saturday, December 19th.

December 19th - Lulu's for Baby 3-5pm FREE

44 5th Avenue, Between Dean and Bergen Sts

By the way, there are just 10 days left to SHOP LOCAL for Christmas!

Santa Returns Tomorrow!

Santa Claus returns to #theother5th in Park Slope tomorrow! He's got a busy day planned so check out the details below and see if you can catch him!

Saturday, December 12th:

Stop 1
The Old Stone House for a special fundraiser
10am-12.30pm
$10 per family includes crafts and cocoa. Photography by Andreea B Ballen

Stop 2
Sidecar (560 5th Avenue) 
3-5pm
FREE!

In between you might catch Santa riding along 5th Avenue in a silver 1965 Buick Convertible (since it appears that spring is here to stay). You might also catch him at Du Jour Bakery around 12:30!

Also, our Opera on Tap Carolers will be walking the avenue, spreading Christmas cheer from 3-5. Given the weather, they might want to consider wearing shorts!

Celebrating 20 years with Tabeel

Drop by Tabeel's store on 5th near Bergen and you will see it packed with candles, jewelry, aromatherapy products, ornaments and so much more. There is also a salon in the back and she has a beautiful clothing line.

Tabeel in her store

Tabeel has been in our community for 20 years and we would like to thank her for all she has contributed, particularly the Annual Summer Strolls Fashion Show. She told me she would like to thank everyone for their support and she will continue to be there for your gift, aromatherapy, clothing and salon needs and is giving up to 40% off to celebrate next week!!

Happy Anniversary Tabeel!

Fashion Show at Summer Strolls August 2015

Tabeel's Aromatherapy Gift Shop and Salon

76 5th Ave

Jingle Bell Jamboree Family Concert

Come sing along at the Jingle Bell Jamboree,  a family holiday concert at Beth Elohim, this Saturday December 12th at 7pm!

Beth Elohim
8th Ave and Garfield Place

Toys for Tots in Park Slope

Park Slope Parents has joined up with the Park Slope Civic Council to bring you many drop off points for Toys for Tots across the community.

When you are shopping locally, just drop off a new toy or book, unwrapped, to one of the boxes in our local Park Slope businesses. Here is a link to the map.

5th Avenue Businesses that are participating:

Tabeel Aromatherapy Gifts and Salon, 76 5th Ave

Goldy and Mac, 219 5th Ave

City MD, 420 5th Ave

Dental 365, 422 5th Ave

Pitas and Sticks, 321 9th St

Dram Shop, 339 9th St

Prospect YMCA, 357 9th St

Brad Lander's Office, 456 5th Ave, 2nd Floor

The Monro Pub, 481 5th Ave

South Slope Pediatrics, 501 5th Ave

Thanks to all of our businesses participants!

More Santa to Come!

Santa Claus dropped by #theother5th on Saturday, spreading joy and candy canes along the Avenue in his friend's 1957 Pink Cadillac. Then, he popped by Le Pain Quotidien (239 5th Avenue) for some hot chocolate, brownies and photos with neighborhood kids.

Did you miss him? Don't worry, he's coming back the next two Saturdays!

This Saturday, December 12th:

The Old Stone House for a special fundraiser

December 12th 10am-12.30pm

$10 per family includes crafts and cocoa. Photography by Andreea B Ballen

Sidecar

Saturday December 12th 3-5pm FREE

560 5th Avenue, Between 15th and 16th Sts

We hear he'll also make an appearance at Du Jour Bakery around 12:30!

Check out photos from this past Saturday on our Instagram account!

Speaking of Instagram, make sure to take part in the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID's Instagram and Twitter photo contest this month! Take a picture of you or a friend or a family member doing your favorite things on 5th: eating at a restaurant, checking out the Christmas Tree at 4th Street, shopping at your favorite boutique...whatever you want! Make sure you are giving a high 5 (see the photo above) and tag it on Instagram and Twitter #high5fortheholidays and you will be entered in a drawing to win a set of gift cards and certificates for some of your favorite Fifth Avenue businesses, valued at over $200!

Reminder: Santa Comes to 5th

You don't have to line up in Macy's to see Santa this year because he's coming to you on 5th Ave this month! He'll be visiting stores and restaurants, giving out candy canes and taking photos with your children. If you miss the big man, here are specific times and locations for you to visit him. Also look out for Opera on Tap carolers who will be hitting the Avenue on these Saturdays, as well.

Happy Holidays from #theother5th!

Le Pain Quotidien

Saturday December 5th 3pm - 5pm  FREE

239 5th Avenue, Corner of Carroll

Sidecar

Saturday December 12th 3-5pm FREE

560 5th Avenue, Between 15th and 16th Sts

Lulu's for Baby

Saturday December 19th  3-5pm FREE

44 5th Avenue, Between Dean and Bergen Sts

At The Old Stone House for a special fundraiser

December 12th 10am-12.30pm

$10 per family includes crafts and cocoa. Photography by Andreea B Ballen

We would like to thank all our merchants for donating their time for Santa and the Carolers.

#high5fortheholidays

 The lights are hung, the tree is lit and Santa will be visiting Park Slope's Fifth Avenue during the next three Saturdays. The holiday shopping season is in full swing along Park Slope's Fifth Avenue! High 5!

Speaking of High 5, the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID is sponsoring an Instagram and Twitter photo contest this month! Take a picture of you or a friend or a family member doing your favorite things on 5th: eating at a restaurant, checking out the Christmas Tree at 4th Street, shopping at your favorite boutique...whatever you want! Make sure you are giving a high 5 (see the photo above) and tag it on Instagram and Twitter #high5fortheholidays and you will be entered in a drawing to win a set of gift cards and certificates for some of your favorite Fifth Avenue businesses, valued at over $200!

Double High 5!

Private Picassos - Art Studio and Store

Fairly new to #theother5th is Private Picassos, a warm inviting kids' art studio. Valeen (the owner) is as welcoming as her beautiful space. It's not just an art studio but an art store and fun space to bring your little ones to play.


The studio at the back has tables and chairs ready for all sorts of art. It makes you feel like your own home with bright walls, toys and pens and art that the children have made, but also cool music playing that adults would enjoy too. Valeen told me this was just what she aimed for when designing the space. A place where adults would like to hang out with their children and create.

There are DIY kits you can buy and do in the studio or join a workshop! There are membership options too. But you don't have to be a kid, there are adult workshops as well, like Introduction to Watercolor and Holiday Card Making. Check out the website for more detail.

When you walk into the store/studio, you will see a blackboard with a weekly special art task the children can do on a drop-in basis. Then there are arty books, including adult coloring books, pens and art toys, like Tooblinks, and wooden pencils. The children's books caught my eye as well, Valeen knows there aren't many bookshops nearby so she has some-art themed ones for sale.

Private Picassos hosts kids' birthday parties too. So come and shop and play and relax. It's the perfect spot!

Private Picassos
237 5th Ave near Carroll

-Joanna Tallantire

World Aids Day at Housing Works

Today is World AIDS Day. Join Housing works in their goal for an AIDS Free NYC by 2020 and the USA by 2025. Learn more on their website how you can become a supporter and sign up for the newsletter.

Housing Works Thrift Store on #theother5th sells adult clothes, furniture and home goods. You can also drop off items for them to sell. There are also online goods you can buy and bid for on the website.

Housing Works
266 5th Ave
718 636-2271