I’ve lived in Greenpoint for eight years and have always felt a void in wellness offerings. Thankfully, that’s begun to change as juice bars, gyms, and yoga studios started blooming on almost every corner. The emergence of establishments like Lucent Yoga, Botica Apothecary, and Help Your Self is exciting. Until recently, the one thing still lacking was somewhere to buy workout gear. Not just sneakers or a jump rope, but truly functional, cutting-edge activewear. As a former apparel buyer turned full-time yoga teacher, I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a well-made pair of leggings or running shorts. What you wear when you workout can totally change your experience, as anyone who’s suffered from inner thigh chafing or bleeding nipples can attest!
On a recent morning jog, I was intrigued by a sleek silver sign that read: “Solfire.” The storefront was a beacon of light on the once desolate stretch of Driggs Avenue from the south tip of McCarren Park to the Bedford L Train. I peeked in and saw a plethora of colorful capri pants and made a mental note to pop by during store hours. When I revisited the shop later that week, I was surprised to discover that Solfire (483 Driggs Ave.) was so much more than a clothing shop. Continue reading →
Owner and co-Founder of Mom & Icepops Eli Kaplan has exciting new flavors in the works and dreams of bringing his unique brand of fresh, delicious, responsibly sourced popsicles to more New Yorkers. He’s currently seeking a company expansion to keep up with the supply and demand of his inventive and delicious treats. We chatted with Kaplan about how his pops are created, and what he’s looking to achieve in the growth of Mom & Icepops.
GP: Do you have any exciting new flavors in the works?
Eli: A bunch! Right now a flavor that has been getting a lot of positive feedback is the orange fennel. I’m also working on a roasted tomato and chipotle pop — it’s kind of savory and sweet. We also have a plum violet popsicle and rhubarb lavender pop when rhubarb is in season. Continue reading →
Calling all local store owners! Can you spare a few moments to be photographed in your shop?
Greenpointers food editor Rosie de Belgeonne is embarking on a photography project with the aim of documenting as many local businesses as possible.
As we all know too well, the neighborhood is changing rapidly, so now seems like the perfect time to make a visual record of the very special community we have here in Greenpoint.
So…butchers, bakers, travel agents, hairdressers, dry cleaners…if you run ANY kind of store, Rosie would love to photograph you! Continue reading →
Tomorrow (Sat 4/19) is Record Store Day. This annual event is held at independent record stores all over the country and further afield. It offers many exclusive releases, in store performances, and other fun goodies. Since we have several awesome record stores in our neighborhood, we put together a little resource about what’s happening at each one this weekend. Continue reading →
The page on the calendar may have turned, but we had such a great response to our Women’s History Month interviews in March that we still have a couple of fantastic ladies to showcase throughout early April. This next profile took us to Dandelion Wine on Franklin Street on a quiet Monday night, to meet with the inimitable Meg McNeill, who was nominated for these reasons by her friend, Rachael:
Meg is an all-around wonderful person and especially awesome Greenpoint woman! She’s thoroughly involved in the neighborhood and Greenpoint community. From servicing it directly and providing us all with wonderful wine at Dandelion Wine, to supporting neighborhood businesses and friends, attending her friends’ music and art shows, to bringing a positive ‘tude to nearly every situation. PLUS she just became a Certified Sommelier, which is no small feat. All-around stand-up lady.
Meg opened a bottle of wine for us, set out some She Wolf Bakery bread for snacking, and a fascinating conversation followed with a very smart, warm, and funny neighborhood fixture. Continue reading →
Aida Markiw retired from software development to pursue her dream of painting and making beautiful things. The best part (for us) is that these beautiful things are also wearable.
Her company, Llyallya Creations is a one-woman operation.
“I named my company after an endearing Ukrainian word that my husband calls me at times.” Aida explained, “Llyallya in Ukrainian means ‘doll’.” Continue reading →
The best kind of shopping you can do for fall is local shopping. Greenpointers Fall Outerwear Guide will help you stay cozy on brisk walks to the Farmers Market or breezy rides on the East River Ferry.
Cato’s Army Navy Fall Coat ($189) is a warm and rugged, an essential to throw on over a pair of jeans and your favorite boots. Alter’s Shades of Grey Montana Coat ($299) is a vintage inspired jacket that combines military with workwear, perfect for looking good while dining out. Old Hollywood’s Amongst Friends Fishtail Parka ($170) is made of heavily washed soft cotton twill that will keep you extra comfortable for a stroll in the park.
Have you taken out your cold weather clothes yet or are you still hanging on for an Indian summer?
Aida Markiw retired from software development to pursue her dream of painting and making beautiful things. The best part (for us) is that these beautiful things are also wearable.
