Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NYC Bridal Gown Store Directory


NYC Bridal Gown Store Directory



Thanks for New York Magazine for putting this great list together

57Grand.com

All the gowns on this site are locally made, including best sellers like the Trinity ($1,500), which features a removable tulle skirt, and the ruffled silk-cotton chiffon Boathouse ($775). Jewel-toned bridesmaid dresses are also available (from $155).

Adriennes

156 Orchard St., nr. Rivington St.; 212-475-4206; adriennesny.com
Owner Maryann Greco specializes in custom gowns—lacy sheaths based on vintage looks ($1,000–$4,500), for example—but she also carries designs by major names like Jim Hjelm and an extensive collection of bridesmaid dresses. By appointment only.

Albright Fashion Library

62 Cooper Sq., nr. Astor Pl.; 212-977-7350; albrightnyc.com
Perennially chic Irene Albright’s 7,000-square-foot rent-a-frock closet brims with high-end showstoppers from the likes of Balenciaga and Balmain (not to mention a whopping 7,000 pairs of shoes). Rentals start at $1,000.

Amsale

625 Madison Ave., nr. 58th St., second fl.; 212-583-1700; amsale.com
Amsale Aberra’s crisp made-to-order gowns start at $3,500. Brides can also check out her more affordable Little White Dress line (from $950). Alterations are a flat fee of $575. By appointment only. (good value)

Angelo Lambrou

96 E. 7th St., nr. First Ave.; 212-460-9870; angelolambrou.com
Ladies seeking simple silk gowns with a twist (from $2,000) will love this boutique, where silhouettes are embellished with bias cuts and Lambrou’s signature wrapping and weaving. By appointment only.

Ann Hamilton Bridal

212-625-8622; annhamiltonbridal.com
For brides who love Mom’s sixties silhouette but hate her frumpy sleeves, this designer restores, resizes, and restyles vintage gowns ($600–$2,000). Alterations from $250. By appointment only.

AnneBarge.com

Barge’s couture designs have been featured in Brides and Town & Country Weddings. She offers three distinct collections to fit every budget; hand-beaded and embroidered Italian silk Black Label gowns start at $7,000.

Bergdorf Goodman

754 Fifth Ave., at 58th St.; 212-872-8957; bergdorfgoodman.com
In the Art Deco wedding salon, brides can peruse gowns by Ines Di Santo, Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, and Marchesa, among others. Gowns start at $3,800.

Bhldn.com

The vintage-inspired bridal line from the Urban Outfitters family (which includes Anthropologie and Free People) offers a finely edited collection of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and accessories. Look out for designer collabs with Anna Sui, Tracy Reese, and Catherine Deane, among others. Bridal gowns are $1,000 to $6,000; bridesmaid and party dresses are $200 to $600.

Birnbaum & Bullock

151 W. 25th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 2A; 212-242-2914; birnbaumandbullock.com
This atelier features three lines, each with its own price points: Robert Bullock Bride runs $1,450 to $2,500; the Steven Birnbaum Collection, $1,700 to $2,700; and the couture Birnbaum & Bullock Collection, $3,000 to $9,500. By appointment only.

Blue

248 Mott St., nr. Prince St.; 212-228-7744Designer Christina Kara shows off her modern twists on the traditional gown, offering twenty customizable silhouettes for brides (from $800).

The Bridal Garden

54 W. 21st St., nr. Sixth Ave., Ste. 901; 212-252-0661; bridalgarden.orgThis not-for-profit bridal boutique offers well-kept pre-worn gowns in addition to new dresses donated by Vera Wang, Ulla-Maija, and Elizabeth Fillmore (from $500). By appointment only.

Bridal Reflections

260 Fifth Ave., nr. 29th St., fourth fl.; 212-764-3040; bridalreflections.comThis bustling grand-scale salon offers unhurried personal service, impeccable on-site tailoring, and gowns by a variety of designers, including Romona Keveža and Ines Di Santo (from $3,500). It also carries shoes, accessories, and eveningwear.

Carolina Herrera

954 Madison Ave., at 75th St.; 212-249-6552; carolinaherrera.comHerrera’s bridal salon draws women looking for high-fashion elegance. Her spring 2012 collection features sweetheart bodices, Chantilly lace detail, and an abundance of strapless stunners (from $5,000).

Colette Komm

212-580-2690; colettekomm.comKomm, a Parsons-trained designer and Vera Wang alum, handcrafts each of her couture gowns, from preliminary sketches through final construction. Her dresses have been featured in Elegant Bride and Martha Stewart Weddings. Prices upon request.

Coren Moore

250 W. 39th St., nr. Eighth Ave., fourth fl.; 212-731-2017; corenmoore.comThis designer’s well-edited showroom is perfect for brides seeking flattering, fastidiously made looks. The princessy A-line Francie dress starts at $1,800.

Cymbeline Paris

5 E. 19th St., nr. Fifth Ave., second fl.; 212-671-1051; cymbelineusa.comFounded by three sisters from the south of France, Cymbeline offers an assortment of Parisian-chic gowns made from luxurious Alençon and Chantilly laces (from $2,000). Elegant veils and mantillas (from $150 for short, $450 for long) are crafted from the same fine materials, so brides can purchase one to match on the spot. By appointment only.

David's Bridal

751 Sixth Ave., at 25th St.; 646-827-4050; davidsbridal.comThe ultimate destination for affordable dresses offers the exclusive spring 2012 White by Vera Wang diffusion line (from $528). There’s also a house collection, plus gowns by Galina and Oleg Cassini. Savvy shoppers should check for oft-featured “99-Dollar Days.” (good value)

Designer Loft

226 W. 37th St., nr. Seventh Ave., second fl.; 212-944-9013; designerloftnyc.comThis full-service atelier stocks looks by coveted indie bridal designers like Jenny Packham and Jessica Zamir. It also has more conservative dresses for Jewish and Greek Orthodox ceremonies. Custom gowns from $2,500. By appointment only.

Fancy New York

1133 Broadway, nr. 26th St., Ste. 1405; 212-234-4303; dressmefancy.comWith a mid-century-modern sensibility, this made-to-measure line is perfect for fashion-forward brides. Highlights include the Fiona ($1,815), a strapless number with three tiers of ribbon-edged silk organza, and the Dawn ($1,705), a silk-linen column dress with a drawstring neck. By appoint­ment only.

Fancy Wedding Center

1888 Stillwell Ave., nr. Avenue S, Bensonhurst; 718-234-3442;fancyweddingcenter.com
This rental mecca stocks hundreds of gowns by Morilee and Mary’s Bridal. From $199 for three days. By appointment only. (good value)

Gabriella New York

400 W. 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave., Ste. 2A; 212-206-1915; gabriellanewyork.com
Gabriella Risatti carries exclusive styles from fifteen designers, including Elizabeth Fillmore, Jenny Packham, and Marchesa ($2,000–$12,000).

Jane Wilson-Marquis

42 E. 76th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 20 W. 20th St., nr. Fifth Ave., Ste. 600; 212-452-5335; bridalgowns.net
This boutique specializes in elegant custom-made gowns (from $4,000). The Simply Jane line at the downtown location lets brides choose from a series of basic dresses (from $1,000) that can be embellished with couture details.

Jennifer Dule Couture

89 Fifth Ave., nr. 17th St., fourth fl.; 212-727-8700
Dule and her team of designers have 30 years of experience crafting everything from gowns and mother-of-the-bride outfits to intricate veils and accessories. Custom gowns with imported silk lining and hand-embroidered detailing start at $3,000. By appointment only.

Junko Yoshioka

224 Fifth Ave., nr. 26th St., second fl.; 212-206-9302; junkoyoshioka.com
All of Yoshioka’s gowns are made in this Flatiron atelier. The spring 2012 collection (from $3,000) features the Azalea, a strapless silk A-line with a tulle skirt, and the Mimosa, a strapless piqué gown with an asymmetrical tulle overlay and fiddlehead-fern beading. By appointment only.

Jussara Lee

60 Bedford St., nr. Morton St.; 212-242-4128; jussaralee.com
Brides-to-be flock to Lee for her unparalleled fitting abilities. Her understated designs, like plain-silk ­halter gowns and sophisticated organza strapless dresses (from $3,500), run the gamut. She can also custom-design white tuxedos for both men and women. By appointment only.

Kathryn Conover Bridal

108 W. 39th St., nr. Sixth Ave., Ste. 1306; 212-464-7675; kathrynconover.net
This former eveningwear designer and her team of seamsters and beaders will create anything you can dream up (from $1,500). By appointment only.

Kleinfeld

110 W. 20th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 646-633-4300; kleinfeldbridal.com
This famously plush full-service salon has more designer bridal gowns than any other store in the world. Standouts include such big names as Pnina Tornai, Anne Barge, Rosa Clara, and Angel Rivera. By appointment only.

Lotus Bridal

1822 Ave. U, at E. 19th St., Sheepshead Bay; 718-332-4385; lotusbridal.com
This one-stop shop for brides has elegant designer gowns (from $800) and bridesmaid dresses (from $160), plus beauty services (day-of hair and makeup for the bride is $400). Featured designers include Maggie Sottero and San Patrick. (good value)

Lovely

313 W. 4th St., nr. 12th St.; 212-924-2050; lovelybride.com
The bridal gowns in this quaint townhouse range from simple silhouettes by up-and-comer Elizabeth Dye to red-carpet-ready designs by Badgley Mischka ($700–$6,000). Hair accessories range from $50 to $350. By appointment only. (good value)

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier

110 E. 55th St., nr. Park Ave., eighth fl.; 212-319-6778; bridalatelier.com
This meticulously curated space offers brides-to-be the opportunity to test-drive some of the biggest names in bridal couture: Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Angel Sanchez, Oscar de la Renta, and more (from $5,000). By appointment only.

Matthew Williamson

415 W. 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-255-9881; matthewwilliamson.com
Offering a handful of ready-to-wear gowns, this shop specializes in custom couture pieces with feminine silhouettes, hand-beading, and embroidery. Favorites include an asymmetrical silk-tulle gown embellished with feathers ($8,000) and a hand-beaded shift ($5,995). By appointment only.

Michelle New York Brides

396 Atlantic Ave., nr. Bond St., Boerum Hill; 718-643-1680; michellenewyork.com
Michelle Fields’s gown assortment is romantic and chic ($700–$5,000). She offers custom dresses for bridesmaids (from $250) and flower girls (from $175), as well as jewelry ($70 for crystal-encrusted bird earrings by Elizabeth Cole). By appointment only. (good value)

Mika Inatome Custom Bridal

325 W. 38th St., nr. Eighth Ave., Ste. 407; 212-966-7777; mikainatome.com
Inatome has a reputation as a master of slender, custom-made mermaid gowns. Her airy loft is filled with about 300 chic, modern dresses ($1,700–$5,000), and everything is done by hand. By appointment only.

Modern Trousseau

552 Seventh Ave., at 40th St., Ste. 301; 212-278-8030; moderntrousseaunyc.com
This atelier uses fine Italian silks and French lace to craft each custom gown ($2,200–$6,200). One seamstress creates the dress from start to finish, and brides receive a custom label embroidered with her name or wedding date. The brand also offers embroidered belts and sashes, boleros, and veils.

Morgane Le Fay

980 Madison Ave., nr. 64th St.; 212-879-970067 Wooster St., nr. Spring St.; 212-219-7672morganelefay.com
Designer Liliana Casabal’s bridal collection ($900–$5,000, including alterations) features luxe fabrics like ivory silk, organza, taffeta, duchess satin, and chiffon. Her designs have been worn by Halle Berry and Björk. (good value)

Nicole Miller

77 Greene St., nr. Spring St.; 212-219-1825; nicolemiller.com
Miller’s understated gowns ($595–$3,000) appeal to the free-spirited bride and often feature impeccable draping, column-style cuts, and sexy open backs. By appointment only. (good value)

Paula Varsalona for the Bride

552 Seventh Ave., nr. 40th St., Ste. 602; 212-221-5600; paulavarsalona.com
Varsalona’s formal V collection features strapless gowns with sculpted bodices (from $2,000); the Crème collection showcases elaborate beading and thread work (from $3,000).

Pronovias

14 E. 52nd St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-897-6393; pronovias.com
This five-story Spanish boutique features some of the finest fitting rooms in the city. Gowns start at $700 and flaunt lace, bustier-style corsets, cascades of ruffles, floral embroidery, princessy ball gowns, flowing trains, and pleated Paris organza. By appointment only.

Reem Acra

730 Fifth Ave., nr. 57th St., Ste. 205; 212-308-8760; reemacra.com
Acra’s high-fashion designs hit the right note between red-carpet glamour and pared-down sophistication. Brides adore both the custom couture (from $35,000) and ready-to-wear gowns (from $3,500).

Saja

250 Elizabeth St., nr. Houston St.; 212-226-7570; sajawedding.com
Yoo Lee’s boutique offers a whimsical collection of off-white “nontraditional, ethereal” 100 percent silk gowns. Starting as low as $595 for short and $795 for long, the dresses max out at $1,800. (good value)

The Sample Room NY

40 W. 17th St., nr. Sixth Ave., Ste. 2B; 212-929-8868; thesampleroomny.com
With options from Jenny Packham and Réva Mivasagar, this shop offers a huge selection of designer gowns and accessory samples at up to 80 percent off retail prices. Gowns start at $500. (good value)

Samuelle Couture

347-607-0086; samuellecouture.com
British designer Sam Walls Beasley blends classic English styling with contemporary romanticism in her bespoke gowns, which often incorporate vintage textiles and trims, hand-dyed silks, and semi-sculptural brocades. She also gives each client a custom watercolor painting of her gown. Prices upon request.

Selia Yang

71 Franklin St., nr. Broadway; 212-941-9073; seliayang.com
Yang’s dresses can be stunning (the skirt of the strapless Ahna is covered with silk flower accents) or subtle (the fitted silk Chloe has a one-shoulder tulle strap). Made-to-order gowns start at $2,600. Off-the-rack designer ones are sold at up to 60 percent off. By appointment only. (good value)

Shopbop.com

Shopbop’s wedding boutique features dresses by big names like Halston Heritage, Robert Rodriguez, Temperley London, and Notte by Marchesa, in addition to smaller, local designers. Dresses are $195 to $5,000, accessories $20 to $290, shoes $225 to $1,195, and jewelry $98 to $590.

TheAisleNewYork.com

This flash-sale site curates pieces from exclusive brands and sells them for up to 70 percent off the retail price. Select lines, like Oscar de la Renta accessories and Loeffler Randall shoes, are always available, and brides can feel good knowing that a portion of their purchase goes to a charity of the designer’s choice.

VeKa Bridal

412 Atlantic Ave., nr. Bond St., Boerum Hill; 718-222-1178; vekabridal.com
Proprietors Ksenia Kaliaguina and Jana Vendeland stock their Brooklyn showroom with gowns by American and European designers, including Palazzo, Adele Wechsler, and Suzanne Ermann; the focus is on fresh, playful designs ($1,500–$4,500). Alterations start at $300. By appointment only.

Vera Wang Bridal House

991 Madison Ave., nr. 77th St.; 212-628-3400; verawang.com
The grande dame of bridalwear offers dresses (from $3,000) to suit every taste. Silhouettes include simple A-lines and voluminous, full-skirted showstoppers; and Wang’s most recent bridal collection features dresses in statement-making blacks and nudes. The upscale boutique is also a go-to for footwear and accessories. By appointment only.

Wedding Atelier

103 Fifth Ave, nr. 18th St., second fl.; 646-638-3263; weddingatelier.com
This shop carries popular designers such as Tara Keely and Cymbeline Paris. The staff can ready an off-the-rack dress in ten days or custom-make one in ten weeks, if necessary. Gowns start at $1,500; bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses are in stock, too. By appointment only.

The White Gown

69 Jay St., at Greenwich St., Dumbo; 718-222-4696; thewhitegown.com
This laid-back Brooklyn boutique carries modern, vintage-inspired, and avant-garde gowns ($1,000–$5,000) from Blush by Jim Hjelm, Amsale, Enzoani, Alyne by Rivini, and David Fielden; bridesmaid and cocktail dresses top out at $350. The shop also offers cleaning and preservation services, and in-house seamstresses are on hand.

New York Magazine

Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze

Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze 

A Halloween jack-o-lantern on a rock.

The tri-state area's biggest, most exciting, most electrifying Halloween event returns for a whopping 22 nights in 2012!

See more than 5,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated jack o' lanterns in this elaborate walk-through experience. Meander through an historic, 18th-century riverside landscape and discover a breathtaking display – all made of jack o' lanterns! Stroll through the Tunnel O' Pumpkin Love and emerge to the incredible sight of gourd-filled Jack-in-the-Box springing up and bouncing around. Flying pumpkin ghosts will soar above the lantern-lit path.
Could 2012 really be THE END? Consult our Pumpkin Prophesy doomsday grandfather clock for an answer. See slithering snakes, a giant spider web, an undersea aquarium, and super-sized dinosaurs.
Go gaga over a collection of Little Monsters. Come gawk and gaze at more jack o'lanterns than ever before. Tens of thousands of visitors experienced last year's sold-out Blaze®. Complete with sound effects, elaborate synchronized lighting and original, atmospheric music, this not-to-be-missed spectacle is the area's most innovative Halloween happening.

Tickets

Adults, $16; Children 3-17, $12  (Saturdays $20, $16)
FREE for children under 3 + members

Accessibility

Blaze is handicapped accessible, as there are no stairs to negotiate through the installation. However, there are some narrow and slightly sloped brick paths and it is a walk-through experience along uneven, unpaved, soft-surface terrain. Handicapped parking is available, but your car must display a handicapped placard or plate.


FAQ about Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze
1. So what's this Blaze business all about? 
The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze is a fall spectacle integrating thousands of hand-carved jack o'lanterns — everything from your standard Jack to extremely elaborate abstract designs — lit up throughout the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., in various arrangements — thematic, conceptual, and otherwise. While this event pays tribute to Halloween and Sleepy Hollow Country, Blaze transcends its Halloween roots and is now a classic fall festival.
2. And what's that got to do with Van Cortlandt Manor?
Blaze's creative director, Michael Natiello, said the true inspiration for Blaze is the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor. The event is really a land art installation informed by artists such as Michael Heizer, Robert Smithson, Donald Judd, and Andy Goldsworthy. Various arrangements and placements of pumpkins are meant to complement and draw attention to the site's architecture, history, and landscape.
3. Anything new at Blaze this year for returning visitors?
The carvers have gone completely overboard this year. Stroll through the Tunnel O' Pumpkin Love and emerge to the incredible sight of gourd-filled Jack-in-the-Box springing up and bouncing around. Could 2012 really be THE END? Consult our Pumpkin Prophesy doomsday grandfather clock for an answer. Go gaga over a collection of shrunken Little Monsters and gaze in amazement at a towering pumpkin bonfire.
4. Fascinating! But with the economy looking up, up, up, I find myself doing that as well. Anything to see skyward?
Floating and flying pumpkin ghosts will soar above the lantern-lit path.
5. Whoa! The only thing crazier than that would be living, breathing Pumpkin People roaming the grounds!
Funny you should mention it, as there will be living, breathing Pumpkin People roaming the grounds this year.
6. Living, breathing Pumpkin People…for real?
YES!
7. Did I mention I'm studying for a certificate in Freudian analysis?
Great, you might enjoy our installation of shrunken heads.
8. Does Blaze have an official soundtrack?
Yes. BRAND NEW this year is Blaze: The Soundtrack, featuring 80 minutes of music from, about, and inspired by Blaze, created by recording artist, radio personality and Halloween fanatic Richard Christy. Click here for more info.
9. I'm tempted by all this, but I need a little more convincing. Did a tastemaker, like, for example, Martha Stewart, ever say anything about the Blaze?
Funny you should ask! Martha herself called the event a "Halloween extravaganza" when she featured the event and Michael Natiello in a 12-minute segment on her show. She even carved jack o'lanterns with Michael Natiello in her studio! You can see a clip she posted from the show on her YouTube channel.
10. Martha's great…but what about the people. What do the people say?
Want to see what actual Blaze visitors had to say about their experience? Check out this YouTube video.
11. Is there anything else like this anywhere else?
Absolutely not! This event is so one-of-a-kind, the name (and the 'Blaze' shorthand) are registered trademarks!

12. OK, now I can hardly wait. When can I see Blaze this year?Blaze takes place on 22 evenings, the most ever! Visit Saturday through Monday, Oct. 6-8 (Columbus Day weekend); Friday through Sunday, Oct. 12-14; Friday through Sunday, Oct. 19-21; Thursday through Wednesday, Oct. 25-31; Friday through Sunday, Nov. 2-4; and Friday through Sunday, Nov. 9-11.
13. If I don't photograph an experience, it's like it never happened. May I photograph at Blaze? Got any tips for capturing the moment?
You may, but you must leave tripods and monopods at home. Also, you should know that using an overaggressive flash, besides temporarily blinding those around you, just might ruin your pictures. To ideally capture the ambient light of the jack o'lanterns, use a slow synch or nighttime setting. Post your best work online and share it with us!
14. Do I really have to leave my tripod and monopod at home?
Yes. Please.
15. Now that I've cured my cucurbitophobia, I need some scary, non-pumpkin-experiences. What are my non-Blaze options?
If you're ready to be scared out of your mind, pay a visit to Horseman's Hollow at Philipsburg Manor, a Historic Hudson Valley event back for its third straight year and designed to scare the pants off of you (not literally, of course). Click here for details!
16. And what else can I do in Sleepy Hollow Country?
You can experience a live performance of Irving's 'Legend,' where master storyteller Jonathan Kruk offers a dramatic re-telling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in the incredible candlelit setting of the Old Dutch Church, just across the street from Philipsburg Manor. Click here for details.
17. Filling my nights with Halloween delights is not enough, what can I do during the day?
Consider exploring Legend Celebration at Washington Irving's Sunnyside. This daytime festival features ghost stories, live music, magicians, puppeteers and a mime scarecrow! It's particularly fun for the youngsters. Click here for details.
18. Now my Halloween appetite is insatiable, but I'm a newly licensed social media guru and thousands are living vicariously through me online. Can I tweet/Facebook/Flickr/YouTube with you?
Yes. Tweet at us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/HHValley
Become a fan of Blaze on Facebook here.
Check out our Flickr page here.
Check out our YouTube page here.
Check out our blog here.
19. Being a social media guru, I can only attend events that have an unofficial "official" hashtag. Might there be one for Blaze?
#PumpkinBlaze. Tweet it up!
20. Back to the basics. How many pumpkins go under the knife for this event?
You'll find more than 5,000 hand-carved jack o'lanterns lit up throughout the landscape.
21. My time is money. How long does it take to see all of Blaze?
Approximately 45 minutes.
22. I hear Blaze has "themed" areas. Is one the theme from Hawaii Five-0?
Themed areas include the Skeleton Emergence; ancient Greece, featuring mythological characters; Jurassic Park, featuring dinosaurs; the Undersea Aquarium, featuring carvings of fish and other oceanic life; Circus Arena; Buzzing Beehive, and many more.
23. When I'm viewing thousands of jack o'lanterns in one space, ambience is key. How will you satisfy that need?
Professional lighting designer Jay Woods works with the Blaze team to create an atmospheric tableau that enhances the carving artistry and transforms the Manor House into an amazing, ever-changing spectacle. Synchronized lighting means several of the installations will be "moving." Very cool!
24. Are those real pumpkins?
Many are real and some are "art pumpkins." But EVERY SINGLE JACK O'LANTERN is individually hand-carved on site at Van Cortlandt Manor by our team. For curatorial considerations (such as areas where the historic buildings could be damaged), and where the hand-carving is very intricate and worthy of being preserved, "art pumpkins" are used along with live ones.
25. I bet it's a lot easier to carve these art pumpkins than it is to carve real ones. Right?
Actually, it's harder. Both are well-suited for carving work, certainly, but nature's canvas is much more pliable.
26. And just how much pumpkin are we talking here?
Because not all the pumpkins survive for the full run of Blaze, we order approximately 6,000 live pumpkins, which weigh between five and fifty pounds each. They are delivered in 96-cubic-foot containers on three flatbed trucks (24 bins per truck). All told that's more than 100,000 pounds o' pumpkin!
27. I've never heard of this "pumpkin." Tell me about them!
Pumpkins are fruits. A pumpkin is a type of squash and is a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitacae), which also includes squash, cucumbers, gherkins, and melons. They have been grown in North America for five thousand years and are indigenous to the western hemisphere. In 1584, after French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America, he reported finding "gros melons." The name was translated into English as "pompions," which has since evolved into the modern "pumpkin."
28. Who carved all these pumpkins and how long does it take?
Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a team of Historic Hudson Valley staff, volunteers, and local artists. Check out our Meet the Carvers video series on ourYouTube channel for interviews with them.
29. And what about the prep work?
In 2011, more than 1,000(!) volunteers helped Blaze by doing vital scooping and lighting work. Among the organization's helping with the scooping and lighting this year are New York Life Insurance Company, Croton Cheer, Westchester and Putnam ARC, Another Step, Community Based Services, YAI, Rye Country Day School, Heart of the Hudson Girl Scouts, Stamford (Conn.) Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Historic Hudson Valley staff and volunteers from all of our sites, and many others who just like to pitch in! The New York Life Insurance Company and Rye Country Day School in particular deserve special mention this year for the outstanding job they are doing recruiting scores of volunteers.
30. This is a LOT of work! When exactly did the carving begin?
Carving of the art pumpkins began in June. The real pumpkins are carved throughout the run of Blaze. Prior to each event week, it takes 15 to 20 volunteers several days of scooping pulp and seeds from the pumpkins to get them ready for the carvers. Many of the pumpkins must be replaced during the event's five-week run.
31. Wow! What else do the volunteers do?
During each night of the event, it takes 15 to 20 volunteers to light the votive candles in the pumpkins. They start lighting about three hours before the event begins.
32. I like lighting up the lives of others and my dog gives me plenty of scooping practice. Can I volunteer?
Absolutely, contact Cheryl Bernstein and tell her about your interest.
33. Where can I learn how to carve elaborate designs on a pumpkin?
CLICK HERE for some tips from Michael Natiello on taking your pumpkin carving to the next level. You will also find a selection of books about pumpkin carving at the Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze Shop.

34. You must seriously pack in the visitors. How many people come to Van Cortlandt Manor for Blaze?
Last year's event drew more than 80,000 visitors, nearly four-and-a-half times more than the 18,000 who visited in 2005, the event's first year.
35. Is Blaze handicapped accessible? What about strollers?Blaze is handicapped accessible, as there are no stairs to negotiate through the installation. However, there are some narrow and slightly sloped brick paths and it is a walk-through experience along uneven, unpaved, soft-surface terrain. Handicapped parking is available, but your car must display a handicapped placard or plate. Strollers are permitted, but keep in mind that strollers which are particularly wide may not fit through some of the site's more narrow passageways.
36. I love to procrastinate and show up to events without RSVPing. Do I reallyhave to buy tickets in advance?
Absolutely! In order to safely accommodate the thousands of visitors who attend Blaze each evening, and to ensure a pleasant environment for all, advance reservations are a MUST, even for Historic Hudson Valley Members. Non-members and members alike must choose in advance the date and time slot they want to visit. This event sold out last year and hundreds were turned away, so buy your tickets now to secure the times you want.
37. I'm a proud member of Historic Hudson Valley, do I need a reservation?
Absolutely! Historic Hudson Valley members attend Blaze for free, but must make advance reservations. Not a member? CLICK HERE
38. Historic Hudson Valley. Is that a place or a state of mind?
Actually, it's a non-profit network of historic sites in Sleepy Hollow Country and the Great Estates region, including Van Cortlandt Manor. The others areWashington Irving's Sunnyside;Philipsburg Manorthe Union Church of Pocantico Hills; and Montgomery Place Historic Estate. The organization operates public tours at Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, a historic site of the National Trust
39. I'm as impulsive as all get out. I need to buy tickets right now!
CLICK HERE to buy tickets. CLICK HEREto become a member. You can also call914-366-6900 to buy tickets ($2 per ticket surcharge added for phone orders).
40. I can't believe I accidentally bought tickets for the same night as the birthday party for my great aunt's third cousin's daughter. Can I exchange them for another session?
Sorry, all ticket sales are final. They are, however, transferable. So feel free to give them to a friend.
41. It's raining and I dress exclusively in suede. Can I get a refund or exchange my tickets?
Blaze takes place rain or shine. In extreme weather conditions, Historic Hudson Valley reserves the right to cancel the event and issue refunds. See ourWeather Policy for details.
42. Can I park my ride for free?
Yes, parking is included in the cost of your ticket.
43. My pets, Diana the tabby, Harvey the Westy, and Taco the guinea pig are all part of my family. Can they come to Blaze?
Sorry, but no. Blaze is for humans only.
44. I like souvenirs. Can I take a jack o'lantern home?
Actually, you can! Blaze experts will be carving art pumpkins on site that you can purchase in The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze Shop. These will be limited edition, signed by the artists. Besides these incredible examples of carving artistry, the shop will be stuffed to the gills with Blaze-specific items including our brand new CD, Blaze: The Soundtrack, and new Blaze shirts, sweatshirts and caps. Local painter Suzanne Christine created four new Blaze oil paintings this season, which you will find finely reproduced on a made-in-the-USA Blaze cotton throw, new mugs, journals, notebooks and note cards, place mats, matted prints, puzzles, a whimsical glass wall clock, five beautiful table lamps, a lovely wooden tray, and fun pins. The shop will also offer a Blaze LED flashlight, Blaze pumpkin soap, pumpkin glass and metal ornaments, beautiful hand-blown glass pumpkins, glass platters, and plates, mini bowls, salt/pepper shakers, votive holders, over 50 Halloween book titles for young (and not so young!) readers, flashing necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, flashing headbands, huge gem rings, and of course, 800 pounds of delicious pumpkin pancake mixes! Need more fuel? How about Blaze chocolate pretzels, pumpkin butter, pumpkin mustard, pumpkin mandarin jam, poundcake and Jack O'Lantern cupcake and chocolate cookie mixes, and pumpkin turtle candies? Not enough stuff? We'll also have new Blaze postcards, Blaze notecards designed by local artists, and new Blaze magnets! Besides the main Blaze shop inside the event, you can stop by Shop 'N' Glow under the large hospitality tent, which has flashing LED swords and spinning Jack O'Lanterns, flashing necklaces, eyeglasses, earrings, bracelets and rings, plus sweatshirts. Remember, it can get cold in October!
45. Clearly Historic Hudson Valley couldn't have done this all on its own. Who else helped?
We graciously thank our generous sponsors, Blaze Founding SponsorEntergy, Blaze Title Sponsor KeyBank, and Blaze Media Sponsor WHUD 100.7 FM.
46. I'm starving. Will food be available at the event?
Absolutely. Café Blazé, operated byGeordane's of Irvington, will offer many tasty treats, including soup, veggie chili, muffins, pumpkin cookies, and cider.
47. My kids are starving, too, but is this event appropriate for my young child? How scary is it?
Blaze is suitable for a general audience. While there are some elements that are spooky, this is not a haunted tour, so there will be no goblins or ghouls jumping out to scare the wits out of the youngsters. Families with young children may want to choose an earlier time slot, when it's not so dark. If you're looking for a scare fest, check out Horseman's Hollow.
48. All this talk of food has got me ravenous for Pumpkin Pie. You wouldn't happen to have a killer recipe, would you?
You are going to flip for this recipe, courtesy of Lavada Nahon, Historic Hudson Valley food historian. It's based on a historic recipe for "Pompkin Pudding," which appeared in America's first cookbook, "American Cookery" by Amelia Simmons, in 1796.
49. That recipe sounds so good, I'm going to use it to make the largest pumpkin pie ever. What record do I have to top?
The largest pumpkin pie ever baked was in 2003 and weighed 418 pounds.
50. I'm on a green drink diet. Should I feel guilty after eating pumpkin pie?
Pumpkins are low in calories, fat, and sodium, and are high in fiber. They are good sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, potassium, protein, and iron.
51. Perfect. To make the biggest pumpkin pie, I'm going to need to grow the biggest pumpkin. Whose record do I have to top?
The largest pumpkin ever grown was 1,337 pounds. It was grown by Charles Houghton of New Boston, New Hampshire.
52. By the way, what's so historic about a Jack O' Lantern?
An ancient Irish legend holds that a man named Jack (or in some versions, "Stingy Jack"), too sinful to be admitted to heaven, was also denied entrance to hell. So he carved a turnip, lit it with a candle, and wandered the earth for a resting place, hence the name "Jack O' Lantern." There are many variations of this tale. However, it is believed that the first real meaning of "Jack O' Lantern," emerging in the 18th century, was "night watchman."

Source:

shopkick!! Earn free gift cards



Shopkick

Found a fun shopping app called shopkick! It gives you rewards and insider deals at Target, Best Buy, & many other stores. 



About ShopKick:

Shopkick is a free location-based rewards application available for the iPhone and Android.
Users can earn "kickbucks" (rewards) when they check-in at participating businesses and also when they scan the bar-codes on specific products.

How does Shopkick Works

Users open the Shopkick app and it will show nearby retailers offering a large number of kickbucks for walking in. 
Customers can earn more kickbucks by scanning specific products. 
Stores may also send Shopkick users exclusive store incentives and discounts for extra savings.

How Many Stores Partner With Shopkick?

Some of the participating companies:


  • Target

  •  

  • macy's

  •  
  • Best Buy

  •  
  • Old Navy

  •  
  • Create&Barrel

  •  
  • American Eagle Outfitters

  •  
  • Toys-R-Us

  •  
  • Simon Malls

  •  
  • Exxon

  • Mobil

  •  
  • west elm

  •  
  • wetseal

  •  

    Sports Authority


    Brand participation is an area where Shopkick is continuing to focus on and grow.

    How Many Rewards Can You Earn?

    Unlike some apps that offer a little bit of nothing, Shopkick has a pretty impressive rewards system.


    How Much Can You Earn?

    Scanning partner brand products from Kraft Foods, HP, Proctor & Gamble, and Unilever at any store where they are in-stock will usually reward 10-20 kickbucks.

    25 Recyclebank Points




    I just wanted to share this link with you: You'll earn 25 Recyclebank Points when you learn how to save water and save money with Suave. https://www.recyclebank.com/how-to-earn/details/learn-smart-ways-to-save-water-in-the-bathroom-6910



    Want to become a Mentor in NYC?

    Want to become a Mentor in NYC?
    Free Stock Photo: Illustration of a blank note pad
    Here are some organization that you could participate in:

    Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City (BBBS)

    BBBS’ mission is to provide mentors to children who need a caring adult role model. BBBS works to increase the number of professionally supervised, long-term, one-to-one mentoring relationships in NYC. For one hundred years, BBBS has been pairing adult volunteers from the community-at-large with young people aged 7 to 18 who have been referred for mentoring services. In addition, the corporate workplace program BBBS matches high school youth with pairs of adults for mentoring that takes place in the workplace. The organization also provides technical assistance to hundreds of organizations to implement quality mentoring programs. BBBS serves hundreds of foster care youth and families from the five boroughs. The time commitment is only four hours every other week for one year. Mentoring pairs arrange their time and activities at mutually convenient times and locations. To learn more, or to apply to be a mentor, call 212.686.2042 or visit www.bigsnyc.org

    Mentoring Partnership of New York (MPNY)

    MPNY is an advocate for the expansion of quality mentoring opportunities for New York City youth and a resource for mentors and mentoring initiatives city-wide. MPNY helps individuals and groups from different sectors become involved in mentoring opportunities for youth. The Mentoring Partnership has a membership base of over 130 diverse program partners, serving youth ages 5 to 21 from a variety of populations across NYC, including youth with special needs and youth in foster care. To learn more, contact the Mentoring Partnership of New York at 1-800-83-YOUTH or visit www.mentoring.org/ny

    Mentoring USA (MUSA)

    Founded by Matilda Raffa Cuomo in 1995, MUSA trains and supports mentors at schools, community centers and foster care agencies. MUSA has five programs - General, English as a Second Language, Heroic Choices, Foster Care and Adoption Mentoring(“Adoptment”). All help children aged 5 to 21 improve their self-esteem, broaden their vision of opportunities and succeed in school. The Foster Care program establishes consistent, caring adult relationships for youth in care, assisting youth in developing coping and problem-solving skills, to nurture competence and resilience, strengthen relationships with adults, encourage development of aspirations and goals, reduce harmful risk-taking behavior, and introduce them to enjoyable opportunities and experiences. The “Adoptment” program is designed to enrich the lives of young adoptees and/or prospective adoptees by offering a connection with adopted adults or adults who have been part of the foster care system. All programs provide one-on-one matches meeting under site-based supervision. To learn more, or to apply to be a mentor, call 212-400-8277 or visit www.mentoringusa.org




    Data Source

    Bridal Sample Sale: October 25th


    Untitled Document

    Halloween Party with Big City Moms and Kidville


    Halloween party hosted by:

     Big City Moms and Kidville


    Big City Moms and Kidville
    Halloween Party


    Join Big City Moms and Kidville for a fun afternoon of music by Rockin' Railroad, Pizza, Gym Activities, Photos by Suzanne Cohen Photography, Sweet Treats from the Soft Serve Fruit Co, Candy, and more.

    Sunday, October 28th
    4:00pm -5:30pm
    Kidville - 163 East 84th Street




    FREE Liquitex Professional Spray Paint Sample






    FREE Liquitex Professional Spray Paint Sample – Liquitex Professional Spray Paint samples mailed to valid Continental US addresses only, no P.O. Boxes. AK, HI, PR Excluded.
    Please Note: It can take a while for these to ship out.