Thanksgiving 2015

J Train

It's my annual trek from Brooklyn to Laurelton for Thanksgiving Day.  It is a journey, but when you get to your destination, it's like the Cheers bar...they are always happy you came.

They fill you up with love, stories, laughter and of course FOOD. 

Thanksgiving 2015 from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

Enjoy Making Memories

I am Thankful

Celebrating 51 Years!

This was one of many summer celebrations for Lindsay Park.  Although 2014 would have been our 50th anniversary, we celebrated August 2015.   

Lindsay Park Housing Corp. is a 2702-unit cooperative in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and houses about 8000 shareholders. From the beginning (1964) the diversity of the residents continue today (Most Diverse Apartment Building). We are standing strong for the next generation to celebrate the next 50 years.

It was a wonderful day and I took sooooo many photos, that I created 2 videos.

This celebration was made possible by the Board of Directors, residents, vendors, donators, volunteers, and our elected officials....Thank you!
Sponsors
Sponsors
Food Bazaar
Brooklyn Harvest Market
Verizon FIOS
Mario Salerno (Salerno Service Station)
Nu-Way/Scientific Boiler and Compactor
AOK Maintenance Products
Freddy’s Bodega
China Express
Evil Olive Pizza Bar
Subway
Dollar Store
Grain and Vine
Agho Wine and Spirits
Tommy Torres
Mike Olmedo
Party Fair
Watch Guards Security (Photo Booth)
Zenith Properties
Lisa Berman (Clown: Mike Omeado)
Health Fair (Senator Martin Malvave Dilan)
Cora D. Dix-Austin (LPHC Event Planner)
Johnny Gaffney

Elected Officials
Congressman Charlie Rangel
Senator Martin Dilan
Assemblywoman Maritza Davila
Assemblyman Keith Wright
The office of Mayor Bill de Blasio
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams
Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Diana Reyna

Music
Eyo
ASA
Bed of Stone

Salvation Army vs Free Cycle

As I go through this process of making decor choices, there are some items that I don't want to toss.  I believe there is still life in that table, chair, knic knac, or what not.  I could sell on eBay, but some things are not worth the effort, and I just want to give them away.  The Salvation Army and Free Cycle are my go to spots, but there are some pros and cons to each.

Salvation Army Pros

1. I have given items away to the Salvation Army for years (some people prefer Good Will).  Take an item, hand it in, get a invoice/receipt for a tax deductions and I'm off to for my next errand.
2. They will pick up, but you need to make an appointment.

 Salvation Army Cons

1. They don't take books
2. They can sometimes refuse items to pick up when they come to pick up
3. They can toss items even after they have been donated.
4. Dragging your item into the store.  Items sit in a corner waiting to be taken to the store.  It's not the Army's fault but it is a con.

Free Cycle Pros

1.  Posting is easy, Offer, Promised, Taken. and your zip code.
2. The person picking up really wants it.

Free Cycle Cons

1. There can be lots of responses, but sometimes people don't show up for pick up.
2. People don't show up to pick up items
3. When people say they want the item, they don't show up to pick it up.

It is the most irritating con of Free Cycle, people wasting your time.  I have had some success giving away a piano, books, file cabinet, fabric, but it is the time wasting, inconsiderate Free Cyclers that think your time isn't important.  That's when the Salvation Army Wins!!

In conclusion there many other outlets to donate to and the pros will always outweigh the cons because it is still best to recycle, reuse, up cycle, restore, and resuscitate an item that still has life

Where People Work/Peace & RIOT

Located in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant Peace & RIOT is an oasis on the hustle and bustle block Nostrand Ave.

This Saturday join Peace & RIOT as they welcome Malene B for a special event Design Under The Influence.

Malene will speak about her beautiful works of art. If you do take the tour, present your (Bedford Stuyvesant House Tour) tour map and get 10% off selected items.

Wine for the event will be supplied courtesy of the owners of Bed-Nos Wines, 296 Nostrand Ave. 

 

Saturday, October 18, 2014

492 Nostrand Ave

Brooklyn, New York 11216

3pm - 7pm

347.663.6100

Where People Work/Brooklyn Harvest Market

Well it's about time, FINALLY, we have a supermarket on the block.  It's probably been over 30 years since and we the Lindsay Park residents (building 1 and 2) had to walk at least 4+ blocks to go grocery shopping.  

That day is over, Brooklyn Harvest Market, opened today and I am so glad that it's here.  It is around the corner and everything from the brands that I like, to fresh vegetables and cooked food as well, I look forward to filling the shopping cart up.

Brooklyn Harvest Market

204 Union Ave

Brooklyn, New York

718.603.5533

Super Moon From a Super Block

I didn't get the great shots you are seeing all over the net, but it was exciting seeing it rise over the buildings.

A bit after 8:00pm looking out the window

About 8:45pm from street

 

Below is a shot in May 2014

Lindsay Park Oldtimers Day 2014

Lindsay Park was established in 1964.  The first two buildings (#1 and #2) and by 1967 all seven buildings were up.  This multicultural Williamsburg community, is now has grown to become a mecca for artist, architects, hipsters, and more.  Talking to one friend, he pointed out "Our parents had vision".  

Scroll down to check out the video and more photos. 

 

 

The calm before the storm.  Be sure to see the video to the very end.  This gentleman, shows us the diversity that still exist in these 7 buildings.  Although there can be some tension among shareholders, we are still family, and what family exists without a few family squabbles.

Lindsay Park has been seen in many movies and TV shows, including The French Connection (this was the first and you could imagine we got a real kick out of that), Coming to America, Blue Bloods, and more.

 They day brought out the best.  Tributes to Tayshana "Chicken" Murphy and Shakur "Peanut" Taylor.

Tribute to Tayshana "Chicken" Murphy

Shakur "Peanut" Taylor

ICFF 2014

 

ICFF 2014

ICFF 2014 from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

One of my favorite show to attend is the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, all the creatives come out to play.  I had one day, which is not enough time, but I made it work and was thoroughly inspired.

This unit (above) is created by Nick Davis and the cracked glass is on purpose.  It is encased in 2 pieces of glass.

Nick Davis

 

Tucker Robbins

Gabrella Farkas

Janosi Designs

Bien Hecho

Lladro

Lladro

Mon Oncle Barbecue

Mon Oncle Barbeque

My Annual Christmas Walk 2013

New York City has a rich history with their Christmas windows.  I can't remember when I didn't go down 5th Ave in December and enjoyed the animated figures accompanied with music.  Christmas window display has a rich history and blossomed from the late 1800's (check out The History of Department Store Holiday Window Display).  

For the past 2 years I have taken photos and created a slide show of my walk. I thought would do the walk in a few days, starting out at Union Square to see the ABC Home and Carpet, then take the other part of the walk, another day. But I was motivated by the Holiday Season.  I did the whole ride, from Union Square to 34th Street then all the way to up Bloomingdales at 60th Street and Lexington Ave.  

At the end of the day, my legs were killing me, my back hurt and I had over 800 photos.....Thank God for the digital age.

Here is my Christmas in NY 2013 video.......well edited. 

Christmas In NY 2013 from Cassandra Bromfield  

on Vimeo

Where People Work: Shevon Gant

Shevon Gant is a Ceramic artist who works out of a studio in Brooklyn, where she fills the shelves with creative clay creations.  Fill your home with any one of her originals and make everyday extraordinary.

Where to find Shevon:

Shevon Gant Ceramics

Shevon Gant/Etsy

Dahlia's Cafe

449 Nostrand Ave 

Brooklyn, NY

Mug and Teapot available at Dahlia's Cafe

It's That Time of Year Again

One of my favorite things in fall is the Bedford Stuyvesant House Tour.

This is its 35th year and every year the homes are more and more magnificent.  I usually come home filled with ideas (that I can't afford to do), but I make a determined list always.  I can't wait.

The Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant

35th Annual House Tour

Saturday October 19th, 2013

11am - 4pm

Rain or Shine

Tickets 

$20 in advance

$25 day of tour 

Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant.org

Purchase Tickets at these locations

It is advisable to purchase advanced

tickets; recent tours have sold out to

over 1,000 patrons.

 

Brooklyn Swirl

445 Marcus Garvey Boulevard

Brooklyn, NY

(347) 915-1949

Open every day 1pm to 10pm

 

Sista’s Place

456 Nostrand Avenue at Je fferson

Brooklyn, NY

(718) 398-1766

M-F: 1pm to 5pm 

 

Bed-Vyne Wine

370 Tompkins Avenue at Putnam

Brooklyn, NY

(347) 915-1080

M-F: 3pm to 10pm; Sat: 12pm

to 10pm; Sun: 12pm to 7pm

 

See you on the tour.

Last Day of Summer I Celebrated Life

Jeff is a good good friend to my mother and I.  For years we have been included in their milestones such as births, anniversaries, graduations, and sadly death, but that's life.

Tamara and Adrienne, organized a surprise 90th birthday party for Pops, Granddad Jeff.  

...and of course I did a video(s).

Jeff's 90th Supprise Party from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

Then there were the tributes, of which there were many.  Jay (the speech maker of their family), shortened his to let his son (Jeffrey) say thank his Granddad.  This is just a small portion of the what he said and he had us all in tears....you will see what I mean.

Jeffrey and Granddad Jeffrey from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

What I Did This Summer: July 4th

July 4th was a blast and I spent (July 6th) with my (not really blood, but they treat me like I am) Family.  Like James Brown says (biopic coming out next year), I FEEL GOOD!

Lauretlton, Queens July 4th BBQ from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

The Unofficial End

It is the UNOFFICIAL End of the Summer.  I haven't posted as regularly as I should, but there was much activity in and out of this apartment.  

It's show and tell time of what I did this summer (this is one of a few posts). Please feel free to comment on what you did this summer.

Beginning with Memorial day I spent my a day of fun, play, and honors with a family that has always made me feel like I am blood.  Below 3 videos that sum up the fun.

Memorial Day Hang

2013 Annual Memorial Day Hang Part 1 from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

Look to 2:20 for the phenom who dunks like a pro!


2013 Memorial Day Hang Part 2 from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.


Please forgive the shakiness of this video, but I am hoping you will get the love that was put into it and the love of the day.   Stick it out to the end, there is a crack up moment.  Go get a snack it's a bit over  8 minutes.


2013 Memorial Day Hang Part 3 from Cassandra Bromfield on Vimeo.

Architectural Digest Show 2013

It's that time of year again, The Architectural Digest Home Design Show at Pier 94 2013.  It did not disappoint.  Filled to the rim with ideas to like, love, and lust for.

Bose had a display and for this system that they are looking at figure on spending about $4000.  The system is pretty incredible, and there were no external speakers on this TV.  

 

 He is the Artist who paints on the Stienway Pianos and yes his tie is like that.

Ummmmm, yeah it's a Urinal

When I asked the artist, was there a request from American Girl for some modern furniture.  He said it actually came from his 8 year old.  She helped in the design and this piece was already sold.  Maybe some more pieces coming......sorry forgot to get his name.

 

Chocolate Kiss wall, we were incouraged to pick a kiss from the wall.  As the chocolates were picked, you can see the texture of the wall change.

Sweet ending to a sweet day

Hope you enjoyed the tour.