Those searching for a subdued atmosphere to sip a glass of natural wine have a new champion in June Wine Bar, which debuted in Cobble Hill last Thursday in the former Van Horn space. The joint venture between The Farm on Adderley'sTom Kearney and Henry Rich of Rucola and Fitzcarraldo fame boasts a train car-esque design by hOmE, who're also responsible for the beautiful minimalist designs of Cherry Izakaya and Torst. [ more › ]
oops. - It seems to have gone unnoticed that Sembrado has closed
Sembrado’s Tacos al Pastor, the Mexican restaurant from Danny Mena, the chef and co-founder of Hecho en Dumbo, quietly closed this past November at 432 E. 13th St. between Avenue A and First Avenue.
Per their Facebook message last Nov. 14: "Sembrado is moving. We are closing our East Village location … Don't worry, we'll be opening a new location soon!" The restaurant's website states, "expect us on the other side of the river in early 2015."
Meanwhile, the sign is up for the next tenant… Japanese dining featuring sake and tapas...
Not sure what the reason was for the closure/move. Too much taco competition in the neighborhood?
Per the EVG reader who told us about the closure:
"It seems to have gone unnoticed that Sembrado has closed. I'm not sad to see this place go. The food was pretty good but it was clear from their bar set-up, which included many varieties of artisinal/specialty tequilas, how their business model was going to work."
So far in this series, we've tackled our very favorite Chinese dishes and dumplings. Up next, we're diving into noodle dishes, ranging from pan-fried to cold-skinned to steeped in hot soup. Here are our favorites, all of which are guaranteed to keep you warm, full, and happy for the rest of this (disturbingly mild) winter; as always, leave yours in the comments. [ more › ]
A common New York City nightmare became a tragic reality yesterday for a pedestrian who fell to his death through a flimsy cellar grate in Bed-Stuy. [ more › ]
Cuba is officially back on the map for U.S. travelers. A month after the Obama administration reestablished relations with the island nation, the long-standing travel ban for Americans has been greatly eased. Under new rules from the Commerce and Treasury departments, which go into effect today, Americans won't have to ... More »
Who would have thought that desks would be the big buzzed about item in tech in 2014? On a weekly basis, I got more emails about standing desks than I did about any other category in the industry, save Bluetooth speakers. The truth is that while this trend is an important one for our health, it's also exceptionally expensive with only a few distinct exceptions.
Korean fusion has been a hot label in recent years, thanks in no small part to several food trucks and market vendors dishing out bulgogi tacos and the like. Continuing in that trend, New Jersey-based Kimchi Smoke—who've been showing up at area food markets—will be bringing their version of "Southern Korean BBQ" to the Old Bowery Station at 168 Bowery beginning today at 4 p.m. [ more › ]
[UPDATE BELOW] Two weeks after a woman bumped into an unconscious man in a Spa Castle hot tub in Queens, the city has shut down the new midtown east location, which just opened a month ago. This time the Health Department's problem with Manhattan's Spa Castle Premier has nothing to do with floaters, but with the pesky matter of permits. [ more › ]
We've seen listings through the years for rentals at the former Lodging House/Children's Aid Society on the corner of East Eighth Street and Avenue B.
Now, though, there's a listing for a two-floor home that hasn't been available for sale in nearly 40 years.
Let's go right to Urban Compass for the breathless details:
The last time anyone was able to make a claim on a space within Vaux and Bradford’s storied Lodging House was 1978. And prior to that, never.
So in the most literal way possible, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a living piece of Manhattan history. As it stands, the lower floor features a wonderfully proportioned South facing living area with wood-burning fireplace, 10 foot ceilings and a large wrought-iron enclosed Juliet balcony overlooking the recently restored St. Brigid’s church and Tompkins Square Park.
Within the Lodging House, Apartment 2–3E is located on the south, east and north sides of the 2nd and 3rd floors, light is guaranteed all day long. Once inside, look closer. It will be easy to find the original spirit of the building by stripping the existing sheetrock away to expose the wonderful Monk bond brickwork, and it’s thrilling to imagine the probability of 130 year old wooden ceiling joists and beams running lengthwise across the ceilings.
To the rear of the home is a large dining area and kitchen with a north facing window overlooking verdant-planted gardens and the stately Christodora House on East 9th Street. The upper floor of the duplex currently has three comfortable bedrooms and is replete with exposed brick, two large wood-burning fireplaces, arched windows and strip oak hardwood floors.
Price: $4 million.
No. 295 Avenue B was completed in 1887... It was known as Newsboys' and Bootblacks' Lodging House as well as Tompkins Square Lodging House for Boys and Industrial School, Children's Aid Society.
Thanks to Sploid, we now know about these amazing Manhattan skyline photos by Vincent Laforet, a director, photographer "and a pioneer in tilt-shift, aerial photography, and in HD DSLR cameras for shooting film."
Check out his photo essay here ... the results of him hanging out of a helicopter 7,500 feet above New York City on a very dark and chilly night...
While humans spent yesterday's snowfall bruising their tailbones and subtweeting weathermen, the city's finest, most adorable residents got to while away the hours frolicking in the fluffy white stuff in their manmade faux habitats. Never forget that animals are better and cuter than you are, and they live life the way it was meant to be lived. Here's what some of the Bronx Zoo's creatures were up to yesterday: [ more › ]
The koalas of Australia need your help. The Australian Marine Wildlife Research and Rescue Organization (AMWRRO) is urging people to donate mittens for koalas whose paws were burnt in wildfires.
The Telegraphreports numerous koalas were hurt or killed in the wildfires that spread across South Australia and Victoria this week. Because koalas linger high up in eucalyptus trees, they have difficulty escaping in this type of event.
The mittens are essential in returning our furry friends to their natural habitats. The International Fund for Animal Welfare advises "mitten-makers" — that's you — to send their creations directly to their office: IFAW at 6 Belmore Street, Surry Hills 2010 in New South Wales, Australia. "We will distribute your lovingly made mittens to those in need," IFAW told us in an email." Just one pair could help save a koala's life."
If you'd like to help, the organization advises the mittens should be made of 100% cotton sheets or towels.
Like what you see?How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
At least Bao Bao the baby panda is thriving. She tumbled through all of Washington D.C.'s first blanket of snow yesterday and some warm person over at the Smithsonian filmed it all.
It's a great 60 seconds — true Internet gold. It's been reported that many have come down with a heavy case of the "aww's" upon viewing. Which is a hell of a lot better than whatever any human might come down with if they played out in the snow in their birthday suit like Bao Bao.
No matter, though. Bao Bao knows how to appreciate the cold. Bao Bao knows how to become one with it. Perhaps we should all adapt Bao Bao's mentality as we brace ourselves for whatever is about to come and freeze all our joy and resolutions.
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When Justin Israelson, Andrew Unterberg and Joshua Stylman first got the idea to open a brewpub, "all we cared about was having a backyard and brewing beer," Israelson says. The rest kind of evolved as they went along. The rest means a simple but welcoming bar and seating area; a custom draft system; a party room and music venue; a daytime coffee shop and barrel aged cocktails; and more in the pipeline. "We're treating it as a bar, it's not just about the beer." [ more › ]
Last March we got word that Sun Noodle, the NJ-based company responsible for the delicious, springy noodles in just about every ramen hotspot in NYC, would be opening their own restaurant. They were hoping to open Ramen Lab just a few months after, but significant Con-Ed fuckery delayed the opening...until now. The shop at 70 Kenmare Street opens its doors tonight for steaming bowls of noodles at 5 p.m. [ more › ]
This adorable species of frog is native to South Africa and Namibia. As a mating call, the frog can emit a very high-pitched whistle, making it look and sound like some kind of squeak toy. They are currently considered vulnerable, with their population experiencing a decline due to extensive mining.
Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine
Like the desert rain frog, the prehensile-tailed porcupine has a uniquely adorable squeak (this guy sounds like a bicycle horn). Found throughout South America, these amazing critters have muscular, prehensile tails that allow them to move through trees.
Solenodon
Contrary to his appearance, the solenodon is not a rat or a shrew who's had his nose pinched too hard; he belongs to his own genus and was discovered way back in 1833. The solenodon can survive on a number of different foods including worms, reptiles, and insects.
Looking more like a fuzzy refrigerator magnet than an agent of Satan, the Beelzebub’s tube-nosed bat is a relatively new discovery who was found in Vietnam in 2011. Although the bat usually shies away from humans, he can get pretty feisty when confronted with a predator.
Peyrieras's Pygmy Chameleon
This tiny lizard could easily fit in the palm of your hand! Native to the moist forests of Madagascar, the Peyrieras's pygmy chameleon is endangered due to logging for rosewood and mining.
The olinguito looks like a stuffed teddy bear brought to life. Found in both Columbia and Ecuador, this close relative of the raccoon has only recently been discovered after a 10-year expedition.
Poodle Moth
The Venezuelan poodle moth is a fuzzy little insect who was discovered in 2009 and still has yet to receive a scientific name. In fact, the critter was originally believed to be an Internet hoax. Very little is known about this moth, except his obvious desire to dress up like a cotton ball.
Last week, Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm pleaded guilty to felony tax fraud charges, rather than face trial. He told reporters, "As long as I'm able to serve, I'm going to serve." Well, now it seems like "as long as I'm able to serve" is about two weeks. [ more › ]
Pantone's annual pick for color of the year goes to Marsala, a rich brown-red the color of fortified wine. Here are a few ways to incorporate the look in furniture, lighting, and textiles. View Slideshow
Marsala (18-1438), an earthy brownish red, has been dubbed Pantone's color of the year for 2015. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes it as "nurturing and fulfilling... Marsala is a natural fit for the kitchen and dining room, making it ideal for tabletop, small appliances and linens throughout the home."
Matcha Cafe Wabi recently opened at 233 E. Fourth St. near Avenue B.
The cafe's owners offered up a sneak preview for neighbors back in October. EVG contributor Stacie Joy stopped by for a look ... and taste. Here's her report:
The open house was for the neighborhood to introduce them to the matcha and sencha tea drinks, the red-bean paste and green tea pastries (gluten free!), matcha tea lattes, and the Japanese roasted coffee drinks.
I tried the classic pour-over coffees from 95 RPM Coffee Roasters (co-owned by Hiroki Kobayashi and Osamu Igano), which I drank as suggested — straight up without milk or sugar. I also tried the soybean black-sesame drink, which thankfully had no caffeine and was sweet and delicious — and unusual to my admittedly uneducated palate.
Kimie Kobaya (pictured below), the shop’s enthusiastic and friendly manager, brought around trays of samples to the guests and patiently translated between the English-speaking and Japanese-speaking visitors.
We learned about Wabi-Sabi, the aesthetic of imperfection, which was a difficult concept to translate from Japanese. (Kimie suggested the Wikipedia page definition.) We enjoyed a (truncated) tea ceremony, courtesy of Yuji (pictured below), who showed us the usu-cha-style bamboo whisks used to blend the bitter green tea powder into tea, and how the bowls are prewarmed, and about the bubbles that mimic a lake and shore in the tea bowl.
The owners of the new shop are Hideaki Minamida and Ken Mitsui, who you might recognize from Pirka Salon next door. (Both shops share the address 233 E. Fourth St.) The tiny to-go spot’s green-tea colored walls and minimalist décor mimic the healthy and happy feelings you experience when ingesting the drinks.
To say we're big on shopping is what could politely be called a big, fat "No, duh." We elevate shopping to more than just a hobby — to us, it's a full-time job and one we approach with the same diligence, research, and know-how as our actual careers. It's not just about clothes — we shop for every aspect of our lives with the same care and attention, from winter boots to cleaning supplies. We have one very notable exception: our furry friends.
When you're looking for a new addition to your family, we are very firmly in the camp of "adopt, don't shop." Rescuing a fur baby in need is one of the most amazing, beautiful things a person can do — and the unconditional love you will receive in return is more than enough of a reward.
In an effort to raise awareness about just how wonderful adopting a dog in need can be — and, let's be real, to give us an excuse to cuddle all day with cute pups — we teamed up with the geniuses at NYC's Paintbox manicure studio to showcase gorgeous winter nail art and some of the most lovable, happy pups we've ever had the pleasure of hanging with. Yes, you read that right: This is an entire slideshow devoted to nail art and rescue dogs. Happy holidays to you.
In the shots that follow, you'll meet seven beyond-adorable pups, hear from their owners about how they were rescued, see some pretty sick nail art, and learn how to do it at home. Or, if you're in NYC and more of the pay-someone-else-to-do-it-for-you type, you can just head over to Paintbox and get it for yourself — all of these designs are on its winter menu.
While we totally understand how seeing these pups at their most adorable could make you want to run off and pick one out today, we urge you to hold off. A dog is not a gift or an impulse buy. It's a living creature that wants nothing more than a safe home and a loving family to give it the care, adoration, and devotion it deserves and so desperately craves. While the impulse to get or give a dog this time of year is strong, it only contributes to shelter overcrowding as people realize they are not realistically equipped to care for an animal, or their intended recipient turns out not to want or be able to take care of a new pet. Those kinds of stories break our hearts, so we cannot ask you enough to carefully weigh the decision to have a dog.
However, if you've thought long and hard about adding a dog to your family and know you are ready to provide a stable and loving home, we've got you covered. All the dogs featured here have found loving homes, but check below to see some of our favorite rescue organizations and shelters. And, now, without further delay, adorable dogs and kick-ass nail art. Enjoy.
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Sammy
Owner: Laura Miller, R29 photo editor
Described by her owner as "some sort of Pomeranian mix," Sammy is about six or seven years old and was a rescue from Puerto Rico. Miller has owned him for exactly five years — they just celebrated their fifth adopt-iversary.
Where did you rescue Sammy from?
"Sammy was called Sato Sammy at DAWS, an awesome rescue in Connecticut. They work with the Sato project in Puerto Rico, which rescues street dogs and partners with shelters in the states to adopt them out."
What was the rescue process like for you?
"Rescuing was something I really felt passionate about, and it was a lot of waiting to find the right dog. I think that's something that was hard to do at first because I wanted a dog really badly, but I also wanted to make sure I found a dog that was the right fit for me — and I was the right fit for the dog. It definitely isn't an instant gratification thing, like walking into a pet store and buying a dog, but I think that helps you think everything through to ensure you are making the right decision. I did go to a lot of shelters and trolled Petfinder constantly, but once it was right, everything fell into place pretty easily."
Why was it important to you to rescue, rather than buy from a pet shop or breeder?
"I couldn't buy a dog from a breeder or pet store in good conscience — especially knowing how many dogs need homes and what conditions are potentially like for animals being bred."
What is Sammy's personality like?
"He's like having a forever two-year-old — he has A LOT of personality and is very inquisitive. He definitely loves attention, and would prefer that my husband and I never watched TV, looked at our phones, or used the computer ever again — because he is there, of course!"
How has your life changed since adopting him?
"Definitely for the better! He gets us out all the time for walks, he is always happy to see you (even if you just left the room to go to the bathroom), and provides general happiness in our lives."
What's one thing no one told you about rescuing a dog that you wish you had known?
"Make sure you educate yourself about training, and prepare yourself for the dog to have some quirks. I grew up with dogs that we had had since they were puppies, and never really had any behavioral issues, so having a rescue dog that was scared of EVERYTHING at first, and didn't like every dog [he met] was definitely a change of pace. You just have to learn to be flexible and take everything day by day, especially when you first bring them home."
Why would you recommend adopting a dog?
"I think it's a wonderful thing to do, if you can — you are saving a life that will love you unconditionally!"
This delightfully simple-yet-chic nail art design is called Divergent. To create it, manicurist Mimi Kurita painted nails with Zoya's Shay polish, making sure to keep it thin, as she'd be adding more layers. Then, she used Deborah Lippmann's Build Me Up Buttercup to paint a line diagonally across the tip. Using Essie's Hide & Go Chic, she created an identical line on the opposite side of the nail.
Make sure the two tip colors don't overlap in the middle, as it will muddy the color and make the polish too thick. To avoid streaking, apply your topcoat to the tip first (diagonally), wait for it to dry, and then apply it to the entire nail.
Barns
Owner: Brennan McGrath, art director
We couldn't have planned a better photo of four-year-old Barns if we tried. His perfectly timed yawn is one of the most awe-inducing moments our eyes have had the pleasure of beholding. Owner Brennan says the Shepherd/Hound mix's best trait is his overall chillness. Pretty sure we nailed it with this shot.
Where did you rescue Barns from?
"My wife and I got Barns at a great shelter in Soho called Animal Haven."
What was the rescue process like for you?
"We were looking at a lot of dogs, online and at various shelters around town. The thing with Animal Haven is they acknowledge it is a retail experience. Other shelters invite you into the kennel where these little pooches are just dying to get out. They bark and cry, and it's very overwhelming, especially for individuals who have never owned a dog before. AH lets you pick a dog (through iPads, as I recall), and then you hang out one-on-one.
"I'm sure they are well-funded, but other shelters could learn from this. Having the ability to spend moments alone to learn the dog's demeanor goes a long way when you're picking a new member of the family.
"As for Barns, it was love at first sight. All the other dogs that we were meeting were jumping out of their skin to get out of there. Barns was like, 'Hey man, thanks for stopping by.' So chilled-out. When we applied for him, we were told that four other couples had applied for him. We were bummed, but undeterred. We started to tell them how I'd bring him to work every day, and that he'd spend tons of time out at my wife's family's house in Noyack, Long Island. We were laying it on thick. A few days went by, and we got the call saying Barns was ready to be picked up."
Why was it important to you to rescue, rather than buy from a pet shop or breeder?
"I never owned a dog before Barns. So, I was super distracted by the concept of picking the perfect dog for me... Purebreed this, and Rhodesian that... It was mostly an aesthetic debate. Fortunately, my wife, who's much smarter than I am, impressed upon me that this was an important decision and that we should think about the whole system, not just the pretty little dog."
What is Barns' personality like?
"Barns is incredible. He's full of energy when you want him to be (the dog park and the office) and a total couch potato when you want him to be (at home). He's a bit of a New Yorker... When I meet dogs from the country, it illuminates that Barns has a kinda NYC attitude to him. It's enthusiasm, but with the slightest bit of skepticism. I love it."
How has your life changed since adopting him?
"If he doesn't get exercise, he gets sad, and that's my responsibility. If my wife and I have too much going on, he feels neglected — I've had to figure out how to integrate him into my life (like running and coming to the office), and I've had to figure out how to make downtime for him to sniff the trees."
Why would you recommend adopting a dog?
"Adopted dogs are usually mutts — and mutts are awesome. They've got outstanding, well-balanced attitudes and a mix of genetics that keeps them healthy. That and they're FREE. Take the $2,500 you were gonna spend on siring some dog that will have a hard time breathing and walking up stairs without your assistance, and donate it to the shelter when you get your free pooch."
The perfect manicure to complement a dog as chill as Barns? One called the Ice Queen, naturally. Start with two coats of Essie's Got Engaged, and then grab a polish that features different-sized chunks of glitter, like Essie's Set In Stones.
Apply a coat to the top half of the nail. Turn the brush sideways (so it's more narrow), and then lightly flick it across the top of the nail, toward the cuticle, in order to diffuse the line. If you want to go for a full-glitter tip, you can apply a third coat to the top half of the nail. Finish with a basecoat.
Hazel
Owner: Amanda Madden, R29 video editor
Seven-month-old Hazel is a Dachshund, Jack Russell, and "maybe Corgi" mix. She is also, as you can see here, ridiculously adorable.
Equipment Keira Blouse, $268, available at Equipment; Meadowlark Cat Ears Ring, $158.83, available at Meadowlark.
Where did you rescue Hazel from?
"This great organization called Social Tees."
What was the rescue process like for you?
"We actually tried three different organizations, but found that Social Tees was the most responsive and the staff was really friendly. We filled out an extensive application, which included personal references, a check-in with our landlord to guarantee we were allowed to have pets in our building — even a question about who would get custody if my partner and I broke up! But, we thought it was great to go through all of their questions because it made us really think about all the things that go into pet ownership.
"After that was approved, we went through their site and picked a few dogs to meet. We met two before Hazel, and they were both really sweet. Then, Social Tees posted that they had received three puppies, and we jumped on that. We met Hazel and her brother and sister, and we instantly fell in love with her. Of the three, she was the quirky one — she had so much personality, even at eight weeks old."
Why was it important to you to rescue, rather than buy from a pet shop or breeder?
"There are so many animals out there that need good homes, and when you start learning about how many animals end up in these high-kill shelters, it's really sad and hard to imagine not rescuing. Also, people seem to think that rescue animals come with a lot of issues. Sometimes, there are challenges but you're doing such a good thing. And, a lot of those issues are because of lack of training, which you can work on with the dog. Because Hazel was so young, we were really lucky and got to sort of 'start from scratch' with her, but I will always vote for rescuing because you're giving an animal a loving home that they wouldn't have had otherwise."
What is Hazel's personality like?
"Hazel is very sweet and friendly, loves to play, and has a ton of puppy energy, which also leads to a lot of puppy naps. She had dark eyebrows when she was little, but they have disappeared over the last couple months. Obviously, we're obsessed with her giant bat ears."
How has your life changed since adopting her?
"Life with Hazel has been so awesome, and now I can't imagine what it would be like without her! We were a little nervous about the responsibility of having a dog, but it has definitely been worth it — she feels like part of the family now. That said, it is a ton of work to have a puppy. They basically need constant supervision. We're lucky, because my partner works from home so he can keep an eye on her during the day. And, we have nice friends in the neighborhood who have occasionally helped on the weekends — it takes a village."
What's one thing no one told you about rescuing a dog that you wish you had known?
"We didn't realize the process would be so extensive to rescue. The whole process probably took about two months. And, the first two places we reached out to were very sporadic in communication. But, I think a lot of them are volunteer-based — people are doing this in addition to their jobs — so it makes sense. The other thing is, there were dogs that we fell in love with before our application was approved, and then by the time it went through, they had been adopted, so there were a couple of heartbreaks."
Why would you recommend adopting a dog?
"I would definitely recommend adopting because we've had such an amazing experience with Hazel. It might take a little extra work, but it's such a good thing and then you're part of this fun community of people who really care about animals. It feels good!"
Called Mix Tape, this design takes its cues from one of spring's biggest nail trends, the negative-space manicure. To start, grab a navy polish like Zoya's Sailor and paint the top half of the nail only. If your line is a little messy, Kurita says to use a dry, angled brush dipped in polish remover to get rid of any streaks or wobbly parts.
Apply a second coat and let dry. Lightly place your first stripe of gold tape in the center of the unpainted half of the nail. Take your piece of silver tape, and lightly apply it directly over the line between the painted and unpainted nail. There should be a gap of unpainted nail between the first and second piece of tape.
Once you have the tape exactly where you want it, press down hard to adhere it to the nail, and then trim the excess tape — Kurita says to make it a little bit shorter than the nail, so it will seal properly. Then, apply a topcoat.
Farrah
Owner: Thomas Liggett, photographer
This 20-month-old lovebug is an American Staffordshire Terrier mix named Farrah — she spent pretty much the entire shoot smiling. Such a modeling pro, that Farrah. Like any good model, she has her own Instagram — check it out and follow her adorable exploits.
Rodebjer Blouse Lindy Pop Flower Pastel, $275, available at Rodebjer.
Where did you rescue Farrah from?
"We adopted her from North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, NY."
What was the rescue process like for you?
"Honestly, it was a little overwhelming the day we adopted her, but definitely worth it. We headed to Port Washington in our friend's car one Saturday with an open mind that we may come home with a dog, but we didn't realize that the Animal League just received a bunch of rescued pups and was very busy with potential adopters. We looked at dog after dog after dog, and puppy after puppy.
"We would ask to hold them, pet them through cages, and interact with them, but we really wanted to find a special connection. A pup would get adopted, and they would bring that dog off the floor and put a different dog in its place for adoption since they had so many at the time.
"We decided to fill out the adoption application after two hours of looking around, because we heard that it may take awhile, and figured we would save time if we did decide on adopting that day. So, we filled out their adoption form with no dog in mind and gave our references.
"We walked out of the adoption office and decided to do another quick look. Then, we spotted one of their volunteers putting this little puppy out. We asked to see her and held her for awhile. She was scared and timid, but we knew she was the one when she gave my fiancé the sweetest gentle kiss on her cheek. We decided to adopt her on the spot. Out adoption application was approved, and Farrah became a part of our family that day."
Why was it important to you to rescue, rather than buy from a pet shop or breeder?
"We wanted to give an animal another chance and a better life."
What is Farrah's personality like?
"Farrah is such a lover. She is always laying next to you, placing her head on your leg or shoulder, or snuggling in the small space between the sofa and yourself if you're laying down in the living room. She has no idea what personal space is. She likes to stalk you when you walk toward her sometimes. She will move at a very slow pace, carefully placing each paw one in front of the other, and freeze in position with one paw in the air if you pause your walking. Why does she do it? I have no clue. Another quirk is that she will wrap her paw around her snout sometimes when she sleeps."
How has your life changed since adopting her?
"We are those crazy dog parents, you have no idea. She gives us so much unconditional love, and we try to include her in everything we do. We plan weekends based on what we think would be fun for the three of us to do together. Beach trips, hikes, dog-friendly restaurants, long walks — you name it."
What's one thing no one told you about rescuing a dog that you wish you had known?
"It is a lot of work and does take up a lot of your time. My fiancé and I talked about getting a dog for months before actually going, so we were at a good place when we got her."
Why would you recommend adopting a dog?
"I feel that these dogs become very grateful for that second chance."
A classy lady like Farrah deserves to be paired up with an equally snazzy manicure. Hot Shot fits the bill perfectly — it's a foiled-appliqué mani that seems like it would be difficult, but is surprisingly easy to do. First, paint on two coats of an opaque black polish, like Essie's Licorice. Let it dry completely, and then apply your foil adhesive about halfway down the nail.
Combine three different colors of foil to get the desired effect. Make sure they overlap, and then press them, gently yet firmly, into your adhesive. Seal with a topcoat, and you are good to go!
Venya
Owner: Jeremy Jankowski, R29 key accounts director
The tiniest pup model on our shoot, wee little Venya, is a nine-year-old Shih Tzu-Yorkie (a.k.a. Shorkie). If you don't melt gazing into those soulful brown eyes, you have Elsa levels of frozen-heart issues. Look at that squishy little fur face — look at it!
Dog's own hair bow.
How long have you had Venya?
"We've been together for eight years, from my college apartment in Florida to all the apartments we've had here in NYC."
Where did you rescue her from?
"Venya was given to me by a friend of a friend. I blindly agreed to take her, as she needed a home and I had always wanted my own dog."
What was the rescue process like for you?
"It was a sensitive situation — the 'friend of a friend' was actually my first boyfriend's best friend. The night she was dropped off, she was so matted — her hair was beyond overgrown and she had fleas so bad they infested my bedroom to the point that I had to throw away my area rug. I actually felt so bad for her that I called out of work the next day and convinced the local groomer to flea-bathe and groom her, despite not having her papers yet to show."
Have you ever rescued an animal before?
"She was the first, but won't be the last!"
Why was it important to you to rescue, rather than buy from a pet shop or breeder?
"Venya just kind of fell into my lap. She needed me and, as life turned out, I desperately needed her. She came to me at a point in life where I was in a very dark place. I had just come out to my parents — who didn't take it well, my first boyfriend had broken my heart, I was living alone — life was a mess. Venya was my little four-legged reason to continue on."
What is Venya's personality like?
"She is the most well-behaved dog I have ever met. I attribute it to her first year of life probably being rougher than it should have been. My fiancé and I always joke that she has a very smug demeanor. She has these expressions sometimes that are very diva-like, almost like she's rolling her eyes at you. It's hilarious. I think she's maybe watched too many episodes of Fashion Police."
How has your life changed since adopting her?
"Venya is the single best thing to have ever happened to me. I have had a ton of blessings over the last eight years, but nothing could compare to the joy she has brought into my life. I say, 'I love you so much' to her, so often, she probably thinks it's her name."
What's one thing no one told you about rescuing a dog that you wish you had known?
"I wish more people knew what a better experience adopting an adult dog in need is versus getting a puppy. The dog already has its personality formed (hello, no potty training!), you know their demeanor, and, in Venya's case, I attribute how well-behaved she is to having had a suckier first year of life."
Why would you recommend adopting a dog?
"Because they need you, and what could feel better than being needed?"
To offset Venya's sweetie-pie personality (and matching bow), Kurita went for something a little edgier, called the Sheer Genius. After applying your basecoat, take an opaque black polish (we used Licorice again) and start creating your design. Kurita says it's easier to start with the opaque, as opposed to the sheer, as mistakes will be more apparent and therefore easier to clean up on a bare nail.
Apply polish across the tip first, but create a curved shape, rather than straight across — it will be more flattering. Place a small dot in the center of the tip and one in each corner of the base. Connect the base dots with the tip dot using a striper brush. Color in the "V" with a detail brush. Straighten up the line using an angled brush dipped in polish remover, and then apply two coats of a sheer black polish. We created our own by blending eight drops of Licorice with a clear (not quick-dry!) polish. Finish with a topcoat.
Georgie
Owner: Meghan Folsom, public relations expert and owner of Mega Mega Projects jewelry showroom
Little Georgie here, a seven-year-old "mystery mixed-breed" took the longest for us to shoot. Not because she was difficult, but because she was so cute that staffers kept stopping her on the way to the photo studio to chat, or popping in unexpectedly to say hi mid-shoot. We couldn't blame them — we might have added a few more play breaks "to let Georgie rest." In reality, we just wanted to snuggle with her.
Sarah & Sebastian Traced Array Ring, $290, available at Sarah & Sebastian; Selin Kent Hex Band with Champagne Diamonds, $620, available at Selin Kent; Selin Kent
Françoise Pavé Ring, $1,380, available at Selin Kent; Selin Kent Nico Pavé Ring, $1,425, available at Selin Kent.
Where did you rescue Georgie from?
"I rescued Georgie at the ASPCA in Connecticut, but she was originally rescued in Puerto Rico and flown to Connecticut when she was about six months old."
What was the rescue process like for you?
"I originally wanted to rescue a dog from an NYC kill shelter. There are hundreds of animals that die every day, waiting for their forever home. The holding period at the Animal Care and Control of NYC is only about seven days, so it’s very important that an animal gets out of there as soon as possible!
"I went to all the NYC shelters looking for the right dog for me. It was torture seeing all those caged animals in poor conditions. Living in NYC is challenging for pet owners and pets alike, and it’s important to be responsible and make sure that the animal you rescue is the right one for you. I wanted a dog on the small side, and most of the dogs at the city shelter were really big.
"I was also searching Petfinder in the tri-state area like crazy! One weekend, I was visiting a friend’s country house in Connecticut and I had spotted a little black-and-white creature named Cookie at a nearby ASPCA. The shelter was a huge, white converted farmhouse with lots of cages of barking dogs in the yard. The cutest of them all was Cookie, and she wasn’t barking at all but instead sitting quietly in her cage, staring up at me with the sweetest eyes. It was love at first sight!
"She wagged her tail and was the sweetest, calmest dog I had ever met. We went into the farmhouse, and I filled out an application for Cookie. I presented it to the director of the shelter, and he said, 'What, you live in Brooklyn? I’m not sending a dog to Brooklyn — that's where most of these dogs come from.' I begged and pleaded, and explained that I had a backyard and that I was a lifetime animal lover. He refused. I refused to leave without Cookie.
"Eventually, the man warmed up to me, and made me super-swear that I would never abandon the dog or bring her back to the ASPCA. With that face? Never! I brought Cookie home that day, and renamed her Georgie because I like girl dogs with boy names."
Why was it important to you to rescue, rather than buy from a pet shop or breeder?
"The thought of spending thousands of dollars on an animal when there are millions of dogs available for adoption makes absolutely no sense to me. Thousands are killed every day, while puppy mills churn out overpriced, inbred dogs with health issues. There are animals of every size, age, and breed for adoption. My business partner has a rescue Toy Pomeranian!"
What is Georgie's personality like?
"Geogie is a super happy, calm, loving girl. She can be a little aloof at times and isn’t into extended cuddling. She hates being alone and has pretty severe separation anxiety. I bring her to work with me every day, so I’ve created a monster!"
How has your life changed since adopting her?
"My life with Georgie is so fun! She gets lots of attention on the street and on the subway — people’s faces light up with joy when they see her walk past. Walking with Georgie makes the streets of NYC seem a lot less tough. She is my constant companion and always makes me feel happy, protected, and loved."
What's one thing no one told you about rescuing a dog that you wish you had known?
"I wish I would have known that the rescue organization would be so tough on potential owners. You better be prepared to prove you’re a capable and responsible pet owner! Bring business cards, recommendations; anything that legitimizes you as a responsible adult."
Why would you recommend adopting a dog?
"I can’t even think of one good reason NOT to adopt a dog."
We loved Georgie's unique black-and-white markings, so we thought the perfect way to pay homage was with an equally graphic manicure: The Crop Top. Another negative-space mani (told you it was trending), this one involves adding accent studs for an extra bit of razzle-dazzle.
Apply your polish (we used Butter London's Brick Lane) to the top half of the nail. Clean up any smudges with the "brush dipped in polish remover" trick you learned earlier. Then, place your studs in a triangle shape at the center of each nail. Apply a generous layer of topcoat to seal.
Rufus
Owner: Tara Fraser, digital content producer at Edelman
Rufus. Oh, Rufus. A Boston Terrier-Italian Greyhound pup with a tail that just won't quit (wagging, that is), Rufus has a way of naturally posing into the most photogenic and downright adorable shots. Like this one here — with that tiny, tentative grin on his face that we've nicknamed his senior-class photo pose. He even has his own Instagram hashtag, #Rufusthedufus, if you want to see his posing prowess in action.
American Apparel Unisex Silk Bow Tie in Marcello, $22, available at American Apparel.
Where did you rescue Rufus from?
"Animal Haven in Soho. I highly recommend visiting, volunteering, and adopting from that shelter."
What was the rescue process like for you?
"After moving to Brooklyn, my roommates and I started talking about adopting a dog. I looked online and landed on Animal Haven’s site. I saw a photo of Rufus and another dog, Elma (who was adopted by a friend at a later time). I went in during their visiting hours, first met with Rufus, and fell head-over-heels.
"I filled out an application for adoption, and waited three long days until I got a call from Animal Haven that I could pick up my boy that Monday. The process was easy, but thorough. I paid an adoption fee, scheduled a follow-up appointment for Rufus to be neutered, and have kept in touch with Animal Haven.
"Rufus was one of five puppies, and my only wish would be that I could help him meet his brothers and sisters."
Why was it important to you to rescue, rather than buy from a pet shop or breeder?
"For me, it is about saving and improving the life of a living creature. Pet shops tend to fill their stores with puppies from puppy mills, so yes...you are rescuing a dog, but you’re also only adding fuel to the fire. As for breeders, not all are bad. But again, why not save your love for the ones who need it most and support shelters that are saving lives?"
What is Rufus' personality like?
"Rufus is just full of love. He says hello to everyone, especially people who compliment him. One time, outside a coffee shop, he and a toddler took turns kissing one another. A large group formed, and I am positive it melted many hearts. Also, he is a professional prancer, sans legwarmers."
How has your life changed since adopting him?
"Never in my life would I have guessed that I could love anything this much. My mom recently sent me a little plaque that says, 'Who rescued who?' and that question really says it all. I would never say that raising a puppy was easy, but you learn a lot about yourself — and that is something I am very thankful for."
What's one thing no one told you about rescuing a dog that you wish you had known?
"Housebreaking a dog isn’t easy, especially in a city. So, go easy on yourself and your pooch; it takes time."
Why would you recommend adopting a dog?
"If you can make the commitment, it will be one of the best ones you’ll ever make. Just, please, take into account ALL the responsibilities that you will acquire and prepare to be loved to bits!"
We thought this swirly mani, dubbed Up In Smoke, would look awesome next to Rufus' gorgeous brindle coat. To get the look, apply your basecoat, followed by two coats of black polish (Licorice, FTW).
Once the base color is dry, take a holographic polish, like Estée Lauder's Bete Noir, and feather it onto the bottom of the nail. While the polish is still wet, pull the color into wispy strands that taper off toward the nail's center. Wait for it to dry, and finish with a topcoat.
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So you're ready to get off the rental unit superhighway and take the first exit ramp onto ownership boulevard—but you're well aware that rental prices around NYC are more obscene than a man furiously licking his shoe on the subway. Sure, you could put some of that money toward a Scottish castle, God knows they're affordable these days. Or you could buy a small plot of land in upstate NY. But why not dream really big? Like, isolated-paradise-island-in-the-middle-of-the-Mediterranean big? [ more › ]
This fall, Toucan Rescue Ranch in Costa Rica welcomed three orphaned baby sloths to their sanctuary. While these tiny critters are being prepared for eventual release back into the wild, they manage to get up to all kinds of adorable, snuggly shenanigans, such as:
Pensively "nomming" their fingers.
They're generally too adorable for words.
Snuggling with lots of blankets.
Snuggling on your lap.
Snuggling with lots of stuffed animals.
Like what you see?How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
A 39-year-old Harlem resident died yesterday when a tire swing struck him in the face in Tompkins Square Park.
According to the Post, the man, identified as Aleim Perkins, took his niece to the playground off of East Ninth Street at Avenue A.
While the girl was playing, he began “aggressively swinging” an empty tire swing, which hit him in the face, knocking him unconscious and causing him to bleed from the mouth, a police source said.
EMTs took him to Beth Israel, where he was pronounced dead.
If busy New Yorkers have to wait in line, it'd better be for something worth their while. And, the opening of Meow Parlour, the city's first permanent cat café, is worth it — and then some.
Ever since founders Christina Ha and Emilie Legrand announced the patisserie partnership with rescue group KittyKind, the Internet could barely contain its excitement. The level of anticipation prior to its December 15 opening date rivaled the fanfare surrounding Cronuts or Alexander Wang sample sales. Reservations for kitty playtime have already been fully booked until February — and they even managed to #BreakTheInternet briefly.
This morning, we popped over to 46 Hester Street to scope things out (and get some feline TLC) before its grand debut. For all the hullabaloo surrounding this establishment, the actual space is surprisingly cozy and peaceful. A friendly clowder of calicoes, tuxedos, and tabbies — all available for adoption — lounged around for some petting and photo sessions. If they need downtime, there's also a resting area that's off limits to patrons — unless, of course, you are renowned cat lady Taylor Swift. Four dollars per half-hour of snuggling with these cuties while munching on feline-shaped macarons definitely isn't too high a price to pay, because, really, you can't put a price on cuddling.
It may surprise you to learn, but these cute little critters are currently illegal in several cities and states around the country: At least New York City, the District of Columbia, California, and Hawaii ban people from owning them as pets.
The rationale behind these bans is, at the very least, outdated — if it ever made sense at all. Proponents of the bans argue that ferrets are vicious animals that can hurt children and wildlife. But the available evidence tells a different, more nuanced story.
Ferrets are no more likely to bite than other animals
When California expanded its ban on ferrets in 1987, state officials cited concerns that ferrets might bite and attack humans, particularly children and infants.
The California Research Bureau's own analysis, however, found that ferrets "have not been demonstrated to pose an unusual risk of bites." The bureau, in its 1997 analysis of the available data, estimated that dogs are at least 200 times more likely to bite than ferrets.
That's not meant to imply that ferrets are completely risk-free. As the California Research Bureau noted, ferrets "like all domestic animals are capable of inflicting injury, have done so in documented cases, and should never be left alone with infants or small children."
The good news is ferrets can be trained not to bite. This is done through a method called scruffing: A ferret is picked up and held by the back of its neck until it yawns, which is a sign of submission. Depending on the ferret and its age, this can require a lot of patience and persistence — but it pays off in the long term.
When they do attack, ferrets are much less deadly than other pets
Even when ferrets do attack, they're much less dangerous than, say, a dog would be in the same situation.
This is a matter of basic physiology. Ferrets are generally about 1 to 2 feet long and weigh between two and four pounds. The American pit bull terrier, as one example of a bigger dog, is about 17 to 21 inches tall and weighs between 25 and 35 pounds.
This is actually why so much attention goes to ferrets attacking toddlers — they simply can't pose a real risk to a bigger target. While it's absolutely concerning and abhorrent that a ferret managed to chew off seven of a toddler's fingers, it's even more worrying that dogs regularlyattack and evenkill people.
That's not to say that dogs, including mischaracterized breeds like pit bulls, should be banned. As the California Research Bureau pointed out, the issue comes down to responsible pet ownership. But at the very least, an irresponsible ferret owner is much less likely to get someone killed than an irresponsible dog owner.
Ferrets don't pose a bigger risk for rabies
When California expanded its ferret ban two decades ago, state officials claimed there was no vaccine for rabies. This was true in 1987, but there's been a rabies vaccine for ferrets since 1992.
Besides, as veterinarian and ferret expert Judith Bell explained, ferrets are much less likely to catch rabies in the first place compared with dogs and especially cats. For one, ferrets' tough, thick skin shields them from rabies infections, which require infected saliva to contaminate an open wound. Ferrets are also usually kept indoors, where the risk of a rabies transmission is practically nonexistent.
Ferrets probably won't escape and form feral colonies
Another concern perpetuated by California officials is that ferrets could potentially escape and ravage the state's ecosystems by hunting down wildlife.
The California Research Bureau, however, found this claim to be unsubstantiated. For starters, domesticated ferrets can't survive long in the wild: The experts interviewed by the bureau estimated that a domesticated ferret could survive for three days to a few weeks if left in the wild. The big difference between the US and places where ferrets are actually feral, such as New Zealand, is that the US ecosystem has various predators that would hunt and kill ferrets.
Still, the bureau did caution that ferrets could do some damage to animals if they were allowed to escape and survived for a few weeks. Then again, that goes for all animals: Dogs and cats are known to kill their fair share of wildlife, as well.
At the same time, the ban could be making this concern worse. If, along with legalization, regulations were put in place that required licensed breeders and owners to neuter and spay ferrets, the risk of ferrets becoming feral and creating colonies could be significantly reduced. Those are much better circumstances than people smuggling untreated ferrets to the state with little oversight.
Ferrets are adorable and, like other pets, could improve people's health
Pets can be great for a person's health. They can help deal with depression, assist against allergies, and even reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, according to WebMD.
In other words, ferrets are a public health issue — just not in the way the standing bans would lead you to believe. So why not let everyone adopt the pet of his or her choice, especially when the desired pet is a relatively safe animal? In the end, it could help fight heart disease.
In León, Mexico, Adrián López Menduett sought to create an architecturally adventurous apartment building. After he bought a parcel in the Piletas neighborhood, the city made plans to construct a road across part of his land, trimming the buildable area to just under 2,300 square feet—about a third of the original footprint. This neccessitated a vertically oriented design. To Mario Plasencia, the architect Menduett hired, shipping containers offered a way to keep costs down, to build sustainably with recycled materials, and to use an unexpected construction method. “The containers helped us get noticed,” Plasencia says. “Bringing people out of their comfort zone is a challenge. Everything here is built with the same materials, colors, and shapes.”
Finding the 36 containers needed to complete the eight apartments—a number determined by the number of parking spaces that could fit on the lot—proved difficult. Plasencia scoured many of Mexico’s ports to get them. He repainted each container in its original hue, creating a prismatic exterior. Most of the interior walls were covered with plaster panels for insulation and acoustics—“but it was important to leave one container wall exposed,” Plasencia says, “to preserve that sense of texture.”
Mario Plasencia, the architect, used wood to wrap the exterior stairwell.
This is the craziest thing I've ever seen anyone do on skis: Cody Townsend skiing down a super steep face in a space between two rock walls no wider than a supermarket aisle. Powder Magazine called it "The Line of the Year".
They forgot to put "Batshit Crazy" before the word "Line". (via devour)
So far in this series, we've tackled our very favorite Chinese dishes and dumplings. Up next, we're diving into noodle dishes, ranging from pan-fried to cold-skinned to steeped in hot soup. Here are our favorites, all of which are guaranteed to keep you warm, full, and happy for the rest of this (disturbingly mild) winter; as always, leave yours in the comments. [ more › ]
A common New York City nightmare became a tragic reality yesterday for a pedestrian who fell to his death through a flimsy cellar grate in Bed-Stuy. [ more › ]
Korean fusion has been a hot label in recent years, thanks in no small part to several food trucks and market vendors dishing out bulgogi tacos and the like. Continuing in that trend, New Jersey-based Kimchi Smoke—who've been showing up at area food markets—will be bringing their version of "Southern Korean BBQ" to the Old Bowery Station at 168 Bowery beginning today at 4 p.m. [ more › ]
![[UPDATE] Midtown Spa Castle Shut Down By Health Department](http://gothamist.com/attachments/nyc_arts_john/011415spacastele_restrict_width_110.jpg)
[UPDATE BELOW] Two weeks after a woman bumped into an unconscious man in a Spa Castle hot tub in Queens, the city has shut down the new midtown east location, which just opened a month ago. This time the Health Department's problem with Manhattan's Spa Castle Premier has nothing to do with floaters, but with the pesky matter of permits. [ more › ]
While humans spent yesterday's snowfall bruising their tailbones and subtweeting weathermen, the city's finest, most adorable residents got to while away the hours frolicking in the fluffy white stuff in their manmade faux habitats. Never forget that animals are better and cuter than you are, and they live life the way it was meant to be lived. Here's what some of the Bronx Zoo's creatures were up to yesterday: [ more › ]
Photo: Courtesy of AMWRRO.
The koalas of Australia need your help. The Australian Marine Wildlife Research and Rescue Organization (AMWRRO) is urging people to donate mittens for koalas whose paws were burnt in wildfires. 
Photo: Courtesy of AMWRRO.
When Justin Israelson, Andrew Unterberg and Joshua Stylman first got the idea to open a brewpub, "all we cared about was having a backyard and brewing beer," Israelson says. The rest kind of evolved as they went along. The rest means a simple but welcoming bar and seating area; a custom draft system; a party room and music venue; a daytime coffee shop and barrel aged cocktails; and more in the pipeline. "We're treating it as a bar, it's not just about the beer." [ more › ]
Last March we got word that Sun Noodle, the NJ-based company responsible for the delicious, springy noodles in just about every ramen hotspot in NYC, would be opening their own restaurant. They were hoping to open Ramen Lab just a few months after, but significant Con-Ed fuckery delayed the opening...until now. The shop at 70 Kenmare Street opens its doors tonight for steaming bowls of noodles at 5 p.m. [ more › ]
Last week, Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm pleaded guilty to felony tax fraud charges, rather than face trial. He told reporters, "As long as I'm able to serve, I'm going to serve." Well, now it seems like "as long as I'm able to serve" is about two weeks. [ more › ]
A woman from Midwood died after falling off a ski lift at the Hunter Mountain Ski Resort this weekend. [ more › ]
An elderly man discovered face down in a hot tub at Spa Castle in Queens died on Sunday evening, though his exact cause of death remains unclear. [ more › ]
So you're ready to get off the rental unit superhighway and take the first exit ramp onto ownership boulevard—but you're well aware that rental prices around NYC are more obscene than a man furiously licking his shoe on the subway. Sure, you could put some of that money toward a Scottish castle, God knows they're affordable these days. Or you could buy a small plot of land in upstate NY. But why not dream really big? Like, isolated-paradise-island-in-the-middle-of-the-Mediterranean big? [ more › ]
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