Washington Avenue-Prospect Heights Merchants Association

Your local NSA Supermarket is undergoing a makeover, but you can still take advantage of ongoing storewide bargains this holiday season! Stop-in and check our shelves for your favorite ingredients. Try this delicious seasonal recipe – a real treat for the cold winter days ahead!

Here’s our recipe for stuffed apples:

· 2 to 4 large Granny Smith Apples

· 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

· 1 small red onion (chopped)

· ¾ teaspoon fresh rosemary or sage (chopped)

· 2 tablespoons dark raisins or dried cranberries

· 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

· ¼ cup of fresh bread crumbs and sea salt

· ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper and sea salt

1. Cut apples in half and scoop the inside, leaving a ½ inch border. Chop the scooped apple and mix well with the breadcrumbs. Set outside (Preheat oven at 350 degrees).

2. Using a pan over a medium heat, melt the butter. Add onion, rosemary, salt and pepper – cook until the onion is brown (about 5 minutes).

3. Add raisin and vinegar. Cook slowly until most of the vinegar evaporates (about 1 minute). Add mixture of breadcrumbs and chopped apple (turn off heat).

4. Fill apples with stuffing and bake in a covered pan/dish until apples are softened (40 minutes). Uncover and bake until the tops are brown (about 10 minutes).

After baking, feel free to top with chopped walnuts, grated coconut or your favorite type of cheese. To be served hot and warm.

Wash Ave How-To

Check our Wash Ave How-To for tips on the latest dining, shopping and service trends! Post your comments today!

Chanelle Dorsett, i beauty bar

667 Washington Avenue (between St Marks Avenue and Prospect Place)

(718) 636-5521

Brooklynites when we hear the term” DRESS FOR SUCCESS” the first thing that comes to mind is clothing. A business suit and comfortable shoes perhaps pops into your head. However, dressing for success begins with you, a well groomed you. We’re talking Face, Hair and Nails for both genders young and old because the recession has even Grand Ma and Grand Pa back to work.

First impressions last a lifetime and whether you want to admit it...the first few seconds of meeting a stranger is critical to how he or she is perceived by others. Face it, while a clean face and a bright un- blemished smile can speak multitudes of your character. It’s not a complete look for the well-dressed woman. Adding a dash of color to your face can brighten your complexion and your wardrobe.

After cleansing your skin, moisturize with the proper skincare regimen for your skin type.

Try this simple look idea:

FACE

Shape your brows it frames your face! (Men you can too but careful with arching)
Concealer – choose one shade lighter than your true complexion
Powder – various formulas exists today, choose one that answers your skincare concerns like mineral powders (Try a sample application at I BEAUTY BAR)
Add lipstick, lip-gloss not too shiny and just a touch or apply lip stains for demure beauty

No, I didn’t forget the popular trend of eyelashes extensions…the lighter the application the better it is for the office and your esteem. For an evening after work appeal: Add a little mystery by applying dark eye shadows and eye pencil to accentuate your eyes.

HAIR

Extreme hairstyles can be distracting. This can block your entrance to the boardroom or for a second interview. Hairstyles in 2009 vary. If you wear Locks its best to pin them back neatly for a crisp appearance, faux hawk- Mohawks wear it flat until weekend. Try a simple bun like the Hepburn or soft curled short hairstyle for a memorable first hello. Men, grooming is effortless for you. A close shaved beard and a fresh haircut can impress anyone and sharpen your image. Oh the jealously!

NAILS

Ladies, give the cat back its claws. Cut the length of your acrylic or non-extension nails. Whether done by you or industry professionals…a bi- weekly manicure (and pedicure) is a must! Our hands are what we extend when greeting hello. Short squared fingernails painted in delicate colors can be very attractive and youthful for your hands. Please don’t forget to moisturize. Men buff your nails shiny forgo the clear polish. Try this: For rough over worked hands, try a paraffin dip with exfoliation and treat your cuticles with olive oil to prevent cracking- this treatment works!

Well as for the other rules to the gainfully employed read below:

Men jackets or blazers are required on an interview and labels outside are to be removed before wearing, even if it says Gucci.
Men please wear a belt with your pants especially dress slacks. Also take your slacks to the tailors before wearing them 2 sizes too big.
Men understand this fashion do…. Purchase a pair of leather sole shoes and keep them polished.
Men wear deodorant - go light on cologne and aftershave lotion.
Men wear a dress watch and one ring if any. Leave your Adidas sport watch for running around Prospect Park.
Ladies please leave the stilettos home unless you’re planning on seducing the interviewer.
Stockings are always a fashion do in the office; why else do you think the air conditioning is on year round, LOL!
Jewelry is an added touch for your wardrobe. Keep it simple. A watch, one pair small earrings even if you have five holes in each ear. A tiny necklace can be worn if necessary.
Ladies go light on your fragrance before your interviewer blames you for allergies and NO SMOKING!

A firm handshake shouldn’t be painful.

Men and women should both carry a light briefcase to hold paperwork like resumes.

Ladies and Gentlemen unless your casual Fridays say come as you are don’t let it hang too loose. Professionalism is always in fashion at the office or office party!

Read and take these rules seriously. Companies have hired social psychologist that has found during research that after meeting someone we form impressions about personalities and abilities: Education level, Career competence and success, Personality, Level of sophistication, Trust worthiness and sense of humor.

Let’s admit it, we’ve judged and have been judged it’s a part of human nature. You can be unique and break all the rules but it may backfire. Do remember that there is always space in the boardroom don’t block your blessing. Just ask yourself, ”How do I want the world to view me?”

Please avoid Sloppy Ville at all cost and tell those teenagers (politely of course) to pull up their pants, it’s a disgrace!

See the difference! Things get cleaner, greener on Wash Ave

It certainly has been an eventful summer for the beautification of Washington Avenue! And what better time to improve our shared surroundings than right now, when the weather coaxes so many people outdoors! Continue reading to find out about some of the improvements recently implemented right near you.

2009 Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest Results

On August 5th 2009, the winners of the Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest were announced with two awards going to sites right here around Washington Avenue! The venerated Tom's Restaurant, with its foliage-lined eating space, came in 3rd place for the 'Greenest Storefront' in all of Brooklyn! And the Prospect Heights Community Farm, beautifully nestled in on St. Marks Ave between Vanderbilt and Underhill, was recognized as runner-up for the 'Best Community Garden Streetscape' award. Our heartfelt appreciation and congratulations go out to these local treasures for helping to make Prospect Heights a prettier place!

NYC Clean Streets Graffiti Removal

In the month of April, property owners along Washington Avenue submitted waivers for free graffiti removal as part of the Graffiti Free NYC initiative. The waivers give the City permission to enter private property for the purposes of graffiti removal, but essentially serve as a request for removal as well. Sure enough, the city responded only a couple of months later, fulfilling the requests by coming to the neighborhood and conducting a serious clean-up on June 23rd!

Below are some before-and-after examples of the newly spotless exteriors.

bloggraffiticompositesm

These initiatives represent just two aspects of Washington Avenue's larger, ongoing commitment to the beautification of our street and its sidewalks. Other initiatives such as tree bed care, flower plantings, and Sidewalk Saturdays all aim to benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike by improving the street life of our community.

Wash Ave How-To

Check our Wash Ave How-To for tips on the latest dining, shopping and service trends! Post your comments today!

HOW TO SUMMERIZE YOUR CAR

Rohon Williams, Owner and Operator, Nok Auto Repairs
325 Saint Marks Avenue between Underhill and Washington Avenues
718-398-0353

For 11 years, we've provided top notch auto repair service! My staff and I take pride in fixing your car and helping you to better understand your vehicle. Here’s some help from my place to yours:

Before you head on your summer road trip, be sure to check your:

Tires and Pressure
Anti-freeze
Inspection stickers - Registration
Lubricate Front End
Tire Rotation
Battery
Charging System
Brakes System
Exhaust System
All Water Hose
Axles, especially if you own a 4-wheel drive vehicle

*Remember to change your oil three times a year. Need assistance? Stop-in or call today!

Wash Ave How-To

Ever wonder how to make a quick at-home repair? prepare your favorite dish? put together the ultimate outfit? wear the latest hair style?

Washington Avenue merchants can help with just that!

Check our Wash Ave How-To for tips on the latest dining, shopping and service trends! Post your comments today!

HOW TO FIX A LEAKY FAUCET
Jerry Walsh, Mayday Hardware owner
755 Washington Avenue between St. John’s Place and Sterling Place
718-783-7171

At Mayday Hardware, we pride ourselves in excellent service and first-rate products. Over the years, I’ve helped my customers with several quick and easy at-home repairs. My all-time favorite has been the leaky faucet. Here’s some help from my place to yours:

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
A leaky faucet can be the result of several easy to repair items. Most sinks, showers and tubs operate the same way.
faucet_parts

A rubber washer is located at the bottom of a stem beneath the handle. The handle sits on a seat. The seat creates a seal that prevents the faucet from leaking. When you rotate the handle, the faucet is set in motion. The rubber washer then separates from the seat, making a way for the water to flow. If the water leaks after closing off the faucet, one thing is certain – the seal is not perfect but with these quick and easy steps, the repair is simple:

DO IT YOURSELF FIX

1. Turn off the main valve under the sink or tub
2. Remove the problem handle by unscrewing the center screw on top of the handle (NOTE: The handle is often hidden by a plastic indicator cap marked “H” or “C”)
3. Lift the entire handle from the stem by simply pulling it towards you (NOTE: Is the stem badly worn? Replace it with a new one)
4. Use a smooth crescent style adjustable wrench to unscrew the faucet (NOTE: For a shower stem removal, use a socket wrench)
5. At the bottom of the stem is the washer which is held in place with a screw. Examine the washer’s condition. (NOTE: Do you see a particularly marked deep track cut? If so, you’ll need to replace the seat as well as the washer)
6. To remove the seat (if necessary), you’ll need an inexpensive specialized seat wrench. You’ll then insert the wrench into the center of the seat and simply unscrew.
7. Select the proper size seat and/or washer (NOTE: A worn seat is coarse and causes the washer to wear out quickly).
8. Once you purchase the seat and/or washer, reverse the steps.

Stop-in Mayday Hardware, your favorite local Hardware Store, to purchase a package of assorted washers and screws which sells for as little as $1.98. Take advantage of our competitive prices!

The comments below do not reflect the opinions, attitudes, or values of WAPHA.