The Elusive Ganguro

Ganguro fashion is often defined by bleach blonde hair, tanned skin, and white concealer used as eyeshadow ("Panda eyes" if you will). If you are unfamiliar or just curious, Japan Society and the Museum of Arts & Design are exploring Japan's various subcultures, with a focus on Ganguro on Thursday, May 5th.

"Ecstatic Skin: The Evolution of Subcultures in a Global World" is an event that will explore various subcultures, focusing on ganguro, and how they developed through digital and social media means.

Admission is $8, $6 for Japan Society members.

"Ecstatic Skin: The Evolution of Subcultures in a Global World"
Thursday May 5th, 7PM
Museum of Arts & Design.
2 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019

Crumbs Cupcake of the Week - Green Tea

I'm shocked that Crumbs has never thought of this flavor before now.

This week's cupcake is "Green Tea." A green tea infused cupcake with vanilla frosting, rimmed with raw sugar.

Let your tastebuds drift from sugary-high goodness to the mellow taste of green tea.

Feel free to join Crumbs on Twitter for more news, updates, and daily deals.

Celebrate the Royal Wedding in NYC

While we're just an ocean away from London but that doesn't stop New York City from celebrating the Royal Wedding Friday April 29th. Check out these events going on around town and celebrate with your fellow Anglophiles:

The Paley Center for Media is open bright and early for a viewing party at 5:30AM. Celebrate in style with tea, scones, and, of course, champagne. There will be wedding trivia and eventgoers are encourage to wear their best bridesmaid dress for "Most Unique Bridesmaid" contest.

The DUMBO Improvement District and the BBC America are holding a grand old party under the Manhattan Bridge, known as "The Archway." Featuring:

• costume contests
• facepainting
• retro British music
• traditional British games
• a photobooth for keepsake memories
• quizzes and raffles
• and of course food such as scones and wedding cake

The event is free, but if you would like to attend a special evening wedding reception you can purchase your tickets here. (Note: if your not an early bird, it will be replayed after the wedding takes place. 

Tea & Sympathy is also getting in on the action to and encourages restaurant goers to come in their best (or even their wedding dress if you like). There will be a raffle where ticket proceeds will go to William and Kate's charity. They'll be open at 10:30AM. 

Lyon will open bright and early at 6AM, and hold a viewing party where you can order breakfast and English beer.


So grab your best hat (or make your own) and set your alarms for that early wake up call. Or if your not into going out, why not throw your own wedding party? Here's a link for some party ideas.

Royal Wedding Viewing Party
5:30AM
Paley Center for Media
25 West 52 Street
New York, NY 10019
Admission: Free (but reserve your space here)

RoyalWeddingNYC
5AM
The Archway (under Manhattan Bridge)
Admission: Free

Evening Wedding Reception
8PM - 1AM
All Day VIP Pass Only $60
Evening Pass (8pm – 1am) Only $40

Tea & Sympathy
108 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011

Lyon
118 Greenwich Ave
New York, NY 10011

Sakura Matsuri NYC 4/30 - 5/1

Are you dying for stroll in the park amongst flowers just in bloom? The Brooklyn Botanical Garden celebrates the blooming of the cherry blossoms with Sakura Matsuri this year on April 30 and May 1st.

Sakura Matsuri is an annual weekend event that lets the public get a sample of the wide spectrum of Japanese culture, such as: taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, origami and ikebana workshop, and most recent an area full of events (cosplay, comedy skits, voice acting, etc) that caters specifically to anime fans.

Whether you want to see pretty flowers, just lounge on the lawn with a bottle of sake and friends in true Japanese fashion or need an excuse to plan your first summery Lolita outfit of the season, Sakura Matsuri will be an event for you. 

Note: If you are a someone who prefers to see cherry blossoms before anyone else, pay attention to the weather as they tend to be fickle things and can bloom early (like last year).

Sakura Matsuri

April 30 - May 1st

11AM - 6PM

Brooklyn Bontanical Garden

900 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225

Admission:

Adults $15
Seniors (65 and over) $10
Students 12+ with valid ID $10
Children under 12 Free

Crumbs Cupcake of the Week - Pink

Perk up your day with a cupcake I always say!

This week's CC of the Week will certainly brighten your rainy days with a splash of pink. "Pink" is as pink can be, made of a pink vanilla cupcake with pink frosting and rimmed with pink sprinkles.

Check out Twitter for more deals and updates. And if your looking for a new cupcake haunt to check out, Crumbs has also opened a new location on Park Avenue!

A Culinary Wonderland April 7th!

The Knave of Hearts stole some tarts, but do you know what type of tarts, and want to learn how to make them?

Haley and Lauren Fox, co-owners of Alice's Teacup, will be an appearance at Macy's as part of Macy's Towers of Flowers Festival. They'll giving a baking demonstration in The Cellar on Thursday April 7th from 1-4PM.

If you can't make it out, I highly recommend their recipe book that came out last year. It features recipes of food found on the menus at their various locations which you can make at home.

Also check out Macy's other events for the Towers of Flowers Festival.

A Culinary Wonderland
April 7th, 2011
1-4PM
Macy's
The Cellar, Lower Level
151 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

Getting a Breath of Fresh Air

While I love New York City, there are times where you become sick of it all. You become exceedingly pessimistic about crowds, ear-piercing squeaky trains, tourists who don't know how to walk, and going beyond an area that's not one of the boroughs (White Plains is considered "out-of-state" in my book).

So it's time to take a break from it all and miss New York City for once.