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By: Jona Jaupi   He can be found in pop-up shops and galleries all around the city. His infamous faces, containing “emotive eyes and razor sharp teeth,” as described in his website, are more than likely splattered around walls in your neighborhood. So, who is the man who has been painting the monsters around this city? … Continue reading Royce Bannon, an artistic force from Harlem →

By: Jona Jaupi   He can be found in pop-up shops and galleries all around the city. His infamous faces, containing “emotive eyes and razor sharp teeth,” as described in his website, are more than likely splattered around walls in your neighborhood. So, who is the man who has been painting the monsters around this city? […]

Yoli hard at work on a photoshoot.

Yoli Cotray and I met a few years back, when her beau (and one of my closest friends) introduced us at a NYC bar. My immediate reaction as we shook hands was “Wow, this girl has really great eyebrows!” I guess that is something only a girl obsessed with makeup products would think. The thin patchy baby caterpillars that rest on top of my eyes, pale in comparison. I had to know her secret! I wondered if it would it be weird to ask her what eye pencil she used 15 minutes into meeting her. I told myself I would avoid the awkward eyebrow talk for the time being and inquire about the story of how the lovely couple met.

Fast-forward to the day I was assigned to write a blog post. My professor told the class that we must include an interview in our first post. My immediate thought? My chance to ask Yoli how in the world she does it! Yoli and I have known one another for about two years now, and I have yet to see the girl look anything less than air brushed. After a twelve-hour workday and when most women I know look like melting Crayola crayons, she is a woman that appears to have stepped out of a magazine advertisement. She is a woman that has recently exited her twenties, but because of her youthful complexion will still likely be carded for the next couple of years. Yoli works as a makeup artist at NARS cosmetics andhas worked for countless beauty brands. As we sit in an Upper West Side restaurant, we sip our champagne cocktails and she eventually lets me pick her brain:

Yoli’s work on a young model.

As a makeup artist, you spend all day working with clients of all ages. What would you say is the biggest difference between the way you apply makeup on a woman in her forties or fifties and a woman in her twenties? Are there differences in products/colors/application?

“As a makeup artist with 13+ years’ experience in working with clients of all ages, the biggest difference between the makeup application for women of different generations would be the process (ie. The steps taken to achieve the desired end result) due to the tightness of the skin or lack thereof.  For a woman of wisdom, I would “put everything back where it belongs” then dress it up by accentuating her best features.  With a woman in her 20’s, things are usually in place, and at that point, I can just be creative.”

What is one fall beauty trend that all twenty-something girls should try and one that they should avoid?

“One fall beauty trend that I am obsessed with now (for any age!) is a rich shade of brown lipstick.  With the right undertone and formula (sheer, satin, cream, matte, etc.), this can be a very sophisticated and chic look.  Avoid- skipping lip liner!”

Kat Dennings sporting the trend.

In your opinion, what is the biggest mistake twenty-somethings make when applying their makeup?

“In my opinion, one of the biggest mistakes women in their twenties make when applying their makeup is not properly prepping the skin with skin care.  A great eye cream, face serum and moisturizer can go a long way in what I like to refer to as the “preventative years”.  It can also improve the overall look and wear of a makeup application.”

Yoli’s work on a young model.

If you could go back and tell your twenty one year old self one thing related to beauty, what would it be?

“If I could go back in time, I would tell my twenty one year old self”only allow a professional to groom your brows’.  I specialize in eyebrows now, but back then… next question.”

Yoli’s work on a “Pretty Woman” photoshoot.

What do you believe is the number one product all women in her twenties should own?

“I cannot emphasize this enough, EYE CREAM!!!  And not only should they own it, they should commit to using it day and night.  How else would we remain Forever 21?”

Yoli working on a bride.

Describe the perfect office beauty look for a woman in her twenties.

“One of my favorite work appropriate makeup looks for young professionals begins with a polished complexion.  A foundation/concealer with the proper level of coverage can camouflage imperfections. Next, find a blush that would mimic an actual pinch to the cheek, this will bring a healthy glow back to the skin.  Deep Gray or Dark Brown eyeliner to *thinly* define eyes- this can distract from any puffiness around the eyes (no one needs to know when you have been up late!) Mascara is a must, and a matte rosy toned lipstick can complete the office look.  There is something about the finish and color that says RESPECT ME, respectfully.”

Describe the perfect date night look for a woman in her twenties.

“One of the easiest (and flirtiest!) date looks for a woman in her twenties is a traditional Cat Eye styled liner.  This look can be used with a bold lip color for those who dare, or something softer for a casual finish.  Whether pencil, liquid, or gel, make sure the eyeliner is long wearing just in case it ends up being a long night!”

I leave the interview, and immediately feel an urge to step into Sephora. My new shopping list includes a dark brown lip color with matching pencil. (So 90’s!), an eye cream and a black eyeliner to create a cat eye. Now, if she would only come over every time I needed a cat eye. Ah! Blog post idea. The perfect cat eye, by Yoli Cotray. Who wants to see that next?

Yoli hard at work on a photoshoot.

Yoli Cotray and I met a few years back, when her beau (and one of my closest friends) introduced us at a NYC bar. My immediate reaction as we shook hands was “Wow, this girl has really great eyebrows!” I guess that is something only a girl obsessed with makeup products would think. The thin patchy baby caterpillars that rest on top of my eyes, pale in comparison. I had to know her secret! I wondered if it would it be weird to ask her what eye pencil she used 15 minutes into meeting her. I told myself I would avoid the awkward eyebrow talk for the time being and inquire about the story of how the lovely couple met.

Fast-forward to the day I was assigned to write a blog post. My professor told the class that we must include an interview in our first post. My immediate thought? My chance to ask Yoli how in the world she does it! Yoli and I have known one another for about two years now, and I have yet to see the girl look anything less than air brushed. After a twelve-hour workday and when most women I know look like melting Crayola crayons, she is a woman that appears to have stepped out of a magazine advertisement. She is a woman that has recently exited her twenties, but because of her youthful complexion will still likely be carded for the next couple of years. Yoli works as a makeup artist at NARS cosmetics andhas worked for countless beauty brands. As we sit in an Upper West Side restaurant, we sip our champagne cocktails and she eventually lets me pick her brain:

Yoli’s work on a young model.

As a makeup artist, you spend all day working with clients of all ages. What would you say is the biggest difference between the way you apply makeup on a woman in her forties or fifties and a woman in her twenties? Are there differences in products/colors/application?

“As a makeup artist with 13+ years’ experience in working with clients of all ages, the biggest difference between the makeup application for women of different generations would be the process (ie. The steps taken to achieve the desired end result) due to the tightness of the skin or lack thereof.  For a woman of wisdom, I would “put everything back where it belongs” then dress it up by accentuating her best features.  With a woman in her 20’s, things are usually in place, and at that point, I can just be creative.”

What is one fall beauty trend that all twenty-something girls should try and one that they should avoid?

“One fall beauty trend that I am obsessed with now (for any age!) is a rich shade of brown lipstick.  With the right undertone and formula (sheer, satin, cream, matte, etc.), this can be a very sophisticated and chic look.  Avoid- skipping lip liner!”

Kat Dennings sporting the trend.

In your opinion, what is the biggest mistake twenty-somethings make when applying their makeup?

“In my opinion, one of the biggest mistakes women in their twenties make when applying their makeup is not properly prepping the skin with skin care.  A great eye cream, face serum and moisturizer can go a long way in what I like to refer to as the “preventative years”.  It can also improve the overall look and wear of a makeup application.”

Yoli’s work on a young model.

If you could go back and tell your twenty one year old self one thing related to beauty, what would it be?

“If I could go back in time, I would tell my twenty one year old self”only allow a professional to groom your brows’.  I specialize in eyebrows now, but back then… next question.”

Yoli’s work on a “Pretty Woman” photoshoot.

What do you believe is the number one product all women in her twenties should own?

“I cannot emphasize this enough, EYE CREAM!!!  And not only should they own it, they should commit to using it day and night.  How else would we remain Forever 21?”

Yoli working on a bride.

Describe the perfect office beauty look for a woman in her twenties.

“One of my favorite work appropriate makeup looks for young professionals begins with a polished complexion.  A foundation/concealer with the proper level of coverage can camouflage imperfections. Next, find a blush that would mimic an actual pinch to the cheek, this will bring a healthy glow back to the skin.  Deep Gray or Dark Brown eyeliner to *thinly* define eyes- this can distract from any puffiness around the eyes (no one needs to know when you have been up late!) Mascara is a must, and a matte rosy toned lipstick can complete the office look.  There is something about the finish and color that says RESPECT ME, respectfully.”

Describe the perfect date night look for a woman in her twenties.

“One of the easiest (and flirtiest!) date looks for a woman in her twenties is a traditional Cat Eye styled liner.  This look can be used with a bold lip color for those who dare, or something softer for a casual finish.  Whether pencil, liquid, or gel, make sure the eyeliner is long wearing just in case it ends up being a long night!”

I leave the interview, and immediately feel an urge to step into Sephora. My new shopping list includes a dark brown lip color with matching pencil. (So 90’s!), an eye cream and a black eyeliner to create a cat eye. Now, if she would only come over every time I needed a cat eye. Ah! Blog post idea. The perfect cat eye, by Yoli Cotray. Who wants to see that next?

“We decided not to adopt a dog because we were afraid of the health problems it could have,” said Stacy Lockwood, my mother and one of the biggest animal lovers I know. “I never expected that our ‘purebred Maltese’ would become blind at the age of two, develop an underactive thyroid at the age of three, and pass away at the age of five,” she said about our former dog, Lacey.

This is the unfortunate fate that many dogs, born and bred in puppy mills, will face. It is estimated by the Humane Society of the United States that there are at least 10,000 mills in the United States alone, and more than two-thirds of them operate without enforced regulations. As someone who has dealt with the untimely loss of a pet, I understand the frustration that one may feel toward breeders.

Puppy mills work similarly to factories that exist for the purpose of mass production. They function in such a way as to produce a maximum amount of puppies for sale, while disregarding the welfare of the dogs performing the breeding. According to the ASPCA’s website, “A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation that places profit over the well-being of its dogs—who are often severely neglected—and acts without regard to responsible breeding practices.”

Lacey, a dog my family purchased from a local pet shop, and I circa 2001. (Photo by Stacy Lockwood)

From these mills, at as young as eight weeks of age, the puppies are then sold to pet shops and are put on the market. It is often hard to tell whether or not a puppy is the product of a puppy mill at such an age, however severe health problems usually manifest themselves within a few years, or even just a few months. The most common of these problems include epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, musculoskeletal disorders, endocrine disorders, blood disorders, deafness, eye problems, and respiratory disorders.

“After going through a loss that I was clearly not prepared for, I knew that I would never get another dog unless I was sure that it was coming from a safe, reputable place.”

At four years of age, Lacey had completely lost her vision and developed an underactive thyroid. (Photo by Stacy Lockwood)

A few months after Lacey’s death, the pet shop we had purchased her from, known as the American Kennel Club, had shut down overnight with no explanation. There now stands a new pet shop at the location, but to this day, the cause of the shutdown remains unknown.

When my family began considering welcoming a new dog to our home, we were referred to a pet store called Petite Pets Puppy Boutique, a store in Huntington Station, New York, dedicated to small toy breeds. After just one visit we were proud to introduce Delilah, a two-pound yorkie and poodle mix, to the family.

At almost seven years old, Delilah is still in excellent health.

Petite Pets Puppy Boutique sets itself apart from traditional pet stores by partnering only with breeders that they have visited and have deemed acceptable. As seen on the website, the only breeders the store maintains relationships with operate with “the utmost integrity.” They ensure that any dogs entering the store come from breeders that “do not inbreed or over-breed. They especially do not re-breed any congenital problems.”

Barbara Maple, who founded the store in 1983, commented, “I treat each and every dog like family, as if they were my own.” This is clear from the unyielding attention that the puppies in the store receive while they rest and play in baby cribs instead of cages. She added, “I won’t let my babies go to any home that I think will be unfit because they all deserve a future filled with love and happiness.”

Anyone who purchases a dog from the shop receives a pedigree certificate, listing where the puppy was bred, as well as information regarding the puppy’s parents. With an extensive list of satisfied customers, it is clear that the legitimate and thorough practices of the store generate great success.

Although purchasing a dog from Petite Pets Puppy Boutique is not technically considered a means of adoption, it is a possible alternative that one may seek. While pet adoption and rescue are perhaps the best choices to make a difference in an animal’s life, buying from reputable pet shops such as this one is just as effective in fighting the war on puppy mill prominence.

Contact Petite Pets Puppy Boutique:
2385 New York Avenue
Huntington Station,
New York 11746
petitepetspuppyboutique.com
(631) 424-6262

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Sunday: 10am-5pm

My yorkiepoo (and love of my life) from Petite Pets Puppy Boutique.

“We decided not to adopt a dog because we were afraid of the health problems it could have,” said Stacy Lockwood, my mother and one of the biggest animal lovers I know. “I never expected that our ‘purebred Maltese’ would become blind at the age of two, develop an underactive thyroid at the age of three, and pass away at the age of five,” she said about our former dog, Lacey.

This is the unfortunate fate that many dogs, born and bred in puppy mills, will face. It is estimated by the Humane Society of the United States that there are at least 10,000 mills in the United States alone, and more than two-thirds of them operate without enforced regulations. As someone who has dealt with the untimely loss of a pet, I understand the frustration that one may feel toward breeders.

Lacey, a dog my family purchased from a local pet shop, and I circa 2001. (Photo by Stacy Lockwood)

Puppy mills work similarly to factories that exist for the purpose of mass production. They function in such a way as to produce a maximum amount of puppies for sale, while disregarding the welfare of the dogs performing the breeding. According to the ASPCA’s website, “A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation that places profit over the well-being of its dogs—who are often severely neglected—and acts without regard to responsible breeding practices.”

From these mills, at as young as eight weeks of age, the puppies are then sold to pet shops and are put on the market. It is often hard to tell whether or not a puppy is the product of a puppy mill at such an age, however severe health problems usually manifest themselves within a few years, or even just a few months. The most common of these problems include epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, musculoskeletal disorders, endocrine disorders, blood disorders, deafness, eye problems, and respiratory disorders.

“After going through a loss that I was clearly not prepared for, I knew that I would never get another dog unless I was sure that it was coming from a safe, reputable place.”

At four years of age, Lacey had completely lost her vision and developed an underactive thyroid. (Photo by Stacy Lockwood)

A few months after Lacey’s death, the pet shop we had purchased her from, known as the American Kennel Club, had shut down overnight with no explanation. There now stands a new pet shop at the location, but to this day, the cause of the shutdown remains unknown.

When my family began considering welcoming a new dog to our home, we were referred to a pet store called Petite Pets Puppy Boutique, a store in Huntington Station, New York, dedicated to small toy breeds. After just one visit we were proud to introduce Delilah, a two-pound yorkie and poodle mix, to the family.

Petite Pets Puppy Boutique sets itself apart from traditional pet stores by partnering only with breeders that they have visited and have deemed acceptable. As seen on the website, the only breeders the store maintains relationships with operate with “the utmost integrity.” They ensure that any dogs entering the store come from breeders that “do not inbreed or over-breed. They especially do not re-breed any congenital problems.”

Barbara Maple, who founded the store in 1983, commented, “I treat each and every dog like family, as if they were my own.” This is clear from the unyielding attention that the puppies in the store receive while they rest and play in baby cribs instead of cages. She added, “I won’t let my babies go to any home that I think will be unfit because they all deserve a future filled with love and happiness.”

At almost seven years old, Delilah is still in excellent health.

Anyone who purchases a dog from the shop receives a pedigree certificate, listing where the puppy was bred, as well as information regarding the puppy’s parents. With an extensive list of satisfied customers, it is clear that the legitimate and thorough practices of the store generate great success.

Although purchasing a dog from Petite Pets Puppy Boutique is not technically considered a means of adoption, it is a possible alternative that one may seek. While pet adoption and rescue are perhaps the best choices to make a difference in an animal’s life, buying from reputable pet shops such as this one is just as effective in fighting the war on puppy mill prominence.

Contact Petite Pets Puppy Boutique:
2385 New York Avenue
Huntington Station,
New York 11746
petitepetspuppyboutique.com
(631) 424-6262

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Sunday: 10am-5pm

“Commuter Blues” aren’t limited to just office workers. College students, too, have them, especially thousands of young adults who live off campus and attend colleges throughout New York City. Continue reading →

“Commuter Blues” aren’t limited to just office workers. College students, too, have them, especially thousands of young adults who live off campus and attend colleges throughout New York City. Continue reading →

Kimgane Restaurant: Cheap food and sanctuary from the wet weather. Photo credit: Liz Kim

You’ve stepped off the last stop on the 7 line and somehow survived the crush of people. Somewhere amid the incomprehensible signage, blaring car horns, and businesses stacked four high, you need to find a place to get away from the rain and satisfy your hunger. Chances are anybody you ask will be able to direct you to the massive Flushing municipal parking lot and just across the street from it is Kimgane Restaurant (3912 Union St, Flushing, NY 11354).

Pronounced Geem-ga-neh, the name roughly translates to Kim’s Place. Kimgane might be a taste of home for many Koreans, but the staff happily cater to their diverse clientele. The menus are written in both Korean and English and the walls are splashed with images of the different dishes along with their names. Often people forgo the menu and simply point at whichever plate looks most appetizing.

Gimbap is standard fare at a boonshikjip.

Once you arrive, you’re seated practically on top of the table next to you and the atmosphere is a curious mix of the standard Flushing level chaos coupled with the coziness of grandma’s kitchen. Kimganae is considered a boon-shik-jip, or snack house characterized by low prices (nothing is over $10) and generous portions. To many foreigners, boon-shik meals are the gateway drug into Korean cuisine. Some popular Kimganae dishes are marinated beef, pork, or chicken served alongside rice, gimbap (think of it as sushi’s distant cousin), and ramyeon (Korean-style instant noodles beefed up with extra toppings).

Jessica Balkissoon, 22, lives in Forest Hills and occasionally comes to Flushing with friends when she’s craving Korean. As she expertly grabbed a small square of pickled radish kimchi, she fondly recalled her first time at Kimganae’s. “I jumped right into the deep end by not getting what most people order here,” she said. “I wanted real street food so a friend suggested duk-bok-ki. The chewiness is surprising but once you get past that it’s delicious.”

Duk-bok-ki: Scary? Or scary delicious? Photo credit: Liz Kim

Duk-bok-ki may not be the deep end for a country known for eating live baby octopi, but itis one of the most popular Korean street foods and at its most basic consists of soft glutinous rice cakes and fish cakes that are all simmered together in a thick spicy sauce made from Korean red pepper paste. Other versions may come with a hardboiled egg, vegetables, or noodles. Back in the motherland, carts manned by middle-aged women are usually set up near schools or busy streets. Ladles full of duk-bok-ki are served in paper cups and are eaten with toothpicks. This dish is so loved that there’s even a town devoted to it.

Kimganae also serves several varieties of duk-bok-ki and Balkissoon’s favorite comes with baby shrimp and octopus. Andrew Hyun, a waiter at Kimganae, can vouch for duk-bok-ki’s popularity. “People seem a little scared of it at first because it’s so red and steaming but once they have a taste, they love it; they suffer through the pain,” he said. (This intimidation may also come from Andrew’s tendency to give first timers an are-you-sure-about-this look when they order the dish.)

When there’s nothing but umbrella to umbrella pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks of Downtown Flushing, nothing soothes the soul quite like the prospect of cheap, quick comfort food. Kimgane Korean Restaurant is a glimmer of hope on an otherwise dreary, rainy Saturday afternoon. It’s just the tip of a delicious iceberg but for now grab a seat and have some duk-bok-ki… if you dare.

Kimgane Restaurant: Cheap food and sanctuary from the wet weather. Photo credit: Liz Kim

You’ve stepped off the last stop on the 7 line and somehow survived the crush of people. Somewhere amid the incomprehensible signage, blaring car horns, and businesses stacked four high, you need to find a place to get away from the rain and satisfy your hunger. Chances are anybody you ask will be able to direct you to the massive Flushing municipal parking lot and just across the street from it is Kimgane Restaurant (3912 Union St, Flushing, NY 11354).

Pronounced Geem-ga-neh, the name roughly translates to Kim’s Place. Kimgane might be a taste of home for many Koreans, but the staff happily cater to their diverse clientele. The menus are written in both Korean and English and the walls are splashed with images of the different dishes along with their names. Often people forgo the menu and simply point at whichever plate looks most appetizing.

Jessica Balkissoon, 22, lives in Forest Hills and occasionally comes to Flushing with friends when she’s craving Korean. As she expertly grabbed a small square of pickled radish kimchi, she fondly recalled her first time at Kimganae’s. “I jumped right into the deep end by not getting what most people order here,” she said. “I wanted real street food so a friend suggested duk-bok-ki. The chewiness is surprising but once you get past that it’s delicious.”

Duk-bok-ki: Scary? Or scary delicious? Photo credit: Liz Kim

Duk-bok-ki may not be the deep end for a country known for eating live baby octopi, but it is one of the most popular Korean street foods and at its most basic consists of soft glutinous rice cakes and fish cakes that are all simmered together in a thick spicy sauce made from Korean red pepper paste. Other versions may come with a hardboiled egg, vegetables, or noodles. Back in the motherland, carts manned by middle-aged women are usually set up near schools or busy streets. Ladles full of duk-bok-ki are served in paper cups and are eaten with toothpicks. This dish is so loved that there’s even a town devoted to it.

Kimganae also serves several varieties of duk-bok-ki and Balkissoon’s favorite comes with baby shrimp and octopus. Andrew Hyun, a waiter at Kimganae, can vouch for duk-bok-ki’s popularity. “People seem a little scared of it at first because it’s so red and steaming but once they have a taste, they love it; they suffer through the pain,” he said. (This intimidation may also come from Andrew’s tendency to give first timers an are-you-sure-about-this look when they order the dish.)

When there’s nothing but umbrella to umbrella pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks of Downtown Flushing, nothing soothes the soul quite like the prospect of cheap, quick comfort food. Kimgane Korean Restaurant is a glimmer of hope on an otherwise dreary, rainy Saturday afternoon. It’s just the tip of a delicious iceberg but for now grab a seat and have some duk-bok-ki… if you dare.