Tag: music

CELEBRITY

Bruh, what Super Bowl? It was all about Marshmello killin’ it with that Epic Fortnite mini concert

by debrafrombrooklynLeave a Comment on Bruh, what Super Bowl? It was all about Marshmello killin’ it with that Epic Fortnite mini concert

Reader, raise your hand if you’re a parent with children from age three through seventeen years. You own a video game console. Your kids are avid video game players and Fortnite is the video game most obsessed over in your home. Raise your hand if, in addition, the gaming consoles you have an accompanying Spotify account so your kids can jam to their playlist of lit tunes during their gaming activities. Me? I plead guilty to all of this. But, I will say that thanks to my children, I have discovered new music, as well as new recording artists like Marshmello and even sick dance moves and it is thanks in part to their love of video gaming.

My 11-year old son is a FIFA19, Rocket League, and Fortnite player. PS4 is his console of choice but he also has an XBox. My living room is a gaming haven. It is where he partakes in Fortnite Battle Royales, letting loose with flossing dance moves, partaking in the occasional trash talk through his After Glow AG6 Wired Headset while sitting comfortably in his X Rocker Audio Gaming Chair playing with friends across the globe in Battle Royales

11-year old Kai kicks back in his X-Rocker Audio Gaming Chair with his AG6 PS4 headset

Over the weekend Epic Games, the makers of the Fortnite treated its more than 78 million players to a free concert which had them, literally shedding their skins. For kids, it was like watching their own Halftime Super Bowl show a day early, but instead of football in Atlanta with touchdowns this epic music mash-up occurred in the virtual world of Fortnite and included wicked tunes unleashed by celebrated EDM DJ, Marshmello.

EDM DJ Marshmello

The Philippino DJ is known for hits like “Alone”, “Silence”, “Twinbow” , “Moving On” and more “His music has fast become a favorite of the pre-teens and adolescents.

Marshmello ‘Alone ‘ music video

The DJ’s virtual collaboration with Epic Games was historic. The performance set inside of Fortnite’s Pleasant Park, definitely had everyone moving, flossin’ and flying. Without a doubt, diehard Mellogang fans were there for it and represented alongside Fortnite gamers. Seeing by the numbers who tuned into the virtual performance there is no doubt that Marshmello’s cred with the youth sector was upped. I wonder if even he imagined how crazy good it going to get when he sent out a tweet on Thursday directing all to head to the virtual location on Saturday night.

Talk of Marshmello coming to Fortnight was the top chatter online and with my son and his gaming pals . They were excited. One can definitely say that Epic Games scored a touchdown with the DJ because 78.3 million players logged onto their various video consoles to tune in.

Dance music DJ, Marshmello invaded Fortnite with a mini-concert that rocked the skins.

Marshmello has definitely upped his kiddie fan cred thanks to the virtual mini-concert in Fortnite.

Marshmello gets jiggy with his first ever virtual Fortnite concert and it was EPIC!

I give the DJ and his team props for the collab with Epic Games. They have definitely recognized the marketing importance of tapping into a younger audience whose spending power and purchasing influence makes them the top global consumers. With that being said, Fortnite players can now purchase Marshmello Skins, posters and cosmetics in the Fortnite’s shop.

  • Fortnite Marshmello Skins and Cosmetics are now available

Want to learn a few Flossin dance moves then check these out below and above all keep on flossin!

CELEBRITY, Family Movies, fashion, Inspiration

The voice of Aretha Franklin shines in full operatic aria in ‘The Upside’ movie with star Kevin Hart

by debrafrombrooklynLeave a Comment on The voice of Aretha Franklin shines in full operatic aria in ‘The Upside’ movie with star Kevin Hart

Music travels with us throughout our lives. It makes the world go round. For many, it is a lifesaver, gateway to the soul and makes up the soundtrack of our lives. Like the great reggae artist,  Bob Marley so eloquently says, “When the  beat hits, you feel no pain.”

photo by @debrafrombrooklyn
NYC based Influencer @debrafrombrooklyn rocks stripped pants and purple booties at a screening of ‘The Upside’ movie in Manhattan

 

This brings me to the recent release of ‘The Upside‘ a comedy-drama starring funny guy Kevin Hart taking a spin at a serious role opposite thespian Bryan Cranston and Oscar winner Nicole Kidman. The movie which features the music of late music icon, Aretha Franklin is a remake of the 2011 French movie, ‘The Intouchables’  which starred  Omar Sy and  Francois Cluzet.  In this American remake, the concept is kept pretty much the same but lacks the full-on heartwarming charm and inspiration that the  French version exuded thanks in parts to Sy.  The movie, based on a true story, tells the story of two men from different backgrounds culturally and financially, who change each other lives for the better. Hart plays Dell, an ex-con out on parole hired as the caretaker of Phillip (Cranston), a billionaire and quadriplegic, the result of a paragliding accident. Kidman plays Phillip’s assistant.

The movie is the first comedy-drama released for  2019. That it includes a soundtrack featuring the music of the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin   who passed away in August of 2018 will definitely lend to getting lots of music fans talking and filling theater seats. I had the opportunity to attend a recent screening in New York City, given by the  MOMS .

New dad Kevin Hart chats with The MOMS, Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein
New dad Kevin Hart chats with The MOMS, Denise Albert, and Melissa Gerstein …..photo by @debrafrombrooklyn

 

Aretha’s musical chords are woven perfectly into scenes. Hart himself even gives it a go, with a comedic spin, of course, singing on the much beloved  “Think”.  Four of Franklin’s songs appear on the movie’s soundtrack, each song adding flair to the storyline, like when  Dell is overcome with his appreciation of classical music while attending the opera alongside  Phillip and hearing  Nessun Dorma sung superbly by the Queen of Soul.

Surprisingly, taking the #1 Weekend Box Office opening position away from front runner  ‘Aquaman‘ which is holding high with billion dollar sales worldwide, ‘The Upside’ on its Jan 11-13 opening weekend cemented itself to the list of movies featuring  Aretha’s music that went on to become memorable.

 

Like I said music makes everything better.  I felt that the music saved the ‘Upside.’  The movie could definitely have been better. If I had to watch the movie again I would probably opt for the French version as Hart and Cranston didn’t fully click like Sy and Cluzet. The movie did showcase that if given more opportunities  Kevin Hart should really try dipping into more dramatic roles but without the funny.  Finally,  I would also ask Hollywood to stop going back to that old drawing board script that depicts black male characters as ex-cons, dead beat dads or not privy to a socially elite lifestyle.

 

With that being said out of 10  popcorn bowls The Upside  gets 5

Want to check out ‘The Upside’ movie  soundtrack take a listen here at the website Lyric Soundtrack.

Want to see the 2012 French version  ‘The Intouchables’  which starred  Omar Sy as the lovable  Driss a down and outer from the projects of Paris and Francois Cluzet playing the role of Phillipe. Watch here

download

 

by Debra Lewis-Boothman

 

CELEBRITY

Multi-Platinum Artist Fabolous Is All About The Stepping Stones in his hometown of Brooklyn

by debrafrombrooklyn
Multi-Platinum Artist Fabolous Is All About The Stepping Stones in his hometown of Brooklyn

Ask any Brooklynite what’s the best thing about their borough and they’ll likely say, “EVERYTHING!”

We at  crownheightsmom will have to agree. In fact, no matter the season something fun is always  happening across the borough of Brooklyn.

Annual events from the  Cherry Blossom Sakura Matsuri Festival  at  the Brooklyn Botanic Garden  to the highly in demand monthly Target  First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum of Art   are the most talked about but on any given day there is always  something happening here. In fact, when it comes to putting its culture on display  Brooklyn hands down seems to be doing it best.

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 Japanese Culture at Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival  at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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A Traditional Geisha at the Sakura Matsuri Festival at BBG in 2016

That’s why  when we found out about  the  second annual  Central Brooklyn Arts  & Culture Weekend  which took place June 10th and 11th along the famed Eastern Parkway we had to go. It was a  fun weekend spent out with the kids and was celebrated with a movie night  happening on Saturday  and an outdoors street festival showcasing the best of the borough’s foods, arts,  crafts,  culture and contributors occurring on Sunday.

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A Flyer of the 2-day event celebrating Central Brooklyn

At the outdoor street festival  on June 11 the festivities kicked off with Borough President, Eric Adams   honoring   two outstanding talents from Brooklyn — multi platinum MC and Hip-Hop artist, John “Fabolous” Jackson and the late, world renowned abstract artist and Neo-Expressionist Jean-Michel Basquiat, (whose  family represented for him).

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Rapper Fabolous receives the Key to Brooklyn from Borough President Eric Adams

Both Fab and Basquiat(posthumously) were  awarded   with the “Keys to Brooklyn” and  bestowed with individual stepping  stones inscribed with their names  and placed within the  Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s famed Celebrity Path.  The two sons of Brooklyn are now counted along the celebrity walkway amongst 160 others famous Brooklynites  past and present including  poets, performers,  artists, and athletes who lived or were born in the borough and  all made outstanding contributions to  the borough.

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Fabolous strikes a pose with Borough President Eric Adams next to his inscribed stepping stone in the Celebrity Path at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

 

The outdoor street festival  saw  locals, families  and visiting tourists  coming out to  rejoice in the arts, foods and culture along Eastern Parkway .

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Brooklyn residents check out the vendors along Eastern Parkway

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Seafood lovers were all about getting their  boxed food at Catch It

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The Brooklyn Museum brought its arts outdoors while a balloon vendor brings smiles to faces

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It was all about the sweet kernels at Kettle Korn

My 9-year old son had a blast checking out the vendors and the performances as well as  tasting some of the delicious food options on sale. He definitely liked the roasted corn which he eagerly covered in butter and a hefty shaking of parmesan cheese. So delicious.

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There is nothing better than sinking your teeth into a sweet roasted corn on the cob

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Brooklynites grabbed  Smooth smoothies as they walked the path along Eastern Parkway

The high 80’s temperature definitely led to a beautiful day outdoors with attendees  enjoying and basking in the  music, dance and theatrical plays  happening on the main stage set up at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch at Grand Army Plaza. The breeze and water spraying from the fountain made for a refreshing feel.

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Those  walking  along the Eastern Parkway corridor beginning at Flatbush Avenue and heading towards  Washington Avenue got to choose from an array of vendors offering food, drink as well as the purchase crafts and fashionable items from jewelry to kids clothing.

 

Lots of activities were  available and  included fun games, bouncy houses  and  arts and crafts for the kids, a  dance party and theatrical performances  courtesy of  the Prospect Park Zoo, the Jewish Children’s Museum, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and the New York Aquarium

photo by crownheightsmom
A band performs on the main stage at Grand Army Plaza

 

The 2-day cultural arts inspired events were brought together and presented by Brooklyn Borough President, Eric L. Adams in partnership with One Brooklyn Fund, Inc.,  All in all it was fun for the entire family.

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The office of Brooklyn’s Borough President, Eric Adams out  on the Parkway

 

With smiles on our faces we left  the festival  eagerly looking forward to next year’s celebration .

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Enjoying the day with my son

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Crownheightsmom Media CEO, Debra Lewis-Boothman’s outdoor street festival fashion included an african head-wrap and  a blush silk romper paired with hightop Converse sneakers.

 

If you also attended  this event please share your thoughts about the  weekend in our comments section below.

food, Restaurant, Super Bowl Food Menu, Uncategorized

SPICE UP THAT SUPERBOWL MENU WITH CURRY SERVINGS FROM BROOKLYN’S KING OF TANDOOR

by debrafrombrooklynLeave a Comment on SPICE UP THAT SUPERBOWL MENU WITH CURRY SERVINGS FROM BROOKLYN’S KING OF TANDOOR

Brooklyn residents looking to spice up their menu servings on Superbowl Sunday, need look no more. Problem solved! King of Tandoor Indian restaurant  is the answer to finding  delicious, affordable bang-for-the-buck Indian cuisine in Brooklyn  when you don’t want to take that trek to Manhattan’s Curry Row.

Nestled right in the heart of Brooklyn,  King of Tandoor  is a cozy spot  offering up some of the best Indian food crownheightsmom has sampled . So if you are a curry lover like myself or you are having a hard time  finding that curry-in-a-hurry spot that’s easy to get to,  then  pop over to the Prospect Lefferts Garden section of Brooklyn –just a hop-skip and jump from Prospect Park, along Flatbush  Avenue and not far from  –Crown Heights, Park Slope, Bed-Sty or  Downtown Brooklyn. Not in the mood to come out, no worries, forego the walk,  pull out the cell phone and dial  them up for delivery.

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The family owned 32-seat  restaurant has been in the neighborhood just over eight years says  Naz who greeted me as I entered  to grab takeout on Friday night.

“Most of our revenue comes from  deliveries,” he says as the phone rang-off-the-hook while offering me a cool delicious glass of mango juice as I waited on my  order.

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A busy evening as Naz takes  yet another phone order

Located in what was once a predominately Caribbean-American neighborhood where the lively sound of soca and reggae music echoes through speakers  of small business  ranging  from —barber shops, Jamaican  bakeries, Korean fruit markets, African hair braiding salons, Dominican bodegas and international fashion shops –the neighborhood is  experiencing a boom in new businesses as high-rise buildings go up  every few months and gentrification prices out many of the moms-and-pops businesses that once lined  the avenue.   These changes  though says Naz,  “is bringing an influx of new families and we are welcoming it.”

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The restaurant  is looking to expand  later this year . “Our kitchen isn’t that big but we have two  persons on every station, ” Naz lets me know  about keeping up with filling orders for seated customers, takeout and delivery .  As customers come in and out of the A-graded restaurant Naz engages them  in small talk and a smile.

King of Tandoor manager Naz
Naz, the manager of King of Tandoor

“We know everyone that comes in or we at least get to know them,”  he adds  as another customer enters the restaurant after jumping out of one of the many Dollar Vans swooping down the  avenue -the sounds of reggae music echoing from the  speakers as the door slams shut. “If ever there is an issue that our customers have, they can talk to us, ” adds Naz . “We love the people in the neighborhood . They are are very friendly and we like that.”

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Adorning the walls of the restaurant are  traditional Indian pictures of palaces in Bombay while the tables are outfitted  with red and white tabletop settings. “We are planning on making the restaurant  bigger so we will be renovating soon, ” he says.

As the winter season gears up Naz says  they are excited. “Winter is one of our best and busiest seasons for deliveries especially Fridays and Saturdays.” In fact when the snow blizzard hit New York City a week ago the restaurant closed just on Friday  but by the next day they were open and filling orders around the clock . They experienced one of their busiest  days of 2016 thus far . “We were very busy, ” says Naz,  adding “the phone rang non-stop with orders and a lot of customers came in.”

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Deliveries and takeout orders come out of the busy kitchen

basmati rice with lamb Do-Piaz curry
Indian Appetizers(crownheightsmom.com)

For  local residents dining and getting takeout  King of Tandoor has become their own little piece of India, especially when they get to chow down on favorites like vegetable samosas and thandoori appetizers or curry specialities like  Vindaloo Curry or Do-Piaz Curry with a choice of lamb, chicken, beef or keema  cooked with  onions and tomatoes in a spice flavored sauce. Washing it down one has  the choice of a soft drink  or a delicious mango drink.

Basmati Rice(Crownheightsmom.com)
Do-Piaz Curry(crownheightsmom.com)
Vindaloo Curry(crownheightsmom.com
Mango Juice (crownheightsmom.com)

For  one customer  who lives in the neighbor the restaurant is definitely  King! Says Kate who lives nearby. “I have lived in this neighborhood for two years now and it is  just amazing. It is the best Indian food I have  found in Brooklyn thus far.” Kate insist  that  “next to Indian food from restaurants in London, King of Tandoor  on Flatbush Ave takes a close second.”

So spice things up  with a few servings from King of Tandoor as you celebrate 50 years of the big game on Superbowl Sunday . We  certainly will!

Crownheightsmom give Brooklyn’s King of Tandoor  restaurant  opened daily  noon -11pm 7 days a week a rating of 5 out of 5  Serving Spoons for delicious food and great customer service.

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Disclousure : No monies were exchanged for this review.—CrownHeightsMom ordered  her food, picked it up  and paid for it. This review is a result of the food being so darn good! Loved it!

1950s, CELEBRITY, music, Recording Artist, Uncategorized

GRAMMY NOMINATED SOUL SINGER LEON BRIDGES TALKS ABOUT LOVING YOURSELF, HAVING PATIENCE AND HIS MOM’S YUMMY GUMBO -by Debra Lewis-Boothman

by debrafrombrooklyn1 Comment on GRAMMY NOMINATED SOUL SINGER LEON BRIDGES TALKS ABOUT LOVING YOURSELF, HAVING PATIENCE AND HIS MOM’S YUMMY GUMBO -by Debra Lewis-Boothman

Want to know who inspires newest singing sensation Leon Bridges? CrownHeightsMom did so I sat down to listen to   Coming Home  the debut album from the newcomer who’s nominated for a 2016 Grammy in the Best R&B Album category  alongside  acts like  D’Angelo, Jazmine Sullivan, Andra Day and  legend Charlie Wilson.

Pumping through my beatsbydre pill was that  deep 50s and 60s’ soul  sound harkening back  to  the height of the civil rights era when R&B  music had a major significance on the movement and integration across the country. Bridges’  throwback singing style puts one in mind  of   Otis Redding and  Sam Cooke . I pumped the volume up on high and noted to myself that a chat  with this young  star was in order . I   wanted to meet  him to  find out more  about his Grammy nod  and his inspiration for this album.

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A throwback in time. Bridges is this and more and what a year he had in 2015 — releasing  his debut album  Coming Home, to performing on Saturday Night Live,  touring across the UK and contributing music to  the  Concussion Movie sound track –these are just a few of the highlights that  kept him busy.

I met the 26-year old  when he  made a stop in New York   just before the Christmas holiday. The newcomer was in town  attending  the Concussion Movie  premiere along with  lead star, Will Smith.   Spotting Bridges  ahead of Smith as they  walked the red carpet  outside  AMC Lincoln Center movie theater I snagged  the opportunity  to get a few questions answered .

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So whom does the humble Bridges look up to musically? “I like a lot of 1950’s and 1960’s gospel and country,” the 26-year old  tells CrownHeightsMom exclusively  as Will Smith, Liam Neeson, Kevin Lyles, Elew  and others  descend the red carpet to the screams and flashes of photographers begging them to “turn this way”. Adds the newcomer  who is quickly  becoming a household. “I love Bobby Womack, Townes Van Zandt, Jesse Belvin, and Johnnie Taylor. “All that different type of stuff.” 

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The late soul legend Bobby Womack

 

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R&B singer Jesse Belvin died at 27 in a car crash

 

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Taylor was known as the “Philosopher of Soul”

 

I did not think that my album would be worthy enough to be nominated in the R&B category—-Leon Bridges

 

The singer counts  his mother Lisa Sawyer  as his biggest cheerleader. “Even when I was  playing at open mics with five people in the crowd, she was  supportive,” he tells me . The soul and gospel crooner even dedicates the  track  “Lisa Sawyer ” on the album to his dear mom.

I wonder what  mom thinks of his current success. “Says the former dishwasher from Fort Worth Texas, “She said to me, ‘ It is all God ‘ and she  is just  totally blown away by the Grammy nomination and  with everything that has been happening,” he adds.

Not just his music reminds one  of the 50s and 60’s. So does his fashion style. He’s a  sharp dresser who loves   1950’s  style suits and putting together a look that is smart and GQ-ed out to the max.

 

With the  new success  and the new gear  Bridges says he does not forget from  whence he came. As he says   to me  he knows a thing or two of living the “struggling artist” life.  Before success hit he  made ends meet being a dishwasher but he never gave up on his music and making it. “You have to be in love with yourself and in love with your art,” Bridges tells  tell   CrownHeightsMom is one of the messages he wants  to share with struggling artists out there.

If you always think about making it, then you are going to get disappointed…………—-Leon Bridges

 

 

 

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Leon Bridges and actor Will Smith at the Concussion Movie NYC premiere.

The main thing, Bridges says artist should remember is,  “If you always think about making it, then you are going to get disappointed and you are going to get impatient .” He says, “It is all about patience,  being in love with yourself and using that time and the small platform for the better.”

 

With  the holidays now over the young artist is preparing for  a busy 2016. He was looking forward seeing  him mom over the Christmas holiday  exclaiming,  “I am going home! I am going to see my momma and to eat her gumbo for sure. My momma is from New Orleans.”

 

 

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Leon Bridges performs at SXSW

So how does the  future look  for Leon Bridges ? The blueprint so far looks great for this young recording artist and   Crownheightsmom  plans on following his progress . He hits the road in March, heading overseas  on a  tour that will last  through mid-June . This may seem quite a busy schedule so soon for a newcomer, but  Bridges says, he loves performing and this  is a “life long dream.”

 

Dreams do become reality  and Bridges says that he isn’t quite  finished yet on achieving his. One  dream  he has  his heart set on achieving  he says is a life  goal of helping others. “I want to provide ways for kids to go to college, ”  he shares,  adding “and  I  also want to provide ways to help out single mothers.”

Way to go Leon Bridges!……Way to go! We  here at Crownheightsmom.com have no doubts  that you will achieve these dreams and more.

Uncategorized

JAPAN DESCENDED UPON BROOKLYN WITH CHERRY BLOSSOMS, TAIKO DRUMMING AND AN URBAN TEA CEREMONY AT THE SAKURA MATSUKI FESTIVAL ……BY Debra Lewis-Boothman

by debrafrombrooklynLeave a Comment on JAPAN DESCENDED UPON BROOKLYN WITH CHERRY BLOSSOMS, TAIKO DRUMMING AND AN URBAN TEA CEREMONY AT THE SAKURA MATSUKI FESTIVAL ……BY Debra Lewis-Boothman

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I was in my mid teens when Sakura Matsuri started at the  Brooklyn Botanic  Gardens. Back then, the faces attending were mostly  of Japanese origin and they   came out in droves  to celebrate the blooming cherry blossom flowers and rejoice in the planned Japanese cultural programs and activities.

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Miu Soda in traditional regal mode

In recent years, the  two-day weekend festival has become more popular  and has grown by  leaps and bounds attracting people of all races, nationalities and cultures. The impact of its popularity is  felt in the buildup of  traffic as more and more people   come to the borough and  as attendees join lines snaking along  Washington and Flatbush avenues .Many come dressed in their favorite  anime costumes or opt to wearing  traditional Japanese kimonos.  The mostly open -air outdoors celebration  gives those attending a taste of Japan with  sword fighting displays, Taiko drumming exhibition, manga artists and much more.

Seeing  such an  assortments of Japanese culture, food and arts made for a  breathtakingly  beautiful afternoon spent amongst the  cherry blossoms.

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For many, myself included,  attending  the annual Sakura Matsuri festival signals,  that  Spring  has finally sprung.

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7-year old Kai amongst the blooming flowers at BBG

One of my very best friends, Asako, hails from Japan. I remember talking to her years ago about  her country’s  most cherished flower and her saying that  in Japan they  have  Sakura Hanami parties  throughout the country . Getting  dressed up  in cultural garb  like a Kimono and  attending Cherry blossom viewing she says is a serious thing there, where the blooming flowers are watched carefully  and celebrated by all.

I am most proud that this festival occurs  in my Crown Heights neighborhood with the BBG being a hop, skip and a jump from my doorsteps.My kids especially got a blast  seeing all  the  beautiful flowers in  bloom in an assortment of colors. Taking in the festival this past weekend was a  joy from seeing the many families in attendance to  seeing the  festival goers decked out in  traditional Kimonos and others in their  favorite Japanese inspired costumes. The $25 admittance fee definitely  was worth every penny .

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Hip hopping with the one and only Akim Funk Buddha and Chihiro ‘Cute Beat’

Crownheightmom.com is definitely looking forward to next year’s  festival.

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Kameko takes a rest while taking in the colorful flowers

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An attendee at the Cherry Blossom festival

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The Taiko drums were played loudly and beautifully

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The Japanese Hill and Pond Garden

Uncategorized

EXCLUSIVE!!!!! Cissy Houston Leaves Bobbi Kristina’s Bedside:Heads Back To New Jersey

by debrafrombrooklynLeave a Comment on EXCLUSIVE!!!!! Cissy Houston Leaves Bobbi Kristina’s Bedside:Heads Back To New Jersey

Bobby Kristina
Bobby Kristina

Bobbi Kristina Brown  turns 22-years old in  two days.  She  remains on  life support in a medically induced coma  at Georgia’s  Emory University Hospital, 28 days after being found at home  unresponsive in her bathtub.

Last week reports surfaced  that the  21-year old  suffered  a violent seizure  after she was taken out of her medically induced coma by her doctors . She has since been induced to stop the seizures and is  back in a coma

Bobbi Kristina in March 2014 looking gaunt
Bobbi Kristina in March 2014 looking gaunt

“These seizure are  not new,”  a source close to the families tells crownheightsmom.com exclusively.  “She has been having them,” adds the source.
Daily visits to   the 21-year-old’s bedside  come from  family on both sides – the Browns and the Houstons- including her  father  Bobby Brown  and her grandmother Cissy  Houston, the pair,  whom have not  been seen  together since  Whitney’s  funeral in 2012 .  Cissy, who arrived on Feb 6 had been a constant,  although recently there has not been sightings of her. Cissy reportedly had  been singing to her granddaughter   and even  celebrate  her birthday early with roses .

Bobbi Kristina and her grandmother Cissy Houston
Bobbi Kristina and her grandmother Cissy Houston

Cissy  also only stayed  a week a source close to the Brown and Houston families  reveals to crownheightsmom.com exclusively.  “Cissy left Atlanta on Feb 12. She’s back in New Jersey.” Adds the source, “People  will probably ask,  why isn’t she  still there with her but  Cissy is not that close to her granddaughter plus people must understand she’s  old and this  takes a toll.”Also adds the source, “There is not much  Cissy can do  there, at the end of the day  Bobby is there and any decisions made  regarding Krissi’s health and well-being will come from him.”  

Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick

Meanwhile, second  cousin, Dionne Warwick, 74,  has been unable to make it to Atlanta to see Bobbi Kristina .  Says a Houston family source, “Dionne had a fall in January  and hurt her ankle and  is now  back in the hospital,  but just  to  get rehab on the ankle.” Adds the source, “She was admitted because she wouldn’t  keep off her feet.”  Warwick was reported to have fallen in her bathtub   in January. She was just re-admitted to the hospital  recently in order for the rehab and physical therapy to begin and to work..

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Bobbi Kristina and her cousin Dionne Warwick

 

 A parent will love and protect their  children by all means necessary and Bobby Brown is no stranger to this . In 2011  the R&B singer  when questioned about Bobbi Kristina’s  by PEOPLE responded,  “I am protecting my daughter.” Since his arrival to Atlanta,  Brown  has been a constant at  his daughter’s bedside and even  delayed an upcoming  Australian tour to be by her side. His protectiveness now though many may say has come a little too late. Says a source,  “She needed  that fatherly protection constantly the last three years.”

Bobby is holding out hope for his daughter
Bobby is holding out hope for his daughter

As Bobbi Kristina’s  birthday approaches wishes for her recovery are being posted daily by well wishers on her social media .  Ellin LaVar of LaVar Hair Designs  in Harlem and the longtime hair stylist of  Whitney Houston  says,  “I am speechless and saddened by the circumstances but  I am keeping Bobbi Kristina  and Cissy in my prayers.” Adds LaVar,  “I am praying that God will bring Bobbi Kristina through this difficult situation.”…..by DEBRA LEWIS-BOOTHMAN
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HOLY SCHMOKE! I KISSED A DOG AND I LIKED IT ………by Debra Lewis-Boothman

by debrafrombrooklyn2 Comments on HOLY SCHMOKE! I KISSED A DOG AND I LIKED IT ………by Debra Lewis-Boothman
HOLY SCHMOKE! I KISSED A DOG AND I LIKED IT ………by Debra Lewis-Boothman

I am in Love  and man, oh mannn,  have I fallen hard!

Yup, ya heard me right. There is a  new man in  my life . He is such a puppy so maybe  it’s puppy love.

I don’t know.  All I know is that I just love everything about him.

I was thinking that it’s his cuteness because he  takes full advantage of  this factor and it renders me  useless. But, he is learning that  the cute face isn’t working for him all of the time .

It is hard not to love him. He  has all the lovable qualities a girl wants. He’s loyal.  Yes, ladies I said loyal. You can  trust him- although I wouldn’t trust him near my plate of food  because boy can he eat!

He’s soft and warm all over which  is great for hugs . He gives wet kisses and  you can even play with his ears, with permission of course!

Meet my new love.  He goes by the name of Hiro aka Hirothewolf.

I got nothing but love for you Hiro!
I got nothing but love for you Hiro!

The love affair. It started in late May and has since grown in leaps and bounds just like he has too.  In fact too quickly if you ask me. I still yearn for the return of his puppy stage.

We immediately melted. Hiro at 4 weeks
First Day home May 2014

We all immediately melted at the little cotton fluff. At 4-weeks

Melted my heart.
Someone’s getting bigger and cuter

Keeping him healthy and his coat thick and white as snow. Daily brushing, massages and hugs  and of course food and water. Kudos goes to  Trader Joes because they carry a wonderful  dog food brand that’s healthy and affordable. Top this off with raw  veggies and fruits  like carrots, bananas and peeled apples from the farmers market .

Trader Joe's natural brand
Trader Joe’s natural brand

carrots
carrots

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carrots

His  love is infectious. Just ask the kids.He does everything they do…..like  skateboarding.. He’s even in the Dillon Cooper  music video KNUCKLE UP.

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Kids and their puppy
Kids and their puppy

Protector always
Protector always

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The playful puppy

An unconditional  love between us that  will go on and on.

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Always the protector.

Always on the lookout
Always on the lookout to protect us

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Hiro has swagg. He’s a G!

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American Beauty Brooke Shields Keeps It Real About Family-by Debra Lewis-Boothman

by debrafrombrooklyn2 Comments on American Beauty Brooke Shields Keeps It Real About Family-by Debra Lewis-Boothman

American actress, model and former child star  Brooke Shields get “REAL” in her new memoir  Brooke Shields There Was a Little Girl . Yup, I  said it. Brookie baby is the real deal. She’s a mom  who’s  not into  flooding her  children’s heads with too much adult centered family chit-chat  their  little ears don’t need to hear just yet. And I agree with her. Why  does a 6 year-old need to know all the family business anyways?  As  Brooke states once you  don’t  lie  to your kids   why does it concern them to know every little detail of family affairs that are beyond their years.  

  So  do they know what she wrote about in this memoir? “My kids were only interested to know if they were in the book or not,”  she states. “It is funny,  my youngest was like ‘you know mom, I’ve got to read it but I don’t think I want to read it now.'” Adds the actress, “They would be bored out of their minds.  They don’t want to read this!” Plus she states, “I feel that we give our kids all this information. I am like, just don’t lie.”   As  Brooke sees it, “Kids, they can’t handle it.” And boy does she knows whats she’s talking about. “My oldest is eleven  and I will talk to her about things and what she wants to talk about but it’s not as if she can handle all the information,” says the mom of two girls.

Brooke Shields looks glams as she strikes a pose at the MOMS Mamarazzi luncheon.
Brooke Shields looks glams as she strikes a pose at the MOMS Mamarazzi luncheon.

 Shields admits that she was  dependent  on her late mom Teri who died in 2012 as much as Teri was dependent on her. “I had such an enmeshed relationship with my mother that  it was really hard for me to spend nights away at someone’s  house and it is not  because  she didn’t want me to. It was because I didn’t want to,”  the actress  shared with mom bloggers on Nov 17 at a luncheon  co-hosted by  Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein co-creators of  the MOMS brand and  Mamarazzi events.  Adds Shields, “I wanted to be with her and attached to her constantly.”  

But letting go  has  allowed  her to be a different parent  from  mom Teri, a Newark, NJ native whose hard parenting and tough love has  had a direct effect on  her experiences as a mom .Experiences,  shaped and influenced predominantly by  an  alcoholic mum she adored. “I am making them[my daughters] feel as safe as they possibly can to not need me 24/7,” she says . “That hurts me much more than it hurts them because a  part of me wants them to look at me exactly the way that I looked at my mother .”  Adds the 49 year old mom, “I have spent all of these years  trying for that not to happen, just so that they can feel safe in their own skin.”

Brooke Shields and the MOMS (Denise(R and Melissa (L) ) at midtown's Homeward Suite by Hilton hotel on Nov 17
Brooke Shields and the MOMS (Denise(R and Melissa (L) ) at midtown’s Homeward Suite by Hilton hotel on Nov 17

With her eldest daughter Shields says  she finds herself battling feelings of  competitevness . “She has my husband wrapped around her fingers,” says Shields of her 11-year old daddy’s little girl.  “I find myself  jealous of my 11 year-old because she gets his attention and there is an interesting way she can get  him to get her anything she wants.” Adds Shields laughingly,  “I have been through enough therapy to not be threatened by this but  it is really interesting when you watch how this little person does her thing. I don’t know what it is but I watched her work it and  she got a [cell] phone out of it.” Says the actress,  “I wanted to castrate him [ husband]. I was so over it.”

Through it all Shields says finding the courage  to write the book  was easy . “I have written diaries all my life so  I went back to my diaries from 1974 . ” Plus she adds, “It’s very familiar for me  to have my life be known for so many decades, so you get to know how to navigate it.  I didn’t feel vulnerable because I  felt it is my life and  I have a right to tell it in my own words. “

At the end of the day says  Shields   she was ” able to be honest about everything and be less self absorbed and more open.

What the future holds for her now. “I  want to go back and be in another television series. ” The actress was last seen in the  cancelled Michael J Fox  comedy series . “I think it is the place I realize I am happiest. 

Me, (Professor Debra Lewis-Bootham ) at the Brooke Shields Mamarazzi on Nov 17
Me, ( Debra Lewis-Bootham ) at the Brooke Shields Mamarazzi on Nov 17

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