By now you’ve probably heard of Zumba, the Latin-fusion, easier-and-sweatier-than-a-rhumba fitness style of dance that’s supposed to be this decade’s Tai Bo. It’s said to burn 600-1000 calories per class, which means you can a) lose weight, or b) eat this, and not gain weight, which I think might be a stronger argument. Zumba classes are popping up all over Brooklyn, and tonight (Wed. March 10) there are two ways to try it, one free and the other cheap. (more…)

That's probably Beth in that cab right now, naughty girl! Photo by Baptiste Pons.

This question sparked a big discussion at our meeting this week, and we wanted to put it to you. It’s the eternal debate: Should I go out and see things and talk to people and spend money, or should I watch Hulu and drink a Simple Times Lager? Let’s take a moment to talk about our splurges! I’ll tell you mine. Ready? It’s cab rides. I knooooowww. Terrible. Like throwing money to the wind, when the subway is right there. Sometimes, I’ll think to myself: I could have one more drink… or I can take a cab. Guess which one wins. (I have more bourbon at home). Okay, stop judging me and tell us what you love to splurge on! Is it brunch (Leah) or facial moisturizer (Nina) or a $250 hat?

Fancy artist like Itziar Barrio will be selling at the pop-up sale. (But this piece probably isn't $50.)

We Brokelynites love art. Of course we’re cultural like that! As Brokelynites, we also sometimes (have to) categorize “art sales” under “wish list.” Not this weekend, guys! Dumbo Arts Center—the group behind the annual Art Under the Bridge fest—brings you the Great Pop-Up Art Sale, a three-day exhibition and sale of affordable artworks. Brokelyn is co-sponsoring this event, so it’s no wonder the prices start at $50. Half of those proceeds go to DAC’s efforts to support the creation of new art, and the other half goes to the artists. But the glory of finding a unique piece that you can actually afford–that all goes to you.

The Great Pop-Up Art Sale
Fri., February 26, 6-9pm, Sat., February 27, 12-8pm,  Sun., February 28, 12-6pm.
Dumbo Art Center, 30 Washington St., 718-694-0831

Valentine’s Day is totally corny and full of such forced romance that one in three people claim it’s their least favorite day. I made that statistic up, but it’s probably true. So why put yourself out there before that disapproving demographic when you know all you want to do is stay inside with your special someone? Here, suggestions from some of our favorite romantics for embracing the day without leaving home.

1. Play a romantic album that isn’t cliché “I don’t think that anyone has ever, or will ever, make a romantic album that can compare to the three-disc masterpiece, 69 Love Songs, by The Magnetic Fields. Of course, to remind people why they’ve fallen in love with Brooklyn, I can’t recommend Daptone Gold enough. The new funk/soul-driven compilation from Bushwick’s amazing Daptone Records is danceable, makeoutable and generally flawless.”
- Gina Pensiero, author, One Sweet Song; musician, Palmyra,  NY Times Blogger (more…)

"Pop tarts" at Ted & Honey, photo by Aaron Fedor.

The day that you love or hate is coming up. If you wake up Sunday morning with no one in your bed, stay there all day and eat garlic knots. It is a Sunday. If, however, you’re celebrating a new crush or a long-time love, here are some budget-friendly ideas from some of our favorite Brooklyn foodists. Bon appetit!, Brokelyn Luv Style.

1) Go for a sugar high. “I love the homemade Pop Tarts from Ted & Honey in Cobble Hill (264 Clinton St., 718-852-2212). They have absolutely zero in common with that beloved and most favored breakfast of my youth—they’re buttery rectangular tarts fashioned from paté sucre and they come filled up until swollen with fresh strawberry preserves, or peanut butter and homemade jelly, or the most decadent, chocolate and banana ($3.50 each). No toasting needed. (more…)

Have you heard of Ecofreek, the new search engine that scans sites like Craigslist, Kijiji and Classified Ads for free and swap/trade items people no longer need? We hadn’t either, and maybe there’s a good reason for that. The site promises “the most diverse and accurate results anywhere in the world,” and after running a few test searches, we can confirm that the results are diverse indeed. (more…)

You’ve resolved to get in better shape in mind and body. You’ve also resolved to spend less money. You have not resolved to start running outside when it’s 10 degrees. (Maybe next year.) For yoga aficionados, January is the season of deals—and have we got one for you! Actually, you’ll have to wait until next week to find out about Brokelyn’s exclusive offer of unreasonably inexpensive yoga, dance and family fitness classes at a studio we LOVE. In the mean time, here’s a sampler of what’s in various other neighborhoods around town, and a tip: take the money you save and buy a mat now. Rental is always about $1, which quickly adds up to the price of just buying your own, and you’ll never have to wonder what else is sharing the mat with you.  (more…)

Watch the Yule Log in HD.

So you’re not going home for Christmas. You have to work, you hate flying, you can’t afford the fare, your family moved and didn’t give you a forwarding address, you forgot about the thing all together. Whatever the reason, you’re sending out a pity party invite right now on Facebook. Unplanned, maybe, but the Big C doesn’t have to be a total bummer, and you’ve got a full 24 hours to get your festive s**t together. To help with the last-minute plans, we’ve come up with a list of a few great things to do on the big day. Try ‘em and it might not be the worst Christmas ever (it could even be the best). (more…)

Photo by Wally Gobetz

You should never enter a jungle without proper provisions. The same goes for an evening of hardcore gawking in Dyker Heights. Every year, the neighborhood mansions get majorly decked out with gigantic inflatable snowmen, motorized reindeer displays and enough colorful wattage for some small Christian countries. The displays are a bona fide Brooklyn attraction, but if you’re traveling all the way out there (no offense, Dyker Heights-ers) you’ll need some fuel. (more…)

There’s nothing a miser hates more than travel-size anything, ie., getting gauged for convenience’s sake. That’s why we dig GoToob, the endlessly refillable and stylish little bottles made of soft yet rugged silicone with a no-drip valve so you don’t have to unzip your dopp kit in fear of discovering goop everywhere. The 2-ounce bottles are approved for all airplane carry-ons, are food safe (FDA) and 100% BPA and PC-free. Plus, they just feel really nice and expensive-like, and there’s also a little suction cup attached, so you don’t have to worry about cluttering up the hotel bathroom no matter how many people are sharing it. They’re $9 each at Flight 001, 132 Smith St., Cobble Hill, (718) 243-0001.