53 Boerum

I couldn’t resist taking a walk to 5th Ave in Park Slope on this glorious, sunny Saturday. I got a few tips on some adorable shops over there and was greatly looking forward to checking them out…

To fuel myself for a day of shopping, my first stop was Ozzie’s, a coffee-tea-house, for a delicious pineapple-coconut “tea blast” smoothie. Ozzie’s reminded me of a college library, due to the amount of young students armed with laptops, iPods, and textbooks filling up the tables. Ozzie’s provides an ample selection of free local Brooklyn newspapers and flyers about events going on the area, which is a great accompaniment to your drink, but potential distraction from your schoolwork.

When the clock struck twelve noon, I was on my way across the street to the wonderful shop called Lucia. I was tipped off to this place by a co-worker wearing adorable turquoise cork-heeled wedges that I also needed to have. The quaint store was filled with unique tops, skirts, jewelry, and of course, fabulous shoes - at very reasonable prices compared to other Brooklyn boutiques. I picked up 2 shirts and those turquoise wedges (yeah!). While I was paying, I chatted with the shopgirl and learned that I very coincidentally had met the owner of Lucia years ago through some professional networking events. Brooklyn’s a small world!

Onward to Cog & Pearl… a fantastic store for all things eclectic. Filled with all sorts of handmade creations, many made by local Brooklyn artists, Cog & Pearl offers a great selection of gift items, accessories, jewelry, and housewares. The browse-worthy shop is treated like a gallery, giving credit to the artists who’ve created the crafts on small cards beside their items.

Anyone who’s been to Park Slope knows that it’s most famous for it’s Bugaboo Brigade. …And with the strollers, of course, comes the bevy of baby boutiques. Romp - the self-proclaimed store “for modern kids” - is a super-cute shop that stocks well-designed toys and home products that are cool enough for even the most finicky parents. The owners encourage you to bring your little ones - they are very play-friendly!

> Ozzie’s Coffee, 249 5th Avenue, 718-768-6868
> Lucia, 272 5th Avenue, 718-788-7500
> Cog & Pearl, 190 5th Avenue, 718-623-8200
> Romp, 145 5th Avenue, 718-230-4373

Still trying to figure out what to do this Sunday for the most special lady in your life? Why not break Mom out of the confines of suburbia and take her for a day on the town - Brooklyn style!

About.com lists several events happening around the borough; highlights include a boat tour from the Propsect Park Boathouse ($10 adults, $6 children). If you don’t want to trek all the way to the park, right around 53BP are some fun options for Mom to enjoy. Visit the New York Transit Museum… enjoy a picturesque walk over the Brooklyn Bridge… or have a leisurely Sunday brunch at a cafe on Atlantic Avenue… (and don’t forget to pick up a gift for Mom at Haystack!)

We at 53boerum.com wish our fantastic mommas a Happy Mother’s Day!

If cruise vacations usually make you think of ice sculptures, cheesey lounge singers, and Captain Stubing — think again. Cruising has become the hip way to travel for Brooklynites, thanks to the new port that has opened in Red Hook. Starting in 2006, hundreds of thousands of passengers will leave on Brooklyn cruises every year. The Queen Mary 2 already offers regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic service to England, and voyages to the Caribbean on Princess Cruises will begin in June. Visit the Brooklyn Cruise Guide website for schedules and hotel and travel information.

Special thanks to 53BP resident BEJoe for providing the photo.