Editor’s Note: There’s No Place Like…

There’s No Place Like…. by Melody Carlson I grew up spending Christmases at my grandparents’ quaint Victorian home, surrounded by lots of relatives, laughter and love and really good food. For a little girl growing up in a single parent home, harried working mother, no church family, and TV dinners, these extended family holidays spent …

Editor’s Note: The Joy of Unexpected Circumstances

The Joy of Unexpected Circumstances by Lori Kasbeer The Christmas season is upon us again. Starbucks is selling their Christmas blend; stores are posting their holiday hours; and moms everywhere are making a list and checking it twice, planning for a special Christmas day. It has been our family’s tradition to spend Christmas with relatives.  …

Editor’s Note: Pearls of Patience

~~~ Pearls of Patience by Margaret Mcsweeney As I write by the light of my Christmas tree on a late winter’s night, I reflect upon the poignancy and purpose of this season.  The tiny white lights look like strands of pearls draped gracefully (perhaps haphazardly is a more honest description) across the evergreen boughs.  Tomorrow …

Editor’s Note: 12 Pearls of Christmas Series

This holiday I am doing something a little different. Usually I will have a series of Favorite Things to share with readers during the 12 days that lead up to Christmas. We still might share a few things that you might be interested in, but this year we want to focus on the reason for …

Five Years and Counting

February 2011 marked the 5th anniversary of Harlem’s premier blog, Uptownflavor.com Please show your support for our site by making a small donation to Uptownflavor. Your donations help Uptownflavor maintain our domain, upgrade our equipment (computers, internet, and cameras) and support local events and businesses. Thanks for your readership! Be sure to like us on …

Editor’s Notes: A time for giving thanks

What an amazing week in Harlem! The week started out with a Black Atlas and American Americans preview of Marcus Samuelsson‘s new restaurant, Red Rooster. Midweek, Chocolat had a private launch party. The week closed out with Bibi Salon having their official grand opening party! If there was ever any doubt about the future of …

Editor’s Note: Sixty degree days in November

What a wonderful treat to have warm fall weather as we quickly approach the holiday season! Events this weekend ranged from ice skating, to shopping at one of the local farmer’s markets, to going to a concert at Harlem Stage. Sadly, those were all items on the agenda, which instead was comprised of errands, following …

Editor’s Note: November Update

On a crisp autumnal afternoon, I have finally found the time and resolve to type a long overdue note to the dedicated readers of Uptownflavor. As many of you know, Uptownflavor has been an ongoing labor of love dedicated to the people of Harlem. Over the years, the site has taken many twists and turns. …

Editor’s Note: So much trouble in the world

I know it has been a while since I have posted a note to the readers of Uptownflavor. Heck, it has been a while since I have posted anything to Uptownflavor.  Just know that we are down but not out. A few set backs and time constraints have taken hold, but we are still here …

Editor’s Note: The Limited Edition

Dear Readers: You might have noticed that we have not been posting as much as usual. We are still looking for writers to help out on the site. We have been receiving wonderful tips, but have not had the (wo)man power to disseminate it to our loyal readers. We hope to be back to publishing …

Favorite Things: Joe’s Home is the Essence of Christmas

As I’ve said before, I love Christmas music – especially when it is sweet and soulful. Who better to deliver sweet and soulful than Joe?  You might remember I posted about Joe last year when he delivered his new CD A New Man. He’s back on the scene and in the holiday spirit. Download the …

Favorite Things: The Only Regret Tee

One of my favorite things is my natural hair which has been virtually relaxer-free for about ten years now. One of my other favorite things is when I find a tee-shirt that affirms the beauty of living with “kinky, curly, coily” hair. Enter fly girl Andrea Pippins, who designed the I Love My Hair line. …

Favorite Things: Butter by Keba Gift Set

Last year Uptownflavor readers were introduced to Butter by Keba, a unique blend of shea butter and aromatic oils that creates a delicious olfactory experience that you will not find in your local body shop. Based in floral scents and rich spices, Butter by Keba is perfect for keeping your skin smooth as silk during …

Favorite Things: Kimberly Nichole

The Yellow Brick Journey is my favorite album of the year; And this is coming from someone who listens to a lot of music. After all, I’m opening a CD store, for cryin’ out loud. I have heard huge commercial releases like Jay’s The Blueprint 3, The Black Eyed Peas’ The E.N.D. and even Adam Lambert’s …

Favorite Things: Soapology’s Soy Wax Candles

 Soapology is a little company based out of Brooklyn that offers wonderful bath and beauty products. They used to sell a walnut scrub that was as finely ground as sand on a island beach. My pick for this holiday is the soy wax candles that turns into a warm scented massage oil. Simply blow out …

Favorite Things: Christmas in Your Arms

We are officially into the 12 days of Christmas and kicking off a new series called ‘Favorite Things’ is a newly released holiday song by former American Idol Ruben Studdard. I may have mentioned it in past years, but Christmas was my mother’s favorite holiday so we always went all out with the decorations, music, …