Friday is a perfect day for a spa opening (with thoughts focused towards the weekend and relaxation). And ANY day of the week is perfect for enjoying one.

The spa at Karen's Body Beautiful opens tomorrow, Friday, July 16th. Stop in and pick up a menu of services or better yet, stop in and enjoy a service or two. KBB will offer a plethora of services, including pedicures, manicures, facial and wet room services (herbal wraps, body exfoliation, etc.). Free hand lotion with a manicure on opening day.

The spa is actually a natural progression for the business. With the sleek look of the KBB store and the yummy-smelling and feeling natural hair, bath and body products made on premises (which of course are still available!), Karen and employees would very often get requests to see their menu of spa services.

So, wait no further. Stop in and check out the newest spa on Myrtle Avenue. Karen is located at 436 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Avenues. Drop in or call 718.797.4808 for an appointment.

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On Sunday, July 18th, a 'Loving Your Hair w/Natural Care' workshop with celebrity stylist, Felicia Leatherwood. Leatherwood has worked with stars such as Jill Scott, Sanaa Latham and Will Smith and has appeared in People Magazine, Essence, and InStyle, as well as in film and television. Felicia is the ultimate natural hair guru.

Felicia specializes in helping women transition hairstyles and grow healthier hair, happier hair! Admission for the 'Loving Your Hair w/Natural Care' workshop is $35. To RSVP call KBB at 718.797.4808.

Decked out w/ its signature bright blue awning and also at the ready with its famous turkey dishes (including the deep fried turkey!), sides, sauces, homemade drinks and delicious desserts: Jive Turkey is open for business.

With more than 15 different flavors of whole turkeys and a daily menu of delicious sandwiches, salads and dishes, Jive Turkey has been featured on the Food Network show Unwrapped, Road Tasted with the Neely's and the Travel Channel's Food Paradise and in Gourmet Magazine.

Eat in (front of store or garden) or take out.

What are you waiting on? Stop in.

Jive Turkey is located at 570 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson and Classon. Call 718.797.1688, option 2 with any questions.

Nikki's Beauty Supply has moved from its old digs to the new at 510A Myrtle Avenue (between Ryerson and Grand). The new digs are larger, shinier and with the same wonderful, plethora of products. Rollers, bobby pins, hair colorings, blow dryers, tweezers, makeup brushes, shampoos, conditioners...Nexus, Clairol, Infusium and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Stop in.

Nikki's Beauty Supply can be reached at: 718.789.6374

The hard, ugly truth is...it's not going to be easy. Who can go for long without fresh, delicious sushi and other delish foods from Yamashiro? Renovations at Yamashiro begin tomorrow, July 2nd and the restaurant reopens on July 13th.

Look for the new sushi bar, layout tweaks and other aesthetic changes in just a few days. We're on a count down, but hold tight neighbors!

Yamashiro is located at 466 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Avenue and Hall Street. They can be reached at 718.230.3313.

Myrtle, Park, Flushing...hey, whatever the "runway," stop into Brooklyn Junior to make sure your tyke is fashion forward. All of the colorful designs are created and sewn by biz owner, Nadia Georgiou. Also, toys and accessories are whimsical and oh so cute.

Click here to see THE CUTEST onesies, dresses, tees and other clothing at Brooklyn Junior.

Brooklyn Junior is located at 150 Clinton Avenue, just north of Myrtle--across from Connecticut Muffin. Stop in or order online! The store is closed on Mondays. Telephone: 347.742.2623

pic: business owner, Nadia Georgiou

Tejada Grocery Store is indeed still on the Avenue, but it has moved 4 doors in to 411 Myrtle Avenue. Look for the brand new awning that will be up shortly.

In the meantime its old digs at 419 Myrtle @ Vanderbilt is available. Situated right on the corner, it is ideal for a restaurant/cafe desiring sidewalk seating but would work well for other commercial activities as well.

The space is 2000sf w/an 800sf basement. Call 718.857.1011 for additional information.

Hanging out the proverbial shingle just over a month ago, new age psychic, Maria, is indeed open for business.

If one free phone reading isn't enough to entice you-- know that she has travelled the world and "can help with many things, like uniting people with loved ones and all matters of love, life, jobs, career and healing."

Readings by phone or in person, walk-in or appointment. All major credit cards accepted.

Maria's New Age Psychic store is located at 497 Myrtle. she can be reached at 718.366.4532.

Childhood friends, Carol Thomas (Just Because Hair Therapy Salon owner) and artist, Richard Blackford share their creative expressions and love of community - in Jamaica (home) and Brooklyn (home away from home).

When? SONYA art stroll weekend, May 15th and 16th.

Just Because Hair Therapy Salon is located at 141 Carlton Avenue (corner of Myrtle).

Call the salon at 718. 722.7810 for further detail.

The office was abuzz for the whole week at the invitation. Our collective opinion: YUMMMM!!!

Here's the MARP staff skinny:

Blaise:

The Ortolana Pizza

"A perfect size pizza for one, covered in grilled vegetables and just the right amount of mozzarella. Fresh and delicious, with that great brick oven crust that is just a touch burnt on the edges".

Meredith:

Steak Foccacine

"Tender and flavorful hangar steak with mushrooms, sautéed spinach and brick oven bread. Not only was it delicious, it was a generous portion, especially for lunch. I still ate it all."

Sam:

The “Norma” pizza

"I thought it was great. Simple flavors that went really well together. All the ingredients tasted fresh and well made. Only thing I would change is to put a bit more basil on the pizza."

Sarah:

I had the Nizzarda Focaccine, which may be my new summer meal! Sicilian preserved tuna, anchovies, olives, string beans and red onion, all chilled and tossed in a basalmic vinaigrette and then served on a warm, crispy focaccine! I was surprised and pleased that it was 1. a ‘cold sandwich’ 2. Such a generous portion. It made a great lunch and would also be perfect with a glass of white wine, on a hot summer afternoon or shared with a friend as an after work snack.

Jennifer:

I had the Toscana: the mozzarella, pulled chicken, onions, potato, rosemary, fontina. I especially liked the way the mozzarella, chicken and onions (onions are a fave) worked together to create this savory and filling meal. It was so generous I had to take the remainder to go. But let’s just say my remaining slices didn’t quite make it to the end of the day.

Hey, try it for yourself. You'll see. The pizzas and focaccines are brick oven creations, new to the menu. Anima Italian Bistro, call or stop in: 718.422.1122, 458 Myrtle avenue (between Waverly and Washington Avenues).

photo (l-r): Anima owner, Salvo Scalia and the brick oven chef, flown in from Italy to get things going.

For side-splitting laughter that will help you ease past hump day straight to the end of the week, stop in at Five Spot on Tuesdays, Tuesdays, Tuesdays.

And if you are the one that keeps your friends, family, colleagues in stitches, step up to the mic and show what you've got during open mic.

Five Spot Supper Club is located at 459 Myrtle Avenue, corner of Washington Avenue. Call for more details: 718.852.0202.