On the Streets...

Milan

New York

I so wish that was me on the vespa haha

he's just naturally cool haha

Street fashion from the Sartorialist.

American Idol...

Not quite the singing American Idol type, but more like my food, travel and life long idol.  I would do anything to trade places with Anthony Bourdain. This  New York native is a world chef, author, traveler, and host of my favorite show, No Reservations. Who wouldn't want to eat the best food from all around the world, sip on wine, get a little tipsy AND get to travel the world while you're doing all of that?

Here's Bourdain in Madrid stuffing his face with what he describes as, "pornographically delicious jamon" in Madrid.



This makes me hungry and want to catch the next flight to Madrid...

chubby chaser

Adam and Eve

Fernando Botero, a very famous Colombian figurative artist- one of my personal favorite artists, known for his paintings and sculptures of "proportionately exaggerated" figures a.k.a chubby/fat figures.  I had actually first seen his artwork in New York's, Time Warner Center last summer, 2010- more unnoticed than noticed, but I recently came across his work online and realized that I had seen them in the past.  Call me a chubby chaser haha but something about Botero's art makes me laugh, think, appreciate and feel something for abstract art. They're just so cute and funny, not to mention that there is a lot of meaning behind every piece, expressions towards politics, family, maternity, etc.  Here are some of the fat figures...

Botero Sculpture in Medellin, Colombia

Man on Horse

Mona Lisa Monalisa

Money, Lies & Politics

John Perkins' novel, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is a Must Read for all.  This non-fiction book really gives a shocking and eye opening outlook on the American government system and it's impact on the world.  

After finding this book unexpectedly in the "Business" Section- which really should've been in its own section of money, sex, extortion, politics, hit men and economics, what grabbed my attention was not just the title, but the synopsis on the back of the book...

"Economic Hit Man", John Perkins writes, "are highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars.  Their tools include fraudulent financial reports, rigged elections, payoffs, extortion, sex and murder.  They play a game as old as Empire but one that has taken on terrifying dimensions during this time of globalization."

John Perkins should know- as an economic hit man for an international consulting firm, he convinced developing countries to accept enormous loans and to funnel that money to U.S corporations.  The American government and international aid agencies then requested their "pound of flesh," including access to natural resources, military cooperation, and political support.

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is the story of one man's experiences inside the intrigue, greed, corruption and little-known government and corporate activities that America has been involved in since World Wart II and which have dire consequences for the future of democracy and the world."

-Read it!

6th Sense

This guy is a genius. Revolutionized the integration of techonology with human interaction with his sixth sense technology.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Kanye's new album drops today, November 22,2010. I'm anticipating to hear the full tracks after watching his short film Runaway. He's got John Legend, Jay Z, Kid Cudi and a huge line up of collabos - except garbage Nikki Minaj, although she wasn't so annoying on the track Monster though).



"Im livin in the future so the present is my past, My presence is a present kiss my ass."

N.S.A- NO STRINGS ATTACHED

Ashton Kutcher & Natalie Portman's new film, No Strings Attached, coming to movie theatres in 2011. A story about long time friends test the limits to see what happens when you start hooking up with your friends, even if you think there aren't, are there really no strings attached?

Cactus Wonderland

Marc Jacobs Ad Collection.  

Wait until you see his newest Ad Campaign for his men's cologne, the scent is really a BANG... A lot of Marc Jacobs in the pictures, as in he has no clothes on.

Check the photos here:

http://fashionista.com/2010/05/an-open-letter-to-marc-jacobs-regarding-bang/

Mmmm...

So I found this recipe for homemade Twix Bars. Looks so good, there's nothing better than caramel and chocolate. Yum.

Homemade Twix Bars

Shortbread
5 1/2 ounces (1 stick plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons ground rice (rice processed in a spice grinder until it is able to pass through a fine sieve to remove chunks)*

Make the Shortbread:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-X-13-inch baking pan with pan spray and line with parchment paper. Spray the parchment.
In a large bowl  cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Gradually add the flour, ground rice and salt and allow the dough to come together. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when you squeeze it.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking pan. Place in the oven and bake for 12 minutes. Rotate the pan from front to back and bake for another 10 minutes, until the shortbread is a deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a rack to room temperature.
*Several people have asked about the rice. I just used what I had in the house – brown rice, and the results were great. It’s not the same as rice flour because you want to have a little bit of texture. The purpose of the rice is to give the base of this cookie a unique crunch that remarkably resembles the store-bought Twix. This can be omitted without drastically changing the finished product. But I encourage you to try it. I really love the texture it gives.
Meanwhile, prepare the ….

Caramel
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup Lyle’s Golden Syrup (Regular corn syrup is fine)
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 teaspoon salt plus more for sprinkling over the caramel layer

Make the Caramel:
Combine the sugar, golden syrup, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Remove any sugar crystals from the sides of the pan by wiping down the sides with water. You can use your hand or a pastry brush. Place the pot on medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Wipe down any stray sugar crystals that appear using a very clean and wet pastry brush. Do not stir from this point on. Keep an eye on the pan. The mixture will be very bubbly.
When the sugar syrup starts to turn golden brown insert a candy thermometer to check the temperature. When it reaches 300°F, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 1minute, or until the bubbles subside. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then whisk in the condensed milk. Add the salt (vanilla salt is very nice here if you have it) Whisk until smooth.
Return the pan to the heat and stir constantly over medium heat until the caramel reaches 240°F. Remove from the heat and pour over the shortbread. While the caramel is warm sprinkle the surface with the best quality salt you have. Kosher is fine, Fleur de Sel is better, Maldon would be my preferred choice.
Allow to set. This will take about 2 hours.
Once the caramel layer has cooled prepare your …

Chocolate Glaze
6 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (Bittersweet chocolate chips also work)
2 tablespoons butter
Melt the chocolate and butter over a bain marie or in the microwave. If using the microwave melt it slowly – in 30 second intervals. Stir well after each interval.
Once completely melted pour over the caramel.  Using an offset spatula, smooth the chocolate in a nice even layer.
Place in the refrigerator to set. They cut best when chilled.
Cut into desired shape and size. Serve.

Enjoy! I got that from http://notwithoutsalt.com/2010/10/12/homemade-twix-bars/ :) They have a lot of really good recipes for pastries.

Love and Other Disasters

Why did I just find out about this movie now? This movie starring Brittany Murphy as a UK Vogue intern helping her friend find love. Can't wait to find this movie and watch it.

On the Streets...

of MADRID

I just got those shoes 2 weeks ago, I love them!

I wish that was my ride...

Looks of the Day

Here are the Looks of the Day that I love from this months Spanish Vogue.

I love the vintage and minimalistic style in all the looks.

Lanvin Does H&M

Coming to us in stores is the new collection for H&M designed by Lanvin on November 20.  To see the pieces from the collection visit:

 http://www.fashionmagazine.com/blogs/fashion/2010/11/03/behold-the-lookbook-for-lanvins-hm-collabo/

Little Doe is Love Indeed

 

The Mother-Earth & Boho inspired head pieces are the most beautiful and detailed accessories designed by Little Doe.  I just love their collections inspired by crystals, feathers & florals.  Each piece is crafted with antique materials and sought out trinkets to create a natural and simplistic look.  Every piece tells a story.

SEE THE COLLECTION AT:

www.littledoeislove.com

Kanye West, Phoenix & Ballerinas

Kanye West just released a 34 minute artistic and lyrical film that he directed featuring Selita Ebanks(Victoria's Secret Model). Apparently after the whole Taylor Swift incident he disappeared from the world to let feather girl dance in his living room and then pimp her out with headband chains for his dinner parties. Selita Ebanks did a good job with that outfit haha...she was one feather away from a Britney and Paris Hilton surprise.



The actual story behind the film is that the phoenix is a metaphor to his return to the spotlight (according to JustJared.com). During his interview on Ellen he talked about how he had to get away after the Taylor Swift incident and his mothers death. Everyone was hating on him so he ran away and lived in Japan, Rome,then Hawaii to get his life together. He contemplated suicide at the time and now he's releasing his album and film.

Anyways, the video is a bit long, but the tracks are dope. As much as everyone wants to hate him for his personality, he is actually a talented artist.

-Ew, and was Nikki Minaj narrating at the beginning..she should stick to story telling instead of rapping

Whip Your Hair Back and Forth

One of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett's mini-me is at it again and no it's not the kid from Karate Kid. Their 9 year old daughter Willow Smith has released her first single "Whip My Hair."  She really does look like Will and Jada smushed into one.  This track is a bit annoying (not as annoying as Lil Mama), but really impressive that a 9 year can release a Keri Hilson-esque track.

Heres the video...



But I think this video is better. This badass sesame street girl can whip her hair back and forth, AND transform her hairstyle in a second...dreads, braids, mini fro, cute curls with a bow!

Animal Instincts

Love the fur, faux fur, and animal print on and off run way. Fur vest, fur stole, fur jackets and a lot of leopard print.  The best way to wear these pieces without looking cheap is mixing it with solid pieces and accessorizing. I'll be wearing my 525 America fur vest all season, it's surprisingly very warm, and I did just find a fur stole today that I love.

Cheese Tortellini with Sundried Tomatoes

I made this dish a few nights ago, delicious and easy to make! I found the recipe on a food blog, Life's Ambrosia. Here is the recipe... Enjoy with wine, salad and garlic bread!


Serves 2
You will need:

• 1 (9 ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini pasta
• 1/2 cup pesto (recipe follows)
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil
• Freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Transfer to serving bowl.
2. Stir in pesto and sun dried tomatoes. Toss to coat pasta. Sprinkle with cheese.
3. Serve.

Basic Pesto
Makes 1 cup
You will need:

• 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 4 cloves garlic peeled
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

1. Combine basil, garlic, pine nuts and cheese in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. With the food processor running, slowly pour in a steady stream of extra virgin olive oil until combined.
3. Refrigerate any unused portion in a airtight container for up to 1 week.

Lazer Proof

Major Lazer's DJ Switch and Diplo team up with La Roux bringing us a collabo of the LAZER PROOF mixtape. Where the Jamaicans hook up with the British to bring us sick verses over tight beats. The whole mixtape is on repeat as we speak.  If you liked Bulletproof by La Roux, you will love this mix of dubstep and hip hop.

Tracklist:
01 “Bulletproof” (Nacey Remix ft. Matt Hemerlein)
02 “Colourless Artibella”
03 “I’m Not Your Lemonade” + “Heroes ‘N’ Villains Remix” ft. Gucci Mane
04 “Independent Kill” ft. Candi Redd
05 “Keep It Fascinating”
06 “Magic (Falling Soldiers Dub)”
07 “In 4 The Kill Pon De Skream” ft. Drake
08 “Houstatlantavegas Pains”
09 “Tigerlily (DYWHAP Blend)” ft. Rusko
10 “Can’t Stop Now (Armor Love Remix)”
11 “Quicksand (Mad Decent 2010 Rerub)” ft. Amanda Blank
12 “Cover My Eyes (Costra Nostra Edit)”
13 “I Said It (Major Lazer Dubplate)” ft. Opal
14 “Hold Yuh (Double Dubplate)” ft. Gyptian

You can download the mixtape at:

http://www.ususpects.com/2010/06/19/major-lazer-x-la-roux-laserproof-mixtape/

A Whole New World

Disney's theme song from the film Alladin, A Whole New World- just became A Whole New World on "A Whole 'Nother Level" My friend showed me this clip last night and I was laughing so hard, this is some interesting stuff. Not sure if this singer, Nick Pitera works for Disney, but it would definitely be cost-effective.

New York, New York

It's funny how I go to Cuba and everyone has the song, "Empire State of Mind - Jay Z & Alicia Keys" track on their mobile phones! Some of them don't even speak a word in English and they're singing "In Neeeeewwww Yorkkkkk...." hahaha love those Cubanos.  That song is way over played and is just plain annoying now.  I think I'm in need of a girls trip to drive over there soon, there's plenty to be seen.

Here are a few pictures from when I went about a month and a half ago...

This was cute, they had a Smooch campaign on for the weekend.

What kinda bar....LOL I had to take a pic, this was in Queens

This is when the movie just came out! FYI the book is better

I love Diane Von Furstenberg -Woman with Ambition

At the store I work at we have a board in the back room where we have to pick a picture of someone from a magazine and put it up with our name.  According to someone I work with I much resemble Diane Von Furstenberg (I will take a picture of this tomorrow and post it). It's all good though DVF is whats up, woman with ambition haha ( I hope you are reading this Danielle)

Velvet Voyeur

I always love OPI and Essie Nail Polish names they're so random and weird. Here are the colours for this Fall season. Get on it girls, can't be walking around with your nails looking busted LOL

 

I especially love the taupe and red velvet shade this Fall.

Island of Dead Dolls!

Just when I thought every island was paradise,I saw a video on the Island of Dead Dolls. A small island in Mexico, Islas De Las Munecas, has thousands of "posessed" dolls. A young girl drowned there while visiting the island and apparently people see the dolls heads moving at night!

This reminds me of Chuckie,which I tell you I couldn't even watch the movie because I was too scared! I was even scared of the cover of the Chuckie Soundtrack CD I had at my house(Why I had this CD and where it came from- I Don't know)

If You Want a Good Laugh...

Katt Wiliams is my all time favorite comedian! He is pimpin pimpin! If you already haven't, you need to watch Pimp Chronicles, American Hustle, It's Pimpin Pimpin & any of his appearances on Wild N' Out.

I laugh my ass off every time I watch this...



and this one...



"Put some water on the ground! You see me walkin on water Jesus" LOL
Anyways its true, in the words of Katt Williams, "haters don't hate on us, they hate good shit."

Tiki Party Anyone?

Being overworked, over stressed and underpaid this Fall semester and season is making us all want to imagine that we could just be somewhere in the tropical. Check out Sutra Tiki Lounge this weekend, the only lounge that can make you think you're at a beach party. This college street bound lounge has a "backyard beach patio" with floors covered in sand, tiki torches, coconut cups and huts. Not to mention some really good drinks.

Here's some of their Martinis.

I forgot the name of this drink- something Volcano, but this drink has almost every shot! It's meant for two people, it tastes good, but do not be deceived it is a strong drink, Fuerte! It's too bad the quality of the camera on my blackberry sucks, it didn't capture the flame in the centre- after the bartender mixes all the shots she sets it on fire!