Recognize Kehinde Wiley

His pieces are hood-tasic meets the renaissance era. If you have never heard of or seen a Kehinde Wiley piece then its now time to be in the know. This NY resident is arguably our modern day Basquiat.  I just cross my fingers he will be around longer.

Wiley

Notorious BIG

LL Cool J

Fish tacos

 Ingredients: 2 servings

• 2 tilapia fillets
•  cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• small pack Goya sazon
• 1 stalk scallion (green onion)
• black pepper
• cayenne pepper
• 6 corn tortillas
• shredded cheese
• shredded lettuce
• salsa

 

Cut fillets into strips. Season with lime juice, Goya sazon, black pepper and cayenne pepper and let marinate for at least five minutes.

Heat nonstick frying pan and add cooking spray. Place corn tortillas in oven on a low temperature just to warm. Put seasoned fish in pan and allow to cook for 5 minutes before using spatula to flake fish.Remove tortillas from oven and fill with fish, lettuce,salsa and then cheese. Viola! Dinner is served.

Basquiat

Jean Michel Basquiat

"I start a picture and I finish it. I don't think about art while I work. I try to think about life."

The Nate Berkus Show!

Nate Berkus

So yesterday I was given the opportunity to go to the Nate Berkus Show. I adore him, and have for years.

I first became familiarised with Nate from an apperance on The Oprah Show when he discussed the tragic ordeal of losing his partner, photographer Fernando Bengoechea, while vacationing in Sri Lanka when the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hit. Since then Nate became a regular on Oprah as the resident interior designer, and this September he got his own show. I tune in almost everyday to watch, loving his decorating ideas, but more importantly watching because he just seems like a cool guy. Oh and he is really good with kids too.


So i was out of the house early this morning, having been told i wouldn't get in if i got there later than 8:15am. I got to the CBS Broadcasting Studio at 8:05am (whew!), and there were approximately 164 people in line before me. I swore that meant nose bleed seats, but shrugged it off and was just happy to be there. I stood in line for about 40 minutes before the line started to move and the producer told me, "Nice dress", and marked my ticket with an N. Once in, security looked at my ticket and pointed me to a room which turned out to be VIP. 'Not too shabby,' I thought. After answering a few questions on paper and signing a waiver it was time to go into the studio.

Part of the set

The Nate Berkus set is gorgeous (it has to be he is an interior designer, sorry my pics don't do it justice). As the producer told people where to sit i was too busy soaking in the atmosphere to realise it was time for my seat assignment. "You are in the front row," said the producer. A bit startled but naturally maintaining my cool i hopped to it with the quickness. I am not a star struck individual, but I can't deny being stoked to be seated right infront of Nate. I love Nate, guys. He's like my cute gay jewish pal pal who can decorate the hell out of a room. While waiting on things to start  i even made a new friend. Hi Kyle!

Waiting on Nate

Kyle and I

Then it was Show Time! Phones had to be turned off and no more pictures would be taken, and Nate appears to thunderous applause.


He is even more cute in person, and just like i thought he is really a cool guy. Making jokes in between segments and talking to the audience. 


It was a great experience, which before i knew it, was over. (The show will air within two weeks. I will keep u all posted.) The highlight of my day? As the credits ran Nate came up and shook my hand. I am just happy i didn't completely dork out like a teenage Justin Bieber fan. 

No stopping Rachel Ray

I have to give Rachel Ray her props. Many don't know that she has no culinary school experience. None! All that she has learnt, she picked up from four restaurants her family owned in Massachusetts. She does not class herself as a chef, but simply says she is a cook. Sure the critics bash her from time to time for not having culinary school training, but what they can't deny is her immense passion for making tasty, yet, quick and easy meals. Does she care about the hatred? I doubt it. In nine years since signing a contract with The Food Network, Rachel Ray has become a household name, been the host of numerous shows, written numerous books, and is banking some serious mullah! The saying goes, "Who laughs last, laughs the best." Rachel must be having a good laugh.

Breakfast Quesadilla

So yummy and filling!

I never used to eat breakfast, but now totally understand why i need to. It just starts my day off right. This recipe, which i have almost every morning, not just because i am a creature of habit, but because it tastes so good is quick and easy to make and yes again, it tastes so good!

Ingredients

2 egg whites
Mexican style shredded cheese
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Non stick cooking spray or butter
2 tablespoons salsa
Tortilla wrap
 
Directions

Heat butter or add cooking spray to non-stick frying pan over high heat until sizzling. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in egg white mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until egg starts to set. Sprinkle salt and pepper then add cheese and salsa.Cook for 3 min or until egg is fully set and cheese has melted set.

Once the omlette is set, with the help of a spatula fold in half. Use spatula to carefully lift omlette and quickly put tortilla into pan. Let tortilla brown for a minute and then fold in half over omlette and with spatula transfer to plate. And viola! Breakfast is served.

You have been Taylor Swifted!

I don't know what it is about Taylor Swift, but i kinda like this young lady. Her songs are just so catchy.

Guys on the other hand need beware! Don't let that pretty face fool you, she will put you on blast if you dare to not act right. She has written songs about former bf's Joe Jonas, Taylor what's his face from Twilight, and most recently its alledged that she wrote about John Mayer being a real douche. Tay Tay don't play that...y'all!

I can't knock her hustle, she is hella talented for being able to turn foiled relationships into hit songs...truly talented. But i am not sure that putting a bf on blast is the way to go...then again, to each his own i guess! And you know what, at this stage in the game if a guy wants to be with Swift, he has had ample warning and needs to know if he messes up she will let the world know through song. Yep a #1 hit song.

Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush

 

So i was watching the season finale of Keeping up with the Kardashians (another guilty pleasure) where Kim Kardashian called former bf Reggie Bush and had him on speaker phone not only infront of members of her family, but also on camera! Now I love Kim K and although it was entertaining (don't judge me!) i dont think she should have done that. Dude got totally... Taylor Swifted! 

So i have copped the term 'Taylor Swifted' for anyone who is put on blast in public. You heard it here first.

Remember when Whitney went on Oprah and put Bobby on blast? Yes, he got Taylor Swifted!

Remember when Robin Givens put Tyson on blast to Barbara Walters back in the day? Taylor Swifted!

Rih Rih to Diane Sawyer about Chris Brown? Yes indeed, say it with me, "Taylor Swifted!"

Oh Gawd has Mel Gibson ever been Taylor Swifted!

Oh and lets not make this a battle of the sexes, because men Taylor Swift women too! 

John Mayer has Taylor Swifted quite a few of Hollywoods dames. Jenifer Aniston and Jessica Simpson  ring a bell? Eminem tried to Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey. Irv Gotti went in on Ashanti! And Michael Lohan, Taylor Swifts, Dina Lohan everyday.

There you have it!

Your thoughts?

Glam it up in the Kitchen

The Padma (no doubt inspired by the Top Chef host)

So yesterday i was watching The Oprah Show (its the final season and has been so good thus far). Oprah's main guest Jerry Seinfeld's wife Jessica was on to teach Americas worst cooks how to make simple recipes. They needed the help...trust! (lol).
For the most part I knew how to make the recipes she whipped up, (i have been cooking since i was seven), but its always good to get new ideas.
One particular 'bad cook' however impressed me by coming out in one of the most fabulous sequined aprons i have ever seen! "I diiiiie!" (Rachel Zoe voice).

Victoria in black sequined apron

I had to find out where i could get one of those fabulous creations, and after a little research found the apron wonders at Haute Hostess Aprons by Elizabeth Scokin.
Personally i have always shied away from aprons because, well, they are kind of grandma-esque! (No offense to grandma's...I'm just saying!) But with these haute kitchen creations i would be happy to wear an apron all day everyday.

The Leigh

They come in many different colors and unique designs. And the company even has aprons for special holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Christmas apron that works seamlessly with dinner dress

Thanksgiving apron: Making a turkey has never been this chic

The prospects and color combinations are endless, and with my birthday and christmas coming up, the maven is simply sending it out into the universe that i wouldn't mind one of these as a present... FYI!

Check these fabulous aprons out at http://www.hautehostessaprons.com.

Here are is one more for your The Lifestyle Maven viewing pleasure.

The Mary Lou

Shrimp Cous Cous Salad

Cous cous has become one of my fave staples. A great alternative to rice, cous cous which is made by rolling and shaping moistened semolina wheat and then coating them with finely ground wheat flour can be a great addition to a protien or can be combined to whip up a great dish. My friend SJW asked me to make one of my fave cous cous dishes, Shrimp Cous Cous Salad and i had to share with you all. Lite and easy to make, this recipe will make your taste buds thank you.

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups couscous
• 1 cup water
• 1cup vegetable broth

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated onion
• 2 cloves chopped garlic or 1 tablespoon dry garlic seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1  bell pepper, chopped
• 1 1/2 pounds cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• cherry tomatoes
• spinich leaves
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• a few shakes of cayanne pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Pour water and broth into pot and bring to a boil. Stir in cous cous, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then immediately fluff with a fork. (otherwise it will clump). Set aside to cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, cider vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. In a large salad bowl, toss together the shrimp, cooled couscous, bell pepper, tomatoes, spinach and feta cheese. Whisk vinaigrette to blend, then pour in about half of it over the couscous. Toss to coat, and add more dressing to coat thoroughly without drenching. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Anna The Great!

I admire Anna Wintour. Yeah, i said it! Now i know she is depicted as a...(I won't say the b word on this blog!) But i believe for the most part its all an act. Deep down i think she might really be a softy, who due to the experiences in her life has adapted this 'i-will-kill-u-with-my-laser-beam-eyes-through- my-uber-fab-Chanel-frames-u-minion', type of persona. I have met and quite honestly have grown to appreciate many of these types of people. No I am not into S&M! But i do have an appreciation for what could be categorized as a 'different' personality. FYI: Rumor has it Anna Banana had a fling with Bob Marley back in the day...so i figure she must be some type of chill.
Anyvouge! Check out this story of Anna recommending that students be fired. http://www.fashionologie.com/Anna-Wintour-Recommends-Getting-Fired-Says-She-Turned-Down-British-Vogue-Because-London-Felt-Smalltime-11614314

Real Housewives addiction!

Bethenny

I'll admit it, I am a fan of  The Real Housewives franchise. Don't judge me people!  I have a penchant for the foolywang material from time to time, its just so gosh darnit entertaining! The characters and different personalities keep me tuned in.
My favourite housewife of all time would have to be no other than Bethenny Frankel originally from the New York franchise. Quick witted and real, she had me at skinny girl margarita!
Now that the tiny fashion loving chef has moved on with her own show, a hubby and new baby, i am waiting anxiously for her new season of Bethenny...(it was getting married with a question mark last season. Now she is married so they need to change the name!) Whatever they call it i will be watching.

Nene

 Child! (in my most southern accent) Then there is Nene Leakes of Real Housewives of Atlanta! As ghetto as she wants to be, but again real and funny as all hell! Nene has me rolling on the couch every time i watch. i love her, because i believe even without the cameras around that would be her at the end of the day. Nose job and all!

Stacy

Unfortunately my least fave of all the franchises is DC. I thought it would have been one of my faves, but i think the Salahi's (the Bonnie and Clyde lying ass husband and wife duo who crashed the White House dinner), and that rude english lady (i use lady lightly, and can't even remember her name), just ruined the show for me. But every cloud has a silver lining they say, and that would come in the form of Stacy Turner, an accomplished Howard University grad who keeps it rather classy. Its nice to see a black woman on the reality franchise who isn't acting the fool and who actually is a good role model.

Romona

I just couldn't conclude this post without mentioning Romona's crazy eyes and equally crazy case of verbal diarrhea. #DED. She is so special.
Big ups to Andy Cohen who must be racking in the dough for producing the series, keep up the good work Cohen. Mazeltov!

MOMA virgin

Adding my wish to the MOMA Wish Tree

I've wanted to go to the Museum of Modern Art forever. And finally made it last Friday. (FYI: It's free on Fridays from 2:00pm-4:00pm.) I was in love! Inspired knowing that Diana Vreeland and Anna Wintour have walked those halls. And was uber excited to see the works of Matisse, Picasso, Frida Khalo, Andy Warhol and van Gogh.
If you ever have the chance to go to MOMA please do! And don't rush through it, take your time and soak in the experience.

Frida Khalo

Matisse

Warhol

Sweet Tooth Alert!

The other day i was given the opportunity to attend New York Wine and Food Festival's "Sweet" event, with my friend and former college roommate Krista.  It was truly a dessert lovers dream (note the smiles above). Shout out to Ms Mel for the hookup :)  It was lovely!

With champagne flutes in hand we carefully maneuvered the venue and indulged in so many divine semi orgasmic delights that we almost didn't know what to do with ourselves...almost!

I also got a chance to meet Dylan Lauren (Ralph's daughter, and owner of Dylan's Candy Bar). She was super sweet (excuse the pun) even though all the candy at her station was done. She sent a  big shout out to all her Jamaican peeps. Jamaica, Round Hill to be more specific is her home away from home.

After it was all said and done. Sugar flowing through our veins we were a tad overwhelmed by all the sweet treats and decided to take an overwhelmed face candid! All in all we loved it! What's more? It was all in aid of a good cause, as all proceeds of the New York Wine and Food Festival goes toward feeding the poor.

I love Oprah!

"Before you agree to do anything that might add even the smallest amount of stress to your life, ask yourself: What is my truest intention? Give yourself time to let a yes resound within you. When it's right, I guarantee that your entire body will feel it." ~ Oprah

I absolutely adore Oprah! She doesn't claim to be perfect, has had her ups and downs. And most importantly is all about trying to live her best life and encourages others to do the same.

I read this quote a couple of months ago before i decided to leave my island home of Jamaica and embark on a major move to New York in an  attempt to live my dreams. 

I had a good job and for the most part was settled, but something within me wanted more. So i went after it, packed my stuff up and am in New York starting from scratch, but loving it. It hasn't been easy, but it just feels right.

I hope you will enjoy the blog as i set out to live my best life, filled with food, fashion, art and entertainment.

Debs

I'm Back!

The blog is currently under construction, but once its up trust me it will be worth the wait!