Music Therapy with Miss Moon

This week's music therapy is one that is very special and dear to me! I just found out today that I got the job I've been interviewing for!! After three interviews over the course of a month, I'm in!

Chris and I looking to find a great way to commemorate the event, turned on VH1 Soul to see what song would play, and I must say I am very very pleased with the results (It could've been Drake! LOL)



LadyBug Mecca "You Never Get Over It"

A Little [LUCY PEARL] for a Saturday Night

This one goes out to my homegirl:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMILLAH!!!

We're gonna dance tonight to celebrate your special day!

Check it Out: The SOBO Show - SOBO Mag's DEBUT Radio Show

Since 2006, SOBO Magazine has delivered when it comes to professional journalism. Started by husband and wife team of Christopher and Georgette Whaley, "The Dynamic Duo" has featured in depth interviews with entertainers such as Nona Hendryx, Omar, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Mint Condition, Nikki Giovanni, and Rahsaan Patterson to name a few. Now they take it a step further by bringing to the masses The SOBO Show - a radio show/podcast unlike anything you have ever heard.

From the pages to the airwaves, Christopher and Georgette continue what they do best and that's bring their love and admiration of good music to you, the reader/listener. The series premiere kicks things off in high gear with a very special show entitled "The Jackson Family Celebration", highlighting music from perhaps the greatest musical dynasty in entertainment history. What makes this show special is not only the music from Michael, Janet, Jermaine, and others but the fact that it falls on what would have been the King of Pop's 51st birthday, August 29, 2009.

So break out the Right On! magazines, the sequined gloves, the multi-zippered jackets, the LaToya headbands, the Janet key earring, the Victory Tour programs, and Michael's Pets because this will be a non-stop, stone cold jam featuring some of the best songs in the Jackson Family catalog!

Be there: Saturday, August 29, 2009 at www.sobomag.com at 7:00 p.m. CST!

[The show will also be made available for FREE download!]

DO SOMETHING: Sign the Oneness Day Petition from Humanity's Team

I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to place my name alongside Yoko Ono's, Marianne Williamson's, Deepak Chopra's, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu's in this petition, and was thrilled when I thought this would be a perfect addition to my "Do Something" blogs.

From Humanity Team's website:

Humanity’s Team is collecting 50,000 signatures to persuade the United Nations to declare a Oneness Day, a day set aside and embraced by individuals, communities and nations for humanity to celebrate, discuss and experience our commonality, while still acknowledging and respecting our beautiful cultural diversities...a day to unite in Oneness for the greater good of the Human Family.



If you agree we are all One, that life is sacred...to be cherished and shared peacefully...I hope you'll join me in signing the Oneness Day petition. It takes only a minute of your time and will make the world a better place for our children and grandchildren.

To sign the Petition, just click on this link (or cut and paste it into your browser's address bar): http://humanitysteam.org/onenessdaypetition And be sure to tell your friends!

Peace from Brooklyn!

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

This song made Chris pause what he was doing on his laptop and give me the "Cool Daddy Suave" look! LOL

SWV " Use Your Heart"

 

DIY Nappturaliciously: The Fro Hawk

I am happy and sad to say that my journey with the kinky twists has come to the final stretch. It's been almost two months and I am missing my curls like mad, so I will be taking them out this weekend.

One style I am very much looking forward to perfecting for the fall is the Fro Hawk. I just love the combination of fro hawk, funky earrings and gorgeous eye makeup: it is a surefire recipe for a seriously sexy look.

Out of the many many videos about Fro Hawks on YouTube, I must admit that this one is my favorite, primarily because she made it appear so effortless and the results are BAM! POW!



I plan on trying this look out, and will be sure to post pictures of my results as an update to this post. In the meantime, enjoy!

:::drools::: Crazy Cute Clutches!!!

Handbags are my guilty pleasure. I won't even tell y'all how many bags I own, suffice to say that they are hanging everywhere in my room and in my closet. LOL

My taste in bags tends to dwell in hobo-bohemian land, but lately, I've been dying to try out small bags and clutches, just because I think they are classy, beautiful and feminine. Here are a few that have recently caught my eye:



The Bahama Mama Clutch in Blue ($30, Lulu's) is sooo me. I love that it is really summer-y and colorful, but can be used year round for a gorgeous splash of color. The cool thing is that you can slip the clutch around your wrist with the turquoise leather belt loop on the side, which is perfect for newbies like me, not used to carrying clutches.



Another great option for first-timers like me is the Bag Habits Clutch ($59, Nine West)Patent fold over clutch with contrast trim, nylon lining and double pockets. This clutch can also be used as a small tote.



Kimchi Blue Suede Ruffle Clutch ($68, Urban Outfitters) is a big bag in a small frame. It has a lined main compartment with internal organizer pocket and cell phone/mp3 holder.



This L.A.M.B. Angel Madeline clutch ($153, Zappos)is perfect for going out at night. It's cute as hell and I am loving the sparkling color combination! I just wish that Gwen Stefani would consider her full figured fans out there. If she did, I might consider shelling out this much money for a bag.. especially when I know there's an outfit to match!



This clutch by Ellie Tahari ($290.14, Zappos)is one I call a "Joan Bag" (translation: handbag similar to the type worn by the Tracee Ellis Ross character on "Girlfriends"). It's pretty pricey, but still a very cute bag.

A Little [DIONNE FARRIS] for a Saturday Night

"Love Jones".. what a fantastic movie with a fantastic soundtrack. It has shaped my 20s!! lol

Yummm! Ready Set Breakfast from Down Home with the Neelys

I wasn't going to post another recipe blog this week, but was compelled to after catching an episode of "Down Home with the Neelys" with Chris this evening.

As much as I love cooking, I must admit, I've only just recently started watching The Food Network. I think I like The Neelys the most because hanging out with Chris in the kitchen cooking with him is one of my favorite memories from our life in Corning.

I told Chris that when we move into our own place... the first Sunday we are in there, we should make this to celebrate. Enjoy!



Banana Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
Pinch ground cinnamon
3 ripe bananas, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 large unsliced loaf French bread, bread cut into 8 slices
4 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon rum extract
Nonstick cooking spray
Confectioners' sugar, for garnish
Maple syrup, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt butter in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once butter is melted add the brown sugar and pinch of cinnamon. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar melts into the butter and becomes a sauce. Add bananas and toss together. Let cook until the bananas are soft and incorporated into the sauce. Remove to a bowl and let cool completely. Once cool, add cream cheese and mash with a wooden spoon.

Using a paring knife, cut a 2-inch-long slits in 1 side of each bread slice, cutting 3/4 of way through bread and creating pocket that leaves 3 sides of bread intact. Divide banana mixture equally among the bread pockets.

In a large bowl, add eggs, heavy cream, milk, cinnamon and rum and whisk to combine. Pour mixture into a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish. Put the bread into the egg mixture and let soak for 3 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the bread from egg mixture, using a spatula, letting the excess drain off.

Spray a wire rack with nonstick spray and put the rack on a baking sheet. Put the bread on the rack and transfer to the oven.

Bake the French toast until it is golden brown and filling is hot, about 25 minutes. Transfer the toast on a serving platter and garnish with confectioners' sugar and maple syrup.

Neely's Homemade Hash Browns

ngredients
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 Vidalia onion
3 tablespoons freshly chopped chives, plus more for garnish
5 slices Canadian bacon, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, divided
Directions
Grate the potatoes and onion in a food processor using the grater attachment. Transfer to a kitchen towel over a bowl and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

In a medium bowl, add the grated potato mixture, the chives, and the Canadian bacon. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and mix thoroughly together.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until it just starts to foam. Add the potato mixture and using a spatula or wooden spoon, press the potatoes firmly into the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and let the potatoes brown and crisp for 6 to 8 minutes.

Once brown and crisp, carefully invert the hash browns onto a rimless large plate. Add remaining tablespoon butter to pan. When butter melts, slide the hash browns back into the pan. Continue to cook over medium heat until remaining side is dark golden brown and crisp, 5 to 6 minutes longer.

Remove to a cutting board and slice into wedges. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped chives.



Gina's Brown Sugar Bacon

Ingredients
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, 8 slices
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix brown sugar, cayenne, and black pepper together in a medium bowl. Add bacon and toss.

Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and lay bacon on the rack. Pat any remanding spice mixture on the bacon. Put the baking sheet on the top rack of the oven and bake until crisp, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven to a serving dish and let cool slightly before serving.



Coconut Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract
6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
Coconut liqueur
Whipped topping, for garnish
Shaved dark chocolate for garnish
Shredded sweetened coconut, for garnish
Directions
Bring the milk, cream, and coconut extract to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chocolate. Whisk until smooth and pour into mugs. Stir in coconut liqueur, to taste. Garnish with whipped topping, shaved dark chocolate, and shredded coconut.

For more fantastic recipes and to learn more about Pat and Gina Neely, click here.

Yummm! Grown Up Tea Party

(I want to start this blog entry out by saying how pissed off I am that in my research for these recipes, I kept getting bombarded with "Tax Day Tea Party" images from earlier this year... deep sigh! lol)

I've loved tea parties ever since I was a little bitty and received my first pretty faux porcelain tea set. You couldn't tell me nothing! I always knew that when I "grew up" I would have a tea party one day. A "grown up" tea party for me and my girls, where we dress up in big hats and laugh and enjoy tea and finger sandwiches... hey, I said I was a dork! LOL






Curried Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches

2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium canned broth
2 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, on the bone, washed well
3 tablespoons salt
3/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup plain yogurt
5 teaspoons curry powder
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 medium red onion, peeled and finely diced
1 ripe mango, peeled and finely diced
1/4 cup currants
1 loaf thin white sandwich bread
1/2 cup salted roasted cashews, ground fine in a food processor
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, washed well and spun dry

Combine the two cups of stock with four cups of water and the 3 tablespoons salt in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Bring to a simmer, stirring the salt to dissolve, and add the chicken breasts. Cover and bring to a simmer; cook for 10 minutes, then turn off heat and allow to sit in pot for an additional 20 minutes. Transfer to a plate and, after 10 minutes, remove meat from the bones and chop into small pieces.

While chicken is cooling, whisk together sour cream, yogurt, curry powder, sugar, honey, ginger, lime juice, cayenne and salt. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture. Fold in onion, mango, and currants into the larger amount of sauce. Fold in cooled chicken.
Spread chicken salad between two pieces of bread, cut the crusts off, then cut into 4 squares or rectangles. Spread a small amount of the reserved sauce onto two edges of the sandwiches. Dip one side into the cashews and the other side into the cilantro. Repeat with the remaining chicken salad. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Makes 36 to 40 tea sandwiches.

Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients
24 slices thin white bread
4 ounces Ginger-Cilantro Lime Butter, recipe follows
8 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
Directions
Spread all of the bread slices generously with the ginger butter. Place slices of smoked salmon in an even layer on half of the bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices. Using a 2-inch flower-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the tea sandwiches. Remove the top slice of bread from each flower. Using a 3/4 to 7/8-inch round biscuit cutter, cut a circle from the center of each, discard the circle. Replace the slice, butter-side down, on the flower.

GINGER-CILANTRO LIME BUTTER:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 ounces (1/4 cup) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Place butter, cream cheese, ginger, lime juice, cilantro and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse just until ingredients are combined, about 30 seconds.

Transfer mixture to a sheet of parchment or waxed paper. Roll into a 1 1/2-inch wide log. Refrigerate until ready to use. Yield: 1 (7-ounce 10 by 1 1/2-inch) log

Tomato-Herb Bread and Olive-Ricotta Spread Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients
Tomato-Herb Bread:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomatoes
3/4 cup coarsely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
4 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil leaves
4 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
3 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup grated provolone
1/4 cup Parmesan
Olive-Ricotta Spread Tea Sandwiches:
Tomato-Herb Bread
1 cup fresh ricotta cheese, drained
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons chopped kalamata olives
6 ounces baby spinach, rinsed and spun dry, stems removed
1/4 pound thinly sliced capacolla
1/4 pound thinly sliced bresaola
1/4 pound thinly sliced salami
1/4 pound thinly sliced soppresata
Directions
For the Tomato Herb Bread: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 4 by 8-inch loaf pan and set aside. Into a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, sugar, and oil. Add to the dry ingredients and whisk to combine. Whisk in the tomatoes, onions, basil, parsley, oregano, and garlic. Add the cheese and stir to combine. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cut the ends from the Tomato-Herb Bread and discard or reserve for another use. Cut the remaining loaf into 16 thin slices.

For the Ricotta Herb Spread: In the bowl of a food processor, blend the ricotta, cream cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper on high speed until smooth. Add the olives and pulse to blend. Adjust seasoning, to taste. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over 8 bread slices. Spread several spinach leaves across the filling in 1 layer. Add cold cuts. Top with remaining bread and press to seal. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally. Serve.

Turkey Tea Sandwiches
Barefoot Contessa

SCALLION CREAM CHEESE
3/4 pound cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup minced scallions (white and green parts)

SANDWICHES
1 loaf dense raisin-nut bread, unsliced
8 thin slices fresh or smoked turkey breast
Fresh basil leaves

For the scallion cream cheese, combine the cream cheese and scallions in an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Do not whip.

For the sandwiches, have the store slice the bread lengthwise on a meat slicer into 1/4-inch-thick slices. (If that isn’t possible, you can slice it crosswise with a very sharp knife.)

Lay out 8 slices of bread and spread them all with a thin layer of scallion cream cheese. Place a single layer of turkey on half the slices, cutting the edges to fit the bread. Place the basil leaves randomly on top of the turkey. Top with the other 4 slices of bread, cream cheese side down. Lay the sandwiches on a baking sheet, and wrap the sheet with plastic. Refrigerate until the cream cheese is cold and firm. Place the sandwiches on a cutting board and, with a very sharp knife, cut off the crusts. Cut each large sandwich in half crosswise, and then cut each half diagonally, twice, to make a total of 8 small triangles. (If the bread was cut crosswise, follow the assembly instructions, then cut off the crusts and cut diagonally, twice, to make 4 small triangles.) Serve chilled.

I'm REALLY Diggin': The Noisettes

I decided that I would have a new blog entry called "I'm REALLY Diggin'" after watching this video on VH1 Soul. The song is awesome, and (of course) I love homegirl's style!!



The Noisettes "Never Forget You"

DO SOMETHING: The public option is not optional

If we don't make a stand now for a public option, the Obama administration may hedge on its plan for health care reform.

This weekend, the Obama administration indicated that it might be open to passing health care reform without any provision for a public insurance option similar to Medicare that could compete with private insurance companies.

President Obama said that a public option was just a "sliver" of his plan. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius went so far as to say that the public option was not an "essential" part of reform.

The comments this weekend by the president and Secretary Sebelius rhetorically pave the way for the Obama administration to cave on a meaningful public option and instead accept toothless regional health care co-ops that would be unable to compete with insurance companies and keep them honest.

I just signed a petition to tell President Obama that the public option is not optional and that he should tell Congress and the voters that he will not sign a bill without a robust public option similar to Medicare.

I hope you will sign this petition too. Please have a look and take action.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/publicoption_bo/?r_by=5558-1491287-coXuTpx&rc=confemail

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

This song brings back the best memories of High School for me. Sheryl Crow really crossed over with this song, because Lord knows Sistahs were jamming to this in Brooklyn (I know this sistah was!)



This song (mumblemumble) years later continues to be fun, summery and just makes me want to dance and cough at the same time! LOL

DOPE: Full Figure Potential by Georgia Me

This particular poem was something I had to post as a result of a Twitter exchange I had with a stranger tonight. I twittered that I missed my hair and was contemplating taking the kinky twists out a month early, and posted a picture of myself to emphasis the point. I received a comment that simply stated "You would look much better if you dieted"

Excuse me? I am talking about my hair and posted a picture of myself to illustrate the love I have of my kinky curly hair in its natural state, not to receive advice on what some random person thinks I should do with my life. As a big girl, I am used to comments and statements like this. So I asked him or her if their comments was meant to voice concern for my health or were they simply being snarky to make themselves feel better, to which my new friend replied "Concern for your health, of course".

Right. which is why you said that I would LOOK much better if I dieted. And this is why your twitter page says that you feel "fat people should be double taxed". Not that I would feel healthier or lessen my chance for serious health issues if I dieted. I decided not to engage this person in debate further, I simply blocked them. But I wanted to post this poem because my size is only a small part of who I am.

I have in the last few years went down several sizes and I am looking forward to getting even smaller. What I realized was that weight loss will not come as a result of simple dieting. It will come when you love your form as is. I started losing weight when I was able to look at myself in the mirror and say, "You are beautiful". No "BUTS", no "HOWEVERS". The moment I "found God in myself" and "loved her fiercely", like Ntozake Shange writes, I was able to take better care of myself and I know I am progressing and ever-evolving in this matter.

So I dedicate this to all women, with the message to love yourselves (and not post snarky comments on stranger's twitter pages! lol)

Yay! My first Ramble-a-Palooza on Blogger!!

When I had my previous blog on MySpace, quite often I would ramble on about news, items, and other pop cultural tidbits that decided to share space in my head. When I made the big move over to Blogger and started this blog, I hadn't felt compelled to do much rambling. Until tonight. To paraphrase the Jamie Foxx song, blame it on the ty-ey-ey-ey-ey-lenol. LOL

I've been bedridden for the past few days with a summer cold that is straight up kicking my arse, and in a medicine induced stupor I settled down to watch a few hours of the mind numbing entertainment that is VH1's dating shows: Megan Wants a Millionaire, My Antonio and Real Chance of Love 2. I've called these shows brain crack on numerous occasions and they never cease to disappoint in their utter, utter suckiness!!





Why does Megan Hauserman have her own television show? At least with Antonio Sabato, Jr. and The Stallionaires there is a minute ounce of charm and personality. But Megan has the joi de vivre of an old mop (and not even the "Baby, Come Back" mops in the Swiffer commercials). She has zero affect most of the time and there is only a brief flicker of humanity when she is present with her ugly little chihuahua and of course with whatever ugly baubles her suitors and "given the option of" presenting her. I am not expecting much when watching VH1 shows, but COME ON!!!!!

Which leads me to My Antonio. Never was a huge ASJ fan (though I did enjoy his chemistry with Shannen Doherty the few times he was on Charmed), but it was the commercial that made me have to watch to confirm a suspicion I had when I saw it. "Hey.... ain't that lil Indian girl a porn star?!?!?"

And of course my suspicions were confirmed. Anju the "Party Planner" is AJ Khan. Anyone with Cinemax has no doubt stumbled across her in such films as "Kinky Kong" and "The Lord of the G-Strings".. those uber silly softcore porn/spoofs that I have to admit find as titillating as a hemorrhoid, but funny as hell! Sadly she was kicked off the first episode for "scaring" Antonio. Awww

And last.... but certainly not least... the Stallionaires on Real Chance of Love 2. I have to admit, I fell dead ass asleep half way through the episode. It was like my brain went into banality overload and shut itself off, so I have no idea who they sent home but I am sure whomever the "unlucky" girl is, she is far better off! LOL

Because, let's be real: name one celebrity who has achieved A-List status as a result of appearing on a crappy reality dating show. I'll wait. So what exactly is the motivation for these young women? They might end up booty-tootin' online and in some men's magazine. They might have a sex tape "accidentally" leaked. And they may if lucky parlay their buffoonery into a show of their own. But do the ends truly justify the means? SMDH

A Little [ANI DIFRANCO] for a Saturday Night

Ani DiFranco "Hour Follows Hour"

:::drools::: Afro-licious Designs for the Home

Napptural Beauties love representation. Tee shirts, handbags, even jewelry featuring lovely, big-haired women, we spends muchas muchas moola on such items every year. Why should our homes be left out of the equation?

As always, I've scanned the web to find items I find (and hope you will find) drool-worthy!

Bare Walls? Why not adorn your home with this Extra Large Beautiful Afro Chic Women Vinyl Wall Decal from ten23designs (on Etsy)? Priced at $50, this stick is approximately 30" tall x 22" wide, which is sure to make a dramatic statement in your home.

Fabulous and Functional, this Afrolicious Holder from ericaburnsdesigns (on Etsy) is perfect for hanging id cards, keys, etc. At $18, this organizer made from walnut comes ready to hang!

Alter Ego Pop Pillow "AFRO" from the Alter Ego Pop Shop (on Cafe Press) is the perfect addition to a bedroom or living room design. It measures a sprawling 18" X 18" with an 11” X 11” image area so you can lounge in comfort, and is a steal at $20.

Even your little-bitties can join the afro party with this Polk a Dotz Rooftop Pillow from princeileeoz (on Etsy). For $15, I am tempted to get one now for my future kids! LOL

Happy Shopping!!!

DO SOMETHING: Support Third Root Community Health Clinic in Brooklyn

This edition of "Do Something" is another one very close to my heart as I know some of the wonderful people behind Third Root Community Health Center.



Rather than go on an on about how important a "for us by us", community-based approach to healthcare is, I am going to just pass on the info on how you can help!

To learn more about Third Root, visit their website at www.thirdroot.org. Facebook folks can also show your support by visiting their causes page by clicking here.

Finally, those actually in NYC can show support and celebrate Third Root's 1st Anniversary next week:

Wednesday, August 19th 6-11pm

Sycamore Bar

1118 Cortelyou Road

Brooklyn

Live Music by:

MY GAY BANJO

BELL’S ROAR

DANCEALISADANCE

RUDE MECHANICAL ORCHESTRA

Live Music by

with DJs Sexist Patriarchy and DJ is Q-berto.

There will be a raffle with prizes from local spots and

organizations such as New York Restoration Project,

The Farm, Mimi’s Hummus, and more!

Suggested donation $10-20 to help keep Third Root growing and expanding.

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

August in NYC is unbearably hot, even when you have a air conditioner, which... we don't! So you keep hydrated, appreciate the loud ass window fan as the blessing it is, and you listen to cool, cool music.

Something about this song just makes me feel like a cool breeze is running through me! Hope it does the same for you... Enjoy!



Zhane "Crush"

:::drools::: Beautiful Blackberry Lip Colors

"Cypress has, to her mind, dressed for the occasion. Her shoulders lay bare under the thinnest of satin straps; the blouse fell over her bosom, sensually peach. Huge lime flowers that had never been seen on earth spread over the deep blue of her crepe skirt. Her eyes were shaded in greens, her lashes aqua. Lips, blackberry and ripe. Her hair flew about her head in wafts held with ebony combs."

Ntozake Shange - Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo

Ever since I read read Ntozake Shange's amazing novel and read this description of Cypress, I wanted to duplicate it. Especially her eyes and lips. And I've spent the better part of a decade looking for a lipstick shade that really evoked Cypress. With no success.

So, I have taken to the web to complete my quest. Haven't made any purchases yet, but I think that I've come pretty close. What do you ladies think?

Christian Dior Diorific Lipstick - No. 016 Blackberry Flash - $28.00

Wet 'n' Wild MegaColors Lipstick, Blackberry - $1.99

Bobbi Brown Lip Sheer - Black Raspberry - $22

CoverGirl Continuous Color Lipstick, Iced Plum 59 - $5.99

MAC Lipstick Ever Embellish - $14

So, I am going to leave it to you all. Which one should I venture out to get?

Yummm! Sunday Morning Breakfast

I love cooking a big breakfast for my familia. Generally its reserved for special occasions (birthdays, holidays, etc.), but I've been craving a huge hearty breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day, you know!




Creme Brulee French Toast
Recipe courtesy FoodNetwork.com

Prep Time:15 minInactive Prep Time:8 hr 0 minCook Time:40 min

Level:
Easy

Serves:
8 to 10 servings

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 (8 to 9) inch round loaf Challah bread
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour into a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish. Cut 6 (1-inch) thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit. In a bowl whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla, Grand Marnier and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bring bread mixture to room temperature. Bake uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with fresh sliced fruit

A Little [KELIS] for a Saturday Night

This song is so simplistically beautiful... perfect for a Saturday night.

Is this what our baby's going to look like? Hmmm...

I found out about this website called Make Me Babies, where you can upload a picture of you and your significant other and use it's software to get a guesstimate on what your baby will look like.




What do you think about my little new baby ?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?


This is what I got when I uploaded mine and Chris' photos. The face looks an awful lot like Chris' nephew, but Lord knows I would do my baby's hair better than that! (And why does the little biracial girl have to have such jacked up braids?) LOL

Update February 2010 - I decided to try it again and this was the baby we got this time.

Chris and I think that this baby looks like a more accurate representation of the two of us!

DOPE: "The Murals of Bed-Stuy" Slide Show

The first mural shown is one that is very close to my heart. It's around the corner from me and it's one that I've loved for many many years. I actually was given an opportunity to speak once with the artist, Floyd Sapp as he was restoring it almost a decade ago.

When I returned to Bed-Stuy from Corning, I was HEARTBROKEN to discover that the mural has been tagged and destroyed. On top of that, the bodega that owns the building replaced their awning with obstructs the what's left of the Cosmic Mother's face.

I am just so happy that this slide show is available online, so that you guys can see what I've always seen and loved. This is the side of Bed-Stuy you are not going to find in the newspapers or the evening news. Enjoy!