A Little [LAURYN HILL] for a Saturday Night

I had to end the year with Lauryn. Wow, do you remember when The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill dropped?!?! Whooo!!! This album was and is STILL a beast!! It reached the Billboard Top 100 in 1999, and I couldn't think of a better song to usher in the new year.

I hope you all will enjoy "Doo Wop (That Thing)" by the super talented Lauryn Hill, and I will be seeing you in 2012 for some more great music!!!

Happy New Year, Everybody!!!

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: What are your #naturalhair Resolutions for 2012!?!?

2012 is just days away... and now is the time where many are putting together their lists of new year's resolutions... changes they want to bring into the new year.

I am no different. I have a lot of aspirations for the year to come: places I want to be, opportunities I openly welcome, wisdom I'd like to bring into my life... and there are many resolutions I have when it comes to my natural hair -

*In 2012, I want to invest in a hair steamer. I don't have the room for the Huetiful Hair Steamer, so I will be getting a Stand up Hair Steamer instead, and incorporate steaming into my weekly deep conditioning routine(I can feel my hair drool in anticipation of combining Anita Grant's Rhassoul Deep Condish with a steamer!!!).

*In 2012, I will (finally!!) master twisting my hair. I never seem to get them right, so I will try once a month to twist my hair so that they will last at least a week, and rock a twist out afterwards!

*In 2012, I will put my hair in the hands of a professional at least once a season, for regular trims. I have not been to a hair salon in decades, and while I have gone a long way doing it alone, I know that with the help of a good natural hair stylist, I can go even further!!!

*In 2012, I will try a new twist to my yearly "braid-cations", and will be rocking a wig over my braided hair. It's a great way to protect my hair for weeks at a time. And fans of YouTube's Taren916 know exactly what wig I'm currently cyber-stalking! LOL

*In 2012, I will learn how to cornrow my hair. Like twists, my cornrows are always hit-or-miss, and I think that if I continually try them throughout the year, I will find consistency with them.

Are you making New Year's Resolutions when it comes to your hair?!?!? What are your resolutions?!?! Leave a comment and share!!

Miss Moon's Musing About: My "Just Joan" Christmas...

My Christmas was very much inspired by the "Just Joan" episode of the television series "Girlfriends":

When Joan complains about the dating scene and her social life, Maya challenges her to empower herself, accept her singleness and go out to a trendy restaurant alone.

I decided that being newly single during the holidays did NOT have to be something to feel sorry for myself about! What better gift to give myself on Christmas than the gift of empowerment?!?!? So I got myself all dolled up and headed out on Christmas afternoon.. complete with my new favorite lipstick!!!!

Yes, y'all... I was rockin' a red lip on Christmas!!!!!!! I couldn't afford to dine at a fancy bistro, so I decided to do something within my price range.

So I took myself to the movies. I saw "The Darkest Hour" in 3D... It was actually a pretty good movie. I had a blast sitting in the front of the theatre with my popcorn and soda... dressed up to watch this adventure.

After the movie I walked around Downtown Brooklyn... And it didn't feel awkward, or pathetic to be walking around by myself on Christmas, in fact I saw a lot of people doing it.

It was an amazing day, and one I am very proud of myself about. There's a stigma with many women about going out by themselves to the movies or even to dinner, as Joan expressed in the episode of Girlfriends. Even my Mum who is in her 60s remarked that she had never dined out or gone to the movies alone before. She looked at me with a bit of pride, I think... as I decided to take the holiday into my own hands and set out on my own adventure that day.

Do I feel tremendously empowered? I will say this... I did have a kick ass Christmas, and that alone is empowering!!

:::drools::: Sparkle and Shine for New Year's Time!!!

I don't know if it's the recent enjoyment of a very special Christmas present I snagged for myself (Yes, I've been watching it all weekend! LOL), but I have been very inspired by sequins. What better way to bring in the new years? And thanks to our favorite celebs, there are certainly scores of inspiration!!!

I've put together an assortment of sequined sweetness that can be used for just a bit of pinch of pizzazz, or to turn yourselves into a one woman New Year's Eve party!!!

Grey Silver Sequin Dolman Top ($38.50, Torrid)

ASOS CURVE Jacket With Sequin Sleeve ($95.45, ASOS)

Women's Sparkle-Toe Ballet Flats ($12.99, Old Navy)

Multicolor sequin skirt ($79.95, Lane Bryant)

Baby Phat Sequin Crop Jacket ($56.99, Dr. Jay's)

Plan Platforms ($135.00, Aldo Shoes)

Michael Kors Sequin Wrap Dress ($79.90, Nordstrom)

SL Fashions Plus Size Dress, Short Split Sleeve Sequin Boat Neck ($109.00, Macy's)

I Heart Her Hair: Tracie Thoms

I feel like every time I do one of these posts, I'm always remarking about how kick ass each woman is, aside from having fantastic hair. My latest Curl Crush is certainly no exception. Tracie Thoms is one of (not many) women reppin' #teamnatural in the Chris Rock movie "Good Hair", she basically stole the show in Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof", (Say it with me, "Boo-Yah, Bitch!!!" LOL) and do I need to mention how bananas her voice is?!?!

But Tracie is also my two-strand twist IDOL.... I wish I could get my twists to work the ways hers do. She has a gorgeous head of hair!!!

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

"A long marriage is two people trying to dance a duet and two solos at the same time."
~Anne Taylor Fleming

Having just ended my engagement, I have no idea if I ever want to go down that road that leads to the wedding chapel ever again.

Don't get me wrong, there's no bitterness. I remain open to where my heart will take me (After all, the third time's the charm, right?!?!), definitely. But it is not something I think will be lacking in my life if it never happens.

That being said... I'm storing this away to my memory as an idea for a DOPE ASS first dance song! LOL

I hope you all will enjoy Van Hunt's "Eyes Like Pearls"....



With loaded eyes she grabbed my arm
Her body was warm as we walked in through the church doors
With loaded eyes she looked in mine
Told me I was the guy. It was what a man does dream for

With eyes like pearls
She's crying precious tears on my shoulder

After I promised her my best
She turned to our guests and blinded them with her high beams

With eyes like pearls
She's crying precious tears as I hold her

As I thanked the preacher I heard
My new brides wheels brush the curb. She slid over and let me drive
Two miles from the church she shook like California dirt
As I slid my hand along her thighs

With eyes like pearls
She's crying precious tears on my shoulder
With eyes like pearls
She's crying precious tears as I hold her

A Little [TAMIA] for a Saturday Night

Wow, I cannot believe we will be ending our journey through the 90s each Saturday Night as we are ending 2011!!! I for one am looking forward to a lot of Saturday Nights, complete with some good good music in 2012!

Tonight's song is one that was actually released in 1998, and is one that I hope will get you all in the holiday spirit. A part of Jermaine Dupree's Soulful Holiday collection, 12 Soulful Nights of Christmas, here's "The Christmas Song" by the lovely Tamia.

Let's Talk Tresses Friday: What Hair Goodies Have Made Your 'Santa Baby' Wish List?

Christmas is right around the corner and all over New York City last minute shoppers of hustling and bustling to secure the perfect gift for that special someone. This is the perfect time to place (not too.. ha!) subtle hints to your loved ones about just exactly would like.

My super "wanna wanna wanna" item is something I've been stalking all year, and while I know its unlikely I would get it in time for Christmas, it would certainly be worth the wait!

Huetiful Hair Steamer (behuetiful.com) .... I want one SOOOOOO bad. Luckily Hey Fran Hey is having a Christmas Giveaway for one, so fingers eyes and toes crossed! LOL

Is there a very special item that if spotting it under the Christmas tree would make you act like that little kid who went crazy over the Pokemon card?

Cinema, Cuisine and Cocktail : "True Blood"

I know, I know.. "True Blood" isn't a movie, it's a television show, but I'm very proud to say that thanks to my efforts (but mostly as a result of Christopher Meloni joining the cast! LOL), my sister is the newest True Blood fan.

She has been catching up on Season One over the past few weeks, so that she could be rightfully prepared when the show returns in June, and I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to put together a Vampire-theme party menu for New Year's Eve. My plan is to rent Season Two on Netflix, get my familia together and take a virtual trip to Bon Temps, Louisiana to hang out with Sookie, Lafayette and the gang!!

The Menu:
Shrimp Scampi Po-Boy on Garlic Bread
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Red Velvet Vampire Bite Cupcakes
Vampire Kiss Martinis

Shrimp Scampi Po-Boy on Garlic Bread

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, Food Network

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon Essence
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch cayenne
1/4 cup dry white wine or Vermouth
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chiffonade basil
1 loaf Garlic Bread, recipe follows
Finely grated Parmesan cheese, garnish

Directions:

In a bowl, lightly season the shrimp with the Essence.

In a large skillet or saute pan, melt the butter and heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne and cook, stirring, until the garlic is soft and fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine is reduced by half. Lower the heat to medium-high, add the shrimp, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and lemon zest and cook, stirring, until the shrimp are opaque and starting to turn pink, about 2 minutes. Add the green onions and cook until the shrimp are pink. Stir in the parsley and basil and remove from the heat. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

To serve, spoon the shrimp and sauce into the bottom half of the prepared garlic bread. Sprinkle lightly with cheese and top with the remaining garlic bread. Cut into 4 portions and serve immediately.

Garlic Bread:

1 loaf fresh French or Italian bread, about 22 inches long, cut in half lengthwise

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons Emeril's Original Essence

2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

1 teaspoon dehydrated garlic flakes

1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.

With a fork or your fingers, pull out the excess bread and hollow slightly the center of the loaf.

In a bowl, cream together the remaining ingredients and spread evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake until just golden brown and bubbly.

Serve hot.

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Recipe Courtesy of La Belle Cuisine


Ingredients:

1 pound dried red beans
10 cups water (or more)
1 ham bone or ham hock
1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped scallions
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon Worcestershire
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon Creole/Cajun seasoning,
such as Tony Chachere’s
Crushed red pepper to taste
Lemon juice, just a splash
Tabasco sauce to taste
4 cups hot cooked rice

Directions:

Rinse beans well and drain them in a colander. If you remember to cover them with water and let them soak overnight, great. Otherwise, place beans in a large pot, cover them with water and "fast soak" by bringing to a boil and letting them stand off of the heat, covered, for 1 hour. Return beans to the stove, add ham bone, garlic, onions, bell pepper and seasonings. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Cook very slowly, partially covered, for 1 1/2 hours. Stir the entire mixture just once about every half hour. Add the smoked sausage and cook another hour, partially covered. Beans are ready to serve when a rich natural "gravy" is formed. Serve over rice.

Red Velvet Vampire Bite Cupcakes

Recipe Courtesy of Vino Primo

Ingredients:

-3 cups cake flour
-1 ½ tsp. baking soda
-1 ½ tsp. salt
-1 tbsp. cocoa powder (for a more chocolate flavor use 4 tbsp.)
-2 ½ cups sugar
-1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
-1 ½ cup plain yogurt

-2 eggs
-3 ounces red food coloring (no less!)
-1 tsp. old white wine (can also use white distilled vinegar)
-2 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
-1 recipe or 2 cans of white buttercream frosting
-1 can cherries w/ filling
-1 ounce red food coloring

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
2. Sift dry ingredient together.
3. In a separate large bowl, blend wet ingredients.
4. Slowly add dry to wet. Do not over mix.
5. Evenly divide batter between the well of 24 to 30 muffin tin lined paper cups.
6. Bake until center springs back when lightly pressed in center 18 to 22 minutes.
7. Let cupcakes cool to room temperature before frosting.
8. Add one ounce of red food coloring to cherry filling.
9. Use pointed object to make two “vampire bite” puncture marks on each cupcake. (I use a meat thermometer.)
10. Using your pointer to drizzle cherry filling downward from puncture holes to simulate bleeding.

Vampire Kiss Martinis

Recipe Courtesy of Merlotte's Bar Book

Ingredients:
1 part Vodka (chilled)
1 part Champagne
1 part Chambord

Directions:

Pour vodka, then top with Champagne.

Finish off with the "blood": pour some of the Chambord over the back of a spoon to make it float. Garnish with a Blood orange slice.

Miss Moon's Musing About: I've been chosen...

How super excited am I to have been nominated for The Versatile Blogger Award?!?! So much gratitude and appreciation for Sass n Curlz for nominating me!!

Here are the rules:

Nominate 15 fellow bloggers.
Inform the bloggers of their nomination.
Share 7 random things about yourself.
Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Add the Versatile Blog Award picture on your blog post.

I know so many Blogs that deserve this title, it was hard for me to narrow it down to 15!!! Here are my picks (in no particular order):

http://backtocurly.com/

http://www.kiffecoco.com/

http://www.beautyfash.com/

http://afroartnerd.blogspot.com/

http://www.commecoco.com/

http://michellesphotos.wordpress.com/

http://belladuafe.blog.com/

http://creativeurbanista.wordpress.com/

http://thebohemiandiva.wordpress.com/

http://www.weeshasworld.com/

http://chocolateorchid.blogspot.com/

http://makeupandbeautyjunkie.wordpress.com/

http://naturallyahsiek.blogspot.com/

http://www.natreview.com/

http://talecia-godclothesandfood.blogspot.com/

7 random things about me:

1) I sing all the time! I get songs stuck in my head and sing absentmindedly.

2) I cannot go to bed unless I figure out what I'm wearing to work the next day.

3) I'm really enjoying being single again!!!

4) I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. Well, I have an idea, but I don't know how to do it yet.

5) I'm blessed to have some kick ass friends in my life.

6) I dream of visiting Eleuthera (in the Bahamas) by the time I'm 40.

7) I'm obsessed with the movie Megamind.. it's so funny!!!

I Heart Her Hair: Andy Allo...

Andy Allo is the bomb... simply put! She has an amazing voice, she plays a killer guitar, and of course, she has a badass fro and curls for days!!