Divas In the News and More...

Hi Darlings:

Could Obama-mania be hitting a fashionable note in Italian Vogue? Franca Sozzani, editor of Italian Vogue in the upcoming issue of the mag uses only black models photographed by Steven Meisel. She notes her intrigue in Obama, the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate. Hopefully this will go a long way to defeating unattractive and negative stereotypes. All women/people have unique beauty that should be celebrated. (NY Times)

And, Kimora Lee asks herself the age-old questions "Did he or didn't he? Am I or maybe I am not?". Go figure...only the ring will tell. (People)


Finally, Shakira is now a bona-fide star! Thank goodness...I was getting worried. In 2009, she will be awarded a star on the Hollywoord walk of Fame. (Lossip)

Viva la shoes! Here are some pics of Megan Goode and her fabulous shoes as they both made an appearance yesterday on 106 and Park! le sigh...




Hugs and besos.

Food on the Brain...Tangy Sweet, Rice and Artfully Chocolate

Hi Darlngs:

Lately, I have been thinking about food when I need to and when I should not. However, this is not because unfortunately last weekend I bought a package of NutterButters -my favs- and now I eat at least 4 cookies a day ... well right now I am on the second set of four...:) Let the caloric pile-up begin! (Hmm...should go to spinning class tomorrow.) Well, my personal weaknesses are not the reason visions of succulent dishes ladened with delicious sauces and delightfully refreshing desserts dance among my thoughts throughout the day. My palette is overjoyed because I have had so many good eating experiences in the past few weeks. Maybe Summer has awakened my tastebuds but I enjoy everything from the simple Haitian mango to the more complex Thai cuisine.

Here is the story: I've heard about PinkBerry for the longest time. They started out as the premier frozen yogurt option in California allowing their clientele to choose from a few basic frozen yogurt flavors such as greentea, coffee and original that are then topped with fresh fruit, granola, coconut or Cocoa Puffs for example. The twist on the flavor is that it presents a tangy addition to what was once frozen yogurt circa. before Pinkberry. I had to wait to taste since I could not fly to Cali just to buy frozen yogurt and the yogurt would not last the trip if it were shipped. They opened a store in NYC and I unfortunately visited NY a few times before finally making it to the Mid-town store. Talk about a wait that was worth it. I seized being a PB virgin about two weeks ago...and it was fabulousity indeed. The tangy/sweet flavor was light and refreshing, powerful but not overpowering, working with the palette to make a yummy home enveloping the tasty toppings as you popped them into your mouth and oh oh ah gone leaving you longing for more.

Well to my surprise I started hearing about a new frozen yogurt place in DC called TangySweet. Had to try it. Yummy! Loved it and is it not Shakespeare who said "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"? Except in this case the decor is not as up to par as PB, but the website is the same and the flavor is just about there but a little less tangy. It works...but it still keeps PB on the brain.

The next part of the story of my efforts to close the gap between my have and have not eaten I went to Rice restaurant. Rice, no surprise has really nice Thai food with fabulous Rice. The rice has coconut milk, spices and green tea flavor for sum - not your usual Asian restaurant fare. In the end, the rice could've been the entire meal...it is that good. The meal was great too. When they describe an entre as spicy take them at their word. The meal was flavorful the passion fruit nectar refreshing. A good time all around.

There was also a wonderful restaurant across the street from Rice call Artfully Chocolate featuring Kingsbury Collection ... a mouthful of words but a fascinating chocolate restaurant and more. They offer chocolate novelties such as massage oil, hot chocolate, room freshener, chocolate nuggets and bars. I was too full to try when I visited ... but a friend did and I will return. For the time being...I am stuck with my thoughts.

Dupont Circle is becoming a great DC find for food!

Sex And the City - NYC Adventures

Hi Darlings:

Yes...I know I am a bit late with the tale of my New York "Sex And the City" adventures but at least by now you've seen the movie and like me you more than likely thought it was fantabulous!



So lets start from the top. Like I mentioned before my sister had the fabulous idea that we should watch the movie in the city! Admittedly it does not take much to get me excited about a new adventure and My Dears this was no different. As usual I made sure to take an open mind with me as usual.

To start I decided to take the Bolt Bus to the city. I had been hearing nothing but compliments about this bus. Its not like the Chinatown buses - dirty, cramped, stinky restrooms. You've gotta take this bus next time you come to the city. I had heard it all. So, I got to the bus - which picks you up conveniently at Metro Center (11th and G St., NW) and drops you off at 33rd and 7th Ave. in NY - a second before the driver pulled away. Luck was on my side. Immediately I ran into a good friend...kiss-kiss and I scurried away to my seat. The rumors were true - the bus was clean, leather seats, outlet to plug in laptop or phone or whatever, wifi, movie and clean bathrooms (I suspect only because the riders did not hesitate to use). I was impressed and happy with my $20 each way bus decision.

After the pleasant ride up, I took the subway to my sister's place in Brooklyn. First thing she did was take me to a few vegan restaurants and stores - there are an abundance in her neighborhood. We did wheatgrass shots. Bought mangos and vegan carryout meals. I even tried tofu Caribbean patties - never thought that was possible - now I feel like Puffy in "Making the Band" and coercing her to walk to that store every time she decides to come visit to bring me a few on her way. I should sent her an email "Don't visit without the patties". They were that good.

After this adventure into the vegan world we went home to eat the rest of our meals and only then decided to look up movie tickets. Having seen Indian Jones the previous weekend - I knew there was a great possibility that the movie could be sold out in many places. What I did not expect was that it would be sold out until midnight in ALL of Manhattan and most of Brooklyn! Good grief - we had to see it that Saturday because I knew for sure Sunday matinee would not work for me and plus I would look ridiculous wearing my SATC outfit (I'm a Carrie and Charlotte mix) in the middle of the day!



We ultimately found an open 10pm showtime in Borough Hall. Ticket purchased we could now relax for at least the next 5 hours while we watched Top Chef reruns.

We arrived at the theater and waiting in a line that wrapped around the floor - no surprise. However, the members of our group which included another friend were all able to seat together. Excellent! The movie was great! The plot - solid. Usually I wince at the sappy part of romantic movies which I usually find unbearable to watch but there was nothing unbearable about the SATC movie. It was as if we were in a ginormous living room watching a version of the series on HBO. The plot resolved a lot of the characters issues but did not ruin the goodwill developed by the show throughout its years as a television show. I was satisfied. Now there is talk of a sequel and for the life of me I can't figure out what else they would have to say. Ladies ...don't spoil a good thing.


After the movies we went to a club Bembe also in Brooklyn. It was Brazilian and like a less crowded version of Habana Village in Adams Morgan. The latin music was blasting, the drummers were doing their thing and we were all enjoying the exciting beats. Great place to go enjoy wonderful music, laid back people - as in everyone from young professionals to artsy Brooklynites, and Caipirinha and Mojitos galore.

I slept well that night waking up the next day for a brief excursion to Harlem for brunch and soul foodat Amy Ruth's. On the way there, since it was a really hot day we stopped and purchased coconut and mango ice from one of the street vendors. These small refreshing goodies hit the spot...who needs the Good Humor man. I have to admit you would not find these vendors in DC. Only in NYC....

The end.


Hugs and besos!
(photos courtesy of Moviephone.com)

Proactiv Vending Machine

Hi Darlings:


I have never praised the invention of the AC more than I did this weekend. A family member was in town and we decided to give her a tour of the city which entailed shopping in Georgetown. It was so unbelievably hot! I felt almost like I needed a bottle of water for every block because of the water weight loss. Perfect if I was trying to loose weight but that was not the case. It also did not help my stress level that gas is now shockingly above $4 at a time when we are more inclined to want to use and "need" to use our cars. Well enough of that depressing talk...


The most fascinating thing about this weekend was the Proactiv vending machine. There it was at the Georgetown Park mall. I had seen vending machines for movies and food before but beauty products. Fantastic idea! Dispensers coming soon (probably) to your restaurant restroom...I had to take a pic with my trusty phone.

Hugs and besos.

Yves Saint Laurent - RIP!

Hi Darlings:





According to People.com, Yves Saint Laurent has passed away at the age of 71. I am going to miss the simple elegance of his gowns and suits...RIP.

He revolutionized the modern day suit, safari wear and many others. Here is a pic of his famous le smoking suit.

I loved this homage by Robin Givhan in the Post yesterday. So sad...one of the Saint Laurent dresses was featured in the Sex And The City movie...will tell you more about that later.

For now hugs and besos.