The Glamorous Cook Tuesday, January 30, 2007

My body mocks me on a daily basis, reminding me that I’m getting older. It just doesn’t do what it’s suppose to anymore. In the kitchen, for example, I’m always spilling something on myself, which wasn’t the case before. There was a time when I could get in and out of the kitchen without my clothes being subjected to potentially damaging ingredients, but as time progresses on, I seem to be turning into a klutz. So, you know what that means? I’ve been searching the web for a cute apron.

Now, I’m no Betty Crocker; I can only prepare simple meals. In fact when I got my first apartment, my mother gave me two items for the kitchen. ”Here,” she said. “A pot for your hotdogs and a skillet for your french fries,” she added. This should not be a surprise because my mother could not and can not cook! It’s just that simple. Thank god my grandmother lived down the street where I could get a good home-cooked southern meal.

I still have fond memories of my grandmother in the kitchen, wearing an apron she whipped up in her sewing room. Louise has been and continues to be stylish no matter what. I’ve never asked her, but maybe she thought the aprons in stores were boring or lacking in design choice, creating a desire within to craft her own.

I can’t sew either, but I found a place where I can purchase an apron with the power to transform me into one glamorous cook. Kitsch’n Glam carries a variety of chic aprons for men, women, and the little fashion maven in training.

    

What’s also cool about this peacock apron as well as others available on Kitsch’n Glam’s website is the matching oven mitts. How cute is that! Plus, they carry aprons for full figured women too.   

 

Your Wish Is My Command Saturday, January 27, 2007

Every single one of us, regardless of body type (hour glass, pear, or box), has some difficulties in finding the perfect pair of jeans, and if your like me it takes a while to find the right pair. My solution, once I’ve found them, and I think I mentioned this to you before, is to have them altered in the waist to achieve the ultimate custom fit.

However, I realize that some of you may consider the alteration option an additional hassle. Well, have no fear because today, while reading Diablo magazine, I discovered a website dedicated to reducing the laborious task of figuring out what brand of jeans will provide you with a supreme pair of denims.  

The article, entitled Jean Jeanie:

Jeans shopping instills fear in even well-seasoned fashionistas. Finding a pair that fits just right can make denim seem daunting. With hundreds of brands and triple-digit price tags, the stakes are high.

To slash dressing room time, visit www.zafu.com. The new Emeryville-based website has got your, um, behind.

I recently logged on and filled out Zafu’s two-minute questionnaire (I did too!), which felt a little like chatting with a girlfriend about jeans that didn’t gap in the back and would help my 5-foot-2-inch from appear longer. Eleven questions concern weight and height, as well as more intangible traits - such as what I’d like to hide when wearing jeans. Answers are converted into proprietary formula; seconds lather I received specific brands and styles matched to my ”wish list.”

Zafusuggested six jeans that would fit me “best” and another 35 that would fit me “well” (that list included two favorite pairs I already own), ranging in price from $29 to $176. The recommendations also included what size to buy and where. I surfed through Zafu’s “jean pool,” product reviews, and shopping links, then headed to my favorite shop armed with a printout of recommended denim. I picked up a pair of AG Jeans, from the list that Zafu said would fit me best, and the recommended size was perfect.   

I checked the website out and my findings were the same as Ami Zensius, the author; however, I was only given one recommendation that suggested Baby Phat jeans would be a supreb match for my body type. While this may be accurate, I know from experience that 7 for all Mankind, AG, and Citizens for Humanity also look great on me; nevertheless, they were not included in Zafu’s results. It’s an interesting concept and still worth a visit. 

After you’ve had a chance to experience the website tell me what you think.

Foot Candy of the Week Saturday, January 27, 2007

Michelle K is the featured shoe designer for this post.  

I bought this pair of her shoes several months ago, and I must inform you that they are very comfortable. I often wear them when I take Madamoiselle out for an afternoon walk. I think these is a great line of shoe for women on the go who wish to arrive in style.

 

 

 

These are the ones I think are cute.

 

They Got Me! Saturday, January 27, 2007

All over the blogosphere bloggers have been tagged left and right. So when I was tagged by Kia from Yummy411and Samida at Stained Couture, it made me feel a part of the blogging community. Yay!

1. I once had a strong desire to be famous.Seriously, but growing up in Los Angeles who didn’t. I used to practice how I would sign my name if someone asked for an autograph, which is how I still sign my name to this day. I swore I would change it to Sabrina Beaudai if I was to make it in Hollywood. My cousin Monique was so kind to remind me of how adamant I was about the name transformation at my baby shower last summer. Once, a makeup artist asked if she could use my photo in her portfolio, but little did I know that a large picture of myself would be hanging in the mall. A friend called me to announce, “Girl, your picture is in the mall!” I was one of 30 finalist selected out 600 contestants in a modeling contest held at the Southbay Galleria in Redondo Beach, but I realized after the judges chose a girl who was almost six feet tall that the modeling industry was not ready for a girl just over five feet.

I also wanted to be a Fly Girl on In Living Color. I would tape the shows and practice the dance moves every chance I got; however, reality set in several months down the line, and that’s when I realized God skipped over me when he was handing out rhythm. 

2. Five shows I’m addicted to.  

1. America’s Next Top Model 
2. Amazing Race
3. Lost
4. Judge Judy
5. Girlfriends

3. Five movies I can watch over and over. 

1. Monster-in-law
2. The Color Purple
3. Pretty in Pink
4. Chocolat
5. The Devil Wears Prada

4. Five places I’ve visited  

1. Hawaii (Oahu)
2. New York
3. Washington D.C.
4. Cabo San Lucas
5. Canada

5. My grandmother wanted me to be a lawyer, but that was not what I wanted. I’ve taken just about every college course you can imagine, from accounting to tennis. I was nicknamed, Dr. Professor.

                                                                                              

Babe Cake Duo Eyeliner Tuesday, January 23, 2007

On days when I have to leave the house I try to run as many errands as possible. So when Madamoiselle had a well baby appointment this past Thursday, I was determined to get a much needed brow waxing, go to Babies ‘r Us, Ikea, and do a little window shopping before 2 o’clock.

Well, the morning didn’t start off as I had originally planned. We were running late, which meant I had to quickly prepare the boys lunches, change and dress Madamoiselle, and get myself ready, since I had no intentions of going back home after I dropped the boys off at school. The only way I was going to get them there on time was to forgo putting on makeup and eating the most important meal of the day, breakfast.

While on the way to the freeway, after I dropped the boys off, I started thinking of healthy places to eat within the vicinity of where my brow appointment was. I decided to go to Wholefoods, which could be dangerous for someone like me who has no sense of time. You see, I’ve been shopping at this natural grocery store for 14 years now, and I know a lot of the people who work there. Needless to say, I’m a very talkative individual; as a result, I will be in the store all day long if I see a familiar face. 

I spoke to few people and Tahira, the bakery buyer. After Tahira and a couple of other girls gushed over Madamoiselle and gawked over my Coach fur suede boots (I get so many compliments from both men and women whenever I wear these), I grabbed a vegan banana and blueberry muffin, an orange, and ordered a mango/banana smoothie to go. While Tahira so kindly whipped up my smoothie, I ran to the register to pay for the items. As you may have guessed, I was behind schedule, and soon realized that I didn’t have enough time to go to Babies ‘r us first, so I made my way to Benefit.

As I walked in, the women went crazy over my boots and diaper bag, saying I was too hot to be a mom and that my bag was appropriately titled, Diaper Diva. Awww! You know this pumped my ego, reassuring me that the changes I made to my diet and a little exercise were beginning to pay off.  

My original plan was not only to get my brows waxed, but also to get some free makeup on my face. First was the waxing, and Christine did an outstanding job. I love going to Benefits because they literally work magic on my crazy eyebrows. My hairline and brows connect, and usually I have to color them in with powder because they’re so thin, but when these girls do their thing my brows appear full, eliminating the need to fill them in.

Afterwards, I went to the counter and asked the salesperson if Benefit had a really good eyeliner. She quickly suggested a liquid liner and recommended Babe Cake, a duo eyeliner that includes the colors natural brown and black. Liquid? Well, it really didn’t matter because I had no aspirations to actually buy it…at first. She showed me the small black compact which looked more like eyeshadow than a liner, and a little bent brush. I was confused, until she said told me the brush needed to be wet before placing it into the dry powder. I allowed her to put it on while I held Madamoiselle in my lap. When she finished I looked in the mirror, and OMG! I had to buy it.  

Love, love, love this eyeliner. I really want my eyes to pop whenever I’m out and about, and this is probably the first eyeliner to help achieve that goal without smudging or running later on in the day. In fact, I was so tired that night; I did not wash my face before going bed, but didn’t feel too bad because I wasn’t wearing foundation. When I woke up, my liner was still in place as if I had just applied it. This was perfect for me. I simply washed my face, being careful not to disturb the eye makeup, put on some moisturizer, and I was good to go. You know how those women in the movies go to bed and wake looking made up? Okay, that was me on Friday morning.   

I was a little concerned about using the brush and a liquid liner, but I had absolutely no problems. It was so easy to apply. It is definitely a klutz proof brush. 

Let me sum this post up by telling you that I got Madamoiselle to the doctor’s office late because I locked my keys in car at Babies ‘r us. I’m so smart!

So Nice To Meet You, Mademoiselle! Sunday, January 21, 2007

Introducing baby Mademoiselle…

The Art Of Self Love Sunday, January 21, 2007

While passing by an exhibit at the art festival I attended in September of 2004, I was captivated by a bright colored painting. When I walked over to take a closer look, I discovered it was of a voluptuous woman wearing a vibrantly colored dress with kinky hair, using a slice of watermelon as a pillow. As I looked through all of Karin’s, the artist, work I noticed that not only were watermelons utilized in the majority of her paintings, but also the women all had shapely figures with ample hips. Instead of being offended, I immediately fell in love because there was something about those images that moved me; something I found beautiful. 

In the past, there has been a series of social events that played a huge role in constructing and cultivating a negative system of beliefs that Karin, through her art, attempts to dispel. Like writers, artist hold the power to re-create the self and re-invent negative imagery, turning them into positive ones which is exactly what Karin is doing.  

I do own some of Karin’s art, but my camera refused to do my original painting Delusions of Posture justice so I borrowed this one entitled Passions, and the one above called Feast on Your Life from her website.

But there is also something else looming in her works of art…

One day, my hubby called to my attention that the women in every one of Karin’s paintings resembled her. “That’s her,” he said. After studying the paintings I agreed, “It sure is!” When I brought this observation to the artist, she responded by saying, “You think so?” “It’s not something I’m trying to do,” she added. Interesting! Let me just add this piece of information before I continue. Karin is an amazing, friendly person, and her paintings exude her upbeat personality. 

Karin’s art is the epitome of self love; as a result she subconsciously paints images of herself every time her brush hits the canvas. I guess that’s why her art speaks to me because its about loving yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. Its about removing self-doubt, a low self-esteem, and the negative thoughts you have about yourself that were created by garbage (jealous and hateful people not worth two cents, who see something beautiful and amazing in you, resulting in them trying by any means necessary to bring you down). 

I love Karin’s art because it is a gentle reminder that I should celebrate who I am every day. 

 

Treat Thyself Saturday, January 20, 2007

It is a rare occasion for me to indulge in a relaxing bubble bath or take long showers. Typically, I don’t like to take a soak in the tub in the afternoon because the warmth of the water on my skin puts me right to sleep, but after I laid Mademoiselle down for a nap I immediately jumped at the opportunity to treat myself to a little me time.

I grabbed my free issue of Mother Jones, a journalism magazine, turned on the water, and poured in my favorite Coconut Foaming Bath by The Body Shop. Because The Body Shop’s foam bath creates the perfect bubbles, I couldn’t wait for the tub to finish filling up before slipping in. The scent of coconuts filling the entire upstairs helped to make the perfect thirty minute escape from the mundane concerns of every day life. Before I forget, the foam bath normally sells for $16 dollars, but is on sale for $8 online.

After a bath or shower, I usually apply The Body Shop’s Coconut Body Butter and Coconut oil spray. Thanks to these products my skin is as soft as silk, resulting in my boys constantly telling me how soft I am. In fact, I recently started buying the butter for them since they were unable to refrain from using mine, claiming they too wanted soft skin. Normally, I don’t wear perfume because the scent is strong enough and lasts the entire day. 

I have to tell you this funny story before I go on. I used to take a spin class once a week before I got pregnant. One day during class the instructor yelled out, “Who smells like coconuts?” “Uh, that would be me!” The scent of my coconut body butter and oil filled the entire class. After I fessed up, the instructor replied, “Wow, you smell good.” 

Although it doesn’t make as many bubbles as The Body Shop’s foam bath, I also use Lush’s Bubble Bars because I love the scent of candy and other pleasant fragrances they offer. I often make my own bath time cocktails by combining the Bubble Bars with Lush’s Bath Bombs and Bath Melts, which are great if you have dry skin. Please be warned if you buy the melts in the summer be careful; they’re made of cocoa butter and will melt if left sitting in a hot car.

What are you waiting? Go and treat thyself!  

      

     

Foot Candy of the Week Thursday, January 18, 2007

I need more shoes, and I’m sure you do too!

Here are my choices of the week:

These Jimmy Choo kidskin ankle boots would look great with a pair of jeans.

When I was younger, my parents always dressed me in white patent leather shoes, and my grandmother used to always get on me about getting those awful black scuff marks on them. Since then I’ve hated wearing white shoes because they just get dirty so easily. Several months ago, I bought a pair of white and green sneakers by Michelle K. I was pretty surprised at myself, and even more so when I spotted these Fendi peep toe pump cuties.   

Shoe La La Thursday, January 18, 2007

My hubby swears that I have too many shoes. What? Now, you must understand that this nonsense is coming from a self-proclaimed fashionotsta, who buys nothing except comic books and music for his ipod. So, he really doesn’t know what the heck he’s talking about. What he should be saying is, “You don’t have enough shoes.” Only then would he be making an accurate statement. Here’s the real issue: Most of the shoes that I currently own were bought because I thought they were cute or were cute and on sale, which is totally different from buying shoes to go with a certain outfit. And you know what that means; chances are you have some shoes you don’t wear very often because you don’t have anything to go with them. 

I own a pair of shoes by Irregular choice that are a year and a half old, but I’ve only worn them once; nevertheless, they are my favorite pair of shoes. I love them for three reasons: they are truly unique, they come in a cool box, and I am crazy about the art work on the bottom. Designs on the sole of a shoe may sound strange and a waste, but I’m in love with the concept.

I don’t own this particular pair of shoes by Irregular Choice, but it will give you some idea of what I’m talking about.

What I’m trying to say is that most of my shoes are ones that I don’t wear very often. Today, I was just trying to figure out what I could possibly wear with my fur trimmed suede Coach boots. These boots are quite the show stopper whenever I wear them, and I’m so glad I waited for them to go on sale because I had no intention on paying the $400 they were originally asking. 

Well, needless to say, I’ve been looking for shoes.  

Oh, what the heck, I might as well show you what I’ve been gawking over today.

I must have this pair of Christian Louboutin’s  boots.

I love boots. In fact, my nickname was bootsy because back in the early 90’s, there was a pair I used to wear all the time no matter what I was wearing.

 

 

 

 

 

 I would have to say that Donald J. Pliner is another one of favorite designers. He does a great job of designing shoes with handbags to match. I don’t really care for the boots, but the bag is cute. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to what I was saying before…

Do you comprehend where I’m coming from? A girl’s closet should be filled with a ton of shoe options. ”You can never have too many shoes!” is what I tell my hubby.