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Friday, April 30, 2010

Miss Moons' Musing About: Hedwig's Triumphant Return to the Stage in NYC



'Hedwig' inches to B'way stage

By Michael Riedel, NY Post

Before there was Lady Gaga, there was Hedwig.

The (fictitious) transgender rock singer from East Germany first gained notoriety in 1998 in the hit off-Broadway musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."

Since then, she's become a cult figure, appearing in the 2001 movie -- which vies with "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" as the favorite midnight flick on college campuses -- and in stage productions around the world.

This fall, she's returning to New York to make her Broadway debut.

John Cameron Mitchell, who wrote the musical with composer and lyricist Stephen Trask, will reprise the role he created so memorably 12 years ago at the gloriously rundown Jane Street Theatre in the West Village.

"Hedwig is ageless," says Mitchell. "But I'm almost 47, which means I'm at the gym every day, trying to get my old body back, my paunch down and my stamina up.

"I haven't acted since I did the movie," he adds. "The role is so hard and so challenging that it made me give up acting and concentrate on writing and directing. It's like Hamlet. Except that Hamlet doesn't have to sing 15 great songs. In a dress."

David Binder, who produced the musical off-Broadway, is heading up the revival. Peter Askin, the original director, is also on board.

But this "Hedwig" won't be a carbon copy of the first.

"The main thing we've learned about this show," says Binder, "is that it has to take place in the theater it's in at the moment. If it's a dive, the show has to be set in a dive. If it's in a Broadway theater, it's going to be set in a Broadway theater."

One thought is to fashion a story line that has Hedwig playing a one-night-only gig at a Broadway house. The previous show hasn't moved out yet, so Hedwig is scrambling around an old set.

"Before the recession started, when 'Rent' was closing, we thought it would fun to do the show at the Nederlander, using whatever remained of the 'Rent' set," says Mitchell. "Hedwig is a hermit crab. Wherever we end up, we'll adapt the design of the show to the theater."

(I'd love to see Hedwig strung out on Michael Feinstein's white piano at "All About Me," which is closing Sunday. Or perhaps she'll dance with whatever remains of the giant squid in "The Addams Family," which may be history at the Lunt-Fontanne by fall.)

Trask, whose music remains as potent and beautiful as ever, says he'll write a few new songs, incorporating musical ideas he's come across in productions around the world.

"The Danes did a spectacular 'Sugar Daddy,' " he says, adding that the background vocal included the Danish slang for oral sex. "We rarely disapprove of any production. Our favorite thing is to let things happen organically."

"In Texas, the show was set in a Black Angus Steakhouse," adds Mitchell. "We loved that."

The popularity of rock musicals "Spring Awakening," "Passing Strange" and the upcoming "American Idiot" convinced the "Hedwig" team that Broadway is the best place for their show.

"Back in 1998, Broadway was unthinkable," says Trask. "That's no longer the case."

Adds Mitchell: "The music is less scary, the drag is less scary."

"Hedwig" has had a huge influence on the creators of the current crop of rock musicals.

Duncan Sheik has said it encouraged him to write "Spring Awakening." Stew, who created "Passing Strange," says that when it comes to rock musicals, "Hedwig" is "the real thing."

As for Lady Gaga, although they've never met her, Mitchell and Trask have a hunch she was among the young would-be rockers who saw "Hedwig" again and again down on Jane Street.

"There's no question," says Mitchell, "that Lady Gaga and Hedwig are from the same clan."

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

:::drools::: Afro-licious Finds from Etsy - Part Deux (With a TWIST!!)

I am back with part two of Miss Moon's birthday list... I mean Afro-licious Finds from Etsy!!! LOL



Afro-Chic Lady's T-shirt - WHITE ($20.00 from Cymanthia83)

I really really heart this shirt: 100% cotton, Available in S-M-L (Larger sizes ARE available upon request.. nuff said!)

FRONT: 4 Afro-Chic images (Black, red, yellow, green)
BACK: "Strength and dignity are my clothing. Prov 31:25" (gold)

These last few items are from the same seller.. really love this shop!!



White Tee w/Large Black Swarthy Daisy Logo ($25.00 from SwarthyDaisy)

Comes in sizes S - XL (Site gives measuring instructions so be sure of your size!)



Swarthy Daisy Tote Bag filled with Natural Hair Kit ($80.00 from SwarthyDaisy)

Rather than list all the goodies that come in this kit (which will result in me drooling all over my keyboard and breaking it).... here's the 411 from the website:

The Essential Swarthy Daisy Natural Hair Kit is a wonderful addition to the Swarthy Daisy tote.

Tote Bag Contents: Spray Bottle, Detangle Comb (shower), Boar Bristle brush, paddle brush, satin pillowcase, processing caps, Denman Brush, satin cap, afro pick, three way comb, clip, duck bill clips, rat tail comb, ouchless rubber bands, turbie twist, large styling comb, bobby pins, and more! The first 4 natural hair kits come with a free hair cutting kit!



Swarthy Daisy One Inch Pin Back Button ......

More info from the website:

Fashion Button
1" Round
Pin Back
White with Black logo

Can Be worn on hats, clothing, bags, shoes, virtually anywhere!

The Price?!?!?

FREE FOR TWO LUCKY READERS!!!!
 (I told you there was a twist!)

The first two readers to leave a comment will get a SD pin of their own!!! Best of Luck!!!

:::drools::: Afro-licious Finds from Etsy - Part One(!)

I haven't done a good, old-fashioned Etsy hunt in a long time, and judging from the amount of goodies I have found, it may be a good thing. I am warning you now, do not read this blog entry on pay day... you might blow your entire check!

Hope you enjoy this two-part :::drools:::-o-rama!!!



Pick My Head Tote Bag ($20 from mengly)

This print can be yours on a 100% Cotton Tote bag, in three sizes! Not an Etsy fan like me? No problem! You may also purchase this item here http://totesandprints.bigcartel.com



Big Ass Afro Tees ($8 from AFroDisiacs)

This tee is Cherry Red, Hand Printed and comes in a wider variety of sizes (According to the site the XL Loose Fit can fit a size 2x)



Afro Wig Clutch ($20 from abreakastudios)

This bag is hand printed, y'all! The images featured are all taken from a vintage afro wig ad. The clutch measures 8x6 inches with the design on the exterior and a solid dark khaki (not pictured) interior. Black 8 inch zipper closure. Also, there is a black chain attached to the side for easy carrying.



Gold yellow Burn out scooped neck tee AFRO SOUNDS ($25.00 from timbuctustate)

Gold yellow burn out tee with the "AFRO SOUNDS" print on front and the "TRUE BEAUTY" print on the back. Comes in S, M and L.



Spring Natural Beauty ($5.00 from trendyteez)

I have the Natural Beauty tee in red, y'all and I love it to death!!!! I am actually thinking of getting this one next - For my full figured sistren, Trendy Teez DOES have plus sizes, contact her if you're interested!)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

DO SOMETHING: Support Troy Davis' Day in Court

I just signed an NAACP petition seeking justice for Troy Davis, an African American man who has been on death row for the past 18 years for a murder he did not commit.

Would you join me in helping to save this innocent man's life? www.iamtroy.com

There was no physical evidence tying Troy to the crime and seven out of nine witnesses have recanted. On June 30, 2010, Troy will get the opportunity to present new evidence at a federal court hearing.

Please stand with me, the NAACP, and Amnesty International USA. Visit www.iamtroy.com to sign the petition for Troy and learn more about his case and why we must push for real criminal justice reform in the United States.

Music Therapy with Miss Moon





One Is The Magic Number
Jill Scott

No hay nadie mas que yo,
Uno es el numero magico
En vida y en muerte,
Uno es todo
Comprende
If I multiply 2 times 2 is it really, really 4 me
La [x6]
And if I add 5 to get 9 minus 8 that just leaves me
Me [x8]
So many times I define my pride
Through somebody else's eyes (La da da, la da)
Then I looked inside and found my own stride,
I found the lasting love for me
If I'm searching for my spirituality
Passionately I must begin with me

There's just me...
One is the magic number [x2]

If I add myself unto myself multiplied times
You and yours and you again
There's just me
And if I divide 8 billion, 48 trillion, 98 zillion
There is, there is just me
If I subtract one plus me to the 5th degree,
Use any theorem
There's just me

There's just me...
One is the magic number [x2]

Me, me, me, me...
[Ad lib to end]

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Be Blessed: Letting Go of Understanding (From The Daily Om)

I am a person who spends a lot of time with her thoughts & feelings. A lot of times, I become frustrated deciphering my thoughts to determine what is coming from my soul and what's negative ego bullcrap... And in the frustration, I ultimately feel like a failure. I've realized this process is counterproductive, as I began the inner reflection to get in touch and connect with myself.... to feel GOOOOOOOD, not to end up belittling and doubting myself.

This article from The Daily Om, "Letting Go of Understanding: Deeper Meanings" really put into perspective how putting all my thoughts under a microscope has distracted me from the connection I sought in the first place.




October 31, 2007
Letting Go Of Understanding
Deeper Meanings

All of us who seek to be conscious and aware regard our experiences as teachers, and we try to discern what lessons we are learning from the things that happen in our lives. Sometimes the lesson is very clear from the get-go, and other times we have to really search to understand the deeper meaning behind some event. While this search often yields results, there also comes a point in the search where what we really need to do is move forward. It is possible that we are not meant to know the deeper meaning of certain occurrences. Answers may come later in our lives, or they may come as a result of letting go, or they may never come.

We are all part of a complex system of being, and things work themselves out in the system as a whole. Sometimes we are just playing a necessary part in that process with a result larger than we can understand. It may have very little to do with us personally, and while that can be hard to understand, it can also free us from overthinking the matter. Sometimes it is best to see it in terms of karma, a past debt we have been able to repay in this way, or as the clearing of energy. We can simply thank the event for being part of our experience and let it go. This completes the process that the occurrence has made possible.

To make this letting go official, we can perform a ritual, make a final journal entry on the subject, or sit in meditation with the intention of releasing the event from our consciousness. As we do so, we summon it one last time, honoring it with our attention, thanking it, and saying good-bye. We then let it go out the door, out the window, out the top of our heads, or into the earth through the bottoms of our feet, liberating ourselves from any burden we have carried in association with it

For more information visit dailyom.com

This article is printed from DailyOM - Inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day. Register for free at www.dailyom.com
© 2004-07 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved

This week I will connect to my inner spirit without doubting and questioning every aspect of the journey. I will let go of any aspect that does not lead to total happiness

Saturday, April 24, 2010

A Little [CODY CHESNUTT] for a Saturday Night

A few summers ago, I had the joyous experience of seeing Cody ChesnuTT perform live twice (In Central Park, with Talib Kweli, Res, Raphael Saadiq and Joi on the marquee & during the Smoking Grooves Tour performing "The Seed 2.0" with The Roots). Since then, I've been hooked.

In the past few years I've been patiently awaiting new music from Cody and in hearing "Come Back Like Spring"... I am reminded of the adage "You always get what you want... even if it's not exactly the way you want it!". In under 2 minutes, this song manages to be beautiful, earnest and full of passion.... what else can you expect from Cody ChesnuTT?!?




Come Back Like Spring | cody chesnuTT from Bigger Than Blogging on Vimeo.

Yummm! Dreamy, Decadent Desserts!!!

As I've gotten older... I've recognized the benefit of eating healthy and to curtail overindulgences. HOWEVER - Every once and a while, I get an urge to sit back and just feast on something deliciously bad for me.... and not feel guilty because I made it myself, with love!

Coconut Cupcakes
Recipe Courtesy of The Martha Stewart Show



Ingredients

Makes 2 dozen
3 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup coconut milk
8 large egg whites
1 1/4 cups shredded sweetened coconut
Seven-Minute Frosting
Fresh Roasted Coconut, for garnish
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two standard 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners; set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour; beat until just combined. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; set aside.

In the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on low speed until foamy. With mixer running, gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar; beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 4 minutes. Do not overbeat. Gently fold a third of the egg-white mixture into the butter-flour mixture until combined. Gently fold in remaining egg-white mixture; stir in shredded coconut.

Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each with a heaping 1/4 cup batter. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until the cupcakes are golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack. Invert cupcakes onto rack; then reinvert and let cool completely, top sides up. Frost cupcakes with seven minute frosting, swirling to cover. Cupcakes may be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Garnish with fresh coconut just before serving.

Eggnog Pudding Cake
Recipe Courtesy of SouthernCookingAbout.com



Ingredients:

2 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons softened butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
pinch salt
dash ground nutmeg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups prepared commercial eggnog
boiling water
Preparation:

Butter six 5- to 6-ounce ramekins or four 7 to 8-ounce ramekins. Heat oven to 350°. Beat egg whites in a small bowl just until soft peaks begin to form; set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the egg yolks, softened butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, salt, and nutmeg. Stir in flour. Stir in eggnog until smooth. The batter will be thin. Fold in the egg whites, working with about 1/3 of the egg whites at a time. Divide the batter among the prepared ramekins.

Place ramekins in a large baking pan; place on middle rack in oven. Ladle boiling water into the pan until the water is about 1 inch in depth.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until pudding cakes are somewhat firm to a light touch. Remove ramekins to a rack to cool slightly, then they may be served with whipped topping or unmold warm cakes on dessert plates and serve with Spiced Vanilla Sauce or a rum sauce.
Makes 4 to 6 cakes.

Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake
Recipe courtesy of FinestChef.com



Ingredients:
3 packages cream cheese (8 oz. each), softened,
2 cups graham cracker crumbs,
1/3 cup melted butter,
1 cup sugar,
3 oz. caramel sweets,
3 squares baker's semi-sweet chocolate (about 3 oz.),
1 tablespoon artificial vanilla extract,
3 large eggs,
4 squares of chocolate caramel brownies.

Recipe: Combine in a mixing bowl the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 of the sugar and the melted butter and mix well. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform cake pan and chill it in a refrigerator for 20 minutes. In the meantime, beat the cream cheese with the rest of the sugar and the vanilla extract until they are mixed well. Melt the chocolate over double boiler and add it to the mixture pouring it in a thin streak and slowly. Add the eggs one by one and keep beating until blended. Pour the mixture into the crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325 F for 50 minutes or until the centre of the cheesecake is set. Let it cool down for 10 minutes and in the meantime melt the caramel sweets. Pour the caramel over the cheesecake, cut each brownie to 4 pieces and stick them around the edges of the cheesecake. Refrigerate the caramel cheesecake for at least 6 hours before cutting and serving.

This next recipe almost made me fall out of my bed at its jaw-dropping deliciousness!! It is definitely at the top of my "To Make" List!

S'more Brownies
Recipe Courtesy of The Food Network



Ingredients
Crust:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch fine salt
Brownie:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
4 large cold eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
Topping:
4 cups large marshmallows
Directions
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8 by-8-inch square baking pan with foil so it hangs over the edges by about 1 inch.

For the crust: Lightly butter the foil with some of the melted butter. Stir the rest of the butter together with the crumbs, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the brownie. Put the butter and chocolate in a medium microwave safe bowl. Melt in the microwave on 75 percent power for 2 minutes. Stir, and microwave again until completely melted, about 2 minutes more. Alternatively, put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with 1 inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl on the pan without touching the water. Stir occasionally until melted. Stir the light brown and white sugars, vanilla and salt into the melted chocolate. Add the eggs and beat vigorously to make a thick and glossy batter. Add the flour and stir until just incorporated.

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean, with a few crumbs, about 40 to 45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and carefully position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on low. Layer marshmallows across the top and toast under the broiler until golden, (keep an eye on it, it can go quick), about 2 minutes. Cool on a rack, gently removing the brownies from the pan using the aluminum flaps. Carefully separate any marshmallow from the foil and fold away. Cut into 12 (2-inch) squares.

Friday, April 23, 2010

DOPE: "Stylo" - Gorillaz (featuring Bobby Womack & Mos Def)



This song is HOT!!!!!!!!



Click here to check out the review on Thisisrealmusic.com

Thursday, April 22, 2010

DO SOMETHING: 10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day EVERY Day!



I found this terrific article online (courtesy of Ode Magazine) that I thought it appropriate to share. Enjoy... and have a HAPPY EARTH DAY, EVERYBODY!!

10 ways to make every day an Earth Day


Celebrating its 40th anniversary, April 22nd is known worldwide simply as Earth Day. U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson founded the day to inspire year-round eco-awareness & appreciation. In our modern times, his message is still as vital as it was in 1970. Unfortunately, Earth Day’s meaning & depth are often lost on many of our planet’s citizens who see it as just one day to live a more conscious lifestyle, returning to damaging habits for the rest of the year.

Living with the Earth in mind is easier & more affordable than ever! Here are 10 simple, everyday things that have a powerful cumulative impact. The “go big or go home” mentality doesn’t apply here – any action is good action, as long as it’s consistent. Try your hand at integrating these eco-conscious habits into your daily life – you might be surprised by just how much money you save & fun you have.


1. Reduce

Less is more. This “rule” applies to not only living sustainably but just living. Numerous studies have shown that those who focus more on experiences & hobbies than what they buy or consume are exponentially happier. Smile and walk away from that new pair of shoes or MP3 player – try taking a walk, painting a picture, knitting a scarf, practicing yoga, or taking part in any hobby that brings you joy. Our new motto: do more, buy less. Check out the great blog, Mnmlist , for more ideas & advice on living simpler.

2. Reuse

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But what if it is “broke”? Then fix it! You may not see yourself as the DIY type, but thanks to the internet & your local library, there is an ever-growing collection of easy-to-follow guides (like Instructables to fixing or re-purposing just about anything you can get your hands on. Still hesitant? Team up with a friend – that’s what they’re for, isn’t it?

On another note, buying reusable items and, well, reusing them can save hundreds of thousands of tons of trash from ending up in our landfills every year. Even worse, much of said trash is made from non-biodegrable materials (a.k.a. it isn’t going anywhere). Think of the items you use on a daily basis: grocery bags, water bottles, coffee cups, lunch bags, napkins, paper towels – they all have a reusable alternative that can be easily washed and used for years. Consider replacing such frequently used items with stylish & functional alternatives: canvas bags, stainless steel water bottles, travel mugs, lunch totes, cloth napkins, and microfiber cleaning clothes … just to name a few.

3. Recycle

The last of a now-infamous green living trifecta, it is certainly the most popular. What’s easier than throwing your trash in a different bin & waving it goodbye? We’ve all learned by now that there is now “away” – all our trash & recycling ends up somewhere. Surprisingly, only about 28% of the waste in the USA is recycled. If you aren’t recycling, start. If you are recycling, visit Earth911 to find out the long list of items that can be recycled (batteries, printer cartridges, most electronics … etc.), along with where to take them.

4. Buy local

Local food, local businesses, local entertainment – keeping your money close to home benefits the entire community. The reduction of greenhouses gases involved in shipping & the benefit of knowing your shopkeeper face-to-face highly outweigh the slightly higher cost you may pay. Support a small business & help keep someone’s dream alive. Find unique local outlets via LocalHarvest and Etsy’s Shop Local feature.

5. Clean naturally

Water, borax, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice … you don’t need much more to make your house spotless. While it is tempting to just buy the pre-made stuff, you’ll save oodles & have a bigger (safer) impact on your local water system by going homemade. Bonus: you’ll reduce the amount of carcinogens in our air and soil, which is healthier for all plants & animals. Eartheasy has an extensive collection of easy recipes for at-home cleaners, no matter your task, or buy a kit from Eco-Me.

6. Update your showerhead

Everyone from major chain stores to local hardware outlets sell low-flow showerheads; they’re easy to find, affordable and a cinch to install. Bonus: using a low-flow showerhead can reduce your water bill by up to 50% - yeah, that’s half! Your skin and hair will still be completely clean & you will barely notice a reduction in water pressure.

7. Eat meat-free once a week

The concept is simple – one day a week, don’t eat any meat or fish. Pretty straightforward, no? Before you rebuff, saying it is just “impossible” for you to do, how would you know if you’ve never tried? The Meat Free Monday campaign has become a worldwide phenomenon, with many celebrity supporters and unique recipes. Simply eating less meat means better health for you and the planet, thanks to a reduction in pollution from animal farms.

8. Buy organic … sometimes

Contrary to the still widely-held belief, you don’t have to buy 100% organic. That would be very expensive and, more importantly, not worth it. The Environmental Working Group offers a guide to the fruits & vegetables you should always buy organic (due to their high pesticide content in traditional farming), and those that absorb or require little to no chemical assistance for growth. Print a copy of the Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 lists for yourself. Buying at a farmers’ market? Just ask them how they raise their crops – many are more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Note: For animal products, like cheese, milk, or meat, buy local and/or organic as much as possible. High levels of hormones are common in all traditionally-raised versions.

9. Use your feet

Less driving is always positive, even if you have a hybrid. Some errands and locations as easier to get to if you drive, but, when the choice is available, leave the car at home and walk, jog, run, or bicycle around. All you have to loose is your carbon footprint and maybe a few extra pounds (you’ll save money too!).

10. Unplug daily

Many of us are guilty of this eco-sin: leaving electronics plugged in, even when we aren’t using them. Even if they are “off”, many devices still continue to draw power from the grid – called “phantom power”. It accounts for at least 10% of your home’s electricity usage each month & can be easily prevented. Not using that coffee maker or cell phone charger? Just unplug it. For entertainment centers or home offices, connect all your devices to a power strip, which can halt all electricity consumption with a single flick of a switch.

This list is just the beginning of a great, greener lifestyle for you & those around you. Never be afraid to ask questions, do research, & make other sustainable changes. 

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

:::drools::: Nia Long-style for Plus Size Fashionistas

Nia Long is one of those woman who always appears flawless. I also admit to having a bit of an obsession with her eyebrows (again.. FLAWLESS!!)...

Her style is definitely worth copying, and her tiny figure shouldn't be a deterrent on my full - figured sistren.



















This look is classic, versatile, beautiful... and remarkably easy to duplicate.




I started with the Brietta Dress ($49, B&Lu.com)

Sleeveless, two tone dress consists of heathered cream bodice and denim-looking, black chino skirt. Focal point on bodice is black crochet with netting along neckline to waistline. Two inch empire waist is stretchy black elastic. Dress length hits just above knee. Cotton/poly blend bodice is lightweight, stretchy, and soft. Woven skirt has light sheen and offers some stretch. 70% cotton, 27% poly, 3% spandex. Dry clean only. Made in the USA by b&lu.

I scoured the internet for those DOPE ASS shoes Nia is wearing. Alas, I couldn't find them, but I found these... which is a reasonable facsimile!!



SE Boutique Shawnee Pump ($79.95, DSW)

Edgy meets a lady with this twisted leather pump from SE Boutique. The Shawnee has such exotic details it will jazz up any ensemble.

Finish this up with a pair of silver hoops and a dainty black clutch and you are ready to go!!!

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

Rest in Peace, Keith Elam aka Guru
July 17, 1966 – April 19, 2010





Monday, April 19, 2010

D-I-Y Nappturaliciously: I'm taking a BRAID-cation!!!!

So I braided my hair on Saturday. I wanted to get it done professionally, but decided to save myself the money and do it myself.

Eight hours lady, here are the end results. I really could've finished this job faster, but I straight up took a zillion breaks!!




























This is the type of hair I used - I bought about seven bags (I only end up using 5, so the other 2 will be used for touching the braids up!) and got them for a sweet deal!!















I plan on leaving them in my hair for a couple of months... In that time, I am going to keep my scalp healthy and hydrated with some Jamaican Castor Oil... which I heard is also good for growth, so I am looking forward to see how it goes!!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

A Little [OTIS REDDING] for a Saturday Night

One of my favorite memories growing up is of my mother breaking out her records to do her weekend cleaning. She had a fabulous collection of 45s and LPs that she had collected since she was a teenager.

Her fabulous collection unfortunately was destroyed when our building collapsed 16 years ago, but my mind always lingers to her favorites and my favorites, and the favorites we have in common, like "I've Been Loving You Too Long" by Otis Redding... Enjoy!!!





Friday, April 16, 2010

DO SOMETHING: Support the International Violence Against Women Act

I received this letter from Amnesty International that I felt compelled to share. I hope that you will read, and visit their website to urge the elected officials in your state to support this very important act that aims to help women all over the world.

Click here to visit Amnesty International's Online Action Center.


Michelle Obama's trip to Haiti this week was a powerful reminder to us all how much further there is to go before Haitians fully recover from the catastrophic January 12th earthquake.

According to the most recent estimates from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), roughly 460 makeshift camps are still the homes to more than 1 million displaced people in Port-au-Prince alone 1.

Conditions are horrid all around, but for women and girls in particular, the situation in Haiti has become a perfect storm for increased violence and exploitation. Before the earthquake, Kay Fanm, a Haitian women's rights organization, estimated that 72% of Haitian girls surveyed had been raped and at least 40% of women were victims of domestic violence 2. Amnesty International findings show that in the aftermath of the disaster, Haitian women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence.

The International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) was specifically created to combat violence including in humanitarian situations such as Haiti. If passed, IVAWA would provide valuable services like rape counseling, medical assistance and even economic opportunities to women and girls in countries around the world devastated by humanitarian crisis.

Many Senators and Representatives have already pledged their full support for IVAWA. But if we're going to help countries like Haiti combat violence against women and girls once and for all, then we've got to get more members of Congress standing up for women's human rights and supporting IVAWA.

Have your elected officials signed on to support IVAWA yet?

Last month, when our researchers traveled to Haiti on a mission to investigate human rights violations, what they found was appalling. Women were being forced to bathe and go to the bathroom in public Security was sparse – officers were rarely seen patrolling the camps to maintain security. The flimsy shelters hardly offered any sense of added protection or privacy.

Gender-based violence has been a problem in Haiti for many years, but the earthquake has exacerbated the problem. In fact, we spoke to one women's organization that reported 19 cases of rape in only a small section of the large camp site located in the Champ-de-Mars 3. Far too many are exploiting this humanitarian crisis and endangering the lives of Haiti's women and girls in the process.

But by urging more members of Congress to support IVAWA, we can fight back against this dangerous reality and empower women worldwide, especially those living in times of crisis.

Thank you for your support,

Daphne Jayasinghe
Advocacy Director, Women's Human Rights
Amnesty International USA

1. http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR36/005/2010/en/8e285cce-c54f-4d22-9f60-7ffd3ae7a9fc/amr360052010en.pdf

2. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/taina-bienaime/haitis-women-in-the-after_b_428648.html?view=screen

3. http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR36/004/2010/en/d12e3cdc-2103-40b8-af57-1412dcf3d413/amr360042010en.pdf

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

DOPE: "Under Construction" Solange


This is such a beautiful song!



Brick, brick
Brick by brick
You know you build up a pretty big bridge
Now don’t you tell me SOMETHING
All over again

Caution here
Now I’m scared I may just hit my head
You’re taking me step by step
I’m falling again

You got me under construction

Walls
Wall by wall
You felt this home barely hanging at all
But I know you won’t let me fall
All over again

Now by now
I hear you pushing, you pushing me well
You know when I’m going through hell
You feel me again

You got me under construction




You can snag "Under Construction" for yourself by clicking here (Courtesy of This is Real Music)

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

DO SOMETHING: Help Print 'Eating Healthy in Bed-Stuy'

I received an email today from Bed Stuy Farm Share that I felt compelled to share -



Bed-Stuy Farm Share and Hattie Carthan Community Garden have worked long and hard to produce "Eating Healthy in Bed-Stuy," a comprehensive community healthy guide that addresses the specific health epidemics in the community (diabetes and heart disease) and provides health tips and a directory of community groups working to provide access to fresh produce. We won an award for a pro-bono design work and the Art Director of Esquire Magazine is doing layout for the booklet. Once printed, the guide will be made available at our neighborhood health clinics, hospitals and schools. It'll be great; we just have to get money together for printing now.

Please make a donation at IOBY.org today to help us print this guide and get it in the hands of parents before the school year is over!

Thank you!

Bed Stuy Farm Share
Your Local Community Supported Agriculture Project

Website: www.bedstuyfarmshare.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bedstuycsa
Listserv: http://groups.google.com/group/bedstuycsa

Cinema, Cuisine and Cocktail : "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"


I love this movie to death!!!!! Primarily because I am the type of woman who enjoys both the romantic and the action genre. If I can sit through a sweet, gushy romantic film... with a high blood count... I am good to go! LOL

Butter Tiger Prawns

Recipe Courtesy of About.com:Chinese Food

Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1 pound tiger prawns, fresh or frozen
* 1 cup oil, for poaching prawns
* 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter
* 1 sprig curry leaves, or to taste (each sprig has about 16 leaves)
* 1 teaspoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
* 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon chili paste with garlic, or to taste
* 3 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk
* Black pepper, to taste
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Preparation:
Rinse the prawns under warm running water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the shells from the prawns but leave on the tails.

Heat 1 cup oil to 350 degrees. When the oil is hot, add the prawns. Briefly cook the prawns in the hot oil until they turn pink (about 1 minute). Remove and drain on paper towels.

Melt the butter in a wok or heavy frying pan over medium-high to high heat. Add the curry leaves. Cook briefly, then stir in the oil-poached prawns, Chinese rice wine, sugar, and chile paste.

Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, then add the coconut milk. Heat through. Taste and sprinkle with black pepper, if desired. To serve, garnish the butter prawns with the chopped cilantro leaves.

Each serving contains: Calories 354, 2 g Carbohydrates, 19 g Protein, 30 g Fat, 237 mg Cholesterol, trace Fibre, 210 mg Sodium, 210 mg Potassium.

Dragon & Phoenix

Recipe Courtesy of Big Oven

Ingredients

* 8 oz Fresh peeled and deveined
* 2 ts Cornstarch
* 1/4 ts Ground red pepper
* 2 md Boneless; skinless, chicken
* 1/2 c Water
* 2 tb Soy sauce
* 1 tb Oyster sauce
* 2 tb Dry sherry
* 2 ts Cornstarch
* 1/2 ts Instant chicken bouillon
* 1 tb Cooking oil
* 2 Cloves garlic; minced
* 1 c Thinly sliced carrot half
* 1 c Broccoli florets
* 1/2 cn (8-oz) sliced bamboo shoots;
* 1 ts Sesame seed; toasted
* 3 c Hot cooked rice


Preparation

1. Rinse shrimp. Halve the shrimp lengthwise; pat dry with paper towels. Combine 2 tsp cornstarch and red pepper; toss with shrimp. Set aside. Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Cut into 3/4-inch pieces; set aside. For sauce, in a small bowl, stir together the water, soy sauce, dry sherry, oyster sauce, 2 tsp cornstarch, and chicken bouillon granules. Set aside. 2. Pour cooking oil into a wok or large skillet. (Add more oil as necessary during cooking.) Preheat over medium-high heat. Stir-fry garlic in hot oil for 15 seconds. Add carrot and broccoli; stir -fry for 3 to 4 minutes or till vegetables are crisp tender. Remove vegetables from wok. Add the chicken to the hot wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until no pink remains. Remove the chicken from the wok. Add shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or till shrimp turn pink. Return chicken to the wok. Push the chicken and shrimp from the center of the wok. Stir sauce. Add the sauce to the center of the wok. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. 3. Return the cooked vegetables to the wok. Add the bamboo shoots. Stir all ingredients together to coat with sauce. Cook and stir about one minute more or until heated through. If desired, sprinkle with toasted sesame seed. Serve immediately over hot cooked rice. Makes 4 servings.

**Notes: I usually double the shrimp and chicken and triple the sauce. (And thats just for two people!!!!)

Jade Cocktail

Recipe Courtesy of eHow.com

Ingredients:

* 1/4 measure Midori
* 1/4 measure blue Curacao
* 1/4 measure lime juice
* dash Angostura bitters
* champagne, chilled
* cracked ice cubes
* slice of lime, to decorate

Step 1 - Shake the Midori, Curacao, lime juice and Angostura bitters vigorously over ice until well frosted.

Step 2 - Strain into a chilled flute.

Step 3 - Top up with chilled champagne and dress with a slice of lime.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

I had to run a few errands Downtown Brooklyn on my way home, so while there I was compelled to visit a little Body Oil Shop... Several minutes and five dollars later, I was heading to Duane Reade smelling sweet as hell, courtesy of my new body oil, "African Gold"... Yummmm!

All along the bus ride home, I kept sniffing and smelling my wrist. By the time I got home, I was completely enamored with myself, and so was the hubby-to-be!! So I will definitely be getting some more "African Gold" in the future. I wonder if they sell it by the case! LOL

So in honor of discovering what makes you truly beautiful, wonderful and sensual... I pick a very special "Grown Folk-Style" Music Therapy with Miss Moon... "Crown Royal", by Jill Scott.





Sunday, April 11, 2010

Be Blessed: Spring Renewal

"An optimist is the human personification of spring."
-- Susan J. Bissonette

What is it about Spring that suddenly reminds us that everything wonderful in life is possible? Looking at the trees in Brooklyn, which were bare all Winter, suddenly becoming green and full again, I see that life too can feel stark and stripped bare at times, and lush and full again.

It's comforting to think that when life seems bleak and without hope, as Spring returns, so can opportunity and good fortune. Everything has a season, and without the winter months, we could never truly appreciate the blossoming the blooming of spring.


Photo of Brooklyn during Spring

From The Daily Om:

An Astounding Affirmation
Springtime

Spring comes when the earth, coaxed by lengthening days and warmer temperatures, begins to awaken from her winter slumber. She stretches open to receive the rain that gives drink to flower buds and seedlings. She takes a deep breath, and on her exhale the leaves on trees unfurl like tiny flags heralding her revival as baby animals tumble forth, trumpeting the good news to all who will listen. Rebirth and repopulation fill the void of winter with flurry and fury as what appeared to be gone forever comes into being once again. Even though it happens this way every year, we stand in awe, our insides trembling sweetly like the legs of a new foal as we too are reborn.

This is when we fall in love, again, speak without thinking, say yes to things we would normally refuse. It becomes more difficult to say no when the whole world around us appears to be an astounding affirmation of the resilience, richness, and plain, perfect beauty of life. We may find ourselves feeling several years younger and 10 pounds lighter without changing a thing. We may feel the urge to cleanse our bodies with a new pattern of eating, clearing our kitchens of cold-weather comfort foods and filling them instead with lighter fare and fresh fruits and vegetables. We may clear our closets of old clothes or cut our hair to express a new facet of who we are, and who we might become.

Springtime inspires us to believe that, along with the earth, we too might change, release the past, and give birth to new ideas, new relationships, and new perspectives. In honor of spring, we could make a list of the many possibilities we envision for the future and bury it in the earth, surrendering the fertile seeds of our imaginations to the nurturing soil. In tune with the season, we can then watch in wonder as the last of the snow dissolves into the rich brown earth, and stark winter gives way to green possibility.


This week, I will bask in all the traces of Spring around me and within me!

Peace from Brooklyn!


Brooklyn During Spring

Saturday, April 10, 2010

A Little [RES] for a Saturday Night

This song is so beautiful... it's amazing & crazy to me that Res isn't a commonly known artist, because she's so talented. I hope you all will enjoy her song, "There's No Way"!