Paris in New York City: Brunch at Maison Kayser.

A friend of mine jetted off to Paris from New York City for the holiday weekend so in celebration of her trip I thought I would do brunch Parisienne style and find Paris in NYC.

This is not a street in Paris, rather a block in Brooklyn Heights. The ornate steel window treatments leaves you feeling like you are walking down a Parisian street. This Brooklyn Heights block is only one block away from Maison Kayser. Fitting that the French Boulangerie is nestled in this neighborhood.

Streets to roam if you are ever in Paris.

Brunch menu and a sweet bite that is served with your cup of coffee. Yes, please!

A great tasting and great looking quiche Lorraine paired with a fresh garden salad.

A look inside the perfectly baked quiche where there were small bits of crunchy bacon.

An eclair is the perfect sweet bite after brunch.

If you prefer a savory bite then I recommend the Fromage bread. The inside of the bread is buttery soft with bits of melted cheese in some bites. The crust is a little crispy and the cheese melted atop is the perfect compliment.

While you eat you can glance across the restaurant to watch the bakers baking bread and sweets.

You can find Maison Kayser online:http://maison-kayser-usa.com/

IG: @MaisonKayserUSA

October 4, 2016 0

An Evening at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Picture this…a beautiful Friday evening, the weather is a perfect mix of Summer and Fall. You are near the water and walking under the massive Brooklyn Bridge. Brooklyn Bridge Park is the perfect place tucked away in DUMBO, Brooklyn. DUMBO means Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass just in case you were wondering. The park has become the place where photo enthusiasts have converged upon in order to get the perfect shots of sunsets and the most amazing backdrops. There is nothing more majestic than the bridges that link Manhattan and Brooklyn together. If you visit, you will see photographers taking pictures of beautiful brides, girls dressed up for quinceaneras or just that best friend trying to get the right shot for their bestie to post on the interwebs.

Let’s take a look at my recent visit to Brooklyn Bridge Park:

The first thing we did was walk to the carousel. You can ride on one of the most beautiful carousels in the city for 2 bucks. Jane’s Carousel is gorgeous and encased in glass to keep it protected from some of the elements. It makes you feel like a Parisian while in BK.

The view of the Manhattan Bridge. You can only stand, take a moment and breathe in the beauty.

After the carousel, Angelique played for a bit but whenever she gets a chance to practice her handstand or split she takes it.

Next we explored Photoville which is an exhibit that is currently being displayed at Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are large, majestic images displayed around the park but the main exhibit can be seen pop up style in shipping trucks. Amazing.

One of the exhibits at Photoville included old “mugshots” of women during the 20s and 30s in Brooklyn. I thought it so interesting that all of the women were so well dressed and the coats were lovely. LOL. Don’t ask me why I thought that interesting.

The view of the Brooklyn Bridge as the sun starts to go down.

It’s time to head out of DUMBO but not before looking up to take a peek of the budding sunset.

Finally, there it is. This is a shot that I took while driving home in the car. Looks like fire.

September 24, 2016 0

A Headwrap and a White Shirt.

Is there any combination better than a headwrap and a white shirt? Well, you can probably think of a few but you must admit that the white shirt and headwrap is a classic combo that looks clean, crisp yet edgy. It can take you from day to night and can be casual or classicly sophisticated.

Oh, you can’t leave out a bold lip by the way. The clean blank white shirt leaves room for creativity and boldness elsewhere with your styling so don’t just stop at the scarf. Let yourself go and try those lip colors that you would normally shy away from. Please do the reds, oranges, fuschias and browns.

Found this brick wall and thought it was the perfect backdrop for highlighting my wrap and shirt.

I lived in these Cole Haan sunglasses all summer long. The lips are courtesy of MAC, “Antique Velvet” is what they call it.

I found the biggest and coolest sunflower painted on a restaurant wall and I had to take a picture.

A view of the Verrazano Bridge from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. I had no idea (well I have some idea but I don’t think of it often) that we are surrounded by so much water in Brooklyn. The water grants serenity and always clears my head.

September 16, 2016 2

It’s Always Summer in Miami Beach

We recently spent a few of our summer days on South Beach. Miami has always been a city that we love to visit. The energy, heat and the food have always been the perfect mixture for a great vacation. Before we had our daughter we vacationed there but it looked a little different, slightly. We were tempted to stop into a club on Lincoln Road pre daughter but now we really don’t even think of a club or even miss it. A nice dinner on the busy beachfront Collins Ave is really all we need for our family entertainment now. There are restaurants where live bands play exciting and lively music so we really don’t feel as though we are missing out. In reality, we go Miami for the beach but there really is a ton to do in the city of Miami. There are museums, gardens and historic neighborhoods (mainly centering on the heritage of those who come from Cuba and Haiti and make up a majority of the city) all within your reach.

Here’s a look at our recent visit to South Beach:

So what do you do when you see really cool palm leaves that you never see in NYC? Take cool pictures of course! These were taken at the Miami Botanical Gardens. It’s a small garden right in the heart of South Beach near the Miami Convention Center. There is no admission fee and one of the most tranquil spaces to stop and take a breather in the middle of the busy city.

For days where we are not at the beach we normally wear our hair up and away from our face. Angelique wore these conditioned pony tail twists in order to keep her hair tangle free.

Our curl savior this trip was the Ouidad ,”Curl Immersion” deep conditioner. The sea salt and harsh sun wrecks havoc on curly hair, especially because curly hair tends to be more dry, and this small 2oz conditioner went into our hair and really untangled and conditioned like magic.

Speaking of the beach…The coconut tree lined promenade welcomes you to the beach and the boardwalk where you can bike ride, rollerblade or engage in some cool activities that can keep you fit and healthy. The people of Miami Beach are into looking fit and fabulous.

Across the street from the beach is the famed Collins Ave where you can find some of the best restaurants in South Beach.

The ocean was amazingly warm and inviting.

What’s Miami without a Mojito? It is the only time I indulge and order this rum-infused drink. It is a perfect mix of cane sugar and mint so it feels like less rum and more mint and sugar. Delish.

Miami at night is, even more, energy filled than Maimi in the daytime. The lights are everywhere and mixed with the clear skies and palms is simply beautiful.

Take a stroll down Espanola Way:

The Euro-inspired Espanola Way. This 5 to 6 block stretched is straight out of the building designs seen in Portugal, Spain or even France. You are automatically transported to a different country and a different time.

Tea (loose) at a cute little French cafe on Espanola Way; A La Folie Cafe. The vibe there was so chill. The owner was so very friendly and was actually French. Bonus.

Are there any spots in Miami that we should visit next time around?

September 6, 2016 0

NYC Sights: Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place is located in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, and bordered by West Street, the Hudson River, Vesey and Liberty Streets. It is a mall that houses many high-end stores but I go for the view. The mall is located on the Hudson River and the view is absolutely beautiful. There are boats that are docked on the Hudson and you might even see the occasional cruise ship float by.

https://brookfieldplaceny.com/

Take a peek of our recent visit:

The gorgeous atrium where there are exhibits displayed each season. There is a great water exhibit currently installed and every view of the water documentary generous donors make donations to children in Ethiopia.

The mall is on the Hudson River and the view is phenomenal!

Kids enjoy the waterscape and small fountain.

The gorgeous French restaurant where we dined.

The view of the water from the shaded garden.

Gorgeous marble table that is perfect for your “birds eye view” photos.

August 9, 2016 2

Curlbox Natural: True by Made Beautiful

The most recent Curlbox Natural box has been dubbed the “Bohemian Summer Box”. Who doesn’t love a Bohemian girl with free flowing curls? The box went on sale at curlbox.com and sold for $40. It’s a great deal because of the five full sized products that fill the box. The incredible True by Made Beautiful products are free of sulfates, parabens and silicones. I know that this is key for many curly girls but is not really a priority for me. I figured the sale of the box as a great time to try the “curly girl” styling products for the month of August and see if I really see a difference in my hair’s health.

The True products have a great fruity scent. It is infused with shea, honey, coconut and mango. There is a full line of products in your box to cleanse and style your curls. The co-wash was good but I have not been using a load of gels or styling products in my hair so there is not much to cleanse. I fear that if I go heavy on the gels then I may have to grab a bottle of shampoo. Overall, the line is great. I’m very pleased that I can use it on my daughter’s hair as well. I adore the leave-in-conditioner and the hydrating hair butter. Your curls are defined and left shiny with very little effort. (Oh, I did add some natural oil along with the hair butter for added shine. I placed a natural oil on my wet hair along with the hair butter and my curls dried defined and oh so soft.)

The signature Curlbox mag card with information about the products that you get in your box.

The “Curl Refresher”, “Hair Butter” and “Treatment Masque”.

The full line-up of products from the Curlbox Natural.

I love air drying my hair in the Summer.

Wet Hair. You can already see the curls formed from the “Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner” and “Hair Butter” being applied. Then you wait to air dry.

Sitting with the “Insense Treatment Masque” after the co-wash.

August 5, 2016 0

Quick Old Navy Summer Sale Haul

I sauntered into my local Old Navy Outlet in mid-July looking for sports bras only to find very few options because there had been a major sale. What’s a girl who needs sports bras to do? Go online of course. I’m not the biggest online shopper there is. I like to feel, touch and look at my wares but the way Old Navy and I are set up, I don’t really need to feel that way regarding shopping online with them. I think I know the store stock by heart.

I went online for sports bras and ended up getting a bunch of yoga/athletic tops and pants for my daughter and some beach essentials for myself.

Let’s take a peek at my goodies:

At $8 dollars each, I had to have two! I cannot get through a workout without a great sports bra and these are a perfect fit and I look for the under breast elastic and crisscross back support.

I spotted this sandal on a girl on the train and I loved them immediately. She had the perfect white polish pedicure and wondered where she got the cute sandals. Fast-forward a week later and there they there were online at Old Navy for 5 dollars. Mine!

We are headed to a little getaway in a few weeks and I am in desperate need of a new swimsuit. This coral color one piece with the braided strap is fresh, young and perfect for family swims. Even greater steal at $16.

August 3, 2016 0

Puerto Rican/Dominican Eats: Mofongo

MOFONGO

Mofongo, a dish of garlicky mashed plantains, is one of the most popular dishes in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It has clear roots in the fufuof West Africa. There are loads of West African influence in dishes that are found in the Caribbean. The mix of spices (adobo) and the use of starches like green banana, plantains and cassava is by way of Ghana and Nigeria.

Living in New York City, you have the advantage of having access to some of the best Puerto Rican and Dominican restaurants outside of those Caribbean islands. I can think of around 3 or 4 spots (restaurants) on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn where I can find amazing mofongo. Recently, I took a visit to a Dominican restaurant located on the corner of Flatbush and Foster Avenue and found that they had amazing chicken mofongo.

My mofongo from the small gem of a restaurant on the corner of Flatbush and Foster Avenues in Brooklyn.

Shredded chicken can be found throughout the mashed plantains. The mofongo is served with a side of lettuce and tomatoes and a side of savory chicken gravy. (The gravy is essential for dipping the mashed plantains in in order for flavors to be soaked up and enjoyed.)

Mofongo normally can be ordered with shredded pork or chicken seasoned in amazing garlicky seasoning and served with gravy of your choice so that you can soak up all of the flavors with the starchy plantain. I have also had the most amazing seafood (shrimp) mofongo in Puerto Rico and can find shrimp mofongo just as amazing at El Viejo Yayo on 5th Avenue in Brooklyn (next to the Barclays Stadium).

Check out this amazing recipe found on Whats4eats and try to create your own mofongo:

Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

Green plantains, peeled and cut into rounds on the diagonal; around 4 of them
Olive oil; 3 tablespoons
Garlic, minced; 3 to 5 cloves
Pork cracklings (chicharrones), crushed; 1 cup
Salt to taste

METHOD

Soak the plantain pieces in a bowl of salted water for 15 to 30 minutes. Drain well and pat dry.
Heat the oil in a sauté pan or skillet over medium flame. Working in batches, sauté the plantain slices until they are cooked through but not yet browned, 10 to 12 minutes. (Saute the garlic in approximately 1 teaspoon of oil before adding to plantain mixture).
Add the plantains, garlic and a little bit of olive oil to a large mortar or bowl and mash with a pestle or potato masher until fairly smooth. Alternatively, pulse with a food processor. Stir in the pork cracklings or shredded pork loin and salt to taste.
Using moistened hands, form into 3-inch balls or mound on a plate and serve warm.

Find recipe at : http://www.whats4eats.com/vegetables/mofongo-recipe

August 1, 2016 0

Easy Summer Pasta

It’s summertime and the weather is fine. What’s better than a great, light ,meal using the available fresh vegetables during the season. This is the perfect time to visit your local farmer’s market and gather fresh veggies like corn, zucchini, asparagus and tomatoes. After you stock up on ripe and in season vegetables, throw them on the grill or sautee them and add it to your favorite dishes.

On nights where I want something more filling than just veggies or a salad, I opt for pasta or orzo added to my favorite carbohydrate. Last night, I got some fresh grape tomatoes, asparagus, baby spinach, fresh shrimp and added it to spaghetti. It’s a great way to get your veggies in and a fantastic way to get your little ones to try and love veggies like asparagus.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1:
Boil your pasta of choice while you prep your vegetables.

Wash and chop your fresh vegetables and put them aside.

Wash and chop your vegetables. Clean and devein your shrimp. Prepare them while you boil your pasta.

Whole grape tomatoes are washed and sliced in half. Wash asparagus and cut off the hard ends. Use the top third of the asparagus. Wash and dry your baby spinach.

Step 2:

After the pasta is al dente take off of the heat and drain.

Add (1-2 tablespoons) olive oil and (1-2 pats) of butter to the pan that the pasta was boiled in.

Add the chopped asparagus ( harder to cook veggies first) and shrimp and then sautee. Oh, don’t forget to add some freshly chopped garlic to your oil.

Add grape tomatoes and continue to sautee.

Season with salt and red pepper flakes as desired.

Stir in pasta and continue to sautee and stir on medium low heat.

Add freshly chopped veggies to pasta. Opt for fresh vegetables and skip the frozen.

Plate and serve with some freshly chopped parsley.

Breakfast is also a time to get some summer fruits in. I’ve been living for freshly chopped watermelon with either a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lemon. Try it!

July 29, 2016 0

Aimee Song’s Tips on How to Nail Great Instagram Pictures

If you are not already following this Social Media whiz then I urge you to log on and hit follow. Aimee Song has a collection of some of the most aesthetically pleasant and gorgeous Instagram lifestyle pictures. She documents her hippy yet chic style in some of the most beautiful locations ranging from Paris to LA. Aimee created a really informative Youtube video some time ago in order to help you step up your IG game.

Let’s take a look at some of the tips that she highlighted in her video:

Create a “Bird’s Eye View” of your coffee or well-plated food. Get your shot using natural (outdoors) lighting and get creative by adding arm swag or a cute clutch.

2) Get shots of multiple details. If wearing cute shoes, rings or bracelets then take shots of those using a clean background.

3) Get a full outfit shot but make sure the background complements your dope outfit. If you are alone, ask someone to take the picture for you but make sure you position them for a perfect full body shot. Have them kneel down, tilt the phone/camera up and shoot.

4) Selfie Time! The best lighting is natural lighting and Aimee suggests that you face your natural light directly or have the light behind you for a soft look. Get close to a window where the natural light beams from at home or on location.

5) If shooting interiors or scenic photos make sure the angles are straight. Use the grid on your phone to help figure out if your horizon is straight.

Check out Aimee’s tips for yourself here:

http://www.songofstyle.com/2014/05/take-good-instagram-photos.html

Aimee’s Blog:

http://www.songofstyle.com/

Aimee’s Instagram:

www.instagram.com/songofstyle

What are some of your tips for nailing the perfect IG shots? Please share.

July 26, 2016 0