This pasta tastes like the real thing!

My friends came over for dinner with her daughter who is close friends with my daughter. They were excited about eating pasta but not enthusiastic when realizing I was using a different pasta with flaxseed in it.  I honestly had no idea what it would taste like.  The finished product was a fantastic hit in the Miranda house!  To my delight and our guests, this pasta was not only good, it was quite delicious!

Ism…Instead of using regular pasta noodles, get extra nutrients and vitamins as well as a tasty alternative.  There are a lot of choices out there, but this is a new staple for pasta in our home…you gotta try it and see for yourself.

Just in time for spring!!

I was in love with some Terminator’s that my daughter was sent…..they had stud’s all over with army green and black detail.  But when I opened my box and saw these pretty ladies, well I forgot all about my entire collection and was entranced by all my favorite colors combined.  And they don’t make my feet look big!! I am not a huge sneaker chica but these I will rock!! Gracias LB!!!!

Ism…always keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.  If you believe you look hot in what you rock, then everyone else will too!!!!! I believe there is always room in my closet of stilettos for some fresh to def sneakers! Yin and Yang…

Pay Attention People!!!!!

I was doing my weekly shopping in Whole Foods this week and to my dismay discovered that my Ahi Tuna craving would have to be substituted by marinated Tofu.  I could not believe that they had no problem displaying fish and raw BACON together?!…..Bacon Wraps?? Seriously?! I was mortified…I can’t get myself to by fish from them for a while I am sure!  who knows what they have chillin next to the Ahi this week. Yuck!  And since when do you pay 3 dollars less for pig and scallops than for sushi grade tuna?!

Ism…In case you didn’t know already, raw pig should not ever be placed touching raw fish!  You never know who might be a not eat pig!

I seriously can’t get enough of these….

It is rare that I am not totally impressed by Louis Vuitton. And especially with Marc Jacobs how could they ever go wrong? His taste is impecable. Have you ever really thought about how influensive this fashion house is?  Seriously they are genius at understanding how to maintain individuality.  The velcro detail??…almost as delisch as the tights that sold out….

Ism…everyone loves Louis. Marc loves artists. I love Sprouse.  Who do you love?

It was a coincidence that Frida was coordinating….I swear!

I am not lying when I tell ya this took me 5 minutes to do.  And it has been 10 days and I am still enjoying the aroma of my lillies.  I went to Trader Joe’s for their 5.99 special flower bouquet.  I cut a 1/2 inch off the bottom of the stems.  I placed stones at the bottom of a vase and realized something was missing.  Think. Think…I know! I went to my backyard and picked a slew of Kumquats from my tree and placed them on top of the stones. Then I added the lillies and water with a smiggin of 7up…to keep them fresh longer. I not only spent less than what I normally spend on lunch, but I also used what was in my backyard to create and when the flowers are done standing tall I can use the kumquats as an air freshner for my garbage disposal!

Presto!

Ism…I always feel better connected when I have nature around me.  You don’t have to go and spend 100 bucks to achieve chic decor for your home.  Just use your imagination and be creative.  More than likely you will surprise yourself on how easy and inexpensive it really is to decorate your space.  Make time to brighten a dark corner with beautiful color.

This oil is the truth.

So this week I found myself browsing through the aisles of the well known, Naimie’s. This beauty supply store is one that all hair stylists and makeup artisits know about in L.A. They have a very well versed group of professionals to help guide you and answer questions you might have regarding hair care and makeup as well. I ran upon this new find called, GOE Oil, which is a moisturizing all over oil. The ingredients are insane! It is 100% all natural.

Rosehip, Hemp, Meadowfoam, and Rice Bran all high in fatty acids and omegas.
Avocado, Grapeseed, Mango, Pumpkin Seed, and Shea all rich in vitamins A,E,C,B,G and Beta Carotene.
Kukuinut oil protects.
Chamomile, and Calendula calm and reduce inflammation.
Rosemary extract to give a nice scent…

It is great after a day in the sun, or after shaving or waxing as well. The scent reminds me of the scent of the breeze while sunning at the beach. And there is no weird residue that other oils leave.  You will love how soft and totally moisturized your skin and hair feel. Plus, a little bit goes a long way!

Ism… GOE get some for yourself! Your skin will thank you for being so thoughtful and kind to care about what you put ON it as much as what you put IN your body. Your skin and the Earth will thank you.

I couldn’t resist when I saw the walls…..

So as girls do sometimes, we three chicas went to the restroom together while at the 1X bash. Now I am not sure how many of you men know why we really go together, so I am just gonna put you up on to game. Basically, in some women’s powder rooms the decor can be somewhat boring….wait in a line that takes forever, handle our business, do a quick makeup and hair check, do one last glance from the corner of our eyes and we are on our way. But every now and then we enter into a dream of a bathroom that is the perfect backdrop for a quickie photo shoot that we can post whenever we are in need of a pat on the back to reflect on why Women are frickin’ AMAZING!!!!

Now all the Ladies who are reading this…I know you all have some photos from a Women’s powder room where the lighting was just right for a good beauty closeup…

WORK!
or where your outfit sparkled immaculately so much that you were feelin’ like all the sacrifice of no carbs was paying off and almost worth it…

FIRE!
Or maybe you discover you do love the outfit you finally decided on, since you tried on 100 outfits before surrendering and just sayin’, “Forget it! I don’t care, I will just wear this…”

WHAT?!…Bananas!
Or maybe you have had such a fantastic night that you just want a Fab pic to remember how much fun you had!

Bellisima!…Candace, the amazing brain behind the beautiful jewelry line Bella Me, Digit, y yo!
FYI, these photos were taken in the ‘My House’ Women’s powder room…just in case ya might wanna take a couple snap shots yourself.

Ism…always take time to love yourself a little.  And especially when you are in a fierce outfit that you know should win an award!…all jokes aside.  When you are making moments with friends, those are irreplaceable and should be cherished.  Even if it is in the Women’s powder room,  take the time to look at yourself and smile and say,” I am Gorgeous!” Celebrate YOUR Beauty.

The LA scene was all the rage at ‘My House’ when 1X made its debut. Belvedere’s newest and finest Vodka has been introducing it self to the world for the last couple months now in select areas…and let me tell you if you haven’t tasted it then you are missing out!  What makes it special is the exclusivity of the Vodka, the nine special ingredients that contribute to its exceptional taste, and the collaborative Art that graces it’s label. To have seen it, is to love it without even tasting it, and when you do taste it, you just want to know where and how you can get more!  Andre, known stick-figure grafitti artist and club owner, helped set 1X apart from the rest by adding his own personal touch to the exterior of the bottle. The result is a very sexy and modern look. I think this is a new fashion trend in the liquor industry and hopefully we will see more of it.

I love the Hot Pink and Black!!

Hipsters and Trendsetters danced to the tunes of the very talented Mr.Best and Europe’s finest, J.U.S.T.I.C.E.
J.U.S.T.I.C.E. with KennyMac.

It being such a special occasion and all….LVMH made sure all the big dogs were there for the celebration!

Charles Gibb, President of Belvedere, with Andre and KennyMac.

Jason Lundy, Vice President of Marketing for Belvedere, and myself couldn’t resist a photo op on the fabulous bed and fur bedding.

Two of Belvedere’s trendsetting and marketing genius’, Tony Fair and KennyMac.

Some of L.A.’s movers and shakers in the fashion game were there to help celebrate.

The Evil Monito…Mr. Rickey Kim.

The super talented and always fly goddess’ Digit and Lanie.

TAZ and I always see eye to eye on individuality!

my gal pal/ DJ Valida….

Ism…as an original losangelino, I am proud to say that L.A. nightlife is finally starting to catch up to the rest of the world.  There are more and more events like this one that make me excited to live in L.A.  The beautiful weather and entertainment industry are no longer the only sensible reasons to live in L.A.  If you would consider the entertainment industry to be sensible…..heehee.  Now we can add in the nightlife!

It’s all about positive changes being made in L.A. right now.  Whether you live in L.A. or a remote island that somehow has wireless internet, you can either watch from a distance or you can be the change!  I plan on being the change. You?

A fellow art lover’s new tattoo of Our New President!

While in DC for the Inauguration, I paid close attention to everyone’s fashion sense. Considering it was freezing temperatures, it was definitely a challenge to be fabulous and warm! I went to an exhibit for various artist’s interpretations of Obama that the famed graf artist and creator of the iconic Obama image, Shepard Fairey put together.
That night they went all out with performances. Not only did we listen to Shepherd Fairy spin, but also Moby! DeLaSoul got up and did their thang with a follow up performance of one of my favorites, Santigold. Who might I add, is such a trendsetter for her fashion choices!  It was a night to put in the history books for sure. As far as the fashion was concerned… there was the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly. I will only show you the good because that’s worth mentioning, but trust me the ugly was painfully bad.  I am tossing it to the weather restrictions which has always tied my creativity in a knot……

The Good.

As far as I am concerned, it didn’t matter what I wore. With that haircut, I was killin’ the game! And my Mike & Chris boots are the lick right now!

These three friends made me want to be their friend too…so I could dip into their closets.

This hipster teen was having a ball the whole night.  She was working them leggings.

I was in love with all of their looks, although the scarf was tied a lil bit too low on Chica with the fantastic tutu….but it still worked for her. I Love the Confidence!!

It is all about sequins…and especially a sequin blazer! It dressed up her casual look effortlessly. The scarf, I could have done without or tied up differently.

Being a fellow mohawker, I am always a fan. Love the PEACE sign as well.

Feelin the yellow tights with the booties.

Santigold and I after her fabulous performance.

Ism…I believe that Obama has shown us just how diverse we really are as Americans, and how beautiful that is.  Diversity is the Majority.  Since the art of fashion was first introduced we are continuing to push the envelope in what is fashionable.  In my opinion, Fashion and Art are one of the same thing.  They grow from the same tree and just veer off into separate branches. One thing is for sure though,  the cold weather can stifle any fashionable perspective every now and again.  All that being said, for the most part it was a great night in fashion, phenomenal night in art, and a momentous occasion to be celebrating!

Nancy Cunard is one of my icons. She lived a life that surpasses the most glamourous and excentric hollywood starlets of modern times. She exuded a strength and independence that was often times confused to be rebellious. I beg to differ.

Born in 1896, this British shipping heiress was solitary in her beliefs and morals for her time as a woman…. as well as trendsetting style.  Nancy followed the 20’s staple fashion but always wearing the signature look of bangles.  She was photographed continuously wearing bangles that stacked up her forearms. Besides the trendsetting fashion sense, she was an Individualist, Modernist, Dada and Surrealist. She was a published writer and poet, political activist, and muse to some of our world’s most treasured writers and artists. Her lovers included Aldous Huxley, Ernest Hemingway, Henry Crowder, Langston Hughes, Louis Aragon, Man Ray, and Constantin Brancusi. She devoted her life to fighting racism and fascism. She set up a company to help support and create a higher paying market for writers that were, at that time, viewed to be risky called The Hours Press. Known for it’s book design and quality production, the Hours Press published writer Samuel Beckett’s first seperately published poem, Whoroscope in 1930.was one She past away in 1965 in Europe penniless and of mental illness and physical deterioration, weighing only 60lbs.

I have always admired photos of her, not aware of whom she was. Now after familiarizing myself with her story, I am inspired to not only continue on my personal quest to be an individualist but to also reflect her influence through my fashion sense. Something I have always loved is bangles. I will continue to stack bangles!! There is no such thing as “too much”.

Ism…stand up for what you believe in regardless of what others say or think and don’t be afraid to express yourself. I hope more of you are inspired by her story. She was a Woman in every sense of the word and embraced it.