NEW SOUL

...who doesn't need one?!

I often work backwards - I speak what I feel, instead of what is best. I am an impulsive shopper, instead of trying things on. And finally, I found soul music by way of hip hop. Yes I said it. I discovered soul music from Puff Daddy covers. I knew something was up when my mom knew the lyrics. Come on = Juicy anyone? Mo' Money Mo' Problems? Can I get an amen up in here (hand up, waiting for a high five)...??

No matter the route, I found it, and it has been a rewarding journey through the musical yellow brick road. THe new venture lies within this new genre of neo-soul. A new crop of music is emerging, either by seasoned artists or the young buck. Here are my favorite acts in the new wave of souuuullll:


Raphael Saadiq.
An artist that gained his notoriety through acts like: Tony Toni Tone, Lucy Pearl, and his solo record: Instant Vintage, Saadiq is not only a Bay Area native, but an R&B genius. A class act, both on record, and in person. With his record The Way I See it, he successfully interpreted soul music into the present day. Listening to this record, if you close your eyes, you could be in the 60's. Beautiful.





Mayer Hawthorne
"Who the fuck is that?" Yes, I thought the same when I got the e-vite. But all in all, homeboy put on a dope, dope, show. He's on the Stonesthrow label, started by Peanut Butter Wolf, who also played at the MH show. Ultimately, a wonderful addition to my neo-soul playlist. And we have matching glasses.




Amy Winehouse
Girl, I know this bitch is crazy, and addicted, but for better or for worse, Wino has got the sound. Homegirl had to tweak her notes from the first album, but her sophomore was so slamin when it came out. To keep it real, Amy can sing, but her songs slap because of the Dap Kings. This band makes music that is sooo clean, so funky, and with so much souull.




Sharon Jones.
Speaking of the Dap Kings, probably the QUEEEEEEN BEE of neo-soul, is Ms. Thang herself, Sharon Jones. The DK's are her band as well, and I saw them perform at the Warfield - two words = so fly. If you watch any of the videos I have included, please watch this one in its entirety, she deserves it.

This bitch...

is rockin that outfit! This is my idea of wearing heals, but for me, this outfit would require more cleavage, way more cleavage. Naturally.

3+Million Views on YouTube doesn't lie.

WTF: Fame Kills.

.. and I can't wait.

Fame Kills from kwest on Vimeo.

And another one bites the dust.

Until further notice, I am, yet again, phone-less. This time hurts particularly bad, because it was an effin iPhone. Those things are dangerous. Not only that, but my d.camera is malfunctioning.

I am technologically challenged...

Real Housewives of ATL: Alter-Ego's

Last night's episode focused on the unveiling of the final portraits of the Alter-Ego photoshoot. Here are the end results!


NENE: Stripper/Prude


Sheree: Robbing herself


Lisa: Good girl gone bad.


Stepford wife/ Mistress


Kandi : Drunk Driver/ victim.

FASHION WEAK.

NYC is poppin right now!



3.1 Phillip Lim







Peter Som




Alexandre Herchocovitch






MILLY


Nothin wrong with a lil black dress and a lot of gold...





more to come!

SIEMPRE TENGO HAMBRE.

******update******



I am always hungry.

...TIME MACHINE

I'm about ten years old, and I find myself up late in the night. If I recall correctly I just got back from some excursion. I meet my mom in the kitchen, the house is asleep, but we decide on a midnight snack. She hands me the wooden spoon and has an array of bowls lining the stove, each filled with a different item. We are making a midnight omelet. I think this is the first time that I acknowledged my love for food/cooking/eating. Each ingredient was thoughtfully diced/chopped/grated, and then placed into it's own bowl, and thus, given its own spot light.

The time came, the eggs were quickly whisked with a fork and thrown into the pan, forming a silky blanket, and one by one my mother told me to dump each bowl. What a rush! What a delicious rush!

I find myself with the same love and affection for preparation as I did in that very moment. Today, it probably takes me an hour to prepare any sort of meal, or half an hour for a salad. My sloth like approach to cooking is due to my love affair with food, it's almost therapeutic for me.

On the other side of the coin, I feel that regional culture is also found in food. I am half Mexican, and although my upbringing lacked a Mexican influence (religion, language), there was always some authentic comida mexicana. And when I travel, I strive to find the regional cuisine, untainted by foreign palettes. My stomach might not be thankful, but my soul always is.

Here are a few pictures of my life in food....

Michelle workin it @ work.


Maple Bacon Donut and Gibraltar @Dynamo


HOMEMADE (!!) potstickers, yayyy.


My breakfast at Art's Cafe. Yay!



OJ, from 3+ countries? Steak and a Martini @ Izzy's.


Margarita's, the only tasty thing at Puerto Allegre



Cupcakes from Cara's




Clown egg!


Ever wonder what a million pounds of Walnuts looks like?



Meet Indio: he's a Rottweiler, and likes to eat beef. He lives in Argentina.


Roasting squash and eggplant, before/after.



Peanut butter and curry ice cream. OMG.


$EBO, before Bourdain.


Pizzetta goodness, and Modelo goodness.

Kathy Griffin is a beast.

"Hey 'P' its 'J'..."

OMG! It's the real-life versions of PC and Jessie from Bravo's reality show "NYC Prep" the summer's guiltiest pleasure. Finally The Sartorialist gives me something I can work with...

via The Sartorialist.

Hot Pink Areatha

Only in Oakland.

Take that time booboo..

NEWSFLASH!!!! Mr. President called Kanye a "Jackass". Word on the street is Sasha and Malia are big Taylor Swift fans...


Kayne sneak attacked the premier episode of The Jay Leno Show, which I'm sure the JLS producers were keen with. Mr. West wanted to apologize on national television to Taylor, aside from the multiple attempts via his blog. Leno then brought up Mr. West's recently deceased mother, bringing West to silence, and he admitted that he needs to take some time off. You take that time boo, and I cannot wait for your welcome back tour!

Everybody (LadyGaga) is a starrrr.

VMA's Edition: Lady Gaga.

She owned it last night. A costume change any chance she could get, and each outfit out did the previous... I'm assuming that was the point. It didn't matter if she looked good, the point was to shock, and I was pleasantly entertained.

Look 1


LOOK 2


LooK III


lOOk IV


LOOK FIVE


Look 6.


AND COUNTING! i keep finding different outfits that homegirl rocked throughout the night. I have to admit, I do watch the VMA's/MTV whatever, but I have never in my MTV viewing career seen so many wardrobe changes. I am beginning to see the potential for Lady Gaga to reach a height of fame that rivals that of Cher and Madonna. She has the talent, and the shock factor.

Cant wait for November 19th...

here is her VMA performance, so awesome!

Lady GaGa - Paparazzi @ MTV VMA's 2009 from Hump on Vimeo.