5 spring fashion trends, straight from NY fashion week!

1.HIGH WAISTED DENIM WITH WIDE LEGS *70’S ISH…* I AM ADDICTED TO SKINNY JEANS BUT I MAY SWTICH IT UP A LITTLE WITH A PAIR OF WIDE LEG HIGH WAISTED JEANS PAIRED WITH A WHITE BUTTON UP AND A SKINNY BELT*

2.WEDGE HEELS *UNLESS THEY MAKE SOME THAT ARE SEXY AND MAKE ME FEEL AND LOOK SEXY I’M NOT SO SURE I WILL BE WEARING WEDGES, I HATE THEM*

3.PRINTS *DON’T BE AFRAID TO ROCK PRINTS THIS SEASON! HAVE FUN WITH IT BUT DEFINITELY DO NOT GO OVER BOARD AND LOOK LIKE A FOOL!*

4.OFFICE CHIC *ANYTHING TAILORED AND CRISP, THAT IS OFFICE APPROPRIATE. TAILORED TOPS, TROUSERS,WIDE LEG TROUSERS, BUTTON UPS, BLAZERS!* THIS IS STILL A CATEGORY WHERE MY BELOVED BLACK BLAZER FITS IN! LOVE IT!

5.LITTLE WHITE DRESS *IF YOU ARE FASHION FORWARD AND NOT AFRIAD TO ROCK A WHITE DRESS GO FO IT! IT’S ONE OF SPRING 2011 BIGGEST TRENDS!* I MAY BE FASHION FWD BUT LETS BE REAL HERE, I’M A CHUNKY LIL THANG AND I DONT THINK A WHITE DRESS WOULD LOOK SO HOT ON ME. WE WILL SEE, I MIGHT SURPRISE MYSELF!

**IF YOU ARE GOING TO SWITCH UP YOUR WARDROBE THIS SPRING, DON’T FORGET TO PICK UP A FEW BELTS AND ACCESSORIES TO MATCH YOUR NEW LOOK!**

Cuban Fried Chicken, Candied jalapenos and fried Plantain

Cuban Fried Chicken

Ingredients
1 whole chicken
5-6 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 tsp ground oregano
1 onion cut in slices
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tbsp dry white wine
olive oil
1/2 tbsp pepper
salt to taste
2 tbsp Adobo seasoning
Fresh parsley
juice from 1 lime

Directions
Use a sharp knife and separate chicken by parts. Remove excess fat and skin.
Clean with lemon juice and rinse off with hot water. Combine garlic, oregano, onion, orange juice, wine, adobo and salt. Pour mixture over chicken.
Cover and marinade in the refrigerator overnight or 3-4 hours
5. Remove chicken pieces from marinade and cook in heated skillet or pan until they are golden brown.
Remove garlic and onion from marinade and sauté them in a separate pan. Place garlic and onion over chicken and add fresh parsley.

Candied Jalapenos

Ingredients
5 jalapeno peppers, seeded and cut into thin strips
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup hot water

Directions
Pour the sugar and water into a small sauce pan over high heat.
When the water starts to boil, add the sliced jalapeno. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook about 15 minutes. Don’t let the sugar reach the soft boil stage – it should stay slightly watery even at the end.
Transfer jalapeno slaw to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Fried Plantain

Ingredients
4 plantains, cut into 1/2 in sections (you can substitute bananas if you want)
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced plantains, brown sugar and cinnamon. Saute, flipping to coat with butter, about 15 minutes.

10 things every woman should have in their closet!

Tired of looking like this when you “can’t find anything” to wear? It might be because you are missing staple items in your closet!

EVERY WOMAN KNOWS THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT, WELL THESE ARE THE THE TOP 10 STAPLE ITEMS THAT YOUR CLOSET CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT!

1. The Little Black Dress is a fashion must have. That makes sense: it’s the one dress that fits perfectly every time and can go anywhere with the right accessories.

2. A perfect pair of jeans or Skinny Jeans. A lot of people don’t like skinny jeans because they make you look shorter (which is true), but you also have to know how to wear them. So if you’re not very tall, and want to pull off skinny jeans without looking so short pair them with some closed toed BLACK pumps!

3.Pair of close toe black pumps. Your closed toe black heels will not only make your three piece suit extra professional, but can also meet up with most of your wardrobe items in a fashionable expression of understated style. They also add length to your legs!

4. A plain white fitted shirt. A plain white shirt can be used for layering and can be dressed up or down!

5. A scarf. It’s a piece that can add instant style impact to any outfit. Pick one in a bold color or vivid pattern.

6. A big bag. If there is one thing your closet cannot miss out on, is a big bag!

7. A blazer (black). A black blazer adds a subtle touch of sexiness while keeping it chic and classic! What can you pair a black blazer with?

■Mini Dress: Take your average mini dress to a business fashion level with a cute black blazer on top. You can mix and match any colors that you would like with a simple black blazer!
■ Black skinny jeans: Black skinny jeans paired with pumps and a fitted white tee with some silver accessories and some big hair? definitely edgy and sexy!
■Sky-High Heels: In the same way, your perfect pair of skinny jeans will look truly stunning with elaborate high heels, and why not pair that with a flowing top to give a little bit of edge to your standard black blazer?
8. A Great Coat (pea coat or trench). A stylish coat goes a long way – you can wear it to work, you can wear it to parties, you can wear it on top of the little black dress…ANYWHERE!

9. Black pants (dress pants AND skinny jeans). You can pair both with your blazer and whiter shirt! For an office look take your white shirt, blazer, dress pants and pumps. Instantly office chic! For an everyday look or day to night look white shirt, blazer, black skinny jeans, pumps add some accessories and boom! day to night outfit!

10. Accessories! Ok, so maybe you don’t keep your accessories in the closet but you know how accessories can instantly change your outfit and give it new life! Certain accessories can dress your outfit up or down. Studs vs chandelier earrings, chunky vs simple necklaces, bangles vs simple watches and big cocktail rings vs no rings. With accessories the possibilities are endless, chic vs rocker, sexy vs sophisticated….!

If you don’t have any or are missing some of these items in your closet or want things to pair these items with, then this can be your excuse to go shopping and update your wardrobe. Good luck and happy shopping!

Jamaican rice and peas and Jerk Chicken recipe

Rice and Peas

Ingredients
2 cups parboiled rice
1/2 cup red peas, dried or canned
1 packet of coconut milk powder, or 1/2 can coconut milk
1 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic
1 small onion, chopped
1 stalk scallion (crushed)
1 sprig thyme
1/4 tsp pimento (all spice)
pinch of black pepper
1 whole green scotch bonnet pepper (jabanero)
1/2 tsp ginger (optional)


Directions
Boil peas in cold water until tender. Pour off stock from peas and measure. Add enough water and coconut milk/coconut milk powder to make 4 cups of liquid, and add to peas.

If you are using canned peas, there is no need to cook them beforehand. Just add the four cups of liquid as described above.

To the mixture of peas, water and coconut milk, add all the seasonings and spices. Allow to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

Add the rice to this mixture, and stir well. Increase flame until liquid boils. Then reduce heat and cover. Simmer until rice grains are tender. Try not to stir again as this will make the rice sticky.

Jamaican rice and peas is good with any kind of chicken, pork and beef, as well as curry goat, steamed fish,and the list goes on. You don't even need meat to enjoy it, and the peas provide protein, so it's nutritious all on its own.

Jerk Chicken

Ingredients
1 tablespoon Ground allspice
1 tablespoon Dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons Cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons Ground sage
3/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons Garlic powder or fresh
1 tablespoon Sugar
1/4 cup Olive oil
1/4 cup Soy sauce
3/4 cup White Vinegar
1/2 cup Orange juice
1 Lime juice
1 Scotch bonnet pepper (habanero)
3 Green onions -- finely chopped
1 cup Onion -- finely chopped
4 to 6 chicken breasts

Directions
Seed and finely chop Scotch Bonnet pepper.

Trim chicken of fat. In a large bowl, combine the allspice, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, garlic powder and sugar. With a wire whisk, slowly add the olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, orange juice, and lime juice.
Add the Scotch Bonnet pepper, onion, and mix well. Add the chicken breasts, cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, longer if possible.
Preheat an outdoor grill.
Remove the breasts from the marinade and grill for 6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. While grilling, baste with the marinade. Bring the leftover marinade to a boil and serve on the side for dipping.

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Caribbean Coconut Loaf

Carribean coconut loaf is better known in the caribbean as "sweat bread" it is extremely popular and has a great and very unique taste!


Ingredients•4 cups self raising flour
2 cups grated coconut (approx 3/4 of a package or 1 small dried cocnut)
1 cup shortening or margarine (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup warm water or milk
1 tsp vanilla/mixed essence
1 tsp almond essence (optional)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground spice
1 tsp nutmeg (optional)
raisins (approx 1 small handful) (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees f and grease 1 large or 2 small loaf pans with shortening.

2. Gather ingredients together in large bowl and using your hands, mix together well until batter is firm but sticky.
3. Fill baking pans and sprinkle with white sugar. Mixture should fill 3/4 of baking pan.
4. Bake approx 45 mins or until top of bread has begun to look brown

How To Shop Your Closet and Create Something That Works For You

SIMPLE STEPS ON HOW TO SHOP YOUR CLOSET!
Step 1: Pick your eight best pieces
Step 2: Lay your choices out on the floor
Step 3: Pick your basics
Step 4: Make a list of what's missing
Step 5: Create outfits and try them on--shoes and all!
Step 6: Choose a handbag
Step 7: Accessorize!
Step 8: Snap the looks *for future reference*
scroll down for a detailed how to: shop your closet


Shop Your Closet *Detailed*


•Given the state of the current economy, most women don't have money to buy too many new clothes. But, every woman has a hidden boutique in her own closet.

•Women can easily become confused when they have too many clothes in their closet, so editing is key. Have a BFF (best friend in fashion) whose style you admire go through your closet with you and help you decide what to use and what to lose. Let go of pieces that are outdated, the wrong size, or unflattering for your skin tone and body type. Imagine your closet as the perfectly edited boutique where every item fits and flatters just you.

•Don't get hung up on items you know shouldn't be hanging in your closet anymore. Simply keep them as mementos instead of wearing them. Or, think of fresh new ways to work them into your life, like making it into a pillowcase, blanktet or even wrapping your organizers with it.

•Make a "maybe" pile of things you might be able to re-work with minor alterations or update with new items. Such as adding a belt and some acccsories to a simple dress.

•Pull and try on different combos like you would in a store.

•Once you have edited down your closet, its time for the fun part - make a list of new items you need to complete your wardrobe. Have an event coming up? Need more clothes that work for day or night? Head to the stores with a list of what you really need and start shopping! You will buy much less than you would in the past. Smarter choices = smarter style.


Organize Your Closet


•Organize your closet by category and color so you can see exactly what you have. Once you do, you'll become inspired and find new ways of putting different pieces together and creating new outfits.



•Women don't run out of clothes, they run out of ideas. You might be surprised to find that the more organized your closet is, typically the more organized your life will be. Set your closet up like a mini boutique.


•If you can't SEE those shoes or that top, you'll forget about it. Remember, out of site, out of mind.


•If you don't have a lot of room in your closet, think about using boxes and containers with pictures of the item(s) on the front of the container.


•Investing in matching hangers will really make you smile when opening your closet door.


•Try finding items in your household you may no longer use as organizers. For instance, wrap your belts around an old vase or hang your jewelry in a way that showcases each piece and helps you remember it's there. Put them together in a way that inspires you to create new looks.

Stretch Your Wardrobe


•Get more style miles out of your spring wardrobe by only purchasing exactly what you need. Do some homework before you head to the stores. Look up your favorite brands' websites to get a feel for what's available, on sale, or for styling ideas.


•When you get to the stores, look for versatile items. Don't worry about buying head-to-toe outfits. Think about purchasing individual items that can be worn different ways. In other words, pieces you can wear from the desk to dinner or from work into the weekend. Layering pieces are great, like lightweight cardigans, that can be stretched from one look to the next. I love blazers with skinny jeans and a pair of cute pumps or try a flirty skirt with a serious top and belt *stick to one color palette*! Belts on just about anything - from jackets and sweaters, to blouses and coats too. Wide or thin.

•a new way to change up your LBD (little black dress) add a broach and/or some wild heels.


•One great way to stretch what you already have is to take pictures of the looks you get complimented on, creating your own mini look book. It might give you new ideas to wear what you already own. Flip through magazines for inspiration and tear out your favorites. For example, a photo of a celebrity whose style you admire wearing dark jeans, a white button down, and a navy blazer can easily translate into a look you might have in your closet.

Toni & Guy *Urban Academy* -Orientation

It's finally here! November 2nd I start my journey at Toni & Guy hairdressing academy...I am extremely upset because I wanted to do the makeup course only. But unfortunately fin. Aid doesn't cover it, so I ended up having to do the whole cosmetology program AND can't start messing with makeup until effin JUNE ugh. I am definitely not wanting to do hair but it's whatever I suppose. Yesterday I had my orientation, it went well. Lots of information and resources to ensure success...although if you are the type that gets sick, so sick that your almost unable to lift a finger (me), your going to need serious discipline to make it there. I can already tell that dedicting my life to school for 10 months straight, 5 days a week is going to be difficult. Basically if you miss a day, or three...not only do you have to start all over again, you also have to pay 20 bucks an hour. I hope and pray that I can make it through because lord knows I am not trying to pay the federal government back 18k because I dropped out. Nor am I trying to pay them more money to start over and re-learn. STRESS! And NO LIFE..... for 10 months...wish me luck!

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Products used:
Too faced shadow insurance
Nyx jumbo pencil black bean
MAC freshwater e/s -lid
MAC venomous villains she who dares mineralize duo e/s -lid
MAC hepcat e/s -crease
MAC hepcat e/s -lower lash
MAC violet pigment -lower inner

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Get Glammed up by Ms. Rocki!

Have you ever heard "beauty comes from the inside....the rest i can just MAKEUP?" That is exactly what Rocki can do for you, from fashion stylist to makeup artist! Upcoming photo-shoot, music video, party...etc, no glam squad? No clue what to wear? NO PROBLEM!! Email Rocki at urstylist@rocthis.com *24 hours a day* where else are you going to get free virtual styling 24 hours a day?!?!?!!!! While you're at it head over to http://site.rocthis.com/ and catch up on today's hottest styles! Be sure to visit the shop and get that hot dress for your special event, and some amazing, trendy and unique pieces to complete the look! http//site.rockthis.com carries all of the latest fashions from all over the US. November 5, 2009 Rocki helped style me via twitter for my birthday because I threw a bunch of stuff together and desperately needed her! She saved me from looking crazy on my special night!
Don't like email but love twitter? click on http://twitter.com/RocThis super nice, amazing personality, talented stylist! I promise you will not be disappointed!

In the words of Rocki herself "It's not what you wear, it's how you rock it!"
email: urstylist@rocthis.com
twitter: twitter.com/RocThis
web: http://site.rocthis.com

Alcohol + Cupcakes = Very Happy Jen

Video of The Week: Definition Of Swagga

Basics: Contouring, Highlighting and Blush!

Give your face natural looking color and depth using contour, highlight and blush. Do this after you've applied your foundation and face powder. Contour is a dark shade, usually a brown color, and is used to make parts of your face recede, while highlight is a light shade, often white, and is used to make parts of your face protrude more. Using these gives your face more of a 3D effect. Blush is simply used to give your cheeks a healthy glow.

Use an angled contour brush and lightly dab it into your contour shade. Tap the brush to get rid of excess powder.
Apply the contour right under your cheek bones. One way to locate your cheek bones is to make a fish face. Wherever your cheeks are sucked in the most is where you should apply contour. Use a small circular motion to apply. This will make blending it easier. Start to apply it in front of your ears, then bring it towards the corners of your mouth and jaw line, as shown in the picture. Bring the contour up to your temples. If you want, you can bring it up to the highest part of your forehead to frame your face. Apply the contour to the sides of your nose. Blend it into your cheeks.

Now for the highlight! You can use the same contour brush to apply the highlight shade. Make sure there is no leftover contour powder on it. Dab your brush into your highlight shade and tap off the excess powder.
One rule to follow when applying your highlight shade is to apply it wherever light reflects on your face. Typically, above your cheek bones, the bridge of your nose, the center of your forehead and the front of your chin. Using the same circular motion used to apply the contour, apply the highlight shade right above your cheek bones, on the front of your cheeks. If you want, you may also apply your highlight color at the center of your forehead and chin.

Now for the blush!
Use a duo fibre or stippled brush to give your face an air-brushed look, but any regular blush brush will do. Dab the brush into your blush and tap off the excess powder. Now smile big!!! This will help locate the apples of your cheeks. Apply your blush right on the apples of your cheeks and bring it towards your ears. Make sure it is blended well with your highlight above and contour below.
And your done!!!! :)

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Basic: Concealer

Some of the most famous makeup artists the concealer is the most important makeup product and it is one thing you should never skip, because we all want to have flawless complexion. The concealer is one of the smooth-skin essentials. Its purpose is to cover the dark circles under the eyes or redness caused by broken capillaries. The concealers come in both water-and oil-based types.There are several types of concealer:

Stick concealer:
The stick concealer usually comes as a lipstick type tube. The stick concealers provide direct on-the-spot application. It is appropriate for mild pigmentations and discolorations. Apply it directly on larger spots or areas, and blend it carefully. It isn't appropriate for hiding dark circles under the eyes.

Tube concealer:
It is softer than the creams but is usually very oily. The texture is thinner and creamier than stick concealers and works up like foundation. The Tube concealers must be applied with a domed brush. Tube concealers tend to be greasier and collect in fine lines, so use it sparingly and blend it in slightly by tapping with your ring finger or with a sponge.

Cream concealer:
The cream concealers blend better and stay longer. The concealer is easily applied with a sponge or fingers. It is best for minimizing under eye circles, hiding blemishes and camouflaging skin imperfections. It won't crease, slip around or bleed.

Useful Beauty Tips:
First apply the foundation and then apply the concealer otherwise you may smudge it away when you blend your base make sure you dab or patch the concealer on,never wipe or rub it make sure the concealer matches your skin tone don't use foundation or concealer to shade or highlight the face into a special shape unless a special look is required,instead use blush to shape the face. The right shade of concealer is a shade lighter than your skin to hide acne pits, apply the concealer into the pits, using a fine brush don't apply more than two coats of concealer. For hiding birthmarks and sun spots you will probably need a combination of concealer and foundation while the concealer is still damp, immediately apply powder in order to set, seal and dry the concealer. A concealer with white shade brightens dull skin and makes the skin look healthy.
A concealer with blue shade whitens a reddish complexion.
A concealer with rose or peachy shade gives the skin a glow.
A concealer with green shade helps cover up redness caused by pimples or broken veins.
Drier concealers are better for covering up the face and the creamier concealers are better for more delicate areas such as the nose, the mouth and under-eye area.
A bad one is white, pink, chalky, dry or greasy because they can highlight the flaws.
A good one is smooth, creamy, yellow-based, it blends easily into the skin and makes you look instantly better and brighter.

Hope this helped!

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Cool vs Warm

Warm colors are based on yellows, oranges, browns, yellowish greens, orangish reds, and the like.

Cool colors are based on blues, greens, pinks, purples, blue-greens, magentas, and blue-based reds.


Once you have a basic understanding, you can then differentiate between for example, a "warm pink" and a "cool pink". A warm pink is a peachy pink. A cool pink would be a purplish pink. A warm green would be a yellowish green. A cool green would be more blue.

A warm toned foundation powder is more yellow based. A cool toned one is more pink.

When you hear someone say "I am an autumn" or "I am a spring", this means that they look best in warm tones. In contrast, "summers" and "winters" look best in cool tones. (this is based on the Color Me Beautiful method of skin typing).

Looking at blushes? As a rule, any blush with a brown or peach undertone is warm. Any blush with a purple or pink undertone is cool. Some colors can work for both skintones, such as a peachy pink or a pinkish brown.

Keep in mind that computer monitors all vary in how they display colors. The best best is to try a few samples and see how they compare, or find a local MAC, Sephora or drug store where you can swatch different colors.

If you do not know your skintone, you can estimate it by referring to the following chart:

Cool: Eyes are typically blue or grey. Haircolor typically blonde, brown or black. Skin has definite blue and pinkish undertones. Cool-toned people look best in colors such as blue, red, pink and purple, or "gem-tones". Usually look best in silver jewelry. In natural light, the color of the veins on the underside of your wrist are bluish. You can wear a white shirt and it is flattering on you.

Neutral: Eyes may be any color. Hair may be any color. Skin has unspecifiable undertones, such as pink, olive or yellow. Those with neutral coloring can wear just about any color clothing and look good. Can wear gold or silver jewelry (no preference as to which looks better)

Warm: Eyes are typically brown, green or hazel. Haircolor typically brown, black, red, auburn, blonde or strawberry blonde. Skin has yellow/orange or olive undertones. Warm-toned people look best in earthy-toned clothing, such as browns, yellows, oranges, yellowish green and ecru. Look best in gold jewelry. In natural light, the color of the veins on the underside of your wrist are greenish. You are most flattered by an off-white, cream or ecru shirt (i.e. pure white makes you look washed out)

NAME SERIES; ASHLEY

I DECIDED THAT MY FIRST FEW VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE WOULD BE INSPIRED BY THE PEOPLE I LOVE THE MOST....BY TAKING COLORS THEY LIKE OR SOMETHING THAT REMINDS ME OF THEM...MY FIRST BEING THAT IT IS PINK, I WILL NAME AFTER MY SISSY...HER FAVE COLOR IS PINK *OBVIOUSLY* THIS WAS A QUICK VIDEO QUICK BUDGET FRIENDLY LOOK. I WILL ONLY IMPROVE AS I GO ON! THANKS!
-JEN

PRODUCTS USED:
EYE PRIMER FROM SALLY BEAUTY
NYX JUMBO PENCIL IN MILK
N.Y.C COLOR WHEEL IN SCARLET LETTER
LA. COLORS PALETTE IN CHIC
LA COLORS LIP GLOSS IN PINK DIAMONDS
MAYBELINE MASCARA IN XXL EXTENSIONS
MAYBELINE BLACK EYE LINER

MAKEUP MAKEUP MAKEUP

IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS I WILL BE EMBARKING ON THE BEAUTY SCHOOL JOURNEY! YES! IM SO EXCITED! LATELY I'VE BEEN SO INTO MAKEUP IT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY! I GO TO WORK COME HOME THEN PLAY WITH MAKEUP...LIKE A LITTLE KID NSHIT HAHA LOL! IM EXCITED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HAIR AS WELL, CUTTING ETC...SHOULD BE AN INTERESTING/ EXCITING JOURNEY! WISH ME LUCK!

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