As much as I love being a party girl, I enjoy spending equal amount time being a domestic goddess trying out new recipes. This pumpkin soup recipe I got from my aunt is delicious and easy to do. It's a great vegetable soup that can go as an appetizer or as the meal. Serve with salad and bread for a quick meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped red pepper
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 (15 oz) can of 100% pumpkin puree
1 (15 oz) can of black beans (rinsed)
1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes (drained)
salt and pepper
Directions:
1. Add oil to the bottom of a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
2. Saute the chopped onion and red pepper for about 5 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
3. Sir in minced garlic and ground cumin. Cook 1 minute, then stir in vegetable broth, pumpkin puree, black beans, diced tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Garnish with cilantro, sour cream and/or plantain chips.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What to Wear for: A Low-Key Fall Day
Whether you're running around doing errands, shopping with your sister or meeting your boyfriend for a late afternoon stroll in the park, you want something comfortable, casual and easy to wear. Pair a black turtleneck (medium to lightweight) with gray skinny jeans and flat boots. It's simple yet stylish. Accessorize by adding a large bag (tote or handbag) a wide headband or a newsboy hat.
C&C California Black Cotton 'Dominque' Turtleneck $47.00 Bluefly.com
Roxy 'Brooks' Skinny Stretch Jeans $44.50 Nordstrom
Long Brewster Leather Boots $198.00 J.Crew
C&C California Black Cotton 'Dominque' Turtleneck $47.00 Bluefly.com
Roxy 'Brooks' Skinny Stretch Jeans $44.50 Nordstrom
Long Brewster Leather Boots $198.00 J.Crew
Do Magazines Need A Signature Look?
By Style and Focus Lifestyle PR
I have a sorority sister who sells ad space in magazines and yesterday we stopped by a local cafe to buy a coffee (for her) and spiced pumpkin chai tea (for me) to just sit and catch-up. Some how we got on the subject of signature looks of magazines and Glamour came to mind of not having a signature look anymore.
As much as I like Glamour (I've been a long time reader since high school) I feel like it doesn't have a signature or unique look anymore. The improvements seem to have turned it into a whole new magazine. The layouts, articles and even the cover reminds me too much of Marie Claire. Other magazines such as Cosmopolitan have updated and given the magazine a fresh new look but it still has the feel of a Cosmopolitan magazine. As with any other product, improvements are important and sometimes necessary to stay competitive but with some products you still want to leave something that can be distinguishable to your clients (readers).
We were both very disappointed with Glamour's latest issue (November) with the 3D. From a marketing standpoint the 3D section is way to gimmicky and doesn't really add any value to the magazine except possibly to increase sales.
Once I got home, I starting flipping through a few older Glamour '08 issues sitting on the coffee table and noticed that you can really see a difference between the older and the last three (Sept., Oct., and Nov.) issues.
I think magazines should be updated with new looks but still have a signature look to it. The signature look will make it standout amongst all the other magazines on the shelf giving readers a unique feel for that magazine. Other wise what would be the point of buying that particular magazine if it's not different than the others.
I have a sorority sister who sells ad space in magazines and yesterday we stopped by a local cafe to buy a coffee (for her) and spiced pumpkin chai tea (for me) to just sit and catch-up. Some how we got on the subject of signature looks of magazines and Glamour came to mind of not having a signature look anymore.
As much as I like Glamour (I've been a long time reader since high school) I feel like it doesn't have a signature or unique look anymore. The improvements seem to have turned it into a whole new magazine. The layouts, articles and even the cover reminds me too much of Marie Claire. Other magazines such as Cosmopolitan have updated and given the magazine a fresh new look but it still has the feel of a Cosmopolitan magazine. As with any other product, improvements are important and sometimes necessary to stay competitive but with some products you still want to leave something that can be distinguishable to your clients (readers).
We were both very disappointed with Glamour's latest issue (November) with the 3D. From a marketing standpoint the 3D section is way to gimmicky and doesn't really add any value to the magazine except possibly to increase sales.
Once I got home, I starting flipping through a few older Glamour '08 issues sitting on the coffee table and noticed that you can really see a difference between the older and the last three (Sept., Oct., and Nov.) issues.
I think magazines should be updated with new looks but still have a signature look to it. The signature look will make it standout amongst all the other magazines on the shelf giving readers a unique feel for that magazine. Other wise what would be the point of buying that particular magazine if it's not different than the others.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Party Tips for a Simple yet Sophisticated Pizza Party
Last Saturday, my best friend and I had a Pizza Party and it turned into a fun little social gathering. It was a take on the nostalgic kids parties but for adults. It was held at my friend's loft. We didn't want planning it to be a stress fest or to blow a lot of money, so we just kept it simple yet we border more on the sophisticated side (especially since this wasn't a kids party). As for decor we used the concept of an Italian Bistro for inspiration. We wanted to add little bit of romance to it.
Some of our other tips are:
1. We added lots of personality for instance instead of using flowers as a center piece I used red, orange and green peppers in clear vases. It was a nice statement piece.
2. I also made use of her storage room (her loft is above her boutique) and used clothes racks to hang coats and jackets on.
3. Like most party planners, we used E-vite to send out invitations but on the RSVP section we requested guests favorites songs to add to the playlist.
4. We ordered and made a variety of pizzas from simple pepperoni to gourmet prosciutto and arugula. If you order pizza don't leave them in the boxes place them on serving trays. We actually save a bit of money from making a few pizzas. For dessert we set out a variety of cheeses, fruit, fruit tarts, cannolis, tiramisu and dessert pizza.
5. As for drinks we just set up a drink bar with water, Italian coffee, wine (red and white), ice, pop, beer, etc.
6. The lighting should be set for medium-low for a nice intimate effect. You can use candles or the no-flame candles to add to lighting.
I had fun being the party host for the evening and makes me feel really good that the party season is starting soon.
Some of our other tips are:
1. We added lots of personality for instance instead of using flowers as a center piece I used red, orange and green peppers in clear vases. It was a nice statement piece.
2. I also made use of her storage room (her loft is above her boutique) and used clothes racks to hang coats and jackets on.
3. Like most party planners, we used E-vite to send out invitations but on the RSVP section we requested guests favorites songs to add to the playlist.
4. We ordered and made a variety of pizzas from simple pepperoni to gourmet prosciutto and arugula. If you order pizza don't leave them in the boxes place them on serving trays. We actually save a bit of money from making a few pizzas. For dessert we set out a variety of cheeses, fruit, fruit tarts, cannolis, tiramisu and dessert pizza.
5. As for drinks we just set up a drink bar with water, Italian coffee, wine (red and white), ice, pop, beer, etc.
6. The lighting should be set for medium-low for a nice intimate effect. You can use candles or the no-flame candles to add to lighting.
I had fun being the party host for the evening and makes me feel really good that the party season is starting soon.
Dedicated to Change: Kerry Washington
It's refreshing to read this article about Kerry Washington because she is doing much more than just being a celebrity.
--------------------------------------------------------
Hollywood Star Combines Her Love For Acting With Activism
by Marti Parham, Jet Magazine (condensed)
Unlike some movie stars, driving a luxury car isn't important to actress Kerry Washington. She'd rather help sustain the planet by getting around in her eco-friendly hybrid, a Toyota Prius.
But Washington, co-star of the new movie Lakeview Terrace, which debut in theaters at No. 1, does care abut being socially responsible, and her off-screen commitment to environmental, political and social causes is as dynamic as her performances in nearly 30 movies.
"I'm not afraid of terms like activist or humanist or womanist. I'm honored to be associated with those words," she says. But, "when I exercise my right to free speech, I don't do it as an activist, I do it as a responsible American."
Washington's life also reflects her concern for humanity. She's raised money to help stop violence against women, lobbied Congress for more arts funding and campaigned for Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama.
She joined the V-Day movement, an organization against women's abuse, after seeing a production of Eve Ensler's award-wining play Vagina Monologues. V-Day raises money through benefit performances of the Monologues for shelters and programs that assist women.
"It's very rare that we meet somebody who is not the survivor of abuse or doesn't know someone who is, be it physical or mental," says Washington, who is now a V-Day board member. "I think there are very few of us who are unaffected by violence against women."
Ensler, who has known the actress since 2002, applauds her hard work. "As a board member she's been an incredible advocate and has changed consciousness, given speeches, raised money and has just brought this movement into all kinds of new places."
In April, Washington spoke on Capitol Hill as a member of the Hollywood lobbying group the Creative Coalition, which asked a House committee for higher funding for the National Endowment for the arts.
"I'm really grateful for how much I've benefited from the arts and arts education. The impact that that's had on my life is huge," says the actress who, as a youth, participated in a children's arts program. "I understand how important arts are to our economy, to our communities and to our souls as human beings to maintain our culture. It's just something I'm really passionate about."
Politics are also a passion of this native of The Bronx, New York. After hearing Sen. Barack Obama speak at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, she become one of his biggest supporters, visiting nine states and speaking in several cities on the presidential hopeful's behalf.
"I was really moved. Not just by his speech, but by who was in the audience. I was really blown away by the diversity in his support. I saw that this is a person who really could bring this country together and cross all types of lines.
"I went backstage, met a bunch of people from the campaign and I said, 'I'd like o be involved. As involved as you guys would like for me to be." That's kind of how it took off."
Her mother, Valerie, says Kerry tackled social issues such as AIDS, safe sex and drug abuse during theater productions during her adolescent years in theater.
"Activism is not new to Kerry," the retired professor says abut her daughter. "...It's not surprising that these issues continue to drive her activism along with racial and gender equality and access issues. Her activism is grounding and rewarding."
For the George Washington University grad who holds a degree in Performance Studies, acting will always be her first love. But I still have more that I want to do, be, say and experience.
--------------------------------------------------------
Hollywood Star Combines Her Love For Acting With Activism
by Marti Parham, Jet Magazine (condensed)
Unlike some movie stars, driving a luxury car isn't important to actress Kerry Washington. She'd rather help sustain the planet by getting around in her eco-friendly hybrid, a Toyota Prius.
But Washington, co-star of the new movie Lakeview Terrace, which debut in theaters at No. 1, does care abut being socially responsible, and her off-screen commitment to environmental, political and social causes is as dynamic as her performances in nearly 30 movies.
"I'm not afraid of terms like activist or humanist or womanist. I'm honored to be associated with those words," she says. But, "when I exercise my right to free speech, I don't do it as an activist, I do it as a responsible American."
Washington's life also reflects her concern for humanity. She's raised money to help stop violence against women, lobbied Congress for more arts funding and campaigned for Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama.
She joined the V-Day movement, an organization against women's abuse, after seeing a production of Eve Ensler's award-wining play Vagina Monologues. V-Day raises money through benefit performances of the Monologues for shelters and programs that assist women.
"It's very rare that we meet somebody who is not the survivor of abuse or doesn't know someone who is, be it physical or mental," says Washington, who is now a V-Day board member. "I think there are very few of us who are unaffected by violence against women."
Ensler, who has known the actress since 2002, applauds her hard work. "As a board member she's been an incredible advocate and has changed consciousness, given speeches, raised money and has just brought this movement into all kinds of new places."
In April, Washington spoke on Capitol Hill as a member of the Hollywood lobbying group the Creative Coalition, which asked a House committee for higher funding for the National Endowment for the arts.
"I'm really grateful for how much I've benefited from the arts and arts education. The impact that that's had on my life is huge," says the actress who, as a youth, participated in a children's arts program. "I understand how important arts are to our economy, to our communities and to our souls as human beings to maintain our culture. It's just something I'm really passionate about."
Politics are also a passion of this native of The Bronx, New York. After hearing Sen. Barack Obama speak at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, she become one of his biggest supporters, visiting nine states and speaking in several cities on the presidential hopeful's behalf.
"I was really moved. Not just by his speech, but by who was in the audience. I was really blown away by the diversity in his support. I saw that this is a person who really could bring this country together and cross all types of lines.
"I went backstage, met a bunch of people from the campaign and I said, 'I'd like o be involved. As involved as you guys would like for me to be." That's kind of how it took off."
Her mother, Valerie, says Kerry tackled social issues such as AIDS, safe sex and drug abuse during theater productions during her adolescent years in theater.
"Activism is not new to Kerry," the retired professor says abut her daughter. "...It's not surprising that these issues continue to drive her activism along with racial and gender equality and access issues. Her activism is grounding and rewarding."
For the George Washington University grad who holds a degree in Performance Studies, acting will always be her first love. But I still have more that I want to do, be, say and experience.
Beauty Picks: Hand and Nails
Eight products to keep your hands & nails healthy, moisturized and Beautiful.
Black Cherry and Nutmeg Hand and Body Lotion by Creative Nail Design
$11.50
Ulta.com
Frais Spa Hand Sanitizer - An Allure Editors' Favorite
$29.00
beautyhabit.com
Lippman Collection 'Rich Girl' Hand Cream SPF 25
$24.00
Nordstrom
Lippman Collection 'Heaven In My Hand' Warmers
$39.50
Nordstrom
Nailtiques Oil Theraphy
$7.00
drugstore.com
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Cream
$4.49
drugstores
True Blue Spa Just a Minute 60-Second Manicure Scrub
$12.00
Bath & Body Works
Yves Saint Laurent Nail Touch
$25.00 each
Nordstrom
Black Cherry and Nutmeg Hand and Body Lotion by Creative Nail Design$11.50
Ulta.com
Frais Spa Hand Sanitizer - An Allure Editors' Favorite$29.00
beautyhabit.com
Lippman Collection 'Rich Girl' Hand Cream SPF 25$24.00
Nordstrom
Lippman Collection 'Heaven In My Hand' Warmers$39.50
Nordstrom
Nailtiques Oil Theraphy$7.00
drugstore.com
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Cream$4.49
drugstores
True Blue Spa Just a Minute 60-Second Manicure Scrub$12.00
Bath & Body Works
Yves Saint Laurent Nail Touch$25.00 each
Nordstrom
Women Safety: Stun Gun Safety Issue: False Security
Stun guns are all the rage right now for women safety. From stun gun parties to the latest infomercials selling them, they're the must have item in safety. I find it interesting that they promote them for safety but the ironic thing is anyone can just buy one (i.e. potential criminals). However, another issue with the stun gun is a false sense of security.
I have spoken with many in the law enforcement industry and what many say on the issue is: "It's good to own one for safety but sometimes owning a stun gun gives the owner a false sense of security. They feel as though they're walking around with a personal Batman in a bag." "What good is owning one if you're unable to use it." "It can not be a replacement for safety prevention or self defense." To elaborate, sometimes things happen so quickly that it's impossible to even get to the safety device. Officers say the best thing is to stay alert and try to not to get into a safety situation. But if one occurs try to stay calm and if possible use the device but don't do anything reckless that may cost you your life.
Some tips that I got from officers are:
-- Train before using. You want to know what to do before something happens.
-- Even though it may be common sense, Keep Away From Children. As a reminder keep the safety on when not in use.
-- Depending on what model/type you have make sure it's charged and ready to use.
-- Make sure there are no state restrictions. It could be illegal to buy and own one.
-- Continue to practice safety prevention. Better to be safe than sorry.
I have spoken with many in the law enforcement industry and what many say on the issue is: "It's good to own one for safety but sometimes owning a stun gun gives the owner a false sense of security. They feel as though they're walking around with a personal Batman in a bag." "What good is owning one if you're unable to use it." "It can not be a replacement for safety prevention or self defense." To elaborate, sometimes things happen so quickly that it's impossible to even get to the safety device. Officers say the best thing is to stay alert and try to not to get into a safety situation. But if one occurs try to stay calm and if possible use the device but don't do anything reckless that may cost you your life.
Some tips that I got from officers are:
-- Train before using. You want to know what to do before something happens.
-- Even though it may be common sense, Keep Away From Children. As a reminder keep the safety on when not in use.
-- Depending on what model/type you have make sure it's charged and ready to use.
-- Make sure there are no state restrictions. It could be illegal to buy and own one.
-- Continue to practice safety prevention. Better to be safe than sorry.
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